Disclaimer: I don't own McLeod's Daughters, or any of their cast.

Summary: A botched wedding, a pregnancy, a happy couple, a little girl, a working farm (or two), someone leaves, people cry, hearts are broken.

A/N

sarie-belle: Thanks for the review. I love getting reviews, hehe. You'll just have to wait to see what happens won't you? Lol... Hmm.. marrying Nick would be so right wouldn't it? But then again, not everything is right in the world...

Enjoy. Read and Review.

xdopex

Fools Like Me

Chapter Two

"I Screwed Everything Up"

"David Enoch Brewer, do you take Theresa Charlotte Silverman McLeod to be your lawfully wedded wife?"

"I do," Dave replied and smiled at Tess. Although he could see she was clearly nervous.

"And Theresa Charlotte Silverman McLeod, do you take Dave Enoch Brewer to be your lawfully wedded husband?"

Tess was silent for a moment. She didn't know if she was ready for this, she didn't know whether she loved Dave enough to spend eternity with him. At that moment her mother's voice entered her head. 'Tess, if you ever get married, make sure it is to the one your heart truly loves. If you are unsure at all, don't do it.' It was then that Tess knew exactly what she had to do.

"Dave, I can't do this," she said quietly so only he could hear.

"Tess, what's the matter?" He asked.

"I just can't do this, I don't think I am ready for this," she replied.

"Tess, you know you can, I love you and you love me. We both want this. You told me that." Dave said to her and took her hand in his. Tess looked at him and felt reassured. She could do this, and she would.

"I do," Tess said to the celebrant.

"If there is anyone who believes this marriage should not go ahead, speak now, or forever hold your peace."

In the distance Tess could make out Nick, he had his black pants on and a blue striped shirt. She looked away quickly. Claire, who had heard the conversation between Dave and Tess, knew what she had to do.

"I object!" Claire said standing next to Tess. Tess turned to look at her, shocked.

"Claire, what are you doing?" She demanded, just as Alex copied Claire's action.

"I have to object too!" He said then quietly added. "Tess, I don't think this is what you want."

"It is! Now leave me alone. Let me get married."

Claire and Alex sat down quiet apprehensively. Neither thought Tess should be going through with the wedding. But she had told them to leave her be, so they respected that. After what felt like half an hour of readings and poems from friends and family, it came to Tess' and Dave's vows. After hearing a heartfelt speech from Dave, Tess felt nervous and started to sweat. She could see Nick out of the corner of her eye and he was making her nervous. After stuttering the first few words Tess looked at Dave, like really looked. Deep into his soul through his eyes, she didn't want to hurt him, but this was the best way.

"Dave, I really can't do this. I'm so sorry." Tess fled the congregation, towards the stables where she knew Oscar would be waiting for her. She had to get out of there. Everything was collapsing under her and she was struggling to breathe.

She mounted Oscar, bareback, with her wedding dress still on, and headed towards the far paddocks.

-Break line-

Dave stood motionless for a moment before trying to chase after Tess, but Alex held him back.

"Let her go mate. Let Claire handle this one! Give her some time to calm down before you go off after her, she probably feels awful about this. So just give her time," he said, still holding Dave's jacket by the sleeve.

Dave sighed and turned away from the people around him. He walked towards the front of the property, not looking back once.

-Break line-

Once Tess fled the wedding, Claire had immediately followed her on her horse, Brave J. Claire could see Tess in the distance, at their father's grave. Claire and Tess always came to this spot when they had a problem or needed to think. This was definitely a time for thinking about a problem.

Claire took one look at Tess and her heart went out to the poor girl. She was crying and mascara was running down her face, her dress was smattered with mud and horse hair, her vale was torn and her hair looked a mess. Claire went up to her, knelt down and hugged her from behind.

"Oh Tess," she said comfortingly. Tess turned around to face Claire.

"I screwed everything up," she whimpered.

"It's alright Tess, we will get through this."

"How? I ran from my own wedding. This should've been the happiest day of my life, instead I am standing at the alter getting nervous from the look of the guy at the back of the people."

"Tess, Alex and I knew you were not ready to settle down, or at least not with Dave." Claire said, trying to be somewhat comforting. Tess gave her a look and stood up.

"How can you say that? How can you say 'I told you so' at a time like this? I just wrecked my whole life and you just stand there saying 'I told you so,'" Tess yelled walking back towards Oscar.

"Look Tess, I'm sorry," she said as she caught up with Tess. "You know I am shocking at this type of thing. I don't know what to say to you. I just want you to be happy so badly. I want you to have what Alex and I have."

Tess looked at Claire before hugging her with all her might. Both the girls got back onto their horses and rode in silence around the property just enjoying each others company in their time of crisis.

As the girls sat on a hill looking over the top of the Drover's homestead, Tess turned to Claire.

"Claire, I have to tell you something and I don't want you to freak out. I just need you to hear me out. Ok?"

"Ok…"

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