A/N: I've been trying to do two chapters per upload, so as per that schedule, here is chapter four 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 Four: … and Tear Others Apart

December 24th, 2003

Christmas Eve

Drovers Run

Afternoon/Evening

On Bom's first Christmas Eve, Claire had wanted to make it special, so she and Tess had decorated the house, and gone all out for the festivities, to make Bom's very first Christmas, extra special. Vic had given them enough money to get the air conditioning fixed, so it's a nice temperature inside, compared to outside, in the Australian heat. Right now, it's a very hot forty-three degrees (Celsius). They have been invited to have Christmas lunch at Wilgul tomorrow, and whilst Tess had been excited about it, over the last few days, she's become less enthusiastic. Alex had been around, told them what they could expect, and asked if they were still going to come over. Claire told him that they would, Alex and Stevie would also be celebrating their first Christmas as a couple, as well as Claire and Vic. Unfortunately for Jodi, she and Luke weren't doing too well. They'd had a fight, and it's bummed Jodi out, so she's hoping they make up before tomorrow, so that she can at least see Luke for a little bit after lunch. But Meg had made a comment about Sally not being able to cook, asking if she should make something to take over, but Alex had informed them that Sally and Liz would be cooking, causing Tess to drop the glass she was holding at the mention of the Ryan brother's mother. Alex asked her if she was okay, knowing that his mother isn't Tess' biggest fan, and Tess just smiled and nodded, bending down to pick up the glass, throwing it in the bin, before Alex had to help her back to her feet, promising to be the buffer between them and Liz tomorrow if she says anything. Tess thanked him, wishing that things would be different, and that she never had any intention of telling them about the rodeo accident, she just thought Alex knew. The apology came as a shock, but Alex promised Tess that it wasn't her fault, that they don't blame her, but she said that his mother did, that was the reason their family was fragmented, and she's to blame for it all. Alex scoffed, told Tess that if it's anyone faults, it's Liz and Harry's, and they should go around telling other people their family's business if they don't want people to find out. Claire had brought it up to Alex in passing, so Tess confirming it was what put it in motion. But they never blamed Tess. Nick says the same thing. Alex told Tess to sit down at the table, and tried to control his own emotions, as he went to find Stevie. How could mum make Tess think that everything that has happened is her fault? He asked himself as he found his girlfriend working on a horse with Claire, who greeted him cheerfully when he walked over to them.

Bom was getting so big as well, and Vic had gone into town with Charlotte, Terry, Meg, and Jodi, he had to get some stuff for Nick at Wilgul, and Terry was getting stuff for Killarney. Meg, and Jodi wanted to pick up some food for Christmas Dinner at Drovers Run, and he's looking after Charlotte whilst Claire is working. It's perfect. He loves that little girl like she's his own, and that's big, considering he's only been with Claire for two months. The drive into Gungellan was long, but Jodi was talking the entire way there, so they were distracted the entire drive. Meg was asking Vic questions about Wilgul, what Sally had done to the place, how she was at running things, and how Nick was as a boss. Vic had been filled in on everything by Claire, so he knows that Tess is pregnant, that Nick is the father, that he doesn't know. He had been wary of the man since he'd met him, but he likes Nick well enough, and he doesn't have a problem with Sally, so he simply said that 'she's nice' and that Wilgul is coming together. Meg made a sound, then turned to look out the window. He doesn't want to bag the place that he works, Nick pays him well enough so that he doesn't have to worry, but he needs the job, and sure, he knows the complications between all of them, but he has to put his job before his feelings about Sally, and what she's done with the place. Himself and the other Station Hands know to just do what Nick tells them, and not worry about Sally. He's even made it clear that she's still learning things and doesn't completely understand. Sally had also made her intentions of moving to Killarney clear in front of Vic the other day, but Nick was adamant he wouldn't leave Wilgul, so that had been a point of contention between the couple. Vic was amused by the fight though. He told this to Meg who smirked but managed to hide it well. It appears she's amused by the fighting between Nick and Sally. Finally, when they reached Gungellan, everything started to speed up for them. Vic held Charlotte whilst he went inside to grab some things for Wilgul, and she was perfectly behaved. Meg was with him, grabbing some food for their dinner tomorrow night, and cooing at Charlotte to keep her occupied whilst Vic talked to one of the Truck Stop workers about a part that he needed for the tractor. When the guy came back with the part, it was a nightmare. First, he was completely uninterested in what was going on, then he brought the wrong part out, claiming that it was right. Then he insulted the fact that Vic had Charlotte with him, and fourth, after Vic told him that he would 'string him up and hang from his dick from the ceiling', the guy when to grab the right part, and brought it back, handing it to him. Vic threw the money at him, grabbed the part, and quickly left, followed by Meg, who gave him props once they were outside. He hates dickheads like that.

'Okay, we got some last-minute decorations for Claire, and I brought Charlotte's Christmas present and some wrapping paper,' Terry said, cheerfully putting everything in the truck

'I got everything I needed for Wilgul, I'm ready to head back. Charlotte is excited about her presents aren't you sweetie?' Vic asked, baby talking to her as he strapped her into her seat, the others were looking at him

'I'm so glad that you and Claire are together. You're amazing, both with Claire and with Charlotte,' Jodi said, and Vic blushed before thanking her and getting in the car

'Right, back to Drover's driver please,' Meg joked, this time they played Christmas carols the entire drive back until Vic threatened to drive them off the road and changed the channel.

December 25th, 2003

Christmas Day

Drovers Run

Morning/Midday

At five o'clock, Tess was woken by her sister jumping on her bed, loudly exclaiming that it's Christmas, that Santa had been that she needs to get up. Tess smiled, remembering how she had done this with Claire when she was younger, but refused, groaning, and telling Claire that she's pregnant and needs to sleep. Her sister pulled the doona off her, pulling her hand, and basically pulling Tess off the bed. She sighed, getting up and muttering after Claire, who had gone to wake the others. Tess trudged down the stairs, into the lounge room that had been wonderfully decorated (unbeknownst to Tess), by Claire, Vic, and Jodi, especially for Tess, who had lamented how much Christmas here sucked, because they didn't decorate. She looked at the beautiful tree sitting in the corner of the room, and the presents piled underneath. It was magical, almost like one of those white Christmases without the snow, because they're in Australia, and its summer. She was joined moments later by Claire, Vic, Meg, Kate, Jodi, Becky, Terry, Jake, and Stevie, who smiled upon entering, asking Tess if she liked it. Nodding, because she couldn't stop herself crying if she tried, she thanked them for doing it, then sat down on the couch whilst Jodi took control of the present portion of the morning. Somewhere in the background, Christmas music was playing, and there was singing along, dancing as presents were given out, and laughter at some of the gifts that were received. Claire got a beautiful necklace from Vic, almost falling off the couch at the sight of it. Tess just grinned, taking a picture of her sister and Vic, before she handed him his gift: his very own Drovers Run shirt that he had admired and told Claire he wanted. Everyone laughed at his reaction to a t-shirt but he just grinned, excitedly kissing Claire who chuckled. Jodi got some new make-up from Kate, some clothes from her mother, and a few handmade jewellery items from Becky. Stevie gave Jodi a pair of boots, similar to the ones she has in her collection, which were a hit. Charlotte got many things, mostly toys, but Tess had brought her niece some nice new clothes as she gets older and bigger she'll need newer clothes, and despite Claire telling her that she should be buying clothes for her little one, Tess was adamant that she would probably get a lot at the secret baby shower they were planning for her, smirking when the girls started acting like they had no idea what Tess was talking about. The final presents were from Claire to Tess. The first one, was a new pair of boots, which excited the blonde McLeod probably as much as Vic's t-shirt excited him. The second thing was a beautiful dress Claire had picked out, that she could wear when she's more pregnant. The third, was a new coffee machine, which surprised Tess, who basically jumped on Claire, thanking her excitedly. The final present that Claire had for Tess, was in a letter envelope. Confused, she took the envelope and opened it, finding a card and a few pieces of paper. On the paper, was a picture of a new Drovers Run sign. She looked at Claire, confused, until her sister pointed at the picture, told her to read it. When Tess saw what it said, she couldn't stop the tears, covering her mouth, and she read out loud: Drovers Run, Owners T.C McLeod and C.P McLeod. Claire then explained that she's had a new gate sign made, with hers and Tess' names on it, comforting her sister, who was emotional. Tess grabbed her glass of orange juice, toasting to a wonderful Christmas to break the emotion of the moment.

The rest of the morning was nice, they spent it having breakfast, and going through all their presents. When Tess took hers upstairs, Claire turned to the others and told them to get the group gift for Tess. They had all pitched in to buy something for the baby, knowing that Tess would end up needing it. Because they don't know the sex of the baby yet, they had gone with just neutral colours, and later they could make it colourful, but they had spent most of the night before revamping the nursery for Tess' baby, and Claire had put the final touches on it this morning, so this is the last thing that needs to go in. It had come as a surprise to Claire when she found Tess' old baby crib that Jack had made for her when she was born, and figuring that this would be a nice surprise, she was going to give it to Tess as a present. The other things could be kept for the baby shower. But this, this is a big gift, a Christmas gift. They set it up in the nursery, and prepared to show Tess, but then Alex showed up, along with one of Killarney's new Station Hands, Riley Ward, who he introduced to the girls, and who the girls immediately began fawning over (except for Claire and Tess). Jodi was the one he seemed to get on with the most, thanking them for inviting him over for breakfast, and looking at Alex, who scratched the back of his neck in guilt as he explained that Stevie had invited him for breakfast, but that Riley had nowhere to go, and he didn't want to leave him there with Harry, Sandra, and Liz. After hearing that, Tess welcomed the stranger with open arms, and asked Meg if she had enough for an extra. She cheerfully nodded, and then Jodi and Kate gave Riley a quick tour of the house and the property, much to the amusement of the others. Becky and Jake excused themselves to exchange gifts with each other, as did Stevie and Alex. Charlotte, four months old, was playing in the new playmat centre that Meg and Terry had brought for her, whilst Tess just watched her niece happily occupied with the toy. Claire was almost enamoured by her daughter just having the time of her life, whilst everyone watched her, giggling when she made one of the toys move by hitting it. Vic helped Meg in the kitchen, whilst Terry ducked back to the small house to get a gift he'd forgotten for Jodi. Tess was just looking at the paperwork that Claire had given her with the picture of the sign, running her fingers over it, smiling as it came. She had read and re-read the card several times, despite the words on it never changing. It's the first real Christmas they've had together since Tess came back, and it's nice to just have this moment. It was never like this for Tess, especially after mother got sick. She wasn't looking forward to lunch, they were all preparing to go to Wilgul, but Tess was nervous. She doesn't know what is going to happen, and she's panicking about it.

December 25th, 2003

Christmas Lunch

Wilgul

Afternoon/Early Evening

Tess had put on a nice top and jacket and a skirt to wear to Christmas lunch. She took the time to do her hair, to look presentable. Charlotte looked so cute in her little Christmas dress Tess had brought for her, and Claire was wearing her regular attire, but with the exception of shorts because it was hot. She did her hair though, and put a little bit of make up on, mostly at Tess' urging. The others were dressed up slightly as well, but they looked nice. Whether it was up to the Ryan standard, they didn't care. Tess sat in the back with Charlotte on the trip there, just talking to her, trying to keep her mind off what was about to happen. Spending most of the day with newly engaged couple and knowing a big secret that could ruin everything wasn't exactly good for Tess to be dealing with, on top of everything else that was going on. Arriving a Wilgul, everyone was gathered around outside for the moment, before Alex came out, asking them what they were all waiting for. Sally and Nick greeted each of them as they entered the house, welcoming them to their home, for Christmas. Tess had to admit, the place looked amazing, and smelled amazing with all the aromas going on. The table setting was gorgeous, and she told this to Sally when the woman was near to her. Their conversation was civil, she thanked Sally for inviting her, and the woman thanked her for coming. That was when she noticed that Tess was pregnant, and squealed excitedly, drawing some attention, as she hugged Tess, who shot a silent 'help me' look to Claire, who was looking over at the two, after she had heard Sally squeal. The doctor pulled back then, congratulating Tess on being pregnant, and Tess realised that she didn't know about the baby, despite Harry knowing. Sally took it on herself, to announce to the entire house then, that Tess is pregnant, that they're going to raise a toast to her, despite Tess begging her not to, despite her wanting to sink into the ground, or run away, she grinned awkwardly as everyone raised their glasses, and toasted. Everyone except for Nick, who just scoffed, shook his head, and sculled what was left of his beer, before grabbing another one, ignoring Alex's look as he went about preparing the food for barbecuing later. Sally spent some time with Tess then, asking her questions, about doctors' appointments, and that she can help out with lamaze and things like that, but Tess didn't get time to answer her question about the father, because she was called away by Liz, apologising. Tess smiled, waving her off, before sinking down onto the chair at the far end of the table, sipping at the soda water Alex had been kind enough to bring to her. It's going to be a long day…

Just before twelve, everyone was asked to sit down, each taking their respective seats, whilst Claire was on an end, to make it easy for her to feet Charlotte. Before they started eating, Liz called everyone into a moment of grace, to thank all those people for being here today, and thanking the lord for her soon-to-be daughter-in-law, and her children. Tess was hidden well enough where she was sitting. Stevie was on her left and Claire was on her right, Charlotte between them, so she wasn't in direct view of Liz Ryan, and whatever would come out of her mouth. On the other side of Stevie, was Alex, and Vic was opposite Stevie, beside Claire. The others were spread out down the table. The conversations mostly went to different Christmases, and how amazing the food was, and thanking Sally and Nick for having them here. Alex was watching his brother, who was probably on his eighth beer at the moment. The conversation soon turned to wedding. At the first mention, Claire turned her head to look down the other end of the table, before glancing a look at her sister, who was just pushing food around on her plate, trying to be invisible. This isn't how Claire had imagined the day going either. In fact, being invited to Wilgul for Christmas lunch was never on her list of imaginations of what would happen on this day, but at least she knows that tonight, it will just be them, as Drovers, without all the Ryans (minus Alex, who Stevie had invited, and they are dating). Sally was going on and on about her ideas for the wedding, at that point, people had started finishing their lunch, and were collecting plates, standing up to take them into the kitchen. It drowned out the conversation a little, but not enough. Sandra came over to apologise to Tess, who thanked her again, before standing to take her plate to the sink. She was minding her own business, just washing the plates as they came, helping Sally out, despite the woman claiming that Tess should sit and rest. She shook her off, stating it was fine, and continued washing the plates. That was when Liz went over to Tess, asking her about the baby, and who the father was. Tess suspected that Liz had a suspicion that it was Nick, because she was always the reason, and she had caught him leaving her hotel room that morning. Tess denied that it was Nick, but Liz kept pressing, stating that she 'knew Tess would end up like this' then went on a spiel about Sally. Tess had to get out of here. She exited the house, walking over to one of the closer boundary fences, and took deep breaths, wrapping her arms around her middle, as she looked out over the green hills of Wilgul, and tried to hold back the panic attack. She sensed someone stand next to her and had to turn her head away to hide her face and the tears when she saw that it was Nick. They had barely spoken since he had come back from the city, and to be honest, they were both unknowingly to the other, mad at each other. Nick asked her how she was, if she was okay, and Tess just nodded, but she was mad about Liz coming at her… that would come back to bite her.

'So, were you going to tell me you're pregnant?' he asked, almost bitter like

'Were you going to tell me you're engaged?' Tess snarked in reply, turning to face Nick, her stomach on full show to the man

'So, what happened Tess? What was it huh? A drunken one-night stand with some random guy, or do you have secret boy toy that no one knows about?' Nick asked, jealousy seeping in, Tess scoffed, the anger building inside of her, she couldn't do this anymore.

'Nope, not drunk, just a one night, life changing, mistake. I'm surprised you don't remember,' Tess said, waiting as she watched the realisation wash over Nick Ryan's face, he was gaping, turning slightly to look at her.

Tess waited, gave him time to process her words, that was when he raised his hands to his head, ran them through his hair, and began pacing, looking at her, as if he was going to ask her something, before shaking his head, and turning back. The memories of their night together after the Gungellan Show flooded his cerebral cortex, the touch of their bodies together, sent a tingle through him. The words they had said to each other, the promise of love, how he had held her after they had finished, and promised to love her forever. Then, in the morning, when everything went to shit, the words that he'd said to her, to hurt her, push her away… protect her. Nick sat down on the edge of the wall, and still gaping, looked up at Tess. She sighed again, sitting beside him, he asked her if he's the father of the baby, and she nodded, tears filling her eyes again. Nick stood up, he turned to look at her, then the shouting started. He asked how she could keep this from him, was she ever going to tell him, asking if everyone else knew but him… Tess nodded, but told him that only the girls know he's the father of the baby, Sally and the others don't. Nick was mad. He furiously told Tess that this is out of line. That she should have told him when she found out, startled when she jumped up and shouted back the reason that she didn't, because she wanted him to be happy, and he was… with Sally and angrily saying that he broke her heart, after promising her all his, she gave him all of hers, and he walked all over it. Nick screamed at her, Claire came out at that point, Tess was crying, Nick softened, trying to comfort her, but Claire got there first, looking over at Nick, and realising that Tess had told him that he's the father. Claire led her sister back inside, and straight to the bathroom. Sally asked Nick what they had been talking about when he got back inside, but he just ignored her, grabbing a beer, and sculling it, much to everyone's concern. It wasn't even two pm, and Nick was already basically drunk. He was slurring his speech, being way too cheerful laughing at silly things, and just being outright ridiculous. He tried to kid fight Alex when his brother tried to get him to stop drinking and take some water and ended up knocking Alex over when he tried to punch him but fell over instead. After that, the day basically faded out, and people began dispersing slowly. Nick was sitting on the sofa, sulking, and drinking as the words 'Nick you're the father' swirled in his around in his head, even though he's knee deep in alcohol right now. Sally was mad, something had happened between Nick and Tess that had triggered this, and she wasn't happy about it. Not long after that incident, Claire, and the rest of the Drovers crew left, thanking Sally for inviting them, and for the beautiful lunch. Tess just said that she was sorry but left before Sally could ask her about the fight with Nick. The excuse that Tess wasn't feeling well was what they went with, but Sally suspected it had to do with whatever Nick was shouting at her about.

Back at Drovers, Tess revealed what had happened, that she had told Nick in a moment of anger that he's the father. That she had ruined everything. Claire shushed her, told her that she didn't ruin anything, and just held her whilst she cried. Vic appeared, jokingly lightening the mood by running into the room holding DVD's and a bottle of non-alcoholic schnapps. The girls laughed, Tess stood up, thanking Vic for being an amazing man, and for loving her sister. He blushed, tears beginning to build in his eyes, choking on his words as Tess hugged, him, then snatched the DVDs from him, stating that she's got first pick. Claire kissed Vic, hugging him, before shouting after her sister that she should get the first choice, because she's the oldest. Vic just had to laugh at the McLeod sisters bantering, even after Tess chose the movie, and they settled down to watch, the popcorn on the table between them, but ended up being hogged by the pregnant Tess McLeod, who Vic found out was very territorial about her food. It might not have been the right kind of Christmas, but this was the best kind. They'll have to deal with everything else tomorrow. Right now, they can just enjoy the time together, the three of them, before the others arrive back at Drovers for Christmas Dinner. At some point during the second movie, Tess had dozed off. Claire sneakily snapped a picture of her sister, giggling like a schoolgirl, before kissing Vic's cheek, and snuggling back into his embrace. The movie must have been super boring, because even Claire fell asleep, waking to find Tess waking beside her, and Vic coming back into the room, loudly announcing that dinner is ready, and they need to come and eat. Both sisters threw a pillow in his direction, before standing up and following him into the dining room, where Vic had done the works. The complete Aussie Christmas roast dinner. It was beautiful, and Claire was amazed. Bom was wearing a little Christmas outfit that Meg had given to her, and it was wonderful (having made a mess of her other one at lunch). Claire noticed that there was a lot of food, but Jodi pointed out that that means lots of leftovers. She rolled her eyes, but took a seat, the others joining shortly after that. When Alex showed up, Tess asked him if Nick was alright, to which Alex just nodded, grinning as he produced a six pack, placing it down on the table between himself and Tess, who raised an eyebrow at him, before taking the glass of fake schnapps that Vic had brought, and toasting to a bewildered Alex. The girls all laughed, then Jake explained that it was non-alcohol to the Ryan who made a snarky comment before laughing Meg, Terry Stevie, Alex, Becky, Jake, Jodi, Luke, and Kate all took their seats, clapping their hands and salivating over the delicious meal that Meg and Vic had made for them all. No one mentioned Wilgul, or what happened before they left, but Alex did let everyone know that Nick was alright, just drunk. Sally had put him to bed, and everyone kind of left after having a feed. Tess sighed, apologising to everyone for ruining the day… again.

'Hey, you didn't ruin the day, Tess. It had to come out. It just… didn't come out the way we expected it too,' Stevie said, looking down at her plate

'I didn't want to tell him like that, but I was mad at him, and at Liz, and it kind of just… came out. I just couldn't keep it from him anymore. I couldn't keep lying. I'm sorry,' she said, fighting the tears

'Hey, no tears over my Christmas dinner. Tess, I've only known you and Nick for a short period of time, but I can tell you, this will all work out in the end. The way it's meant to. Just, let it run its course. Once he's calmed down, and had time to process everything, you two will sit down and talk this all through. Believe you me,' Vic said, raising his glass in toast to a 'family Christmas'.

'To family… thank you Vic,' Tess said, smiling at her probably soon to be brother-in-law.

December 26th, 2003

Boxing Day

Drovers Run

Midday/Early Evening

The next day, whilst some were recovering from slight hangovers, Tess was recovering from lack of sleep. She hadn't slept last night, the memory of Christmas Day, and telling Nick that he's father just plagued her mind. She couldn't get it out, the look on his face, the anger that came, the way he had acted when she had told him. It was not what she had imagined would happen, and her delusion included Nick leaving Sally, and running to her, to be with her and their baby. But she knows that's ridiculous. She knows that can't be what happens. When Tess got downstairs that afternoon, there wasn't much work being done. Vic had gone back to Wilgul, they're doing drenching over there today, so Nick needed his help, and because Nick is probably the most hungover out of everyone. Sally had called this morning, to apologise to Tess for whatever Nick had said to her, that caused them to leave early, that she hopes they work out whatever it is. Tess had thanked her, promising to let her know if she needs any help with her pregnancy. To be honest, the worst part about yesterday wasn't even Nick finding out, it was what Liz had said to her. She had told Claire that she has a suspicion that Liz knows Nick is the father, but her sister had said that would be ridiculous, and that if she didn't, why hadn't she told Nick, or anyone else for that matter. Tess told Claire that it would be because she's ashamed of Tess. She doesn't think she's good enough for Nick, or for her family, and Tess having a baby with Nick, out of wedlock, and when he's engaged to Sally, would tarnish the already stained Ryan family name. Claire had threatened to go over and give the woman a piece of her mind, but Tess begged her not to, to just leave it. She doesn't have to worry about it anymore because Liz isn't in her life anymore. Claire then told her that she might have to be, because she's going to be the biological grandmother. Tess found herself later that day, making the trip up to where Jack's grave is, sitting down in front of it, and just talking to her father, wishing that he was here, that he could see his grandchildren, in both Charlotte and her little unborn baby to come. Beside Jack, was Claire's mother Prudence's grave, and beside them, was their little stillborn baby brother. Tess hadn't ever really been here, except for that time she sprinkled her mother's ashes. But it seemed to be calming for her right now, and she wanted to talk to Jack, ask him how he had felt after Ruth had taken her away, ask her if he ever tried to come to the city to find her. If he loved her. But those questions would never get answered. The Ryan's are going to be this baby's only set of grandparents.

Claire was worried about her sister. She hadn't seen Tess since this morning, and no one else seemed to know where she was. Meg had mentioned that she had seen the woman heading into the west paddocks but hadn't seen her come back. Claire quickly clicked to Jack's grave, giving Charlotte a kiss on the head, promising to be back soon, before dashing out to her horse, and riding towards Jack's grave. As she got over the hill, she saw Tess, just sitting in front of the graves, staring ahead as if seeing the ghost of one of the owners of those graves. Claire got off Eagle, and walked over to her sister, staring down at Jack's grave, and her mothers and their brothers, before she sat down beside Tess, telling her a story about the first time Jack had told her that she was getting a baby sister. Tess rested her head on Claire's shoulder, listening at Claire recounted the tale, of being told that her stepmother was pregnant, that she was going to have a baby sister. She was three at the time but understood enough that something big was happening. When Tess was born, she didn't want anyone else to hold her, for fear that they would take her away, and she would never see her again. Tess chuckled, when Claire told her that she had dressed Tess up, and made her play in the mud, as they were playing rangers and horses. She can imagine Claire trying something like that. The story soon turned to the day after Ruth had taken Tess and left. Claire had asked her father when they were coming back, when she would see her sister again, but Jack just ignored the question, and Claire would wait at the gate all day, waiting until Tess came back. The blonde sister looked up at that, apologising for never coming back. Claire shook her head, wrapping an arm around her, telling Tess that it wasn't her fault. They sat in silence for a while, before Tess told Claire that she had once tried to run away, to find Claire, going as far as to get on a bus, before her mother caught up to her, and told her that they were never going back to Drovers Run, that she should forget about it, because Jack and Claire didn't want her. Claire grabbed Tess' shoulders, making her sister look at her, then told her that she promised, she wanted nothing more than to have her sister back, she would have done anything. Tess nodded, turning to look at Jack, then asking her mother why she would do that to them, as the girls both cried a little. It was sunset when they headed back towards the homestead, Claire on the horse, Tess walking beside Eagle, sisters holding hands.

'I don't know what is going to happen now that Nick knows Tess. I can't tell you that, but I want you to know that you have me, and Meg, and the girls, and Vic. We're all here. We're all that matters. Family,' Claire said, as the windmill came into sight

'I know, you are what matters. I just wish that Jack and mum could be here to meet their grandkids,' Tess whispered, waving to Meg who had obviously been waiting for them

'Me too. But let's not dwell on it right now okay. We have each other again, in my book, that's the best combination,' Claire replied

'Claire and Tess McLod… right?' Tess said, referring to their names under Jack's desk, and they both laughed as Meg called out to ask if they're alright.

December 26th, 2003

Drovers Run

Fisher District

Evening

They weren't expecting anyone to show up this late at night, so Claire just assumed that it was Alex coming to see Stevie. The surprise came when the younger Ryan appeared at the door, holding his hat in his hands. Claire opened the door, crossing her arms and looking down at the ground, before asking Nick what he wants this late at night. Tess was in the living room, she hadn't heard the voices, so when Claire said her name from the doorway, she turned around to find her standing there… with Nick behind her. Tess brushed a strand of hair out of her face, and looked at the younger Ryan brother, before Claire excused herself, telling her to yell out if she needs her. She muttered a 'be nice' to Nick on the way out, before closing the loungeroom door, leaving Nick and Tess standing awkwardly in the room. He didn't know what to say. The entire drive over here, all he could think about was the words that Tess had said to him, saying that he's the father. He doesn't have a plan, or a speech, or anything. He just told Tess that he knows he didn't react the right way, but that it was a shock. Tess scoffed, looking down at the floor, before looking back up at him. She had to lead this conversation, or they wouldn't get anywhere. She had thought about what she would say when this came up. Tess told Nick that she doesn't expect anything from him, that she didn't tell him to get anything from him, that she's sorry she told him the way that she did. She hadn't thought that it would get to this point, and she's been scared to tell him since she found out. Nick asked her how she had been feeling, and why she didn't just tell him, they could have done it together, and Tess scoffed again, her temper growing as she told him that she didn't want to come between him and Sally, that she knew this would ruin their relationship and she didn't want that. It was silent for a moment. Nick said that he was sorry, for what went down after the Gungellan Show, that he never wanted to hurt her. Tess nodded, eyes filling with tears, wiping one that escaped down her cheek away, before looking up at the man standing in front of her. The energy in the room was weird. It wasn't a comfortable energy, that was for sure. Nick asked her if she knew what she was having yet, she shook her head, he nodded back, tapping his hand on the side of the couch, before sitting down, elbows on his knees, head in his hands, hiding the tears in his own eyes.

Tess said something then that he wasn't expecting. She told him that he doesn't have to be involved at all if he doesn't want. He can just go about his life with Sally, and she can raise the baby, he won't have to do anything if he doesn't want too. Nick stood up, angrily stating that he doesn't want that. He doesn't want to know that he has a kid that he can never see that he wants to be a part of the baby's life. Tess nodded, they had to work all this stuff out sooner or later. Nick sat back down, turning slightly so that he was facing Tess, taking her hands in his, as he promised that he would be there for her, for the pregnancy, for the baby whenever she needed him that he wants to be involved. He'll do whatever it takes. He'll buy pregnancy books, and baby books and learn everything he needs to know to prove to her that he can do this, that they can do this together. Tess nodded, sniffling and looked up at Nick, telling him that she wants him to be involved, but it has to be what he wants. Nick nodded, and then Tess asked him about Sally. Nick let go of her hands, running his fingers through his hair, sitting back against the couch, and sighing. Tess copied the position, but was hugging a pillow to her stomach, almost as if to hide it from Nick, even though he has probably already seen it. He hadn't told Sally that he's the father of the baby. Their argument when he woke up this morning was Sally defending Tess, going off at Nick for yelling at a pregnant woman, that he should be ashamed that he had done that. He apologised to Tess then, for shouting at her, and she apologised for her actions on that day as well. He wanted this to be simple, but he knew that it never would. Whilst they were like this, it would never be simple, and it's never going to be, because now there is a baby. Tess told Nick that she doesn't want any trouble between her and Sally, that he needs to understand that, and that he needs to have his relationship with Sally in check, if he wants to see his baby. Nick agreed, he promised that he would be the one to tell Sally, because he owes her that much. Then Tess told him what Liz had said to her that day, and how she suspects that his mother already knows that he's the father. Nick was gaping at her, knowing that Liz had definitely seen him leaving Tess' hotel room, and that had been why she had done what she did to him and Tess.

'I don't want your mother around the baby. Not until she proves that she can be trusted,' Tess said, and Nick looked at her

'I'll handle my mother, Tess. Don't worry about her. When… when do you find out what you're having?' Nick asked, almost shyly

'I have an ultrasound on the first of January in Fisher. If you want… Claire usually takes me, but you can… come along… if you want. It's at eleven am,' Tess said, and Nick nodded enthusiastically

'I would love that. Well, I guess I better get going. Please keep me informed Tess and if you need anything…,'

'I will…' she replied, and Nick stood up, she stood up as well, waiting until he was gone, before slumping back down on to the couch, taking a deep breath.

A/N: Enjoy, and thanks for reading. D.