Kilarney...
By eight o'clock the following morning everyone has left for home.
Stevie was grumpy and Alex hadn't shown up for breakfast so they all thought it best to disappear quickly...
Down at the yards Marcus is annoyed as neither Alex nor Riley has turned up.
Frustrated he walks back to the house.
...
Alex wakes around half past nine and is shocked he's slept so late.
Stretching he yawns and registers that he doesn't feel very well and has a headache.
Rising he showers ,shaves and moves downstairs.
"Morning." He offers to Rhonda.
"Morning." She replies.
...
"Where is everyone?" He asks as he pours himself a coffee.
"The house was empty just after eight." She replies.
"Well where's Stevie and the little fellow?" He pushes.
"Marcus needed help so she's been down at the yards since eight."Rhonda replies.
...
Frowning he looks at her.
"Marcus organized to have the herd preg tested this morning. He said you must have forgotten. Riley didn't turn up either. He was not happy." She explains.
She can tell by the look on his face that he's just remembered all about it.
"I don't understand why he'd organize this on a Sunday especially after a big night." He says grumpily
Rising he grabs an apple and taking his coffee mug with him, leaves the kitchen.
...
Drover's Run..
"What do you want to do today Tess?" Nick asks.
"I wouldn't mind having a look at the Sunday Markets, Stevie said they're great."Tess replies.
"Ok and we'll have lunch in town."Nick offers.
Smiling she replies. "Shall I ask Matt and Jodi if they'd like to come too?"
"If you'd like." He replies.
...
"You're late getting out of bed Grace." Moira states as Grace enters the kitchen.
"Where is everyone?" She asks.
"They've gone into Gungellan for lunch and to the markets."Moira replies.
Grace's face pails and she runs outside.
Moira watches her.
...
Grace leans across the garden holding her hair back wishing she'd brought a tissue with her.
As the thought leaves her head a tissue appears under her nose.
"How far are you?" Moira asks.
Grace wipes her mouth and blows her nose.
...
"I don't know what you're talking about?" Grace replies.
"Morning sickness." Moira offers as she holds up a glass of water.
"I'm not sure." Grace answers.
"Heath or Marcus?" Moira asks.
"Marcus."Grace replies quickly.
...
"Does he know?" Moira inquires.
Nodding her head Grace replies." Yes, I told him last night."
"So it's happy news?' Moira asks.
Grace smiles broadly and answers. "He was thrilled."
...
"What about you?" Moira asks.
Grace looks at her and responds. "It wasn't really in my plans but some of the best things in life are surprises aren't they?"
Moira smiles and answers. "Yes they are. Come on and we'll see if we can find something to settle your tummy."
Grace smiles and follows Moira back inside.
...
Kilarney outside...
Xander is asleep in the pram beside the stock yards.
Marcus helped Stevie put a temporary shade up to keep Xander cool while they worked.
Stevie and Marcus push the herd into the race.
It's a hot morning and sweat drips from them as they work.
...
"You owe me a beer for this Marcus." Stevie teases.
"Ha! I thought you weren't drinking because of the baby."He replies grinning.
"I'll make an exception today. It's hot and I'm dry already." She chuckles.
"How's that Russ?"Marcus calls.
...
"Yes all good we should be finish in another hour." Russ replies.
"Marcus is shouting us a beer when we're done." Stevie calls.
Russ looks up at her and smiling replies. "Sounds good."
"If you speed this up a bit I'll shout you two!" Marcus calls.
Russ laughs and says. "You just keep pushing them up and I'll do my best.'
...
Gungellan...
Nick and Tess stroll around the markets stopping and chatting to locals as they go.
Matt and Jodi have taken Claire for an ice-cream and they'll meet at the pub in half an hour.
"G'day Nick! Tess I heard you were back in town. How are you both?" Jeff Taylor asks.
"Hi Jeff we're both great maybe a little tired after the Ball last night but other than that all good . What about yourself?" Nick asks.
...
"Can't complain. I just saw Jodi with your little girl; she's a bit of a cutie."Jeff says smiling at them.
"What Jodi or Claire?' Tess asks cheekily.
Jeff grins and says. "Both."
They laugh.
...
"How's Grace? I heard about her split with Heath at Christmas. He's an arsehole isn't he treating her like that."Jeff states.
"We don't know much about him but she's doing really well." Nick states not wanting to say too much.
Jeff nods and says. "I've heard she's taken up with Marcus. He's a nice bloke I hope he treats her better than bloody Barratt did."
"I'm sure he will. " Tess offers then asks. "Do you know when the next bush dance is being held?"
"I think the first Saturday of next month. Anyway I'd better keep moving or I'll be in the doghouse. Glad to have you back in town and I'll see you around."Jeff says shaking both their hands.
...
Kilarney...
Alex lumbers slowly towards the cattle yards and spots Stevie standing up on the race rail.
Even though he's still tick off with her he can't help but smile.
She's in her element.
Dressed in jeans and a singlet top with her shirt wrapped around her waist and her tatty old black akubra she looks like she always has.
...
Some men need their women to be dressed up and bejewelled.
He loved it when she dressed up too, no doubt about that.
But how she's dressed now is how she looked all those long days as he fell slowly and hopelessly in love with her.
Her laugh carry's on the hot breeze and he feels it reach his ears and his heart.
...
She turns towards him with her eyes sparkling and her perfect smile on full beam, when he calls. "Sounds like you're having too much fun there mustn't be any work getting done.'
Her smile disappears instantly and he feels it.
"Bout time you turned up." Marcus grumbles then adds. "Just as well one of the Ryan's is capable of working today."
Alex gets his back up and replies. "What sort of a nong would book this in on a bloody Sunday especially after a big night out?"
...
"That would be my fault." Russ offers hesitantly.
Alex looks at him and says. "So are you going to charge us Sunday rates?"
"Alex!" Stevie cautions.
"Well I'm not paying someone double time when this could be done on a weekday at half the rate."Alex growls at her.
She shakes her head and says. "Stop right there Alex ."
...
"It's alright Stevie honestly. " Russ interjects.
"I'm sorry Russ. Sometimes my husband's a knuckle head and last night and today he's excelling." Stevie explains.
"Don't talk about me like I'm not bloody well here Stevie."Alex growls.
"Alex go back to the house. Stevie and I will deal with the herd." Marcus suggests.
"Butt out Marcus.' Alex snarls.
...
"We haven't been introduced. My name is Russell Connor I'm the new vet." Russ offers having taken his glove off and holding out his hand.
Alex looks at it.
"Alex!" Stevie warns.
"Alex Ryan."Alex replies shaking hands with Russ.
...
"The reason we're preg testing today is I have to go back to the city for a memorial. I'll be gone around a week and half." Russ explains.
"Oh." Alex comments then asks. "Anyone close?"
Russ looks at him offers. "My wife."
"Shit I've been a jerk haven't I?" Alex says out loud to no one in particular.
"No! Really?" Stevie quips then says. "Come on Russ let's finish up so I can have that beer."
...
Russ nods and grabs a new glove and they continue without further conversation.
Alex quickly drinks his coffee and takes the last two bites of his apple and joins in the work.
An hour later they sit in the shade with four cold beers.
Alex doesn't contribute to the conversation at all.
He's tied up in guilt and trying to figure out how he can make this up to Stevie.
...
Gungellan Pub...
Tess and Nick meet up with Matt, Jodi and Claire at the pub for lunch.
"How was your ice-cream? Was it yummy?' Tess asks Claire
Claire nods her little head and smiling replies. "Bueno Momia."
Jodi chuckles at her little niece and asks Tess. "What did she say?"
Tess grins and answers. "Good Mummy."
Jodi shakes her head and says. "How cool is that?'
...
"I was just talking to Neil Thompson and apparently we've got more storms coming." Matt offers.
Nick frowns and scratching his head says. "You're kidding! When?"
"Late tonight and early tomorrow morning but not so much wind as rain. Lots and lots of rain."Matt offers.
"We'd better make this a quick lunch then and get home and sort the stock."Nick states.
...
Kilarney...
Stevie has walked back towards the house and Marcus has gone to the toilet before he and Alex move the herd back to the paddock.
"Russ I owe you an apology for my behaviour last night and earlier." Alex says standing with Russ beside his car.
Russ looks at him and says. "Forget it Alex. I'm ok. So it's no harm, no foul."
Shaking his head Alex says. "No please let me explain. I won't go into great detail because living around here you'll hear all about it anyway over time. Stevie and I had a shaky start. Last night I was talking to someone that dragged up some of my old insecurities and fuelled with alcohol, fear and jealousy I overreacted. So I was rude to you and she's not talking to me. I'm sorry I dragged you into it Russ I really am."
...
Russ smiles at him and says. "Thanks Alex I'm flattered."
"Flattered?" Alex questions.
"Your wife is stunning and you think I'm a threat, you've just made my day." Russ chuckles.
Alex laughs and shaking his hand says. "Glad I could make you smile mate."
Russ climbs into his car and replies. "Yeah me too I don't feel like doing that much these days."
"I could imagine." Alex offers as Russ waves and drives away.
...
Marcus runs back to Alex and says. "Hurry up we need to get these cows sorted and bring the mob up from the river flat. Nick just rang and we've got storms coming tonight."
"Bloody hell. I wanted to talk to Stevie." Alex states.
"Tough." Marcus answers.
Alex frowns and asks. "Excuse me?"
"I really don't want to talk about it Alex; I just want to get this done so I can go over to Drover's."Marcus says walking towards the motorbike.
...
"If we've got storms coming you need to be here." Alex warns.
"No I need to be with Grace." Marcus offers as he kicks the bike to life.
Alex follows.
An hour and a half later they return.
...
"There you go Marcus you don't have to go anywhere Grace is here." Alex offers.
Marcus doesn't answer him but moves quickly towards Grace.
"Are you alright?" Marcus asks hugging her.
"Yeah Matt and Nick have everything under control and I thought if we're going to get rained in I'd like to get rained in with you.' Grace offers cheekily.
He smiles and hugs her.
...
'Did they run out of work on Drover's?" Alex asks.
Grace looks at Marcus and he shakes his head.
Alex misses the exchange.
"Yeah something like that."Grace replies.
...
Inside Stevie has sent Rhonda home as they prepare to be rained in yet again.
She's fed Xander and showered and is sitting in the living room reading a magazine when the other three arrive inside.
"Riley came in before and the reason he never turned up was because either you didn't tell him or he was too drunk to remember." Stevie says to Marcus.
"It doesn't matter now anyway we're all good. Thanks for all of your help today Stevie." Marcus offers.
...
'How are you today Grace?" Stevie asks.
"Yeah I'm really good. I was a bit seedy this morning but Moira sorted me out." Grace replies.
"I would have killed for an egg and bacon sandwich myself this morning." Alex offers.
Marcus, Grace and Stevie all laugh.
Alex looks at them not getting the joke.
...
"Any way we'll be in my room if you need us having a snooze." Marcus says.
As they walk away Alex says. "I missed something didn't I?"
"Yes." Stevie replies.
"Do you want to tell me what?' He asks.
'No I'm not talking to you." She says without taking her eyes off her magazine.
...
"Stevie we need to talk." He offers.
"We need to talk? How did you arrive at we? You were jealous last night and rude and you hurt my feelings and I never did a thing to cause that."She accuses.
He inhales and hangs his head.
"I'm sorry Stevie?" He says softly.
"Is sorry enough Alex? After all we've been through together you made me feel cheap like I'd done something wrong , encouraged him in some way. You didn't trust me and you wouldn't listen to me. Who am I supposed to lean on if I can't lean on you?"She yells and strides towards the stairs.
...
Upstairs Grace and Marcus are lying on his bed discussing her morning sickness.
"How far do you think you are Grace?" Marcus asks.
"No more than five maybe six weeks." She replies.
"Oh this is going to drag. We have to wait another seven and a half months." Marcus groans.
...
Grace laughs and says. "It'll give us time to find a name."
He smiles and says. "Yeah I guess. How long does it take until we can feel kicks and movement?'
"I'm not really sure. Stevie's probably got books about it if not Tess will." Grace offers.
Marcus begins to climb of the bed and says. "I'll go and ask Stevie."
As he opens the door they hear Alex and Stevie fighting.
Marcus gently closes the door and says . " Maybe we'll wait until later.'
" Flick the television on Marcus I don't want to listen to that." Grace suggests.
...