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Ryan didn’t say anything, his face not giving any of his thoughts.
I shifted on my feet and swallowed hard.
Amanda looked up and stood. “I have a few words, if I may.”
I waved towards her. “Go for it.”
She looked around the group and flicked her hair back—she was nervous.
Rosie took my hand again, and I squeezed back. Her touch felt like a literal lifeline. If we didn’t do this, I had nothing left. I was certain we would end up at the bank discussing foreclosure of the farming business and then would face seeing neighbours and families who’d known the Turners for generations come and buy our machinery and stock, picking through the remains of anything valuable.
Bile stung at the back of my throat at the thought.
Amanda cleared her throat and began. “The numbers are good—very good—for a non-accountant. I’ve only had a chance to flick through this tonight, but I am pleasantly surprised at how well you’ve thought this through. I’ve seen countless businesses at work in London be approved with far less detail. You’ve done an exemplary job pinpointing what customers want and what we have that is a rare and impossible asset for others to copy. You just can’t plant a rare snow gum, you just can’t make snowfall, and you just can’t move a wombat onto your land.”
The collective nodded their heads. Ryan was regarding Amanda thoughtfully and with respect.
“Some of your costs I would question, but you’ve had a short timeframe to put this together, nor have you had a chance to fully investigate how long it will take to negotiate a partnership with the national parks authority. Plus, you need good contract advice, because, and no offence Rosie, I love you dearly as my best friend, but both families need to draw up a contract for what the arrangement is between each other so each is protected.”
Amanda flicked the pages back over. “But this plan has good bones. And I think it’s important to acknowledge that.”
She looked me up and down as if seeing me for the first time and then smiled. Her face had a look I’d never seen before: pride.
“You’ve done exceedingly well, Tom. And you, Rosie. And Stacey. The estimates section looks very good.” Stacey preened. “This proposal is, in short, excellent, and … it could be a golden age for Turner’s Creek.” Amanda sat down and Stuart gave her a hug around the shoulders.
“I may have done the talking, but Rosie is just as much a part of this proposal. It’s our future together. As a couple and for our family businesses.”
Mum came over and gave me another hug. “You’ve done a wonderful job.”
My throat seized up, and I coughed to clear it as she released me. Rosie released my hand and slipped an arm around me. “Thank you,” I whispered. Her eyes shone.
Time to face the big brother. I turned to Ryan. “You don’t have to say anything tonight. And I emailed the doc to Lily only last night; she has a say in this, too. And it’s, ah, a big thing to digest at once and—”
“I agree,” Ryan said, standing. “With Mum and Amanda. You’ve done a great job, Tom. Dad would’ve been proud.”
A noise escaped my throat, but I couldn’t speak. Shit, I was about to lose it in front of everyone.
Ryan wrapped his arms around me and held on tight and, for a moment, it felt just like the hugs that Dad used to give; bone-crushing, tight and quick but Ryan didn’t let go. “Bout time you took over the farm office, I reckon.”
I huffed a laugh, but I wasn’t fooling anyone. I sniffed as a few tears escaped and kept holding onto my brother. Others joined us for a group hug. For several minutes, we all clung to each other, laughing or crying or both.
The scratch of a record made us break apart, and the music and lyrics of T-Rex filled the living room.
Harry held up the record cover with a grin. “Time to celebrate, you lot! Get up and bang a gong!”
“Yay, dancing!” Charlotte exclaimed and twirling around the room.
My family gyrated to some seventies album that Harry loved so much. Seeing him and Stuart in the room reminded me that we were changing and growing as a family.
While everyone was busy, I pulled Rosie into a slow sway, our bodies together, right where I wanted to be. “The Turners are starting to pair up. Stacey will be moving out soon. After Amanda’s wedding, or even sooner.”
“What made you think that?” Rosie nuzzled under my chin.
I shrugged. “Just realised how we have new people in our family. Us included. Team Tee Zee just expanded too.”
Rosie pulled back. “Three years.”
“I’m already counting down, love.” I grinned and then placed a chaste kiss on Rosie’s forehead. “It’s you, me, wombats and wine for life.”
