Thanks for the reviews again. Here's a new chap. Hoping to keep writing it, of course reviews help. But do love this story. Enjoy!

Chapter 35.

Stevie paced around the study, as she heard the phone continue its on going beep, telling her no one was there to pick it up. She took in a deep breath as she pressed her teeth onto her bottom lip. Suddenly she glanced up as Jodi appeared with Xander on her arm. 'And?'

'No, she isn't there … I shouldn't be calling her anyway', she sighed again, sitting down in Jack's chair. Jodi gave her a sympathetic look.

'Sorry, it's obviously because of me and Matt that makes you …', the blond started back Stevie easily waved it away as she got up and walked towards her.

'Don't you feel bad about being happy Jodes', she rested her hand onto the girl's shoulder for a moment, before lifting Xander out of her arms. The boy clearly was keen on getting picked up by his mother. 'Like I said, me and Xander are going to be just fine, hey, aren't we boy?', She gazed into the little boy's blue gazers and curled up her lips, not much natural. 'You've got your daddy's eyes …', she whispered it, her voice fading away and Jodi looked at her concerned.

'You sure you are okay?', the McLeod asked now. Stevie looked at her for a moment, giving Xander another lift, closer to her body.

'Do I have a choice, I have to be', she breathed out and glanced at her hand. 'If only my ring would get off … it started since than. I'm going crazy because of it … who would have guessed …' Stevie smirked a little. 'I just got a very persistent husband.' But the sadness reflected in her eyes.

***

Regan walked upon the Killarney homestead, seeing Marcus already gathering fences in the back of his truck. She waved him a good day, as he saw her rather quick. He showed her a smile; 'what's bringing you here, neighbor?'

'Apart from the fact I wanted to ask Ingrid a few things and she hasn't been home last night … I also wanted to check if you had any more trouble with your fences. I left Grace checking the Southern paddock but everything seems fine today', Regan told as she walked further up to him and stood still, her hand on her hip and her pinkish shirt showing a low cut top underneath. Somehow Regan McLeod always had a bit of city minded vibe around her, but the dirt on her shirt and on her face clearly stated the opposite.

'Righto', Marcus took a breath, and moved the fences more back towards each other so he could fill in some more. 'Ingrid stayed here last night, indeed. We figured it wouldn't be bad, hanging a little less on Drovers.' He now turned towards her; 'Grace okay?' His eyes were serious.

'Yeah, well we just guess there is only one McLeod having luck in love at the very moment, so .. we'll life', she gave him a wink and Marcus grinned.

'Yeah, Ben and Jaz, smitten for sure, really at times I wanna smack that silly grin of his ugly mug', his smile was clearly visible as he now leaned his armed on the track. 'And the fences are doing great today, nothing seen. But we'll keep an eye on it. Are you gonna go to the cops?'

'I guess I will, have to be into town tomorrow anyway. The earlier we have dealt with it the better. It's pretty tense at Drovers at the moment, so we could do without this fence joker', Regan explained, which made Marcus frown and shift a little.

'Reminds me, how is that sis in law of mine doing?'

Regan glanced away for a moment, letting her finger roll over the head of the truck rail. 'Not good', she now glanced deeply into Marcus' bright eyes. 'She is able to move on Marcus, I'm not sure what is going on, but she keeps thinking she sees Alex, and … last night with Russ was one big disaster I believe'.

'Damn', he muttered; 'she seemed so happy last night.' Marcus took in a breath, his nostrils widening for a moment. He gazed at her again; 'you want me to talk to her?'

'I will call if that's needed, we all keep an eye on her.' She patted his lower arm and shared a gaze of shared comprehension.