Kilarney... morning...
Alex wakes with Stevie snuggled in beside him.
Inhaling he smiles.
They've both slept all night.
As she begins to move on waking he offers. "Good morning."
Slowly she stretches and replies. 'Good morning."
...
She begins to move to the edge of the bed and he says. "Hang on and I'll help you Stevie."
Standing he strides to her side and helps her to stand.
"How are you feeling this morning?" He asks.
"I think once I get moving I'll be really good but I'm a bit stiff at the moment." She replies.
...
"Can I swim with you this morning?" He asks.
"Aren't you fencing again?"She questions.
Smiling he nods and replies. "We are but a little later. Matt's surprising Jodi, Meg's coming for a couple of weeks.'
Stevie smiles and says. "Really? Jodi will be so excited. He's so good to her isn't he?"
Alex grins and says. "Yeah I suppose he's alright not as good as me though."
She shakes her head and moves to the bathroom.
...
Drover's Run...
Jodi has Finn in the pram as she walks with Tess and Claire down to the goat pens.
"I'll be glad when the summers finally over Tess." Jodi remarks brushing flies from her face.
"Yeah me too they're predicting rain for tonight so that'll be nice."Tess remarks.
"The best part about rain is the boys are home more."Jodi answers.
Tess nods and thinks she'd like a day with Nick at home.
...
"Hey we've got a dead goat."Tess says.
"Oh Tess there's four of them."Jodi exclaims.
"Damn." Tess says opening the gate and walking in.
"Tess comes back out." Jodi growls.
...
Tess looks at her and asks. "Why?"
"Well we don't know what caused it and you're pregnant. I'd just prefer you stayed out plus if one of them butts you."Jodi remarks.
Tess backs out of the pen and says. "I guess your right Jodes after what happened to Stevie we should all be really careful."
"Come on we'll go and ring Russ and get him to come and have a look."Jodi says as she turns the pram back towards the house.
...
Kilarney...
"Mum I'll take Stevie for a swim this morning save you doing it." Alex says as he hugs his little boy good morning.
Liz looks at him and asks. "Aren't you supposed to be fencing again today?"
"Not until later and we've only got a few hours of it left."He replies.
"Oh ok do you want me to mind Xander and bring him out like last night?" She asks.
"Yeah that would be really nice thank you." Alex replies.
...
"How did she sleep Alex?' Liz asks.
"Soundly." He says grinning then adds. "And so did I."
She smiles and replies. "I'm pleased Alex. I think holding her baby was a big help and having morning tea out on the farm, then Tess's visit, it all just took her mind off the pain. You know yourself if you haven't slept well everything is worse. So today should be a better day for her."
He nods handing Xander to his grandmother.
...
Drover's Run...
"Ok... Yes... thank you Russ we'll see you then. Bye."Tess says as she hangs up the phone.
"What did he say?"Jodi asks.
"He'll be over in a couple of hours. He wanted to know if we'd changed their feed or the paddock they're in?"Tess replies.
"I don't know I don't take much notice anymore." Jodi replies.
...
Tess shakes her head and says. "We've gone soft Jodes. We have no bloody idea what's going on. Even if we aren't out there working we should be more involved and ask more questions. This has to stop. Look at us scared of a few bloody goats."
Jodi looks at her and says."You're right Tess. Time for action."
Tess grins and nods.
...
Kilarney...downstairs bathroom...
Alex helps Stevie wash and dry herself.
They laugh and chatter away and she's pleasantly surprised that he takes the entire thing seriously.
As he helps her dress she explains that she has way move movement and less pain than the day before.
"That's great Stevie so going by that you should sleep well tonight and feel even better tomorrow." He enthuses.
"Yeah let's hope so. I'm so glad I slept all last night, I feel so much better for it this morning."She adds.
...
Kilarney's Kitchen...
Liz has Xander in the high chair and is feeding him porridge as Rhonda arranges a picnic lunch for Stevie, Liz and Xander to take into town with them.
The annual flower show is on and Liz thought Stevie might enjoy having a quick look and then they can take Xander to the park to play and have lunch there.
Alex holds the door open and says. "Come on I'll brush your hair out here Stevie."
...
Stevie makes her way into the kitchen and pulls a chair well away from the table and sits down.
"Why did you put the chair there Stevie? Sit near the table."Alex tells her.
"No Alex it's a kitchen and there's food in here. We should really go into the other room." She says.
Liz grins as he shakes his head.
...
He moves back to where she is and gently begins to brush her hair.
"That's not hurting is it?" He asks.
"No its ok just be careful on this side."She offers trying to point to the side of her face.
He smiles and says. "It'll be easier when you can lift your arms properly again won't it."
...
She nods and grinning replies. "I can even lift my arms enough to scratch my own head."
'Just as well you've got me and Mum then isn't it?"He responds.
"Mum and I." She corrects.
"Hey?" He questions.
"You said me and Mum it's supposed to be Mum and I. Having a Father as a school teacher does have some advantages."She chuckles.
...
"What correcting your husband's grammar." He queries.
"No being right." She chuckles.
He grins and shakes his head at her.
Liz smiles at them.
A loud knock and a "Hello." Alerts them to a visitor.
"Brewer! What in the hell? I thought you were in Africa?" Alex says smiling as he walks towards him.
...
"I was, but I heard you needed someone who could wrestle cattle so I came running." Dave quips.
Alex hugs him and says. "It's so good to see you mate."
"You have no idea how good it is to be here." Dave grins.
Then looking at Stevie, Dave says. "I heard you didn't bounce?"
...
Stevie stands slowly and Dave moves to help her.
As he reaches his arms around her Alex warns. "She's black and blue all over mate softly does it?"
"I'm a lover not a fighter mate. I know how to hold a woman." Dave quips.
Despite being happy to see him, Stevie cries when he says. "When Pat rang to tell me what happened my heart stopped Stevie. I had to come and see you."
...
Stevie stands with him holding her for a couple of minutes until Alex says. "You can let her go now mate she's married."
Stevie and Dave both laugh.
Dave helps her to sit back down then runs his hand over Xander head and quips. "I see our mare's in foal with a little colt at foot! You've been busy Big fella."
Alex laughs and says. "If she wasn't so sore she'd thump you about now."
Stevie laughs when Dave says. "She won't hit me I've spent more than twenty four hours on planes and in airports to come and see her.'
...
Rhonda asks if he's had breakfast and Alex replies. "Rhonda he's always hungry so load him up."
Rhonda hands Dave a bowl and he exclaims. "Porridge I love porridge."
Alex finishes Stevie's hair then sits with Dave, Liz, Stevie and Xander to finish breakfast.
"So what are you doing back here Dave?" Alex asks.
Dave looks at him and says. "I told you I came to see Stevie."
...
"Really?" Stevie asks.
Dave nods and says. "Yes really! You're my friends and I missed everyone and decided it was time to come home."
"You know Kate's married Dave?" Alex asks hesitantly.
Dave chuckles and says. "Yes of course I do we still email each other Alex. I've even got a wedding present for them. They're still away aren't they?"
...
"Yes they're back on the weekend sometime." Alex comments.
Stevie finishes her breakfast and standing moves with her bowl to the sink.
"So what are you doing today Stevie?' Dave asks.
Stevie looks over at Liz and smiling says. "Liz is taking Xander and I to the flower show this morning and then we're having a picnic in the park."
...
"Oh." Dave says.
"Why?" Stevie asks.
"I thought I'd keep you company." Dave says.
"Well you can come and help me fence Dave." Alex offers.
"Oh goodie manual labour." Dave says grinning at Alex.
...
"We'll be back by around one o'clock Dave or you're more than welcome to join us."Liz tells him.
Dave smiles and says. "No I'll help the big fella and he can fill me in on what's been happening around here."
"How long are you home for?" Stevie asks.
"For good if I can find somewhere to live and some work." Dave replies.
Stevie and Alex are shocked and ask about Africa and why he left.
He's evasive but offers loneliness as his main reason for coming home.
...
Drover's Run late morning...
'So that's all it is?"Jodi says walking from the pen with Russ.
'Yes we'll sort out the feed open out the paddock and you'll have to watch them closer I'll sort these two out and hopefully they'll survive."Russ tells her.
Tess joins them and says. "What's killing our goats Russ?'
"Your over feeding them Tess its toxaemia hopefully we'll save these two and you'll have to adjust the feed and give them more space.' Russ explains.
...
"Who's that?"Jodi asks.
"I don't know." Tess replies straining to see.
"It's Regan! She must have bought a new car."Jodi says as she waves.
Arriving at the goat yards, Regan greets both of the girls with hugs and they introduce her to Russ.
...
"Pleased to meet you Russ. " Regan offers.
"Yeah you too."He replies enjoying holding her hand and her smile.
Tess and Jodi exchange looks as Regan asks. "Can I have my hand back please?'
Russ looks very embarrassed and apologizes and quickly gathers his gear and packs it away.
...
Russ explains he'll be back later in the afternoon as he has a few things he needs to do elsewhere.
Tess, Regan and Jodi walk with the children back towards the house.
Russ watches them go.
Regan glances back and he smiles at her.
...
"He's cute." Regan says.
"And a widower with a sixteen year old daughter." Jodi offers.
"New talent in town, very good." Regan chuckles.
"How long are you staying this time Regan?" Jodi asks.
"Well I haven't got a job ,a man or a life so until I find one or more of those I'm yours."Regan remarks.
...
"Have you been to see Stevie?" Tess asks.
"No I thought I'd drop my things in here first and then head over Grace said she's a bit of a mess."Regan replies.
"Yes she is I was over yesterday and she's black and blue. It's a miracle she has no broken bones and that Xander and the baby are alright too." Tess explains.
"Matt's back Jodi." Tess says nudging Regan who has no idea why.
...
The girls chatter and walk towards the car.
"Mum!" Jodi calls as she runs towards Meg.
Meg smiles and hugs her.
They chatter for a moment and then Tess moves in for a hug.
Regan says hello and gives a small hug.
...
"Tess is there room in the house or will I head down to the cottage?"Regan asks.
"Is it ok if you take one of the rooms in the cottage with Moira?"Tess asks.
"Yes no worries at all. I'll catch you all later don't wait tea for me I'm not sure what time I'll be back." Regan replies.
...
Gungellan... The park...
Stevie walks slowly around the playground as Liz takes Xander on the slide and the swings and helps him climb into the sandpit.
"Come on Liz let's head home its getting warm, he's exhausted and you look tired too." Stevie states.
Liz smiles and moves Xander out of the sandpit and says. "Yes you're right it is warm. Come on maybe we can have a swim when we get back before the cool change comes."
...
In the car Liz turns the air con on and Stevie says. "Oh that's nice isn't it?'
"Yes it is. I didn't realize how hot it was out there."Liz answers.
"Thank you for today Liz I really enjoyed the flower show and Xander loved the park."Stevie says.
Liz glances at her and says. "You don't have to pretend about the flower show Stevie I know you aren't into gardening.'
...
Stevie laughs and says. "I seriously enjoyed it Liz since we've had Xander, we often work in the garden on Sundays. It's relaxing and Xander can run around and play plus it's time for us together as a family. I'll show you when we get home some of the new beds we've put it."
Liz is amazed at the information as Alex had never liked gardening Nick often helped but never Alex.
"Alex gardens?" Liz asks.
"Yes he does and we've got the vegetable garden out the back going again too.' Stevie explains.
...
Kilarney... The boundary fence...
"Righto Dave I think we can call it a day. You work well for a Vet." Alex teases.
Dave laughs and says. "Sometime you should come and work for me I think you'd be surprised how physical my job is."
Alex grins and says to Marcus. " Dave and I are going back to the house Marcus are you and the boys right to pack up?"
"Yes not a worry we've only got another half an hour to go."Marcus replies.
"Well Nick and Matt were supposed to help so I don't know where they are.' Alex offers.
...
Climbing into the car Alex says to Dave. "So have you found yourself a woman Dave?"
Dave shakes his head and says. "I've given up looking Alex I think I'm meant to be alone."
Alex hears the sadness in his voice and he says. "You can't give up mate she's out there waiting for you to find her."
Dave looks over at him and says. "I've been widowed, divorced and had a broken engagement. Kate and I both thought we were meant to be together and alls we did was hurt each other. With Regan I tried to keep things simple and uncomplicated and even that blew up in my face. I'm done."
...
"Hey you can't give up mate look at my life what a bloody mess that was and now look at me." Alex offers.
"Well by what I heard you're lucky to have found happiness at all."Dave comments.
Alex nods and replies. "Regan sped things up a bit there."
Dave asks. "What do you mean?"
...
Alex explains about how if it hadn't been for Regan telling him that Stevie was in such pain and that he needed to do something about it he'd probably still be married to Fiona and procrastinating about asking for a divorce.
Dave asks lots of questions and Alex answers them truthfully.
'Bloody hell we can be blind sometimes." Dave comments when Alex finishes.
"I've learnt so much since Stevie and I got together. Like the stuff she had to put up with and what she felt and I missed all of it. I thought I was switched on when it came to women. Didn't have a clue mate but I'm learning."Alex replies.
...
"So when she came to our place the night you took off she'd come to tell you she was in love with you?" Dave asks.
Alex nods and says. "She'd dreamt about me kissing her and realized how she felt. Even Tess knew because she'd picked up on Stevie avoiding me that day and asked her about it."
"Well that explains why she was so upset when she came looking for you."Dave notes.
Alex nods and then offers. "Then I brought Fiona here."
...
Dave shakes his head and says. "Bloody hell when you think of all that you asked of her."
"I asked her to be my best man for Christsakes."Alex says.
"She said yes just to make you happy. So when she was teary at the wedding that wasn't cause she was happy for you?"Dave asks.
Alex shakes his head as they pull up at the house.
"I need a beer after listening to that Alex. That is so bloody sad. I think of all the things we did and said around her and when you think she was in love with you the entire time.' Dave comments.
"Yeah me too. Good on ya Brewer you've made me feel sad too now." Alex comments.
...
Kilarney half an hour later...
Alex and Dave are sitting on the veranda when Liz drives in.
Alex smiles and standing rises and opens Stevie's door.
Leaning in he kisses her and says. 'Hello how was your day?"
"It was great. Liz can you pop the boot please?"Stevie asks.
"How's ya tum tum?" Alex enquires.
"It's football practice at the moment." She replies.
...
"The little fellow asleep I'll take him inside." Alex comments.
Alex helps Stevie out of the car then opens the back door undoes Xander's harness and lifts him into his arms.
Walking past the boot of the car Alex quips. "Bloody hell Mum did you leave any plants for anyone else?"
"They're not mine Alex they're Stevie's." Liz answers.
...
He stops and pays more attention and starts reeling off names of plants as Stevie shows him what she bought.
Liz is stunned.
"I'll have to get them in now Stevie it's supposed to rain this afternoon."Alex says.
"No we'll leave them Alex and do them on Sunday." Stevie says.
"Right let me put this guy to bed and I'll come and unload them." He says and moves away.
...
By the time Alex returns, Liz, Stevie and Dave have unloaded the plants and Liz has gone inside.
Stevie and Dave are sitting together and Alex places a cold drink beside Stevie and leans to kiss her.
His deliverance is perfect and she reaches her hand up to touch his face and as he moves back looks into her eyes and says. "I missed you."
She giggles and quips. "Absence makes the heart grow fonder."
...
"No mine just aches." He says softly.
She smiles at him and tries to move her other hand up to his face.
Sensing her pain his squats in front of her.
Again she smiles and taking his face in both hands kisses him.
...
Slowly sliding her arms around his neck, her kiss tells him she missed him too.
Dave clears his throat.
They part.
"Sorry Dave." Stevie offers.
Dave laughs and says. "You both seem to forget I haven't seen the two of you together before."
Alex laughs and says. "Dave we've got a son and a daughter on the way surely you knew we'd kissed before?"
They all laugh.
...
"Visitors." Alex comments.
"Oh it's Regan!" Stevie says beginning to stand. Alex rushes to help her.
Dave is torn between seeing Regan and watching Alex and Stevie together.
Both events are worth seeing.
He chuckles to himself.
...
"G'Day Regan." Alex says as she walks towards them.
Regan gives both him and Dave a quick smile but walks tearfully to Stevie.
"I got here as quickly as I could. I can't leave you alone for a minute can I without you getting into trouble." Regan offers as the two girls hug and shed a few tears.
...
A few minutes later Regan steps back and hugs Alex hello and then gives Dave a hug and says. "Hello stranger you look well."
He hangs onto her looking directly into her face and says. "You are a sight for sore eyes Regan McLeod."
She laughs and sits down beside Stevie.
...
Alex and Stevie have already exchanged glances.
Stevie raises an eyebrow and Alex winks at her.
"So Regan how long are you home for?" Alex asks.
"Indefinitely I don't have a job at the moment so I'll help out on Drover's until a better offer comes up."Regan replies.
"Well that's a coincidence Dave's in the same boat." Alex offers.
...
Liz Ryan walks onto the veranda with crackers and cheese and says. "Alex, Wil just rang and said he's coming out this weekend with the final papers for the proposal for Wilgul.'
Again Stevie and Alex exchange glances.
"So Regan you should stay the night and introduce Mum to your cocktails." Alex chuckles.
Stevie laughs and says. "Alex don't be so mean. You're welcome to stay and to drink cocktails Regan but I think you need to leave my mother in law out of your shenanigans."
Liz smiles at the reference of mother in law and quips. "Stevie she's a babe in the woods I've been making cocktails since before she could walk and I guarantee I could take her back to that stage."
"I'll take that challenge Liz and you may end up being the one crawling to her room on her knees."Regan chuckles as she winks at Stevie.
Alex rubs his hands together and says. "Women trying to best each other should be a fun night Brewer."
...
"I met the new Vet. he's a bit of alright isn't he?" Regan says to Stevie.
"No comment." Stevie remarks.
"Why no comment." Regan asks.
"She won't comment because when he first arrived I was a bit of a jerk to him." Alex offers sheepishly.
...
"A bit ? That's an understatement.' Stevie chuckles.
Regan and Dave wait for an explanation.
None arrives as Alex leans over to kiss Stevie.
...
"Are they like this all the time?" Dave asks .
"No they aren't." Regan replies then adds . "They're usually all over each other."
Stevie and Alex laughs at the comment .
The others do too.