Chapter 56

Tess was helping Matt set up a folding table to help prepare for the large group that was coming to dinner. Meg was working on the food, and had already put together a platter of sausages, some rissoles, and some chicken wings which were now ready to go on the grill. Claire had stepped in and was acting as Meg's sous chef.

As Tess was smoothing the table cloth, her phone rang. It was Finn.

"Hey, can you hang on one second?" she asked him as she picked up the phone.

She walked out of the yard and into the stables. She wanted some privacy for the conversation.

"Hey. Sorry. I was in the middle of something. How are you, Finn?" she asked.

"I can call back if you're in the middle of something," replied Finn.

"No, I just needed to walk away to have a little privacy. I can talk now," said Tess.

"Great. I was calling to see if you still wanted to go out again. I thought maybe we could get dinner again later this week. I haven't tried the Gungellan Chinese restaurant yet."

"I think dinner would be nice. I'd be happy to go out for Chinese with you. Are you free the day after tomorrow?" asked Tess. She remembered she had to go to the bank in town anyway.

"I am. That sounds great," said Finn.

"Perfect. I'll be in town, anyway, for errands that afternoon, so how about I meet you at the restaurant at 6:30?"

"Okay. 6:30 it is. I'm looking forward to it."

"Me too." Tess was smiling as she held the phone to her ear. "I've got to get back to this. We have some unexpected dinner guests. But I'll see you for dinner then."

Tess hung up the phone and smiled even brighter. She realized she really was looking forward to the date.

Stevie, and Xander climbed out of Bobby's ute. Bobby had brought them over with him and Blake. Stevie's ute was still there at Drovers from when Tess had to take it to town the day before and she knew she would need to take it back with her.

As they pulled in, Stevie saw Ingrid's Nanjemup District Vet ute pull into the driveway.

Stevie grabbed a six pack of beers from Bobby's ute and waited to say hello to her sister-in-law.

"Aunt Ingrid!, I'm glad you came! I'm sorry Uncle Marcus couldn't make it with Ryan and Riley, but I'm glad to see you!" said Xander as he hugged his aunt.

"Hi Xander! I've missed you. Even with both Dave and I, we have just been so busy. Lots of sales that require vet checks prior. I'm thrilled I could squeeze this in. Dave is on call, so I'm free for the night!" said Ingrid as she hugged her nephew.

Stevie was excited to see Kate. She was surprised to hear that she was in town and was interested to hear what her news would be. The group all walked into the yard together.

"Here, this is for you," Stevie said, handing the beers to Jodi. "Thanks for hosting this impromptu get together. Is there anything I can do to help?"

"It's good to see you guys," said Ingrid to Tess and Jodi. "I've been flat out at work lately, so I'm glad I'm able to make it tonight. Dave is on call, so I'm free tonight. Marcus and the boys send their regrets. I'm happy to help too if you need any."

"I think we've got it all together." Tess replied to Stevie and Ingrid, and then turned to Xander.

"There are some sausage rolls and chips over there if you're hungry. Dinner will be ready soon. If you and Blake want to go to the paddock by the barn, Claire is there looking at the new cria. She's super cute. I thought you might like to meet her."

Since she couldn't help the hosts with anything, Stevie found Kate and gave her a big hug.

"What a great surprise! I didn't think we would be seeing you for a while. You've been so busy with school," said Stevie

"I just finished this week! I thought it was time to make a visit," said Kate.

"Well I'm glad you did. We have plenty of room at Killarney. It's only Xander and I in the big house. Our door is always open if you want to come for a visit."

"It's okay. I'm staying in the shearer's quarters. It's just like old times. Except, now, I've got a hot guy staying there with me, and I puke a lot more." Kate said and smiled.

"How's Russell doing?" Ingrid asked her. "He looks happy to be here with you."

"He is doing well. He is still working remotely with his company out of Sydney doing the software engineering thing, but he took a week off to come here with me, so he doesn't have to clock in for a few days. He likes the country and being on holiday," replied Kate.

"So any hint on your news?" asked Stevie.

"Well, did Jodi tell you where we ran into each other this morning?"

"She may have, but I thought I'd let you tell me where you were this morning," said Stevie.

"Okay. We were at the clinic having an initial prenatal check up. I'm pregnant!" exclaimed Kate.

"Yes! That's wonderful news. Congratulations. You'll be a wonderful mom," said Ingrid.

"That's wonderful news guys. I'm so happy for you both," said Stevie.

"With Twins! We just found that part out!" said Kate.

"Twins! Double the fun! I'm sure they'll be very close friends," said Ingrid.

"I had everything planned out for one baby. Now I need to change all of my plans," Kate said with disappointment.

"As a mother, let me give you some advice. Take your plans, rip them up, and light them on fire! Life is going to change fast and throw you things you might not expect. Motherhood is thinking and making decisions on the fly. The best laid plans will go right out the window," said Stevie, thinking about both of her experiences having children..

"Yup. I'm already learning that, as every plan I have made since learning I was pregnant seems to have gone haywire," said Kate.

"You are one of the most loving people I have ever known. You will do great. Plus, when things get extra tough, you can hand the kids off to Russell and take a spa day!" said Ingrid. "I've done that a couple times when I needed to with my boys. You're allowed to still take some time for yourself. As long as you come back for them, it's okay," she joked.