"Claire, if there's something wrong, you have to tell me!" "Well there's
nothing to say then" "course there is, you sick, you cant stand up
properly, has this got anything to do with you seeing the doctors" "I'm
fine!" "Claire" she ran into the house and was sick in the bathroom again.
Alex stood outside the door. "Claire?" "Go away" She was mad at him and
didn't want to tell him this way "I'm not leaving until." she opened the
door. "Fine, if you wont, then I will!" and with that she stormed off
outside. Alex followed. "Talk to me Claire. We are supposed to talk to each
other" "How can I talk to you when you're never around and if you are
you're busy or tired or asleep" "I'm sorry, but I'm listening now." "Well I
don't want to talk" "You are so stubborn sometimes" Claire got into the Ute
"Where are you going?" He shouted, but she drove off without an answer. She
drove to Willgaul where she it would be empty. She fed the animals and
cleaned up bits and pieces. She went inside and drank plenty of water, but
couldn't keep it down. She phoned the doctor and made an appointment.
"So, what can I do for you? What did Alex say about the baby?" the doctor asked as Claire took a seat "I uh, I haven't told him yet. It was the wedding and I didn't want to spoil it for Tess and I haven't had a chance since" "Well what's wrong?" "I know I'm supposed to be sick, I've been through all of this before, but last time, I was never this sick. I can't keep anything down. I keep getting dizzy as well, and losing my balance" "Do you get hot flushes" "A little" "Have you been drinking plenty of fluids?" "Yes" "Have you been looking after yourself?" "I have a baby to look after as well as Alex" "you do have to take care of yourself you know. Now I'm going to take some tests" He took her blood pressure and a blood sample. He did some tests then and there. It seems you have a low amount of potassium so if you take these tablets, you should start to feel as normal as you can be when you pregnant in no time" "thanks" "just remember to not over do it and tell Alex"
Claire phoned Liz when she got out of the doctors "Hi, is Jack still with you? Great, I'm just leaving town and I'll come and get him. ok bye" "Mum, where did you put his bib?" Alex asked after Liz had hung up the phone "Why don't you stay for a bit, have dinner with us?" "No, I better get going, I need to try and speak to Claire" "Is she ok? She really didn't look well" "I don't know, she wont talk to me. I better get going" "That was her on the phone, she's on her way over, why don't you stay and wait, I can give you two some time to talk and take Jack"
Claire pulled up outside and was greeted by Liz "How are you feeling?" "I'm fine, where's Jack?" "Just round here" Liz led Claire around to the garden where Alex was sitting with their son. She stopped and watched them for a bit. She knew that Liz had probably had something to do with them both being there and then, but she wasn't ready to speak to Alex yet. She was still mad at him for not being around. She was angry with Liz and Harry for interfering and she was going to tell Alex when she was ready which would be when the tablets started working, which they hadn't yet. "Claire, how are you feeling now?" "I would feel a lot better if everyone would just stay out of my business Harry" she started to walk of to the Ute. "I was concerned that this son of mine wasn't looking after his family properly" "Well what happens when you're not around? He shouldn't need you to tell him what to do!" "I didn't tell him what to do, I just gave him some advice" "It has got nothing to do with you" "Claire, you didn't look well and I was concerned" "And I appreciate that but" She blacked out momentarily, but luckily Harry caught her. It was strange because it all happened so quickly, but with in seconds she felt as if nothing had happened "Go and get Alex" Harry told Liz as he set Claire down in the Ute "NO! I'm all right" "Claire what is going on?" "I. I just haven't eaten anything all day; I'm fine really. Alex needs to spend some time with his son, leave him" With that she got in the Ute properly and drove away. Liz and Harry were extremely worried about Claire. She had fainted, hadn't been well and there was something she wasn't telling them. Harry and Liz went and told Alex what had happened, and he too began to panic. Alex left straight away.
When Claire got home she started to feel faint again and only just made it up to bed. She thought that if she got a good night sleep she would feel better. When Alex got home, he put Jack down in his cot and found Claire fast asleep on their bed. She hadn't even taken off her boots. She must really have been tired. He took them off for her and pulled the covers up. He gave her a kiss on the head and let her be. He really did love her and hoped that nothing was seriously wrong, only that she was tired and hadn't actually eaten anything.
Claire woke up and didn't not feel any better at all. She thought that she would tell Alex, maybe the tablets would take a while to start working. She turned over to find that she was alone in the bed. He had gone already and it only made her angrier. At this rate the baby would be born before they had a chance to talk. He obviously couldn't be that worried about her if he had left. She didn't see him all day and after she managed to eat some toast, she didn't eat anything else, because she kept on being sick. She didn't do much work that day, but looked after Jack instead. She came down for dinner just to see Alex "He's working still, said he'd get something to eat later" Becky told them as she walked in. Claire went to walk out "You not eating Claire?" Meg asked, a little concerned "No, I'm not really hungry" "You all right, not like you to go off your food?" "Yes, I'm tired that's all" "You should still eat" "I've got to go and see to Jack" Luckily he started crying and left the rest to tuck into the apricot chicken Meg had made.
Claire still felt no better and the tablets weren't working, if anything she felt worse. Everyone had gone to bed and while Claire had been sleeping, Alex had come home and was now fast asleep. Jack had started crying so she got up, but he wouldn't stop. She changed him, held him, fed him, burped him and he finally stopped crying and fell back to sleep. She walked out of the nursery quietly and then started to feel sick again. She went down stairs and got a glass of water. She sat down to try and stop her head spinning. She missed Tess, but luckily, she'd be back soon. She went outside to get some fresh air. She leant against the post and remembered all of the things that had happened there. On their anniversary, Alex had got rid of everyone for that weekend and Jack was at Killarney. Claire was annoyed because she thought Alex had forgotten what day it was, there was lots of work to be done and everyone had disappeared and Alex was 'sick'. She was in the middle of something when all of a sudden Alex sneaks up behind her and scopes her up in his arms, where he carried her inside where he'd run a bath for her. He got in too. "I thought you were ill" "You also thought I'd forgotten didn't you?" "Yes" "How could I forget one of the happiest days of my life?" "And the lack of help would be down to you?" "Yes" They didn't spend long in the bath, because when they got out, Alex had a dress laid out on the bad for her to wear. It was gorgeous and she looked fantastic in it. Alex appeared in the doorway wearing a suit. He looked so handsome and her feelings for him were as strong as ever. He walked over and kissed her, but as the kiss started to get passionate, he picked her up. He carried her outside where he had laid out a cloth, with candles and a meal that was evident Alex hadn't made. Actually Liz had, much to Meg's annoyance Claire found out later. Claire couldn't believe it. Alex was a real romantic at heart. He placed her down and filled her glass with Champaign as he sat down next to her. She cuddled up to close to him, it was so perfect. She laid back against him after they had eaten, with a glass in her hand and his arm holding her close as he rested his chin on her head. They watched the sun start to set and then Alex got up. He held out a hand to her and pulled her up. He turned on the music and the song that they danced to at their wedding started to play as Alex held her close as they danced. "I really do love you Claire. You and Jack are the best things that ever happened to me and I have never been happier. I know I don't always show it, but I really do love you more than anything." "Thank you, thank you for this, for Jack and for loving me as much as I love you" They kissed and the sun set, making the sky light up with shades of blue pink orange and red. It was beautiful, the moment was perfect and Alex carried his wife up to their bedroom where they spent the night together. She had woken up the next morning in his arms. She loved waking up in his arms. She felt so safe and loved, but that hadn't happened in a while. She remembered turning over. He was pretending to be asleep and made her jump when the arm she was laying on pulled her on top of him. He started to tickle her and she laughed so much. As she stood there she smiled. She also remembered that she had promised to never keep secrets from Alex and she was. All of a sudden she felt arms moving around her stomach and a head at her shoulder. "What are you doing out here?" "Jack woke up and I needed some fresh air" "Lets go back to bed" "Alex, we need to talk," she said turning around to face him. "I know, but do we have to do it now?" "Fine!" She said annoyed, about to walk off. "No, wait" he said taking her arm. She looked into his eyes "We do need to talk and now is as good a time as any" he told her "Are you sure, because I wouldn't want to keep you form anything" She said still with an angry tone. They both sat down on the veranda. "Claire, we really need to sort out what ever it is that's going on and we are going to do it now!" "You mean you don't even know what's wrong?" "All I know is that something's going on and you are not telling me what it is. I thought we promised never to keep secrets?" "We did, but I haven't been able to talk to you. That's half the problem" "Well what's the other problem, the fact that you fainted? What is wrong Claire, and don't tell me anything" "I would tell you if I had the chance" "Why do you think I work so hard? I want the best for you and Jack and I hate not being able to spend so much time with you but it's because I love you so much that I do work so hard" "I need you here with me though! I know you want to be a good father and husband, but if you want to be, you need to be here. I haven't seen you all day. When I do, you're too tired. Alex I miss you! I love you and I really miss you. I feel like we haven't spoken properly in weeks" "I miss you too. I do love you, you know" "Yes, well I just need reminding of that sometimes, that's all" "Things will get better when Nick and Tess get back, I promise. I've spoken to dad and I don't really need to go to Killarney and when Nick gets back I wont need to go to Willgal and I doubt we'll be able to keep Tess away from this place for very long" Claire gave a knowing look. He cuddled her. She felt better now that she had got it off of her chest. "Now, I'm here, I'm listening and I'm wide awake, are you going to tell me what's going on?" He was awake but she had fallen asleep as he cuddled her. He laughed to himself. He sat there for a minute just enjoying Claire cuddled up to him. The stars twinkled and as he started to get cold, he picked her up and carried her up to bed.
Claire woke up smiling, but when she realised Alex had gone, she was instantly put in a foul mood. She didn't see him all day again. She couldn't believe it. It was if the night before had been a dream. She still couldn't eat, but when everyone had left she phoned and made another appointment. She felt terrible and was beginning to really panic. She was scared to pick up Jack in case she dropped him. She could only just bear to hold her self up when she got dizzy, let alone a baby. She then phoned Liz "I was wondering if you could look after Jack for me tomorrow. There is so much work to do at the moment and I know it's short notice." "It's no problem at all, we love having him. How are you feeling? Are you all better" "I'm fine, so if I drop him off at 11?" "We can pick him up. That will make it easier for you and I can see Alex" "No, it's ok, it's no problem really. Alex will be busy no doubt" "Is everything all right between you two?" "Yes, we're fine" "You can talk to me you know" "Thanks, so I'll bring him around about 11" When Claire had finished on the phone to Liz, she went and sat down in the kitchen with a glass of water. She felt like crying, when Meg walked in. "Claire, what's wrong?" "Nothing, I though you'd all gone?" "We had, but I was worried about you" "There's nothing to worry about" "Talk to me Claire" "I. I just don't know what to do" "What happened?" "I hardly see him anymore. I think I saw more of him when we were just friends. Last night we finally talked and I thought we'd sorted it all out, but when I woke up this morning, he was gone and yet again, I haven't seen him all day" "He is working for you and Jack you know" "I know, but." "What is it? There's something you're not telling anyone" "I." She took a deep breath "I just need Alex" she said "Don't worry, it will all work itself out" Claire wished it was that simple though. Meg left and Claire went to go up to bed, on her own, yet again. She had started to feel guilty. She thought how it couldn't be that easy for him. He was working so hard and there she just wanted more from him. She didn't know what to do. She didn't even make it to the stairs before she collapsed on the floor.
Alex was pleased with himself. He had been working hard these past few days to finish a little project he'd been working on. He knew that Claire would probably be furious after talking last night and then disappearing all day, but he decided to get it done quickly. He couldn't wait to see the look on her face. He was still worried about her though, but now that they would be spending more time together, he'd soon make sure she was ok. He walked inside and was in shock when he found Claire lying unconscious on the hallway floor. He rushed over and tried to wake her. "Claire? Claire?" she started to come too "Claire, are you ok, what happened?" "Alex?" "I'm here don't worry? Are you all right?" "I'll be fine" "What happened?" "I don't know, I was about to go upstairs and I don't remember anything else" "Come on, I'm taking you upstairs" He lifted her up and took her to bed. He went to get her some water and also called the doctor. He went back upstairs to find Claire getting out of bed "Where do you think you're going?" "To sort Jack out" "You stay put, I'll see to him" He left Claire to only worry about her unborn baby. She didn't stay there long because she rushed to the toilet where she was sick. Alex went to make sure she was ok when he saw her rush past "Come on, back to bed while we wait for the doctor" "The doctor? I'm fine" "No you're not" "ok, maybe I'm not, but I will be" "What do you mean?" "I've already seen the doctor. I have a low level of something in my blood he's given me some tablets" "And were you going to tell me?" "Yes" "When?" "I've been trying to tell you, but you've not been here to tell" "I thought we weren't keeping secrets" "I'm not, I thought you weren't going to work so much?" "Yes well that's all going to change" "That's what you said last night" "Come with me, I've got something to show you" He got Jack and asked Meg to look after him for a bit and then jumped on a horse with Claire "Where are we going?" She asked as she sat with his arms around him on the horse. She felt safe and didn't have to worry about fainting again because she knew he would be there to catch her if she fell "Just wait and see. It's a surprise I've been working on" He rode and rode until they finally reached where he was taking her. Claire couldn't believe her eyes. Alex had built a little cabin. He took her inside. "I want this place to be full of happy memories. Where our kids run to when they're angry, somewhere where we know they'll be safe. Somewhere for us to have fun and enjoy ourselves" "This is where you've been spending all your time?" "Yes. I finished it today. I'm sorry I haven't been around, but I'm here now" "Good, because I'm really going to need you now" "Why, is there something else you're not telling me? It's not serious" "I've been waiting for the right moment. This place is great, it's fantastic" "Claire!" "I'm sorry, it's just with all the hormones and everything from being pregnant and everything, it would have been nice to know that you were leaving me to do something as amazing as this" "You what?" "I said this place is amazing" "No, the other bit" "Oh, didn't I tell you, I'm having another baby" she said as a smile spread across her face. "You mean." "I'm pregnant" "You're pregnant! We're having another baby! That's fantastic!" He hugged and squeezed her. He was over the moon; they were both so happy. "How far along are you?" "A couple of months" "A couple of months? How long have you known?" "A few weeks" "A few weeks?" "I found out before the wedding, when I had that appointment. I didn't say anything because I didn't want to spoil it for Nick and Tess. I was going to tell you straight away. I actually did, but you'd fallen asleep" "But what about you fainting?" "I saw the doctor and he gave me some tablets. They're not working though so I booked another appointment for tomorrow. You're mums gonna look after Jack" "I wish you'd told me sooner" "I was angry! But I have now" "And I'm thrilled but we better get you back before the doctor gets here"
Alex sent Claire inside while he went to get Jack. "Is everything ok?" Meg asked as she handed Jack back to Alex "It's fine" "Alex, I know it's none of my business, but you have to do something. Claire really needs you for some reason. There is something wrong and she won't tell anyone what it is. I'm really worried about her!" "Meg it's all right" "No, it's not. I think she's really sick and you have to do something" "It's ok" "Alex, I don't think you quite understand" "Meg, I've got it" "You need to sit her down and make sure she talks and tells you what's wrong" "She has" "She has?" "Yes" "Well. what is it?" "I don't think I should say" "Why not" "Well the doctors on his way." "Doctor. Alex, if it's serious." "I hope not" "What's wrong?" "You cant tell anybody" "You know I won't" "I shouldn't be telling you this yet, not without Claire but. She's got low levels of something in her blood. The tablets the doctors given her aren't working and when I went into the house, I found her unconscious on the floor" "Oh God, is she ok?" "I hope so, I just hope the baby's ok, she's pregnant again" "Oh my God, that's fantastic! Congratulations!" "Thanks, I just hope everything ok. I better go" "If you need anything you know where I am" "Thanks"
The doctor came and prescribed Claire some new tablets. He also said the baby was probable fine, but just to be on the safe side, to go and have scan tomorrow. When Claire woke up the next morning, she felt better already. Not only that, but Alex was still there. So much for feeling better though, she still had morning sickness and was in the bathroom in no time. When she went back into the bedroom, Alex was sprawled all over the bed. She watched him for a minute as she lent against the doorframe. He woke up and said "What are you doing standing there?" When he noticed her watching him. "I was just wondering where I'd fit in seeing as you've decided to hog the whole bed" "You have to lie on top of me. How you feeling?" "Better, except for morning sickness" She said as she laid on top of him "What's wrong?" "I'm just a little nervous about later" "Everything will be fine" "I hope so. I really want this baby" "So do I and I'm not going to let anything happen to either of you" "I said I'd drop Jack off at your mums about 11, I could always cancel" "No, I think we should. It gives us a chance to be together" "I don't want to tell anyone, at least not until we know everything's ok" "Don't worry, everything's going to be fine" He kissed her and put his arms around her.
"Do you want to know the sex?" the nurse asked. Claire and Alex looked at each other. They hadn't thought of that. He was holding her hand. "It's up to you," He said. "I'd like to wait, at least for now. You can know if you want though" "No, it's ok, we can always change our mind" They smiled at each other and then turned their attention back to the monitor "Well everything seems to be fine. There's no damage and all looks normal. You have a healthy baby!" Alex and Claire were relieved. When they got out side Claire flung her arm around Alex. She was just so happy. Then they headed off to get Jack.
They got out of the Ute and Alex put his arm around Claire as they walked in. Liz smiled straight away to find the two happy together. It was a relief. "Everything all right?" "Yes, just been to the doctors" Alex said quite light heartily. Liz didn't know what to think. She knew Claire hadn't been well, yet Alex was smiling, they were both smiling. "Everything's fine mum. Is dad about?" "Did someone say my name?" Harry said walking in "Claire, how are you?" He asked. He had been really worried about her "They've been to the doctors Harry" Liz informed her husband. "What's the matter?" "Nothing. I was a bit ill, but I'm better now" "What was wrong?" "Uh, low potassium levels in my blood. I've got some pills to take, I'll be fine" she said touched by their concern. "Actually that's not entirely true," Alex said. "What do you mean. You are going to be all right aren't you Claire" "Yes, nothing I haven't been through before" she said looking up to Alex "Mum, dad, we're having another baby" Liz and Harry were so happy "That's fantastic news. Congratulations. Everything is going to be ok though?" "Everything's fine. We just went for a scan" Claire go the photo out "How far along are you? Do you know what sex it is?" "I'm nearly three months and I think we're going to wait to find out the sex" "three months? Why didn't you say anything?" "I found out before the wedding and I didn't get a chance to tell Alex until last night" "and everything ok?" "Everything's fine" Claire and Alex left a lot happier this time around then they had done before. Claire held Jack and Alex held Claire as they sat on the veranda enjoying the quiet.
When Tess and Nick got back, they couldn't wait to see Claire, Alex and Jack. They'd had a fantastic time and couldn't wait to tell everyone all that happened when they did manage to surface from the hotel room. They came over for dinner and everyone else knew about Claire being pregnant except for them. Claire didn't want to say anything until they had told all what they had done. She knew it was a special time that you didn't get again, so she wanted them to be as happy as they could be and not spoil it for them by taking away their thunder if you like it, before they had a chance to talk all about them. It was their special time. You could tell they were newly weds. They couldn't get enough of each other, although Claire, probably due to her hormones, did want to be parted from Alex for a moment. She became very clingy, but Alex loved it. Everyone was eating except Claire. She still felt a bit queasy so fed Jack instead. Tess told all about what had happened and they had a fantastic time. When dinner was finished and Tess had finished telling all her stories, they went outside. It was a nice warm evening and everyone was full from dinner. "So anything happen while we were away?" Tess asked, cuddling up in Nick's arms. Claire did the same in Alex's having just put Jack to bed. Everyone turned to look at Claire. She nearly laughed and Tess noticed "What?" She was intrigued now. "Oh nothing much, you now, the normal. Fed the cattle, mucked out the stables, had a cabin built for me and told Alex I was pregnant again. Nothing out of the ordinary" Everyone laughed at Claire's off handed speech and at Tess as her jaw dropped before she jumped up and gave her sister a cuddle. "Why didn't you say anything? That's great news, congratulations. Another little Alex, god" "Hey, why do I always get picked on? It might be a girl" "True. A little Claire, scary" "Hey"
"So, what can I do for you? What did Alex say about the baby?" the doctor asked as Claire took a seat "I uh, I haven't told him yet. It was the wedding and I didn't want to spoil it for Tess and I haven't had a chance since" "Well what's wrong?" "I know I'm supposed to be sick, I've been through all of this before, but last time, I was never this sick. I can't keep anything down. I keep getting dizzy as well, and losing my balance" "Do you get hot flushes" "A little" "Have you been drinking plenty of fluids?" "Yes" "Have you been looking after yourself?" "I have a baby to look after as well as Alex" "you do have to take care of yourself you know. Now I'm going to take some tests" He took her blood pressure and a blood sample. He did some tests then and there. It seems you have a low amount of potassium so if you take these tablets, you should start to feel as normal as you can be when you pregnant in no time" "thanks" "just remember to not over do it and tell Alex"
Claire phoned Liz when she got out of the doctors "Hi, is Jack still with you? Great, I'm just leaving town and I'll come and get him. ok bye" "Mum, where did you put his bib?" Alex asked after Liz had hung up the phone "Why don't you stay for a bit, have dinner with us?" "No, I better get going, I need to try and speak to Claire" "Is she ok? She really didn't look well" "I don't know, she wont talk to me. I better get going" "That was her on the phone, she's on her way over, why don't you stay and wait, I can give you two some time to talk and take Jack"
Claire pulled up outside and was greeted by Liz "How are you feeling?" "I'm fine, where's Jack?" "Just round here" Liz led Claire around to the garden where Alex was sitting with their son. She stopped and watched them for a bit. She knew that Liz had probably had something to do with them both being there and then, but she wasn't ready to speak to Alex yet. She was still mad at him for not being around. She was angry with Liz and Harry for interfering and she was going to tell Alex when she was ready which would be when the tablets started working, which they hadn't yet. "Claire, how are you feeling now?" "I would feel a lot better if everyone would just stay out of my business Harry" she started to walk of to the Ute. "I was concerned that this son of mine wasn't looking after his family properly" "Well what happens when you're not around? He shouldn't need you to tell him what to do!" "I didn't tell him what to do, I just gave him some advice" "It has got nothing to do with you" "Claire, you didn't look well and I was concerned" "And I appreciate that but" She blacked out momentarily, but luckily Harry caught her. It was strange because it all happened so quickly, but with in seconds she felt as if nothing had happened "Go and get Alex" Harry told Liz as he set Claire down in the Ute "NO! I'm all right" "Claire what is going on?" "I. I just haven't eaten anything all day; I'm fine really. Alex needs to spend some time with his son, leave him" With that she got in the Ute properly and drove away. Liz and Harry were extremely worried about Claire. She had fainted, hadn't been well and there was something she wasn't telling them. Harry and Liz went and told Alex what had happened, and he too began to panic. Alex left straight away.
When Claire got home she started to feel faint again and only just made it up to bed. She thought that if she got a good night sleep she would feel better. When Alex got home, he put Jack down in his cot and found Claire fast asleep on their bed. She hadn't even taken off her boots. She must really have been tired. He took them off for her and pulled the covers up. He gave her a kiss on the head and let her be. He really did love her and hoped that nothing was seriously wrong, only that she was tired and hadn't actually eaten anything.
Claire woke up and didn't not feel any better at all. She thought that she would tell Alex, maybe the tablets would take a while to start working. She turned over to find that she was alone in the bed. He had gone already and it only made her angrier. At this rate the baby would be born before they had a chance to talk. He obviously couldn't be that worried about her if he had left. She didn't see him all day and after she managed to eat some toast, she didn't eat anything else, because she kept on being sick. She didn't do much work that day, but looked after Jack instead. She came down for dinner just to see Alex "He's working still, said he'd get something to eat later" Becky told them as she walked in. Claire went to walk out "You not eating Claire?" Meg asked, a little concerned "No, I'm not really hungry" "You all right, not like you to go off your food?" "Yes, I'm tired that's all" "You should still eat" "I've got to go and see to Jack" Luckily he started crying and left the rest to tuck into the apricot chicken Meg had made.
Claire still felt no better and the tablets weren't working, if anything she felt worse. Everyone had gone to bed and while Claire had been sleeping, Alex had come home and was now fast asleep. Jack had started crying so she got up, but he wouldn't stop. She changed him, held him, fed him, burped him and he finally stopped crying and fell back to sleep. She walked out of the nursery quietly and then started to feel sick again. She went down stairs and got a glass of water. She sat down to try and stop her head spinning. She missed Tess, but luckily, she'd be back soon. She went outside to get some fresh air. She leant against the post and remembered all of the things that had happened there. On their anniversary, Alex had got rid of everyone for that weekend and Jack was at Killarney. Claire was annoyed because she thought Alex had forgotten what day it was, there was lots of work to be done and everyone had disappeared and Alex was 'sick'. She was in the middle of something when all of a sudden Alex sneaks up behind her and scopes her up in his arms, where he carried her inside where he'd run a bath for her. He got in too. "I thought you were ill" "You also thought I'd forgotten didn't you?" "Yes" "How could I forget one of the happiest days of my life?" "And the lack of help would be down to you?" "Yes" They didn't spend long in the bath, because when they got out, Alex had a dress laid out on the bad for her to wear. It was gorgeous and she looked fantastic in it. Alex appeared in the doorway wearing a suit. He looked so handsome and her feelings for him were as strong as ever. He walked over and kissed her, but as the kiss started to get passionate, he picked her up. He carried her outside where he had laid out a cloth, with candles and a meal that was evident Alex hadn't made. Actually Liz had, much to Meg's annoyance Claire found out later. Claire couldn't believe it. Alex was a real romantic at heart. He placed her down and filled her glass with Champaign as he sat down next to her. She cuddled up to close to him, it was so perfect. She laid back against him after they had eaten, with a glass in her hand and his arm holding her close as he rested his chin on her head. They watched the sun start to set and then Alex got up. He held out a hand to her and pulled her up. He turned on the music and the song that they danced to at their wedding started to play as Alex held her close as they danced. "I really do love you Claire. You and Jack are the best things that ever happened to me and I have never been happier. I know I don't always show it, but I really do love you more than anything." "Thank you, thank you for this, for Jack and for loving me as much as I love you" They kissed and the sun set, making the sky light up with shades of blue pink orange and red. It was beautiful, the moment was perfect and Alex carried his wife up to their bedroom where they spent the night together. She had woken up the next morning in his arms. She loved waking up in his arms. She felt so safe and loved, but that hadn't happened in a while. She remembered turning over. He was pretending to be asleep and made her jump when the arm she was laying on pulled her on top of him. He started to tickle her and she laughed so much. As she stood there she smiled. She also remembered that she had promised to never keep secrets from Alex and she was. All of a sudden she felt arms moving around her stomach and a head at her shoulder. "What are you doing out here?" "Jack woke up and I needed some fresh air" "Lets go back to bed" "Alex, we need to talk," she said turning around to face him. "I know, but do we have to do it now?" "Fine!" She said annoyed, about to walk off. "No, wait" he said taking her arm. She looked into his eyes "We do need to talk and now is as good a time as any" he told her "Are you sure, because I wouldn't want to keep you form anything" She said still with an angry tone. They both sat down on the veranda. "Claire, we really need to sort out what ever it is that's going on and we are going to do it now!" "You mean you don't even know what's wrong?" "All I know is that something's going on and you are not telling me what it is. I thought we promised never to keep secrets?" "We did, but I haven't been able to talk to you. That's half the problem" "Well what's the other problem, the fact that you fainted? What is wrong Claire, and don't tell me anything" "I would tell you if I had the chance" "Why do you think I work so hard? I want the best for you and Jack and I hate not being able to spend so much time with you but it's because I love you so much that I do work so hard" "I need you here with me though! I know you want to be a good father and husband, but if you want to be, you need to be here. I haven't seen you all day. When I do, you're too tired. Alex I miss you! I love you and I really miss you. I feel like we haven't spoken properly in weeks" "I miss you too. I do love you, you know" "Yes, well I just need reminding of that sometimes, that's all" "Things will get better when Nick and Tess get back, I promise. I've spoken to dad and I don't really need to go to Killarney and when Nick gets back I wont need to go to Willgal and I doubt we'll be able to keep Tess away from this place for very long" Claire gave a knowing look. He cuddled her. She felt better now that she had got it off of her chest. "Now, I'm here, I'm listening and I'm wide awake, are you going to tell me what's going on?" He was awake but she had fallen asleep as he cuddled her. He laughed to himself. He sat there for a minute just enjoying Claire cuddled up to him. The stars twinkled and as he started to get cold, he picked her up and carried her up to bed.
Claire woke up smiling, but when she realised Alex had gone, she was instantly put in a foul mood. She didn't see him all day again. She couldn't believe it. It was if the night before had been a dream. She still couldn't eat, but when everyone had left she phoned and made another appointment. She felt terrible and was beginning to really panic. She was scared to pick up Jack in case she dropped him. She could only just bear to hold her self up when she got dizzy, let alone a baby. She then phoned Liz "I was wondering if you could look after Jack for me tomorrow. There is so much work to do at the moment and I know it's short notice." "It's no problem at all, we love having him. How are you feeling? Are you all better" "I'm fine, so if I drop him off at 11?" "We can pick him up. That will make it easier for you and I can see Alex" "No, it's ok, it's no problem really. Alex will be busy no doubt" "Is everything all right between you two?" "Yes, we're fine" "You can talk to me you know" "Thanks, so I'll bring him around about 11" When Claire had finished on the phone to Liz, she went and sat down in the kitchen with a glass of water. She felt like crying, when Meg walked in. "Claire, what's wrong?" "Nothing, I though you'd all gone?" "We had, but I was worried about you" "There's nothing to worry about" "Talk to me Claire" "I. I just don't know what to do" "What happened?" "I hardly see him anymore. I think I saw more of him when we were just friends. Last night we finally talked and I thought we'd sorted it all out, but when I woke up this morning, he was gone and yet again, I haven't seen him all day" "He is working for you and Jack you know" "I know, but." "What is it? There's something you're not telling anyone" "I." She took a deep breath "I just need Alex" she said "Don't worry, it will all work itself out" Claire wished it was that simple though. Meg left and Claire went to go up to bed, on her own, yet again. She had started to feel guilty. She thought how it couldn't be that easy for him. He was working so hard and there she just wanted more from him. She didn't know what to do. She didn't even make it to the stairs before she collapsed on the floor.
Alex was pleased with himself. He had been working hard these past few days to finish a little project he'd been working on. He knew that Claire would probably be furious after talking last night and then disappearing all day, but he decided to get it done quickly. He couldn't wait to see the look on her face. He was still worried about her though, but now that they would be spending more time together, he'd soon make sure she was ok. He walked inside and was in shock when he found Claire lying unconscious on the hallway floor. He rushed over and tried to wake her. "Claire? Claire?" she started to come too "Claire, are you ok, what happened?" "Alex?" "I'm here don't worry? Are you all right?" "I'll be fine" "What happened?" "I don't know, I was about to go upstairs and I don't remember anything else" "Come on, I'm taking you upstairs" He lifted her up and took her to bed. He went to get her some water and also called the doctor. He went back upstairs to find Claire getting out of bed "Where do you think you're going?" "To sort Jack out" "You stay put, I'll see to him" He left Claire to only worry about her unborn baby. She didn't stay there long because she rushed to the toilet where she was sick. Alex went to make sure she was ok when he saw her rush past "Come on, back to bed while we wait for the doctor" "The doctor? I'm fine" "No you're not" "ok, maybe I'm not, but I will be" "What do you mean?" "I've already seen the doctor. I have a low level of something in my blood he's given me some tablets" "And were you going to tell me?" "Yes" "When?" "I've been trying to tell you, but you've not been here to tell" "I thought we weren't keeping secrets" "I'm not, I thought you weren't going to work so much?" "Yes well that's all going to change" "That's what you said last night" "Come with me, I've got something to show you" He got Jack and asked Meg to look after him for a bit and then jumped on a horse with Claire "Where are we going?" She asked as she sat with his arms around him on the horse. She felt safe and didn't have to worry about fainting again because she knew he would be there to catch her if she fell "Just wait and see. It's a surprise I've been working on" He rode and rode until they finally reached where he was taking her. Claire couldn't believe her eyes. Alex had built a little cabin. He took her inside. "I want this place to be full of happy memories. Where our kids run to when they're angry, somewhere where we know they'll be safe. Somewhere for us to have fun and enjoy ourselves" "This is where you've been spending all your time?" "Yes. I finished it today. I'm sorry I haven't been around, but I'm here now" "Good, because I'm really going to need you now" "Why, is there something else you're not telling me? It's not serious" "I've been waiting for the right moment. This place is great, it's fantastic" "Claire!" "I'm sorry, it's just with all the hormones and everything from being pregnant and everything, it would have been nice to know that you were leaving me to do something as amazing as this" "You what?" "I said this place is amazing" "No, the other bit" "Oh, didn't I tell you, I'm having another baby" she said as a smile spread across her face. "You mean." "I'm pregnant" "You're pregnant! We're having another baby! That's fantastic!" He hugged and squeezed her. He was over the moon; they were both so happy. "How far along are you?" "A couple of months" "A couple of months? How long have you known?" "A few weeks" "A few weeks?" "I found out before the wedding, when I had that appointment. I didn't say anything because I didn't want to spoil it for Nick and Tess. I was going to tell you straight away. I actually did, but you'd fallen asleep" "But what about you fainting?" "I saw the doctor and he gave me some tablets. They're not working though so I booked another appointment for tomorrow. You're mums gonna look after Jack" "I wish you'd told me sooner" "I was angry! But I have now" "And I'm thrilled but we better get you back before the doctor gets here"
Alex sent Claire inside while he went to get Jack. "Is everything ok?" Meg asked as she handed Jack back to Alex "It's fine" "Alex, I know it's none of my business, but you have to do something. Claire really needs you for some reason. There is something wrong and she won't tell anyone what it is. I'm really worried about her!" "Meg it's all right" "No, it's not. I think she's really sick and you have to do something" "It's ok" "Alex, I don't think you quite understand" "Meg, I've got it" "You need to sit her down and make sure she talks and tells you what's wrong" "She has" "She has?" "Yes" "Well. what is it?" "I don't think I should say" "Why not" "Well the doctors on his way." "Doctor. Alex, if it's serious." "I hope not" "What's wrong?" "You cant tell anybody" "You know I won't" "I shouldn't be telling you this yet, not without Claire but. She's got low levels of something in her blood. The tablets the doctors given her aren't working and when I went into the house, I found her unconscious on the floor" "Oh God, is she ok?" "I hope so, I just hope the baby's ok, she's pregnant again" "Oh my God, that's fantastic! Congratulations!" "Thanks, I just hope everything ok. I better go" "If you need anything you know where I am" "Thanks"
The doctor came and prescribed Claire some new tablets. He also said the baby was probable fine, but just to be on the safe side, to go and have scan tomorrow. When Claire woke up the next morning, she felt better already. Not only that, but Alex was still there. So much for feeling better though, she still had morning sickness and was in the bathroom in no time. When she went back into the bedroom, Alex was sprawled all over the bed. She watched him for a minute as she lent against the doorframe. He woke up and said "What are you doing standing there?" When he noticed her watching him. "I was just wondering where I'd fit in seeing as you've decided to hog the whole bed" "You have to lie on top of me. How you feeling?" "Better, except for morning sickness" She said as she laid on top of him "What's wrong?" "I'm just a little nervous about later" "Everything will be fine" "I hope so. I really want this baby" "So do I and I'm not going to let anything happen to either of you" "I said I'd drop Jack off at your mums about 11, I could always cancel" "No, I think we should. It gives us a chance to be together" "I don't want to tell anyone, at least not until we know everything's ok" "Don't worry, everything's going to be fine" He kissed her and put his arms around her.
"Do you want to know the sex?" the nurse asked. Claire and Alex looked at each other. They hadn't thought of that. He was holding her hand. "It's up to you," He said. "I'd like to wait, at least for now. You can know if you want though" "No, it's ok, we can always change our mind" They smiled at each other and then turned their attention back to the monitor "Well everything seems to be fine. There's no damage and all looks normal. You have a healthy baby!" Alex and Claire were relieved. When they got out side Claire flung her arm around Alex. She was just so happy. Then they headed off to get Jack.
They got out of the Ute and Alex put his arm around Claire as they walked in. Liz smiled straight away to find the two happy together. It was a relief. "Everything all right?" "Yes, just been to the doctors" Alex said quite light heartily. Liz didn't know what to think. She knew Claire hadn't been well, yet Alex was smiling, they were both smiling. "Everything's fine mum. Is dad about?" "Did someone say my name?" Harry said walking in "Claire, how are you?" He asked. He had been really worried about her "They've been to the doctors Harry" Liz informed her husband. "What's the matter?" "Nothing. I was a bit ill, but I'm better now" "What was wrong?" "Uh, low potassium levels in my blood. I've got some pills to take, I'll be fine" she said touched by their concern. "Actually that's not entirely true," Alex said. "What do you mean. You are going to be all right aren't you Claire" "Yes, nothing I haven't been through before" she said looking up to Alex "Mum, dad, we're having another baby" Liz and Harry were so happy "That's fantastic news. Congratulations. Everything is going to be ok though?" "Everything's fine. We just went for a scan" Claire go the photo out "How far along are you? Do you know what sex it is?" "I'm nearly three months and I think we're going to wait to find out the sex" "three months? Why didn't you say anything?" "I found out before the wedding and I didn't get a chance to tell Alex until last night" "and everything ok?" "Everything's fine" Claire and Alex left a lot happier this time around then they had done before. Claire held Jack and Alex held Claire as they sat on the veranda enjoying the quiet.
When Tess and Nick got back, they couldn't wait to see Claire, Alex and Jack. They'd had a fantastic time and couldn't wait to tell everyone all that happened when they did manage to surface from the hotel room. They came over for dinner and everyone else knew about Claire being pregnant except for them. Claire didn't want to say anything until they had told all what they had done. She knew it was a special time that you didn't get again, so she wanted them to be as happy as they could be and not spoil it for them by taking away their thunder if you like it, before they had a chance to talk all about them. It was their special time. You could tell they were newly weds. They couldn't get enough of each other, although Claire, probably due to her hormones, did want to be parted from Alex for a moment. She became very clingy, but Alex loved it. Everyone was eating except Claire. She still felt a bit queasy so fed Jack instead. Tess told all about what had happened and they had a fantastic time. When dinner was finished and Tess had finished telling all her stories, they went outside. It was a nice warm evening and everyone was full from dinner. "So anything happen while we were away?" Tess asked, cuddling up in Nick's arms. Claire did the same in Alex's having just put Jack to bed. Everyone turned to look at Claire. She nearly laughed and Tess noticed "What?" She was intrigued now. "Oh nothing much, you now, the normal. Fed the cattle, mucked out the stables, had a cabin built for me and told Alex I was pregnant again. Nothing out of the ordinary" Everyone laughed at Claire's off handed speech and at Tess as her jaw dropped before she jumped up and gave her sister a cuddle. "Why didn't you say anything? That's great news, congratulations. Another little Alex, god" "Hey, why do I always get picked on? It might be a girl" "True. A little Claire, scary" "Hey"