Kilarney… Daybreak.

Stevie and Tess have been outside for half an hour.

Stevie had chosen one of the smaller, quieter Bulls to teach Tess how to measure the scrotum and they have him in the crush and a larger bull is standing quietly nearby.

Together they had chatted and giggled about what they were doing and some of the comments were quite risqué.

"Right now time for the test." Stevie announces leading the smaller bull back into the pen.

Turning back she pushes the larger Bull into the crush and Tess locks him in.

Handing the tape to Tess Stevie states. "Your time starts now McLeod. Tell me if he's a good breeder."

Tess takes the tape and bends to view the scrotum. "My goodness Stevie I can't get my hands around these bad boys."

Stevie laughs and bends low to guide Tess.

…..

Nick and Alex have quietly joined the girls and are standing watching and listening to the preceding's.

"He's well-endowed that's for sure. I wonder why we're selling him." Stevie remarks.

"Well he's 36cm. I thought we kept them if they were this size." Tess offers.

"We'll ask the boys later. Ok now have a feel of them and tell me what you think." Stevie answers.

"Firm, Springy and no lumps. He's good to go." Tess announces happily.

Straightening up Stevie spots Nick and Alex. "How long have you two been there?"

Tess turns and her face flushes. "Are you spying on us?"

"Only a few minutes and we weren't spying we were just interested in how the lesson was going. " Nick replies.

"Sounds like it's all under control. "Alex adds.

"I thought we kept Bulls like him." Tess questions.

"It's not just about his scrotum Wifey. His temperament isn't want we want." Nick replies.

"Plus we've run him with one of our mobs but want to move him on as our younger Bulls come through." Alex offers.

Tess nods.

"Time for breakfast ladies." Nick remarks.

"It's going to be a long day and you'll need a hearty breaky Mrs Ryan. "Alex states as he kisses Stevie.

Smiling at him she replies. "Ok Tess and I will just put this fellow in his pen and we'll be back."

"We'll wait for you." Nick states.

…..

Walking back to the house a few minutes later Tess muses. "That is so easy to do and I can't believe I never knew it had to be done. What else don't I know about our farms?"

"That's a tricky question Tess. How do we know what you don't know?" Stevie responds.

Tess chuckles and answers. "I guess I'll have to pay more attention to what you all do won't I?"

"We all have gaps in our knowledge Tess." Nick tells her.

"Speak for yourself." Alex teases.

Nick shakes his head and offers. "What about the office side of things?"

"I know it I'm just not as anal as you about the books." Alex replies as he opens the door.

….

Kilarneys Kitchen…

"Oh something smells good Rhonda I'm starving." Stevie states.

"Full English breakfast today Stevie so it's a bit of everything." Rhonda replies.

"We'd better wash our hands Tess." Stevie suggests.

"Right behind you." Tess replies as she follows Stevie out of the kitchen.

...

The group enjoy a leisurely breakfast before the men head out to open the barriers at the front entrance .

"Geez there's a few cars out there Alex." Nick comments as they approach the road.

"You're not wrong I cant see the end of the line."

"That's great isn't it ."

"Money in the bank Nickolas!"

...

Inside ...The Family Room...

Stevie sits feeding baby Levi while Xander plays nearby.

Tess naps on the couch so Kate entertains Harrison, Oliver and Robbie .

Stevie burps the baby then quickly and efficiently changes his nappy.

In a whisper she gestures to Kate and they herd the children outside leaving Tess to sleep and rest.

...

A crowd has gathered on Kilarney waiting for the sale to begin.

Most of Gungellan and district are here and several have stalls .

Taking advantage of a social event is common in the country plus someone needs to feed and offer refreshments to the crowd.

Kate and Stevie are joined by the other women and together they mind the children and peruse the stalls before they head out to the pens and sale.

...

Late in the afternoon ...Kilarney...

Alex sits in the shade of the trees with baby Levi held securely in his arms and Xander asleep in the stroller nearby.

A smile lights his face as the tiny bundle in his arms smiles.

As quickly as the smile arrives it disappears again but Alex smiles on as he gently touches his newborn sons face.

"We've gotta get a photo of this! Alex Ryan tamed! Who would have thought."

Alex looks up and a huge smile arrives on his face . " G'Day Jake How are you?"

Jake and Becky walk towards him as he stands to shake their hands.

"Whose this?" Becky asks as she pulls the bunny rug down.

"This is my son Levi." Alex announces proudly.

"Son? You have a son?" Jake exclaims.

Alex grins and replies. " Two actually the one asleep in the stroller is Xander and we have a teenage daughter Rose as well but she's at school in Adelaide."

"Wow we have some catching up to do don't we? Beck and I have twins one of each Daniel and Emma." Jake responds pulling out his wallet to show Alex the photo.

"Who is we?" Becky asks grinning at Alex.

"We is my wife Stevie and I." Alex replies proudly.

"Stevie? Stevie Hall? Claire's friend?" Becky questions.

"One and the same but now her name is Stevie Ryan." Alex answers.

Nick, Tess and Stevie join the group and Alex introduces Becky and Jake to Stevie.

...

"Come up to the house and we'll have a cuppa." Stevie offers..

"Are you sure ?" Jake questions.

"I wouldn't ask if I wasn't ." Stevie replies jokingly.

Becky looks at Tess and quips. " Straight shooter."

Tess links arms with Becky leading her back towards the house and responds. " Oh yeah , doesn't mince her words."

Alex drapes his arm across Stevie's shoulder as she pushes the stroller home.

Nick and Jake bring up the rear.

"Did you buy a Bull today Jake?" Nick questions.

"Yes we bought two. I couldn't resist I knew they'd be top quality before I even got here."

Nick smiles.

...

...