Chapter 12


Everyone was running around like chickens without heads, to make sure Charlotte's big day tomorrow would be priceless. Her christening was finally knocking on the door and both Claire and Alex couldn't wait for their little girl to get her name officially. It had been some crazy days with a lot of work to be done, not just around the property but also with the christening - even though it was set to be a small gathering, Tess had insisted on a spectacular event. Both Claire and Alex would have settled for nice quiet lunch with everyone, but Tess had already taken control over the planning and who knows what was to be expected?
"Claire we need to sort out your outfit for tomorrow" Tess said as she continued to walk behind her sister. Claire was in a hurry to get the fences checked before tomorrow and what she would wear was the last thing on her mind right now - Besides, she could always wear some white jeans and cute simple shirt, that was always a good pick.
"There is no need Tess - I've already figured it out" she said and stopped for a second. Tess looked at Claire a bit suspicious, this could only mean one thing. "Don't say jeans. If you are going to say jeans, I'm gonna scream" Tess said. Claire shook her head and a small laugh found its way out, she knew Tess would be this way. But it was BOM's big day and she was the one to shine not her.
"Look. It's Charlotte's big day Tess, why does it matter if I wear a couple of nice jeans and a simple cute shirt - It's not my christening" she said and continued her walk to the stables. She was already running late and if she wanted to be back before noon, she should really be going. Meg barely had the time to look out for Charlotte today and with Alex over at Killarney, Claire had to make sure she was back in time for the afternoon feed.
"But it does matter" Tess said and followed Claire into the stable. "You are the mother - and on days like these, you are suppose to look your best". Claire looked at her and frowned, she knew too well Tess wouldn't see this one out. "Fine - You can sort something out, as long as it means I can get back to the work around here?" Claire said with her arms in the air.
"I'm gonna make you look smoking hot" Tess said with a big smile and started to make her way back to the house. "Nothing too fancy Tess - I mean it" Claire shouted to her sister's back, but it didn't even matter. She could shout as loud as she wanted, Tess had already made up her mind about the clothes and there was no way she would be listening to what Claire had to say. She shook her head once again and smiled - she was really blessed to have a sister like Tess, they were so opposite as each other and yet so alike. It was really scary sometimes, mostly when Tess figured Claire's thoughts out before she had grasped her brain around them herself.


It had been months since he had seen Liz and he was getting a bit nervous about it - which was stupid since she was his mother, but things hadn't exactly ended well the last time they had spoken. There was still a lot of unresolved problems among them, and it would take time to fix them - if they even could be fixed. But Alex was sure about one thing, he didn't wanted his own mother to miss out of his daughter's christening. He deeply regretted that he hadn't involved her in Claire's pregnancy, but at the time he was too hurt to even think about repairing his relationship with her - she had lied to him his whole life, and that wasn't something you just got over. But with this new father role of his followed a greater bond of family, than he had ever experienced before - he wanted Charlotte to know her family, good or bad. He wouldn't want to be the one to take that away from her and if it meant he had to start talking to his mother again, so be it - beside, he couldn't avoid the fact he had missed her around and he still loved her deeply, despite of all the lies.
He stopped as he reached the backyard, he could hear her laugh from the pool and to where he was standing - he wanted to move, but something stopped him. He started to think about all the memories from his childhood that involved his mother, he didn't know how much he had missed her until he saw her. His heart started to ache and all he wanted from his mother was a big hug, and tell her he was sorry for everything. "Nice of you to finally make it" Nick said. Alex had been too occupied with his thoughts that he hadn't noticed Nick coming from the house. "You gonna stand here all day or what mate?" he asked and started to walk to the pool where Liz and Harry were sitting. He slowly began to walk towards them, it was the most unreal feeling he had ever had - if you don't count in the birth of his daughter of course. Last time Liz and Harry had talked things were thrown around and it had involved a lot of yelling as well, how could they sit here and talk and laugh, like nothing had ever happened - it almost looked like he was back in time, when nothing was wrong.
"Mum?" he said gently as he reached the table. Liz turned her head towards her oldest son and tears immediately began to form in her eyes.
"Alex" she said and got up from the chair - she had missed him so much these months and she couldn't wait to hold him in her arms again. Alex couldn't help his tears from coming as his mother walked to his side. He had been so mad at her for a long time, but that anger slowly began to fade away as she stood there - she was his mother for crying out loud, how could he ever have treated her like he had? He started to curse himself for it, he had been a lousy son. Liz noticed his tears and she instantly knew what he was thinking and feeling. A comforting arm found its way to his shoulder "It's okay Alex - don't cry please" Liz begged him, she hated to see her sons upset. "I'm sorry mum - For everything" Alex said and looked his mother straight in the eyes. "I'm sorry too. I know I need to regain a lot of trust" she said and looked at all three of them "but truly know I didn't meant for any of this to happen". Harry looked at the woman he had loved for so many years and he couldn't help but feeling guilty about the things that had happened - he too should apologies for his behaviour, but he also felt his anger was justified. He had lived on a lie for almost 30 years and no matter how much he wanted to, he couldn't forget the fact that the one person who was supposed to be honest with him had lied. He wanted to forgive and let it all go, but he couldn't - but he had too. Seeing Liz and Alex together like that, made him realise how much he had missed his family. All family have troubles right? They could work their way around this one as well, he thought to himself.
"Come and sit down" Liz said and pointed Alex in the direction of an chair. "I had hoped you would have brought my granddaughter" she said and looked at Alex with a smile that was saying it all would be okay. Alex draw a small smile, it was the first time he had heard the word granddaughter from her mouth and it made him so happy. "Sorry mum, but she is napping right now" he said and poured himself a glass of water. "Oh, she could have napped here - plenty of room" Liz said.
"It's not just the nap mum, Claire is still breastfeeding her and I wouldn't be able to get back in time" Alex said with his mouth full of food. "And why didn't you bring her?" Harry suddenly asked. "She is family now and I rarely see my daughter-in-law".
Alex looked at him, knowing Claire tried to keep her distance - she still had a hard time coping with the fact her daughter had half Ryan blood in her. It was not like she hated Harry, or sometimes she did - but she just didn't liked his way around business. And as she said, Harry never does something for the good of his heart, he always has a motive - of course he wanted Claire there to push them into a marriage or something like that, to secure his granddaughter's future he would say.
"Well, she was busy. They are all very busy planning tomorrow's event" Alex finally said. "And still you are here" Nick laughed. "You got a problem with that?" Alex teased and started to punch him on the shoulder. "Maybe you should go help out, I'm sure Tess could find something for you to do" Alex said with a laugh - he knew Nick and Tess had something going on, still none of them had taken it any step further the past 6 months. Nick laughed about his brother's comment and took a sip of his water.
"Nah mate, Claire insisted I should go" Alex said and smiled to his mother.

They had all finished their lunch and were having a laugh - all four of them have missed being a family, as screwed up as it might be, they were a family after all. Liz placed her hands on her lap and sighed - it had truly been a good day and she had missed her boys. She couldn't wait to see her granddaughter tomorrow. "I better get going" Liz said and got up from her chair. Suddenly it hit Harry that he didn't want her to go, he wanted her to stay - he grabbed her arm and looked at her the way he used to. "Why don't you stay here?" he asked. Liz didn't expect his hospitality and was a bit confused, why did he want her to stay? It wasn't like she didn't want too, but he had made it perfectly clear to her last time they spoke, he wanted absolutely nothing to do with her. "I mean - it is your home after all" he finally continued. Liz couldn't believe her own ears. "I've missed you - me and the boys can't be a real family without you. So what do you say?" Harry asked and got up from his chair. "We have a few things to work through, but I'm sure we can"
Alex and Nick looked at each other, they were having the same thought. They couldn't believe their own ears as well and it was the last thing they had expected from Harry - but it was good to see them together again, and Harry was right. They weren't a real family without their mum back on Killarney. "Yeah, we'll let you two sort this out" Alex said and got up from his chair followed by Nick, they both had a huge grin on their faces. "See you tomorrow son" Harry said to Alex's back as him and Nick made their way to their cars.
"Who would have thought that?" Nick asked his brother as he was about to get in his Ute. Alex looked back at Liz and Harry and shook his head - if they could manage to work through their problems, everybody else could. "See you tomorrow Nick" Alex said and got in his Ute.


BOM had given both Claire and Alex a 4AM wakeup call, she hadn't done it for months now but Claire was sure she could feel the stress about the whole day ahead of her. The three of them were all laying in bed, they rarely had the time to do it - so when the chance presented itself it was stupid not to take it. "You are getting so big" Alex said in his baby voice. He had Charlotte on his tummy and she was making the sweetest blubbering noises, she was in a really good mood this morning. Claire laughed and stroke her short, almost non existing hair with a gentle hand - She could look at her daughter for ages without getting tired of it, she was indeed the most beautiful human being she had ever laid eyes on. "How did we manage to create such a masterpiece?" Claire asked and snuggled her head onto Alex's shoulder.
"Well I must say, my genes did a lot of the work here Claire" he teased. "Lucky for you I was around, aigh?".
"Shut up" Claire laughed and punched him on the shoulder. "Hey, language - baby in the room" he laughed while pretending to cover Charlotte's ears. Claire shook her head, she was blessed with all this love and she still didn't understand how she could get this lucky - The only regret she had, was not admitting her feelings for Alex a long time ago.

"Are we ready to begin?" Meg asked with Charlotte in her arms. Claire looked around to see if anybody was missing - but they were all there. Becky, Jodi, Tess, Nick and of course Harry and Liz - Terry was busy filming the whole thing. Claire nodded to Meg, giving her sign to begin.

"Dear Charlotte.
On this day we are gathered to celebrate your naming" Alex put his arm around Claire and pulled her in - his body was filled with happiness and love.
"You came into our lives when we least expected it. You filled it with joy and laughter, from the moment you got here.
You also seemed to have the strength to push people together" Meg paused and looked at Claire and Alex. They couldn't help but smile at that comment. It was true, if Charlotte hadn't been born, they may never have expressed their true feelings towards each other. Charlotte was the one that had helped Claire and Alex to understand how they felt for each other, when they had been too blind to admit the facts around them.
"We wish you nothing but happiness through your life - may you have your mother's strength and talent, your father's love and your aunties ability to forgive.
This is here by your name
Charlotte Prudence Ryan Mcleod"
They were all clapping their hands and Harry proposed a cheer for his granddaughter - they were all smiling and laughing, enjoying the christening of the little wonder, that indeed filled their lives with love and laughter.

"I think I got it all" Terry said and handed Alex the recorder. "Thanks mate" Alex said and clapped him on his back, before walking towards the dining room - he needed to put the camera in a safe spot, he couldn't risk it being ruined or anything. No, he wanted to be able to look through this footage the rest of his life. He walked back out to the others and grabbed Claire around the waist, which made her scream - she hadn't expected that sudden movement from behind. She turned around with a smile that reached both of her eyes and it only got bigger when she saw Alex's. "You know what?" Alex asked and folded his hands around her waist. "What?" Claire asked and gave him a confident smile.
"This is one of the best day in the rest of my life - Isn't it crazy?" he said in a smile. Claire couldn't do anything but agree with him on that. For the rest of their lives they would look back at this day, and remember how great it had been - filled with love, laughter and happiness.
"Okay lovebirds, we need a picture of you two" Jodi said and interrupted their gazing thoughts. "Don't make me look too ugly in it" Claire said and posed by Alex's side. "Sorry Claire, I can't help how you look" Jodi teased before making her way around to the others. When did she get this corky? She thought to herself and shook her head.
"Now, I remember a time where she actually used to respect me" Claire laughed and turned her head to Alex again. "Well, maybe she found out you had a soft spot - the big bad Claire wolf, isn't that big and dangerous anymore" he joked and reached for a beer on the table beside them. "What is that suppose to mean?" she frowned and waited for an answer, as Alex unbottled his beer.
"Well you know. Since Charlotte has been born, people are starting to notice your .. softer spot due to your new mummy role". Claire couldn't figure out if she should be flattered or if Alex was insulting her. "Don't take it the wrong way. It suits you - kinda find it rather attractive, maybe even sexy" he said with a huge smile and sent her a wink, before he left her side. She decided on following him, she really didn't want to drop this conversation. "So you find me sexy?" She asked him as she came to stand by his side. She still couldn't believe that Alex Ryan, the man who could have - and probably did have - any woman he wanted, choose to settle down with her. She watched Alex's face intently, she could see a vast range of emotions on it. "How can you ask such a question?" He asked her almost shocked. "Of course I do find you sexy. You are the most beautiful woman I've ever seen, and you aren't even putting an effort in trying to impress. You are always yourself, and that's the sexiest thing you could ever do." He told her softly. "Stop doubting yourself." He added before kissing her softly on the lips. Claire didn't know what to say, so she let that kiss speak for her.
"Oi, keep it PG, there are kids here." Nick told them amused as he walked past them. Claire started laughing as soon as she heard what Nick had said. There were kids there - their kid. She thought she was the luckiest woman in that moment, she couldn't wish for anything better. Alex kissed her on the forehead before he placed a hand on the small of her back, guiding her towards Liz and Harry and little Charlotte.


"Oh Claire, she's so beautiful. She's got Alex's eyes." Liz told her. It was clear that it only took their little BOM only a couple of hours to wrap her grandmother around her little finger. "She will probably be the most stubborn little girl, considering who her parents are." Harry said. His comment got him a smack on the shoulder by Liz but it made Alex and Claire laugh out loud. It was true, both her and Alex were really stubborn. "Alex told me that you are back on Killarney." Claire said to Liz, who only nodded in response. "It's good to have you back, BOM will need her grandmother." Claire added and watched as small tears formed in Liz's eyes. The Ryan's probably weren't the best of families, but they were a family nevertheless. And Liz and Harry were the only grandparents BOM had, if she didn't count Meg. Claire's heart was at ease, she knew that Alex and her would get through anything if they kept working as a team. She couldn't help the smile that formed on her face as she thought about the small trip the three of them would soon take to Melbourne. Maybe she was wrong, if everything was to go well in the city, maybe Charlotte would have another grandfather in addition to Harry.
- Yes, Charlotte was truly a blessed child and Claire was eager to give her that family she had missed when she grew up.