Just Friends By Laura Email: Lauz3280@yahoo.com

Catagory: Alex and Claire

Rating: PG

Authors Statement:This is the first fanfic I have ever written so please go easy on me. I don’t own any of the characters in this story (they belong to channel nine or whoever) and anything written in this story is purely fictional and comes from my own imagination.

 Part One.

Chapter One: 'An ode to Peter'

 Sometimes Claire had to wonder if Alex even knew she existed. He’s been with most of the women in Gungellen at one time or another, not to mention the surrounding towns, but Claire knew that he only saw her as a mate and that was okay by her. Well maybe not okay but what could she do about it? If he hadn’t noticed her by now he was never going to notice her. Anyway after the whole Peter fiasco Claire wasn’t really sure she could handle the rejection and heartache. So why was she thinking about him more and more lately? It had nothing to do with his cute bum or the way… ‘McLeod! Hey Claire! Wake up!!’ Claire felt a soft punch on her arm and looked at the man sitting next to her. She must have had a dazed look on her face because Alex laughed. ‘Where’ve you been the last hour? Have you heard anything I’ve said?’ It was obvious to both of them that she hadn’t but Clair was never willing to let a Ryan get the better of her. ‘I tuned out after the ‘and then I said to her, you think that’s a car?’ part of the conversation. Who really cares what Sally Fielding thinks, hasn’t she got a boyfriend anyway?’ Claire raised her eyebrow at Alex and he averted his eyes. ‘Well, yeah but it’s only that knob from the post office, I mean what does she see in him anyway, when I was with her…’ ‘Spare me,’ Interrupted Claire ‘ I really don’t need another story about your conquests ok!’ Claire held up her hand and shook her head as she saw he was about to defend himself. ‘What. You jealous or something Claire?’ he retorted. Her only reply was a slap to the back of his head. ‘Hey what was that for I was only…’ his voice trailed off as they saw who was parked out front of the Gungellan pub. ‘What’s that prick doing here. I thought he knew better than to come back here.’ Alex said as he got out of the car and slammed the door. At the same time Peter walked out of the pub and headed towards his Ute. Claire could feel all the blood rush from her face. As she watched him walk to his car she could feel Alex tensing at her side and put a hand on his arm. ‘It’s not worth it Alex, he’s not worth it’ It was at that moment that Peter turned his head and caught Claire’s eye. He hesitated and then headed towards her. ‘Oh no, I don’t think so mate.’ Yelled Alex and made a move towards him. Peter saw the fist that was coming a split second before it connected with his jaw. ‘Alex!!’ Claire yelled and bent down to help Peter up off the ground. Peter rubbed his jaw and turned towards Claire. ‘ I really need to speak to you Claire. Alone.’ Peter said as he glared at Alex. Alex went to step in between them but Claire was a split second faster and grabbed Peter by the arm. ‘Just give us a sec would you Alex.’ He made no move to leave so Claire gave him a slight push towards the door of the Gungellan pub. ‘Please Alex I’ll only be a moment.’ With that she turned back towards Peter. ‘Is something going on between you two’ Peter asked, unable to disguise the jealousy in his voice. ‘What do you want Peter? I thought we said everything we needed to say to each other last time you were here.’ Claire ignored his comment about Alex; she wanted this over and done with. ‘I just wanted to let you know that Australian bloodlines wants you back Claire and I’ve come to make an official offer. They’re willing to pay you anything you ask.’ ‘Sorry, I can’t do that. I already have a partner and we have our own contracts.’ She said and watched as the surprise quickly turned to rage. ‘Don’t stuff everything up just because of you and me. Listen Claire’ he grabbed her arm ‘I would do anything to get you back, anything.’ ‘What about your wife, your kids? What about them Peter? What if one day I’m as unimportant as they seem to be. No I will not let you hurt me again.’ Claire yanked her arm but Peter wouldn’t let go. ‘Who’s your business partner. No let me guess, Alex right?’ Peter said, his grip tightening on her arm. ‘Look what Alex and I do is none of your business now let me GO.’ Yelled Claire. ‘So there is something going on between the two of you? I should have known. Well that didn’t take you long did it? Or was it going on while we were together. Were you really playing me? What is he good in bed is he?’ Peter’s voice rose as he became angrier. Claire slapped him in the face and he released her arm. ‘Don’t you ever speak to me again Peter. We are over.’ With that Claire walked over to Alex’s Ute and got in. Peter followed her. ‘This isn’t over Claire. It’s never over. Australian bloodlines will not let this go lightly and neither will I Claire.’ At this point it seemed that Alex had had enough and stormed out of the pub. ‘ Do you want a black eye as well?’ Alex said as he swung his arm. This time Peter was better prepared and moved in time for Alex’s fist to just miss his face. Before Alex had a chance to recover Peter punched him in the stomach and then in the face. Apparently a number of the men in the pub had been watching this scuffle and ran out to watch. At the same time Constable Frank drove by. He slammed on his brakes and jumped out. ‘Oy! That’s enough thanks.’ He said as he pulled Alex off Peter. ‘Do we need to take this down to the police station?’ he asked as he looked from Peter to Alex. ‘Sorry about that Frank, Alex and I were just leaving’ said Claire as she grabbed Alex and pushed him into the passenger side. ‘I’ll see you next time you knob!’ Alex threatened as Claire drove off.

Chapter Two: 'What did I do wrong?'

 ‘Alright pull over Claire, I can drive now.’ When Claire didn’t respond he looked over. The look she gave him could have put him in an early grave. ‘What?’ he asked innocently. He knew he was in trouble; Claire only ever gave him that look when she was really pissed with him. ‘Don’t say anything Alex. I mean it, just don’t.’ Okay… so maybe she wasn’t mad it him, she was just mad at the world. Alex knew Claire well enough to know when to leave her alone. But hell she is spunky when she’s mad, he thought. ‘Whoa!!! Where had that thought come from? Claire was like his little sister. And plus, he’d already been with Tess; you just don’t go there with the sister. Alex wiped his mind of any thoughts to do with woman. They’re more trouble than they’re worth anyway! They eventually pulled into Drovers and Alex brought his mind back to the present. His nose was aching like hell and he was sure that at least five of his ribs were broken. As he gingerly got out of the car Claire stormed inside. Tess, who had watched Claire go into the house, came up to Alex. ‘What’s wrong with Claire… Whoa what’s wrong with you is probably a better question?’ she tentatively reached out and touched his face but Alex moved his head. ‘Probably not a great idea.’ He told Tess and she nodded her head. ‘Alex! Get your arse in here’ Yelled Claire and Alex looked at Tess. “You’d better do as she says!’ warned Tess and Alex strode into the kitchen. Claire had out a jug of water and some clothes as well as a bottle of Betadine. ‘Now sit down while I clean you up.’ Alex plonked himself on the chair she put out for him. Twenty minutes later, after a lot of moaning and complaining from Alex, Claire finished up. ‘There now you look decent.’ She stated with satisfaction. He looked up at her and she tenderly touched his face. ‘Thankyou for sticking up for me today. Even though I can look after myself.’ She said. Alex barely heard what she was saying, he was too aware of her hand on his cheek. When she finally removed it he came back to his senses. ‘What did he say to you anyway?’ Alex was more than just curious he was down right angry. He watched as Claire’s cheeks turned a bright shade of red. She turned away from him and started busying herself with putting everything away. Alex reached up and grabbed her, slowly turning her around. ‘What did he say Claire?’ he asked again, not meaning to sound as protective as he did. Claire was about to answer him when Meg entered the room.

Chapter Three: 'Could it be?'

 Really!! Claire breathed a sigh of relief as Meg came into the kitchen. How was she going to tell Alex that Peter thought they were together. Worse, how was she going to tell him that she didn’t deny it? It really did solve her problem in regards to Peter but would Alex see it that way? Would he play along with it? She knew that Peter was going to be at the Gungellan show, he had told her that when they were still together. What if he noticed that her and Alex weren’t acting like a couple? No she had to tell him and soon. If he didn’t go along with it then she was stuffed. ‘I’d better be getting back to Killarney. If you have any more trouble with Peter Claire, let me know. Okay?’ Claire just nodded her head and Alex left. ‘What happened with Peter today?’ Meg asked, unable to hide the curiosity in her voice. ‘Did you hear’ Jodie exclaimed as she burst into the room with Becky. ‘Here what?’ Tess asked as she followed in behind her. ‘Alex and Peter got into a fight out front of the Gungellan pub. I was just talking to Craig on the phone and he said he saw everything. Apparently Peter drove off in a real hurry.’ Jodie finished. All eyes turned to Claire. ‘Nothing happened okay.’ She said and stormed out of the kitchen. All eyes then turned to Tess. ‘Okay, okay, I’ll follow her and ask her. But if I don’t return I’ll hold all of you responsible for my untimely death.’ Claire was halfway to the stables before Tess caught up with her. ‘Claire. Claire! Wait up.’ Tess caught her breath as Claire stopped. ‘What’s wrong? What did Peter say that’s got you so mad?’ Tess asked and followed Claire as she headed out to check on Phoenix. ‘Claire stop!’ Tess grabbed her by the arm and Claire turned to face her. ‘Please, tell me what’s wrong.’ Tess pulled the face that she knew Claire couldn’t ignore. ‘It’s not so much what Peter said, it’s what I let him think, and know I think I’ve gotten myself into a hell of a lot of trouble.’’ She said and turned to stroke the foal. ‘What did you let him think Claire?’ Tess asked in a warning tone. This didn’t sound good. ‘I sorta let him think that there was something going on with Alex and me. I mean I never actually admitted it’ Claire added hastily ‘but I didn’t exactly deny it either.’ Tess couldn’t hide the shock on her face. ‘Does Alex know about this?’ What did he say?’ Tess just couldn’t believe it. Was there something going on? It occurred to Tess that it really didn’t bother her if there was, she was just more annoyed that Claire hadn’t told her. Although it did make sense….  and that would definitely leave Nick free and clear… ‘Of course I didn’t tell him, he’d just laugh in my face!’ Claire was hurt at the surprise in Tess’ voice, was it really so hard to imagine, her and Alex? ‘Do you want something to happen with Alex?’ she had to ask, even if it meant death. ‘Of course not, don’t be stupid’ Claire tried to laugh it off but it didn’t quite work. She could see Tess was about to say something so she cut her off. ‘I’ve really got to head out to the boundary fences. I’ll be back before tea.’ Claire practically ran out of the stables before Tess had a chance to respond. She stood there for a while contemplating what had just happened. Claire and Alex huh? Interesting, thought Tess. As she left to go back into the house she vowed to keep a close eye on the two of them.

Chapter Four: 'Kiss me Quick'

It was the morning of the Gungellan show and everyone was preparing. Jodie had been working non-stop on her routine for the talent show, Meg was finishing up the final touches on her cake and jams she was entering and Tess was helping Alex, Claire and Nick load up the horses for the competition that day. ‘Alex, for god sake will you listen to me. We have to take them in as early as possible to get the best stalls for the horses.’ Claire’s voice echoed the exhaustion she was feeling. She had spent more than one sleepless night that week worrying about the Peter and Alex fiasco. She still hadn’t told Alex about what Peter thought was happening between the two of them and she was worried about seeing him again. ‘Alright, alright. Geez you’ve been like a bear with a sore head these last couple of days. Have you got P.M.S or somethin’?’ Alex ducked as Claire’s fist swung at his head. ‘Stop it kids! Tess can you give me a hand over here?’ Nick called as he finally got the horse onto the float. ‘What is with those two? They seem to be really frisky lately’ Nick said to Tess as they both turned to watch the scuffle between the two of them. Claire had Alex on the ground in a headlock; he quickly flipped her over on to her back and put her hands over her head. ‘Give?’ he asked Claire. She kicked and bucked some more and then finally gave in. ‘Give.’ She grumped. ‘Uhmmm. Excuse me, Claire? Can you come over here for a second please?’ Tess nodded her in the direction of the chook pens and waited for Claire to follow her. ‘What is it?’ Claire asked annoyed that, yet again, she had conceded to Alex. ‘Have you told Alex yet? I mean Peter is going to be there today isn’t he? Australian bloodlines has got some horses competing haven’t they?’ Tess hadn’t wanted to bring it up but knew that something had to be done. She’d heard Claire pacing the hall the last couple of nights and guessed how cranky she was feeling. ‘Yes he’s going to be there. How do you suggest I bring it up with Alex? Um by the way, Peter thinks that you and I are an item, does that bother you? Not only will Alex never let me live it down, he’ll probably embarrass me in front of Peter by telling him the truth!’ Having watched them lately, Tess somehow doubted that Alex would care if people thought he was with Claire. She could even go far as to say he might really like the idea. After getting up the courage to finally tell Nick how she felt about him, Tess wanted Claire to get up the same courage and tell the other Ryan brother how she felt. But she knew better than to push, she had to let Claire realise her feelings on her own. ‘Well I suggest you tell him and soon. I mean what are you going to do? Just pull him into a kiss when Peter walks pass? I’m sure that’d go down well, for both men!’ Tess couldn’t help the little chuckle she let escape as she walked back to Nick. The look on Claire’s face was priceless. ‘Stop standing with your gob open Claire and get your arse into the truck.’ bellowed Alex, making a quick run for his Ute before Claire took the opportunity to take another swing at him. Claire shook her head and headed for the truck that was to take the horses into town. She had to do something about this Alex situation and fast. As they pulled up at the Gungellan showgrounds Claire had resolved to tell Alex everything, her pride be damned. If he was going to laugh at her then he wasn’t the mate she thought he was. ‘Alex, I really need to talk to you.’ Claire asked urgently as he stepped out of his Ute. ‘Can’t it wait? We have to get the horses unloaded first.’ Something in her tone of voice had set alarm bells ringing in his head. ‘No it really can’t. Tess and Nick can unload the horses.’ she looked over at Tess who nodded her head. Claire walked off to get some more privacy and waited for Alex. ‘What is it McLeod. We’re late already.’ Alex commented as he came to a stop in front of Claire. Before she had a chance to respond they both noticed Peter walking towards them. The next thing Claire did shocked them both. ‘Kiss me quick!’ she whispered urgently. Alex only managed to get out a surprised ‘What?’ as Claire grabbed him by the shirt and pulled him down to meet her lips. For a second they both froze in shock and then Alex’s arms went around her waist and pulled her closer. It seemed like an eternity before he let her go. ‘What the hell?’ murmured Alex, still in a daze. Claire glanced over his shoulder and saw that Peter was gone. ‘Right. Lets get these horses off the truck. I’ll go confirm our entry at the judges stand.’ Claire said, trying to disguise the wobble in her voice and walked off into the crowd. Alex turned towards the horse float, only to see Nick and Tess staring at them, jaws dropped. ‘You heard her, lets get these horses into their stalls.’ Alex said and stormed off into the crowd to follow Claire.

Chapter Five: 'Who knew?'

‘Tess. What just happened? I mean I did just see Claire kiss Alex didn’t I?’ Nick still couldn’t believe his eyes. That was the first time he had ever had any hint of anything sexual between Claire and Alex. ‘Yeah, I think you did Nick. But did you notice who was walking towards them.’ Tess eyed him waiting for the penny to drop. ‘Yeah, actually I did. Do you think Alex noticed?’ Nick still couldn’t believe it but adding Peter to the equation did explain some things. ‘I don’t know, he was really getting into that kiss. Do you think…’ Nick cut her off quickly. ‘Don’t go there Tess. If something’s going to happen it will. It’s best if we just stay out of it.’ He shot Tess and warning look but knew it would do no good. ‘But how good would that be? I mean Claire and Alex…’ Tess had a dreamy look on her face and Nick knew nothing was going to stop her now. Her mind went into overdrive, how could she speed things along? ‘Come one, help me with these horses.’ Nick said in a resigned voice and gave her a quick kiss as he undid the back of the float. Meanwhile, somewhere in the Gungellan showgrounds… ‘Claire! Claire! Wait up.’ Alex yelled as he stormed after her. He wanted this sorted out and now. Did she think he hadn’t seen Peter approaching? Was that why she kissed him? Better yet, was she going to kiss him again? That thought stopped Alex in his tracks. Did he want to kiss her again? He had to admit it was an amazing kiss but it was Claire, she was like his sister. Okay maybe not his sister but possibly a distant relative. But even that didn’t sit right. He realised that he was starting to see Claire in whole different light and he really liked what he saw. But what would Nick think? They’ve been destined for each other since birth. Shaking his head Alex looked around and realised he’d lost sight of Claire. ‘Alex, would you take a look at…’ Alex interrupted his Father before he could even finish his sentence. ‘Not now Dad, I’ve got to find Claire.’ He saw his Dad throw him a curious look but didn’t have time to worry about it as he headed towards the judge’s stand. Claire rushed through the crowd, ignoring Alex who was calling out to her. She headed towards the judges stand not really knowing why. The horses were already entered and she had confirmed them last night. She had to clear her head and so swung away from the direction of the judge’s stand and went to find Meg. ‘Have you entered your jams and cakes yet?’ Claire asked when she found her. ‘Just finished, I was thinking about having a look around. Do you wanna join me?’ Nobody could miss the agitated look on Claire’s face, but Meg was more astute than most. It was a confused look to do with men. Meg should know, living on a farm with four other women makes it hard not to learn the different looks. It was the same one Tess had been sporting for the last couple of weeks, but that had finally been sorted. So who was it, Meg wondered. She didn’t think it was Peter; Claire only ever seemed to be angry when she talked about him now. Alex? Well that would make sense. They had been spending a lot of time around him and Meg had always known that Claire had a bit of a thing for him. Not daring to ask Claire when she was in one of these moods, Meg followed her around as they went from stall to stall. Only when she saw Alex come striding over did Meg say anything. ‘I believe we have a visitor’ she said as she nodded towards Alex. The next thing she knew, Claire was ducking down behind her. ‘Do you think he’s seen me? Quick, move over behind the stall’ Knowing it was too late and way to curious to move anyway Meg said back calmly ‘Too late for that.’ She looked down at Claire’s mortified face and silently helped her to her feet. ‘Claire! I’ve been looking for you everywhere. What the hell was that back there?’ Alex tried to hide the anger in his voice but Claire knew him to well. ‘What was what?’ She asked innocently. Claire had decided avoiding eye contact was the key to getting out of this alive. Alex grabbed her by the arm and pulled her behind the tent of the stall. ‘What do you mean ‘what was what’ back there when you kissed me. Was it just to piss Peter off or what?’ Deep down Alex wasn’t really sure he wanted to know the answer. Did Claire really like him like that? Or was this some sort of revenge on Peter? Alex wasn’t sure which answer he wanted to hear. ‘If I’m going to tell you then you can’t interrupt me okay? I want you to hear my side of the story before you start getting really shitty.’ Alex nodded his head, not releasing the grip on her arm and Claire took a deep breath and proceeded to tell what was really said between her and Peter outside the Gungellan pub. ‘So Peter thinks we’re together?’ Alex stated and Claire nodded her head. ‘Well why didn’t you just tell me that instead of just grabbing me and kissing me? I could have made it seem more real.’ He said as Claire turned away embarrassed. ‘It seemed pretty real to me’ she muttered and then turned back round to face Alex. ‘So are you going to tell him the truth or not?’ she asked. Alex chose to ignore her muttered comment and let go of her arm. ‘Hell no! Anything that pisses Peter off makes me a happy man. I’ll play along but you better be prepared.’ An idea was forming in Alex’s mind that involved teaching Claire a lesson and having a lot of fun at the same time. ‘Prepared for what?’ Claire asked in a startled voice. She had this awful feeling that it was all about to backfire on her and the cheeky grin on Alex’s face didn’t help. He didn’t answer but just grabbed her arm and dragged her back into the crowd. …Later on that day… ‘I swear to God Alex. If you grab my arse one more time I’m gonna knock you out.’ Claire whispered violently, finally understanding the cheeky grin Alex had had on his face when he agreed to go along with her lie. Throughout the day he hadn’t kept his hands off her, it was driving her crazy. Claire didn’t know whether it because he was just generally annoying or because he was doing it for all the wrong reasons. He wasn’t just doing it when Peter was around, he was doing it ALL THE TIME! ‘That’s not what you said last night.’ Alex said loudly, winking at her. For not the first time that day, many people around her threw her curious looks. So far Jodie, Becky and Tess had asked her what was going on and Claire has just told them that she’d explain later. On the upside, Peter hadn’t come near her all day. ‘Look Alex, I think you’ve made your point okay. Half of Gungellan and EVERYONE in the pub knows that we’re together, you can lay off now.’ Claire told him. However Alex had other ideas. ‘But just to make sure…’ he added as he hauled her into his arms and planted a big kiss on her lips. Claire knew that she was caught. She couldn’t resist his kiss because that would look odd to everyone but strangely Claire didn’t want Alex kissing her like this, not just to prove a point. Before she could notice what he was doing Alex had pried her lips apart and thrust his tongue in. For a second Claire didn’t react but then a thought occurred to her, why not beat Alex at his own game? So she let herself go. When they were both out of breath they pulled apart only to realise that everyone was cheering and whistling. Claire hurled Alex a murderous look and stormed towards the toilets with Tess and Jodie in tow, missing the stunned look on Alex’s face and the lazy grin that quickly formed ‘I’m going to kill him, I swear I will!’ Claire was incredibly confused and slightly embarrassed at the way she reacted to Alex’s kiss. What would he think of her now? Would he pass it off as just impulse or would he know how she really felt? Claire didn’t have much of a chance to contemplate this when Jodi and Tess started in. ‘Okay that’s the second time you’ve kissed him today and this time Peter wasn’t around. What’s going on Claire?’ asked Tess ‘Second time? What. I missed the first one? Where was I?’ Jodie couldn’t contain her astonishment. How come nobody ever tells her what’s going on? 18 meant you were an adult didn’t it? Meg entered the bathroom and shot Jodie a look. ‘Girls, do you mind if I talk to Claire alone for a minute?’ she asked. Jodie went to protest but Meg gave her an ‘I’m your Mother do as I say’ look and Jodie reluctantly left the room. ‘As long as I get the full version tonight.’ Tess added as she headed out the door behind Jodie. Claire walked over to the sink and splashed water on her face. ‘Claire, we’ve known each other for a very long time and I think I know you pretty well. I know how you feel about Alex, how you’ve always felt about him. Even when you were with Peter or when he was with Tess. There’s always been something simmering between the two of you. But that out there. That wasn’t you. Public displays aren’t your thing so what’s going on?’ not wanting to push the point to hard, Meg waited patiently for Claire to answer. ‘We’re doing this to make Peter think that we’re together so he’ll back off and leave me alone. That’s all.’ Claire knew that wasn’t enough but didn’t really know how to answer the question. ‘But Peter’s not here in the pub.’ Meg pointed out ‘’I know, I know, I think Alex is just messing with me, you know, teaching me a lesson.’ ‘Are you sure that’s all it is?’ Meg asked. ‘You know he doesn’t see me as anymore than a friend.’ Claire replied sadly, unable to mask the disappointment in her voice. ‘That may be right. But I do know one thing, friends don’t kiss like that, no matter how long they’ve known each other or what game they’re playing.’ And with that Meg left the bathroom, leaving Claire with her thoughts.

Chapter Six: 'What to do now?'

Alex noticed that Claire hadn’t looked him in the eye once since that kiss. Had he gone to far? It wasn’t meant to be a passionate kiss but at some point he had lost control and just followed his instincts. So now what? She hadn’t come near him in the last hour and he was sick of the knowing smirks he was getting. He had to do something and quickly. So he headed over towards where she was standing with Becky and Jodie. ‘Claire, can I have this dance?’ he asked as he held out his hand. He knew from the look in her eye that she was about to refuse so he grabbed her hand and pulled her onto the makeshift dance floor. ‘What’s up McLeod”? I was only playing your game, remember?’ he demanded. Claire just rested her head on his shoulder and refused to look at him. It was evident that this was a conversation she was not particularly keen on having. Alex seemed to sense Claire’s reluctance and was resigned to just dancing to the slow melody of the music. He glanced over at Tess and smiled. She winked back at him and whispered something to Nick. Alex was getting the increasing feeling that he was missing something. Between the glances from Tess and the pointed remarks from Nick, not to mention the constant looks from Meg a man could start believing he’d grown two heads. Or was it a bit simpler than that? He glanced down at the woman in his arms, a woman who he had noticed putting away a number of alcoholic beverages and who was starting to look a little unsteady in his arms. ‘Claire are you alright?’ he asked as he tried to pull back but she just snuggled closer to his chest. ‘I’m fine, can’t we just dance? Please?’ He could feel her relaxing against him and for a moment he thought that there was no one he’d rather be dancing with. However it wasn’t to be, one of Alex’s ex girlfriends stepped up to them and tapped Claire on the shoulder. ‘Do you mind, I’d like to dance with this very spunky man’ she said as the tempo of the music picked up. It was clear to both that Kerry had had her fair share of alcohol and before either of them had a chance to respond, Kerry whisked Alex away onto the other side of the dance floor, leaving Claire standing there fuming. ‘Fine if that’s the way he wants it’ she muttered as she headed towards the bar, with Tess on her heels. ‘Claire, what are you doing?’ ‘I’m getting another drink, do you have a problem with that?’ came the sarcastic response. Tess knew that it was a warning not a question but chose to ignore it. ‘I don’t think you need anymore okay?’ Tess reached for the glass but Claire was too fast. ‘I’m going to play pool. Just leave me alone’ and with that she headed off, leaving Tess deep in thought. A moment later Meg came up to the bar next to her. ‘I think this thing with Alex has got to her more than she wants to admit.’ Commented Meg as she ordered a beer. ‘I know, that’s what’s worrying me. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Claire this drunk before.’ Noted Tess as Meg nodded her head in agreement. ‘We’re in for a long night that’s for sure. I’m just glad we all booked rooms in town’ sighed Meg and they headed over to the table where everyone else was seated.

Chapter Seven: 'And a shower it is'

‘Are you calling me a cheater?’ stormed Claire at the man she had just creamed at pool. ‘That’s right I am, what do you plan on doing about it?’ he threatened as everyone tensed around him. It was clear to everyone exactly how drunk Claire was. The two men watching her at the table next to where they were playing pool had been plowing drinks into her all night. It was also evident to everyone in the pub just how pissed off she was with the Alex Ryan. Every time he had come near her she had warned him off with either a look or a few caustic words. ‘I’ll show you want I’ll do about it.’ Yelled Claire. ‘Quick, Nick, do something. Alex!’ Tess shrieked at the two men opposite her. ‘Right I’ve had enough of this!’ shouted Alex and he walked over to Claire who was holding the pool stick in the air, ready to swing at the man. Alex grabbed the stick out of her hand and threw it on the table. ‘What the hell do you think you’re doing Ryan? This is none…’ before she had a chance to finish her threat Alex hoisted her over his shoulder and headed for the hotel rooms leaving everyone cheering and clapping behind them. They reached the door to Alex’s room with Claire still kicking and swearing at him, making it as difficult as possible to hold on to her. ‘Claire, shut up and sit still. I’m not going to put you down so you might as well quit hurling abuse at me.’ Alex said calmly as he unlocked the door to his room. It didn’t slow Claire down even slightly so he did the only thing he thought would work. He dumped her in the shower and turned the cold water on. ‘Stay there till you cool off!’ Alex yelled and shut the door. Claire tried to get out but Alex had it shut tight. When she regained her senses she turned the water off. ‘Alexander Ryan! Let me the hell out of here right NOW!’ ‘Only if you promise to stop drinking and picking fights with men twice your size. You’re acting like a complete dick head out there Claire.’ Alex knew it was harsh to say but couldn’t think of any way to shut her up. ‘Fine. Now would you just let me out of here I’m freezing.’ Stammered Claire. Waiting a moment, Alex slowly opened up the door to see a shivering and dishevelled Claire looking anything but remorseful. Before he knew what was happening she grabbed him by the shirt collar and yanked him into the shower. Alex’s answer was a howl of pain as she turned the cold water on and jumped out of the way of the spray. ‘Not so much fun when you’re the one getting wet is it?’ Claire asked gleefully, the cold momentarily forgotten as she took satisfaction in her revenge. ‘Maybe I deserved that, maybe I didn’t but I swear you’re gonna pay for that’ Alex said as he lunged for Claire. She quickly ran out of the shower and into the bedroom where she grabbed his car keys. ‘Oh, you don’t wanna touch my car McLeod.’ Warned Alex, but it was too late as she ran out of the room, down the hall and straight into the bar. Claire ran for her life, dodging people not sparing a glance for the astonished looks from the four woman she lived with. Alex, hot on her heels, swore as she headed out the pub and straight for his Ute. ‘Claire don’t even think about it.’ He warned, but it was too late as she headed for his car and unlocked the door. ‘What happens to lambs wool when it gets soaking wet?’ Claire asked him innocently as she locked herself in the car. Luckily Alex remembered where the spare key was and reached under to get it. Claire was too busy fumbling for the heater to notice what he was doing until it was too late. ‘Get out of the car now Claire or am I going to have to embarrass you in front of the whole town again.’ Alex threatened. ‘Don’t you dare touch me Alex Ryan, or you won’t be able to call yourself a man for much longer.’ Claire told him in a menacing voice. However, the shivers wracking her body diminished the effect. Alex did the only thing he could do. He picked her up again and hurled her over his shoulder. This time Claire conceded gracefully and burrowed her head into his shoulder as he walked her back through the pub and into his room. ‘Now sit in front of the heater while I go and get you some clean clothes to change into.’ he told her and headed for the door, locking it behind him. Then he went in search of Tess. He found her at the bar with Nick. ‘Tess, I need you to get some fresh clothes for Claire.’ He couldn’t hide the smirk on his face at the curious looks he was getting from everyone. If Peter didn’t know it before, then he would definitely know it now. Claire was his. ‘Sure, follow me.’ Tess told him, an idea forming in her head. ‘Here you go, give these to her can you.’ She handed the dress and underwear to Alex who grabbed them off her, slightly embarrassed. ‘Right thanks Tess.’ he said and headed back to his room. Tess watched him leave, sorry that she was going to miss his reaction when Claire came out wearing one of Tess’ sexiest dresses. As Alex entered his room he looked around for Claire. Noticing that the door was shut to the bathroom he headed over preparing to tell her he was back. He didn’t get the chance though as she came out wearing nothing but a skimpy towel. Alex’s jaw dropped as he took in the dripping wet, practically naked girl who he once thought of as his sister but definitely never would again. ‘Are they my clothes? Thanks I’ll just go and get changed.’ Claire took the clothes apparently oblivious to the stunned look on Alex’s face. She headed back into the bathroom and Alex had to resist the urge to follow her in himself. He paced the room waiting for her too come out. The sooner he got around more people the better. It must be the alcohol, Alex reassured himself, that’s why he’s reacting to Claire the way he was. ‘Alex!’ yelled Claire ‘these aren’t my clothes!’ ‘What do you mean, there not…’ his voice trailed off as Claire came creeping out of the bathroom, self consciously covering herself. ‘Do you honestly think I’d wear something like this? And look at my shoes’ she asked sarcastically. Alex could only shake his head as he took in the sight before him. Claire was wearing a dark red dress, low cut up top and high cut down bottom. The sleeves were off the shoulder and as Alex’s gaze travelled down wards he noticed how snugly it fit, clinging to all the right curves. His eyes dropped to the boots she was wearing.. Covered in mud and laces untied it added the Claire element to the dress. ‘Trust me, no one will be looking at your feet Claire.’ Alex told her. ‘Yeah that’s sort of what bothers me.’ She replied, glancing over her dress again. ‘Me too.’ Alex mumbled turning away from Claire’s innocent expression. Before Claire had a chance to head back into the bathroom, there was a knock on the door. ‘Tess asked me to give you these.’ Nick said as he held up a pair of white sandals. Glancing over at Claire he let out a low whistle ‘Don’t you look fantastic’ he told her knowing Alex would take the bait. He wasn’t disappointed. ‘Go on, get out of here would ya!’ Alex said as he shoved Nick out the door. ‘You can’t go out looking like that’ he declared as he turned back round to Claire. Alex immediately knew he’d said the wrong things as Claire flared up. ‘I can wear what I want to wear thankyou Alex. It’s your fault anyway!’ she added as she stormed out the door, tripping on the heels of her shoes as she walked past him. Alex had to laugh, she was still pissed and not quite steady on her feet. ‘Come on McLeod’ he said as he took her arm and tucked it next to him. He was in for a long night he could just feel it. Somewhere close to bed time… So far he had beaten off three prospective suitors and one very drunk old man. It wasn’t with fists of course, Claire would kill him, but no man could miss the looks Alex was giving to any guy that even attempted to approach Claire. ‘Alex, would you stop giving Cliff those looks, and would you also please remove you hand from my thigh!’ Claire whispered and roughly grabbed his hand. “I thought we were supposed to be a couple, if I remember correctly couples are supposed to touch each other. Anyway, it’s not like I can help it with that dress you’ve got on. It’s hard not to touch bare skin, there’s so much of it!’ Alex retorted, quickly moving as her fist went for his chest. ‘Alex Ryan, I swear I’m going to get you for this.’ Threatened Claire, but Alex just laughed and casually placed an arm around her chair. ‘Yeah, but for tonight its my turn.’ He answered, the grin on his face permanently plastered there. ‘Right!’ Claire said defiantly and stood up. ‘Hey, What’re you doing?’ came the dumbfounded response from Alex. ‘Going to find Peter to set him straight.’ She said and headed for the door. ‘Oh no you don’t’ warned Alex as he headed after her. He stopped her just as she got to the door. ‘Alright, alright, I’ll back off. Happy?’ Claire nodded her head. ‘You can by me a drink too.’ she added. Not wanting to argue and piss her off more, he went and bought himself a beer and Claire and glass of coke. As he sat down he noticed that Meg and Tess were watching him closely. Now he knew something was going on. ‘What?’ he asked Meg, unable to hide his frustration and confusion. Okay, so he was a bloke, and blokes aren’t really cluey when it came to women, but the ladies from Drovers Run were a breed of their own. It was like they knew what was going on before you did. ‘I don’t know about you guys but I’m ready for bed.’ Meg said, looking at Tess. ‘Yeah, me too. Nick?’ Tess nudged him and nodded her head slightly. ‘Uh yeah.. where’s everyone sleeping?’ he asked. ‘Well I’m with you, Jodie’s with Meg, Becky’s with Brick…’ started Tess. ‘Hey, hang on a minute, I thought I was with you? Where am I going to sleep.’ Interrupted Claire. ‘Well you could sleep on the floor in our room..’ answered Tess covering a smirk with her hand ‘Not bloody likely’ interrupted Claire ‘… or you could stay in Alex’s room.’ Tess finished. ‘No way! I’d rather sleep in the barn!’ stated Claire. ‘Hey! The feeling’s mutual.’ Retorted Alex. ‘Well we’ll let you guys sort it out hey.’ jumped in Becky and they all got up to leave. ‘Hang on a second, Tess! Wait you can’t just…’ but it was too late Tess and Nick had headed for the door. ‘You could sleep in the back of the Ute?’ Claire asked hopefully. ‘Get stuffed, do you know how cold it is out there?’ came Alex’s reply. He didn’t like the idea any better than she did, particularly the way he had been feeling tonight, but there was no way he was camping out in the cold. ‘Well I get the bed, we’ll ask for a few extra blankets for you and the floor’s yours.’ ‘Yeah, rightio,’ conceded Alex. There was no way he was getting into another fight with Claire tonight. Later that night… ‘That’s it, I’m getting in’ announced Alex. He’d had enough. As much as he didn’t like the idea of getting into the same bed as Claire, it had to be better than lying on the cold floor with only one blanket. ‘What?’ asked a startled Claire. It was hard enough sleeping in the same room as him, but the same bed? ‘Look, you sleep on the floor if you want, but I’m not going to anymore. There’s plenty of room in the bed. If it was big enough for me and Nick, then it’s big enough for me and you.’ Alex added as he climbed in. ‘Why didn’t you and Nick get separate beds anyway?’ Claire asked as she moved over. ‘Well we tried didn’t we? They don’t have many rooms with single beds and they were nearly booked out when we made reservations.’ Alex pulled the covers over him, careful to avoid any part of Claire’s body. “Well if you start snoring you’ll get a wack in the head, be warned.’ Wow, this was going to be hard, thought Claire. ‘Same to you.’ Replied Alex, knowing that sleep was not going to come easily that night. They were both quiet for a while and Alex thought Claire had gone to sleep. ‘Alex, I just wanted to say thankyou for helping me out. You didn’t have to and I appreciate it.’ Claire said, interrupting the silence. ‘Any time Claire. Anytime.’ Replied Alex. A few minutes later he heard the soft rhythmic breathing coming from next to him and cursed. Why couldn’t he get to sleep that easily? The next morning…. Claire always woke up slowly and this morning was no exception. Except this time she realised she wasn’t alone. Lying there she noticed a heavy feeling across her stomach and legs. She looked down and noticed that a hairy arm and leg were sprawled over her body. Claire was on her side but didn’t need to turn over to realise that Alex’s face was resting on her pillow. How the hell did they get like this? She had fallen to sleep so quickly last night, it must have been the alcohol. Alex groaned next to her and tightened his hold on her stomach. Okay, now this was getting awkward. What happened if he woke up? ‘Hmmmm’ mumbled Alex as he opened one eye and then the other. It took him a second to get his bearings. He looked over to where Claire was sleeping, only to realise how close she was. So that explained why he was so warm and comfortable, thought Alex, the Gungellan pub wasn’t know for its high quality or comfy beds. He felt Claire go tense in his arms and realised how precarious the situation was. He slowly moved his arm and leg. ‘Sorry McLeod, I must have thought you were someone else’ the moment the words were out of his mouth he knew he’d said the wrong thing. ‘That’s just fine Ryan, I must have thought you were someone else too because there’s no way I’d let you near me if I was conscious.’ Claire replied icely as she jumped out of bed. Phwa, that was a bit harsh! Alex knew that Claire wasn’t great in the mornings but she was downright prickly on this one. ‘I’m going to have a shower.’ Claire said as she stomped towards the bathroom not bothering to look at Alex. Claire was beginning to confuse him more and more. Sometimes he thought she felt more than just friendship and sometimes he wasn’t even sure she liked him at all. Worst of all there was no one he could really ask or talk to. Nick would just laugh it off, his Dad would warn him away from her and his Mum would start making arrangements for the wedding. What was a bloke supposed to do? Maybe he should just forget about it and find a girl in town. Yeah, once this whole Peter mess was sorted out then he would find someone with less complications and less head strong, someone more girly. For some reason, the thought of someone girly and feminine didn’t please him the way it used to, but Alex just figured he’d been hanging around Claire too long. Deep in thought he didn’t notice Claire storm out of the bathroom until she was standing near the bed. ‘I forgot my clothes.’ She told him crossly as she bent over to pick them up off the floor and stormed back into the bathroom. Damn, that woman has got to stop prancing around in just a skimpy towel! Alex shook his head and gathered his clothes together he was going to have to keep away from Claire for a while till this thing simmered down.

Chapter Eight: 'Tess’ birthday'

A couple of months later

‘Is everything ready for the party?’ Jodie asked Tess, clearly excited at the prospect of a night of dancing, boys and booze.

‘Yeah, just a few more streamers to go up and then we’re ready, where’s Claire?’ Tess asked and Jodie rolled her eyes.

‘Out training Casino, where else would she be? Lately, that horse has been her life, its not like Alex is gonna get shitty if she’s takes a break from training, he hasn’t been here for ages anyway.’ Completely oblivious to things that didn’t directly involve her, Jodie completely miss the look that passed between Meg and Tess.

‘Well, I’m going to go and get ready. I’ll meet you at the cottage Mum.’ Jodie said as she left the room.

‘Do you want to talk to her or do you want me to do it?’ Meg asked Tess. Someone had to do something about Claire. Ever since the Gungellan show Claire had been unapproachable. Alex hadn’t been around much and no one was game enough to ask her about what happened that night they spent together. Claire had been in an unendingly bad mood and would snap at anyone who made even the slightest reference to Alex. The only time she seemed to be at peace was when she was training the horses.

‘I’ll do it. I’m her sister, she can’t kill me.’ Tess replied and headed to the stables. Tess didn’t relish what she was about to do. The first few days after the show she had tried to talk to Claire about Alex but she’d just been blown off. She’d even talked to Alex and he just changed the subject. Something had definitely happened between the two of them, but what? When they’d seen Alex in town a few days later with his arms around one of his ex-girlfriends, Claire had just said nothing and walked off. Nick had told Tess how much time Alex was spending with his now-current girlfriend. In fact everyone had been telling her, but Tess just couldn’t figure it out. She didn’t think they’d slept together, so what had he said? It was so frustrating especially since Claire had decided to close everyone out. Taking a deep breath Tess headed over to her.

‘There’s not long till the party, are you going to get ready?’ Tess asked as Claire began to rub down Casino.

‘Won’t take me long. Just need a shower.’ Mumbled Claire.

‘Well what are you going to wear?’ asked Tess.

‘Just my jeans and a shirt what else?’ came Claire’s irritated reply. Tess couldn’t help her self as she burst out angrily.

‘How are you ever going to get him to notice you if you wear the same thing everyday?’ Tess said angrily and put up he hand before Claire could react ‘Look, I’ve laid out a gorgeous outfit on your bed. If you want to wear it good, if you don’t well that’s fine by me too. But stop grumping around here if you’re not going to do anything about him. It’s not our fault that whatever happened, happened, so you’ve got to stop taking it out on us.’  With that Tess headed towards the door but turned around when Claire said quietly. ‘But what can I do?’

‘You can try. You can show him how gorgeous and irresistible you are. You can fight for him.’ Tess replied quietly and then headed towards the house to have a shower. 

Half an hour later…

‘Claire would you just come out? I’ve got to finish your hair.’ Yelled Tess. It was only ten minutes till the party and Claire still wasn’t ready. She had put on the outfit that Tess had laid out for her and had then asked if she’d do her hair and makeup.

‘This really isn’t me Tess.’ Claire said as she came out of the bathroom.

‘But it is if you let it be Claire. Now sit down while I finish your hair and makeup.’ Tess pushed her into the chair in front of her mirror.

‘Do I have to wear makeup?’ whined Claire, but shut up as Tess gave her a firm look.

‘You didn’t complain when I gave you that dress to wear the night of the show?’ Tess pointed out as she added more pins to her hair.

‘I was half pissed then and besides we didn’t do all this’ Claire replied as she pointed to her face and hair.

‘And yet you looked stunning, Alex wouldn’t let anyone go near you. Tonight, we just have to show him why.’ Tess put into the last pin and smiled at her.

‘Finished’ she replied as they both stared at her reflection. Claire grabbed the hand that Tess had placed on her shoulder. ‘Thanks Tess, I know what I’ve been like lately and I’m sorry’ Claire smiled and Tess kissed the top of her head. ‘Hey, that’s what sisters are for, now lets go.’ They headed downstairs together to be greeted with wolf whistles from Becky and Jodie.

‘You look beautiful Claire’ Meg said as Claire walked into the kitchen.

‘Down right spunky’ added Becky.

‘Well, let’s get going, birthday girl.’ Meg said to Tess and they headed to the shed.

 Tess had arranged a big party, with as many single men as she could find (which wasn’t really many) and everyone from town. Seeing as there were so few parties in the country, everyone turned up, whether it be for the booze or just to have human contact wasn’t really important. As they entered the shed a cheer went up and Nick came over and gave Tess a kiss on the cheek.

‘Happy birthday Tess,’ he said as the band started ‘Care to dance?’ he asked as he whisked her onto the dance floor.

‘May I have this dance?’ Terry, who had been standing with Nick, asked as he turned to Claire. At that exact moment Claire spotted Alex who was standing with his girlfriend, Fiona. They made eye contact and Claire turned her head.

‘With pleasure Terry’ she replied and he took her onto the dance floor.

A couple of hours the party was in full swing. Claire hadn’t sat down once as one man after another asked her to dance. It seemed that everyone but Alex wanted to dance with her. His girlfriend had disappeared hours ago and he had stood and watched as Claire danced with one bloke and then the next. No one could miss the look of jealousy on his face but this time it didn’t seem to worry the men. Claire was looking gorgeous and if he was too blind to see it, then more luck to them.

‘Cliff, I’ve gotta stop, I need a drink.’ Claire laughed and stepped off the dance floor.

‘Well, well. Someone seems to be very popular tonight’ Tess commented as she came to stand next to Claire.

“I know! I haven’t had a break in the last two hours!’ Claire took a long sip of her drink.

That’s not what a meant’ replied Tess, nodding in Alex’s direction. Claire looked over to where he was standing and their eyes clashed and Alex quickly looked away.

‘He hasn’t taken his eyes off you once tonight’ added Tess ‘his girlfriend gave up on him about an hour ago. She’s been dancing with Tony all night.’ Tess couldn’t help the grin as she saw the look on Claire’s face.

They both watched as Alex headed their way. Before he had a chance to ask her to dance Claire was whisked away by another enthusiastic male. Alex stopped momentarily as if to consider a course of action and then continued in Claire’s direction

‘My turn mate’ he said as he interrupted Claire and her partner. Before Claire had a chance to respond Alex grabbed her hand and dragged her further amongst the dancers.

‘What are you doing Claire?’ Alex demanded. Tess, who was dancing close by with Nick noticed the intense look on Alex’s face.

‘Uh oh. I don’t think this is going to be good.’ She said to Nick as they both watched the unfolding scene.

‘What are you talking about?’ Claire asked, irritated.

‘Dancing with every bloke in here? What game are you playing?’ he said in a fierce whisper as couples danced obliviously around them.

‘What the hell is that supposed to mean?’ Claire was angry now. What right did he have to tell her who she should and shouldn’t dance with.

‘You know damn well what I mean, every guy in here has been ogling you all night and your just encouraging them!’ from the look on Claire’s face Alex new he’d gone too far. He hadn’t meant to accuse her, he just wanted to protect her, there were some guys around here who don’t have much woman company and could get a bit carried away.

‘Well I guess I’d better stop dancing altogether then.’ Claire forced out through clenched teeth and walked off, leaving Alex on the dance floor by himself. He could’ve kicked himself, that wasn’t how it was supposed to go. He watched her walk out the door.

‘Alex Ryan, if you want to survive the night you’d better follow her’ threatened Tess as she danced by with Nick.

‘Yeah, yeah’ he didn’t need to be told, he knew what he had to do.

He slipped out the side door in the shed and went in search of Claire. After a while he found her in the stables talking to Phoenix.

‘Why do men have to be such arseholes hey?’ she asked the foal. Alex waited at the entrance, he wasn’t sure that he should talk to her just yet, so he stood and watched.

‘I mean, I was only trying to get his attention. You’d think he’d have a clue.’ she said as she continued stroking the foal.

‘Not necessarily Claire, sometimes it can be hard to see what’s right under your nose.’ Claire jumped at the sound of his voice.

‘Go away Alex, I’m really not in the mood for another lecture.’ Claire snapped as she regained her composure. Alex walked towards her and Claire backed away.

‘What are you doing?’ she asked as her back hit the wall. Alex placed his hands either side of her, boxing her in.

‘Something I should have done a long time ago.’ He replied as he lent towards her.

 ‘But what about Tess, and Killarney and your parents…’ Claire stuttered, unable to believe what was about to happen.

‘Not important’ he answered as he inched closer.

‘Well what about Fiona and…’ Claire stalled.

‘Shut up Claire’ Alex said, just before his mouth claimed hers. Claire stilled for a moment and then gave herself too him. Her head was full of Alex but at the back of her mind an alarm bell was going crazy. She pushed him away.

‘Alex! Wait!’ Alex paid no attention as his lips moved from her mouth down her neck. Resisting the will to give in, Claire broke through the haze.

 ‘Alex, what if someone catches us?’ she tried again.  Alex didn’t reply as his lips followed a wicked trail down her neck.

‘I’m serious Alex!’ Claire had to laugh. He was a determined man but she finally got through to him and he stopped his assault on her senses.

‘Well what do you suggest then?’ he asked, a grin on his face. He stared down at her flushed face and swollen lips and resisted the temptation to lay her down on the straw. It was strange, he couldn’t understand why he hadn’t done this sooner, it seemed that once he started, he really didn’t want to stop.

‘We’ll have to go back and pretend like nothing happened. Did you bring your Ute?’ she asked with a slightly mischievous grin. Alex cottoned on.

‘Yeah, I even brought a mattress and blankets ‘cos I was going to sleep in the back. I figured you’d have too many visitors as it was’

‘Where’s it parked?’

‘In the driveway, I can move it around to the back paddock if you want?’ Alex was getting more excited the more he thought about it.

‘I’ll meet you there at one’ Claire whispered ‘I don’t want anyone to know about us just yet, I mean, especially with Fiona here and all.’ It hurt to mention but Claire was no boyfriend stealer.

‘No it’s all good. Fiona and I aren’t together, she just wanted a lift out and I said yes, that ended days ago.’ Alex saw the look of relief pass over her face.

‘Right, well I’m going to go back in, you follow a few minutes later.’ Claire said and ducked out the door before he got a chance to do anything. She was afraid that if he kissed her they’d never make it back to the party.

 ‘Did you fix it?’ Tess asked the moment Alex walked back into the shed.

 ‘Yeah, we’re mates again.’ Tess missed the cheeky grin on his face.

‘Oh.’ she replied in a disappointed voice. Maybe there really was nothing between her sister and Alex. Well, she’ll just have to find someone else thought Tess. So she spent the rest of the evening setting Claire up with man after man to no avail.

‘Tess, I’m going to bed. No one has to get up early tomorrow morning.’ She told Tess as the clock neared one.

‘Great! Finally a sleep in.’ Jodie didn’t bother to hide her excitement.

‘Are you sure?’ Tess asked Claire, disappointed that her matchmaking efforts had failed.

‘Definitely, I’ll see you guys tomorrow.’ Claire said and headed towards the house to change her clothes.

At the Ute…

‘That man would be late to his own funeral’ muttered Claire as she glanced at her watch again. It was twenty past one and still no Alex.

‘That’s it I’m going to sleep.’ Claire said as she climbed onto the mattress. That was how Alex found her ten minutes later, dead to the world in the back of his Ute.

‘Damn it’ he cursed, well he’d just have to wake her up and boy would it be fun.

Chapter Nine: 'It’s not possible'

‘Good morning sleepy head’ Alex smiled as he watched Claire wake up. He’d been watching her sleep for the past half an hour and had thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

‘Mmmm’ was Claire’s only response as she stretched. She felt sore but extremely satisfied. Slightly embarrassed Claire turned to face Alex. Before she could say anything he swooped down to kiss her.

‘Quite a night eh?’ he asked, pleasure plastered all over his face. Claire smiled a cheeky grin.

‘Hey, it’s not over yet’ she replied and pulled him down for another kiss.

Later on in the kitchen…

‘Where’s Claire?’ asked Meg as Nick and Tess came downstairs.

‘Still in bed.’ Tess replied and watched as Nick headed straight for a big plate full of greasy bacon and sausages. ‘Ugh how can you eat that? I feel awful.’ Muttered Tess as she poured herself a strong pot of coffee.

‘Join the club’ groaned Jodie. Moments later Becky came bouncing in.

‘Great, bacon and eggs.’ she said and sat down next to Jodie who quickly went pale.

‘Excuse me.’ Jodie said and bolted out of the kitchen as Claire walked in.

‘What’s wrong with her’ Claire asked cheerfully. They all looked at her in surprise.

‘I thought you were still in bed.’ said Tess.

‘No, I’ve been up for hours. Geez that looks good Meg I’m starving.’ Claire said and grabbed a plate.

‘Has anyone seen Alex?’ Nick asked.

‘Yeah, I saw his Ute parked on the paddock as I came up, there was someone with him, I didn’t see who though.’ Becky told him, Claire didn’t even flinch.

‘Now that’s a big surprise’ Meg added sarcastically a she sat down. Alex chose that moment to walk in.

‘Is that Eggs and bacon I smell?’ he asked, not even glancing at Claire.

“Why don’t I just feed the whole bloody town’ Meg said crossly as she got up to get Alex some breakfast.

‘So where is she? Better yet who is she?’ Nick asked, knowing that the girls were full off questions.

‘Huh?’ Alex responded as his forked speared another sausage.

‘The girl, who was she? Becky saw you with someone?’ demanded Tess. Alex shot a quick glance at Claire and then turned back to his food.

‘Nobody special.’ he muttered. It pained him to say it but he knew Claire would understand, anyway, it was her idea not to tell anyone.

  Apparently he was wrong.

 He hadn’t had the chance to talk to her before he left for Killarney, it was like she    was avoiding him, thought Alex. He quickly dismissed the idea, he knew that the night had been as fantastic for her as it was for him.

  However when it had been three weeks and he still hadn’t heard from her he knew something was wrong. Every time he rang her she had an excuse not to see him and when he suggested he come out and help her train she snapped at him. He hadn’t pushed it because he thought that maybe she was embarrassed or shy about what had happened between them, but lately he had realised that wasn’t the case. What the hell had he done? All week all he could think about was her and the fantastic night they spent together. Had she gone cold on him?

 Alex was sick of worrying about it and so decided to go and see her. He knew better than to ring, she would only blow him off.

 As he drove up he saw Nick and Tess sitting on the front veranda.  Alex frowned, it was only 5.30, there was no way Claire would let them knock off this early.

He groaned, he was getting a bad feeling in the pit of his stomach. He got out of the car and walked slowly over to wear Meg and Becky had joined the other two on the veranda.

‘How’s it going?’ Alex asked casually, trying to not look obvious as he scanned the surrounding area for any sign of Claire.

‘Nice and quietly’ Tess replied and took a swig of her beer.

‘How ‘bout you big brother?’ Nick asked.

‘Fine, fine…’Alex replied casually ‘Um, look, have you seen Claire around. She was supposed to give me a progress report and I haven’t heard from her.’ The off feeling in his stomach was only getting stronger.

‘She’s not here.’ Tess told him in surprise ‘she took off yesterday to the city for a week.’ They were all looking at him curiously now.

‘Yeah’ added Becky ‘she got this strange phone call and then just took off.’

‘The only thing she said was that she’d be back soon. Come to think of it, she still hasn’t rung has she?’ Meg asked Tess thoughtfully. Alex didn’t pay any attention, his head was in a spin. The city? Why on earth hadn’t she told him? If he wasn’t sure before then he certainly was now. Claire was definitely angry with him, but why? She seemed to enjoy the night they spent together hadn’t she?

‘You don’t know who the phone call was from.’ He again asked casually. No point letting them know something was wrong, the last thing he wanted was a thousand and one questions. The girls looked at each other.

‘Nooo, ‘ Tess said slowly, Alex raised an eyebrow.

‘But…?’ prompted Alex. Tess looked at Becky and then Meg.

‘Well, we kind of figured it was from Peter. The way she looked just before she rushed out of here… we just thought that maybe he didn’t get the hint at the show last week. He’s rang here like everyday before Claire left and now he hasn’t rung since.’ It was clear Meg didn’t approve but they all knew that you could never stop Claire when she was doing something. Alex could feel his blood boiling.

‘That knob!! She wouldn’t!! I swear I’m gonna kill him, and then I’m gonna kill her.’ Alex muttered as he stomped back to his car.

‘Hey Alex!’ Tess called after him, but he ignored her and jumped in his Ute.

‘What was that about then?’ Becky asked. ‘I thought there was nothing going on between the two of them?’ she looked at Nick.

‘Hey, don’t look at me. As far as I know, he has only ever seen her like a sister.’ Tess looked at him thoughtfully.

‘I don’t think anything’s going on. Maybe he’s just angry ‘cos she made him pretend they were together and then she just goes running back to Peter.’ Mused Tess. They all sat there quietly for a moment.

‘Anyway, Claire and Alex have known each other since the womb! There’s no way something could happen, no matter how hard you try.’ Replied Nick as he nudged Tess.

‘Yeah Yeah I know.’

Throughout the next week Alex debated as to whether he should go and find her. There was no way in hell he was letting her get back with Peter, not after finally realising how he felt about her. But what if it was too late. Alex kicked the tractor he was working on.

‘Hey. I don’t know what has put you in a foul mood for the past week but don’t take it out on the machinery’ warned Harry. He looked sceptically at his oldest son.

‘Yeah rightio.’ Alex grumped at him. He threw down his spanner and headed towards the house.

‘Alex! Where are you going?’ Harry yelled at him, but got no reply. Alex was going to Adelaide and that was that.

‘What’r you doing?’ Nick asked as he walked into Alex’s room.

‘What are you doing here?’  Alex asked, ignoring his question.

‘Mum cooked me a casserole the other night and I was retuning the dish. Are you packing?’ Nick tried again.

‘What do you think bozo?’ Alex retorted, he wasn’t in the mood for obvious questions.

‘Why? I thought that now Claire was back you’d want to see her about the horses.’ Nick shrugged his shoulders and left the room. She’s home!! This time Alex was really mad. He wanted answers and he wanted them now.

‘Where’s he going?’ Liz asked her husband as she watched the dust following Alex’s Ute.

‘Who would know what’s going on in that boys head.’ Harry replied, turning back to his newspaper. Liz shook her head thoughtfully, one day he’d learn.

‘Claire! Claire.’ Alex shouted as he watched her ride off over the hill.

‘She’s gone to check the fences, won’t be back for a couple of hours.’ Becky told him.

‘To hell with this.’ Alex muttered to himself and ran for the stables. Once he’d saddled and mounted he took off after her.

‘Damn it Claire’ yelled Alex as he eventually caught up to her ‘Where the hell have you been?’ he asked as she finally slowed down and stopped.

‘Nowhere that concerns you Ryan.’ Claire replied as she dismounted and headed for the fence.

‘What the hell is your problem?’ Alex demanded as he grabbed hold of her arm.

‘Let go of me Alex.’ Threatened Claire as she tried to shake her arm free.

‘No way, not to you talk to me. For the past few weeks you have ignored me and blown me off and then I find out you’ve gone away, to see Peter!! Didn’t the night of the show mean anything at all?’ Alex hated sounding desperate but it was the truth.

‘Me?’ Claire asked incredulously ‘I believe it was you who said I was ‘no one special!’ Don’t blame this on me.’

‘What, so the first thing you do is run off to Peter?’ yelled Alex as Claire rounded on him.

‘Peter? What has he got to do with this. I was in Adelaide because one of Dad’s oldest mates was in hospital dying and he said he wanted to see me.’ Claire was furious and Alex knew it.

‘But Tess and Meg said that he’s been ringing you no stop for the past month.’ Alex defended himself.

‘Yeah he has, so I finally told him about us and the baby and he stopped ringing.’ Claire didn’t dare lift her eyes to his face.

‘Damn straight, he should stop, I’m just about ready to rip… baby?’ Alex stopped mid sentence and looked at her. Claire didn’t say anything.

‘Baby?’ he asked again forcefully.

‘Alex, I’m pregnant.’

Chapter Nine: ‘uh oh’  

‘Pregnant?’ Alex whispered. ‘But how… is it mine?’ The pointed look from Claire was all the confirmation he needed.

‘How? I don’t understand, we were careful, well except in the morning when…oh’ he trailed off. Claire nodded her head and looked away.

‘So what are we going to do?’ he asked carefully.

‘There is no we, Alex, only me, and I’m going to keep it, I don’t need your help. I’m sure Tess and Meg will help me.’ Claire said as she headed for her horse, the fences forgotten.

‘Oh no you don’t Claire. This baby is as much mine as it is yours.’ Alex stopped and looked at her ‘did you know this before you went to Adelaide?’ his voice was low but there was no mistaking the danger in it.

‘I had my suspicions. I’m always very regular and get it at the same time Tess does. But this time I didn’t.’ Claire replied as she mounted her horse. ‘I did a test while I was in Adelaide.  Look Alex this isn’t your responsibility, I can manage.’ Claire rode off leaving Alex standing there, watching her go.

Pregnant!! Alex wasn’t sure what to think. He was going to be a Dad and with Claire McLeod of all people! Slowly a grin formed on his face. A Dad hey! He liked the sound of that. Alex wanted none of this ‘I’m an independent woman I can do it on my own’ bull shit, Claire was spouting. He wanted to be apart of his child’s life, that he was certain of. He climbed onto his horse and slowly headed after Claire.

 When he got back to the main house he saw that Claire was already heading inside.

‘Right.’ He said to aloud to himself.

 He walked into the dining room where everyone was sitting. ‘Where’s Claire’ he asked them.

‘Upstairs’ Meg told him as she dished out the food.  Alex knew what he had to do. He walked into the hall and yelled upstairs to Claire.

‘This is my baby too Claire and I won’t just let you push me away.’ That ought to do it Alex thought. His smiled as he heard something crash to the floor in the dining room. He watched as Claire came rushing down the stairs.

‘Alex!’ she whispered fiercely ‘Nobody knows yet!’

‘Well they do now.’ He told her.

‘But Mum, I didn’t know she was pregnant.’ Heard Alex and Claire as Jodie made no attempt to hide her surprise.

‘Ssh Jodie, it’s none of our business.’ Meg whispered back. Claire heaved a sigh.

 ‘I’m not going to forgive you for this Alex.’ Claire told him angrily and headed into the dining room. Alex knew it wasn’t fair but at least it accomplished something he thought as he followed her in. All eyes turned towards Claire as she sat down at the table. All were quiet for a moment.

‘I know you’ve gone off pumpkin lately Claire so I didn’t give you any’ Meg said apologetically, well aware that the smell alone would probably set her off. Had she known she was pregnant, Meg wouldn’t have even cooked any at all.

‘That’s alright Meg’ Claire replied as she eyes the pumpkin weakly. Before anyone could say anything, Claire got up and bolted from the table.

‘Geez this looks great Meg.’ Alex said as he took a plate, completely ignoring the looks he was getting.

‘I’ll just go and check on Claire.’ Tess told everyone and got up from the table, smacking Alex on the back of his head as she left.

‘Hey!’ he said cheerfully and dug in to his food, completely oblivious to the fact that he was the only one eating. Becky and Meg looked at each other and then turned towards Jodie. Meg recognised the look of curiosity on Jodie’s face but didn’t get a chance to stop her.

‘So Alex, going to be a Dad are you? ’she asked slyly, ignoring the warning look on her Mothers face.

‘It looks like it.’ Alex responded with a grin as he demolished the food.

Upstairs….

‘Do you want a glass of water?’ Tess asked from behind the closed door of the bathroom.

 ‘No I’ll be fine, just give me a minute.’ Claire said as she washed her mouth. The taste of vomit was still there but not quite as bad. For the fourth time that week, Claire was unable to even be around food. It made things difficult, as it seemed to make her even more tired and weak.

‘Why don’t you have a lie down? I’m sure Meg can bring up some soup later.’ Added Tess, unsure of what to say next but unable to disguise her curiosity. She had always thought she’d be the first to have kids, boy was she wrong.

‘Go on’ Claire nodded ‘ask me, you will eventually anyway and there’s no point hiding it after Alex’s performance down stairs.’ She sighed and sat down on the floor of the bathroom, at least it was a bit cooler down there.

‘Well, where do I begin?’ began Tess ‘when, where, how, why didn’t you tell me, are you going to keep it and does this mean you and Alex will get married?’ Tess took a deep breath.

‘The night of the Gungellan show, in the back of his Ute… God that sounds so country and typical of Alex… the usual way I promise, yes I’m keeping it and no, there is no way on this earth I will marry Alex Ryan.’ It felt good to get it out in the open.

‘Look, I have to ask, you are definitely pregnant aren’t you, its not just some bug going around?’ Tess slid down beside Claire, fully aware of what the answer was but needing to hear it for herself.

‘Yes I’m sure. I suspected as much before I left for Adelaide. You know how you and I are always in sync. Well when I realised you had yours and I didn’t I freaked out. I put it off for as long as possible but eventually I took a test…’Claire didn’t need to finish.

‘So, that makes you about a month along?’ asked Tess.

‘Yeah I guess, I haven’t been to the Doctor yet.’ Replied Claire.

‘Do you want me to come with you?’ said Tess, noticing for the first time the tears in Claire’s eyes.

‘I would really appreciate that Tess.’ Claire responded as Tess leaned in to give her a hug.

‘You do know that you are going to have to let Alex in Claire, I mean he is the Dad.’

‘Five minutes at conception does not make you a Father.’ Yelled Claire as she pushed Tess away and stood up.

‘If I remember correctly it is a fair bit more than five minutes when Alex is involved’ laughed Tess, unwilling for the conversation to turn into an argument. It was Claire’s decision, Tess knew, and all she could do was be there for her. She watched in relief as she saw a grin form on her face.

‘No, you’re right there.’

 Later that night.

‘A baby?’ whistled Nick.

‘Yeah, who would have thought it. A Ryan/ McLeod union of the most permanent kind.’ Tess smiled. For the first time it occurred to her that she was going to be an Aunty.

‘Yeah but Alex a Dad? Just seems wrong.’ Nick said as he glanced over at Alex sitting forlornly on the front veranda.

‘So she won’t let him inside hey?’ Nick chuckled ‘Sounds like Claire, last time she got really pissed off with him she hid his car in one of the back paddocks and it took him half a day to find it.’ Tess laughed.

‘Well he’s onto his eighth beer and she still won’t see him. I was kinda hoping you would take him home. He’s to drunk to drive and you may have to physically put him in the car seeing as he’s refusing to move.’ Tess told him as they both headed over to Alex.

‘Come on mate, time to go home.’ Nick said as he heaved Alex off the seat.

‘I’m gonna be a Dad Nick. You’re gonna be an uncle,’ he glanced over at Meg who was clearing away the empty bottles ‘you’re gonna be a Grandma Meg’

‘Hey, watch who you’re calling Grandma?’ Meg replied, smiling.

‘Yeah, yeah, I know. Come on I’ll take you home.’ Nick said as he lead him down the stairs.

‘No!’ Alex yelled. ‘I’m not leaving till Claire comes out to see me’ Alex tripped and fell head first onto the ground.

‘Are you sure its only been eight?’ Nick asked Tess as he helped Alex up.

‘More like fifteen’ Meg said as she held up extra bottles that had been hidden in the bush.

‘I love her Nick, I really think I do.’ Alex whispered loudly. All three looked at him in surprise.

‘What? Don’t you think its possible?’ He asked angrily.

‘No, they just think you’re a drunk who doesn’t know what he’s talking about.’ Came a response form the door. Everyone turned to see Claire standing there in a long shirt and shorts. ‘I’ll take him upstairs Nick. You can go if you want. He’s not going anywhere’ Claire threw Alex’s keys at Tess. ‘Put them somewhere safe can you.’ she asked as she headed back inside.

‘Am I in trouble?’ slurred Alex as he slowly stumbled in after her.

Chapter Ten; ‘Well that’s that then’

Alex groaned as he rolled over. He felt as if he’d been run over by a semi trailer more than once.

‘You should feel awful you drank enough to keep us drought free for a decade.’ Claire said from the chair opposite the bed. She was hugging her knees and eyeing Alex warily.

‘Did we…’ Alex trailed off barely meeting Claire in the eye.

‘Do. It.’ Claire replied sarcastically ‘If you could do anything in the state you were in I would have been extremely surprised. No, you collapsed on the bed in approximately the same position you’re in now and fell straight to sleep.’ Alex winced at the derision in her voice.

‘Oh’ was all he could manage as he sat up and groaned.

‘Could you get me a Panadol and a glass of water?’ he asked Claire.

‘If I was you Mother, maybe. If I was your slave, definitely. But as a person who is extremely pissed off at you, you’ll be lucky if I even come near you for the next few weeks.’ Claire told him and got up off the chair.

‘What have I done now?’ moaned Alex, not sure he was in the right frame of mind to listen.

‘Well after promptly drinking yourself into an oblivion, you proceeded to embarrass yourself and me as well. All I wanted was for a night to think over everything and let everyone else get used to the idea but no. Heaven forbid Alex Ryan listen to anyone else, especially a lowly old female, hey? You may be the Father of this child Alexander, but right now you’ll be lucky to survive the next hour.’ With that, Claire stomped out of the room, cheerfully slamming the door behind her, knowing full well it would cause a considerable amount of pain for Alex.

An hour later…

‘Meg, can you give me something for this hangover, please?’ begged Alex as he entered the kitchen.

‘I suppose. Think you fully deserve it though.’ Meg told him crossly.

‘I know, I know, I’ve already had an earful from Claire.’ He told Meg, knowing full well that a lecture was coming; Meg had her ‘Mother’ face on.

‘Well Alex, it wasn’t the best way to handle things. Her hormones are going crazy, as it is when you’re pregnant. It doesn’t help to have a drunk boyfriend embarrassing himself in front of all your friends.’ Meg stopped what she was doing and sat down.

‘Did I say what I think I said?’ he asked her.

‘You told us that you’re in love with her, if that’s what you’re asking.’ Meg responded, curious to see what his reaction would be. Alex nodded.

‘That’s what I thought I said.’ He swallowed the tablets and put the glass down. He avoided Meg’s eyes as he stood up.

‘I should probably find her.’ He told Meg and headed out the back door.

‘That would probably be a good idea’ Meg said, more to herself than to Alex.

 In the stables…

‘So has he said anything yet?’ inquired Tess as she watched Claire saddle up Casino.

‘Like what? Oh, by the way, you know how I said I loved you, well its not really true I was just drunk? Come on this is Alex we’re talking about, Mr. I’m-a-tough-macho-man-who-doesn’t-have-any-of-those-girly-feelings.

 Could you imagine him actually really feeling like that about me?’ Claire told her as she tried to hide the hurt in her voice. She had known Alex for far too long and seen him go through way too many women to honestly believe that she was any different.

 Neither Tess nor Claire knew that Alex had walked up and was listening at the door.

‘Yeah, but when I was with him he never once looked at me the way he looks at you. I was just a conquest; you’re more than that. I mean you’re having his baby for God’s sake.’ Tess was getting a bit annoyed. Damn Alex, didn’t he know how lucky he was?

‘Tess, you’re imagining things. Look he can be a Dad if he wants, I can’t stop him. But I will not be ‘settled for’ and you and I both know that is what he would be doing. Yeah we had one night together, but who’s to say it would have lasted? Alex hasn’t got exactly the best track record with woman and you know how lucky I’ve been!’ Claire replied.

‘That’s not fair Claire.’ Alex said from the door, making both woman jump.

‘How long have you been standing there Ryan?’ snapped Claire, angry that he had been listening to the conversation.

‘Long enough to here my love life being dissected by two people who don’t seem to know what they’re talking about.’ Alex retorted. Now he was angry too. How dare they question how he feels and what he does.

‘Alex I have known you forever and have known every girl who’s heart you have broken so don’t yell at me.’ Claire replied angrily as she tightened the strap on the saddle.

‘I think this is my cue to leave. Don’t forget we’ve got the Doctor’s appointment soon.’ Tess told Claire as she threw Alex a dangerous look. ‘Don’t go upsetting her Alex, she has someone else to think about now.’ Having said all that was needed, Tess left the stables.

‘Well, I’m glad to see that you’re not going to push me out of the baby’s life at least.’ Alex said, trying to get a grip on his anger.

‘Don’t have much of a choice do I?’ Claire responded as she grabbed the reigns and headed out of the stable.

‘You’re not going to go riding are you? Casino’s isn’t reliable yet?’ Alex didn’t bother to hide the fear in his voice.

‘I’m pregnant not disabled Alex.’ snapped Claire as she put her foot in the stirrup.

‘Shouldn’t you wait to check with the Doctor?’ Alex asked and grabbed hold of her waist to stop her.

‘Don’t touch me Alex. I’m still mad with you and I swear I may do something that will cause you a considerable amount of pain.’ warned Claire as she shook him off.

‘Fine. But I’m coming to the Doctors with you.’ Alex said as he let her go. Claire sighed, she knew better than too argue with him and so just nodded her head. This was going to be a long pregnancy she could just feel it.

At the Doctors…

‘Well we’re going to have to wait for the blood test results of course but from what you two have told me it seems that there will be a little Ryan running around in approximately eight months.’ Alex grinned at the Doctor but Claire crossly replied.

‘McLeod. There will be a little McLeod running around.’ Corrected Claire. She saw the Doctor’s look of confusion but Alex knew what she was saying.

‘No way. This baby is a Ryan, conceived on Ryan property, well and truly a Ryan.’ He told Claire. She glared at him embarrassed and the Doctor gave a discreet cough. Tess just giggled.

‘Yes well, that is obviously something that you two need to discuss. Will you be looking after Claire during her pregnancy.’ The Doctor asked Alex.

‘No’ said Claire just as Alex said ‘Yes.’ Tess looked at both of them questioningly.

‘What. Are you just going to up and leave Killarney? What about you’re parents? They don’t even know yet? When are you going to tell them?’ Claire asked Alex.

‘I want to be a part of everything Claire. I’ll sort my parents out soon.’ Alex told her, not quite sure if what he said was the truth. How was he going to tell his parents?

‘I’ll be looking after her Dr. Hamilton.’ Tess told him.

‘Well I want you to make sure she doesn’t over do things. Claire, you’re Mother had a particularly difficult pregnancy and I would like to keep a close eye on you. That means regular appointments and I want you to cut back on your work load on the farm.’ He held up his hand as he saw that Claire was about to protest.

‘The first three months are when a majority of miscarriages occur and the last six months are crucial to the babies growth and development. I want you to take no risks with this baby’s life Claire. You’re looking after two now.’ Dr. Hamilton turned to Alex  ‘same goes for you Alex. I don’t want you causing Claire any undue stress.’ Alex nodded his head gravely, there was no way he was going to cause any harm to the Ryan heir.

‘So when can we find out if it’s a boy or a girl?’ Claire asked the Doctor.

‘Hang on, we’re not going to find out.’ Alex told her.

‘I want to know Alex.’ Claire replied and looked at the Doctor.

‘Well that can’t be done accurately until week twelve or thirteen at least. For the moment I want you to rest and eat plenty. The morning sickness should go away by the third month. If you have any questions or concerns just call me. That goes for all three of you.’ The Doctor said as he looked at them.

‘Thankyou, Dr. Hamilton.’ Tess said as she followed Claire and Alex out of the room.

‘I have to head of too Killarney. I’ll be at Drovers later so we can talk.’ He told Claire and before she had a chance to respond he pulled her into a kiss and then headed for his car, leaving her breathless.

‘I don’t think you’re going to get rid of him anytime soon.’ Tess told Claire and jumped into the truck. Claire didn’t respond as she watched Alex leave.

‘Just tell him how you feel about him.’ Tess said as she got in the truck.

‘I don’t know what you’re talking about.’ Claire replied absently. It was like she had to admit that it was really happening now that the Doctor had all but confirmed it.

‘Claire.’ Tess said in a warning voice.

‘No Tess. Now I’ll never know if he wants to be with me because he loves me or because I’m having his baby. It’s just not going to happen so let it go.’ Claire snapped back, unable to disguise the misery she was suddenly feeling.

‘Claire…’ began Tess but stopped when she saw the look on Claire’s face. This was something they were going to have to deal with, but Tess was willing to wait.

At Killarney…

‘Claire’s pregnant?’ Liz struggled to control her shock as she looked at her son. Harry hadn’t said anything yet.

‘Yep, she’s due in February.’ Alex told them waiting for the next logical question.

‘Well, who’s the Father? Its not that Johnson prick is it?’ Harry asked impatiently.

‘No’ snapped Alex, he knew that was what everyone was going to ask and he was beginning to get annoyed at the thought ‘It’s mine’ he told them and watched as his Mother’s jaw practically dropped to the ground.

‘What?’  Stammered Liz.

‘You’re going to be a Grandma Mum.’ Alex told her as he turned his attention to his very silent Father.

‘And your going to be a Grandpa. So what do you have to say Dad?’ Alex tried not to sound tense but knew that his Father would not be pleased.

‘When’s the wedding then?’ Harry asked him in a cold voice.

‘There isn’t going to be one. Well not yet. We haven’t talked about it.’ Alex winced, knowing it was not going to please his Mother.

‘But Alex, when? I mean you never told us?’

‘We didn’t tell anyone Mum, it just sorta happened.’ Alex said, still looking at his Father.

‘Well I always thought it would be Claire and Nick but this’ll do.’ Harry said to Alex unaware of the anger this statement would arouse.

‘This’ll do?’ yelled Alex ‘Hell Dad, this isn’t a business merger, I’m going to be a Father.’

‘And you’ll be a very good one Alex’ Liz said, attempting to keep the peace between the two men whose tempers, she knew, were similar and explosive.

‘So what has Claire got to say about all this?’  Harry asked Alex, gaining some control over his temper.

‘Well she’s a bit surprised and actually a bit pissed off with me at the moment. She’s already given me the I’m-an-independent-woman speech.’

‘Are you two going to live here?’ Liz asked starting to get some enthusiasm about the whole situation.

‘Look Mum, we haven’t really talked about it. It’s early days yet. Claire and I aren’t really sure how we feel about each other yet and we’re not really looking ahead at the moment.’ Alex told her. Liz just shook her head.

‘You really have no idea do you?’ she asked him amazed at how clueless her son was when it came to the opposite sex.

‘Why am I getting the feeling that I don’t. Between you, Claire, Tess and the other women at Drovers, I’m beginning to think I’m missing something.’ Alex looked at his Mother expectantly.

‘This is something you’ll have to figure out on your own Alex. Now Harry, there is no need to worry about how this is going to be done. Its up to the two of them.’ Liz told her husband.

‘Not if Jack was here that’s for sure.’ grumped Harry, unable to accept that a Ryan child might not be raised at Killarney.

‘Dad, when I know, I’ll let you know ok? Just let it go.’ Alex turned to his Mother ‘I’m going to head back over to Drovers, there’s a few things Claire and I need to discuss.’ Alex got up from the table and headed outside. Just as he was about to take off in his Ute his Mother came rushing out.

‘Alex!’ she called out ‘Alex, give this to Claire would you.’ Liz handed over a little yellow knitted suit and booties.

‘Thanks Mum.’ Alex said as he gave her a hug. He got into his Ute but couldn’t take his eyes off his mother’s gift. It was a bit of a reality shock. Alex shook his head and started the Ute.

‘Come in’ yelled Claire as she heard the rapping on the door to her room. She had just spent the previous hour vomiting and didn’t feel like company but knew better than to fob off the women at Drovers.

‘How you feeling?’ Alex asked tentatively. Tess had already told him how she was feeling but he didn’t want to antagonise her.

‘Fantastic. You?’ she replied sarcastically. Alex gingerly stepped through the room and looked awkwardly at the bed that Claire was lying on.

‘Here, Mum gave this to us.’ He said as he held out the outfit. Claire burst into tears.

‘What?’ asked an alarmed Alex ‘What did I do?’ he rushed over to the bed and reached out to give her a hug.

‘Don’t you dare touch me Alexander Ryan! That’s what got us into trouble in the first place.’ Yelled Claire and Alex quickly jumped back.

‘Hormones huh?’ he asked.

‘NO! Just you Mr. Ryan.’ snapped Claire as she wiped her nose with her sleeve.

‘Classy’ he retorted, immediately regretting it.

‘Just as classy as getting me pregnant in the back of a Ute in the middle of a paddock, hey Alex?’ retorted Claire, Alex only grinned, exasperating Claire further.

‘If it wasn’t for you and your overly fertile… well I wouldn’t be hurling my guts up every five minutes!’ accused Claire as she lay back down.

‘Do you want something?’ he asked, ignoring her tirade.

‘Yes. A glass of water.’ Said Claire as she wiped her mouth. Alex returned five minutes later with a glass of water, only to find Claire asleep. He put the glass down and lay down on the bed. It had been a long and exhausting day and before he knew it he was asleep.

 That was how Tess found them an hour later. She knocked tentatively on the door, not wanting to disturb them if they were ‘busy’. Not that she really thought Alex had a chance of getting any during the next millennium or so, but Claire’s hormones had been going crazy so you just never knew. She poked her head around the door and then stepped into the room. Glancing at the bed she took in the scene before her. Alex was on his side and Claire was cuddling him from behind. Tess had the feeling that wasn’t how they had first started off but it was kinda cute. However Tess had the feeling that if Claire woke up like that then Alex could possibly cop an earful.

‘Alex’ whispered Tess as she went round to his side of the bed, she shook him gently and he groaned.

‘Alex’ Tess whispered again. He slowly opened his eyes and then blinked. He rubbed his eyes and sat up.

‘I must have dozed off. Funny I wasn’t tired.’ He told Tess quietly.

‘Well I’ve heard that guys can get pregnancy symptoms too.’

‘Yeah?’ Alex asked grinning, he liked that idea, as long as it wasn’t the morning sickness.

‘Meg’s made dinner did you want to come down?’ Tess asked him.

‘Yeah, I’ll just wake Claire.’ Before Tess had a chance to warn him, he gently shook Claire. 

‘Claire, wake…OW’ he cried as he clutched his jaw where Claire had hit him.

‘I tried to warn you’ laughed Tess ‘We all know better than to wake Claire up, especially lately’ she told him as she headed towards the door, leaving a scowling Claire behind.

‘What did you do that for?’ Claire asked angrily staring at Alex as he rubbed his jaw.

‘Geez I was only trying to wake you up for tea.’ He told her

‘I if I had wanted you to wake me up I would have asked, Alexander and if you think…’ before she had a chance to understand what he was doing, Alex had her flat on her back, her arms above her head and his weight firmly holding her down.

‘What the hell are you doing?’ shouted Claire.

‘Something that I think you need’ and before she had a chance to respond he planted his mouth firmly over hers. Claire struggled for a minute but then gave in. As their tongues collided Alex groaned and released his hold on her hands.

‘You know, they reckon that during pregnancy all you wanna do is have sex’ Alex said slyly as he looked at Claire’s flushed face.

‘Maybe,’ Claire said as her hands slid down his chest ‘You… don’t know what you’re talking about’ she said as she pushed him off her. He landed with a thud on the floor.

‘And if that’s true, who said you’re going to benefit from it?’ laughed Claire as she headed out her room. She knew it was true, had been feeling it herself lately, but she wasn’t going to give into him, not till she really knew how he felt.

Alex watched her leave with a stunned look on his face. He had felt her react to his kiss, knew that it wasn’t just one sided, so what was stopping her? Alex shook his head as he heaved himself off the floor and headed downstairs.

‘Are you okay Claire, you look a little flushed’ Meg asked, concerned that she was really suffering because of the morning sickness. Claire ducked her head embarrassed.

‘I’m fine Meg’ she mumbled as she sat down. Alex followed her in grinning.

‘Yeah, she’s just fine Meg. I’m taking very good care of her.’ Alex said as he sat down. Realisation dawned on her face and she smiled at Claire. Claire kicked Alex hard, under the table but he still didn’t remove the grin on his face.

‘So Claire, how are you feeling?’ Meg asked a she dished out dinner.

‘Horny as hell’ muttered Alex and Tess burst out laughing.

‘Alex!’ yelled Claire. She pushed her chair roughly away from the table and stood up. I’m having tea in my room Meg.’ said Claire as she grabbed her dish off the table and stormed upstairs.

‘Why do you insist on teasing her Alex? Anyone would think you two were six years old again.’

‘She doesn’t look the same as she did when she was six.’ Alex replied cheekily. He couldn’t help it. He’d always loved getting a rise out of Claire, but it was even more fun now. He loved the spark in her eye when he had her going. If he was to be perfectly honest, it kind of turned him on too. He heaved a sigh and pushed away from the table.

‘I guess seeing as it’s my fault she’s acting like this I should be the one to cop it’ he said as he reluctantly headed upstairs. He heard the shower running and changed his direction, heading towards the bathroom. He knocked on the door and when Claire didn’t respond he decided to bite the bullet and opened the door.

‘Claire, I’m sorry ok.’

‘Get out Alex’ shrieked Claire as she grabbed the shower curtain.

‘Come on Claire, it’s not like I haven’t seen it all before.’ Alex told her. He grabbed the curtain aside and stepped into the shower with her, clothes and all.

‘What are you doing?’ Claire asked quietly, unable to squelch the feeling of excitement settling in the pit of her stomach.

‘Dunno, must be those sympathy pregnancy things ‘cos I sure can’t resist you, especially wet and naked.’ He told Claire, grinning from ear to ear. Claire grinned back and pulled him further into the shower. Why not? She thought, it can’t do any more harm and she deserved it.

 Chapter Eleven: 'It Takes Two To Tango'

Just as Alex had removed his last item of clothing there was a knock on the door.

‘Go away!’ yelled Claire as she quickly planted her mouth back on Alex’s.

‘Um Claire, have you seen Alex?’ asked Tess nervously. Alex pulled his head back and grinned wickedly at Claire.

‘No, he must be somewhere else’ he yelled back with a grin.

‘Oh….. Umm Claire?’ Tess yelled out, embarrassed at having interrupted. Claire sighed. She gave Alex a quick kiss.

‘Hold that thought’ she said as she stepped out of the shower and wrapped a towel around her. She pulled the door ajar and poked her head around the corner.

‘Tess, I’m kinda busy what is it?’ hissed Claire, eager to get back to Alex. Tess cleared her throat and shook her head.

‘I’m really sorry,’ she whispered ‘but there’s kind of a problem.’ Tess kept her voice low, not wanting Alex to over hear. Claire gave her the get-on-with-it-before-I-really-lose-my-temper look and Tess leaned closer.

‘Peter’s here.’ Tess gave her a pointed look but it was totally missed by Claire.

‘ Shit….. shit, what’s he doing here?’ Claire’s face had gone white and she was shaking. She took a deep breath ‘okay you tell him to leave and I’ll keep Alex busy till he’s gone’ Claire instructed but Tess shook her head.

‘Tried that already but he refused, he……’ Tess stopped as Alex pulled the door wide.

‘Tess we’re kind of busy here……’ Alex’s voice trailed off as he glanced past Tess’ shoulder. Tess turned around to see Peter standing at the head of the stairs looking angrily at Claire.

‘What are you doing here?’ demanded Alex, forgetting momentarily that he was wearing nothing but a towel.

‘I’ve come to claim what’s mine.’ Snapped Peter, unable to take his eyes of Claire.

‘I don’t think so mate, Claire’s already told you where to go.’ Alex took a menacing step forward but Claire pushed him back.

‘I’m not talking about Claire I’m talking about the baby.’ Peter replied calmly. Tess swirled around to face Claire, shock plastered all over her face.

‘What the?’ Alex lunged for Peter but Claire and Tess stepped in front of him and both pushed him into the bathroom, closing the door on Peter.

‘What’s he talking about?’ Alex demanded, turning to face Claire. Claire looked away and Tess discreetly left the room.

‘When I was in Adelaide. I was so angry at you and he was there….’ Alex stared at her incredulously.

‘But I thought you’d already told him about you and me and the baby?’ Alex was starting to get really angry.

‘No I didn’t I just told you that so you would know for sure the babies yours. I just sort of blurted it out. Alex’ Claire pleaded ‘I swear the baby is yours, there’s no way it could possibly be his.’ Claire could read the hurt in his eyes along with a measure of disbelief.

‘You don’t believe me do you?’ whispered Claire, but the answer was written all over his face. Claire backed away.

‘I can’t believe you. You really think I would lie about something as important as this. I knew I was pregnant before I slept with him.’ Yelled Claire

‘Then why did you have sex with him? You are many things Claire, but I never thought you were easy.’ With that Alex grabbed his stuff and left Claire standing there, the sting of his words still biting. When Claire had recovered she quickly threw her clothes on and stormed downstairs.

‘You know and I know that baby is not yours Peter.’ Yelled Claire when she found him sitting on the veranda.

‘How would I know Claire? It seems there’s no way to really be sure.’ He said evenly, taking satisfaction from Claire’s obvious distress.

‘I told you. After we slept together I told you. Why are you doing this?’ she demanded unable to keep the tears from rolling down her cheeks.

‘Now you know Claire. Now you know what its like to lose everything, to take a risk and have it bite you in the arse. Maybe I know the baby isn’t mine but every time Alex looks in that child’s face he is going to wonder if he really is the Father. There is no better satisfaction for me than having him doubt you and his child.’ With that Peter left, leaving Claire distraught as she headed back inside.

‘How could I ever have loved him Tess? I know that baby is Alex’s. There is absolutely no way it could be Peter’s. I mean think about it, the timing’s not even right.’ Tess pulled Claire into a hug

‘I know Claire, I know. I don’t think that’s the problem though. You slept with Peter when you were carrying Alex’s child. He’s hurt.’ Claire nodded her head and looked up to see Alex standing in the doorway.

‘I’m leaving and I don’t know when I’ll be back. I need some time to think Claire.’ Alex gave her one last look and headed for the door.

‘Alex,’ she called and headed after him. Claire couldn’t explain it but she was angry and she wanted him to know.

‘Do you have so little trust in me that you think I would lie to you about this baby?’ she grabbed him by the arm and pulled him around to face him.

‘Trust?’ stormed Alex ‘give my one good reason why I should trust you. You were pregnant with MY child and you had sex with another man, I’ll never trust you again Claire.’ He looked down at her and saw the hurt on her face. His whole body ached at the thought of what she was going through but he couldn’t back down, he really couldn’t.

‘How dare you! You didn’t even see fit to tell anyone about us, I was ‘ nobody special’ as I recall. You have slept with more than half the women in the district and I’M the easy one! Get stuffed Alex. You’re always running away from your problems and this time it was me you hurt. I love you, I always have but do you think I have any idea how you feel? Of course I don’t why would you bother telling me? I mean I was just sex right? Sex that got a bit complicated. Well you can rest easy. If you want to think this is Peter’s child go ahead, I’m not going to stop you. But know this Alexander Ryan. Don’t expect to come back and be a part of our lives because I won’t let you. Once you’re gone that’s it. I will not let you ruin OUR child’s life like you ruined mine.’ Claire stopped and took a breath.

‘Me? I ruined YOUR life? You’re the one that got pregnant Claire. I know this baby is mine, it didn’t take much to realise that but it doesn’t change the fact that you slept with Peter’ yelled Alex ‘ so don’t turn this around on me, you are the liar and you are the cheater and I may love you Claire, but I certainly don’t like or trust you anymore. And don’t you DARE try and push me out of my child’s life just because you got caught out.’ With that Alex turned and stormed to the Ute, leaving a shaking and devastated Claire. He didn’t even look back as he got into his Ute and took off.

‘Claire honey, are you okay?’ Meg asked quietly as she rested a hand on Claire’s arm. Claire didn’t even turn to look at her.

‘I’ve really stuffed up this time’ Claire said blankly as she headed into the house.

At Killarney.

Alex slammed the door as he went inside.

‘Damn it’ he yelled and Liz came running out.

‘What? What is it Claire’ she asked, alarmed at his mood ‘is Claire okay? The baby?’

‘The babies fine but Claire and I are never going to happen mum so you might as well get used to it.’ Roared Alex and he slammed the kitchen door behind him as he went back outside.

‘What, trouble in paradise hey?’ asked a bemused Harry.

‘Shut up Harry, just shut up’ snapped Liz. She had this unmistakable feeling that everything had gone horrible wrong.

Two months later.

‘I can’t believe he still hasn’t come back.’ Said Tess as she watched Meg roll out the dough.

‘Terry said he’s still in Adelaide, hasn’t wrung Liz in over two weeks’ Tess sighed.

‘Claire still isn’t coping’ she said and Meg nodded her head. The both looked up as they heard a car screech up the driveway. Meg beat Tess to the front door but they both watched as Nick grabbed hold of Alex and pulled him out of the car. Claire was standing, stunned, in the middle of the yard with a saddle in her hand. Her shirt tightly covering the small bump that had appeared over the last week.

‘Claire’ yelled Nick as he pushed Alex forward. Claire seemed to regain her senses as she quickly walked off leaving an exasperated Nick and an angry Alex in her wake.

‘Nick would you just leave off’ yelled Alex but Nick wouldn’t have a bar of it.

Part Five- The Final Call ‘ …happily ever after’

  ‘Claire! Claire!’ called Alex as he looked around the stables. Claire was nowhere to be seen.

‘Dammit’ Alex muttered to himself. He knew that he had left it too long but the wound Claire had caused was still tender. But over the last two months he had come to realise that he really couldn’t live without her. It was just too hard. He had thought going to Adelaide would fix all his problems, he even met someone but when it came down to the important part he just couldn’t do it. Claire always seemed to be uppermost in his mind and it hadn’t taken long for her to realise that.

‘Piss off Alex, I don’t have anything to say to you.’ Claire yelled. He still couldn’t see her so he followed the sound of her voice. She was sitting behind the shed cleaning her saddle.

‘I think we need to talk Claire.’ Alex replied calmly, he had promised himself that he wouldn’t lose his temper.

‘I think you said it all two months ago. Look I know that Nick forced you here and I can promise you it wasn’t my idea. As far as I’m concerned there is nothing else we can say to each other. You don’t trust me or like me for that matter and you’ve made it very clear how much you want to be a part of my life over the last two months, so just piss of will you.’ Claire threw him a mutinous look and rose to her feet. Her shirt rested above her belly and she impatiently yanked it down. She stopped her hurried movement and stood still for a second, her wide-eyed gaze focusing on Alex.

‘What?’ he asked worriedly as he raced forward. Claire stepped back.

‘Nothing’ she said quietly and turned away from him. Alex grabbed her arm and turned her back to face him.

‘What?’ he asked again.

‘She kicked.’ Claire stated simply. Alex looked around wildly.

‘Who kicked?’  He asked, confused having found no one else around. Claire smiled.

‘You’re daughter.’ She waited for the realisation to dawn on his face and she wasn’t disappointed.

‘Daughter, we’re having a daughter?’ Alex couldn’t hide the excitement in his voice. Claire’s smile quickly turned to a frown.

‘Me, I’m having a daughter,’ she corrected him as she took another step back.

‘Look Claire there’s something I need to tell you’ Alex could see she was about to protest so he held up his hand ‘Just hear me out would you?’ Claire knew she couldn’t refuse so she stayed where she was. Alex took a deep breath.

‘I’ll admit that part of me is still really mad and really hurt by what you did. But at the same time I know that I have never really told you how I felt, not with words anyway. I love you Claire, I have since we were kids but I didn’t realise what sort of love it was till you met Peter. Now I can’t guarantee that I won’t always agree with you or even get along with you but I know how I feel and I know that I can’t live without you Claire. We have created a baby together………’ Alex watched as Claire’s face turned from misty-eyed happiness, to disappointment.

‘What?’ he asked but Claire didn’t answer him, she just slowly turned around and walked away. By this time Alex had had enough.

‘Dammit Claire, what is wrong??’ He ran after her and grabbed her from behind, refusing to let her go,

‘Let go of me Alex!’ yelled Claire through her tears which were now flowing heavily down her cheeks.

‘Didn’t you want to know how I felt, I thought you loved me too.’ He held her tight as she struggled to let him go.

‘Tell me Alex, are you saying this because I’m pregnant or because you really mean it?’ Demanded Claire as she continued her struggles.

‘How can you even ask that?’ asked an astonished Alex. He let her go and she broke free. When she finally looked at him she saw the hurt in his eyes. Before she could say anything he turned on his heal and walked off, leaving her dumbstruck.

‘God I’m stupid!’ Claire swore to herself as she chased after him. She knew she had to put all her hurt and anger aside. She had a horrible feeling that if Alex left today then he really wouldn’t be coming back. She raced up behind him and called out his name. He reluctantly turned around but before he called even open his mouth Claire ran up and jumped into his arms.

‘Alexander Ryan you and I are far to stubborn for our own good!’ Claire told him and then she kissed him with everything she had in her.

‘Well its about time McLeod, a man could go crazy waiting around for you to come to your senses!’ he said when they had finally broken apart. He shifted her around in his arms as he headed towards the house. They passed a stunned looking Tess and Nick, without a word, but couldn’t get past Meg.

‘Claire are you alright, what happened? Its not the baby is it?’ rushed Meg as she ran up to the two of them. Ironically it was Jodie who corrected her Mother.

‘Ah mum, I think everything’s ok, they just need to spend some, ah, quality time together’ she said as she dragged her mother back into the kitchen. Alex just laughed

‘There are far too many woman on this farm!’ he stated, Claire threw him a sly grin,

‘Well there is about to be one more soon,’ she told him. Alex’s grin grew wider.

‘Well how ‘bout we reintroduce her Mummy and daddy to each other!’ He said and headed up the stairs. Claire just sighed. It was finally all falling into place and Claire had never felt happier!

Well guys that’s it (I think) for my story! I hope you enjoyed it and any feedback would be greatly appreciated!!! Review me, email me but let me know what you think! (good or bad I don’t mind)