Good Lord Uncle Jed

Dearest Diary,

I am so excited! Yea I know its almost been a month, but I have been busy. Between moving into a new house, all the office work load and the company affairs, I have been left with little time to update you, but I promise I will make it up to you.

So, Dom and my parents are coming and I am so excited to show them around. We are meant to get the company up and running which is also why Dom and dad are here. No, he doesn't know the whole story but I will tell him when they get here.

As for my mum I plan to continue keeping her in the dark for as long as I can and you know Shea. Telling her is like breaking the news to the entire world.

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"This is beautiful!" My mum exclaims climbing out Bridget. Yes, I have Camilla, but Bridget is bigger which is necessary for hauling my parents luggage to my estate.

"Thanks mum."

"How much did you pay for it?" She asks and in that moment I am glad that Shea is out with David picking Briella from school.

"It was a gift."

"You didn't get a sponsor! Did you?"

My eyes widen at her accusation and my father and Dom chuckle beside me.

"What are you two laughing at? This is serious!" My dear mother Irina says rounding up on the two of them. I mat have been uncomfortable but watching them squirm beats of all that.

"Why don't you just tell her? It's her secret to tell." My father says, directing the last part to mother.

"Okay... Speak up!" My mother says turning back to face me. Her eyes are glowing and I can tell that if my answer is unsatisfactory, I am going to be in a lot of 'hot soup'.

"Troy. He gifted it as a Christmas present."

"Troy." Her brow furrows, deep in thought. "Why would he..."

Her face suddenly lights and she engulfs me into a big hug.

"Mum..." I complain.

"I can't believe it. You two are finally back together. I can't wait to tell Teresa! I knew that trip would work wonders."

"Mum..." I complain again, but she disregards me.

"Come let's go. Let her be." My father tells me and I pick of the suitcases, pulling it towards the front doors. My father and cousin pick the rest and I can tell that they are impressed by the wonderous looks on their faces.

My mother finally snaps out of it and joins us as we cross the threshold and into the front hall which I repainted a soft yellow, but maintained the gold on the skirting boards.

"Wow!" Dominic exclaims taking in the view with an open mouth.

"And to think that you almost refused this?" My dad jokes.

"She did?" My mother gasps. "Are you nuts?"

"Darling, stop calling our daughter crazy. I am sure she had her reasons." My father steps in to save me.

"Okay...We have six bedrooms on the second floor and two on the third floor. Shea has one of the third floor bedrooms and four on the second floor are already taken..."

"Four?" Dom furrows his brow quickly doing the math.

"Briella, Maggie, Troy and me." I answer him.

"Troy? Is here? I thought he is in Darwin."

"He is, but since he visits alot we decided that he should have one." I reply and they all nod.

"There are also two guests with two bedroom each, I am thinking that you and das would prefer that?" I say directing my question to mum.

"It's furnished?"

I nod.

"I had it prepared for you. There is a kitchen, a livingroom and the master bedroom is ensuite."

"Is the Kitchen stocked?"

"Not yet, just drinks and fruits. If you want more I can always shop."

My parents look at each other and nod.

"Good. Dom, look around, pick a room, but stay out of there." I say pointing at the door to my right. My cousin shakes his head in disbelief, but I know that won't keep him out.

"Why?" My mother asks curiously.

"It's my office. I like my privacy." She nods and I lead my parents out through a side door.

"You know Attara. I was expecting more of a tour." My father tells me as we walk the flower lined path to the nearest guest house.

"You are tired. I am sure after you've rested and freshened up, you will have time to explore. Isn't that more exciting?"

"Great! Then I can throw you a house warming party." My mother chips in and I groan looking to my father for help.

My father grins back and I narrow my eyes at him, looking between him and my mother. Letting out a heavy sigh of defeat he turns back to my mother and attempts to coax her.

"My darling Irina. My sweet sweet Irina..."

"Yes my love."

Suddenly, I find myself feeling nauseous and I take a step back revolted by their public display of affection.

"Eew... tone it down a little. We are finally here." I say handing them the keys. My father smirks at me and I release that it is intentional, revenge for threatening to spill his secret to our dear mother.

"Won't you walk us in dear? Or what do you think sugar cakes, shouldn't our daughter help us settle in?"

Oblivious to battle that is raging around her my mother takes her time to think through.

"I am sure, you'll be fine. Everything is in order and if you need anything, there is an intercom device between the guest house and the main house."

My mother nod and hightail out of there, before my father can concote another means for torturing me.

♧♣♧

"This is nice..." my cousin, Dom says looking around the room that I have claimed as my office. Unlike the front hallway, I have retained the original maroon colour on the high walls and hanged heavy gold curtains on the high windows.

My leather and dark mahogany furniture matches well with the shelves and the rest of the decor and all in all it looks very classy.

"Yes it is." My father says sitting back on my chair and swinging on it.

"I am glad you like it. Too bad it is 'my'  office and not yours."

"You're so cocky!" Dom complains. "I don't know what that guy sees in you

" At that, my father bursts out laughing and I frown at the both of them.

"I don't either. I am just as green as you."

My father frowns at my tone and stands up to join me on the brown leather sofas.

"Hey, Tara..." he says holding up reaching out for my hand to soothe me. "Don't think like. You're Tara, my little angel. Any man would be blessed to have you."

"It's true and I was just joking. I am glad that guy took Jed's advice and is proving himself." Dom chips in. At that, my frown grows deeper and I lift my head to face my father.

"You two talk?"

My father smirks.

"He may or may have not asked for your hand in marriage."

"Which one it?" I growl, punching his arm.

"Sweetheart. Go easy on me. I am an old man. Plus, If I got to pay dowry, why shouldn't he?"

My jaw drops. I told you that weirdness sorrounds me and how could escape it when both my parents as loony as it can get.

"You didn't pay dowry!" I accuse him shoving him with my palm.

"The way you two are going at it, one would think that you're besties and not father and daughter."

I turn to scowl at Dominic before turning back to confront my father.

"So, did you?"

"I just told you that I did!"

"Dad... stop being so vague!"

"Think about. Troy got you a house..." my mind works overtime and realisation finally sets in.

"Grandma's house?" I ask brightening.

"Tsk! Could you be any slower."

I glare at my cousin and my father chuckles.

"Yes little angel. The house and other things."

"No wonder you were so bent on me accepting this house. But dad, if it's my dowry, why is it in my name?"

"I don't know Attara. Maybe I am wrong and it's just a gift. As I remember it, he likes spoiling you, but you never let him...Remember that car?" He asks smiling cheekily.

"Dad!"

Even as I complain my mind wanders to what I have just discovered. Did Troy really ask for my hand in marriage. I don't think my dad woulf joke about a thing like that and in that moment I realise how much Troy is invested in this relationship. Apart of me feels guilty for pushing away, but even then I know that the only thing of import is my relationship with my Jesus. I have him to thank for everything.

With time, our conversation moves from easy banter to serious business and I find myself speaking the secrets that I have bottled within myself for so long. Its definately not the kind one may think, but my dreams, my visions and the buisness ideas that I have actually began to actualise.

My cousin is shocked and he stares at my dad and I as if we've both grown two horns. We've been sneaky, we know that, but that's where the thrill comes from.

"I can't believe it. I could never have suspected it!"

My father laughs at Dom's frazzled appearance and I just smile too humbled revel in the glory.

"You're worth of a million dollars and still counting. In how long, less than a year?"

I nod and Dom scratches his head.

"And you, you knew all along? Even when she decided to come here?"

My father nods.

"This is crazy! No wonder you and Troy work so well together. My cousin says pointing an accusing finger at me.

"What do you mean?" I ask Dom.

"He didn't tell you? This is sweet!" He says laughing to himself. "He bought the firm! And there other companies he presently controlling, no wonder he has all the time to fly down here and see you and Bri."

My mind goes back to that conversation when I was flying down here. He told me that he had made partner, I guess that what that meant.

"So you want me to be your lawyer?"

"Aren't you already?" My father asks and Dom chuckles.

"Okay, I will look through the papers and sign the agreement. I will also look at the contract and get back to you."

"Good. You can use the office. I don't want those falling in the wrong hands."

"You mean Shea and your mother?" Dom asks laughing and I nod back at him.

"Good Lord Uncle Jed," he replies still laughing. " Your family is crazy!"