Chapter 9
It had been a week since BOM's birth and Claire and Alex's life had drastically changed. She absolutely loved being a mom - although her mommy-role was still new, it came naturally to her. She was in love with her little girl and so was Alex.
Alex had spend every possible waken hours at Drover's with them for the last week, he was scared to miss out on anything - Even though Claire had assured him, that the only thing BOM would be doing was sleep, eat and burp. She couldn't even smile yet, but Alex didn't care. He wanted to be around their little angel as much as he could. "She already has you wrapped around her little finger" Claire joked, as she walked into the nursery, seeing Alex walk around with BOM in his arms - Claire had told him many times, that there was no need for him to be holding her all the time, but he really didn't care. No, he could simply not take his eyes of his little girl - she was perfect.
"She can wrap me around her finger as much as she wants" He said and admired her sleeping in his arm. "Claire, just look at her" he said as Claire walked closer to him. "We made this little bundle of joy. You and I". Claire smiled and placed her arm around his waist, they sure had done a good job with her. She looked up at Alex, who met her in a kiss. She still had trouble getting her brain to understand that all of this were real. Her and Alex, little BOM - months ago her life was in absolute chaos because of Peter, and she had been ready to give up on everything so she could keep Drover's - but now she finally had everything she wanted. A family of her own and a man she adored as much as he adored her.
"Come on, it's my turn" Claire said and put her arms out, ready to take over for Alex. He gently placed his daughter in Claire's arms and admired how Claire interacted with their baby girl. He couldn't wish for a better mother to his child - He got overwhelmed with his feelings towards Claire and his new role as a father, and a few tears started to gather in his eyes. He still didn't understood how his life could turn out this good within months, every bad thing that had ever happened was a million miles away in his thought, he could only see the bright future ahead of him and his new family. The images of Claire with his daughter in her arms was all he wanted to remain in his thoughts, it was all he needed. He smiled for himself and put both of his arms around Claire's waist and pulled her in for a hug - He rested his head on top of hers and felt like he would never let her go again.
"What had gotten into you?" Claire laughed. She wasn't used to see this side of Alex, guess the books were right about men finding their soft spots, when they become fathers. "We should let this little girl sleep" Claire said with a baby voice to her daughter, and broke out of Alex's grip to put BOM into the crib. "And we should get dressed" she said as she turned to Alex with a huge smile on her lips. "Yeah, you think?" Alex teased and pulled her in. It was not as Claire had the strongest urge to get in some clothes on and go back to work, but her and Alex had been locked up in the house for a week, learning to be parents and being a couple - and she had really loved it, but she still had a property to run and her hands begged her to find something to fix and her mind longed for a horse ride. "I shouldn't lead you astray then?" Alex asked and placed his hand on the side of her head, before smiling to her. It took every inch of strength for Claire to decline his offer - sneaking back into the bedroom and cuddle up with Alex was a very attractive idea.
"Urgh, don't do this to me" Claire said and shook her head with a smile. "I need to see how Tess and the others have coped the last week" She said and looked him in the eyes. She was probably right, getting back to the real world could do them both good. Claire pulled herself away from Alex's arms and stroke his chest before leaving the nursery. He stood in his own thoughts for a couple of seconds before breaking them with a smile - he walked to the crib and took one last look at his daughter before leaving the room with the baby monitor in his hand.
He found Claire in front of the mirror in her room, looking extraordinary happy. "I can finally fit into my work jeans again" she said and turned her body to Alex. He couldn't help but laugh at her - he didn't know anyone like her, who appreciated jeans as much as she did. He rummaged through the clothes that was shattered around the bedroom, he couldn't find a single clean shirt anywhere. He would have to go back to Wilgul and pick up some clean clothes and he should really be doing some work around the place. "I have to go back to Wilgul and pick up some new clothes" he said and watched Claire putting her boots on. "And I may have to be there the rest of the day, can't trust Nick to do everything" he said - But going back wasn't really something he wanted to do, he wanted to be near BOM incase something were to happen. Claire laughed at his comment about Nick, she was having the same exact feeling with Tess. "I'm going to miss you" she said and walked towards him and planted a kiss on his mouth. "Mmmh, no - we are not done here" Alex said as Claire pulled away from him and stopped their kiss. "Come on, get some clothes on" Claire laughed and walked towards the door. "Come down for some breakfast when you are ready" she said and left the room, leaving Alex longing for more of her sweet lips.
"Come back soon okay?" Claire asked through the car window, she didn't want him to go. "Nothing can keep me away" Alex answered and kissed her through the window before he started his ute.
The drive back to Wilgul was only a half an hour and he already missed being around his girl. He just needed to get through today's work as fast as possible and then he would be on his way back to Drover's and the girls. He pulled up outside the house and noticed Nick's ute was still there - Alex shook on his head and showed a small grin on his face. Come on mate, are you this lazy, he thought to himself before entering the house. "Nick?" he yelled before heading to his room. He grabbed a new bag from the closet and stuffed it with clothes - this time he wanted to make sure he had enough of clothes.
"Look who finally returns home - The long lost brother" Nick joked from the doorway. "How is everything at Drover's" he asked. "You know, good. A lot of stuff to do with the baby and everything" Alex answered and made his way out to the kitchen. "Nick, she is sooo wonderful - I could look at her all day" he said and smiled. Nick laughed at his brother, the father role suited him more than he had expected.
"Yeah, she sure is a wonderful bundle of love" Nick agreed and poured himself a cup of coffee. "But Alex" he said a bit hesitant. "Haven't you forgotten about something?" Alex looked confused at his brother, forgotten about what?
"Melissa?" Nick finally said. "She has been calling all week mate". Dammit - Alex thought to himself. He had totally forgotten about Melissa, he had been too occupied with his daughter and Claire. He had wanted to break things up between them ever since BOM had been born, and he finally understood his feelings towards Claire. "Oh yeah" Alex said, he didn't know what he should say - he didn't really feel like giving Melissa a reason for their break up, she meant nothing to him, but he didn't want to be a shitty person either. "I'll call her later" he said and walked out of the kitchen.
Alex was busy fixing the old tractor when he heard a car pull up behind him. He had decided to stay close to the house, in case Claire rang him about BOM. What is she doing here? He thought as he saw Melissa get out of the car.
He dried his hands free from oil in the old rag beside him before making his way towards her. She didn't look happy and he could understand, but Claire and BOM was the only important thing right now and he didn't feel like giving Melissa a long explanation on his whereabouts the last week. "I've been trying to reach you for a week" she said to him, as he stood in front of her. Alex knew that he had to tell her, but he didn't know how. "Yeah, I've been busy." He said, but before he had the time to say anything else, she spoke again. "The whole week? You have been busy the whole week? I hope you have a good reason." Melissa was starting to get impatient, and Alex couldn't stand talking with her any longer. He knew that she was going to be an assehole, but he had to take his responsibilities. "I've been over at Drover's Run. Claire has given birth. We have a beautiful baby daughter now." He said, he wasn't able to hide his excitement when he was talking about BOM or Claire, they meant the world to him. He was ready to spend the rest of his life with the two girls he loved the most. He had finally came to terms with his feelings, he was in love with Claire, and he was pretty sure that she felt the same about him. Alex glanced at Melissa's face, he couldn't quite figure out the emotions she was feeling. She was angry and hurt, but there was something else. She still hadn't said anything, so he took the chance and spoke again. "Look, I didn't want things to go like this, but I can't keep lying to you. I don't love you, and I don't think I ever did. BOM's birth has opened my eyes; it's made me realise where I'm supposed to be." He looked at her again, this time, she opened her mouth to speak. "It took you a long enough to realise. It was clear to anyone but Claire and you that you had feelings for each other. I just thought that you'd have the guts to tell me that we are over. Goodbye, Alex." She said and got in her car and drove away.
Alex was taken back a bit by how she reacted, he thought that she'd make a scene, that there was going to be some screaming. But he was glad that he was wrong. Alex got back to fixing the tractor, but all he could think about was Claire and their little BOM. For the past week, he was the happiest he has ever been. And now that he was parted from them, even though it only had been a couple of hours, he was missing them like he had never missed anything before. The only way he could imagine his life from now on, was by the side of his two girls. He was ready to fight anything and anyone that was going to stand in the way of his happiness; he was prepared to fight to see Claire and BOM happy. He had never been more determined about something, but the birth of his little girl was the best thing that's happened to him. When he had discovered that Claire was pregnant with his child, he was scared that he wasn't going to be a good father - he was still scared about it, but he was ready to learn along the way. Suddenly it hit him, if this was the life that he wanted - and he was sure that this really was the life that he wanted to live, he had to speak with Claire about it. They had to establish in what kind of relationship they were, because for him, being just mates wasn't enough anymore -But he had the feeling Claire felt the same way, that she also wanted more than just being mates. They had been acting like more than friends the last week, so why wouldn't she. He wanted BOM to grow up with both her parents by her side, he wanted to give her a couple more siblings, he wanted Claire and himself to be a real couple. Because now, more than ever before, he was sure that he was in love with Claire Louise McLeod. He decided to go back to Drover's after he was done with work at Wilgul and to talk with Claire about his plans.
Claire was happy about finally being able to ride again - she was still a little bit sore, but it felt wonderful to be back on a horse. But even in this state of contentment, she felt like she was missing something - or someone - to be truly happy. For the past week, she had spent almost every second of her day with Alex. The two of them were learning how to be parents and working together, and in her opinion, they were doing pretty good so far. Today was the first time she wasn't with Alex and BOM, and every fibre of her body was missing both of them, even though they've only been apart for a couple of hours. It had felt strange at first, to have Alex constantly around, and it had felt even stranger to have a little human that was all their own to care about. She was so grateful that Alex had been there to help her, because she doubted that she would have managed without him - Of course Tess would have been a help as well, but it just wasn't the same. He was so at ease with BOM, the two of them loved each other, and she had finally come to terms with her feelings for Alex. She loved him, and she wanted him by her side, to raise their daughter together. It was time for her to admit those feelings out loud, and to admit them to Alex - Because the happy family she was picturing in her head was only hypothetical, and it was going to stay like that if she didn't talk with Alex soon - she could only hope that he felt the same.
After a short ride on Eagle she decided to head back, she had been away from BOM long enough and her feed was coming up as well. She felt the wind through her hair as she rode across the paddocks, and a feeling of happiness surrounded her entire body - riding through the land she owned and knowing her little angel was waiting for her at home, was the best feeling.
When she got back to the stables she was in a hurry to brush down Eagle, she was eager to get back to BOM before her feeding - she smiled at the thought of holding her little princess in her arms once again.
"I can do this for you" a voice said from behind. Claire turned around and saw Becky standing with Stormcloud at her side. "Thanks Beck, I owe you one" Claire said and handed Becky the brush. She walked with a great pace back to the house, she couldn't wait to see BOM.
As she entered the kitchen she could hear Meg and Tess talk from the dining room, it sounded like they had a really funny conversation going. She smiled for herself before entering the room, she loved how they all got along so well - like one big family, even though Tess and BOM was the only ones who shared her blood.
"Ah there you are" Meg said as she saw Claire standing in the doorway. "I just put her down 30 minutes ago" she continued. "Oh, but her feeding is only a half hour away" Claire said and pulled out a chair.
"You can't really count on a feeding schedule this early - she went out as a light" Meg said and smiled at Claire "She'll wake up when she is hungry, don't worry". Guess it's no harm to let her sleep Claire thought to herself - that way she would have a bit more time to figure out how she should open the conversation with Alex, before he got back. But as Claire was about to make her way into the kitchen, a soft cry sounded through the baby monitor. Guess I'll give Alex a thought later - she thought to herself and turned around and walked towards the stairs instead.
Alex was standing outside of Claire's bedroom a few seconds before entering - listening to her soft voice as she was speaking to their daughter. It hit him right in his heart and overwhelmed him with love, he couldn't help but smile all over his face as he walked in.
"Hey" he said in a gentle way and placed his bag on the armchair. "Hey there yourself" Claire said and took her eyes away from BOM for a second, to greet him with a smile. He slowly made his way to the bed where his two favourite girls were sitting. "Aren't you just the sweetest thing ever" Alex said as he placed himself on the bed. He stroke BOM's head with his fingers - the softness of her skin still surprised him every time he touched her.
He made himself comfortable with a pillow behind his back before taking BOM in his arms, it felt like forever since he had held her in his arms - he couldn't help but smile at her little perfect face. "Did you see that?" he suddenly said. "See what?" Claire asked a bit confused.
"She just smiled at me" Alex said and looked at Claire with bright eyes.
"Alex - She can't control a smile yet" Claire said with a laugh - wasn't he just the sweetest thing ever?
"No Claire, I swear. She really did" he said and looked back at his daughter - well he knew she couldn't smile yet, but an almost smile had to count for something. "Didn't you just smile at daddy?" he asked BOM in his famous baby voice.
"You are such a tease" Claire laughed and pushed him on his arm.
They sat in silence for a few minutes, both thinking of how to start the conversation, they both had been thinking about it all day, before Alex broke it. "There is something I've been meaning to ask you." Claire looked at him with a curious stare.
"This week has been one of the best, if not the best in my whole life - I hate leaving you two, even if it's for a couple of hours only" he continued and changed his focus from BOM to Claire. He sighed, didn't know how to put his next words. "What are you saying Alex?" Claire asked him, eager to hear what he had to say - because so far, it sounded like he had had the same thoughts as she did.
"Guess what I'm trying to say is" he stopped again, he couldn't get the words out. She was sitting there beautiful as ever and he suddenly felt really nervous around her. "God Claire. You love me and I love you - let's stop beating around the bush. Let's do this!" he said.
"This?" Claire asked in a teasing way - she knew what he meant, but she wanted him to work for it. "You and me Claire".
"So you want us to be an item?" she said with a smile. Alex looked at her and shook his head. "Claire .. Shut up" He laughed. "You in or out?"
"Jesus Alex - Can I think about it?" she stopped for a second and noticed how his eyes suddenly got filled with questions. "No, I'm kidding. Of course I want us to be together. It's what I've always wanted" she said and stared into his blue eyes.
Alex looked down at his sleeping daughter in his arms. "I'm gonna put her down in her bed, she's gonna be more comfortable there." He told Claire before heading to the nursery. He really didn't feel like being too far away from BOM, but he wanted to be alone with Claire, they needed the time - even if it was just for a couple of hours, or hour even. He came back to Claire's bedroom, taking the baby monitor with him, and placing it on the nightstand, before taking his position back on the bed. He really didn't know what to say, Claire had just agreed to get in a real relationship withhim. It was a huge accomplishment and step for them both - a step that was easier to take than first expected - He knew she was a reserved person and that she didn't talk about her feelings - nor did he for that matter. This was one of the reasons they got along so well. He put an arm around Claire's shoulders and she snuggled in his side, resting her head on his shoulder. They just sat there like that for a couple of minutes, listening to each other's breathing, before Claire spoke. "How long have you been fancying me for?" She asked him, he couldn't help but smile at her. "I think I've always fancied you." He answered her honestly. It was true, he had always found her attractive and intriguing, but he had never made a move on her. He was slightly cursing himself for that now, thinking about all the time he had wasted, all those years he could have spent holding her in his arms, just like he was doing now. "I've always fancied you too." She said, interrupting his thoughts. "Why didn't you say anything?" He asked her. "You didn't either." Was the answer she gave before she kissed him on the lips. It was just a peck at first, but it wasn't enough for neither of them. So their kiss grew more passionate and urgent, they were so lost in eachother that they didn't hear the knock on the door.
"I'm sorry to interrupt, but dinner's ready." Tess said amused. She had always suspected that there was something between those two, but they were both too blind to admit it. "Come down whenever you are ready." She said, unable to suppress a laugh. She was so happy that Claire and Alex had finally made a move, now BOM would grow up with both her parents by her side as a couple, a thing Tess had always wished she had.
Alex looked down at Claire, as soon as their eyes met, they both busted out laughing. "Well, at least we don't have to think of a way to break the news to the others." Claire said trying to catch her breath.
