Chapter 7
Claire was in the bathroom when Alex woke up. He was about to get up when she crawled back into bed and cuddled up close next to Alex. She felt rotten but was glowing. It was the first time they'd had a chance to talk properly to one another. "I love you" he whispered into his ear. She was facing away from him, tucking her back right up close to him while his arm went around, and holding her tightly to him. "And the baby?" she asked "What about the baby?" "Are you pleased? Do you want kids yet?" he squeezed her "I love you and anybody else who comes along. I'm thrilled about the baby, especially knowing that this one is actually mine!" Claire was relieved. "Now, when are we getting married?" he asked "how about February 10th?" she said in a pleased tone. He still wanted to marry her. "Fantastic, I do think I should tell my parents about all this though." "you are happy aren't you?" she asked him, just to make sure "I've never been happier, now are you going to come with me, not only do I have to tell my parents, but face that lot down there" Alex said after hearing a bang of a plate from downstairs and a few female voices, along with Nicks. "I guess we better" she said, and then it was Alex's turn to have his mind put at ease. "You do love me don't you; you are pleased with the way things are turning out?" "Alex of course I love you, it facing your parents I'm not to keen on. And I'm so glad that I am actually having your baby" she said "even if I do feel like crap" she added as they both got up and dressed.
I cant believe it! Was the general feeling downstairs. Everyone was so happy for the both of them, but were still shocked. "Did you know about the baby?" Jodi asked Tess. "No, that was new to me" they were all so excited when Alex and Claire finally came down stairs together. Claire stood in the doorway while Alex sat down and dug into the food. It still made Claire feel sick. "Well?" Tess prompted. "Well what? Claire said in her usual tone. "When's the big day? Have you set a date yet?" Claire looked at Alex with a smile on her face as she said "February 10th" "so when's the baby due?" Meg asked. Alex's head came up. That was one thing he hadn't thought to ask. "The doctor said the end of July" it was at that point she couldn't handle the smell anymore and ran for the bathroom.
Claire and Alex pulled up at Killarney. Claire didn't want to do this; she wasn't sure how they would react. Alex got out of the Ute and walked around to Claire's window. "You ready?" He asked her. But there was no need to because it was at that point that Liz came running out of the house. Claire got out of the Ute while Liz gave Alex a cuddle. Liz took the two inside to the room Harry was in. "There's something we think you should know" Alex started and waited for Claire to finish. Alex was just going to sit back and let Claire deal with it, which Claire only realised at that point. She could have killed him. "Well, what is it?" Liz prompted. "Well." Claire started, actually quite nervous ".I have two pieces of news, first of all, I'm pregnant, secondly, I'm getting married." Claire didn't do anything; she just stood there waiting for a reply. There was an awkward silence as Alex's parents took in the news. Liz couldn't believe her ears and started in with the question. "It's not that Peter bloke who's the father? Claire I thought you had more sense than that. And who are you marrying?" "Uh, that would be me mum" Alex piped up. Liz nearly had a heart attack. Harry was thinking from a business angle as always, so he got up, congratulated Claire and shook Alex's hand. "You cant" was Liz's reply, until she got into full flow "Claire you can't take advantage of Alex like this again, we were lucky when you lost the baby the first time, you think you'd learn your lesson. Poor Alex can't be stuck looking after your baby, and how you can even ask him is beyond me. Claire, I really thought better of you! My son shows a little kindness to a friend, and you try to ruin his life, and getting pregnant again, that's just down right stupid!" Alex had tried to get his mother to stop but she didn't, at least not until Claire ran out of the house to the Ute. Her eyes were streaming. She just wanted to leave but Alex had the keys and there was no way she was going back into that house. That was the last thing she had expected. And Alex was useless. He didn't say anything. But what if she really was trapping him? Then she realised the keys were in the ignition and she drove off trying to wipe her eyes dry before they filled up again.
Alex was furious at his mother "Now look what you've done!" "Alex, I have probably saved you from a life of misery" Alex lost it. He couldn't bare seeing Claire so upset. "Mum, I love Claire, and she loves me and we were going to have our child together!" there was silence until Liz was able to mumble "the babies yours?" "Yes its mine! Me and Claire have been seeing each other for months now and she told me last night she was pregnant after we announced our engagement." "But when? What happened? How comes you didn't tell us?" Alex sat down and explained how he realised how much he loved her when Claire nearly died, how he proposed, how they'd been seeing each other secretly and then all of what happened the night before.
Claire got back to Drovers with red eyes. She just wanted to get away. She had to leave for a couple of days. She got a bag and started to fill it with clothes. Everybody was out working so nobody noticed. She took her own Ute, chucked the bag in the back, left a note and left. She wasn't quite sure where she was going, she just had to get away. Tears were now falling from her eyes aging and she felt sick, angry, sad and confused. The only certainty in her life right then was that she was going to be a mother, but then it struck her that she'd already lost one baby, what if it happened again? The tears dropped heavier at that thought but she just kept on driving.
Alex finally got to Drovers and went in search of Claire. He went outside first of all because knowing Claire she would be hard at work. He also knew she'd be in a bad mood. His mum had really upset her. "Tess, have you seen Claire?" "No, I thought she was with you" "long story, I'll tell you later. Do you know where she might be?" "your guess is as good as mine" She said "but I can help you look for her" they both walked off looking in the stables and all over the place, finally going into the house. There was a tear stained, scribbled note on Claire's bed. Her room was in a mess from clothes that had been dropped on the floor and draws that had been left open. "What's happened in here?" Alex asked "oh no" was Tess reply as she picked up the note. "What Alex said, taking the note from Tess. 'I have to get away, I don't know where I'm going and I don't know when I'll be back. Claire' "What's going on Alex?"
Two weeks had passed and still no sign of Claire. Everyone was panicking. This was so unlike Claire. Alex had explained all of what had gone on with his mother and thought Claire was overreacting. Meg said that Claire's feelings must be all over the place and so who knows what state of mind Claire is in. They all tried to convince each other that Claire was fine even though they doubted it slightly. They all knew Claire was strong and could look after herself, but why hadn't she come home, or called or written. She must have really been hurt. Maybe it was her pride stopping her from coming home. Then more thoughts started to pop into at least Alex's mind. What if she didn't want to come home, what if she never did? Had she lost the baby? Was she sick, injured? Was she dead? Alex just wanted her to come home. He was at Drovers everyday in case she came back. He spent many nights in Claire's bed.
Claire spent a lot of time thinking about everything and everyone. She spent a lot of time crying and over what, she wasn't sure. It was a mixture of sadness over the loss of her first baby, worry about the one she was carrying, missing Alex, hating Peter, hating herself in case what Liz said was true and just wanting someone to talk to like her mother. Claire had driven for a couple of days until she reached a place owned by her father's best mate Tom. Claire had spent a lot of time there, especially when she was younger. He was like an uncle to her. Tom was shocked to see her but pleased. He was also worried because she looked a state. He had no idea of what had happened because they hadn't really spoken properly for about a year. He didn't pry though and for that Claire was grateful. He let her stay with him, his wife and two teenagers, while she helped him on the farm. Claire mainly worked on the horses. Tom watched her and saw how talented she was. He told her how her father would have been proud. She had to fight back the tears. She had plenty of time to think and one day she went into town. That was when she saw Peter. She couldn't believe her eyes. She was with Tom's wife Anna at the time. Claire got on really well with her as well. She'd been like a mother to Claire since her own had died, at least whenever Claire had stayed with her. Luckily Peter hadn't seen Claire, but Anna had seen the look on Claire's face when she noticed Peter. Claire had practically run in the opposite direction to get away from him. Anna didn't say anything, at least not until that evening when they were on their own. "Claire, what's wrong?" Anna asked in a sensitive voice. "Nothing Claire replied in her McLeod tone, not wanting to let anybody in. Tom and Anna had been so kind to her, she didn't want to just drop all of her problems onto them. "Claire I've known you since you were barely able to walk. Claire, honey, we know there's something wrong, why don't you just tell me?" Claire wanted to so badly but didn't know where to begin. Seeing Peter had really thrown her that day. She couldn't hold it in anymore and just started to cry. Anna went over to her and cuddled Claire, stroking her hair and holding her close until Claire calmed down. Claire felt better just being held. She missed the way Alex used to hold her. "Now Claire, tell me what's wrong, I'm really worried about you" Claire looked into Anna's eyes, feeling silly and tried to laugh it off but it didn't work. Anna had such a concerned and motherly face, Claire couldn't help but let everything out. "Anna, I've really messed up" she started. Anna took her hand and said softly "tell me" "I met this bloke through getting a contract with Australian Bloodlines, training horses. "That's great!" Anna was pleased because she knew how talented Claire was and how it had always been her dream. "Well the man I worked with was Peter, the man I saw in town today." Anna's face looked confused, but she didnt dare interrupt until Claire had finished "we fell in love and were going to get engaged when I found out he was already married and had kids. "Claire tried not to start crying again. "I was getting over him. I quit Australian Bloodlines and started up a business with Alex Ryan" Anna knew who Alex was, she had met him several times and had always felt Claire and Alex would be great together, she even thought Claire had always had a thing for him to. "But I stupidly nearly got back with him. I didn't though. Then it was the Gungellan carnival. Me and Alex wee competing as a team with me doing the first obstacle course and Alex doing the Cross country. I didn't do my even in the end. I found out I was pregnant with Peters baby. I also found out on the same day that Peter hadn't handed in my letter of resignation and so Drovers was going to be taken away from me. I was all over the place. Peter didn't know about the baby but he asked me to marry him again. I didn't want my child to be without a father, so I said yes. Then I realised I couldn't be with him because I didn't love him anymore. Peter dislocated Alex's shoulder after I turned him down and so I was furious and took Alex's place in the cross country. Because of Peter I had a huge accident and ended up in hospital for a couple of months. Tess and Meg were the only ones who knew I was pregnant so Tess told the paramedics as they loaded me into the ambulance. Peter heard. I didn't want him to know so I said the baby wasn't his. That was when Alex piped up and said it was his. I ended up losing the baby though, but that was after Alex said he loved me and that he would be a father to my baby. We got engaged." A smile came over her face for the first time that she had been there. "I lost the baby but me and Alex still saw each other in secret. He looked after me and Drovers. Then on New Years Eve we had a party and he announced to everyone we were getting married and I told him I was pregnant again, with his child. Then we went to tell his parents everything the next day and some of the things his mother said were so true. I've trapped Alex into marrying me and now I'm having his baby and it's a complete mess, I'm frightened of losing my baby again and I don't know what to do" she started crying again. Anna pulled her close again until Claire calmed down. Claire's hormones were really all over the place and she had managed to convince herself that she really had trapped Alex into this whole thing. "Do you love him?" Anna asked her. Claire just nodded her head. "Do you want to marry him?" she nodded again. "Did you lose the baby because of the accident?" Claire nodded again. "Well you don't have to worry about the baby, as long as you look after yourself, and as for Alex, I don't think he's the sort to let himself get trapped. You need to talk to him. Find out what he wants, and fight for him if you have to. Claire, you're a very special person and f he can't see that, then he's not worth it" Claire smiled. "You look just like your mother when you smile. I don't know if you know this, but when your mum found out she was pregnant, she left your dad for a couple of days. Your father went frantic. He was so looking forward to having a baby, and didn't know what he'd done wrong. It all worked out in the end though. When I see you riding those horses out there, you remind me so much of Jack. You have the best qualities of both your parents. They'd be so proud of you Claire. I know I am. You achieved your dream to start with and now you're going to be a mother. All you need to do now is get married, and you're not going to do that here." Claire knew she was right, which is why she left the next day. She couldn't thank them enough but they were just pleased she was ok. Tom was shocked when he heard what had happened and that Claire was pregnant. He made Claire promise to let them know what happens and to come back and visit soon, they could do with the decent hand with the horses. Claire was so grateful for everything, she had a mother in Anna that she needed, who said the right thing at the right time, knew exactly what to do and who sorted everything out in Claire's head so that Claire could now sort out everything in her life.
It was a couple of days drive back to Drovers run. She was pleased to be seeing everyone because she had missed them, especially Alex, but she felt so stupid. She didn't know what to expect. When she did get home it was in the middle of the night and she went to her room without waking up anybody. When she got there she was shocked to see Alex was sleeping on her bed. She hadn't expected that. She was so happy to see him and just climbed into bed next to him, taking in his scent and cuddling up close and fell asleep.
Alex woke up the next morning slowly. He soon realised that he was in bed with someone because he had his arm around them, as he opened his eyes, he realised, with relief, that it was Claire. He couldn't believe it at first and had to pull back the hair that had fallen in her face. He kissed her gently and moved up closer, squeezing her slightly with his arm still around her. He just laid there and listened to her sleeping. Claire was tired, emotionally and physically, she was dead to the world. All of a sudden Tess came rushing in "Alex, Alex, the Ute." that was when she saw that Claire was home. She'd seen the Ute outside and hadn't thought that anybody had noticed Claire was back. Alex gestured to be quite and Tess smiled at how they looked together. She was relieved Claire was home, and quietly left. Claire woke up and felt Alex's arm around her. She felt happy and safe but it didn't last. She turned around and saw Alex had been watching her. She gave a shaky smile and hen ran out of the room. He was about to shout after her until he realised the reason she was running away was because she was going to be sick. Alex gets up, not quite sure what he's going to say to her when she gets back. He starts pacing as he thinks. Claire slowly walks back into her room, not really wanting to, but is shocked when she doesn't see Alex straight away. She momentarily panics and thinks he's gone, for good, until he grabs her from behind and holds her close to him. They both feel better like they were meant to be. Alex wants to know why she left, where she went and what's going to happen now. He is not going to let her go again. Claire all of a sudden pulls away, and turns to look out the window, away from Alex "Claire." he begins in a frustrated tone. "Alex I'm sorry," she starts. She doesn't look at him and as he tries to walk closer, she moves away. "This.this is your chance to leave. I. I won't do or say or think anything bad, so you can go. You can see the baby if you want to, but just leave now" her eyes start to shed tears, unknown to Alex who stands there gob smacked. "Leave?" "Ryan, this is your chance to get out early" "but I don't understand Claire, why would I want to leave?" "Why would you want to stay? Everybody leaves eventually. Your mother was right, I trapped you into this, but just because I'm having your baby, it doesn't mean you have to stay" "is that what you think? I'm gonna leave you?" "What's to keep you here? Everybody I have ever loved has left sooner or later. Mum, dad, Tess, Ruth, Peter, and then it'll be you." "Claire, my mother doesn't know what she's talking about and as for people leaving, Tess came back" "yeah, for how long? She'll leave sooner or later" "there's Meg, and Jodi and Becky, mum, dad, Nick. Claire we all care. And there's me! I'm never gonna leave you Claire. I love you. I thought we were gonna get married and have at least six kids. We've already started on the first one, five more to go" As he had been talking, he'd slowly moved closer until he had put his hands around her waste and was touching her tummy. The tinniest bump had started to show and it gave both Alex and Claire goose bumps as he touched it "do you really love me? I'm not just another one to tick off the list?" He gave her a look as she turned around to look at him. He wiped the tears from her eyes and said "I have always loved you and you weren't even on the list" he says as he picks her up and puts her on the bed. "Now, are we still getting married?" "Yes" she said as she undid Alex's shirt. "We've got some time to catch up on" Alex said as he kissed her. She giggled and pulled him down kissing him back.
When they finally went downstairs, nobody said anything, they were just all glad she was back safe and sound. Alex and Tess both gave each other relieved looks. Claire didn't eat anything but headed out to fix the broken fence Becky said she was going to do. Alex hadn't noticed her slip out but when he realised she'd gone, he went after her, jumping in the back of the Ute as Claire drove off after loading it up with all of the equipment. Claire noticed, but kept on driving. She realised she would be able to spend some time with him. When Claire pulled up and started to unload the truck, he took away what Claire was holding and pushed her up against the Ute. "Alex, I have work to do" "no you don't" "what do you mean I don't?" "You can't seriously be thinking about working?" he said as he kissed her down the neck "and why not?" she said pushing him away. If he seriously thought what she thought he thought, he had to be joking. "There is no way you can stop me from working" "do you think I'm mad?" Alex said looking at her "Oh, right" she said a little shocked "well what did you mean then?" she asked him curiously. "You would rather work than be with me?" he had been thinking what she thought he had been thinking, but he knew better than to say it. Instead, he would try anything to distract her. He didn't mind her riding horses so much unless the doctor said not to, but there was no way he was going to let her do all the heaving lifting and any hard jobs. "No, but" "but what?" he asked, kissing her neck again. She wanted to give into him, but she knew the job had to be done and if he didn't stop kissing her neck. "Claire?" "Yes?" "We can do the fence in a minute" Alex pulled her up into the back of the van. Claire fell asleep in Alex's arms after they slept together. She was still so tired. Alex enjoyed laying there with her, but he knew he had to fix the fence before she woke up, or she'd do it herself. They were driving back after Alex had fixed the fence, before Claire woke up. She was a little dazed. She didn't know where she was at first or what had happened. When Alex pulled up, he explained how had done the fence, because someone had fallen asleep. "Well why didn't you wake me?" she asked. "Because if this babies anything like you, we're gonna have our hands full and so you need al the rest you can get" Claire raised her eyebrows at that and went to hit Alex in the stomach, but Alex grabbed her hand as it came at him, and pulled it behind him. He did the same to the other and then held her face as Claire grinned and he kissed her. They were really getting into the kiss. Whenever Alex kissed her, all these feelings came rushing to her and she felt like she was in her own world. Her heart started to pound and she still got goose bumps as well as a tingly feeling. That was the point when Liz showed up. She had felt so guilty about what had happened. The news of Claire and Alex had really shocked her and she just thought the worst. Nick had phoned his mother to let her know that Claire was back safe and sound. Liz just had to apologise, although the thought of Alex and Claire still puzzled her that was until that moment. She had been blind to Alex and Claire, and how well they went together. The thought had never crossed her mind because everyone wanted Claire and Nick to get together. She soon realised how blind she had been when she saw Alex and Claire kissing. They looked so perfect together. Anybody could see that, and they were so much in love. Liz really was sorry and happy for the both of them.
Claire was in the bathroom when Alex woke up. He was about to get up when she crawled back into bed and cuddled up close next to Alex. She felt rotten but was glowing. It was the first time they'd had a chance to talk properly to one another. "I love you" he whispered into his ear. She was facing away from him, tucking her back right up close to him while his arm went around, and holding her tightly to him. "And the baby?" she asked "What about the baby?" "Are you pleased? Do you want kids yet?" he squeezed her "I love you and anybody else who comes along. I'm thrilled about the baby, especially knowing that this one is actually mine!" Claire was relieved. "Now, when are we getting married?" he asked "how about February 10th?" she said in a pleased tone. He still wanted to marry her. "Fantastic, I do think I should tell my parents about all this though." "you are happy aren't you?" she asked him, just to make sure "I've never been happier, now are you going to come with me, not only do I have to tell my parents, but face that lot down there" Alex said after hearing a bang of a plate from downstairs and a few female voices, along with Nicks. "I guess we better" she said, and then it was Alex's turn to have his mind put at ease. "You do love me don't you; you are pleased with the way things are turning out?" "Alex of course I love you, it facing your parents I'm not to keen on. And I'm so glad that I am actually having your baby" she said "even if I do feel like crap" she added as they both got up and dressed.
I cant believe it! Was the general feeling downstairs. Everyone was so happy for the both of them, but were still shocked. "Did you know about the baby?" Jodi asked Tess. "No, that was new to me" they were all so excited when Alex and Claire finally came down stairs together. Claire stood in the doorway while Alex sat down and dug into the food. It still made Claire feel sick. "Well?" Tess prompted. "Well what? Claire said in her usual tone. "When's the big day? Have you set a date yet?" Claire looked at Alex with a smile on her face as she said "February 10th" "so when's the baby due?" Meg asked. Alex's head came up. That was one thing he hadn't thought to ask. "The doctor said the end of July" it was at that point she couldn't handle the smell anymore and ran for the bathroom.
Claire and Alex pulled up at Killarney. Claire didn't want to do this; she wasn't sure how they would react. Alex got out of the Ute and walked around to Claire's window. "You ready?" He asked her. But there was no need to because it was at that point that Liz came running out of the house. Claire got out of the Ute while Liz gave Alex a cuddle. Liz took the two inside to the room Harry was in. "There's something we think you should know" Alex started and waited for Claire to finish. Alex was just going to sit back and let Claire deal with it, which Claire only realised at that point. She could have killed him. "Well, what is it?" Liz prompted. "Well." Claire started, actually quite nervous ".I have two pieces of news, first of all, I'm pregnant, secondly, I'm getting married." Claire didn't do anything; she just stood there waiting for a reply. There was an awkward silence as Alex's parents took in the news. Liz couldn't believe her ears and started in with the question. "It's not that Peter bloke who's the father? Claire I thought you had more sense than that. And who are you marrying?" "Uh, that would be me mum" Alex piped up. Liz nearly had a heart attack. Harry was thinking from a business angle as always, so he got up, congratulated Claire and shook Alex's hand. "You cant" was Liz's reply, until she got into full flow "Claire you can't take advantage of Alex like this again, we were lucky when you lost the baby the first time, you think you'd learn your lesson. Poor Alex can't be stuck looking after your baby, and how you can even ask him is beyond me. Claire, I really thought better of you! My son shows a little kindness to a friend, and you try to ruin his life, and getting pregnant again, that's just down right stupid!" Alex had tried to get his mother to stop but she didn't, at least not until Claire ran out of the house to the Ute. Her eyes were streaming. She just wanted to leave but Alex had the keys and there was no way she was going back into that house. That was the last thing she had expected. And Alex was useless. He didn't say anything. But what if she really was trapping him? Then she realised the keys were in the ignition and she drove off trying to wipe her eyes dry before they filled up again.
Alex was furious at his mother "Now look what you've done!" "Alex, I have probably saved you from a life of misery" Alex lost it. He couldn't bare seeing Claire so upset. "Mum, I love Claire, and she loves me and we were going to have our child together!" there was silence until Liz was able to mumble "the babies yours?" "Yes its mine! Me and Claire have been seeing each other for months now and she told me last night she was pregnant after we announced our engagement." "But when? What happened? How comes you didn't tell us?" Alex sat down and explained how he realised how much he loved her when Claire nearly died, how he proposed, how they'd been seeing each other secretly and then all of what happened the night before.
Claire got back to Drovers with red eyes. She just wanted to get away. She had to leave for a couple of days. She got a bag and started to fill it with clothes. Everybody was out working so nobody noticed. She took her own Ute, chucked the bag in the back, left a note and left. She wasn't quite sure where she was going, she just had to get away. Tears were now falling from her eyes aging and she felt sick, angry, sad and confused. The only certainty in her life right then was that she was going to be a mother, but then it struck her that she'd already lost one baby, what if it happened again? The tears dropped heavier at that thought but she just kept on driving.
Alex finally got to Drovers and went in search of Claire. He went outside first of all because knowing Claire she would be hard at work. He also knew she'd be in a bad mood. His mum had really upset her. "Tess, have you seen Claire?" "No, I thought she was with you" "long story, I'll tell you later. Do you know where she might be?" "your guess is as good as mine" She said "but I can help you look for her" they both walked off looking in the stables and all over the place, finally going into the house. There was a tear stained, scribbled note on Claire's bed. Her room was in a mess from clothes that had been dropped on the floor and draws that had been left open. "What's happened in here?" Alex asked "oh no" was Tess reply as she picked up the note. "What Alex said, taking the note from Tess. 'I have to get away, I don't know where I'm going and I don't know when I'll be back. Claire' "What's going on Alex?"
Two weeks had passed and still no sign of Claire. Everyone was panicking. This was so unlike Claire. Alex had explained all of what had gone on with his mother and thought Claire was overreacting. Meg said that Claire's feelings must be all over the place and so who knows what state of mind Claire is in. They all tried to convince each other that Claire was fine even though they doubted it slightly. They all knew Claire was strong and could look after herself, but why hadn't she come home, or called or written. She must have really been hurt. Maybe it was her pride stopping her from coming home. Then more thoughts started to pop into at least Alex's mind. What if she didn't want to come home, what if she never did? Had she lost the baby? Was she sick, injured? Was she dead? Alex just wanted her to come home. He was at Drovers everyday in case she came back. He spent many nights in Claire's bed.
Claire spent a lot of time thinking about everything and everyone. She spent a lot of time crying and over what, she wasn't sure. It was a mixture of sadness over the loss of her first baby, worry about the one she was carrying, missing Alex, hating Peter, hating herself in case what Liz said was true and just wanting someone to talk to like her mother. Claire had driven for a couple of days until she reached a place owned by her father's best mate Tom. Claire had spent a lot of time there, especially when she was younger. He was like an uncle to her. Tom was shocked to see her but pleased. He was also worried because she looked a state. He had no idea of what had happened because they hadn't really spoken properly for about a year. He didn't pry though and for that Claire was grateful. He let her stay with him, his wife and two teenagers, while she helped him on the farm. Claire mainly worked on the horses. Tom watched her and saw how talented she was. He told her how her father would have been proud. She had to fight back the tears. She had plenty of time to think and one day she went into town. That was when she saw Peter. She couldn't believe her eyes. She was with Tom's wife Anna at the time. Claire got on really well with her as well. She'd been like a mother to Claire since her own had died, at least whenever Claire had stayed with her. Luckily Peter hadn't seen Claire, but Anna had seen the look on Claire's face when she noticed Peter. Claire had practically run in the opposite direction to get away from him. Anna didn't say anything, at least not until that evening when they were on their own. "Claire, what's wrong?" Anna asked in a sensitive voice. "Nothing Claire replied in her McLeod tone, not wanting to let anybody in. Tom and Anna had been so kind to her, she didn't want to just drop all of her problems onto them. "Claire I've known you since you were barely able to walk. Claire, honey, we know there's something wrong, why don't you just tell me?" Claire wanted to so badly but didn't know where to begin. Seeing Peter had really thrown her that day. She couldn't hold it in anymore and just started to cry. Anna went over to her and cuddled Claire, stroking her hair and holding her close until Claire calmed down. Claire felt better just being held. She missed the way Alex used to hold her. "Now Claire, tell me what's wrong, I'm really worried about you" Claire looked into Anna's eyes, feeling silly and tried to laugh it off but it didn't work. Anna had such a concerned and motherly face, Claire couldn't help but let everything out. "Anna, I've really messed up" she started. Anna took her hand and said softly "tell me" "I met this bloke through getting a contract with Australian Bloodlines, training horses. "That's great!" Anna was pleased because she knew how talented Claire was and how it had always been her dream. "Well the man I worked with was Peter, the man I saw in town today." Anna's face looked confused, but she didnt dare interrupt until Claire had finished "we fell in love and were going to get engaged when I found out he was already married and had kids. "Claire tried not to start crying again. "I was getting over him. I quit Australian Bloodlines and started up a business with Alex Ryan" Anna knew who Alex was, she had met him several times and had always felt Claire and Alex would be great together, she even thought Claire had always had a thing for him to. "But I stupidly nearly got back with him. I didn't though. Then it was the Gungellan carnival. Me and Alex wee competing as a team with me doing the first obstacle course and Alex doing the Cross country. I didn't do my even in the end. I found out I was pregnant with Peters baby. I also found out on the same day that Peter hadn't handed in my letter of resignation and so Drovers was going to be taken away from me. I was all over the place. Peter didn't know about the baby but he asked me to marry him again. I didn't want my child to be without a father, so I said yes. Then I realised I couldn't be with him because I didn't love him anymore. Peter dislocated Alex's shoulder after I turned him down and so I was furious and took Alex's place in the cross country. Because of Peter I had a huge accident and ended up in hospital for a couple of months. Tess and Meg were the only ones who knew I was pregnant so Tess told the paramedics as they loaded me into the ambulance. Peter heard. I didn't want him to know so I said the baby wasn't his. That was when Alex piped up and said it was his. I ended up losing the baby though, but that was after Alex said he loved me and that he would be a father to my baby. We got engaged." A smile came over her face for the first time that she had been there. "I lost the baby but me and Alex still saw each other in secret. He looked after me and Drovers. Then on New Years Eve we had a party and he announced to everyone we were getting married and I told him I was pregnant again, with his child. Then we went to tell his parents everything the next day and some of the things his mother said were so true. I've trapped Alex into marrying me and now I'm having his baby and it's a complete mess, I'm frightened of losing my baby again and I don't know what to do" she started crying again. Anna pulled her close again until Claire calmed down. Claire's hormones were really all over the place and she had managed to convince herself that she really had trapped Alex into this whole thing. "Do you love him?" Anna asked her. Claire just nodded her head. "Do you want to marry him?" she nodded again. "Did you lose the baby because of the accident?" Claire nodded again. "Well you don't have to worry about the baby, as long as you look after yourself, and as for Alex, I don't think he's the sort to let himself get trapped. You need to talk to him. Find out what he wants, and fight for him if you have to. Claire, you're a very special person and f he can't see that, then he's not worth it" Claire smiled. "You look just like your mother when you smile. I don't know if you know this, but when your mum found out she was pregnant, she left your dad for a couple of days. Your father went frantic. He was so looking forward to having a baby, and didn't know what he'd done wrong. It all worked out in the end though. When I see you riding those horses out there, you remind me so much of Jack. You have the best qualities of both your parents. They'd be so proud of you Claire. I know I am. You achieved your dream to start with and now you're going to be a mother. All you need to do now is get married, and you're not going to do that here." Claire knew she was right, which is why she left the next day. She couldn't thank them enough but they were just pleased she was ok. Tom was shocked when he heard what had happened and that Claire was pregnant. He made Claire promise to let them know what happens and to come back and visit soon, they could do with the decent hand with the horses. Claire was so grateful for everything, she had a mother in Anna that she needed, who said the right thing at the right time, knew exactly what to do and who sorted everything out in Claire's head so that Claire could now sort out everything in her life.
It was a couple of days drive back to Drovers run. She was pleased to be seeing everyone because she had missed them, especially Alex, but she felt so stupid. She didn't know what to expect. When she did get home it was in the middle of the night and she went to her room without waking up anybody. When she got there she was shocked to see Alex was sleeping on her bed. She hadn't expected that. She was so happy to see him and just climbed into bed next to him, taking in his scent and cuddling up close and fell asleep.
Alex woke up the next morning slowly. He soon realised that he was in bed with someone because he had his arm around them, as he opened his eyes, he realised, with relief, that it was Claire. He couldn't believe it at first and had to pull back the hair that had fallen in her face. He kissed her gently and moved up closer, squeezing her slightly with his arm still around her. He just laid there and listened to her sleeping. Claire was tired, emotionally and physically, she was dead to the world. All of a sudden Tess came rushing in "Alex, Alex, the Ute." that was when she saw that Claire was home. She'd seen the Ute outside and hadn't thought that anybody had noticed Claire was back. Alex gestured to be quite and Tess smiled at how they looked together. She was relieved Claire was home, and quietly left. Claire woke up and felt Alex's arm around her. She felt happy and safe but it didn't last. She turned around and saw Alex had been watching her. She gave a shaky smile and hen ran out of the room. He was about to shout after her until he realised the reason she was running away was because she was going to be sick. Alex gets up, not quite sure what he's going to say to her when she gets back. He starts pacing as he thinks. Claire slowly walks back into her room, not really wanting to, but is shocked when she doesn't see Alex straight away. She momentarily panics and thinks he's gone, for good, until he grabs her from behind and holds her close to him. They both feel better like they were meant to be. Alex wants to know why she left, where she went and what's going to happen now. He is not going to let her go again. Claire all of a sudden pulls away, and turns to look out the window, away from Alex "Claire." he begins in a frustrated tone. "Alex I'm sorry," she starts. She doesn't look at him and as he tries to walk closer, she moves away. "This.this is your chance to leave. I. I won't do or say or think anything bad, so you can go. You can see the baby if you want to, but just leave now" her eyes start to shed tears, unknown to Alex who stands there gob smacked. "Leave?" "Ryan, this is your chance to get out early" "but I don't understand Claire, why would I want to leave?" "Why would you want to stay? Everybody leaves eventually. Your mother was right, I trapped you into this, but just because I'm having your baby, it doesn't mean you have to stay" "is that what you think? I'm gonna leave you?" "What's to keep you here? Everybody I have ever loved has left sooner or later. Mum, dad, Tess, Ruth, Peter, and then it'll be you." "Claire, my mother doesn't know what she's talking about and as for people leaving, Tess came back" "yeah, for how long? She'll leave sooner or later" "there's Meg, and Jodi and Becky, mum, dad, Nick. Claire we all care. And there's me! I'm never gonna leave you Claire. I love you. I thought we were gonna get married and have at least six kids. We've already started on the first one, five more to go" As he had been talking, he'd slowly moved closer until he had put his hands around her waste and was touching her tummy. The tinniest bump had started to show and it gave both Alex and Claire goose bumps as he touched it "do you really love me? I'm not just another one to tick off the list?" He gave her a look as she turned around to look at him. He wiped the tears from her eyes and said "I have always loved you and you weren't even on the list" he says as he picks her up and puts her on the bed. "Now, are we still getting married?" "Yes" she said as she undid Alex's shirt. "We've got some time to catch up on" Alex said as he kissed her. She giggled and pulled him down kissing him back.
When they finally went downstairs, nobody said anything, they were just all glad she was back safe and sound. Alex and Tess both gave each other relieved looks. Claire didn't eat anything but headed out to fix the broken fence Becky said she was going to do. Alex hadn't noticed her slip out but when he realised she'd gone, he went after her, jumping in the back of the Ute as Claire drove off after loading it up with all of the equipment. Claire noticed, but kept on driving. She realised she would be able to spend some time with him. When Claire pulled up and started to unload the truck, he took away what Claire was holding and pushed her up against the Ute. "Alex, I have work to do" "no you don't" "what do you mean I don't?" "You can't seriously be thinking about working?" he said as he kissed her down the neck "and why not?" she said pushing him away. If he seriously thought what she thought he thought, he had to be joking. "There is no way you can stop me from working" "do you think I'm mad?" Alex said looking at her "Oh, right" she said a little shocked "well what did you mean then?" she asked him curiously. "You would rather work than be with me?" he had been thinking what she thought he had been thinking, but he knew better than to say it. Instead, he would try anything to distract her. He didn't mind her riding horses so much unless the doctor said not to, but there was no way he was going to let her do all the heaving lifting and any hard jobs. "No, but" "but what?" he asked, kissing her neck again. She wanted to give into him, but she knew the job had to be done and if he didn't stop kissing her neck. "Claire?" "Yes?" "We can do the fence in a minute" Alex pulled her up into the back of the van. Claire fell asleep in Alex's arms after they slept together. She was still so tired. Alex enjoyed laying there with her, but he knew he had to fix the fence before she woke up, or she'd do it herself. They were driving back after Alex had fixed the fence, before Claire woke up. She was a little dazed. She didn't know where she was at first or what had happened. When Alex pulled up, he explained how had done the fence, because someone had fallen asleep. "Well why didn't you wake me?" she asked. "Because if this babies anything like you, we're gonna have our hands full and so you need al the rest you can get" Claire raised her eyebrows at that and went to hit Alex in the stomach, but Alex grabbed her hand as it came at him, and pulled it behind him. He did the same to the other and then held her face as Claire grinned and he kissed her. They were really getting into the kiss. Whenever Alex kissed her, all these feelings came rushing to her and she felt like she was in her own world. Her heart started to pound and she still got goose bumps as well as a tingly feeling. That was the point when Liz showed up. She had felt so guilty about what had happened. The news of Claire and Alex had really shocked her and she just thought the worst. Nick had phoned his mother to let her know that Claire was back safe and sound. Liz just had to apologise, although the thought of Alex and Claire still puzzled her that was until that moment. She had been blind to Alex and Claire, and how well they went together. The thought had never crossed her mind because everyone wanted Claire and Nick to get together. She soon realised how blind she had been when she saw Alex and Claire kissing. They looked so perfect together. Anybody could see that, and they were so much in love. Liz really was sorry and happy for the both of them.