Drover's Run…

Moira loads the last of Tess and Nick's gear into the Ute and slams the tailgate shut.

"I'll be back as soon as possible can you keep an eye on dinner?" Moira asks.

"Don't worry about a thing Moira we'll sort it all out." Grace responds.

Moira nods and moves into the car.

Closing the door she heads for Kilarney.

….

Walking back to the house Taylor says. "It's good that they're staying with her."

"Yeah maybe. "Grace remarks.

"What? Don't you think it's a good idea?" Regan asks.

'Well nothing else has worked what makes you think they can help?" Grace responds.

"Yes but this is Alex's brother and Tess. Stevie knows them so well and they know her too." Regan argues.

"We know her really well and we couldn't help maybe they'll make it worse." Grace answers.

"How could it possibly be any worse?" Regan comments the sadness clear in her voice.

….

Kilarney…Stevie and Alex's room.

Stevie was still fast asleep.

Nick had checked on her several times during the afternoon and was thrilled she was resting peacefully.

Tess had convinced Stevie after much resistance to express some milk with the promise Tess would only feed Xander once if he woke and would wake Stevie for the second feed.

Tess had told a little white lie and had fed the baby the breast milk when he woke after three hours but then she'd topped him up with some boiled water two hours later.

Stevie had been asleep for almost six hours when Xander finally woke.

…

Nick smiled as he walked up the stairs carefully cradling his brother's son safely in his arms.

Softly he knocked at the door and opening it had walked in.

Stevie was flat on her back with one arm resting under her head and the other hand spread flat on her belly.

Her curls were an unruly mess across the pillow.

Nick heart shifted as he looked down at her.

Even though she was thin and pale she was a beauty.

Inhaling deeply his eyes pricked with tears.

Alex had told him once about how he loved watching her sleep.

A lump the size of a golf ball lodged in his throat and he tried desperately to swallow it.

Opening her eyes she blinked and focused on his face.

'Nick are you alright? Is everything alright?" She asked sleepily.

Despite the tears now spilling down his cheeks he nods and sits on the bed beside her.

…

His voice raw and filled with sadness sounds funny as he replies. "He's hungry and he wants his Mummy."

She sits up and takes the baby from him alarmed by Nick's reaction.

Reaching over Nick hands her the small bunny rug and helps to place it across her shoulder to shield his view of her as she feeds.

Stevie is uncomfortable with his presence but realizes he isn't going anywhere.

She discreetly attaches the baby then looking at Nick asks for the time.

"Oh my god he slept all afternoon!" She states.

Nick nods and replies honestly. "He had the milk and a little bit of water an hour or so later but yeah he slept for ages. Must have known his Mummy needed a break."

…

She studies his face and asks. "Your turn to be the sook is it?"

With a quick smile he wipes the tears of his face and replies. "I guess it is. I've had loads of moments like this."

"Me too."

"I bet."

She gives him a weak smile and nods.

"So you look heaps better Stevie."

"I mustn't look too good I made you cry." She teases.

He wonders if he should tell her the truth and is surprised when she comments. "You knew him so well Nick and together we knew him better than anyone. Please don't stop yourself from talking about him. I need to talk about him."

Again he inhales and exhales and then he tells her about watching her sleep.

Tears roll down her cheeks and in between sniffles she thanks him for sharing something so profoundly beautiful with her.

…..

"Are you going to stay here or go back to Drover's Run Stevie?"

Searching his face she replies. "I really want to stay here Nick because he's everywhere. Even our pillows smell like him. I need that now I need to feel his closeness."

Unable to speak Nick nods.

She continues. "He left a video recording Nick. Said I need to rear our boy where ever I see fit. For now that's here. Plus now that you and Tess are back you'll be on Drover's and you won't want me in the way."

Nick questions her about the video.

She answers honestly and offers to show him if he'd like to see it although she tells him it is heartbreaking.

Gaining control of his emotions Nick responds. "Can I tell you want I'd like you to do?"

"You can but it doesn't mean I'll listen." She replies.

He smiles at her and nods.

…..

"I have no control over what you do Stevie but I have asked Tess if for now we can live here with you until you find your feet. Alex loved Kilarney more than I did but we grew up here together and I know before …when he was in Argentina he talked none stop about the little fella exploring Kilarney like we did. I want to show him all of our favourite places and tell him all about the mischief we got up to. He can't learn all of that if he's living on Drover's Run." Nick explains.

She remains silent.

He's not sure what she's thinking or what she'll say.

Reaching over she takes his hand and softly kisses the palm before resting it against her cheek.

His heart twists around in his chest.

…

Lifting her face to him her eyes look deep into his soul as she replies. "You may not look like him but you are so much like him Nick and I know for a fact that if he was in your shoes he'd want to do exactly the same thing and I would be thrilled and honoured if you would do that for us."

Nick smiles at her and leaning forward plants a soft kiss on her head. "I think you deserve a hot chocolate Stevie."

"Do I deserve marshmallows as well?" She jokes.

"Whatever you want if it's within my power it's yours." He answers as he nears the door.

"Great answer." She calls over to him.

As he closes the door he hears a voice say. "Very nice."

He glances to the left and then the right.

No-one is there.

Frowning he shakes his head as he moves downstairs.

…

Stevie smiles and almost feels good.

She feels rested, really rested.

Looking down at her baby she asks. "Did you hear that Xander? Uncle Nick is going to show you all of Daddy's favourite places from when he was growing up. Daddy will be so happy about that."

A calmness washes over her and she feels it.

Feels his presence here in their room.

"Daddy's watching out for us Xander I just know he is. We're not alone Bub. Your Daddy and Uncle Nick were the best of friends and he's come back to help us all heal." Stevie soothes as she rubs the baby's head.