Drovers Run...Three weeks later...

On board their horses Taylor , Jodi, Kate and Stevie ride out towards the wildlife corridor.

They're bringing a mob in for shearing.

Regan has sprained her ankle so is convalescing back at the house.

Hobbling on her crutches she moves into the office.

" Hello Drovers Run Regan speaking...Alex..um no she isn't. No I'm not sure when she'll be back...No she's not avoiding you.. I beg your pardon... Perhaps you should concentrate on your wife and leave Stevie alone...Not my problem...Tough really...No. Goodbye..." Regan grumbles as she thumps the receiver down.

Moira is leaning against the door jamb wiping her wet hands on the tea towel. " That's one call every day this month."

"Yeah he's persistant." Regan replies moving towards her.

...

" We should tell her." Moira suggests.

Regan shakes her head and responds." No she isn't strong enough yet. I spoke to Tess and she said to keep him away a little longer."

" I thought he'd leave Fiona when he found out about the baby." Moira says.

" Yeah me too. Not much we can do about it though is there?" Regan muses.

Moira pushes herself off the door jamb and walks back towards the kitchen. " She should have told him."

" She was going to but he brought that thing back with him and then she didn't want to interfere." Regan comments.

"I'm certain he loves her too. You just have to watch him when he's around her." Moira says.

" Yeah we've all seen it Moira it's just a shame he's a bit slow." Regan comments.

The two come to a complete stop.

...

"Alex!" Moira exclaims her face flushing pink.

His expression solemn.

Without a word he turns and leaves.

"Bloody hell I wonder how much he heard?" Regan remarks.

Moira moves swiftly to follow him

...

Expecting him to be in his Ute Moira is stunned to find him sitting on the bench on the veranda.

" Alex ." Moira exclaims surprised by his presence.

" How long has she been home?" He questions.

" A little over a week." Moira answers.

" You've all lied to me. I thought you were my friends." He accuses.

" So is Stevie." Moira counters.

" You're protecting her. Why?" He pushes.

...

Moira stands silently trying to think of something to say.

" Well?" He asks.

"She's having a rough time Alex and doesn't need anymore hassles." Moira offers hopeing it will be enough to deter him.

His angry blue eyes bore into her and she marvels at what she sees in them.

"You're in love with her aren't you." She observes.

His demeanour changes.

Standing he dismisses the comment and replies." I have to go but I'll be back."

...

Kilarney...

Alex slips off his boots and hangs his hat on the peg as he enters the back porch.

" Hi baby where have you been? Lunch is ready and I made your favourite biscuits." Fiona coos.

"Just over at Drovers talking to Moira and Regan." He answers truthfully.

She arrives in front of him for a kiss.

He delivers a small peck.

...

" Are you alright?" She asks looking concerned.

"Um listen Fiona we need to talk." He informs her.

Back at the bench she turns and smiling says." I'd love to talk to you Baby but the CWA ladies are due here any minute."

" What? Why are they coming here?" He grumbles.

" I joined the Country Women's Association so I can become a part of the community Alex." Fiona explains.

" You should have spoken to be about it Fi. I don't want them here." He snaps.

Fiona fires and with her hands on her hips retorts." For crying out loud Alex what can I do ? Who can I talk to and invite over? Write me a bloody list."

" I'm not hungry I'll talk to you later." He growls as he walks back out the way he came slamming the door behind him.

Fiona throws his sandwich and plate across the sink.

...

Out at the shed Alex climbs aboard one of the ag bikes.

Feeling guilty about their fight Fiona arrives at the shed.

Alex flies passed her , the wheels spinning and throwing gravel all over her.

She squeals but he doesn't hear her above the roar of the engine.

...

Angrily he rides.

Over hill and hollow he races, taking out his frustrations on the bike.

After half an hour he slows and finds himself close to the Wildlife corridor.

Stopping on the rise he looks across the landscape.

Movement in his peripheral vision draws his attention to the mob of sheep and the four riders.

His heart jolts as he gazes at the rider in the tattered black Akubra.

Kicking the bike into neutral he quietly descends the range.

Unaware of his approach Stevie pushes the mob forward.

...