Early the next morning Kate, Jessie and Stevie arrive at Drover's Run earlier than Tess is expecting which puts her mind at ease straight away. "Do you girls want coffee?" Tess asks.
They all say "Yes."
Stevie says "Is Regan here yet?"
Tess says "Yes she's upstairs."
"No I'm not!" Regan says laughing.
Stevie stands and hugs her friend and says "Oh Regan it's so good to see you."
The girls are still hugging and Regan says. "I've missed you too."
Kate is waiting and as Stevie moves Kate hugs Regan and says "Isn't it about time you moved home?"
Regan says "I'm back for a couple of months and then we'll see?"
Sitting in the kitchen they chat about the wedding and what will happen and when. Clare joins them and each hug her. Kate asks "Did you sleep well Clare?"
Clare says "Not really it's one of the biggest days of your life and I'm so nervous."
Jessie says "Wedding days go by so quickly make sure you enjoy every minute Clare."
Stevie laughs and says "I wanted to get down that carpet so quickly and I wanted the vows over so I could just kiss Alex. I've had a lifetime to enjoy his kisses but my wedding day was just a few short hours."
Kate and Tess agree. Jessie says "Take the time to enjoy the day Clare."
Nick arrives in the kitchen and greets everyone and walks over and hugs Clare and says. "Good Morning Clare Ryan."
Clare laughs and says "Good Morning Father of the bride."
Nick continues to hug her and says "How's the nerves?"
Clare says "Not good are you the same?"
Nick grins and says "Yes a bit."
"Coffee?" Tess offers.
Nick says "Yes thanks."
As they finish their coffees Stevie says "Right let's get to work you've only got us for 2or 3 hours."
They all move outside and Tess delegates who's doing what. Jodie, Beth, Bell and Matt have joined them and they're all working well and the jobs are completed well ahead of the time Tess planned.
Tess says "Coffee anyone?"
Kate says "No Tess."
Then Kate and Stevie move quickly to the Ute lifting an esky from the back. They pull out bottles champagne and champagne flutes and pour several drinks then hand them around.
Kate says "Things will go wrong today or not as you'd planned but don't stress, smile and think at the end of the day we will be man and wife and that's all the matters. We wish you love Clare. To love"
"To love!" They all repeat.
Later in the afternoon everyone is dressed and Clare looks exquisite, her dress highlights her beautiful figure, her hair and makeup are very natural and accentuate her fine bone structure and lovely smile and gorgeous eyes. Clare is very much a natural beauty and with her hair up her pretty neck is fully exposed and hanging from it is the necklace her grandmother wore when she married Jack McLeod.
Tess says "Clare you look perfect."
Clare smiles and says "Mum I feel so beautiful."
Tess wipes tears with her tissue then laughs and says "We can't cry we'll spoil our makeup. Are you ready Clare?"
Clare hugs her Mother and says "Yes do you think Dad will like it."
Tess grins and says "He'll love it."
The bridesmaids help as Clare moves. Nick is waiting nervously at the bottom of the stairs and when he sees her, he draws breath.
"What do you think Dad?" Clare asks smiling.
Nick is unable to speak.
Clare hugs him and says "Do I look that bad?"
He grins at her and she notices the tears in his eyes.
Her voice cracks and she says "Dad don't."
He hugs her and manages to says "You're stunning Clare Ryan."
They both laugh.
Tess says "Ok Dad is taking you for a little trip for twenty minutes or so Clare. Are you ready?"
Clare says "Where am I going?"
Nick smiles and says "It's a surprise."
He leads her outside and she sees the horse and cart.
"Oh Dad it's beautiful where did you find it?"
Nick grins and says "This is the your sulky your Mother and I drove on our wedding day."
Clare grins and says "Thank you it's perfect."
They help Clare up and head off.
On Kilarney the boys are all ready and waiting for the women to come downstairs.
Bull says "Old man can you go and see what the holdup is please?"
Alex grins and says "Just be patient Bull they're just helping Penny get ready."
Jarrod says "How hard is it they just have to put a dress on and some make up. Stevie must be the only woman I know who can look amazing in a minute or so."
Jake laughs and says "Dad reckons she's a thirty second girl."
Jarrod looks at Alex and says "Jules would take forever to get ready always looked absolutely amazing though."
Upstairs a door opens and a cackling chatter flows downstairs, Rose, Jessie, Stevie, Saf, Jo and Leonie begin to come downstairs followed by Georgia and Penny.
Alex grins and says "Look at that boys now there's a sight worth waiting for."
They all agree as all the women look beautiful.
"Very nice ladies." Alex says.
Stevie moves towards him and he whispers "Do you know what you do to me when you look like this?"
She giggles as he kisses her.
The other men are very appreciative of their wives and partners. Jarrod hasn't said a word or moved since he spotted Penny so Alex says "Wow Penny twirl for me?"
She laughs and turns around and he says "You look absolutely stunning doesn't she Jarrod?"
Jarrod grins and say "You look so much like your Mother, more than I realized."
She grins and he hugs her.
Alex quips "Saf you made my heart skip a beat."
Saf roars laughing and says "Oh Honey if Stevie ever ditches you I'll take care of you!"
They all laugh.
Nick and Clare have headed out across Drover's Run in the sulky.
"Where are we going Dad?" Clare asks.
Nick grins and says "A Dad and Clare trip down memory lane."
She smiles. "Do you remember what happened here Clare?"
She laughs and says. "This is where I caught my first yabby!"
Nick laughs and says "You squealed because it tried to nip your finger."
She smiles at him and says "I ran to you and you picked me up and I felt safe."
Nick clicks the horse on and they head towards the wildlife corridor.
"What about here Clare?" Nick asks.
"Easy family camp outs, so many memories here Dad. We used to have so much fun with the big campfires, toasting marshmallows, telling scary stories." Clare answers.
Nick says "What about when you poked your finger into the hot marshmallow?"
She smiles at him and says "Mum told me not to take any marshmallows but Belle and I took three each because we thought Mum wouldn't notice. I remember Mum and Aunty Stevie had gone for a walk and you sucked the marshmallow off my finger and made me laugh and then you gave me a cup with ice water so it wouldn't hurt, and you didn't tell Mum."
Nick laughs and says "We would have both been in trouble because you were hurt and I didn't stop that from happening."
They both laugh.
Nick turns the buggy for home and says "One more place."
They head back towards the house, and Nick stops up on the hill and they can see the crowd that has gathered.
He says "Even though you were born in Argentina this is your home. When we first came back you were only little and we didn't have Belle. I'd come up over this hill and Mum would be waiting with you. You're little face would light up when you saw me and it didn't matter how tired I was or if I'd had a bad day I always felt better and glad to be home."
Clare hugs him but doesn't speak.
Nick looks at his watch and says "I'd say Dan would be getting pretty nervous by now are you ready Clare Bear?"
Clare says "I am Dad you've taken my nervousness away. I love you so much."
Nick clicks the horse up.
Dan has his best friend Wade beside him and Lincoln and Bull are his grooms they've tried to alleviate his nerves but have failed miserably.
Alex is standing with Stevie, Tess, Jack and Jessie and quips. "I think Dan's about to pass out Jack."
Jack grins and says "I've never seen him so nervous. It's a big day for him that's for sure."
Tess says "Here they come."
Jo, Beth and Belle stand waiting for Nick and Clare their dresses are red, tea-length spun knit, beautifully cut with low v neck lines with a decorative piece at the base of the bust. They're carrying bouquets of red and white roses matching Clare's.
As Nick pulls the horse and sulky up Riley clips on a lead. Nick helps Clare from the sulky with the bridesmaids help too.
Tess's smile couldn't get any bigger as there are audible gasps and comments on how beautiful Clare is.
Jack is standing with his arms around Jessie and says. "Wow Jessie Wow."
Jessie has tears in her eyes and so does Stevie, Tess is just smiling broadly.
As Nick and Clare move towards Dan and the boys. Dan's legs are shaking but his smile is broad.
Wade says "I thought she was beautiful in jeans mate."
Dan replies "She's gorgeous isn't she?"
During the ceremony their family and friends close in around them to hear the celebrant. Their vows are written by themselves and are sweet and funny and sincere.
When the celebrant says "You may kiss your bride."
There are woops and cheers and clapping.
Dan quips "Now for the fun part."
His kiss is long, slow and gentle as he releases her lips he says "Mrs Power you're stunning."
She grins and hugs him.
Congratulations are given Clare takes Dan over to Bryce and Liz and says "What did you think Grandma?"
"You're very beautiful my darling very beautiful."
Bryce smiles and shakes Dan's hand and says "Congratulations Daniel you're a very lucky man."
Dan grins and says "I know I am.
"Clare you're absolutely breathtaking." Bryce says smiling.
She leans forward kisses his cheek and says "Thanks Grandpa."
Then the bridal party move off to have photos done around the farm and their guests are served nibbles and drinks.
Everyone begins to mingle and chat. Adam has joined Georgia, Jake, Leonie and Penny.
Rose, Jack and Cody have joined Stevie, Alex, Jodie and Marcus and Matt.
Cody reaches for Stevie she grins and takes him into her arms and says "Oh hello little man."
She kisses him and he snuggles into her neck.
Grace, Kate and Riley are standing near the pram where Archer and Hudson are sleeping, talking about the work for Monday.
Riley says "At this point Stevie and Alex are available and Marcus, Ben, Adam and Jack and I think Jodie and possibly Beth but we'll play it by ear and see who else might like to help."
Grace says "It's an overnighter so you can't ask, Rose, Leonie, Charlotte or Jo. Jaz is out with the young ones and Kate has to miss this one two unless we take the boys with us."
Lincoln says "Georgia can you come with me please we're having a family photo?"
She grins and says "Sure."
He takes her hand and leads her over to his family. Leonie has moved off to check on the babies and Penny, Jake and Adam are chatting about the reception, the band and the food.
Adam doesn't care what they talk about so long as he can be near Penny. He thought she was pretty before but dressed up she is gorgeous.
Adam is shy around girls and has never been good at holding conversations with them but Penny is very easy to talk to and he would be quite happy to just sit with her.
Leonie calls Jake over as the boys are beginning to wake up and she's going to feed them inside where it's a bit more private.
As Jake moves off Adam sees his chance and says "Penny do you know how beautiful you look?"
He feels his face flush when she smiles at him and says "Thank you Adam that's really nice to hear."
His heart is beating fast but she's smiling so he thinks come on Adam ask her. "Penny do you like dancing?"
She smiles at him and says "I love dancing especially the old time dances."
Adam smiles back at her and says. "Do you think you might like to dance with me after?"
She chuckles and says "Adam how I could say no when you've just told me I'm beautiful. I'd love to dance with you. How many should I save for you? Just in case I get asked lots."
Adam feels a bit braver and says. "Is your dance card empty?"
She laughs and says "Yes at the moment it is."
He says "Well I'll take all of them if that's ok?"
Penny says "Ok but I'd better keep a couple spare in case my Dad would like to dance with me."
He smiles and says "Sounds fair to me."
The afternoon turns to evening and the guests have all been wined and dined, speeches are over and Nick's was a triumph, hardly a dry eye in the house as he talked about his little girl but cheers broke out as he joked his way to a brilliant finish.
It's time for the bridal waltz and all eyes are on Dan and Clare and they won't disappoint as Riley has been teaching them. They've organized to do this a little differently normally its bride and groom the bridal party, parents.
The band singer says "Clare was born in Argentina when her parents lived and work there, so they will dance the bridal waltz and then pay tribute to her place of birth."
Dan sweeps Clare into his arms and they dance the waltz beautifully together. Tess, Nick, Riley, Kate, Stevie and Alex move onto the dance floor. The music changes and someone yells "Tango!"
Everyone claps and watches as the four couples move to the music then break back into the bridal waltz and all the bridal party join them. As the music stops everyone cheers and claps.
All the other guests join them on the dance floor later Stevie, Kate and Tess are chatting.
"Oh my goodness that was so much fun!" Kate enthuses.
Tess says "It brought back many memories. You know I would have been pregnant with Clare when Nick and I first learned to Tango?"
Stevie grins and says "It's an awesome dance I love it."
Alex joins them and says "It's definitely a fun dance."
Bull quips from behind him "That was almost X rated old man what were you doing?"
Alex grins, winks at Stevie and says "They're just dance steps mate."
"Right" Is all Bull replies.
The others laugh.
Bryce has moved towards them and holds his hand out to Stevie and says "Would you like to dance with an old man."
Stevie laughs and says "An old wolf is more truthful Bryce."
He chuckles and grins and says "Perhaps once upon a time..."
Stevie kisses Alex and says "I'm going to dance with your Father."
Alex grins and says." Right I'll go and get Mum and I'll rescue you directly."
Bryce chuckles and says "Come on Beautiful stop stalling I could literally drop dead waiting."
Bull grins and says "Smooth Grandpa smooth."
Bryce chuckles and says " Alexander if a beautiful woman agrees to dance with you, never waste time with small talk when you could have your arms around her on the dancefloor!"
Bull laughs loudly.
Alex moves over to his Mother and says. "Mum would you like to dance."
She smiles at him and says "I'd love to dance Alex."
On the dance floor she says "It's been a beautiful day hasn't it?"
Alex smiles and says "Yeah it has Clare is a stunner and she's all the more beautiful because she doesn't realize how beautiful she is."
Liz smiles and says "Nick's speech was very good."
Alex says "Yeah Stevie cried." Liz laughs and says "I think every woman here cried."
Alex asks "Are you going back to Adelaide or are you staying up till next week?"
Liz replies "We're booked into the country club till Friday night and then we thought we'd come to you and Stevie."
Alex says "Righto you can come earlier if you want?"
Liz says "No Fridays good we want to catch up with a few friends in town and maybe do a few rounds of golf."
Alex laughs and says "Since when do you both play golf?"
Liz laughs and says. "We just walk and hit the ball I don't know if you'd say we actually play."
"So Stevie you're looking as gorgeous as always." Bryce says smiling.
Stevie grins and says "Bryce are you trying to hit on me?"
He laughs and says. "Stevie I'm a man and I have a pulse and you're a beautiful woman. It's an unwritten rule that I have to try while I have a pulse."
She chuckles leans forward and kisses his cheek and says "You're my favourite Father in law."
Bryce chuckles and says "You're so good for my soul Stephanie."
She laughs loudly and says "Stephanie?"
Bryce says "I think it's a beautiful name."
Alex asks. "What's going on over here?"
Stevie laughs and says "Your Father just called me Stephanie ."
Alex laughs and adds "It's a beautiful name for a beautiful woman."
She smiles at him as he passes Liz to Bryce. As he dances with her he whispers "Stephanie Jane Ryan I think you're the most beautiful woman in the world."
She giggles and says "Alexander Marion Ryan you're drunk."
He stops smiles at her and says "A little bit."
His lips brush hers and he stands looking into her eyes. "Do you know how much I love you?"
She smiles and says "Yes I do Alex."
He holds her face in his hands and reaches down and kisses her so very softly.
Nearby Bull is standing with Marcus, Nick and Jake and says" Look out he's at it again."
The four men turn and watch Alex and Stevie.
Stevie responds to Alex's kiss, she has no choice every part of her wants his kiss, his touch. He wraps his arms around her and pulls her beautiful body into his own.
She whispers " What would you say if I said I wasn't wearing underwear?"
He draws breathe deeply, his skin prickles with goosebumps. Grining he spreads his huge hands wide and runs them sensually down her sides across her hips and around to cup her firm buttocks.
He whispers " Yes you are."
She smiles and kisses him.
His kiss deepens and she hears nothing, sees nothing just him, she teases him with her tongue and he forgets where they are and moves his hands to caresses her back and then moves his hand forward gently he runs his hand across her breast letting his thumb trail across her nipple, a soft moan escapes from her as she responds his kiss deepens.
Again his thumb moves across her breast, she releases the kiss and hugs him and whispers " Alex now's not the time or place."
He laughs out loud and then whispers "Sorry I sort of got lost there for a minute."
She giggles as she looks up then smiles at him as she runs her hand across his cheek and says "Hold that thought and later we'll get lost together."
He kisses her softly but lovingly and moves off to get them a drink.
Bull chuckles to himself when he sees what his old man was upto.
Jake quips " Even drunk he's smooth isn't he? It's only because we were watching them that we even noticed what he was up to."
Nick chuckles and says to Marcus. " Tess would have freaked out if I I'd done that on the dance floor. Stevie's calm, cool and collected isn't she."
Marcus laughs and says. "He's on a promise for sure."
Nick agrees" Yep defiantely."
Jake and Bull just look at each other then Bull says " Guys thats our Mother your talking about she didn't do anything!"
Nick laughs and says " You two have alot to learn. You think it's him but it's her. He hasn't got a hope in hell of resisting her." Jake and Bull just laugh.
As the band continues playing Adam asks Penny if she's like to dance.
Penny smiles and says. "I'd love to but I can't Tango."
Adam smiles and says "Oh good I couldn't do that either. It was great to watch though."
Penny laughs. He takes her in his arms and she can feel how nervous he is.
She smiles and says "You're nervous Adam."
He smiles awkwardly and says "Yes I am, I don't get to hold pretty girls very often."
Penny thinks he's sweet and tries to put him at ease and says "What a good looking man like you? I find that hard to believe."
He laughs and says "Looks have nothing to do with it. I have trouble talking to girls."
Penny laughs and says "Thanks so where does that put me? You don't seem to have trouble talking to me?"
He laughs nervously and says "Penny I didn't mean to make that sound bad, I just meant I find you easy to talk too. Well not easy but easier."
She smiles at him and relaxes into his arms as they dance.
Jodie, Saf, Alex, Bull and Jarrod are standing together Alex says "Hey Jarrod, Penny looks like she's enjoying herself."
Jarrod says. "Yes How olds your son Jodie?"
Jodie replies "He's almost twenty four Jarrod."
Jarrod says "He's a bit old for Penny."
Alex quips. Settle mate. He's dancing with her not down on one knee asking for her hand. Anyway Adam's so shy I'm surprised he even managed to ask her to dance."
Jodie says. "Not all boys are like you were Alex."
Alex grins and says "Settle Jodes that was a long time ago."
Bull laughs and quips " I don't know old man looked to me like you got carried away on the dance floor before!"
Alex grins and elbows him then Bull continues." Obviously you weren't very discreet old man if Aunty Jodie knows."
Jodie looks at Bull and says "Neither were you."
Alex laughs and punches Bull in the arm and says "Oh she shot you down."
Saf says "Jarrod relax she's having a lovely time and she looks stunning why wouldn't boys want to dance with her. I was talking to Adam yesterday and he's very sweet. Just leave them alone."
Jarrod looks at her and says "Saf what about the age difference?"
She smiles at him and says "She's eighteen Jarrod and about to go to University she's not a little girl anymore and like Alex says they're just dancing."
Dan is dancing with his Mum and she says "How are your nerves now Daniel?"
He grins and says "I'm fine now Mum."
Jessie looks at him and says "We could actually see your legs shaking while you were waiting for Clare."
Dan laughs and says "Mum I've never been so nervous in my life but once I saw her and she smiled at me, I was ok."
Jessie says "She looks stunning Daniel."
"Yeah," He smiles and continues. "She took my breath away."
Nick is dancing with Belle and he says "You look beautiful Belle."
She grins and says "Thanks Dad you scrub up alright yourself."
He laughs and says "That's what Mum told me! So is there any good looking single blokes here I could marry you off too?"
Belle laughs and says "Dan's mate Wade is pretty cute."
Nick whispers "Well that's good I think he's coming to ask for a dance."
Nick feels Belle tense up when a voice from behind her says "Nick I was wondering if I could cut in?"
Nick grins and says "You sure can it's about time I found Tess for a dance anyway."
Nick steps back and Wade takes Belle into his arms.
Alex is back on the dance floor but he has Sally, she looks pretty good all things considered but he had to beg for her to dance. As they begin to dance he says. "You look beautiful Sal."
She chuckles and says "Liar but thank you."
He laughs and says "Tell me if you get tired and we'll go back."
She smiles and says "Ok'
Bull and Stevie are dancing and Bull says "Dad's got auntie Sal up. Mum would you mind if we swap so I can dance with her?"
Stevie smiles and says "No that would be lovely just remember she tires easily."
They swap partners and Alex quips "Traded for the younger version."
Sally laughs.
Sally is having a lovely time she's the least tired she's been in a very long time and all the men in the family dance with her at least once. Adam has just stepped aside for Harry as he takes his Mother into his arms she says "Harry I've had a lovely day."
He hugs her and says "That's good Mum I'm glad."
Her emotions take her by surprise and she quietly begins to cry. This may be the last dance she has with her son and the thought of not seeing his unborn child tears at her heart.
Dave moves up and taps Harry and says "Can I steal your Mother mate?"
Harry unaware of her tears laughs and says "You sure can."
He hugs her and she hugs him back and moves into Dave's embrace.
"Thank you." She says.
Dave holds her tighter and says "I knew you'd break with one of them. I thought you did well to dance with all of them and not cry."
She chuckles and says." I'm a sook aren't I?"
Dave stops dancing and bends to kiss her and says. "You can cry all you like Sal if it makes you feel better. I'm rather partial to red, puffy eyes."
She laughs and hugs him.
The evening draws to an end and most of the guests have left. The family sits reviewing the night. Everyone agrees it was a brilliant wedding, most behaved themselves and no one is overly drunk so hangovers should be minimal in the morning.
The waitresses have all but finished cleaning up around the place and have told Tess they'll return in the morning to finish clearing the marquee.
Jessie says "Where on earth did you find so many waitresses out here Tess?"
Nick laughs and says "They're not professionals Jessie they're the ladies from the local football/netball club they do this as a fundraiser for the clubs."
Jack says "What a brilliant idea!"
Tess says "They did the waitressing for Stevie's surprise party so we thought we'd ask them again because they do such a great job."
Jack says "They did a top job they were pleasant, efficient and very professional."
"Well I don't know about any of you but I'm ready to go home." Alex announces.
"They all agree and with farewells given everyone heads for home. Tess and Nick are sound asleep by the time the Kilarney mob head down the driveway. Bull, Jo, Jake and Leonie head straight upstairs and Jessie and Jack do too.
Stevie says "Anyone want a beer or a wine?"
Several answer yes. Sitting in the dining room they all begin to chat about the day.
"That was a really good wedding." Saf states.
"Well I thoroughly enjoyed myself." Jarrod adds.
"I saw you danced with Regan a couple of times." Alex quips.
Jarrod grins and says "Yeah she's fun."
Stevie smiles and says "How many dances did you have with Addy? Penny."
Penny smiles and says "Lot's I really like him. He isn't like other boys I've met. Do you know I could feel him shaking on our first dance he was so nervous. He's very sweet."
Alex says "Really? He was shaking?"
Stevie says "Adam is very sincere, gentle and shy."
Penny smiles and says "He said I was easy to talk too."
Georgia and Lincoln join them.
Georgia says. "Jarrod will you still be here next week for Jake's Wedding?"
Jarrod replies. "It depends on whether the part we need for the car turns up."
Alex says. "You might as well stay regardless it's a good chance for you to get to know the family and some of the locals that you'll be working with Jarrod."
Saf quips. "I might look for work down this way myself if they're the kind of parties you have."
Everyone laughs.
