Kilarney ….

Liz looks up as Nick enters the kitchen . " Dinner will be ready in ten minutes Nick."

"Righto, can I help you with anything?"

"No thank you darling."

Nick leaves without further comment.

…

Outside Harry and Jack have calmed down enough to talk to each other and decide they were both in the wrong.

" Listen our dinners almost ready would you like to join us." Harry offers.

" No but thanks I think I'm too angry to eat." Jack replies.

"I thought you weren't angry anymore?"

" I'm angry at myself Harry , I should have told her the truth. I hope she comes back . It was so nice getting to know her again."

Harry is surprised by Jacks admission , he's not normally the kind of bloke that would divulge so much.

Unsure of what else to say Harry offers. " Write to her Jack, don't let the distance from before ruin what you've done in the last couple of months."

Jack nods then answers. " I'd best get on home. "

Harry farewells his neighbour and moves towards the house.

…

The movie theatre …Spencer…

"Alex this is a horror movie and I don't like it." Stevie whispers.

Trying to jolly her along he replies . " Come on Stevie everyone likes a good fright now and then."

As another gory scene unfolds in front of them she stands and exclaims. " Well I don't I'll wait outside for you."

He's dumbfounded by her reaction for a moment but then he follows her into the lobby.

….

He finds her sitting on a bench near the shop .

" Come on I'll take you home ." He offers reaching for her hand.

Stunned, he queries . " You're shaking what's wrong?"

" I told you I was scared Alex."

"Stevie I'm sorry ok. You're always so tough and I thought you were kidding." He whispers as he holds her trembling body.

…..

Walking back to the pub the mood is sombre and he's afraid he's ruined their day.

" I'm sorry for spoiling our day Alex."

Stopping he turns her to him, lands a feather soft kiss on her lips and replies. " Your my girlfriend and I've had the best day Stevie , you haven't spoilt anything, ok."

Smiling up at him in the half light she responds ." Ok."

Taking her hand they walk on.

….

Spencer Pub….Upstairs in their room..

Snuggled up in their bed they chatter about their day, the restaurant and Stevie's new horse.

Her excitement is contagious and he's thrilled he was able to get a good price for her and arrange transport as well.

Stevie throws back the blankets and moving quickly to her bag trills. "I forgot I bought us a scratchie each when I was in the newsagents."

Turning back she stops .

Alex has a funny look on his face.

" What's the matter?" She questions.

" You're naked, so nothing is wrong."

She giggles and quips. " Pervert."

Joining him back in the bed she offers up both of the lottery tickets . " Choose the one you want Alex."

Grinning he takes both and as she protests he throws them onto the floor and answers." I choose you."

Flicking out the light she giggles and quips. "Ok if we're going to be richer I guess it can wait until tomorrow.."

….

Drovers Run…..The office, late in the evening…

Jack sits with pen in hand and several crumpled pieces of paper around him.

" Night Dad." Claire offers from the door.

" Yep night." He answers.

Claire moves upstairs.

Jack looks back at his blank page then writes.

Dear Tess,

I've just said good night to Claire and as I can't say goodnight to your face I thought I'd write to you.

I'm not good with emotions so I'll apologise in advance if I don't quite say the right thing.

I should have told you the truth about your mum and it took Nick Ryan to advise me that I was wrong in keeping that from you.

Ruth is so incredibly important to you as she has been both mother and father too you as I was absent and hiding behind the farm.

I'm sorry about that too and while I'm at it I'm sorry for not helping you and Claire stay as close as you once were when you were little girls.

I've gotten so much wrong in my life but having you girls is not one of them.

If you need anything at all I will do all I can to help.

Hopefully one day you'll come back to Drovers as it is your birthright to be here with us.

Please know even though I don't always show it I love you very much and I'm very proud of you.

Take care and stay safe

Love Jack (Dad)

X

…..

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