Laughter, chatter and noise fill the Marquee as the beer and wine flow.

Wait staff run to get everyone's drinks filled and crockery cleared between courses.

At her table Fiona is quieter but still miffed at being embarrassed in front of her friends.

While waiting for desert she is chatting to one of her Father's friends, her cattleman Uncle and one of their friends who is apparently a billionaire.

Fiona loves mixing with these people.

They have class, power and money her three favourite things.

...

Stevie moves through the crowd about to head to the kitchen area to see what the holdup is with desert, so they can get the night moving along.

"Stevie! Come here?" Greg Milton calls.

She almost laughs out loud when she spots Fiona with the group.

"Where are you off too?" Greg asks.

"I was going to see what was happening with desert. Why?" Stevie offers.

Before he can reply Fiona says. "Shouldn't you be off on your way to the kitchen where you belong?'

The three men are shocked and highly embarrassed by her comment.

"Fiona apologize now!" Her Uncle scolds.

Fiona glares at him and says. "I will not!"

Stevie chuckles and says. "I've already had her escorted out once for being rude. Money can't buy class can it?"

"No it certainly can't!" Greg offers.

Gary Webb is horrified by his nieces behaviour Greg Milton was about to introduce him to Stevie with the hope she would negotiate some deals for him.

...

Before they can say anymore the PA crackles to life.

"Hello it's me again." Father Dominic begins.

"Now we were to have this part of the evening a little later but we appear to have a small delay with desert so we thought we'd bring this part forward so once you've all had your sweets, you can dance the night away without further interruption."He offers.

Everyone claps.

"You've all been wonderful today and given so very generously to our shelter and the money raised will help so many young men and I want to say thank you all so very much."

He gives a short spiel about the shelter and then explains a little about how he came to be on Alexander Station.

"Now I would like to introduce you to our hosts and owners of The Station, Alex and Stevie Ryan would you come up here please?' Father Dominic announces.

Fiona's mouth drops open and Stevie quips. "I'd close that if I was you. Your foot has been in it enough times today!"

Gary Webb chuckles.

Looking at Greg, Stevie says. "I'll be back in a minute Greg."

He smiles and nods.

...

Alex waits for Stevie and holds her hand as she climbs the steps.

Smiling at her he kisses her and says. "Are you ok?'

She smiles and nods.

While Father Dominic continues to speak Alex stand with his arms around Stevie and his hands flat on her tummy.

He whispers something to her and she smiles and places her hands over his.

...

Tess, Regan and Grace are sitting with the men and Tess quips. "I think we're right."

The others agree.

Nick asks. "About what?"

"We think Stevie's pregnant again."Grace offers.

Nick looks at the stage and sees the way they're standing.

He grins and says "I'll take that bet."

...

Father Dominic continues. "About six months ago I approached Alex and Stevie in regards to today and I was delighted when they said yes and all of their family and some of their friends came on board as well.

It hasn't been an easy thing for them to do as they all have farms to run and young families.

I'd like to ask, Nick, Tess, Marcus, Grace, Kate and Riley to join us."

The crowd clap as they appear on stage too.

...

Father Dominic hands the microphone to Alex.

"G'Day we'd also like to thank Liz, Bryce, Joyce, John, Harry and all the boys on Kilarney and the many locals who gave their time and expertise to help us run this first event. Something as big as this isn't easy to bring together. We'd like to thank all of you for coming today and not only enjoying yourselves but opening your hearts and wallets to Father Dom's cause.

Harry where are you? Ah there he is. Raise your hand Harry! Harry Ryan is the owner of Kilarney where he and Father Dom have set up a work program for young men to find their feet again.

Not everyone has somewhere to run when they're hurt or in need of a helping hand most of us have families to lean on. Many don't.

Personally I was very sceptical about the work these two unlikely friends were attempting to do.

But I've seen firsthand how much a chance to change your life can affect someone.

Stevie and I have recently hired a young man who has gone through the program and we don't just hire anyone. Here on The Station we like everyone to feel like they are a part of our family not just someone who works here.

Living where we do it's extremely important that we all get along.

I have to be able to trust my workers not only with my farm but with the well being and safety of my wife and family if I'm not here to take that role.

I can stand here and tell you without doubt that I have every faith that our new worker Tom will allow me to continue to feel confident that all on The Station are in good hands.

Where are you Tom?" Alex asks.

Tom hesitantly holds his hand up.

Everyone claps and those nearby offers congratulations on the new job.

"Anyway, I'd like to hand over to my brother Nick who will fill you in on a few things that we'd like you to know.' Alex finishes.

The crowd applaud.

...

"Hello I'm Nick Ryan and I'd also like to thank you all for your support of this event. We've decided to run this event as an annual event so mark it on your Calender for next year and tell your friends about it." He jokes.

Cheers ring out as everyone has enjoyed themselves immensely and are glad that they can come back next year.

"If you have any suggestions on what we can do to improve the event for next year please let us know tonight or tomorrow?"He asks.

"Up until now we've supported where we could but as today's funds are quite large we've actually asked for legal advice to set up something more formal for Father Dom to help him manage any funds that come his way. So if you feel the urge to write a cheque or make regular contributions you can make them out to Somewhere to Run and its all tax deductable.

If you'd like to ring Drover's Run you can speak to myself or my wife Tess personally or come up to the house here tomorrow and have a cuppa with all of us." Nick offers then hands the microphone to Father Dom.

...

" Excuse me, Stevie has just told me that they have the local lions club cooking breakfast just out here on the lawns in the morning starting at 7am until 10.30 am so once you've packed up come down and relax in the shade . Cost will be minimal and of course all proceeds go to charitable works. So please enjoy the band and the wine and the hospitality and may god bless you all."Father Dom announces.

The crowd clap and cheer and everyone moves from the stage.

...

Alex holds Stevie's hand as she negotiates the step.

Grace quips. "So when are you due?'

Tess stifles a giggle.

Stevie looks at her and says. "Due for what?'

"The baby?" Grace pushes.

Stevie frowns and says. "I'm as pregnant as you are Grace!"

Grace chuckles and glancing at Marcus says. "Well I'm eight weeks."

Stevie smiles broadly and hugs her friend and says. "Oh my god Grace that's so exciting congratulations."

...

After everyone congratulates them Grace says. "So Stevie how far are you?'

Stevie laughs and says. "To my knowledge I'm not pregnant Grace but as soon as I am you'll be one of the first to know ok. Anyway what makes you think I'm pregnant?"

Nick takes a mouthful of his beer just as Grace Quips. "Well your hooters are bigger for starters."

Alex laughs as he pats Nick on the back while he chokes on his beer. "Don't worry mate you'll get used to her."

"I think you'll find it's just the dress Grace." Stevie replies.

"Well I think you look very nice Stevie." Marcus quips.

Grace flips him in the stomach and gives him a dirty look.

"What?" He says grinning as he holds his hands palm up.

Stevie chuckles and walks off calling over her shoulder. "I have to go and meet someone we'll talk later."

...

The group stands together and Tess tells them about her conversation with Sally.

Alex frowns and asks. "Why would he go to all that trouble Tess? I think it's just a coincidence."

Alex walks off but Nick asks a few more questions.

"Tess would you mind if I had a dance with Sal?" Nick asks.

"No should I?" She quips.

He kisses her and walks off.

...

Stevie has started talking to Greg and he introduces Gary Webb to her.

"I'm really sorry about my niece's behaviour before Stevie."Gary offers.

She studies his face and then replies. "I'm not offended Gary so you can relax and I even understand why she doesn't like me."

Greg watches Gary's expression.

"I didn't realize who you were when Greg said he'd introduce you to me." Gary offers.

Frowning she asks. "Does it make a difference?'

She watches as he searches for words.

...

"I'll catch you later Greg we don't often have a band out here and I'd like to go and dance."She says as she begins to move off.

Greg smiles at her and says. "Save one for me Stevie."

"I don't know about that Greg I think Alex has me booked out, we'll see shall we." She calls over her shoulder.

He laughs.

"You bloody idiot Gary why didn't you say something?" Greg asks.

"I was shocked by her honesty to tell you the truth." Gary responds.

"Stevie wait up!" Greg calls then looking at Gary he asks. "Do you want to talk to her or not?"

"Yes." Gary replies.

Greg gestures for her to come back.

...

Slightly annoyed she walks back to them and says. "Listen I've worked really hard for the last few months and I'm enjoying relaxing with my family. So if you don't mind I'll speed things up for you!"

Looking at Gary she says. "A lot of people thought I was the other women in Alex and Fiona's relationship."

He nods and says. "Yes I was led to believe that."

She nods and says. "I was three months pregnant with our eldest son when Fiona arrived in the district as his fiancé', he'd known her for five days. You don't have to be Einstein to work out he was rebounding. I'm not about to divulge any more than that because quite frankly it's none of your bloody business and it's also in the past."

"Oh. " Gary says surprised by her candour.

"I don't like to do business with anyone I can't speak openly too. It's vital that you can trust me. So have a think about what you'd like to do and come and see me in the morning if you think we can work together. "Stevie states.

...

Alex walks over to them and smiling broadly holds out his hand and says. "G'Day Gary how are you?"

"I'm fine thanks Alex and yourself?" Gary replies.

He smiles and says. "I'm well thanks Gary. Now if you gents will excuse us I'd like to dance with my gorgeous wife."

Taking her hand he leads her onto the dance floor.

Alex holds her close and says. "That's Fiona's Uncle."

"Yeah I know. It's ok Alex I set him straight. 'She offers.

He stops dancing and looks at her and holds her face.

"Are you alright?" He whispers.

She grins and asks. "Do I look alright?"

He doesn't reply but kisses her so sweetly and completely she feels light.

Enfolding her in his arms time pauses.

...

Greg Milton says. "Have a look at that."

Gary shifts his gaze to where Greg has gestured.

"Jill reckons I should take notes." Greg remarks Gary laughs.

"Do you know them very well?" Gary asks.

Greg explains how they'd met Stevie after she'd left the district.

He also enlightens him about how she'd concealed the pregnancy to save Alex and Fiona embarrassment.

He then explains how they've spent a fair amount of time with them over the last couple of years.

"So do you think he was in love with her when he met Fiona?" Gary asks.

"I don't know the full story myself but you only have to watch them for five minutes together to understand that they belong together." Greg offers.

"She's forthright isn't she?" Gary states.

Greg laughs and says. "Yes she is and it's refreshing. No bullshit. If you decide to deal with her she'll tell it how it is whether you like it or not."

...

Releasing Stevie, Alex holds her tightly and then begins to dance with her again.

She rests her head on his chest.

"It's turning out to be a great night Stevie." Alex says softly.

"Reward for all the hard work Alex." She replies.

"You smell so good Stevie." He offers as he rests his cheek on her head.

She looks up at him and he kisses her softly.

They dance on.

...

"Alex can I cut in?" Bryce drawls from beside them.

"No you can't." Alex grumbles.

"Alex!" Stevie scolds.

He steps back and Bryce begins to dance with her.

"I'll be back in five minutes Stevie." Alex tells her.

...

Walking back from the bathroom Alex bumps into Tracy who has only just arrived.

"Alex! How are you?"She gushes.

"Yeah I'm good thanks Trace and yourself?"He replies.

"I'm good. Wow this is fairly flash isn't it?" She offers.

Smiling he responds. "I guess.'

Looking him up and down she says. "My, my, you've turned out very nicely."

He laughs.

...

"So have you met the owners yet? She asks.

He grins and says. "Yeah I know them very well. Weren't you here for the speeches?'

"No. One of the horses needed some work so we're a bit late." She replies.

"We?" Alex asks.

Looking around she replies. "Yes my boyfriend is one of the polo players. So have you got a girlfriend?"

"Wife." He offers.

"Oh." She replies sounding disappointed then offers. "Hey I saw Stevie earlier. She said she'd be here tonight."

Inhaling he offers. "Yeah I did too."

Tracy laughs and says. "Stevie Hall at a Polo match and a Ball a little high brow for her."

"Yeah I guess but she scrubs up a treat." He says.

Tracy laughs and says. "This I gotta see."

Alex smiles and says. "Well come on then, I've got the next dance with her."

"Can you put me on your dance card Alex?" Tracy asks.

"I'm not sure you'll have to ask my wife about that."He chuckles.

...

Marcus and Grace are on the dance floor and Nick is dancing with Sally.

Tess walks over to Harry and asks him to dance.

Harry is surprised but happy about it.

Kate is dancing with her Uncle Dominic and she's a little embarrassed because of her outfit.

"You look very grown up tonight Kate." He offers.

"Thank you Uncle Dom." She replies.

He chuckles and says. "Young Riley can't take his eyes off you. When you get married will you ask me to perform the ceremony?"

Kate laughs and says. "Married!"

Dominic says. "His eyes are full of love and he only looks at you, he doesn't see anyone else."

"Maybe it's the dress Uncle." She quips.

Dominic laughs and says. "Yes the dress is beautiful but he looks at you the same when you're wearing jeans and a shirt Kate."

Kate giggles.

...

On the dance floor Tess and Harry exchange small talk about the Polo match and the Ball and then Tess asks. "Why did you invite the ex girlfriends Harry are you trying to cause trouble again?"

Harry looks shocked and says. "No Tess no that's not my intention at all."

"Well what are you up too?"She pushes.

He looks like a rabbit caught in the headlights.

"I'm just so very proud of all of you. I wanted all of these women to see what they missed out on and what my boys have been able to achieve with the right women beside them." He confesses.

Tess stops dancing and stares at him and says. "You can't be serious? You did this as a kind off payback?"

He smiles and nods.

She looks at him and says. "Best you don't smile Harry it makes me think you're up to something."

He laughs and tells her. "I have been so very wrong Tess. For years I made huge mistakes but not anymore. The boys won't let me completely back into their lives now but I will not mess up what I have. I get to see my grandchildren sometimes and I see you all going from strength to strength and I couldn't be any prouder if I tried."

Tess looks at him and asks. "Is that really the only reason you did it?"

Again he smiles and asks. "Please don't tell Dominic I don't think he'd be very happy but yes it's the only reason."

"Harry I'm impressed for once in all the time I've known you, your power has been used for good not evil." Tess offers.

Looking at her he asks "Yes but please don't tell anyone it'll ruin my reputation."

She laughs and even surprises herself.

...

As the music stops Bryce walks Stevie back to her table and Alex and Tracy arrive.

"There you go Alex that didn't hurt too much did it I'm returning her safely to you." Bryce offers.

"Tracy this is my Father Bryce Redstaff, Bryce this is Tracy one of our old friends." Alex offers.

Bryce smiles and says. "Pleased to meet you Tracy."

She looks confused but says. "Yeah pleased to meet you too."

Alex smiles at Stevie and asks. "He didn't stand on your toes did he Stevie?"

She smiles and offers. "No I'm still in one piece."

...

"Tracy wants to know if I can dance with her Stevie.' Alex grins.

Stevie looks at Tracy and says. "Yeah fine with me but watch him Trace he loves cleavage.'

Bryce laughs loudly.

The music has started.

Alex leans over and kisses Stevie and says. "Next dance is yours."

"Righto have fun."She quips and sits at the table and picks up her drink.

...

"You're married to Stevie!" Tracy says.

"Sure am." He grins.

"So do you live on Drover's or Kilarney?"She asks.

"Neither." He replies.

...

Tom arrives on the dance floor and says. "Excuse me Alex."

Alex stops dancing and asks. "What's up Tom?"

"I'm going to head off now because I've got an early start in the morning and I just wondered what day would be best for me to come back and see you and Stevie about my new job." Tom asks.

Alex replies. "We've got a house full for a couple of days Tom how about you give us a few days to get everything pulled down and packed away and then come over."

Tom nods.

...

Alex smiles when he realizes the young man really wants all the information now.

"Better still go and grab Stevie and bring her out here and we'll work something g out now." Alex offers.

Tom scurries away.

Alex continues dancing with Tracy.

...

"You live here?" Tracy asks.

"Yeah we do." He replies.

"How in the hell can you afford the payments on a place this size?" She asks amazed.

"We own it Tracy."He replies.

She's stunned into silence.

...

Tom returns with Stevie.

She chuckles and says. "He dances better than you Alex I might trade up."

Tom grins broadly at the compliment.

"Tom wants to talk about his job Stevie." Alex says as he moves Tracy around on the floor.

"I don't want to talk business here Tom." Stevie states and instantly sees the disappointment on his face.

"Come over tomorrow when you finish work and we'll sort it all out."Stevie offers.

Tom smiles and nods.

...

They dance away and Tracy speaks to Alex. "Stevie looks like she belongs here Alex she looks fantastic."

Alex is still watching Stevie and looks down at Tracy and responds. "Yes she does. Told you she scrubs up alright."

She nods then asks. "And I thought Harry was your Father."

"Yeah so did I!" He laughs as he twirls her out and back to him.

The music finishes and the band announce they're having a short break.

...

As they walk back to the table Tracy asks. "Isn't he a barrister?"

Alex is half listening and replies. "Who?"

She looks up at him but he's looking at Stevie.

"Your Father!" She offers watching him.

Still looking at Stevie he asks. "Harry?"

...

She chuckles and teasingly asks. "Harry's a barrister?"

He looks at her and frowns and says. "No Bryce is a barrister."

"You used to look at me like that."She muses.

"She's the only one I want to look at now Trace." He answers.

"Yes I can see that. Thanks for the dance Alex." She replies as she moves off to find her boyfriend.

...

It's after one am by the time the band finishes and people slowly make their way to their campsites.

Many light fires in the drums that have been strategically placed around the camp ground and sit and chat till the early morning.

Inside the homestead most have trundled off to bed only Alex, Nick and Father Dominic remain in the kitchen.

"Well I'm bushed so I'll see you both in the morning." Alex remarks.

"Thank you so very much for all of your work." Father Dominic begins.

Alex smiles and says. "Your welcome Father but let's chat about this tomorrow I'm exhausted."

...

Stripping off his suit he climbs in beside Stevie.

She rolls into him and whispers. "Oh you're cold."

Smiling he snuggles in and says. "You can warm me up."

"If I had the energy I would Alex." She replies sleepily.

He chuckles and says. "If I had the energy I'd try to convince you to do more than snuggle."

"Night Alex."

"Night Stevie."

Placing his hand on her stomach he says softly "Night little one."

Smiling Stevie places her hand on his and they drift into a very deep, well earned sleep.

...