A/N: I've been trying to do two chapters per upload, so as per that schedule, here is chapter three of my newest story. I am so excited about this story, I want to just post it all at once, but I have to have something to do, and you have to have something to look forward to. Thank you to MakesYouSeeTheLight0909, and TheThingAboutLove0042 for both beta-ring this story. I hope it's living up to your imaginations. JusticeIsn'tEasy0083. D.

McLeod's Daughters

A Different Time, A Different Story

Chapter Three: Holidays Bring Some People Together...

December 3rd, 2003

Drovers Run

Fisher District

Morning/Afternoon

Staring her fifth month of pregnancy, it was now kind of becoming more prominent, her baby bump, and every morning, the girls would hug Tess, and talk to the bump, telling the baby how excited they are to meet him or her. This will also be the month that Tess learns the sex of the baby, and everyone is excited. Claire had been lamenting to Tess how awesome it would be for Tess to also have a little girl, she thinks it would be adorable, and the mood had been lightened even further by Meg making a joke about the baby only being cute if it 'doesn't look like it's father', which had made them all laugh. It's getting easier to kind of joke about it now that she's not really seeing that much of Nick. He's been in the city with Sally for a couple of weeks, seeing her parents, who can't make it out here for Christmas this year. Apparently, it had been a last-minute thing. Harry was still buzzing around Drovers as well, acting like he's Tess' father, helping them out when they need it, without a catch. Jodi was the one who asked if he knows who the father is, and Tess shook her head. There isn't any way that Harry could know. No one saw them that night, except for Claire. This morning however, Alex showed up at Drovers with another man in tow, their station hand at Wilgul, Victor 'Vic' Waller, who had met the girls earlier, but hadn't met Claire or Tess. The moment that he laid eyes on Claire, and she on him, it was clear to everyone that the atmosphere between the two changed. It was like they could feel the sexual tension between the two, and all they had done was shake hands. Tess was smirking at her sister, who shot her a look, asking Vic what they can help him out with, whilst Alex tried not to stare at Tess' baby bump. He's barely seen the woman since that day at the Truck Stop, they've all been extremely busy, so it's not unusual, but he also thought it might have something to do with him and Stevie spending so much time together as well. Tess notices him staring, and pulls her shirt tighter around her body, asking Alex if he needs anything else, but he breaks out of his stupor, smiling at her and shaking his head. He thanks Claire for helping them out with the feed, and goes to leave, only then does he notice Vic and Claire just looking at each other, talking softly between themselves. Knowing that he's an ass, Alex honked the horn at Vic, causing him and Claire to jump slightly. The brunette McLeod flipped him off, grinning at Vic waved goodbye to her, and got in the car beside Alex. Claire didn't go back inside until she couldn't see the ute anymore and came face to face with the girls teasing her about having a crush. She brushed past all of them, but Tess caught up to her, telling her that she likes him, and that Claire deserves to be happy after Peter, that she should go for it. Knowing that her sister likes him, makes Claire think seriously about it.

The BNS Ball is taking place on the thirteenth of December, twelve days before Christmas, which is unusual, but the Farmers Association decided it would be a festive fundraiser for the Gungellan Fire Brigade, of which Nick is the captain, and Jodi is a member. Tess usually gets all hyped for those kinds of things, but this year, she's hesitant to attend now that she's showing. But Claire had planned to pull a move on her, similar to the one she pulled on her when she was pregnant with Charlotte and brought that beautiful maternity dress for her. Claire is going to do that to Tess, then take her to the BNS ball, because she deserves to have everything she wants, and she wants her sister to have fun. At that point, she knows that they will be revealing to everyone they know that Tess is pregnant. But she's hoping that by then, people will have better things to talk about. For the rest of the day, Tess was talking to Claire about Vic, and how he's beautiful, and Claire's type, and that she should take the chance, date him, have babies with him. The conversation ended with a water fight between the McLeod sisters, with Kate, Becky, Jodi, and Stevie joining in after they stumbled upon the women having an argument. It was a nice way to end the day, and it was boiling hot outside, they're definitely heading into their hot and humid Australian summer. After the water fight, Tess and Claire got on the horses to go and around up the cattle in the fields, bringing them closer for their jobs tomorrow, and because Becky has been helping Claire with the horse breeding, they've been strapped for time. Kate has stepped up, although neurotic about some things, she gets the job done, and she does it well. Jodi has tried to get her to loosen up, and she's getting there. Or at least, she's trying to be getting there. Vic showed up later that afternoon, just as the girls were coming in from the day's work, leaving the younger ones cackling and making kissy sounds, and Tess shooting her sister a look, before smirking and disappearing into the house with Meg. Claire took Vic around to the porch and asked him to sit down. He told Claire that he remembers her from when they were younger, they met at a stock meet, and hit it off. Claire nods, she remembers it too, but her memories of the day are a little bit different, she mostly just remembers being worried they were going to sell Tess, and trying to convince her parents that she was responsible enough to look after her baby sister. Explaining this to Vic got him to laugh, asking if the blonde woman was her little sister she was speaking of. Claire nodded, then blatantly told him that she has a four-month-old daughter, that he needs to know that upfront.

'Claire, would you like to go out with me sometime? We can go into Gungellan, or to Fisher to a nice restaurant…'

'Ah, yes. Okay, that would be… nice,' she replied, smiling as Vic grinned at her as well

'So, a four-month-old hey. Can I… where is her father?' Vic asked, hoping he wasn't overstepping a boundary

'I'll tell you all about it on our date, because it's a long story,' Claire said, and Vic chuckled, nodding, and thanking her for giving him the time of day

December 10th, 2003

Fisher District Surrounds

Fisher District

Afternoon/Evening

On the day that Nick and Sally returned home from Melbourne, they found no one there to meet them, only a note from Alex, stating that they had some troubles with some brumbies, and the Horse Breeding Program, that they had to deal with, and it might take them a few days. Nick sighed as he placed his and Sally's bags in their room, sighing as he opened his bag to find her stupid wedding planner had been shoved in the top of it. He tossed it onto the desk in the study, grabbing the SAT phone, hoping to call Alex, and be able to join them in the hunt for the brumbies, because if he never sees the city again, it will be too soon. To be honest, he knows that he doesn't belong in the city, and he hated being there. Sally's parents were nice enough, he thinks they'll get along great with his parents. Nick couldn't get in touch with Alex, so he put the SAT phone down, called out to Sally that he was going out, that he'd be back late, and left the house, heading over to where the bikes are kept, getting on one, and heading in the direction that he had last seen the rogue brumbies. Sally ran out, trying to catch Nick before he sped off, but couldn't get him to stop, sighing to herself, as she headed back into the house. Things have been weird between the two of them since they saw her parents, and she's worried that her father said something that scared Nick off. The SAT phone rang then, and she answered, to tell Alex that Nick was heading to wherever they are, hearing the other man groan, before shouting yep, and hanging up again. She tossed the phone back on the counter and went to take a shower. Nick had made it almost to the boarder of Wilgul when he heard galloping. He looked to the left and saw three brumbies heading straight for him, and five more people riding horses behind them, calling out for him to move. He reversed the bike out of the way of the brumbies, who changed their course quick smart, taking the riders off guard, and it wasn't until they got closer, that he realised the riders were Claire, Alex, Tess, Jodi, and Becky. He apologised for scaring the horses, Claire just rolled her eyes, and she and Tess took off in the new direction. Now they're heading back towards Drovers, they might be able to head them off. For the split second that he had seen Tess, he noted that she looked amazing, like she was glowing, despite having been working hard, and having the signs of that all over her. He couldn't get the image out of his mind, even when Alex threatened to push him off the bike if he didn't concentrate. Nick ended up following behind the group on his bike, before they split off to try and surround the three horses.

The long day seemed to get longer, and the sun hotter as they tracked the horses, now closing in on Drovers. Claire called out that she didn't want those horses anywhere near Blaze or Phoenix, that it was urgent for them to be caught. Alex and Nick went ahead a little, circling back trying to push the horses back towards the girls. Kate, Stevie, and Meg had set up a little trap area for the brumbies near to Drovers, hoping that the horses would come straight for it, and not for them. In the centre, was Blaze. Claire would be furious, but if it got the horses here, it would be good. They heard the horses, and bikes, before they saw them. Nick and Alex coming around from the back, the girls chasing the brumbies. Meg, Stevie, and Kate prepared the trap, as the horses came straight for them. Something, out the corner of the field, spooked one of the brumbies, and he bumped against Tess and Oscar, sending Oscar into a tizzy, and causing him to buck up, and Tess to fall. Claire was off her horse faster than the Flash, and over to her sister, the others quickly following suit, whilst Meg calmed Oscar, shutting the brumbies in the gate, the boys corralling them whilst Claire helped Tess to her feet, subtly asking her if the baby was okay. Tess nodded, but Claire demanded Becky take her to the house, get her to rest. Alex panicked slightly, silently asking with his eyes about the baby, Claire just nodded mouthing 'it's alright', to him, before turning to ask Meg a question. Nick made a comment about his first day back being dramatic, and that he's missed the horse action. Alex scoffed, pushing his brother almost off the bike, laughing and riding off on his horse, with Nick chasing him on the bike. The girls all rolled their eyes, and Claire moved Blaze back his yard, and came back to check on the brumbies. Becky returned, she and Jake were helping train the brumbies into becoming good horses that could be ridden and what not, so they were assessing the wildness of the horse, and whether or not they're going to be trainable. Some of them aren't, and they don't want a wild horse being sold, and injuring someone. In the house, Tess took a call from her doctor, explaining what had happened, and her doctor agreed to come out, just to do a checkup, make sure that nothing was wrong. She could feel the baby kicking her insides though, so she knew it was okay. She still hasn't found out the sex, but they haven't had time to go into town for the appointment, her doctor has instead had to come out here, and they don't have the special machine on wheels or portable at the moment. It had been fun though, riding Oscar, chasing the brumbies. She had felt true happiness, more so than she had in a while. Then she saw that Nick was back, and the dread came back, but it was quickly squashed by the work they had to do. She was sitting down outside when Claire's voice could be heard coming closer.

'...Becky, I want those horses prepared for tomorrow, and have Jake bring some extra harnesses so that we don't have to use all of ours, because I know that we don't have enough. Kate, I need you to finish planting that lime seed in the crops, and I need it done by the end of the day, because we won't have time in the morning. Jode, check on the sheep, make sure they have enough feed for the night, and check how much wool we need to shear for the pickup next week. Stevie, could you do the night checks, make sure the gates are all good, and locked, and a final tally of the cattle, before tomorrow, and then put together the soil for sorting tomorrow. Meg, thanks for your help today, could you help Stevie with the final checks, Kate… nice job today with the horses. Could you do a wool check on the most recent batch, and let me know what the count is,' Claire said, and Tess just smiled, her ever bossy sister

'When do they get the time to sit down and relax?' Tess asked, smirking as Claire slumped down beside her

'Are you alright? The baby?' she asked, and Tess just put her hand over her bump and nodded, she grabbed Claire's hand, putting it where her sister could feel the baby kick, Claire grinning widely as she felt her niece or nephew kicking inside the womb.

'Today was fun. The doctor is going to come out, just give me a check over, and the baby, just to be sure that everything is okay. I only fell off the horse because the brumby spooked Oscar, I can still ride Claire,' Tess said, chuckling at the look on her sister's face, before resting her head on Claire's shoulder, the cool breeze a welcome relief from the hot sun.

December 13th, 2003

Gungellan Public Hall

BNS Ball

Evening/Early Morning

On the thirteenth, the girls woke up early to do their jobs, each of them talking about what they were wearing tonight to the BNS Ball. Claire had brought a surprise dress for her sister, and Tess had cried when she'd opened it, only because of the hormones. But it had been a lighter moment that day, because earlier, they had received some bad news, that one of the trucks with their sheep in it, had gone missing. It had been found with the sheep alive and well, but they had missed the sales. Claire was pissed, so was Stevie, who had demanded the driver be fined, or buy the damn sheep. Turns out, Vic was their knight in shining armour, and purchased the flock for a ridiculous price, causing an argument between Vic and Claire, followed by very loud make up sex, which had made Tess almost want to gag again, despite her being happy for Claire. She had unceremoniously burst into tears, happy tears, when Meg brought it up, of how happy she is that her sister has Vic. They're so good together, and he adores Charlotte. Claire couldn't ask for someone better. Stevie was excited, this would be hers and Alex's first public event together as a couple. The other couple making their debut tonight: Claire and Vic, who showed up looking spiffy in a nicely pressed suit. The beautiful dress that Claire had brought for Tess was completely tight to her body and showed off… everything. The bump was on full display, and you could tell that there was one. The blonde McLeod was nervous, panicking slightly before they entered the hall, with Claire coming back to lead her inside, promising that they're all going to be here, that it doesn't matter about anyone else, and that she has nothing to be ashamed of. Tess knows that, but she is scared, because there are going to be questions. Lots of questions. About what happened. About the father. She doesn't know what to say. Claire basically pushed her sister into the hall, and Tess moved quickly over to their table in the corner, with Jodi and Becky whooping at her, as she looked completely radiant in the brightly rainbow coloured dressed, that caressed her body. Becky winked at her, told her to be strong, they're all here for her. Tess placed her jacket on the back of her chair, took some deep breaths and turned to move into the throngs of people hanging around. It didn't take long for people to notice the bump, that's when the whispering started. Claire caught her sister at the food table, they had a conversation about Vic, and both had a good laugh at his horrendous dancing, whilst he just grinned at the two of them, waving, and continuing to not care what he looked like at all. Tess swayed side to side slowly with the music, laughing at Alex trying to dip Stevie, and at Becky and Jake trying to tango together. When Harry came over to her, and asked her how she was feeling, she told him the truth. He offered her his support, if she should need him to be there, he will be, because he cares about her like she's his own daughter, despite having their differences. Tess, taken aback, thanked the man, as Harry nodded and headed back over to Sandra, who was almost glaring at Tess. Jodi came over to pull her onto the dancefloor, and she laughed, but went along with them, ignoring the stares of people. After the song ended, Tess was laughing with Jodi as they headed back towards their table, that's when the first group approached her, asking all the questions she had dreaded.

Tess stumbled over her words, unable to find answers for what they wanted, and they were all coming at her so fast, that she felt like she was becoming overwhelmed. Sensing that Tess was panicking, Jodi yelled for people to back off, and they did. Claire stepped in then, thanking Jodi, who just went back to dance, calling people vultures under her breath. Tess thanked Claire, and was almost calm, but then Sandra Kinsella had to open her big mouth, making up a lie that Tess was a slut, that it was a one-night stand, that she had been taken advantage of, and didn't know the father. Alex heard the commotion and came over to help, so did Harry. Tess, needing to get away, tried to head to the door, but Sandra was shouting, and she felt the panic attack coming, then she collapsed, caught thankfully by Claire, who shouted for someone to get the paramedics. People backed off then, most of them were mad at Sandra, who for the most part did look guilty. She apologised, stating that she didn't want this to happen, but Claire just told her to bugger off, and went back to looking after her sister. Alex carried Tess out to the ambulance, Claire going with her to the hospital, whilst she told the others to stay and have a good time, it's what Tess would want them to do. She promised to keep them informed. Tess woke up just before they got to the hospital, asking what had happened. Claire just said panic attack, Tess tried to sit up, but the paramedic told her to stay lying down, she's monitoring her and the baby. Tess asked if it was okay, and the paramedic nodded, telling Tess the baby is fine, but she needs to remain calm. Taking deep breaths, Tess closed her eyes again, holding Claire's hand, and apologising for ruining the night. Claire shushed her, told her that it was Sandra who ruined it by being a nosy bitch. Tess chuckled, so did the paramedic. It didn't take long for them to get to the hospital, they were already close to Fisher anyway. Back at the BNS ball, Sandra had left after Tess had been taken away, and the girls had gone back to having fun, despite them missing Claire and Tess. Vic was getting to know Alex, Vince, Terry, and Jake, telling them that he thinks the way Claire loves her sister is amazing. Alex asks him if he's serious and reminds him what they can do if he hurts Claire, and after chuckling, Vic seriously says that he won't. He loves Claire, and despite it only having been a month, he knows she's the one he wants to be with. Alex nodded, looking over at Stevie, and knowing that she is the one that he wants to be with as well. They haven't really had a future talk, but he thinks they might have to, especially with all these people getting engaged around them. Sally and Nick had chosen to skip tonight, apparently the doctor wanted a 'cosy night in'. Alex had scoffed but left his brother to be whipped.

'So, Alex, where is Nick tonight?' Terry asked, handing the man a beer

'He's whipped. Sally wanted a cosy movie night in, so they stayed home. Completely whipped,' he said, shaking his head, taking a swig of his beer

'I think it's nice that he cares about what she wants to do sometimes,' Kate said, having chimed in on the conversation

'You'd rather be at home instead of here? Something is wrong with you,' Jake said, chuckling with the other blokes as Kate just flipped them off.

December 14th, 2003

Drovers Run

Fisher District

Morning/Evening

Tess had come home from the hospital this morning. The doctor had given her some news that was concerning about her pregnancy. Claire was scared, and angry that Tess wasn't taking the news seriously. She had presented with placenta displacement, which means that the placenta could move during pregnancy and cause a bleed, meaning that Tess needs to be careful, and have regular checkups, but that overall, the baby is healthy, and growing correctly. The women were still a little hung over from the night before, relaying to Claire and Tess what had happened after they had left, then the McLeod's shared the news with them, about Tess' condition. Despite all of this, Tess was determined to continue working, telling Claire that she needs to 'do something'. Promising that she would take it easy, and look after herself, Tess was given permission to help with the lighter, less strenuous duties around the property. After everything had been settled, and the McLeod's had showered and changed, the day began the same as it usually does. Tess puttered around the house with Meg, going about the lighter duties whilst the others did the jobs that would require more strain. The doctors had told her that she couldn't ride for at least the next month or so, which had made her break down in tears, but ultimately, she had come to accept that. Claire found her brushing Oscar, talking to him softly, apologising for not being able to ride him for a little while, but promised she would make it up to him when she could. Claire had ridden horses up until about seven months, but that was mostly because Alex was overprotective of her and wouldn't even let her near a horse. They were doing some tidying in the shed when they saw a car pull into the drive. Claire got mad, strutting over at Sandra got out of the car, looking around at the Drovers women, awkwardly waving. She spots Tess, and asks if she could just have a moment, she wants to apologise for what she said, that she was slightly drunk, and a little bitter about her predicament with Harry. Tess accepted the apology, Claire pulled her aside and they whispered about her condition, which Sandra overheard, concerned, but pretended that she hadn't when the girls turned back to her, both accepting her words of apology. Sandra smiled, thanked them, and then got back in her car to return to Killarney. Harry had taken a somewhat interest in Tess and her pregnancy, and she doesn't know why, he won't tell her, but he'll need to know the information about the pregnancy, so that he can keep an eye on Tess' wellbeing if that is what he wants to do. Claire suspected that Sandra was up to something, sharing this thought with the other women, who nodded in agreement, then all went back to work.

Harry was at Wilgul later that day, talking with his boys about something he needed their help with at Killarney, and like usual, Alex was refusing to help just because Harry wanted them too. Then he asked if Alex knew how Tess was, and whilst the older Ryan brother tried to signal to Harry to shut up, he didn't get the message and kept talking, when Nick asked what happened, Harry said that Sandra had been rather rude to Tess, who collapsed at the BNS ball. Alex took over, stating that it had been a hot day, and Sandra was in her face, and she had a panic attack. Harry asked why Tess had had a panic attack, then asked if it was because of the baby. Nick dropped the spanner on his foot, loudly exclaiming 'pregnancy?' as he bent down to pick up the spanner, looking between Harry and Alex, the latter of whom confirmed that Tess was pregnant, that it was apparently someone that took advantage of her. The whole time, Alex was glaring at the back of Nick's head, thankfully unnoticed by either of the Ryans. Nick turned to look at his brother, asking if he's known about this the whole time, and Alex nodded, Nick went silent, turning back to Harry, telling his father that he'll have to check his schedule, but they should be able to come help him out later in the day. After Harry left, Nick went back to working in silence. He couldn't really think of anything else, except for the fact that some dickhead had taken advantage of Tess, and now she's pregnant. A part of him, a big part, wished it was him that was having a baby with Tess, and angrily kicked an empty bucket across the shed, making a loud clanging sound as it hit the side of the shed. He hadn't noticed that Tess was pregnant when he saw her the other day… she was riding? Should she be doing that whilst pregnant? The question popped into his head suddenly, but he shook it away. He can't be thinking about this anymore. It's clear that now that he's shown he's moving on, so is Tess, even if it's not in the way he wanted for her. He had hoped that… well honestly, he had hoped it would be the two of them. But he had to protect Claire, Tess, Charlotte, and Drovers. It has to be this way, for them. Nick went from surprised to angry, after he realised that his dad knew, Alex knew, everyone else probably knows, but she hasn't told him. I thought we were friends, clearly, I was wrong… he thought, sighing as he heard Alex shouting after him, grabbing the gear the needed and heading back over to his brother. They worked in silence for a bit, then Sally came out, bringing them some food, and asking Alex about the BNS ball. When she returned inside, Nick asked Alex what he needed to know.

'Did you know? About Tess. About the… that she's…'

'Pregnant? Yes. I knew. She announced it last night at the BNS Nick. It didn't go quite to plan, but… yes. I knew,' he said, hoping to convince Nick that he'd only known since last night

'You've known longer than that haven't you?' Nick asked, calling Alex's bluff, he nodded

'Nick…'

'Why didn't she tell me? I thought we were friends, clearly, I was wrong.' Nick said, and Alex reminded him that he didn't tell her that he's engaged, but Nick brushed it off, Alex sighed

December 20th, 2003

Drovers Run

Fisher District

Afternoon/Evening

It was a surprise to find in the mailbox, and invitation to Nick and Sally's Christmas Day lunch at Wilgul. Jodi expressed her excitement, whilst the others were a little wary. Claire was hesitant, she didn't know if they could afford to spend an entire day away from Drovers, and Tess didn't want to go at all. Of course, the minute Becky reminded Claire that Vic would probably be there, her tune completely changed, and she became that love struck little girl, twirling her hair and blushing, telling them all that they're going, and it will be amazing. Tess felt sick at the idea of spending Christmas with Nick and Sally, just being in that close of a proximity to Nick, and having this secret makes her feel so guilty. Alex had told her that she just needed to tell him, get it over with, then she won't be fainting and getting life threatening conditions that could kill her and the baby. She hadn't thought that her guilt over hiding this from Nick could the thing that is making her the way that she is, but Meg and her doctor had both agreed that this could be the reason. So, Tess went along with Claire's excitement to spend Christmas at Wilgul with her new boyfriend, and the Ryan's. Hearing Claire excitedly talk about spending her first Christmas with Vic, was all the motivation Tess needed to go, and have a good time. She would do that for her sister because her sister has done so much for her. But before they think about Christmas, many other things have to be done, and that includes the ordering of supplies, which Tess had been allocated, because it wasn't strenuous activity. It was kind of boring though, she had to make it interesting, by pretending that it was a game she made up. This would have all been fine, if Vic hadn't walked into on her talking to herself like an idiot. Startled, Tess put a hand over her heart, asking him what he's doing here. He just said that he was looking after Charlotte whilst the girls worked, and Tess lamented on how good he is with her. He smiled, thanking her, and asking if he looks like he'll make a good dad. Tess asked if Claire was pregnant, and Vic shook his head quickly, telling her no, they've only been together for a month, they're not rushing. Tess apologised, but Vic just smiled, told her that he won't be scared off. He's in love with Claire, even if she's not there yet, he knows what he feels, and he doesn't want to lose that. Tess just thanked Vic, and confused, he frowned, and asked what for, but she never got to answer him, because Becky and Jodi barged into the study, telling Tess that they need to cancel the order for one of their products because they over ordered last time, and will have too much if they order more. Vic just sat opposite the ladies, holding Bom whilst they debated what the best solution to their problem is.

Dr. Callaghan had come out earlier in the day to look over Tess, giving her some information, and asking her to be careful, and consider her baby, and her own health whilst she's pregnant. He also told Tess that being pregnant in the summer will be hard on both her physically, mentally, and on the baby, so he advises her to remain vigilant to her body, and any changes that she feels, and to maintain a presence in or near to the shade and keep the work to a minimum. He told her that she can ride, if she's careful, and doesn't go too fast, but wouldn't recommend it past her seventh month of pregnancy. He gave Claire a pamphlet on her condition, informed Tess of the current vitamins to take, and wrote her a prescription to get some from the chemist when they're in town. Tess and Claire thanked the doctor, and he left. For all the things that had happened to her over the last five months, this was probably the most mind opening. As much as she's terrified that she won't be a good mother, she's more terrified of losing her baby. So, this has knocked some sense into her. She's kind of afraid now, which Claire notices when Tess hesitates stepping into the yard to help with the sheep. Her sister tells her that she can go rest inside, she has enough hands to get this all done, and Vic will step in if he needs too, but Tess is insistent that she needs to do it. She gets to about eight o'clock, before Claire tells her to go up and get in bed, and Tess nods, slowly walking back to the house, as Vic came out to take her place, informing her in passing that Bom is asleep, he left the monitor in her room. She raises her hand as a gesture to say that she heard him, and keeps walking, mumbling a 'night Meg' as she passes the women on the entrance to the house. With Tess inside and in bed, Claire turns to the others and tells them that she wants to throw Tess a surprise baby shower. The girls squeal with excitement, and clap their hands, each of them speaking over one another to give suggestions for games they could play, or themes they're going to have. Claire reminded them all that it's a secret, to not let Tess in on it, or she will veto the entire thing. They all mime zipping their lips, then excitedly go back to working. They don't finish till after ten, after which they walk like zombie's back to their respective residences and fall into their beds. Vic just throws the blanket over Claire, smiling as he climbs in beside her, kissing her cheek.

'Goodnight, Claire McLeod. I love you,' he whispered, knowing she was asleep and probably wouldn't hear it, and thus freak out over it

'Hmm… I love you too,' she replied, and he looked down to see her awake, and grinning up at him

'I thought you were asleep,' he said, Claire just got up on her knees and kissed him, pressing him back into her mattress

'Well, I wasn't. But I still stand by what I said,' she whispered, and he grinned, both falling into the throws of passion.

December 21st, 2003

Drovers Run

Fisher District

Early Morning

You're not good enough for my son Tess. It's best to just cut the loss now, save yourself the pain later… the words ran through her mind, what Liz had said to her last year, hoping she would back off from Nick. She hadn't a problem when she was with Alex, but then since all that came out about the rodeo accident and Alex not being Harry's biological son, things have been strained. Liz probably blames Tess for Alex finding out, when it was Liz herself, who spilled the secret of her infidelity to her husband and sons. It was the root cause of her divorce. Regardless, she picked Sally out for Nick, clearly, she's better for him or something. Lying awake in her darkened room, the only light from the night sky shining through her bedroom windows, illuminating the mess of clothes she had dropped on the floor. Tess couldn't sleep. It wasn't just because of the fact she couldn't turn her mind off, it was also because the baby was moving around, and she just couldn't get comfortable. A strange sensation that she wasn't used to, and probably would never get used to. Looking over at the clock on her bedside table, it read four-twenty-three. Sighing, Tess sat up, got out of bed, put on some warm clothes, and headed downstairs. She can always find some kind of peace here on Drovers, but it's not always the case. This time, she makes her way over to the hill behind the shed. It can be seen from the homestead, no doubt when Becky, Jodi, and Kate wake up and see her, they'll come over and ask her if she's okay. The expanse of land that stretches out and makes up Drovers Run is so much more than anyone could imagine. It's too big for even Tess to imagine, and she owns half of it. Like clockwork, when the young girls woke up and came out and saw her sitting there, they made their way over to her, asking if she was alright. Tess looked up at them, smiling and telling them she's okay, just needed some air. Jodi made a comment about it being too cold for her to be out here and pregnant, and Tess chuckled, thanking the girls before heading back to the homestead, where she bumped into Claire, who was frantically looking around because she couldn't find her. Claire sighed when she saw Tess enter the kitchen, running over to hug her, before Vic entered the room, and hugged her as well, they had both been panicking when they saw her bed was empty. Tess burst into tears, and Claire laughed at her, because the emotions were too much. Tess just hugged her sister tighter. Later, at about seven, Tess and Vic decided to spend some time together, to get to know each other, and he told Tess what he'd said to Claire last night. She thanked him, for loving her sister, and threatened to castrate him if he hurt her. He promised that he wouldn't, that Claire and Charlotte are the best things that have happened to him in years, and promised that he would take care of them, and of Drovers and Tess if she wanted.

The rain was a hinderance to the plans the girls had. It's that sticky humid weather that just makes you want to crawl in a hole and die for a few hours, and the air conditioner is on the blink. When Vic offered to get it fixed, the girls jumped at the chance, but Claire was hesitant to let him spend his money on Drovers, when he needed it himself. To shut her up, Vic just kissed her, wrote out a cheque with the amount it would cost to get it fixed, and gave it to Claire, whispering 'I love you', as he went, picking up Charlotte and carrying her outside to see the rain. Tess smirked at her sister, then started making kissy noises and singing 'Claire and Vic sitting in a tree…' after which Claire chased her outside, and threatened to push her into the rain if she kept it up. Tess, like Claire, not one to give up a fight, smirked and pushed her sister into the rain, Claire immediately drenched looked back at the blonde woman, arms crossed smirking. Tess shrugged her arms, looking at Charlotte, pointing to Claire and telling her how silly her mummy is. Vic was laughing as well, but Tess didn't even need Claire to pull her into the rain, she stepped into it herself, arms out, twirling around, the rain making her shirt stick to her, and showing off her growing baby bump. It was the first time Claire had seen Tess smile like that in a long time, so she just watched. Normally she would tell Tess to not be silly, but this is a special occasion, and it's boiling hot outside, despite the rain, they need to cool down somehow. Meg had appeared then, with towels that she put down on one of the chairs, told the girls to be careful, and headed back inside. Tess turned to look at her sister, Vic, and Charlotte, the rain hid the fact that she was crying tears of happiness at the sight of the small family. Claire was the happiest she's been since Peter dicked her around, and Tess wants that for her. She wants that for herself, and who knows… maybe one day she will find someone like Vic, who will love her, despite the fact that she has a kid fathered by another man, that some would call a dick behind his back (or if you're Stevie, Jodi, or Kate) to his face. When the rain began to slow down, Tess rejoined her sister on the porch, taking the towel from the chair, and drying herself off enough so that she would track water through the house. Claire had already gone inside, showered, and changed, so Tess went to do the same thing. It's still early in the morning, there is still a lot of work to get done, but this is a nice break up of the day. She's feeling alright about things right now.

A/N: Thanks for reading. Enjoy. D.