A/N: DISCLAIMER: It's 2024. Happy New Year. Seven days (a week) into January and things are already hectic. I'm moving in two weeks, so things might be slowing down until after I have settled, and gotten into a new routine. I hope the first week of 2024 has been good for you, and that you have amazing plans for the rest of the year. Thanks to Hot Coffee and Good Stories, and MakesYouSeeTheLight0900 for your feedback on this story. I hope you're enjoying it. Have a fantastic day, thanks, and enjoy these two chapters. JusticeIsn'tEasy0083 D.


McLeod's Daughters

A Different Time, A Different Story

Chapter Seven: February Makes Seven

February 3rd, 2004

Fisher District Surrounds

Fisher District

Morning/Afternoon

Tess and Nick had gone together into Fisher for her seven-month ultrasound, to make sure that everything was okay, and because Dr. Gallagher had requested for them to come in, because she had something she needed to talk to them about in person. It had worried Tess, because she had been concerned with Nick's medical history, and wanted to know of his parents' medical history. Harry was very helpful, he came over to assure Tess that there weren't any chronic diseases in the family, and happily handed over his medical records for the doctor. Liz had been a bit more hesitant but had eventually given in when Alex asked her for them, pretending he needed them for something, and gave them to Nick. On the drive into Fisher, Nick brought up names for the baby, stating that they haven't had a chance to really talk about it at all, since the fires and everything else that had been going on. Sally's parents had returned to the city, but they weren't happy at the situation, despite thinking that Tess was a 'nice girl'. Tess hadn't wanted to be involved, but Sally had invited her over (Claire went with her), to tell her parents that there isn't anything between her and Nick, and there wasn't… except for what happened after the fire, nothing else has happened between them, and she doesn't want to hurt Sally. She can't be that person. Tess asked Nick what names he had thought of, pulling a disgusted face at him when he said the name Margret. Nick chuckled, asking her what names she had thought of, and Tess said that she hadn't really thought about it. She knows that she wants the baby's middle name to be Claire, but that's it. Nick nodded, stating that he thinks that will be nice, then asked if they should buy one of those baby name books, and see if anything jumps out at them. Tess rolled her eyes, shaking her head. Nick sensed that it was something else but didn't press the issue. He was just thankful that Tess had let him come along with her, because Claire and the others were roving today, and she can't ride a horse. So, he had come to her appointment with her, it had made Sally annoyed, but she accepted it, because she trusts Nick, and she's been trying to deal with everything that is going on, despite her mother telling her she should leave. Tess was looking out the window, watching as the buildings passed them by in the car, the radio filling the silence, as she thought about what Nick had said about names. She honestly hasn't wanted to think about it, because she was at one point, considering not keeping the baby, to make it easier for all of them. She still doesn't know what she's going to do. Claire would flip out, tell her she's overreacting for nothing, but it's something that is stuck in head.

They arrived at the doctors and got out of the car. Nick walked beside Tess, promising he wouldn't be awkward this time, and Tess chuckled, remembering the first time Nick had come with her, and laughing about his clumsiness that day. Nick admitted that he'd been nervous, after finding out that he's going to be a father, she had to cut him some slack. Tess patted his shoulder, checking herself in, before they took seats in the small waiting area. Tess didn't have to sit for long. She heard her name called, and stood up, Nick following her into the small doctor's office, helping Tess onto the small hospital bed, and taking the seat beside her. Dr. Gallagher greeted both of them, asked Tess how she's been feeling, and the McLeod stated that she's been experiencing some pain, in her breasts, and her back. Dr. Gallagher chuckled, stating that around this time in the pregnancy, that will be normal, as she gets closer to her due date, she'll probably begin to feel some in her legs as well, but assured her that it's normal, unless it's around the baby, or spotting. Tess nodded, informing her that she hasn't had anything like that, and Dr. Gallagher asked her to keep an eye just in case, and call her straight away. Tess nodded, pulling her shirt up slightly, wiggling a little when the Dr. put the gel on her stomach, grabbing the wand and moving it around until the heartbeat could be heard, and the image could be seen. Nick was always amazed to see the ultrasound, and couldn't wipe the grin from his face, as the doctor told them that everything looked to be good and right. She told them she would print them out a picture, handing Tess a cloth to clean up the gel. Nick helped her to sit up, when Dr. Gallagher came back, she handed the envelope to Nick, then asked them if they had a moment to spare. Tess nodded, sitting back on the small bed in the room, Nick remained seated. Dr. Gallagher said she had looked at Nick's family medical history, and that she was concerned when she learned that Nick has a pretty serious genetic heart condition. That was why she wanted his parents' medical histories. It was passed down to him from his father. Tess looked at Nick, who swore that he had no idea, his parents had never told him. Dr. Gallagher had told them that they don't need to worry right now, she has made a note in Tess' file, so that when it comes time for her to give birth, they know what to keep an eye out for. Nick feels Tess squeezing his hand, and squeezes back, pressing a kiss to her temple. She tells him that it's not his fault.

'Nick, it's okay. This is just something we'll have to check when she's born. Don't beat yourself up over it. Promise me that you won't,' Tess asked, and Nick looked at her

'I hate that this has come from me. I'm putting you and our daughter at risk because of this,' Nick said, and the thoughts in Tess' mind came back

'Do… do you want me to… you know…'

'NO Tess. Absolutely not. You are going to have this baby, and we are going to raise her together, and she's going to be amazing, heart condition or not,' Nick said, thanking the doctor who smiled at the two of them, giving them some pamphlets on everything, telling them to call if they have more questions or concerns.


February 3rd, 2004

Fisher District Surrounds

Fisher District

Afternoon/Evening

The drive back was spent with Nick and Tess talking about the medical news they had been given. Tess told Nick that it was a higher chance of father to son, but that it's not impossible their daughter won't have it. Nick questions out loud why his parents never told him about this, and Tess takes his free hand, telling him to ask them. Tell them that it might affect the baby, and any future children that you have. Nick looks over at Tess, smiling at her, and raising her hand to his lips, pressing a kiss to the back of it, before she takes it back, looking back down at the pamphlets, the hot car no match for the air conditioner, which Alex had assured Nick he'd fixed. So, Tess had taken to winding the window down, and letting Nick speed slightly over the designated speed limit. They're on the backroads anyway, rarely any cops out here, and if they do get stopped, Nick will cop it. But he has to get Tess home, out of the heat. Wilgul is actually closer than Drovers, an extra thirty minutes, and right now he's just concerned about how hot it is and getting Tess out of the hot car. He pulls into Wilgul, Tess questions what he's doing, he tells her she can call Claire to come and get her, but he wants to get her out of the heat. Tess agrees, getting out of the ute when Nick stops. Alex helps her out of the car, asking them why they're here, Nick tells Alex that he didn't fix the air conditioner in his car, it's boiling inside and outside, and he had to get Tess out of the heat. Alex followed them inside, asking Nick what he thought was wrong with it, because he doesn't know what else to try. Sally came out to greet them, surprised to see Tess, Nick explained what had happened, stating that she's going to call Claire to come get her, he and his idiot brother are going to try and fix his car. Tess handed one of the envelopes to Nick, and he thanked her, turning to follow Alex out of the house. Sally got Tess a glass of water, placing it on the table in front of her. She thanked her, just as Claire picked up the phone, and she explained what was happening. Sally excused herself to do some work, and Tess nodded, grabbing a magazine from the pile. She sat there for a while, Claire said she could be anywhere from thirty minutes to an hour but promised she would be there to pick her up, if not, she'll send someone who could. Nick and Alex came back in the house, arguing again, Alex tried to get Tess in the middle, but she just told Alex to stop being an idiot, and fix the damn car, to which Alex just raised an eyebrow at her, she shrugged, and went back to her magazine. Nick laughed, pushing Alex back out the door, after grabbing some tools he needed.

Vic showed up instead of Claire, to pick up Tess, and found her leaning against Nick's ute, shouting something to the men underneath. Nick was calling for tools, Tess handed him one, Alex appeared from under the ute, greeting Vic, as Tess went inside to collect her things, she thanked Sally for the water, and she waved goodbye to her. Vic was calling things out to Nick, who poked his head out from under the bottom of the car, asking if he knew what he was doing, because he's trying to fix the air conditioner. Vic rolled his eyes, simply said 'try it Nick', then walked back over to his own car, waving goodbye to the brothers as he took off, driving Tess back to Drovers. He asked her how the appointment went, and she told him about Nick's family medical history. He asked her if the baby was okay, and she shot him a short smile, before whispering that she doesn't know. He took her hand, and squeezed, and she thanked him. This isn't the news she was hoping to get today, but now it's something that she has to think about, on top of all the other things. She knows she scared Nick by suggesting what she had at the doctor's office, what scares her is that it didn't scare her to think of something like that. Arriving back at Drovers, Vic and Tess get out of the car, just as the girls are coming back from their droving, and Claire runs over to Tess, hugging her tightly, before Tess pushes away, telling Claire that she needs a shower. Her sister chuckles, but nods, an arm around her shoulder as they enter the house, she asks her how the appointment went, and Tess explains what Dr. Gallagher had told them about Nick's heart condition. Claire was worried, asking if it was genetic, and Tess handed her the pamphlet she had been given, then told Claire that she's hungry, and going to make lunch. Claire flipped through the pamphlet, going into the study to call Harry Ryan. The man answers, and Claire asks him about the condition that Tess and Nick's baby could have. Vic heard his girlfriend on the phone and went into see why she was angrily shouting at the person on the other end, seeing the pamphlet open on the desk in front of her, as she's pacing back and forth having another frustrating argument with Harry Ryan over something ridiculous. Vic made Claire calm down, massaging her shoulders, and she was able to finish her conversation with Harry, hanging up the phone, head in her hands. She just said to Vic that Tess and Nick don't deserve to have this happening. Vic told her that it's not confirmed, just a possibility.

'Damn I should have been there with her,' Claire said, shaking her head

'Nick was there with her, and they're going to work this out Claire. The baby might not have it, it's a higher percentage likely of father to son, than father to daughter,' Vic said

'I know, I'm just… worried. Tess has been acting so strange, and now this… she won't talk about name possibilities, I'm just worried about her,' Claire said, hugging Vic

'Claire, I love you and I want to be here for you, but babe, you stink. Please go take a shower,' he said, and she smirked, pulling him along with her, Vic just chuckling as they went.


February 7th, 2004

Fisher District Surrounds

Fisher District

Morning/Afternoon

Meg had come up with the idea to open a café near the Truck Stop and had gone full ball into the idea. Tess was excited because that meant she could put her coffee making skills to the test and make the people of this town laud real coffee. Claire had rolled her eyes, but it was the first thing she'd seen her sister excited about since she got the news about Nick at the doctor's office, so she had told Meg to let her get along with it, so that Tess could find some joy. Vic and Claire had been keeping an eye on the younger McLeod, but she's been up and around since her appointment, and Harry came over to talk to her about the condition that he has, and confirmed that Nick does have it, once again reiterating that it's a higher percentage chance from father to son. Tess had taken the news rather well, figuring that Harry was just placating her so that she wouldn't do what she had been thinking about doing for a while. Nick will be disappointed sure, but it would be better for him and Sally in the long run, and she won't have to worry about the guilt that would come with her daughter having a rare congenital heart condition, despite the fact that she hasn't been diagnosed with it yet. Tess hasn't been doing anything over strenuous, but she had been talking with an anonymous chat group online, about what she's been feeling, and how she can deal with it. A lot of people have been recommending a maternity councillor, but she doesn't know where to go about finding one, and she doesn't want anyone to know that she's going through this. Tess doesn't feel a lot of the things the mothers on the chat group say they feel. She doesn't know why. Maybe it's because of how it all went down. How she and Nick spent the night together, and she thought she had everything, only for it to crash down around her, and maybe she's scared of doing it alone, or of what Liz might try and do, or if Nick is going to marry Sally, and she'll never have him in her life again. Maybe it's the fear that she'll lose Claire, or that she and Vic will end up leaving Drovers, and she'll be by herself again. Tess doesn't know what she'd do if Claire left her. Maybe she's afraid to love her baby because she doesn't want to lose her, or maybe it's because it's a part of Nick, but also, she doesn't have Nick, and she loves him. It's everything right now. Tess doesn't know how to handle all these emotions, screaming at people doesn't seem to help, and Alex has been telling Stevie about all the wedding plans, and she's sick of hearing about Nick and Sally. Maybe… you know that if you don't have the baby, you don't have to see Sally, and risk getting hurt by Nick again… her mind told her, and it was at that moment that she dropped a mug to the floor, smashing at her feet.

Claire heard the crashing of glass, and turned to look at her sister, who was bent over in pain, clutching her stomach. Claire sprinted into the truck stop, catching her sister as she collapsed, begging the baby to be okay. Telling the baby that she loves her so much. Claire screamed for anyone to help, she couldn't get Tess standing. Everyone heard Claire shouting, ran into the Truck Stop, Nick skidded to his knees on Tess' left, she begged him to save the baby, and he just nodded, looking at Claire, who told Tess they had to get her standing, to get her to the hospital. Sally came over, assessing what was going on, fingers pressing against Tess' stomach. She just asked Claire how long she's been in pain, she just replied that she just found her like this, just then. Sally nodded, telling her they need to get her to the hospital. Tess was still begging the baby to be okay. Nick scooped her up, carrying her out to the car, everyone making way, as Claire climbed in the back to hold her sister, whilst Nick sped off in the direction of the hospital. It was a long thirty-minute drive, with Claire promising her sister that the baby is okay, that she's okay. They're all going to be okay. Arriving at the hospital, Nick stopped the car, and ran to grab Tess, carrying her inside with Claire beside them, shouting to anyone to help her sister. Two nurses came out with a hospital bed, Nick put Tess on it, and she was wheeled off. Claire and Nick turned to look at each other, realising that they're both covered in blood. Both were shaking as they sat down in the waiting area. Nick just stared down at his hands, covered in blood and couldn't stop the tears from forming in his eyes, as Claire slumped back in her seat, rubbing her forehead, praying to Jack, her mother, and Ruth that Tess and the baby were okay. No one came and saw them for a long time. They just sat there in silence, wondering what was happening. About forty minutes later, Alex, Sally, Jodi, Meg, Becky, Kate, Terry, Stevie arrived, seeing the two covered in blood, and each of them taking seats beside the other two. Sally said she would go and get some drinks and snacks, but no one else said anything, and Nick couldn't even form a thought, not even hearing when Alex asked him a question. When he felt like he was finally able to form a coherent sentence, Nick took a deep breath, and sat back in the chair, then he looked over at Claire, who he noticed was almost on the verge of tears, just like him.

'Is this bad Claire?' he asked in a whisper, but everyone heard it, looking at Claire for the answer

'That much blood… yeah Nick, it's bad' Claire replied also in a whisper, but they all heard, Jodi unable to stop the sob that escaped

'Should I call Liz and Harry?' Sally asked Nick, handing him a water, that he just looked at

'If you want,' Nick said, sitting back closing his eyes, this whole thing was too much. He doesn't normally pray, but he is right now.


February 7th, 2004

Fisher General Hospital

Fisher, South Australia

Afternoon/Evening

Tess woke up in the hospital, machines beeping around her. The doctor appeared, she asked about the baby, and Dr. Gallagher stood beside the bed, looking Tess before telling her that the baby is fine, she just kicked the placenta. It's common with placenta displacement, but it's dangerous. She was lucky she got here when she did. She assured Tess that the baby is okay, she's okay, but she wants her to take it easy, no stress for the next two months. She also told Tess that she's keeping her in for observation. Tess put her hands on her bump, and told the baby that she loves her, and she's sorry, and she wants to be her mother. In response, she got a kick from the baby, almost bursting into tears as Dr. Gallagher was watching her. In that moment, the baby was all that matters. Dr. Gallagher asked Tess what was going on, and she broke down and told the doctor what she'd been thinking. Dr. Gallagher pulled up a chair beside the bed and sat down. She asked Tess some questions, and listened as the whole thing was explained to her. She made a note on her clipboard, and told Tess to rest, she'll be back shortly. The waiting room, was filled with all the people that mattered the most to Tess, including Harry and Liz, who had come when Sally had called them, much to Nick's disgust. He hadn't really moved from his spot, but he and Claire had been to the bathroom to wash some of the blood off their hands. Dr. Gallagher approached the group. Claire looked up as the doctor approached them, she didn't know what to think, when Dr. Gallagher was standing in front of all of them, Claire and Nick stood up, as did the rest of the occupants in the waiting room. Nick didn't wait, asking about the baby, asking if Tess was okay. Everyone looking at her expectantly, Dr. Gallagher raised her hands, to calm everyone down, before explaining that the baby is okay. What happened was that Tess has Placenta Dysplasia, and the baby kicked the placenta, causing the bleed. She reiterated that the baby is okay, and told them that Tess has stopped bleeding, and they've managed to control the possibility of it happening again. Claire asked about her sister. Dr. Gallagher told them that whilst Tess is physically going to be fine, she's worried about her mental health, and wants to get Tess in touch with a Maternal Councillor. When everyone looked at her confused, Dr Gallagher relayed some of what Tess had told her to the occupants of the room (leaving out the deeper things), and said that it can be normal at this stage in pregnancy when the situation is complicated surrounding it (referring to Nick and Tess, and Sally and Nick), but that she would rather know that Tess isn't forcing herself to do anything that puts the baby in danger.

Dr. Gallagher expressed sternly to everyone in the waiting room, that for the next two months, until Tess gives birth, she doesn't want her under any unnecessary stress. She doesn't want anyone fighting or expressing displeasure at a situation. She would recommend keeping Tess here, but she knows Tess would hate that, and agreed to send her home, but told everyone in the room the rules. Claire looked over at Liz and Harry, both of whom had their heads down, and weren't looking at them. Dr. Gallagher told Claire that she could go see her sister first, the rest of them can wait, she doesn't want to overwhelm Tess. Nick nodded to Claire when she went to go first, sitting back down head in his hands. The door to her room opened, and then Claire appeared. Tess just looked at her, before the older McLeod angrily exclaimed that she shouldn't have scared them like that, and that this has to stop, that she wants Tess to see the councillor. Claire hugged her sister, lying on the bed beside her, as Tess apologised to Claire, to her baby, saying that she was afraid, of being a single mum, of everyone leaving, of Liz taking the baby, and Nick and Sally running off to the city with her daughter. Claire just hugged her, brushing the hair from her face, shushing her, giving her spiel about Tess being a wonderful mother, that none of them are going anywhere. Claire was surprised when Tess admitted that she wanted the counselling, and she wants the baby. Her sister just hugged her again, begging her to be serious now, and Tess promised. The door opened again, then Nick appeared, and Tess called for him to come in. He shut the door behind him, and Tess' eyes widened when she saw all the blood covering Nick's shirt, then looked at Claire, and saw the same thing, asking if that was from her. Nick asked her if she was okay, if the baby was okay, and Tess nodded yes for the baby. She admitted her fears to Nick as well, who told her the same thing as Claire: that he'll never let his mother take their daughter away from her, and he's not leaving, and neither is anyone else. Tess nodded, apologising for scaring all of them, and promising that she's going to do everything Dr. Gallagher tells her to do. The baby kicking makes her smile, Nick puts his hand on her stomach, feeling the baby kick, none of them realising the door opened again, this time emitting Sally, who saw the scene between Nick and Tess and quickly turned to leave, but was blocked by Alex, Stevie, and the others entering the room. Nick sat down on the seat beside Tess' bed, the others gathered in the room. Claire felt Tess tense slightly when Liz and Harry entered the room, but she requested 'just a minute' before they kick her out. Tess nodded, and Claire told Liz to get on with it.

'I'm sorry Tess. For the things that I said to you. It's not an excuse, and if I could take those things back, I would. I want to be a part of my grandchild's life, if you'll let me, and I will respect yours and Nick's wishes, whatever they are,' Liz said, stepping back again

'Granddaughter. You're having a granddaughter Liz, and I accept your apology, and you will absolutely respect what Nick and I want. If you want to be a part of her life, that's how it will be, and that goes for you too Harry,' Tess said, and both Ryan's nodded

'Okay, so I think it's time for the fun stuff to happen…' Stevie said clapping her hands together

'What kind of fun can you have in a hospital?' Tess asked, as the girls burst into a song, and the boys quickly followed suit, with Claire just hugging Tess close to her.


February 14th, 2004

Drovers Run

Fisher District

Afternoon/Evening

Valentine's Day means a lot to certain people on Drovers. Claire never usually cared about it, but this is the first year that she and Vic will be together for Valentine's, and he's planned some special date to celebrate it. Tess told her sister that she had to go. She's been very good since coming home from the hospital. She's been home for a week almost, and every afternoon, she does a counselling session here at Drovers. Claire met the woman, she's very good, and she gives Claire updates on how Tess is going. Claire is the only other person who knows the details of what Tess talks about, and that's because she has to in order to help Tess. Today's session, Tess and Nick are meant to be doing it together, but because Tess is mostly on bed rest (she can sit outside on the chairs, but she must remain sitting), Nick had to come here. He shows up at about one thirty, greeting the girls as he enters the premises, looking in the direction Kate pointed him in, and thanking her as he moved towards the sound of voices. Claire was making Tess comfortable on the seat outside, Nick asking if it's alright for her to be down here, to which the counsellor stated that it's perfectly fine, looking Nick up and down before writing something in her journal. Tess chuckled, pointing to the chair next to hers for Nick to sit down, and he did, frowning at the woman writing things down in her little book. He doesn't like that. The counsellor introduced herself to Nick as Missy James but asked him to call her Dr. James. He nodded, and she explained what this session is meant to accomplish. She wants Tess to be able to express herself to Nick, and learn that sometimes he has to say no, but that doesn't mean he doesn't love his daughter, or her, or want to be there for them. Nick nodded, and Tess nodded fiddling with the hem of the blanket Claire had draped over her. Dr. James asked Nick to state his full name for her record, pulling out a tape recorder, and placing it on the table between the three of them. Tess looked at him, and he sighed, stating that his full name is Nicholas Gary Ryan. Tess stated hers, Teresa Charlotte McLeod, and Nick smiled. She had told him that ever since coming back here, she's felt more like a McLeod than a Silverman, and that she can honour her mother in other ways, but she wanted to be a McLeod. Dr. James asked Tess to begin by talking about how she was feeling today when she woke up, and how her pregnancy is going today. Tess did this, then asked Nick if he had anything planned for Valentine's for him and Sally. He shook his head, answering the question the counsellor asked to him.

After the session had finished, and the counsellor had left, Nick helped Tess stand up, as walked with her slowly, as she went to find Claire. He was constantly asking her if she was supposed to be up and walking around. Tess rubbed her forehead, threatening to dismember Nick if he keeps asking, and that Dr. Gallagher said she could do 'light exercise', which means walking around, as long as she doesn't overdo it. It was Vic shouting Tess' name that alerted them to the location of the others. He had come out of the shed, dropping the bale of hay that he was carrying on the ground, before running over to Tess, who just greeted him cheerfully. Vic crossed his arms, eyebrow raised at her, but she ignored him, pushing past him, asking about Claire. Vic glared at Nick, who looked taken aback, before asking what his problem was. Tess was sitting down on a bale of hay that Vic had dropped earlier, listening to the stupid conversation between the two men, berating both of them for being so overprotective, when she knows what she's doing, and she's doing it. Vic explained to Nick that he doesn't want Tess overexerting herself, and Nick told him that she's not. She walked here slowly, he was with her the entire time, and now she's resting. That didn't impress Vic, who told Nick that he's the reason she's like this in the first place, and he just comes here, and walks around as if he owns the place, acting like he's all high and mighty when he's just another dick. Tess shouts to the two of them, asking them to stop fighting, and try and work this out, because it's stressful for her to have to listen to, and they're all trying to live with the situation. The two men apologise, Vic turns to apologise to Nick, patting Tess' shoulder as he moves past her. Standing, Tess tells Nick that the both of them are ridiculous, that they're acting like children, as she walks back to the homestead, with Nick by her side. She's really starting to show now that she's in her seventh month. As they returned to the house, Nick was talking about names, and how they should both make a list of names they like, and then compare and narrow down, because they've got two months to find a name for their baby girl. Right now, all he knows that is that Tess wants her middle name to be Claire, and he's okay with that. Tess nods, then tells Nick she brought him something, dashing into the study to grab a bag, handing it to him with a big grin on her face. He looks down at her, smirking before opening the bag and pulling out the book 10000 Baby Names for Your New Baby. Glancing up at Tess, he mouths the word ten thousand… and she nods, chuckling, as he flips through the book.

'Ten thousand? How are we meant to pick just one?' Nick asked, opening the book to the middle, and seeing all the names and their meanings

'I know, but at least we can get some ideas. Right, I have things to do, and I know that you do as well. Try and do something nice for Sally tonight, Nick, it is Valentine's Day after all,' Tess said, and he smiled, Tess McLeod, ever the hopeless romantic…

'Righto, I'll take my ten thousand names, and try to find one for my daughter. You, take it easy. I'll talk to you later okay,' Nick said, and Tess nodded, waving as he left back to his car, and Tess returned to her spot outside, where she was meant to have stayed

'What about you Charlotte? Do you have any names for your baby cousin?' Tess asked the little girl, who Meg was holding as she walked past


February 22nd, 2004

Fisher District Surrounds

Fisher District

Afternoon

Emily, Emma, Emaline… there weren't any names that Tess saw that she liked. She had six names on her list that had jumped out at her, but that's it. She's only up to the letter E. Claire had mentioned a couple, ones that she would have used, before Charlotte, but Tess didn't want to take her sisters baby names. Claire had told her to write them down, she won't be mad it one of them ends up being it. So, Tess had written them, but she's not as excited about them as Claire, and one of them is Prudence, which was Claire's mothers name, and Tess wouldn't do that to Claire. She also doesn't really want to name the baby Ruth. Meg had begged her not to as well, telling her that she doesn't think she would be able to stand calling the baby Ruth, immediately trying to back pedal when Tess got emotional, which has been happening a lot more lately. Just this who names process was stressing her out. Tess had taken a break. She's in the nursey, sitting, sorting out some of the baby clothes that she's accumulated over the past months. Claire had given her a bunch of Charlotte's hand me downs, that were mostly brand new, that Bom had never gotten around to wearing. The room is coming along nicely, but there are still come things that need to be done, and Nick wants Tess to come over to Wilgul to show her a surprise, but they haven't had the time to get together, with both Drovers and Wilgul heading to the Cattle and Livestock Markets, and she unable to go along with them. Dr. Gallagher has told her that she can walk around, and things like that, it's just that she wants her to constantly be resting as well, and just taking care of herself, the normal things. Tess finds that her energy depletes really fast now anyway, so she can't walk for long distances or periods of time without getting winded, and the baby tells her when she needs to do things. She's constantly kicking, and Tess had been worried that the baby would kick the placenta again, but Dr. Gallagher promised her that won't happen. There was a sound, and then footsteps coming towards the nursery. Tess picked up the nearest heavy object she could find, and held it out in front of her, only for the door to open to reveal Claire, immediately telling her sister to put that thing down. She apologised, returning it to its spot, before asking Claire if they're heading out. The older McLeod nodded, looking down at her little sister, hugging a teddy to her chest, looking around the room. Claire knelt beside her, and Tess told her that she's just scared, and excited, and tired all rolled into one. Helping her stand, Claire wrapped an arm around her shoulder, and they decided to meander upstairs to the next floor, where Claire grabbed a couple of things, then followed Tess back downstairs, telling her sister that she might have to move to one of the downstairs rooms, because she won't be able to do the stairs when she's eight months pregnant. Tess whacked her shoulder and poked her tongue out.

Alex and Riley had been working together at Killarney. Harry had been away, but now he's back and that means that Sandra is as well. Alex can't stand the woman, and she had already caused so much pain to Tess, that he just can't stomach putting up with her any more than he has too. With Nick at Wilgul, and his father away, Alex has been lending a hand, and Riley had wanted his help with repairs in the north paddock. They're on their way back when they see the broken fence, between Wilgul and Killarney. Alex gets on the SAT phone and calls Nick, asking him to meet them in the North Paddock, whilst he and Riley try to find where the fence broke in the first place, so they can pull it down and repair it. Whilst they're waiting for Nick to show up, Riley asks Alex about Jodi, causing the man to look at him, raise an eyebrow, and smirk. The station hand just shrugs, turning back to look at something in his hand, before Alex replies, telling Riley that she's a 'nice girl, who doesn't need to be mucked around, and that they're all family, so if he messes with her, he messes with all of them… and Tess can be scary… especially now she's pregnant…'. Riley nodded, the sound of a car in the distance, and then Nick's ute appears. He gets out, going over to the other two, and assessing the fence. Nick frowns, he's seen this before. This isn't the first time that this fence has been down like this. Alex tells Riley to go back, check all Killarney's stock, make sure they're all there, and Nick contacts Vic, asks him to do the same for Wilgul. If their stocks have merged, then it's going to be a nightmare. The brothers work together to fix the fence, Alex asks Nick if he and Tess have picked out a name yet, but his little brother shakes his head, holding up the book Tess gave to him, and flipping it open to a random page, reading his brother a description of a name. Alex snatched the book, mumbling on about all that name meaning being crap, and flicked through the pages, for a few minutes, before declaring 'I like the name Amelia', and tossing the book back to Nick, who caught it, shaking his head with a smile, before throwing the book back into his ute, and grabbing the tools. Riley contacted them, explaining that none of Wilgul's stock had made its way to Killarney, and Vic said the same about theirs. The brothers shared a look, the boundary fence between the two properties is rarely broken, but this isn't the first time. Killarney and Wilgul only share one fence line, and it runs directly across the stock route. Nick steps back, looking around for a moment, until Alex asks him what he's doing.

'This is the third time this fence has been like this Alex. No stock merging, seems fishy to me,' Nick said, continuing to look around

'What, you think someone did this deliberately?' Alex asked, looking down at the broken fence

'Yeah, but the question is… why? There isn't anything to gain… unless… oh no,' Nick said, quickly grabbing something out of the ute

'Wilgul is organic what if…' Alex stops talking when Nick nods, showing him the reading on the meter, that something or someone has messed with the fence, and now this entire patch of land is going to be non-organic for a month. Alex kicks the fence.


A/N: Next chapter: Tess is going into the final two months of her pregnancy, Nick has a choice to make between staying with Sally and being with the mother of his child, and Claire faces some choices that put Drovers Run at risk. Stay tuned for updates shortly. Thanks, and have a fantastic day. D.