"Rowan was a loving man. A man who blossomed on this very land..."

The priest's voice was droning on and on but everyone was too busy wrapped up in their memories of him. Danny had his hand on Alice's back as she wept, dabbing her eyes every now and then with a tissue. Zoe was too trying to hold back the tears as Matt held her softly. Vanessa however, at the front, was allowing her emotional river to flood as her tears fell. The children were stood with Liv, Thabo, Evan and Charlotte, saved from seeing their parents cry. Peter was stood at the back with some of the Mara rangers, they'd all respected Rowan as a boss and all wanted to pay their final respects.

The vicar announced it was time for Zoe to sing. Matt kissed her cheek softly handing her a bottle of water. She drank some, taking it with her as she made her way slowly to the front.

"This." Zoe said, making sure her voice was loud and clear. "Is the song, Rowan's wife, Vanessa wanted me to sing, and it is with great pleasure and pride I do so. Rowan was a pain, I won't pretend he wasn't, but he was a fantastic man and I'm proud that he was my step brother."

Zoe nodded and composed herself, everyone was watching. Alice was amazed, she couldn't speak never mind sing yet there Zoe was. Alice slid her arms around Danny holding him tightly for comfort as the music began.

"When I think back on these times, and the dreams we left behind, I'll be glad because I was blessed to have to get you in my life." Zoe began to sing. Everyone was silent, everyone was beginning to feel the emotion. Zoe had closed her eyes.

Peter stood in shock at Zoe's voice. He had not expected it. But what had made it stand it even further had been the pure emotion she was throwing into it. He wiped at his eyes, he hadn't known Rowan that well but the song was enough. He looked around and saw his workforce too in tears.

Zoe had opened her eyes again as she hit the strongest part of the vocals. Her eyes were now moist with the tears that were gathering. Danny had his arm wrapped tightly round Alice as she cried softly into his chest.

Vanessa's floodgates had opened as Zoe sang the heartfelt lyrics... I'll keep a part of you with me, and everywhere I am, there you'll be. Because I always so in you my light, my strength. And I want to thank you now for all the ways you were right there for me, right there for me.

Zoe quickly wiped her eyes during another break.

In my dreams I'll always see you soar above the sky. In my heart there'll always be a place for you, for all my life.

As Zoe sang the final words, everyone was in tears. Zoe herself, had given up and after one nod to everyone had raced along on her crutches to Matt where he grabbed her in a tight hug.

The vicar began to speak once more, this was the bit everyone had been dreading, the part where Rowan was lowered into the ground. Everyone moved forward to stand around his grave. Vanessa was biting her lip as she looked at the wooden box that held his body.

Danny rested his cheek in Alice's hair, as they both clung to one another. Peter was watching the younger children as Thabo and Liv, Charlotte and Evan all stood together. Zoe and Matt were huddled together as were Caroline and Dupe. Everyone found it hard.

As they lowered the coffin, the scream Vanessa emitted tore through the air. Alice had turned fully into Danny's chest, he held her tightly soothing her softly. Evan had tried to help Vanessa but she ignored him, Danny nodded at him softly averting his eyes to Charlotte who was crying, Evan put his arm around his step sister.

Soon the small white box was being handed round, everyone was throwing a handful of its contents onto his coffin.

"Save us a pew at the bar." Zoe said softly.

"Rest in Peace." Matt murmured.

"Sleep tight Rowan." Alice whispered as she threw her handful down.

Vanessa was the final to receive it. She took a handful before speaking slowly.

"I love you Rowan, forever and always." She sniffed before throwing her hand's contents. The vicar said his final words before everyone filed away. Vanessa remained stood at his grave. She sat down on the grass and began to talk softly to him, saying her final goodbyes.

Danny stopped Alice as they walked behind everyone slowly.

"You ok?" He asked gently, wiping away a couple of tears with his thumb.

She nodded and rubbed his arms tenderly.

"Thank you Danny." Alice smiled softly, "I couldn't have done it without you."

Danny said nothing, words were not needed. He just leant down and wrapped his arms around her, savouring the feel of her arms wrapping around him. Her face was buried in his shoulder as he held her tightly. He gently ran his hand over her back, caressing it gently. She melted into him, taking strength from him, taking comfort in his embrace.

Matt helped Zoe into the Jeep, he stood on the ground as she sat in the passenger seat.

"You were awesome. I'm so proud of you." He smiled softly.

"Thanks Matt." Zoe replied.

"I'm here for you ok?" Matt told her. "You need me, I'm here."

"I know, thank you." Zoe murmured as they hugged. For once, Zoe had height on Matt. "Could get used to this."

"Hmm, so could I." He grinned looking up, she realised where his head was and laughed. He could cheer her up in any situation.

(X)

Soon everyone was inside around tables. They'd eaten a full meal, five star of course in true Rowan style, and were now remembering and celebrating Rowan's life. Danny raised his glass.

"He may be gone, but he will never be forgotten. To Rowan!" Danny called.

Everyone repeated him and took a sip from their glass in honour of Rowan Collins, the only man Anders DuPlessis never did understand.