Page 80 of Tangled Trust

"Oh, my giddy aunt!" Sue gasps as we drive into the estate. "This place is a bloody mansion."

"Wait until you see the guest cottage," Anna giggles. "It’s bigger than your house and my apartment combined."

"Is the man behind the billions as impressive?"

"Even more so, Aunt Sue."

"I’m looking forward to meeting the legend," Anna adds.

"Let’s get you hens settled, and then I’ll give you the grand tour."

"Look at you. Lady of the Manor," Sue laughs.

"Not bad for a girl who lived on baked beans and toast for nearly two years," I laugh.

"Damn! I should have applied for the Au Pair gig, Ella," Anna sighs. Instead, I’m stuck in England, healing all sorts of horrible ailments. And what do I get for my trouble? Rain and multiple level housing."

* * *

Aunt Sue, Anna, and I are relaxing in the guest cottage. Their bags are unpacked, and we’re having a drink. They are enjoying a glass of wine, and I’m drinking orange juice.

"Carter should be home soon," I say.

"Have you told him yet, honey?" Sue asks.

"Yes, Does he know about Sebastian?" Anna interjects.

I’ve been anticipating the question. I was hoping it wouldn’t be so soon after they arrived, but I guess now is as good a time as any.

"No, I haven’t."

"You can’t avoid it forever, Ella," Aunt Sue says with a frown.

"I know. I don’t really know how to tell him. Our relationship is in such a good place now. Does he really have to know?"

"Yes, he bloody does, Ella," Anna thunders. "What will you do if he finds out from someone else? I’m telling you. Better it is you than someone looking to undermine you."

"I know. I know…"

"We’re not here to pressure you, El. You do it when you’re ready."

"Thanks, Anna. You’re right. I’ll tell him after your visit. Let’s not complicate things now."

I hear footsteps along the path outside the cottage. It must be Carter. My heart leaps in my chest. I hope he didn’t hear the conversation.

"Hello, ladies. May I crash your party?" he says when he pops his head around the door.

"Hi, there. Please, come in," I smile.

Sue and Anna are all smiles when I introduce them to the love of my life. I can tell that they’re impressed by his gentle smile and fiendishly good looks. Sue is practically putty in his hands. She was never this way with Seb. I think she instinctively knew he wasn’t a keeper.

Anna waits until Carter’s back is turned to her before she gives me two thumbs up and points to his perfect ass. I have to try my best not to burst into hysterical laughter at her animated gestures.

"Thank you for having us, Carter," Aunt Sue coos. "Your home is lovely."

"It’s my pleasure, Sue. I’ve been so looking forward to meeting you. Ella says such wonderful things about you."

"Well, she always had a propensity for porky pies," she smirks and winks.

---