A/N: DISCLAIMER: Contains heavy themes. Please proceed with caution. It's wedding bells ringing through the district today, as Claire and Vic head to the aisle. Tess and the girls throw Claire a bachelorette party, and Harry makes a move towards trying to get in good with Tess so that he can know his granddaughter. Thanks for reading. JusticeIsn'tEasy0083. D.
McLeod's Daughters
A Different Time, A Different Story
Chapter Eleven: A Drovers Run Wedding
June 14th, 2004
Drovers Run
Fisher District
Morning/Afternoon
The day before Claire and Vic's wedding, everyone was rushed off their feet. There had been threats of flooding in the Fisher District, so everyone had been on edge, trying to make sure the land is okay, and the animals will be okay. Tess had been panicked about it, and about Amelia, because she has been sick for the last week, and as a first-time mother, she was panicked about it. Nick had been a good help for the week that Amelia was sick, he's been helping as much as he can, comforting Tess when she broke down, blaming herself for Amelia getting sick. Charlotte had been sick the week before Amelia, and the two-month-old had picked it up. Amelia is better now, Tess is nursing her, sitting on the rocking chair in the nursery, just caressing her daughter's head whilst she was drinking her milk. Nick entered the nursery, quickly apologising when he saw Tess, turning to the chest of drawers, to put some of Amelia's clothes away. He had done a load of washing for Tess, trying to help her out since Amelia has been sick. Tess thanked Nick, smiling down at the baby in her arms. Nick was trying not to stare, but he was staring at Tess and Amelia. The silence was comfortable, which was weird, considering that Nick was just staring at Tess feeding Amelia. When Amelia was done feeding, Nick turned around quickly, so that Tess could put herself back together, then she burped Amelia, and they both laughed at the little burp their girl let out, before Nick took the baby and put her in the crib, asking Tess if she's feeling okay, now that Amelia is okay again. Tess said yes, thanking him, as they exited the nursery together. On the way down the stairs, she apologised for how she had been acting when Amelia was sick, but Nick just grabbed her shoulders, told her that she has nothing to be sorry for, he was worried about her too, that it's a part of a parent's job to question themselves, and worry about their child. Tess nodded, thanking Nick for being here for the better part of the week, and he nodded, walking with Tess out to the ute, where she hugged him, and told him that she'll see him for the wedding. Nick nodded, turning to get back in the car. Vic was having a bachelor party tonight, but it was Alex' idea really, so there is no telling how it's going to go, but he promised both the McLeod sisters that he wouldn't be drunk for the wedding. The parties are tonight, and Claire is excited, she's been talking about it since Stevie brought it up, and she's not usually one to be overly excited about silly things like a bachelorette party.
As the day got later, and the time for the bachelorette party approached, things started falling into place. Claire told Tess about Vic's financial standing, and how after they're married, he wants to combine finances, so that Drovers will never have to worry about money again. Tess was flabbergasted by this news, asking if that is what Claire wants, and despite her wanting to have the independence, Vic told her that she can keep the funds separate, but that his money is going to his home… and his home is here, with Claire on Drovers Run. That is what he wants to use his money for. Tess asked her sister if Vic had brought up adopting Charlotte, and she nodded, they haven't talked about it, but Vic had mentioned in, the conversation got lost in amongst all the work they've been doing, and the horse training program that Becky and Jake have going on right now. Stevie appeared them, carrying two bottles of champagne, whilst Alex trailed behind her, carrying a keg, and asking the girls where they wanted it. Once it was placed where Claire said, Alex turned to leave, telling them to have fun, and Tess threatened to prevent him from seeing Amelia if Vic shows up tomorrow, anything other that unharmed, and relatively sober. Alex promised, winking at Claire, before ran back to the ute and got in. The rest of the afternoon was spent setting up for the bachelorette, many lewd pictures, and other lewd items were spread around the dining room, even though Claire was adamant that she hated that stuff. Tess picked up a lolly pop that was shaped like a penis, and raised an eyebrow at Jodi, who just smirked, before giggling with Kate and running off to get more decorations out of the car. Claire rolled her eyes, grabbing the pop from Tess, and walking off with it in her pocket. Amelia started crying through the baby monitor, and Tess went upstairs to tend to her daughter. She opened the draw to get out a clean set of clothes for her baby and saw the picture that Nick had left in there when he was here earlier. Tess put the picture in her pocket, and grabbed out some clean clothes for Amelia, softly whispering to her that it's bath time. Claire was just coming up the stairs when she saw Tess carrying Amelia into the bathroom, smiling, and going in after them, making faces at her niece, who was smiling at her. Tess bathed Amelia, whilst Claire sat beside them, reading a book to the little girl, who was splashing her hands about, and giggling like there was no tomorrow. When the book was finished, Tess got her out, dried her off, and let Claire dress her.
'Is Auntie Claire funny? Is she funny?' Tess asked Amelia as Claire pretended to fly Amelia around the room like an airplane
'I'm the funniest Auntie in the world, aren't I? I'm also the coolest auntie, I don't care what Auntie Jodi thinks about it,' Claire said, handing her back to her mother, who kissed her forehead softly
'I think Auntie Claire has been drinking a little bit, don't you?' Tess said, smirking at her sister who raised her head and turned away, stomping back down the stairs
'I've only had two drinks thank you very much,' Claire said, and Tess laughed, her sister is like this, two drinks in… what will the night bring…
June 14th, 2004
Fisher District Surrounds
Fisher District
Evening
Like expected, by six o'clock, Claire was… tipsy verging on drunk. They're getting married tomorrow, she didn't want to have a hangover, but she's going to now. Both she and Vic had promised they wouldn't drink too much, but Tess can only imagine what is going on at the Bachelor Party right now. With Alex planning it, it's probably not PG. Tess had decided to remain sober, mostly because she's still breastfeeding, and because someone needs to be here to make sure the girls don't vomit and pass out or injure themselves. She's drinking coolers, that have no alcohol in them, despite the fact that Claire keeps trying to get her drinking alcohol, telling her to have fun. Tess can have fun and be sober at the same time. This was proven when she had to catch Jodi, who was wearing the highest heels she could get her hands on, and trying to be silly, dancing around the room. Meg had been quiet for most of the night, until they brought out some of the bachelorette games, and then it was a very different side of Meg, one that Tess hadn't ever seen before. Tess excused herself momentarily, going upstairs to check on the girls, both were asleep, before heading back downstairs, and entering the dining room, to Claire being dressed up in toilet paper by Becky, Kate, and Stevie. Tess had to laugh at the look on her sister's face, a wedding dress being made from toilet tissue. Tess had to admit that it looked pretty good for something that was made from bog roll. It was a fun night, and Tess had been taking pictures, just so that Claire could look back on them if she wanted too. They brought some food out, just so they weren't drinking on empty stomachs, and then it was Claire's idea to play truth or dare. Knowing how dangerous this game was going to be, Tess groaned sipping the lemonade that Meg had brought in for her, before Kate spun the bottle on the table, and it landed on Jodi. The girls laughed, Jodi groaned then chose truth. Of course, the question was nowhere near PG, and Meg was also mortified to hear about the things that her daughter had done, and where she had done it. Once Jodi's truth was finished, she spun the bottle, and of course, it landed on Claire, who loudly shouted for Jodi to dare her to do something. Tess burst out laughing when her sister fell off her chair getting up to do the dare Jodi had suggested to her, and laughed again when Claire did what she was meant too.
For the last two hours, the phone has been ringing, then whenever Tess answers it, the person hangs up. She knows it's the boys. She knows it's the bachelor party, and she wants them to have fun. But every time the phone rings, Amelia wakes up, and she's been trying to get her back to sleep for the last hour. On the tenth call, Tess answers, and shouts to the person on the other end that if they keep calling and waking Amelia, she will drive over there and castrate them all, before slamming the phone down. The drunk ladies were now mostly passed out in their respective beds, Claire had wanted an early night, so when Kate, Becky, and Jodi announced they were going to be, Stevie, Meg, and Claire followed suit. Now it's just Tess, tidying up the mess in the lounge, to make it pristine for tomorrow. It's almost two am. She should be sleeping, but she's been up with Amelia, and up with Charlotte, and she knows that tomorrow is going to be a long day, she just hopes that things aren't as crazy as they have been. Trudging up the stairs to her room, Tess quickly pokes her head in on her daughter, finally asleep after the phone prank stopped, closing the door before heading into her own bedroom, changing into her pyjamas, and crawling into bed. She finally fell asleep, leaning into her own dreams of a wedding, where she was standing at the altar, and the man walking towards her, was Nick, but before he got there, Liz got in the way, stopping the wedding, and despite all their attempts to get to each other, to hold onto one another, it was futile, and in the end, they were torn apart. Tess woke from the nightmare with a small scream and taking deep breaths. Why did that pop into my subconscious? Tess asked herself, hearing the sounds on the baby monitor, and then Amelia crying. Groaning, Tess got up, moving like a zombie towards the nursery, where she calmed her little girl down, picking her up, and sitting down in the rocking chair, feeding her baby. Whispering loving words to her, and promising that she won't let grandma come between her and daddy, if she ever gets the chance to have that with him again. Then she apologised to Amelia for only have the grandparents that she does, and that she wishes that her mother and Jack were here to meet her and spoil her. The most amazing thing that Tess has noticed since Amelia has been born, is how much both Nick and Alex have taken to her. Alex loves his niece/goddaughter more than anything else in the world, which he has told Tess several times. There is a knock on the door, then Claire's head appears
'Hey, why aren't you in bed? You're getting married in less than six hours Claire,' Tess said, smirking at her sisters groaning
'Sorry, Amelia woke me up,' Claire said, smiling
'Oh, I'm sorry,'
'No, it's okay. It's always okay to be woken up by such a cute little girl. You're lucky you're cute, or Auntie Claire might not be so loving,' she said to the little girl, now resting in her mothers' arms, whilst Claire helped her sister re-dress.
June 15th, 2004
Wedding Day
Drovers Run
Morning/Afternoon
Tess was the first one up. Mostly because of Amelia, but also because she is the Maid of Honour, and it's her job to make sure that everyone else is up, and getting ready, and then can help get Claire ready. Speaking of her sister, just as she was finishing making breakfast, Claire appeared in the kitchen, groaning as she slumped down at the table, and Tess teased her about frowning on her wedding day. Claire couldn't stop the smile, no matter how hard she tried too. She's getting married, and she doesn't care that she's only known Vic for six months. When you know, you know… and she knows. Since Vic has been adamant that he contributes to Drovers, the girls have been alright. They're not as desperate for cash, and the overdraft has been paid off in full, thanks to the sale that Stevie made, and Vic. They have to keep making money, and just because her soon-to-be husband is 'well off' doesn't mean the hard work will stop. It just means that some things might be a little bit easier. Like not having to worry about bills so much and being able to pay back the lenders. They won't have to sell Drovers is basically the main thing. Tess put some food down in front of Claire, turning to face her, leaning against the bench. The McLeod sisters just existed in an amicable silence for a moment, drinking their tea, and munching on the toast that Tess had made, before cries from both Charlotte and Amelia made the girls laugh, as each of them went to attend to their respective child. At eight o'clock, Nick showed up to a confused looking Tess coming into the kitchen, wearing down clothes because they don't have to get ready yet. He told her that he'd come over early to help out (because Alex was coming over to help out early as well as see Stevie) and offered to look after Amelia and Charlotte whilst Claire and Tess get themselves ready. Claire burst into the kitchen then, panicking that she couldn't find her mother's tiara. Tess rolled her eyes, handed Amelia to Nick, pressed a quick kiss to her forehead, and ran off after Claire, shouting a thank you back to the man, who just chuckled, and looked down at his daughter. Charlotte's room was quite big for what it was, but she was in there, fiddling with some of her toys, whilst Nick placed Amelia down in the baby bouncer that Terry and Meg had brought for her. Charlotte was enamoured by her cousin and was babbling to her whilst playing with her toys. Nick just smiled at the two girls playing together and leaving the door open (because you can see directly in when it is), he wandered outside, and bumped into Jodi, who screamed slightly, before dashing into another room. Nick rolled his eyes but chuckled all the same.
The wedding starts at midday. It's ten o'clock, and Tess is finishing off Claire's final hair style, clipping a few extra things in, before placing her mother's tiara on her head. It's not overpowered, just simple enough for the look. After that, Claire was shown the dress that Tess had made for her, with her sister just telling her that it can be her 'something new'. Claire hugged her, the girls told her not to ruin hers, or their, makeup, and they all laughed, as Claire put on the dress that her sister had worked so hard to make for her. When Claire came out of the closet, Tess was gaping. She knew that her sister was beautiful, but today, she was sparkling. Tess zipped up the dress at the back, fixing a few small bits here and there, but Claire looked amazing in it. Pictures were taken, laughs were had, and the girls were prepared. Tess did her hair, then exited the room to get her dress, bumping into Nick coming out of the bathroom. He stopped mid stride, gaping at her. She looked amazing, she always does, but today… Tess blushed at the attention from Nick, who just bumbled his way through telling her she looks beautiful, before Tess thanked him, unaware that they had an audience watching the interaction. Tess told him that she should get Charlotte and Amelia ready, and Nick nodded, though neither made to move, until Alex called for Nick, and he nodded in the direction of the voice. Tess smiled, waiting until Nick was out of sight, before pulling herself back together, and going to find the girls. In Claire's room, the ladies had a whispered conversation about Tess and Nick, and decided to play a cheeky little betting game, on how long it would take them to get together. Charlotte appeared then, stumbling a little in her steps, as Tess called out that the flower girl was ready, and Claire bent down to pick up her daughter, who giggled. She looked beautiful, and so did Tess, who came into the room then, wearing her Maid of Honour dress, and carrying her equally immaculately dressed little girl. Pictures were taken in the room, the photographer had arrived earlier that morning, and was taking pictures all around Drovers for the wedding, and of the girls. As it got nearer to midday, and the start of the wedding, people began arriving. The groom was here, and so were the groomsmen. The guests had started piling in, everyone was here to help Vic and Claire celebrate the magical day. Since the whole thing had basically been planned by Tess, with help from the girls at Drovers, they didn't have a wedding planner… they had a Jodi. Alex had come upstairs to ask the girls if they were ready to start, and stopped, gaping when he saw Claire, making a joke about her in white, to which she punched him in the arm, and threatened to push him down the stairs.
'Even in a dress, she's still bossy,' Alex said, turning to run back down and let everyone know they're ready, the girls followed that, and Tess handed Claire her bouquet
'Are you ready to get married?' Tess asked, straightening Claire's veil once more as they moved to their positions
'Tess, thank you for all of this. You planned all of this, you decorated, you made my dress… all of this with a newborn baby. If I don't say it enough, I love you sis. Thank you,' Claire said, and Tess hugged her.
'Okay, let's go get you married… Mrs. McLeod Waller,' Tess said, as the music started, and the wedding begun.
June 15th, 2004
Wedding Day
Drovers Run
Midday/Evening
Vic stood at the end of the aisle. His best man, Nick, followed by Alex, Riley, and Terry. When the music started, Vic took a deep breath. Since he met Claire, he's been dreaming of this moment, and yes, it's only been six months. But when you know… you know. The doors of the dining room opened on to the aisle. Charlotte was first up the aisle, getting as far as Meg, before she sat down. There were smiles and laughter, and then Meg picked her up, and sat her on her knee. Tess the first one to appear. Claire's Maid of Honour. Now call him devious, or call him smart, but Vic had chosen Nick to be his Best Man on purpose, because he knew that Tess was Maid of Honour. It was a joint decision between himself and Claire, and if the look on Nick's face as Tess walked up the aisle was anything to go by, he knew that they were right. The light pastel green dresses the girls were wearing, very much fit the aesthetic, which was Australian bushy colours. Tess reached the altar, smiling at Vic. Harry was holding Amelia, just a peach in her grandfathers' arms, whilst Sally sat on the other side of Liz, looking like she'd rather be somewhere else, but smiled for the sake of being at a wedding. The next up the aisle was Stevie. Nick elbowed his brother when he made a stupid whistling noise at the sight of his girlfriend, which could have turned into a full-on brotherly fight if Tess hadn't threatened to castrate both of them if they ruin this day for Claire. After Stevie, was Jodi, Becky, and Kate. Then, the music changed, and everyone stood, turning to face the doors, as Claire appeared, her dress amazing, her eyes meeting Vic's as he struggled to hold back his own emotions at seeing the woman he's about to marry, the love of his life, coming towards him. Claire hates people staring at her. Really, she does. But she sees Vic at the end of the aisle, and puts all the other stuff to the side, to just focus on getting there, getting to him. Finally, Claire gets to the end, handing her flowers to Tess, and taking Vic's hands, smiling as they finally saw each other, after not having seen each other for almost a week. The celebrate began the ceremony by welcoming everyone here, and giving a speech about Claire and Vic, and how despite only knowing each other for a short amount of time, they knew almost immediately of the bond they shared, and were willing to share with each other forever. Of course, this was the moment that Amelia started fussing, Claire and Vic laughed, whilst Tess profusely apologised to her sister, who just went over, got her niece from Harry, and brought her back over to the altar, where she handed her to Tess, and told the celebrate to continue, she wants her niece here, and Charlotte as well, but she's decided to remain with Meg, happily watching her mother get married. Tess held Amelia, who had calmed down now that she'd been fed, and Claire just smiled. This is perfect. This is how she had imagined her wedding day, surrounded by her friends and family. It doesn't matter the small bumps. Amelia is two months old. She's not going to sit quietly, she's a newborn, so Claire isn't mad, she's happy to have Amelia and Charlotte, and Tess.
After Vic and Claire said, 'I Do', and had their 'kiss the bride' moment, they all went back down the aisle, and off to do pictures with the photographer. There were many pictures. Ones with just Claire and the girls (including Meg, Charlotte, and Amelia), ones with just the boys, ones of all the bridal party together, a large group picture of everyone that was there. Then there were the smaller family pictures. Claire and Tess, with Vic, Charlotte, Amelia and (because it's her wedding day) Nick. After that, there were pictures of everyone with Claire and Vic, the bridge and groom together, ones with them and Charlotte, who was adorable. Then Claire set up family pictures with Nick, Tess and Amelia, Nick, Tess, Amelia, and Alex, and ones with the Ryan's, and the two girls as well. All the family pictures you would normally have taken, were taken, much to the annoyance of Sally, who despite getting some pictures with people, hadn't had one with Nick yet. At the reception, everyone was just amazed, at how the place looked, and with Tess, who had put all of this together, whilst raising a newborn. Some of the out of towners, the ones who live in Fisher, had commented that Nick and Tess were a cute couple which Sally had been mad about, until Tess told them that she and Nick weren't together, and pointed her out to the person, stating that they're just co-parenting together, but Nick and Sally are engaged. Despite Tess' trying, people did not seem to like that, or her that much. There was a moment that was captured, unbeknownst at the time, where Nick was holding Amelia, whilst the two just looked at each other, smiles on their faces, Amelia's tiny hand around Tess' big pointer finger. It was a beautiful photo, one that would be very important later. Claire and Vic were loathed to make speeches, but Alex wouldn't shut up about it, so she had decided it would be alright for them to do. Everyone was called to take their seats, Tess apologised for having to feed Amelia, hiding herself with the feeding blanket, whilst Claire noticed a few people whispering. The last thing she needs, is misogynistic men, saying stupid things about her sister just trying to care for her daughter. What else is she meant to do? She's a newborn. Finding herself getting rather riled up, Claire told this to Vic, who looked over at Tess, who appeared to be getting ready to go inside. He would not have this. Tess is his sister now, and he's going to make sure that everyone here knows that, and that they will not tolerate this behaviour in their house.
'Hi everyone. I would just first like to thank everyone for coming… Tess don't move. If anyone has a problem with my sister-in-law feeding her child, then please leave, because this is a wedding, and this is family. What else is she supposed to do? The baby needs to eat, just like the rest of us. So, if you're going to be a dickhead about it, you're welcome to leave, Craig will show you the way out. If you stay, I don't want to see or hear any more about it, unless you're coming over to tell Tess what an amazing mother she is, and what an amazing sister she is, because despite having a two-month-old newborn, she put all this together, and made by hand Claire's wedding dress. So, until you can push a baby out of you… I don't want to hear any more about it. Thank you for coming,' Vic said, and Alex led the cheering, whilst Tess just blushed, embarrassed at the attention.
'I'd just like to reiterate the points that Vic made. My sister and I didn't get along well when she first came home to Drovers Run. But we're making up for time lost now, and I know… when all is said and done, when the day is over, and we're tired, and dirty, and just done with it all, I know that Tess will be here for me. She did all of this… for me… she made this dress, she organised all of this… and she still thinks of herself as a failure. Well, you listen to me Tess McLeod. You are not a failure, and anyone here that says you are, can see the tail end of my shot gun, because you are anything but. You are the best sister, and I am so glad that you found your way back home, because this is where you belong. Here, with family. So, I would like to make my toast to Tess, my amazing little sister, who came from the city, afraid of big animals, and has become a strong, independent, sometimes irritating, country girl. I wouldn't have you any other way Tess McLeod. I love you, thank you for doing all of this for me, and Vic. We appreciate it so much you have no idea. Oh and of course, thank you to Vic, for being you, and just loving us and our family so much. I love you. Thank you everyone for coming,' Claire said, toasts were made again, as Tess (now finished feeding Amelia) hugged Claire.
'I've known Vic for three years. In that time, he's been a loyal, hardworking, and genuinely great guy. I've known Claire for a lot longer, and oh the stories I could tell you about Claire, and some of the things we used to get up to when we were younger. I knew, the moment that Vic and Claire met, that they would hit it off, and here we are. Their wedding day. Congratulations to both of you, I couldn't be happier for your special day, and I know that you're going to make it through everything together. To Claire and Vic,' Nick said, raising his glass, then chuckling and putting it back down when Tess stood up to make her speech, handing Amelia to her father, hearing a few 'awes' go around the group.
'Hello everyone, I am Tess McLeod, the sister, and Maid of Honour. I know that both Claire and Vic have already sung my praises in both of their speeches, so I just want to thank them. Vic is an amazing guy, he's sweet, funny, genuine, and can totally take all of Claire's BS. But the most important thing, is that he cares about Claire and Charlotte. He took that little girl under his wing like she is his own, and it's been amazing to watch their little family grow along together. My sister… Claire when I came to Drovers, I was looking for answers to questions I'd had for years. Why mum left, why dad never came after us… when I got the letter about the inheritance, I had to come here… and it was here that I found the answers to everything. But the best thing, about coming here, was finding my sister. So how could I let her get married anywhere else, in anything else. How could I, Tess McLeod, let her big sister wear jeans and a shirt on her wedding day. I couldn't. I would not stand for that, despite Claire insisting she was okay with it. So, thank you Claire, for letting me be the annoying little sister, for letting me plan you the perfect wedding, for letting me make you a beautiful dress, and for just being you. You are the best sister, and Vic, you are the best brother. I'm so happy for both of you, and I love you both,' Tess said, but Claire was already hugging her, whispering something in her ear, before the two burst into laughter
June 15th, 2004
Wedding Day
Drovers Run
Evening
The party was still going on that night, as the sun set, the party lights came on, and the music was playing. The drinks were flowing. Nick was 'dancing' with Amelia, and Vic was 'dancing' with Charlotte, whilst everyone just watched in awe of the two fathers with their girls. Claire and Tess were almost joined at the hip right now, moving around the party, talking to people. Tess was surprised when a few of the guests (mostly the men) came over to her to apologise, fear in their eyes as they saw Claire standing beside her. Tess accepted their apologises, and when they were gone, the McLeod sisters just laughed, and went back to the dance floor to groove. It had just gone eight o'clock when things seemed to get more exciting. Tess was upstairs, putting Amelia to bed, wondering how she was going to put the baby monitor in her dress, when the knock on the door came. It was Nick, asking if everything was alright. Tess motioned being quiet, and the two tiptoed out of the nursey, and back downstairs, where Nick put the baby monitor in his pocket, until they got back to their table, and he put it down there. Harry and Liz had hung around for a while, then declared they were going home, asking Tess about lunch tomorrow. She had promised that she would go to Killarney with Amelia and nodded agreeing with the time. Since Vic and Claire would be going on their honeymoon, she was going to be in charge for the week they're gone, which is fine, she's been wanting to do this her way for a while, and now maybe she finally has a chance. Just for a week. Sally had come over to sit with Nick and was having a conversation with Kate and Jodi about the city, and what it was like to live there. Tess was watching Claire and Vic dance together, whispering and laughing at little jokes they had with each other. Alex and Stevie were dancing together also, and it was noticeable that there was some attention being thrown her way, but Tess was ignoring it. She doesn't need that right now. Despite the guest list being considered on the smaller side of things, there were still a lot of people who showed up for Vic and Claire. Even those who thought that Claire was incapable of being a good farmer because she's a woman. But they've proven them all wrong numerous times, and they will continue to do that. Tess thought back to the speeches that had been given and smiled to herself. That's when a random guy that introduced himself as Sean, decided to come over and flirt with her. It was clear he was drunk. He was very handsy, and when Tess told him to back off, and he didn't, Nick and Alex stepped in, threatening to hurt him if he didn't leave her alone, but it was Claire, kicking him in the balls that made the night. Everyone cheered, including Tess.
At nine pm, Claire and Vic left on their honeymoon. They're going to the Hunter Valley for a week, and its kid friendly, so they're taking Charlotte. Tess had offered to look after her, whilst they're on their honeymoon, but Claire had wanted to take her, so Tess had let them. Everyone still left had seen them off, waiting until they were out of sight, before heading back into the party. Around that time, Tess heard Nick and Sally arguing about something inside, barging into the kitchen and asking them to take their fight outside so they don't wake up Amelia. Sally kind of lost it then, mocking Tess, telling them that it's 'always about Amelia', to which Tess just put the plates on the sink, before turning to her, and telling her that if she wants to wake up every hour to feed her, and then put her back to bed, and spend an hour trying to get her sleeping, when all she does is cry, then she is more than welcome to keep arguing, because if she wakes Amelia up, she's putting Sally on put to bed duty. After that, the woman left, Tess apologised to Nick, who just pulled her into a hug, apologising for having to do that, and offering to take Amelia tonight so she can get some rest. Tess explained that she didn't want to wake Amelia, and then drive her all the way to Wilgul, but Nick shook his head, telling her he'll stay here, in the guest room (of course), and he'll take feedings, and putting her back to sleep, so Tess can have a night of rest to herself, because she needs it. Tess sighed, knowing that she was about to get a lecture about her being a good mother, but it being okay to need help, so she just raised her hand, told Nick she knows, and thanked him, before handing him the baby monitor, and going upstairs to bed. Nick went about helping the girl's tidy things up, removing his suit jacket and tie to wash the dishes. Once the girl's had all gone to bed, he locked up the house, checking that everything was closed, before trudging upstairs to the first guest bedroom, sticking his head in on Tess to make sure she was sleeping, noting that she had fallen asleep not even tucked into the bed. He moved over, lifting the doona, so that he could tuck Tess in, caressing her face softly, and smiling.
'I love you,' he whispered, sitting on the side of the bed, unable to control what he was feeling right now. Tess stirred behind him, and he jumped slightly.
'Mmm, Nick… love you too,' Tess mumbled in her sleep, and his heart wanted to beat out of his chest
'Tess, I'm so sorry about everything that happened,' he said again, leaving the room quickly after that
'Bye Nick,' mumbled Tess, sighing in her sleep, and snugging back down.
June 16th, 2004
Killarney
Fisher District
Afternoon
Tess arrived at Killarney the next afternoon, with Amelia, dressed in the cutest little outfit she could find in the wardrobe. She was wearing a nice pair of jeans, and a dressy top she'd had for a few years. She was carrying Amelia, and the baby bag, as she approached the front door of Killarney, it opened to reveal Alex, who went straight for his niece, shouting hi to Tess over his shoulder, as he carried her into the house. Tess thanked Liz and Harry for inviting her for lunch, and they hugged her, which was weird, before asking Tess how things are, and if Claire and Vic got to their honeymoon alright. She nodded, telling them that Claire had called her this morning, just to let her know that they're there, they're settled, and they can't wait to just have the week relaxing. Harry told Tess that if they need anything, to let him know, he'll help wherever he can. Alex and Nick appeared then, the latter still holding and cooing to his niece, whilst Nick greeted Tess, telling her she looks beautiful, and smirking at her blush. Lunch was nice, Liz was polite, and when they were done eating, Tess went to feed Amelia, surprised when Harry told her that she didn't have to leave to do that, she could do it here, they're all family. Nick gave his dad a weird look but nodded in agreeance. Harry just remembered the speech at the wedding and knew that he would have done the same thing had he heard anyone saying that about Tess and his granddaughter. Liz smiled, whilst Tess fed Amelia, she showed pictures of the boys when they were little, and Tess was amazing to see that Amelia looked a lot like Nick at this age. The younger Ryan brother grinned, Alex punched his shoulder, making the joke that his niece is 'a lot cuter than Nick was', and Nick agreed. To be honest, Tess had thought that it would be awful, that Harry would try and trick her into something, but it was… nice. Lunch faded into the late afternoon, and Amelia had fallen asleep. Tess was loathed to move her, knowing how much of a pain it was going to be to get her back to sleep, so Liz carefully brought up the suggestion of Amelia staying here the night… with Nick, because he and Alex are staying here to help Harry out in the morning. Tess looks between Nick and Liz, the latter of whom told her to not feel pressured to make a choice, and that he'll be here the whole time. Tess looked down at her daughter, sleeping the beautiful bassinet that Liz and Harry had brought for when she's here. Much to Nick's surprise, Tess agreed, thanking Liz for the offer. It seemed to surprise Liz as well, who just hugged Tess, thanking her and promising that she'll be good. Tess sent a look to Nick, who just nodded, a silent promise. Tess had trouble leaving, but eventually did, with Nick's promise to call her later.
Alex and Harry went out to the yards after Tess left, to prepare for tomorrow, whilst Nick sat in the living room with his mother, arms crossed, frowning at her, and asking what the point of this was, because if it was just to get Amelia, then he's taking her and leaving. Liz shook her head, begging her son to trust her. Nick raised an eyebrow, angrily explaining that she had tried to blackmail him, to hurt Tess, Claire, and Charlotte, and she wants him to trust her? Liz nodded, quickly leaving the room to get something out of her study, returning with a folder. It was plans for a land expansion Harry had been trying to commission for years, but a part of it would be on Drover's property, and she had told this to Nick, as if that would stop him from dating Tess, so Harry wouldn't take over Drovers. But it was fake. She told him that they can't do anything with it, because the land isn't viable anyway, and of course, Claire would never approve. Liz took her sons hands, begging him to listen to her, and he did. She told him that she was raised in a certain way, to expect certain things, and that when Tess came along, she was… very out there and Liz didn't approve of her at first. But as she has grown to know Tess, she has realised who she is, and has come to respect her. Nick asked her if his happiness meant anything to her, considering he's her son, and Liz closed her eyes, taking a breath, before grabbing her sons face, looking him in the eyes, and telling him that she wants nothing more than for him to be happy, and that she can't see him being happy with Sally, despite her being a nice woman, she isn't right for him. Liz apologised for all the trouble that she has caused, then told Nick that she just wants to be a grandmother to her beautiful granddaughter, and earn the trust of both back, so she can spend time with her alone, with the trust of her parents. So, they can feel safe leaving her here if they need to go out for work or something. Liz told Nick to go after Tess. That she will not get in the way, that she wants him to be happy, and that she genuinely loves Tess, and can see having her as a daughter-in-law. Nick was looking at his mother, surprised that this was happening, but a new hope was blooming in his chest at her words. Nick had a lot to think about, he has to consider that Sally is a real person as well, and this will hurt her feelings. But he can't be dishonest to her anymore.
A/N: Next chapter: A serious accident puts two of our favourites at risk of losing their lives. As the others race to find them, many secrets are revealed, and one big event will change everything. Stay tuned. Thanks for reading. D.