Fisher Hospital….

Claire sweats profusely and breathes heavily as she stands and walks a few steps.

Her gut churns and she's aware of the taste of vomit in her throat.

Alex watches as the physio encourages Claire to return to her wheel chair.

"You're doing great Claire." He offers.

She doesn't react and he's ok about that as she's concentrating so hard on the task at hand.

…

Back safely in her chair the colour drains from her face.

"I'm going to be sick." She exclaims.

Alex glances around for a bucket or something then thrusts his hat into her lap.

Screwing up his face he watches as Claire's breakfast fills his hat.

Janice the physio has returned with a bowl and flannel and realizes it's too little too late.

Handing the cloth and bowl to Claire she retrieves the hat and swiftly takes it away.

…..

"Sorry about your hat." Claire offers feeling foolish.

"It's ok it wasn't my favourite one." Alex offers grinning at her.

She doesn't smile back.

Placing his hand on her shoulder he softly kisses her head and whispers. "Hey come on it's just a hat. I'll live."

Angrily she shoves him and states. "I don't care about your damn hat Alex I do care about the fact I couldn't even run for the bathroom."

Anger rises in him but he hears Stevie's voice "Give her Time and space Alex."

He shakes his head at her and replies. "I realize that Claire I was trying to make you feel better. I'm sorry ok."

She doesn't smile but her face softens and placing her hand on his arm she responds." Thank you and I'm sorry I'm so god damn grumpy."

He smiles at her. "Just as well I love you then isn't it?"

Claire's expression doesn't give him anything nor does she smile.

Just a slight nod acknowledging his declaration.

…

Back in the privacy of Claire's room Alex tells her what's going on at home and how Stevie has stepped up and is helping Tess and Jodie run the farm.

She asks questions and seems genuinely happy about Drovers.

After his conversation with Stevie last night he decided to start a conversation with Claire about their future.

The engagement ring is hidden back at home as he thinks that would just add to her worries at the moment and will wait until she's feeling stronger.

"So is Peter coming in today?" Alex asks.

Instantly Claire is on the defensive.

"How would I know Alex?"

"Hey, hey, hey it was just a question. I had a yarn to Stevie and she suggested I stop being a jerk towards him and have some compassion."

He notes she relaxes.

"She's a clever one isn't she?" Claire states.

He smiles and replies. "Hmm yeah she is. So I just want to let you know I'm backing off and I'll try really hard not to antagonize him when it comes to Charlotte Ok? He pisses me off and I hate the way he tries to claim ownership of our little family but at the end of the day he is her Father. Anyone can be a Father but it takes someone special to be a Daddy doesn't it?"

She smiles at him.

The door opens and Janice enters to return his hat.

"Sorry we couldn't get the smell out of it for you. Perhaps the dry cleaners?" Janice offers.

"That's ok I've got heaps of others." Alex replies taking the hat.

….

Claire's room an hour later….

Alex has kissed Claire goodbye and is about to open the door to leave when Peter arrives.

Pushing the door open he hits Alex's hand with the door.

Shaking his hand in pain Alex quips." Steady on mate what's the rush?"

"Well maybe you shouldn't loiter in doorways." Peter retorts his arms holding a bouquet of roses.

Alex wants to thump him but glancing at Claire instead offers. "I could have had Charlotte in my arms mate next time knock or open it slowly alright."

Peter frowns at him but takes on his words and responds. "Yeah ok point taken."

….

"I'll see you tomorrow Claire." Alex offers.

"Where's Charlotte?" Peter asks.

Annoyed at the interruption to their conversation Claire replies. "She's asleep at home with Meg. Alex was up with her through the night because she's teething. "

"Oh."

"Yeah anyway I'll see you in the morning Claire I'm gunna have an early night." Alex states then leaves.

"Ok drive safe and give Charlotte loads of kisses from me." Claire states.

"Will do." Alex responds and leaves the room.

….

Peter walks over to the bed and bends to kiss Claire's cheek and hands her the flowers.

She draws away from him and asks. "What are you doing here Peter?"

"I came to visit you."

"Why?"

"Because I love you Claire and I want us to be a family."

"What? No Peter you didn't want us remember."

"Yes I did but I had my other family and they needed me too. You must still have feelings for me too Claire you can't just turn it off."

Claire stares at him trying to find her words.