Disclaimer: Do not own anything McLeod's Daughters belongs to channel 9, and the writers and creators apart from Abby, Lily and Charlie.
Abby and Nick worked together in comfortable silence for most of the day, Nick smiled to himself as he thought how well they had worked together. He forgot how well Abby worked, Jack and Harry had always joked about how she was a born farmer, everything just came naturally to her.
'What?' Abby asked looking up and over at Nick who watching her fix the last of the broken fences.
'Nothing.' Nick replied shaking his head, smiling.
'What's with the stupid grin then?' Abby asked.
Nick laughed. 'What grin.'
'You know what I mean.' Abby told him as she got up.
'No.'
'Whatever.' Abby laughed.
'All done?' Nick asked bout the fence.
'Yep. Any more jobs on the list?' Abby asked.
'No, that it's it for today, lets head back.'
The two headed back to Killarney , Nick on his bike and Abby on horseback. When they arrived back at Killarney Harry approached them.
'Nick, Abby.' Harry called out
'Harry.' Abby replied as Harry approached them.
'How you'd do today?' Harry asked.
'Good, fine, no problems.'
'Forgot what a great worker she was.' Nick told his father as he reached over and ruffled Abby hair. Abby tired unsuccessfully to duck away from Nick reach.
'God, good I 'm glad. I uh I was wondering if you two and Alex could join Sandra and I for dinner tonight in town.'
Abby looks at Nick a little surprised, he shares her reaction.
'Sort of a family dinner.'
'A family dinner.' Abby repeats.
'Your not busy?' Asks Harry.
'No.'
'I've got nothing planned.' Abby tells Harry.
'I'm not sure about Alex, I think he was hoping to spend a little time with Charlotte.' Nick told his father.
'He's spent all day with her one nights not gonna hurt.' Harry replied.
'Don't worry Harry, we'll be there.' Abby told him.
'What time ?' Nick asked.
'Table's booked for eight thirty at Milo's.'
'I wonder what that's about.' Abby thought out loud, once Harry had left.
'Whatever it is Alex isn't gonna be pleased, dinner with Sandra.' Nick muttered.
Abby laughed. 'I don't think that it anybodies idea of a good time.'
'Come lets get ready.'
Abby sat on the sofa contemplating recent events, she was dressed and ready for dinner. She had decided to wear a halter neck poppy dress, red shoes with a red shawl that had once belonged to her mother. Her long brunette hair was loosely tied back from her face, although strands had escaped. Abby was staring intently at what was in front of her, on the table she didn't notice Nick enter the room.
Noticing the Abby was immersed in what was in front of her Nick quickly approached Abby and sat down next to her. Abby only noticed Nick's presence once he had sat down beside her. Nick graze fell to what Abby was looking at. In front of him were a collection of photos of Claire, Charlotte, Abby and Charlie that Nick guessed must have been taken when Abby and Claire met up in the city.
'Pretty pictures.' Nick said as he leaned forward and picked up one of Abby, Charlotte and Claire.
Abby smiled. 'We met up with dad later in the day, he, he'd brought a camera with him He was snapping away.' Abby explained.
Nick looked over the pictures each had different groups of people in them. Abby and Charlotte, Claire and Charlotte, all three of the girls, Abby and Claire. There was even some shots with Charlie in, Charlie and the baby Charlotte, Abby and Charlie, Claire and Charlie and one of all four of them.
Nick picked a photo and grazed at it. 'I like this one best.' He told her. Abby gently took the photo from Nick, she smiled, it was one of her favourites to. It was of her, Claire and Charlotte. Claire was holding Charlotte and next to her was Abby . Abby seemed to be whispering something in Claire's ears, the two were beaming, smiles plastered on their faces.
Abby looked at the photo sadly reminiscing.
You wanna talk about.' Nick asked softly.
Abby looked over at Nick, her eyes slowly filling up with tears. She gave a small little smile and rested her head on Nick's shoulder. Nick instinctively put his arm around her and kissed the top of her head, slowly he eased them back into the sofa. Abby slowly pulled away fro Nick and looked down at the photo that was still in her hand. She sighed and took a deep breath. Slowly but surely she began to tell Nick about the events of the past years and her plans for coming home.
She told him about the accident in the pub, how Charlie's past had caught up with him and how she got caught in the crossfire. How there was a court case that followed, her father was charged with theft and because of the fight in the pub, assault, even thought it had only been self defence.
Nick listen carefully, not rushing her or bombarding her with a million questions, but allowing her to take her time, telling her story in her own words. When she'd finished the two sat in silence. Nick didn't know what to say. Abby sat in silence, waiting for Nick's reaction, she half expected him to be angry with her, she didn't know why. She bean filled with the threads on her shawl . Nick looked over at Abby, he noticed her fiddling. He took her hand in his.
'Abby.' He said gently.' Abby didn't look up. 'Abby.' he tried again. She looked up this time, tears running down her face. With his other hand Nick wiped the tears that had fallen away.
'Why didn't you just come home after the accident in the pub?' Nick asked.
Abby was stuck for words. She shrugged her shoulders. 'I thought I was doing for the best.' She muttered.
'For who? Obviously not you.' Nick told her. 'You'd just been in hospital Abby you needed your family around, you'd needed support from the people that love you and care for you.'
'You know I walked into the pub and everything in my life was practically prefect, Claire was happy, Tess had gotten the all clear from her test results, I was coming home. And the next thing I know, I wake up in hospital and my whole world seems to have fallen apart. My dad's in trouble with the police, I'm in hospital and Claire, Claire was gone.'
'You should of come home, you were needed.'
'If I'd of come home I would of only be bringing trouble with me and nobody needed that at the moment.'
'Abby.'
'I'm serious Nick, Claire had just died nobody needed me to return and have to deal with all my problems, they have too much to deal with already.'
'So you decided to deal with it by yourself.' Nick stated.
Abby shrugged her shoulders. 'It seemed like the best thing to do.'
'Abby you were stabbed.' Nick exclaimed.
'I wasn't stabbed I fell on some broken glass.' Abby corrected him. 'It really isn't as bad as it sounds.' Abby said trying to reassure Nick. 'Really, it isn't. I was out of hospital in just under two weeks.'
'So what stopped you coming home then.'
Abby looked down at her hand in Nicks. 'I uh, it like I said Nick, I didn't want to cause anyone anymore grief. I didn't even know Tess, I couldn't just waltz home and expected to support me and handle me and my problems, not when she was dealing with her sisters death.'
'I was here, I would of supported you.' Nick told her. Abby looked up, fresh tears welling up in her eyes.
'I know.' She whispered, she leaned forward and placed a kiss on his cheek, 'But I needed to do this by myself.'
'You didn't have to.' Nick told her firmly
'Yes I did.' She said meekly.
Nick looked at Abby his eyes filled with sadness. He hated that the fact that she had tried to cope with everything on her own, her grief for Claire, her fathers court case, she had been through so much already she hadn't deserved to go through any more pain, especially on her own.
'Hey, I'm here now.' Abby said happily as she tried in vain to change the tone of conversation.
Nick smiled but it soon faded. 'Are you gonna stay though?'
Abby tired to smile, she took a deep breath, 'Think you can put up with me for a bit longer?' She asked.
Nick face broke out into a smile. 'I think so.' He told her before embracing her in a hug.
Abby broke away. 'Good, now you better finish getting ready, I'll go get Alex.'
'We don't have to go you know, we can cancel.' Nick told her.
'Nick Ryan there is no way we are backing out of this dinner. Aren't you even a little curious to see what it's about? Abby said as she got up and collected her photo's together.
'Why's it have to be about anything?' Nick asked getting up.
'Dinner at Milo's, something's got to be up.'
'Abby.'
'Yeah.'
'You look beautiful.'
Abby smiled shyly. 'Thanks. Right I'm going to go get Alex I'll be back soon.'
'He's never gonna come you know.'
'Course he is.'
Nick just laughed as Abby headed out of the door.
Abby arrived at Drovers to find everyone apart from Jodi, who was out on a date and Alex, who was putting Charlotte to bed were in the kitchen eating dinner.
'Hey you look nice.' Meg told her as entered the kitchen.
'Thanks.' Abby replied smiling.
'Going somewhere nice?' Stevie asked.
'Yes actually.' Before she could say anymore Alex entered the room.
'Wow Abby you look stunning.'
'Thank you Alex.'
'Bit dressed up for working on the farm though.'
'That's because I'm going out for dinner tonight.'
'Oh really where you going?' Alex asked.
'Here.' Meg said to Alex as she placed a plate of delicious looking food in front of him.
'This looks great Meg.'
'Ah, I don't think so.' Abby said as she took the plate from in front of Alex and handed it to Meg.
'What, Abby what do you think you doing.' Alex exclaimed, upset that his dinner had disappeared from in front of him. Abby bent down as if she was going to whisper in Alex's ear.
'We, as in you, me and Nick are going out for dinner tonight at Milo's.'
'Bit short notice isn't.'
'It's a family dinner, Harry's invited us to join Sandra and him.'
Alex screwed his face. 'Dinner with Sandra, I don't think so.' Alex told Abby. 'Meg hand us that plate.'
'What's so bad about that?' Abby asked feigning naivety
'Do you really need me to tell you.'
'Harry's invited us for dinner and we're going end of story.' Abby told Alex firmly.
'Can't , don't want to. Beside it's to late by the time I've got home, got clean and dresses it will be to late to go out.'
'Well that's why I brought your things here.' Abby said producing a small bag with Alex's clothes in. Alex's face suddenly dropped much to the amusement of the other women.
'What about shoes?'
'In the bag.'
'Deodorant.'
'Bag.'
'Socks.'
'Bag.'
'Clean underwear.' Alex said triumphantly.
'Bag.' Abby replied smiling, a small round of laughter came from the three women sat at the table. 'Anything else?'
'No.' Alex muttered.
'Well off you go.' Abby told Alex.
'I don't see why I should?'
Abby sighed. 'What is it with you and Nick, you claiming about Harry being fatherly enough and the minute he invites you to a family dinner you don't want to go.'
Alex sighed.
Abby decided to try one more tactic. 'If you come to dinner tonight I'll cook you breakfast for the next……for the next month.'
Alex looked up at Abby. ' All the trimmings?'
Abby nodded. Alex shot up from his seat. 'You got yourself a deal.'
Abby smiled as Alex headed off to get changed. Abby sat down truimphly in Alex's now vacant seat, next to Tess.
'You must make a pretty mean breakfast.' She said laughing.
'Oh I do.' Abby replied smiling. 'oh I've got something for you.' Abby told Tess reaching into her bag and pulled out the photo's she had been looking at with Nick.
'There uh just some photo's of Claire and Charlotte that I had, I didn't know if you want them or not.'
Tess smiled as Abby handed her the photos, she carefully took the out and started looking at them. Tess smiled as went through the picture, her sister looked ever so happy.
'There from when we met up in the city.' Abby explained although she was sure Tess already realised that.
It was Meg who spoke up and asked the question they'd all been wanting to ask.
'It's strange Claire didn't mention anything about you two meeting up.'
Abby wriggled uncomfortably in her seat knowing that Meg and everyone else wanted an explanation, she decided the best thing to do was simplify it otherwise she would be here all night.
'Well there was a lot going on when she got back, I don't think t was her top priority.'
'It's just I thought she would of mentioned something.' Meg asked.
'Well we'd kind of been talking about me coming home.'
'Really.' Asked Tess.
'Well we'd talked about it, we, well Claire kind of thought that if I did come home it would be a nice if I was to surprise everyone, so uh maybe that's why.'
'So uh how come you've been invited to this family dinner?' Stevie asked.
Abby and Meg smiled. 'Harry's favourite god daughter, can do no wrong in his eyes.' Meg said.
'Very funny.'
'I didn't know you were Harry's god daughter.' Tess said a little surprised.
'Yeah well.'
'Does that mean Liz was your godmother?' Tess asked.
Abby scrunched up her face ' Yeah, I don't think I was as popular with Liz as I was with Harry though.'
'Join the club.' Muttered Tess.
The women sat round the table for the next twenty minutes, as Tess told Abby some more about Charlotte ad the days' events until Alex came back in to the room.
'Well, well. Don't you scrub up nice.' Abby told her, a huge grin on her face.
'Yeah, yeah. If we're gonna go lets go.' Alex said in a clearly unhappy tone of voice.
The four women laughed.
'Come on grumpy let's go then.' Abby said getting up.
'I see you guys later.'
'Bye'
Abby and Alex walked out of the kitchen and towards his Ute.
'Abby.' Abby turned round on hearing her name being called, it was Tess.
'Here.' She said handing the keys to Alex 'You can drive.'
'It's my Ute.' Alex told her, expecting that he was going to be driving all along.
'Well then you can drive it.' Abby replied.
'Hey.' She said as Tess approached her.
'I uh,' Tess wasn't sure what she wanted to say to her cousin or how to say it, she wanted to say sorry again for earlier, that she should spend some time with her and Charlotte, move back in. Once Charlotte was gone Tess would be stuck in that house all on her own and she didn't want that, she didn't want to feel that lonely.
I uh I wanted to say thank you for those photos, they're really beautiful.' Were all the words that Tess seemed able to muster.
Abby smiled, 'That's ok.'
'I was uh thinking over taking a tri into town tomorrow with Charlotte, I was wondering if you would like to join us.'
'I'd like that.'
'Great.' Tess smiled. 'Well I'll uh pick you up tomorrow. Have a nice dinner.' She said before turning around and walking back to the house.
'Tess.' Abby called out.
Tess spun round fearful that Abby had changed her mind.
'Yes.'
What time tomorrow.'
'Oh. About ten.'
'Ok, see you then.'
'Bye.'
Abby climbed into Alex's Ute and the two headed off.'
The three entered the restaurant, they were ten minutes late. When Alex and Abby had got to Killarney the boys had thrown a major fuss about going to dinner until Abby had put her foot down.
'Will you two stop complaining.' Abby told the two Ryan boys as they waited to be seated.
'I don't see why we had to come.' Alex complained once again.
Abby rolled her eyes. 'oh my god, how old are you? Your acting like a little kid throwing tantrum because he's not getting his own way.'
Alex let out a little gruff and mumbled something under his breath.
'You know Abby reckons that Harry and Sandra are going to make some kind of announcement and that's why his organised this dinner.' Nick told Alex.
'like what?' Alex asked looking over at Abby.
Abby shrugged her shoulder and rolled her eyes. 'I don't know, maybe Sandra's selling her property or their expanding Killarney or Sandra's pregnant.'
'What.' Alex and Nick both exclaimed.
'You don't think.'
'Nah. Harry said he didn't want any more kids remember.' Alex told his younger brother. 'Besides Sandra doesn't strike me as the maternal type.'
The two looked over at Abby.
'I don't know, maybe it just is a family dinner.' Abby said as she was faced with the two worried Ryan boys.
'You tables this way.' The three followed the man to their table where Harry and Sandra where waiting.
'You should of seen the looks on your faces when I suggested Sandra was pregnant.' Abby said laughing as they made their way to their table. 'Talk about deer caught in headlights.'
'You made it.' Harry said standing up to greet the three as they arrived at the table. He kissed Abby on the cheek and shook the boys hands.
'You look beautiful tonight Abby.'
'Thank you Harry, you don't look so bad yourself.'
'Why thank you.' Harry smiled.
'Where Sandra?' Nick asked as they took their seats.
'She's just gone to the toilet, she'll be back in a minute.'
A few moments later Sandra appeared.
'Hi, I'm so glad you could make it.' She said as she arrived at the table. Abby stood up to greet Sandra.
'You look really nice Sandra.' Abby said with all sincerity.
'Thank you Abby, so do you.'
'Thanks, it's not often I get the chance to dress up so, I thought I might push the boat out tonight.'
Sandra smiled and the two sat down again.
'So uh shall we order?' Harry asked.
Dinner started out fairly smoothly, they had got through the first course pretty smoothly, although it was still clear that neither Alex or Nick wanted to be there but they were pleasant enough about it and as the evening went on they started to relax heeding the wording Abby had told them on the way up.
'Just think of it as a free meal.'
It was half way through the main course that thing took a somewhat dramatic turn.
'I uh I just like to say something.' Harry told the rest of the table. He looked over at Sandra who smiled and took his hand.
'Well Sandra and I we'd both like to say something.'
Abby looked over to Alex and Nick, smiling she knew this dinner was about something. It was Sandra , well tried to anyway.
'We uh we're going.'
'We're going to have a baby.' Harry finished for her.
There was a loud clutter as Alex dropped his cutlery on his plate, Abby turned her head to look at Alex, a small smile began to crept up on her face. She looked over across the table to where Nick was sitting, he was silent in shock.
Harry sat in silence what seemed like forever waiting for a response form his sons and god daughter. He couldn't help but notice Alex and Nick's adverse reactions. In reality it only took a few moments for someone to respond to their announcement as Harry predicted it was his god daughter Abby.
'Oh my god, that's fantastic news.' She said smiling and reaching out to give Harry a congratulatory hug. 'Oh that's such exciting news.' Abby said getting up to go and congratulate Sandra, who was quite surprised to receive a hug from happy. 'I'm so happy for you both.' she said as she sat down.
'Isn't that great news guys.' Abby said looking over to Alex and Nick.
Nick seemed to shake himself from his shock. 'That's great news dad, Sandra.' He gave Sandra a quick peck on the cheek and reached over to shake Harry's hand.
'Alex.' Harry asked.
Alex was still sitting there in total and utter shock it wasn't until a swift kick from under the table by Abby did he realise that Harry was talking to him. He looked over at Abby slightly angry that she had kicked and so hard to, they were some lethal heels she was wearing. Abby looked at him and Alex could see a slight anger on her face she nodded towards Harry and Sandra encouraging him to congratulate them.
'Congratulations guys.' Alex said shaking Harry's hand.
Another look from Abby prompted him to get and up and give Sandra a kiss as Nick had done.
'So how far along are you?' Abby asked.
Harry smiled as Abby congratulated and questioned Sandra on the new arrival, she had, just as he had expected shown a fair greater maturity to their relationship then either of his sons. When Abby first arrived she had told Harry that she would hold off judging them, until she had seen them together herself. She wasn't about to make her mind up about the two on everybody else's opinion. And she had, although she may of not liked Sandra that much, mainly because of the difficulties between Claire and Sandra, Abby had given her approval their relationship.
'I may not like her that much Harry, but I can see that you love her and she loves you so I wished you all the happiness in the world.' Abby had told him this just before she left after Tess and Abby had come round for dinner the other night. Abby had shown herself to be very much like her mother and Harry was grateful for that. He had adored Lily, she was a lively and spirited person and a wonderful friends. He had been very honoured when Lily had chosen himself and Liz to be Abby's god parents although he suspected for some reason that Liz was not so happy with the idea. Harry on the other hand had doted on the young Abby, as he and Liz never had a daughter he treated Abby as if she was his own, perhaps even better then he treated his own boys at time.
'Three and a half months.' Sandra told Abby.
'Wow you kept that quiet for a while.'
'Well I wanted to wait until we were sure about everything, you know how they say to wait until you've past the three month period just to be on the safe side.'
Abby nodded.
'If you'll excuse me I just need to pop to the loo.' Sandra said as she got up.
'I'm just going to make a quick phone call, I won't be a moment.' Harry told the three remaining occupants at the table.
'I won't be a moment.' He said, he got up and gave Abby a kiss on the top of her head.
'Thank you.' He whispered.
'What for.' Abby asked looking up at Harry.
'For being happy for me.'
Abby looked at Harry slightly confused. 'Your welcome.' she said half smiling, half laughing.
Once Harry left Abby looked over at Alex and Nick who were still in shock. She laughed. Taking a sip of her drink she smiled.
'Oh come on it's not that bad.'
The Ryan boys sat in silence.
'Excuse me Miss would you like anymore drinks?' A waiter asked Abby.
Abby looked over at Alex and Nick. 'Yeah uh, just keep the drinks coming, beer will do.'
'And for you?'
'I'll just stick with the cranberry juice thanks.'
'I'll be back in moment Miss.'
Abby looked over at Nick and Alex once more.
'Looks like I'll be driving home tonight.' she muttered to herself.
Abby and Nick worked together in comfortable silence for most of the day, Nick smiled to himself as he thought how well they had worked together. He forgot how well Abby worked, Jack and Harry had always joked about how she was a born farmer, everything just came naturally to her.
'What?' Abby asked looking up and over at Nick who watching her fix the last of the broken fences.
'Nothing.' Nick replied shaking his head, smiling.
'What's with the stupid grin then?' Abby asked.
Nick laughed. 'What grin.'
'You know what I mean.' Abby told him as she got up.
'No.'
'Whatever.' Abby laughed.
'All done?' Nick asked bout the fence.
'Yep. Any more jobs on the list?' Abby asked.
'No, that it's it for today, lets head back.'
The two headed back to Killarney , Nick on his bike and Abby on horseback. When they arrived back at Killarney Harry approached them.
'Nick, Abby.' Harry called out
'Harry.' Abby replied as Harry approached them.
'How you'd do today?' Harry asked.
'Good, fine, no problems.'
'Forgot what a great worker she was.' Nick told his father as he reached over and ruffled Abby hair. Abby tired unsuccessfully to duck away from Nick reach.
'God, good I 'm glad. I uh I was wondering if you two and Alex could join Sandra and I for dinner tonight in town.'
Abby looks at Nick a little surprised, he shares her reaction.
'Sort of a family dinner.'
'A family dinner.' Abby repeats.
'Your not busy?' Asks Harry.
'No.'
'I've got nothing planned.' Abby tells Harry.
'I'm not sure about Alex, I think he was hoping to spend a little time with Charlotte.' Nick told his father.
'He's spent all day with her one nights not gonna hurt.' Harry replied.
'Don't worry Harry, we'll be there.' Abby told him.
'What time ?' Nick asked.
'Table's booked for eight thirty at Milo's.'
'I wonder what that's about.' Abby thought out loud, once Harry had left.
'Whatever it is Alex isn't gonna be pleased, dinner with Sandra.' Nick muttered.
Abby laughed. 'I don't think that it anybodies idea of a good time.'
'Come lets get ready.'
Abby sat on the sofa contemplating recent events, she was dressed and ready for dinner. She had decided to wear a halter neck poppy dress, red shoes with a red shawl that had once belonged to her mother. Her long brunette hair was loosely tied back from her face, although strands had escaped. Abby was staring intently at what was in front of her, on the table she didn't notice Nick enter the room.
Noticing the Abby was immersed in what was in front of her Nick quickly approached Abby and sat down next to her. Abby only noticed Nick's presence once he had sat down beside her. Nick graze fell to what Abby was looking at. In front of him were a collection of photos of Claire, Charlotte, Abby and Charlie that Nick guessed must have been taken when Abby and Claire met up in the city.
'Pretty pictures.' Nick said as he leaned forward and picked up one of Abby, Charlotte and Claire.
Abby smiled. 'We met up with dad later in the day, he, he'd brought a camera with him He was snapping away.' Abby explained.
Nick looked over the pictures each had different groups of people in them. Abby and Charlotte, Claire and Charlotte, all three of the girls, Abby and Claire. There was even some shots with Charlie in, Charlie and the baby Charlotte, Abby and Charlie, Claire and Charlie and one of all four of them.
Nick picked a photo and grazed at it. 'I like this one best.' He told her. Abby gently took the photo from Nick, she smiled, it was one of her favourites to. It was of her, Claire and Charlotte. Claire was holding Charlotte and next to her was Abby . Abby seemed to be whispering something in Claire's ears, the two were beaming, smiles plastered on their faces.
Abby looked at the photo sadly reminiscing.
You wanna talk about.' Nick asked softly.
Abby looked over at Nick, her eyes slowly filling up with tears. She gave a small little smile and rested her head on Nick's shoulder. Nick instinctively put his arm around her and kissed the top of her head, slowly he eased them back into the sofa. Abby slowly pulled away fro Nick and looked down at the photo that was still in her hand. She sighed and took a deep breath. Slowly but surely she began to tell Nick about the events of the past years and her plans for coming home.
She told him about the accident in the pub, how Charlie's past had caught up with him and how she got caught in the crossfire. How there was a court case that followed, her father was charged with theft and because of the fight in the pub, assault, even thought it had only been self defence.
Nick listen carefully, not rushing her or bombarding her with a million questions, but allowing her to take her time, telling her story in her own words. When she'd finished the two sat in silence. Nick didn't know what to say. Abby sat in silence, waiting for Nick's reaction, she half expected him to be angry with her, she didn't know why. She bean filled with the threads on her shawl . Nick looked over at Abby, he noticed her fiddling. He took her hand in his.
'Abby.' He said gently.' Abby didn't look up. 'Abby.' he tried again. She looked up this time, tears running down her face. With his other hand Nick wiped the tears that had fallen away.
'Why didn't you just come home after the accident in the pub?' Nick asked.
Abby was stuck for words. She shrugged her shoulders. 'I thought I was doing for the best.' She muttered.
'For who? Obviously not you.' Nick told her. 'You'd just been in hospital Abby you needed your family around, you'd needed support from the people that love you and care for you.'
'You know I walked into the pub and everything in my life was practically prefect, Claire was happy, Tess had gotten the all clear from her test results, I was coming home. And the next thing I know, I wake up in hospital and my whole world seems to have fallen apart. My dad's in trouble with the police, I'm in hospital and Claire, Claire was gone.'
'You should of come home, you were needed.'
'If I'd of come home I would of only be bringing trouble with me and nobody needed that at the moment.'
'Abby.'
'I'm serious Nick, Claire had just died nobody needed me to return and have to deal with all my problems, they have too much to deal with already.'
'So you decided to deal with it by yourself.' Nick stated.
Abby shrugged her shoulders. 'It seemed like the best thing to do.'
'Abby you were stabbed.' Nick exclaimed.
'I wasn't stabbed I fell on some broken glass.' Abby corrected him. 'It really isn't as bad as it sounds.' Abby said trying to reassure Nick. 'Really, it isn't. I was out of hospital in just under two weeks.'
'So what stopped you coming home then.'
Abby looked down at her hand in Nicks. 'I uh, it like I said Nick, I didn't want to cause anyone anymore grief. I didn't even know Tess, I couldn't just waltz home and expected to support me and handle me and my problems, not when she was dealing with her sisters death.'
'I was here, I would of supported you.' Nick told her. Abby looked up, fresh tears welling up in her eyes.
'I know.' She whispered, she leaned forward and placed a kiss on his cheek, 'But I needed to do this by myself.'
'You didn't have to.' Nick told her firmly
'Yes I did.' She said meekly.
Nick looked at Abby his eyes filled with sadness. He hated that the fact that she had tried to cope with everything on her own, her grief for Claire, her fathers court case, she had been through so much already she hadn't deserved to go through any more pain, especially on her own.
'Hey, I'm here now.' Abby said happily as she tried in vain to change the tone of conversation.
Nick smiled but it soon faded. 'Are you gonna stay though?'
Abby tired to smile, she took a deep breath, 'Think you can put up with me for a bit longer?' She asked.
Nick face broke out into a smile. 'I think so.' He told her before embracing her in a hug.
Abby broke away. 'Good, now you better finish getting ready, I'll go get Alex.'
'We don't have to go you know, we can cancel.' Nick told her.
'Nick Ryan there is no way we are backing out of this dinner. Aren't you even a little curious to see what it's about? Abby said as she got up and collected her photo's together.
'Why's it have to be about anything?' Nick asked getting up.
'Dinner at Milo's, something's got to be up.'
'Abby.'
'Yeah.'
'You look beautiful.'
Abby smiled shyly. 'Thanks. Right I'm going to go get Alex I'll be back soon.'
'He's never gonna come you know.'
'Course he is.'
Nick just laughed as Abby headed out of the door.
Abby arrived at Drovers to find everyone apart from Jodi, who was out on a date and Alex, who was putting Charlotte to bed were in the kitchen eating dinner.
'Hey you look nice.' Meg told her as entered the kitchen.
'Thanks.' Abby replied smiling.
'Going somewhere nice?' Stevie asked.
'Yes actually.' Before she could say anymore Alex entered the room.
'Wow Abby you look stunning.'
'Thank you Alex.'
'Bit dressed up for working on the farm though.'
'That's because I'm going out for dinner tonight.'
'Oh really where you going?' Alex asked.
'Here.' Meg said to Alex as she placed a plate of delicious looking food in front of him.
'This looks great Meg.'
'Ah, I don't think so.' Abby said as she took the plate from in front of Alex and handed it to Meg.
'What, Abby what do you think you doing.' Alex exclaimed, upset that his dinner had disappeared from in front of him. Abby bent down as if she was going to whisper in Alex's ear.
'We, as in you, me and Nick are going out for dinner tonight at Milo's.'
'Bit short notice isn't.'
'It's a family dinner, Harry's invited us to join Sandra and him.'
Alex screwed his face. 'Dinner with Sandra, I don't think so.' Alex told Abby. 'Meg hand us that plate.'
'What's so bad about that?' Abby asked feigning naivety
'Do you really need me to tell you.'
'Harry's invited us for dinner and we're going end of story.' Abby told Alex firmly.
'Can't , don't want to. Beside it's to late by the time I've got home, got clean and dresses it will be to late to go out.'
'Well that's why I brought your things here.' Abby said producing a small bag with Alex's clothes in. Alex's face suddenly dropped much to the amusement of the other women.
'What about shoes?'
'In the bag.'
'Deodorant.'
'Bag.'
'Socks.'
'Bag.'
'Clean underwear.' Alex said triumphantly.
'Bag.' Abby replied smiling, a small round of laughter came from the three women sat at the table. 'Anything else?'
'No.' Alex muttered.
'Well off you go.' Abby told Alex.
'I don't see why I should?'
Abby sighed. 'What is it with you and Nick, you claiming about Harry being fatherly enough and the minute he invites you to a family dinner you don't want to go.'
Alex sighed.
Abby decided to try one more tactic. 'If you come to dinner tonight I'll cook you breakfast for the next……for the next month.'
Alex looked up at Abby. ' All the trimmings?'
Abby nodded. Alex shot up from his seat. 'You got yourself a deal.'
Abby smiled as Alex headed off to get changed. Abby sat down truimphly in Alex's now vacant seat, next to Tess.
'You must make a pretty mean breakfast.' She said laughing.
'Oh I do.' Abby replied smiling. 'oh I've got something for you.' Abby told Tess reaching into her bag and pulled out the photo's she had been looking at with Nick.
'There uh just some photo's of Claire and Charlotte that I had, I didn't know if you want them or not.'
Tess smiled as Abby handed her the photos, she carefully took the out and started looking at them. Tess smiled as went through the picture, her sister looked ever so happy.
'There from when we met up in the city.' Abby explained although she was sure Tess already realised that.
It was Meg who spoke up and asked the question they'd all been wanting to ask.
'It's strange Claire didn't mention anything about you two meeting up.'
Abby wriggled uncomfortably in her seat knowing that Meg and everyone else wanted an explanation, she decided the best thing to do was simplify it otherwise she would be here all night.
'Well there was a lot going on when she got back, I don't think t was her top priority.'
'It's just I thought she would of mentioned something.' Meg asked.
'Well we'd kind of been talking about me coming home.'
'Really.' Asked Tess.
'Well we'd talked about it, we, well Claire kind of thought that if I did come home it would be a nice if I was to surprise everyone, so uh maybe that's why.'
'So uh how come you've been invited to this family dinner?' Stevie asked.
Abby and Meg smiled. 'Harry's favourite god daughter, can do no wrong in his eyes.' Meg said.
'Very funny.'
'I didn't know you were Harry's god daughter.' Tess said a little surprised.
'Yeah well.'
'Does that mean Liz was your godmother?' Tess asked.
Abby scrunched up her face ' Yeah, I don't think I was as popular with Liz as I was with Harry though.'
'Join the club.' Muttered Tess.
The women sat round the table for the next twenty minutes, as Tess told Abby some more about Charlotte ad the days' events until Alex came back in to the room.
'Well, well. Don't you scrub up nice.' Abby told her, a huge grin on her face.
'Yeah, yeah. If we're gonna go lets go.' Alex said in a clearly unhappy tone of voice.
The four women laughed.
'Come on grumpy let's go then.' Abby said getting up.
'I see you guys later.'
'Bye'
Abby and Alex walked out of the kitchen and towards his Ute.
'Abby.' Abby turned round on hearing her name being called, it was Tess.
'Here.' She said handing the keys to Alex 'You can drive.'
'It's my Ute.' Alex told her, expecting that he was going to be driving all along.
'Well then you can drive it.' Abby replied.
'Hey.' She said as Tess approached her.
'I uh,' Tess wasn't sure what she wanted to say to her cousin or how to say it, she wanted to say sorry again for earlier, that she should spend some time with her and Charlotte, move back in. Once Charlotte was gone Tess would be stuck in that house all on her own and she didn't want that, she didn't want to feel that lonely.
I uh I wanted to say thank you for those photos, they're really beautiful.' Were all the words that Tess seemed able to muster.
Abby smiled, 'That's ok.'
'I was uh thinking over taking a tri into town tomorrow with Charlotte, I was wondering if you would like to join us.'
'I'd like that.'
'Great.' Tess smiled. 'Well I'll uh pick you up tomorrow. Have a nice dinner.' She said before turning around and walking back to the house.
'Tess.' Abby called out.
Tess spun round fearful that Abby had changed her mind.
'Yes.'
What time tomorrow.'
'Oh. About ten.'
'Ok, see you then.'
'Bye.'
Abby climbed into Alex's Ute and the two headed off.'
The three entered the restaurant, they were ten minutes late. When Alex and Abby had got to Killarney the boys had thrown a major fuss about going to dinner until Abby had put her foot down.
'Will you two stop complaining.' Abby told the two Ryan boys as they waited to be seated.
'I don't see why we had to come.' Alex complained once again.
Abby rolled her eyes. 'oh my god, how old are you? Your acting like a little kid throwing tantrum because he's not getting his own way.'
Alex let out a little gruff and mumbled something under his breath.
'You know Abby reckons that Harry and Sandra are going to make some kind of announcement and that's why his organised this dinner.' Nick told Alex.
'like what?' Alex asked looking over at Abby.
Abby shrugged her shoulder and rolled her eyes. 'I don't know, maybe Sandra's selling her property or their expanding Killarney or Sandra's pregnant.'
'What.' Alex and Nick both exclaimed.
'You don't think.'
'Nah. Harry said he didn't want any more kids remember.' Alex told his younger brother. 'Besides Sandra doesn't strike me as the maternal type.'
The two looked over at Abby.
'I don't know, maybe it just is a family dinner.' Abby said as she was faced with the two worried Ryan boys.
'You tables this way.' The three followed the man to their table where Harry and Sandra where waiting.
'You should of seen the looks on your faces when I suggested Sandra was pregnant.' Abby said laughing as they made their way to their table. 'Talk about deer caught in headlights.'
'You made it.' Harry said standing up to greet the three as they arrived at the table. He kissed Abby on the cheek and shook the boys hands.
'You look beautiful tonight Abby.'
'Thank you Harry, you don't look so bad yourself.'
'Why thank you.' Harry smiled.
'Where Sandra?' Nick asked as they took their seats.
'She's just gone to the toilet, she'll be back in a minute.'
A few moments later Sandra appeared.
'Hi, I'm so glad you could make it.' She said as she arrived at the table. Abby stood up to greet Sandra.
'You look really nice Sandra.' Abby said with all sincerity.
'Thank you Abby, so do you.'
'Thanks, it's not often I get the chance to dress up so, I thought I might push the boat out tonight.'
Sandra smiled and the two sat down again.
'So uh shall we order?' Harry asked.
Dinner started out fairly smoothly, they had got through the first course pretty smoothly, although it was still clear that neither Alex or Nick wanted to be there but they were pleasant enough about it and as the evening went on they started to relax heeding the wording Abby had told them on the way up.
'Just think of it as a free meal.'
It was half way through the main course that thing took a somewhat dramatic turn.
'I uh I just like to say something.' Harry told the rest of the table. He looked over at Sandra who smiled and took his hand.
'Well Sandra and I we'd both like to say something.'
Abby looked over to Alex and Nick, smiling she knew this dinner was about something. It was Sandra , well tried to anyway.
'We uh we're going.'
'We're going to have a baby.' Harry finished for her.
There was a loud clutter as Alex dropped his cutlery on his plate, Abby turned her head to look at Alex, a small smile began to crept up on her face. She looked over across the table to where Nick was sitting, he was silent in shock.
Harry sat in silence what seemed like forever waiting for a response form his sons and god daughter. He couldn't help but notice Alex and Nick's adverse reactions. In reality it only took a few moments for someone to respond to their announcement as Harry predicted it was his god daughter Abby.
'Oh my god, that's fantastic news.' She said smiling and reaching out to give Harry a congratulatory hug. 'Oh that's such exciting news.' Abby said getting up to go and congratulate Sandra, who was quite surprised to receive a hug from happy. 'I'm so happy for you both.' she said as she sat down.
'Isn't that great news guys.' Abby said looking over to Alex and Nick.
Nick seemed to shake himself from his shock. 'That's great news dad, Sandra.' He gave Sandra a quick peck on the cheek and reached over to shake Harry's hand.
'Alex.' Harry asked.
Alex was still sitting there in total and utter shock it wasn't until a swift kick from under the table by Abby did he realise that Harry was talking to him. He looked over at Abby slightly angry that she had kicked and so hard to, they were some lethal heels she was wearing. Abby looked at him and Alex could see a slight anger on her face she nodded towards Harry and Sandra encouraging him to congratulate them.
'Congratulations guys.' Alex said shaking Harry's hand.
Another look from Abby prompted him to get and up and give Sandra a kiss as Nick had done.
'So how far along are you?' Abby asked.
Harry smiled as Abby congratulated and questioned Sandra on the new arrival, she had, just as he had expected shown a fair greater maturity to their relationship then either of his sons. When Abby first arrived she had told Harry that she would hold off judging them, until she had seen them together herself. She wasn't about to make her mind up about the two on everybody else's opinion. And she had, although she may of not liked Sandra that much, mainly because of the difficulties between Claire and Sandra, Abby had given her approval their relationship.
'I may not like her that much Harry, but I can see that you love her and she loves you so I wished you all the happiness in the world.' Abby had told him this just before she left after Tess and Abby had come round for dinner the other night. Abby had shown herself to be very much like her mother and Harry was grateful for that. He had adored Lily, she was a lively and spirited person and a wonderful friends. He had been very honoured when Lily had chosen himself and Liz to be Abby's god parents although he suspected for some reason that Liz was not so happy with the idea. Harry on the other hand had doted on the young Abby, as he and Liz never had a daughter he treated Abby as if she was his own, perhaps even better then he treated his own boys at time.
'Three and a half months.' Sandra told Abby.
'Wow you kept that quiet for a while.'
'Well I wanted to wait until we were sure about everything, you know how they say to wait until you've past the three month period just to be on the safe side.'
Abby nodded.
'If you'll excuse me I just need to pop to the loo.' Sandra said as she got up.
'I'm just going to make a quick phone call, I won't be a moment.' Harry told the three remaining occupants at the table.
'I won't be a moment.' He said, he got up and gave Abby a kiss on the top of her head.
'Thank you.' He whispered.
'What for.' Abby asked looking up at Harry.
'For being happy for me.'
Abby looked at Harry slightly confused. 'Your welcome.' she said half smiling, half laughing.
Once Harry left Abby looked over at Alex and Nick who were still in shock. She laughed. Taking a sip of her drink she smiled.
'Oh come on it's not that bad.'
The Ryan boys sat in silence.
'Excuse me Miss would you like anymore drinks?' A waiter asked Abby.
Abby looked over at Alex and Nick. 'Yeah uh, just keep the drinks coming, beer will do.'
'And for you?'
'I'll just stick with the cranberry juice thanks.'
'I'll be back in moment Miss.'
Abby looked over at Nick and Alex once more.
'Looks like I'll be driving home tonight.' she muttered to herself.