Claire comes around and Tess is next to her bed. She is going to be fine and she hasn't lost the baby. It's the night of the accident. Nick has gone off with Alex and finds out Peter has left. His mother has tried to get in contact with Alex but he's all confused. Claire's near death experience and recent revolution has shocked both Claire and Alex, making them both think in a different light, or at least making them question things, and make certain decisions.

Claire was so grateful to Alex for what he had done for her, but the big question was what would happen next?
After she had come to and found out she and her baby were fine, she managed to get Tess to go home. This gave Claire a chance to think about everything.
Did she love Alex? She had to get her own feelings in order so she could handle everything else. The answer to that was easy. Yes! She always had, but deep down, she knew nothing would ever come of it. She still didn't think any differently, but for her own satisfaction, she did wonder. They had always been best friends. They had argued, fought, physically, tried to get a rise out of each other and were always there to help each other when they could. That was a true friendship, but could it ever be more? When she told him about marrying Peter that day, he just wanted to cut all ties with her. Why? Was he trying to make a point? Was he trying to make her choose between her best friend and the man she supposedly loved? Or was he jealous? Did he not want to be around her if she was with someone else? But if he did love her, would he react that way or just tell her, or make it more obvious? She wondered then thought better. He was just trying to stop her from making a big mistake. He was just a friend doing what friends do, like look for her when she'd raced Peter and fell off the horse. Then he had, as a friend, helped her to face her fears and jump again. But he had told her he loved her. He was drunk though. He was totally out of it. He couldn't have meant it. No matter how true she wanted it to be. But she did really want it to be. She had nearly died; maybe she should bite the bullet and tell him the truth. If it all went wrong she could… could, say that it was her hormones and his fault for saying he loved her in the first place. She couldn't though. She didn't even think she could face him. Claire knew she would have to because it wasn't like she could run away. She was stuck in that hospital bed for weeks, although not if she could help it.
She thought she may have done something terrible, putting Alex in that situation. The next question, was, was Peter still around? If not, would he be back? She thought for ages and finally made the decision that had to be made. She would have to tell the truth. She may not like it, but she couldn't hurt Alex, or even ask him to lie for her. Peter may be the person she hated the most, but her was unfortunately the father of her child. It may not be so bad now, knowing that she was not going to lose Drovers. He had no other hold over her


Why hadn't she told him? They were supposed to be best friends, yet Claire hadn't told him about something so important. What did she want from him? How did he feel? And what was he willing to do? These were the questions going through Alex's mind. He knew he would have to talk to her at some point, but wasn't looking forward to it. Seeing her unconscious already was painful enough. She was in a bad way and just thinking about what she must have gone through turned his insides.
He had to admit it now. He loved Claire! He, Alex Ryan, loved Claire McLeod and had for probably most of his life, but more so recently or at least noticed it recently. He hated her being upset. Even if they only ended up being 'best friends' he still had to help. The next day he went to see her, having not spoken to anyone.
She was asleep when he got there, so he watched her, a smile creeping onto his face. She seemed so peaceful he thought to himself as he pulled a piece of hair out of her face.
As she woke up though, he regained his composure and there was a lot of tension between them. Claire was shocked. Especially to find him that early and waiting around for her to wake up.
"Alex? Hey" she said feebly
"How you feeling McLeod?" she felt tense, especially when he was using her second name. He seemed to do it to keep a distance between them.
She tried to sit up but she was still in a lot of pain. He looked concerned, but tried to keep his cool. He was Alex Ryan after all, the same way she was Claire McLeod who tried desperately to not show just how much pain she was actually in. "there you go, cant you do as your told for once eh? Typical of you McLeod!" the doctors had told her not to move if she could help it and she was going to try and sit up.
She didn't say anything back. She bit her tongue which was hard. There was a moment's awkward silence between the two until Claire couldn't take it any more!
"Alex, I'm so sorry about what happened yesterday. I didn't mean it to happen. It just kind of did, and I'm going to tell Peter the truth. I can do that now I have the letter"
"What letter?" something else he hadn't told him, he thought.
"To stop us loosing Drovers"
"You nearly lost Drovers? What else haven't you told me? First of all you were going to marry him, then he was gonna take your home, I presume that was his fault, then you tell him I'm the father of the baby that I'm guessing is his. I thought we were friends Claire. Why didn't you tell me anything?"
Everything Claire had been bottling in for days, the fear, anxiety, her hormones, feelings, and her pain came gushing out. She couldn't hold it in anymore. And as much as she didn't want it to be then with Alex there, she just started crying.
Alex felt rotten. He didn't mean to lose it. What started out as a civilised conversation, run away with him as his feelings grew.
He went to grab her hand, to say how sorry he was but she turned away in embarrassment. Alex started to pace, pissed off with himself. He had only seen Claire cry once before when they were tiny. It was when she cut her finger. It wasn't even a big cut, but it was after her mother had died. She was trying to be so strong, as Claire did, and then something so tiny set her off.
Claire finally calmed down. As she slowly turned around, she noticed Alex was turned away form her, standing at the side of the room, as if he wanted to get away from her. He did, but because he hated seeing her like that and not being able to do anything about it.
A quiet voice came from the bed when she finally plucked up the courage to say something.
"Alex"
He wanted to pick her up into his arms, wisk her away and make it all better.
"So McLeod, what you got yourself into this time?"
She actually felt slightly more at ease that time. He had his Alex element about him, trying to make light of it. She could handle that Alex, the one she was used to. He was still keeping his distance though.
She slowly told him the story. The baby, Drovers and the marriage proposal. "…I was confused and just needed time to think, which I have done now. I'm going to speak to Peter as soon as possible and tell him the truth. I'm sorry I dragged you into my mess Alex, I had no right to do that to you"
"You can't tell him the truth, he's gone away" He could see the relief in her face even though they weren't really looking at each other but avoiding eye contact. It made him feel better.
"He'll find out sooner or later though." She knew deep down he would, but at least him not being there then was a relief to her.
"Do you love him McLeod?"
"No!" she was a little surprised by that question.
He knew the answer but just needed to make sure.
"I'll do it McLeod!"
"What?"
"Be the baby's father"
"You cant" she was very shocked at what he'd said. Why would he even offer to do something like that?
"Why not?" he was shocked to. He'd offered to do this for her and she'd refused. But then she was independent Claire McLeod!
"You don't understand Alex, what having a child means. There's no point being called the father when you won't be one. You'd have to move in or something so we'd have to act like a proper couple. Having a baby is a full time job. You can't be there until you get bored or when it's convenient. You couldn't just slot us in around your social life. There would be no more other girls. Your life would be put on hold. What would you do when your one true love came along, and you couldn't do anything? All of the questions, how, when, why, do they love each other, are they going to get married? And if we did pull it off and you decided you'd made a huge mistake, I couldn't bare to have my heart broken again!"
Alex was about to defend himself and Claire knew it so she said spoke quickly.
"I think you should leave"
"But Claire"
"I've made up my mind! I can do this on my own. It's my problem. I think you need to go and tell your parents the truth. I need to get some rest!"
Alex stormed out and punched the wall. Claire was in agony. She hated what she had said, even though it had been for the best. All she had to do now was hope that Peter never found out.
The next thing Claire knew, Alex had stormed back into the room. He was fuming.
Claire was just about to tell him to leave when he shouted "shut up McLeod!" they made eye contact for the first time.
"Claire…" he said in a softer voice "…do you love me?"
"What?"
"It's a simple question!" He said in a harder voice
"What do you think you can just waltz in here acting like my knight in shining armour and save me, because you can't and I'm no damsel in distress!"
"Just answer the damn question McLeod!"
He was starting to get angry and Claire didn't know what to do or say. Of course she loved him but she couldn't let him know that. Could she?
"Just leave Alex!" her heart was beating faster and faster she thought it was going to leave her chest.
"If you won't be honest. I will. I would gladly be your baby's father. I would have no problem changing my life, and I wouldn't have to lie and you wouldn't have to worry about me finding 'the one', Claire, I love you!"
"Come on Alex, we both know that's a lie" she didn't mean to say that, it just kind of came out.
"Claire, you're 'the one' you always have been" at that moment he kissed her. She knew he wasn't lying.
"Alex I love you to"
He got to hold Claire in his arms and finally made everything ok. He felt fantastic. He loved Claire, and she loved him.

Chapter 2

Claire fell asleep; she had a long way to go before she would be better and Alex knew she was in a lot of pain even though she would never admit it.
As Alex sat and watched her, he thought. He thought about how he thought the baby that was left on the doorstep was his. It was hard at first but he bonded with the baby. His favourite moment was not watching Tess with the baby, but when he was bathing it and Claire was there. It was like they were a real family and he felt so happy, complete and it all fit together. He would now have a chance to have that feeling again, but this time it was real because he was going to be a dad, and with Claire's child
It still sounded odd to him. Him and Claire! It sounded good though!
He decided that he would have to lay some ground rules though, and there was still a lot to discuss, but at that point none of it seemed to matter. He had Claire and everything was going to be perfect. He had another important matter to attend to first. He loved Claire and there was something that he wanted to do with Claire that he had never even thought about doing before. He gave Claire a kiss on the forehead and left quickly.
Alex had really thought this through. He was serious like he had never been before. He went to Drovers run, stormed in the house to Claire's room, raided her draws until he found what he wanted and stormed off to town. He knew exactly what he was getting and when he got it he went back to the hospital. He did get sidetracked slightly. He saw many people in town who knew himself or Claire and everyone was bursting with questions "how's Claire?" "How's the baby?" "I can't believe your going to be a father" "Alex Ryan a father?" "When did it happen?" "What's going to happen now?"
He didn't quite know what to say, so he just did the typical Alex thing and stormed through the lot like a bull. He just wanted to be with Claire again. He rode along in his ute with a huge grin on his face, he couldn't help himself, he wanted to see the look on Claire's face.
When he got to her room, the first thing he noticed was that she was awake, and looked dreadful, she was so pale and just didn't seem like Claire. When she saw him, she smiled and her eyes twinkled. He just smiled back
"I'm glad you're awake"
"I'm glad your back, where did you go?"
"There was something important I needed to do" he walked over to the bed that she was sitting up in. "I feel a bit stupid" "Alex Ryan, feel stupid? Has hell frozen over?" "ha ha very funny McLeod!" He looked uncomfortable, when it came to doing what he wanted to do, he didn't feel so confidant. Claire started to look worried and when he noticed he laughed slightly "It's ok, don't look so worried" "well why do you look uncomfortable?" Alex cleared his throat and said "I have a question to ask you" he looked more confidant and he stood up straight and looked right at Claire. She lifted her eyebrow as if to say, uh oh, what you done now? In her Claire way.
Alex pulled something out of his pocket but Claire didn't see what it was. She was starting to get nervous. Claire hardly ever got nervous, at least not that anyone else would notice. Alex looked so serious.
"Claire, you know I love you!" she nodded slowly with a confused look on her face "well.." he got down on one knee at that moment, not daring to lose eye contact with Claire for one moment. He thought he might lose his nerve and he didn't want to miss the astonishment and disbelief that was spreading across Claire's face. "…Claire McLeod, will you marry me?" he opened the box and Claire couldn't believe her eyes, let alone what she had heard. It was all happening so fast. Alex Ryan wanted to get married, settle down, and with her! He was serious! She just stared speechless, a first for Claire.
Alex's face dropped from the smile to embarrassment. "Well…" he prompted worried for a moment that he had made a complete prat out of himself. She soon came to her senses. "I don't know what to say, I'm speechless" was all she was able to mumble. "You, speechless? That's a first. Yes might be a good answer you silly cow. I don't do this everyday you know McLeod!" She laughed and so did he. "YES!" she exclaimed. Alex felt a wave of relief come over him. He had started to imagine everyone laughing at him when the story of him proposing to Claire McLeod got out and her saying no. Not only that, he would have seriously been heartbroken deep down. He put the ring on her finger and cuddled her so close to him. He gave her such a passionate kiss and she gave as good as she got.
He sat down with a smile of satisfaction on his face. She looked at the ring in disbelief. "How did you know what size, and what ring…" she trailed off as he looked very pleased with himself. "Do you remember when we were teenagers and I got you pissed. One of the things you started to talk about was you mothers engagement ring. You were upset because you thought you'd never get married and how you wanted a ring that was simple, with one tiny diamond. Then you kissed me just before you ran off into the bushes and threw up." Claire remembered and went slightly red "I can't help it if kissing you made me feel sick" she said. "You never could handle you drink. That was the problem. And I can't help it if I was so irresistible to you" "Like you said, I was drunk, but I can hold my drink now. I could probably drink you under the table!" Alex just laughed "yeah well I'll hold you to that in 9 months" Claire laughed to. No matter what, they could not help but have a dig at each other. It was what made their relationship so special.
Claire looked at her ring "I can't believe you remembered"
"I loved you deep down then" "why didn't you say anything?" "You were drunk and puking your guts up. I was worried you'd laugh at me or think I got you drunk so I could sleep with you" "I did for a split second, then realised I was the one who kissed you and was throwing up in the bushes. I felt a complete idiot" they both sat there remembering the evening. "I think you'll need this back" Alex passed Claire a ring "where did you get that from?" Claire asked "from your room, I needed to know what size ring you were" Alex said in a matter of fact tone.
Claire looked really tired. "Claire, are you ok?" "I'm fine, why, you having doubts?" "No, although we need to set down some ground rules!" he said with a mischievous look on his face. "Yes I think we do to!" Claire said with an equally mischievous look on her face. She felt awful, and Alex could see it in her face. "I think you need some rest. I'm going to go, but I'll be back later ok?" "Give me some time to come up with some ground rules eh?" "I bet you already have a list as long as your arm" he kissed her and reluctantly left. He knew she wouldn't rest unless he had gone. He gave a sigh of relief when he walked out. She had said yes!

Chapter 4

Claire had been in hospital for two months. She was completely better and able to go straight back to work if she wanted to, and knowing Claire, she would. She'd been in hospital that long because everyone knew she wouldn't rest and would probably make herself worse.

Claire was looking forward to getting home, but wasn't quite sure what to expect the condition of the place to be in. she didn't know that Alex and Nick had been helping out when they could, along with Brick and Terry.
Liz and Harry now knew the truth about the baby along with everyone else.
Alex had tried to see Claire as often as he could but with working two farms and not wanting it to look obvious that they were together, he hadn't exactly seen that much of her.

"I can't believe she's finally coming home tomorrow" Jodi commented as they all sat down to dinner, Nick and Alex too.
"Maybe she'll come out of this foul mood she's been in once she comes home." Tess said
"What foul mood?" Alex asked. She'd always seemed happy when he was about. He then got a very big head when he realised she must only be in a mood when he's not around.
"It's just the way she gets when she can't have her own way!" everyone gave a knowing look, including Alex.
"Are you two still coming over tomorrow?" Meg asked Nick and Alex.  "Sure, who's picking Claire up" Nick asked. Everyone turned to Meg. "Don't look at me, I can't do it. I thought you were Tess?" "Not me, I've got work to finish before Claire gets back" "I'll do it!" interrupts Alex. "Are you sure" "Got nothing better to do. What time?" he asked digging into his dinner. "The doctors should finish giving her a last check over at about four" "no probs" Alex said, shovelling another piece of meet into his mouth.

"What are you doing here?" Claire asks as Alex walks into the room.
Claire had been sitting on her bed, impatiently waiting, looking at her watch every 30 seconds. "Nice to see you too!" he bends over and they kiss. She smiles "I've come to take you home" "Well you're late!" she laughs and storms out of the room, Alex following.

In the Ute driving back, Alex pulls over on an empty road. "What are you stopping fo..." Alex leant over and started to kiss her. Claire pulls away "there expecting us" "well I can't help it if you need another check up now, can I?" Claire laughs at Alex's words. He places his hand behind her head as they kiss again. He quickly pulls away from her as they are beeped by another car approaching. Alex sticks his head out the Ute and notices it's Frank, the police officer. "What's wrong officer?" Alex asks with a cheeky grin, as if he had been up to something he shouldn't have been. "I thought there might have been a problem" Frank says as he walks over to Alex's Ute. "No" "Hi Claire. I didn't know you were out of hospital" "Alex is just picking me up and taking me home" "why have you stopped?" Frank looks from one to the other until Alex came up with an excuse. "You know these country women, can't handle anything. She was feeling sick cos of my driving" "you alright Claire?" Frank asks with a concerned look on his face. "I'll be fine" she replies quickly, not looking at Frank, but kicking Alex in the leg. Alex was trying not to show that it hurt. Unfortunately for him, Claire knew how to hurt him. "Well I better let the two of you get going" and with that, he got in his car and drove away, as did Alex.
"What did you do that for?" He asked rubbing his leg and looking at Claire as a grin formed on her face. "You deserved it!" she said. They laughed. They felt like naughty teenagers who had nearly got caught, the only thing was, Alex was used to it, Claire wasn't, and Alex really did care about the girl this time.

When they pulled up at drovers, Claire started to walk off in the direction of the stables. "Where you going Claire?" Alex shouted. "to check the horses" "you can do that tomorrow" he said catching up to her. "I want to do it now" "well you cant" he said grabbing hold of her arm and trying to drag her in the opposite direction. She wasn't having any of it and pulled away from him. "No, I want to do it now" "Fine!" said Alex as he picked her up in his arms. Claire was shocked, she couldn't move. Alex was enjoying it. He had total control over Claire. He quickly took her to the back of the house where everyone was waiting but not without a struggle from Claire "put me down, I want to see the horses! Put me down now Alex, I'm not an invalid" "SURPRISE" everyone shouted as Alex turned the corner, Claire in his arms. Everyone laughed at the situation Claire was in. she was embarrassed. They had planned a BBQ and everyone was waiting for them to return from the hospital. Claire and Alex didn't spend much time together, but they exchanged looks every now and then and everyone had a great time. The food was great and there was plenty of beer.



Claire was the first one up the next morning, way before anybody else. The first thing she did was to go riding. She saddled the horse and got on. All of a sudden she started to get flash backs of the accident. She got off the horse and kicked the dirt. She was angry at herself more than anything. She just wanted to forget about the whole thing, but she knew the only way to do that was to face her fears. She took a deep breath and thought about Alex. She got back in the saddle and just started to trot around.  She was riding around Drovers with the wind blowing her hair back as she took in the fresh air. She was so happy. She was checking everything was ok as she was riding about. She came back to the stables and started to check to see what needed to be done. She checked the sheep and they were fine and everything seemed to be in order everywhere she went. She was impressed. By now, everyone else was awake, had eaten and started on the everyday chores. Claire was cleaning out the stables, when Alex arrived. He came up behind her and made Claire jump, not that she'd ever admit it. "So, what do you think of the place? Has it fallen to pieces without you?" he said. He wanted to kiss her, but knew that anybody could walk in at any moment. "I think they coped alright without me" she said in an off handed way. "Coped?" Alex said shocked. The place looked fantastic. "Fine, the place looks great. Everyone's done a brilliant job" she admitted even though she didn't want to think that the place could do ok without her. "Well, you see, all it needed was a mans touch!" Alex said with a cheeky look on his face. He was looking Claire right in the eyes to see her reaction. She couldn't believe it. He had been helping out and he hadn't said anything? Her face turned from shock to annoyance and hit him on the arm. They started fighting and in ended up with Alex on to p of Claire who was on the floor. He looked into her eyes and he just wanted to kiss and hold her and never let her go. She smelt wonderful and looked great. Her skin was so soft and her eyes were sparkling. Claire wanted him to do something, but knew he couldn't. She loved him so much and never wanted him to leave. They just laid there staring at each other, neither wanting to move. That was how Jodi found them. Jodi looked shocked and all she could manage to say was "sorry, am I interrupting something?" Alex sat up still kneeling over Claire. "No. Claire can't take the fact that all this place needs is a man" with that Claire pushes him off her and he falls to the side. Jodi laughs as Claire gets up, starts to clean herself off and says "And where am I going to find a real man around here then?" With that, Alex pulls Claire back down as he gets up and walks out the barn, winking at Jodi and says "You must be losing your touch Claire; you used to give up more of a fight than that before I beat you!" Claire sat up and just saw the back of Alex walking away. All she could do was glare at him. She loved him so much.

Claire was getting on her horse when Alex came over to her with a stick. She hadn't noticed him there. Alex saw her ass tighten as she was about to get on the horse. He thought how much he loved her. Claire had one foot in the stirrup when Alex flicked her ass with the stick, he couldn't resist. The only trouble was that he caught the horse first. The horse kicked up onto its hind legs, sending Claire flying. Becky say what had happened and came running over. When she got to the horse and calmed it down, she saw Claire lying on top of Alex on the floor. As Claire had fallen, she'd fell straight on top of Alex. They were staring at each other again. Claire had a dreamy look on her face, but the way her hair had fallen around her face, nobody but Alex could see it. "Claire, are you ok?" Becky asked as she calmed the horse down. "Claire?" Becky said again. Claire was oblivious to everything around her except Alex, but he had heard Becky and pushed Claire off of him. She came to her senses then. Alex got up and started to walk away when Claire tripped him up slightly, giggling at him stumble, turn around, give her a look and he then said "she's fine" in a I don't give a damn attitude. He turned away and laughed to himself. He had to try hard not to let anyone know how he really felt. Every time he was around Claire he just wanted to touch her and smell her and kiss her and… he had to pull himself together. Nobody else knew. He liked it that way, but couldn't wait until him and Claire could spend some time together alone. He then realises he hasn't got a clue what he's doing so goes back to the where Claire has now started training the horse. She looked fantastic. She knew what she was doing. She was in her element. Alex loved seeing her so happy. He could remember how low she was after she found out about Peter. It hurt that she had been so sad, but to look at her then, you would never had known.
Claire was in her own world, oblivious to everyone around her, including Alex. Although she didn't know he was there, he was all she could think about, along with what she was doing. That was why she had a grin on her face. She had hated being in the hospital without him. She couldn't talk to anyone either. Tess had asked her questions, but she just didn't want to say anything in case she jinxed what she had with Alex. In theory she and Alex would be great together, but could he honestly love her forever? She thought Peter would and look what happened there. She was relieved that they could still mess about like they used to, and nobody had taken a blind bit of notice, at least that was what she had thought.

It was dinner time. Alex had been helping Claire train the horses. They were both glad they had become business partners because it was another excuse to spend more time together if they wanted. "Where are Claire and Alex?" Meg asked the other three women at the table. "Last time I saw them, Claire was lying on top of Alex" Becky said in a matter of fact tone. Tess had just taken a sip of her juice and practically spat it out again at what Becky had said. "When I saw them this morning, Alex was lying on top of Claire" Jodi said. Tess couldn't believe what was being said. Because she knew what was really going on, she wondered if everyone else did, but they didn't. They thought they knew that Alex and Claire were just friends and messing around like they always had done. This was just another chance for Meg Becky and Jodi to tease Claire.
It was then that Claire and Alex walked in. "So what's been going on with you two then?" Meg asked. Alex practically walked into the back of Claire as he followed her in because she stopped dead at Megs words. She slowly sat down and shot Tess a look.  She didn't know if they'd all found out her secret. "I don't know what you're talking about Meg!" Claire replied slowly. "Always on top of each other from what I hear" Alex burst out laughing. He'd seen the look of horror on Claire's face and couldn't help but think the whole thing funny. Claire had calmed down now and realised nobody knew. That's when she started laying into Alex. "I can't help it if my best mate is a complete moron!" "Hey, you the one who can't face the fact that all you need is a man about the place" "did you have a nice trip Alex?" she said smiling at him "how's your bum McLeod?" he said with a smug look on his face. "You must be desperate for women Ryan, if you're spending all your time round here" "fancy another roll in the hay then McLeod?" He'd got her again. He loved the fire in her eyes when they fought, but poor Tess sat there with a look of confusion. Claire then had to explain how they started fighting in the barn, and how he whipped the horse and she went flying. It was Alex who added in the little extras that had everyone in fits of laughter by the end of the story.

Claire walked out with Alex to say goodbye. He got in his Ute and Claire lent on the open window. He started up the Ute, kissed her and drove off. She stood there wanting to be cross with him, but found it funny and walked inside with a smile on her face. "What's up with you?" Meg asked "Oh nothing, just glad to be home!"

Alex didn't come around the next day, or the one after hat. He didn't want anyone to get suspicious. He knew Claire didn't want anybody to know yet. He did go around the next day though and couldn't wait to see her. It just so happened that the evening he went around to see her was the evening Tess had gone to Nicks so they had the house to themselves for the first time. Claire was in the office doing paper work when he arrived. She saw him in the doorway where he'd been standing watching her. "Hello stranger" she said. She stood up as he walked over to her. He pulled Claire into his arms and they kissed so passionately for the first time in a while. "I missed you Claire" "I missed you to" they kissed again but Claire pulls away "you do love me don't you, because if you don't we can end it now" "well" Alex teased "it's a close call between you and my chopper" Claire hits him around the head "hey. Did I tell you I've named my chopper?" "No" Claire replies wondering what he's going to come out with next. "I called her Claire!" that meant a lot coming from Alex and she kissed him completely letting herself go. He never wanted it to end. They went upstairs. Claire was in heaven and she never wanted it to end.

She woke up the next morning in Alexs arms. She felt safe and warm and slowly turned around to find Alex awake staring at her. She just smiled and he kissed her. He rolled over on top of her and it wasn't until an hour later that they finally left Claire's bedroom. Meg was up and cooking breakfast. "Is Alex here?" she asked Claire as she Claire walked in. "why do you ask?" Claire said shocked. "I thought I saw his Ute outside" Alex walked in then, having heard the conversation. He says to Claire "thanks for letting me use the spare bedroom last night. I don't think I'll drink so much next time I come over" "no problem" was her only reply and then she left and went straight to work. Everyone thought Claire was in a mood, but that was usual for Claire. It was very rarely she was happy in the morning. Alex stayed and explained to Meg how he had been at a lose end last night, knew Claire was going to be on her own and so popped round with some beers. He ended up drinking too much to drive home.
Alex went in search of Claire over half an hour later after he'd eaten. He found Claire when she had just finished cleaning something and it had turned all muddy with the water. Claire was trying to wipe a splash of mud off her cheek when Alex scooped up some mud and chucked it at her. She couldn't believe it. When she turned around and say it was Alex she couldn't help but take her muddy hands and wipe them down the front of his shirt. He was shocked at what shed done. That was it. She pushed her into the mud and started to rub the dirt all over her. Claire fought back and within five minutes they were both covered in mud from head to toe laughing their heads off. That was when he decided to help clean Claire. He got a bucket of freezing water and poured it over her head. Claire froze. It was freezing! She grabbed the hose at her feet. She decided Alex needed hosing down. He tried to get the hose off of her but failed. They were wet and muddy when Becky found the two of them. She couldn't help but laugh to herself at the state they'd got them selves into.

Chapter 5

When Claire had been in hospital, her and Alex had lost a lot of business with the horse training and needed to get more. They decided to spend a couple of days in town, with an all terrier motive, and do just that. They booked two rooms in town for three nights. Through the day they went about getting business and on the first night, Alex snuck along to Claire's room were they slept together. The second night Claire went along to Alex's room but on the third night, Alex got drunk at the bar. Claire was fuming. She'd gone up to her room to wait for him and she ended up falling asleep. He never showed up. Alex had got so drunk and started talking about this girl he'd been seeing. The blokes ended carrying him up to his room.
Claire woke up the next morning, alone. She went down for breakfast. A couple of blokes who had been drinking with Alex went over to Claire. "Hi Claire, you're friends with Alex right?" "Yes" she said, contemplating the answer to that while showing a confused look to where this was leading to. "Who's this woman he's seeing?" Claire was furious with Alex. He'd obviously spent the evening talking about her, but what did he actually say? Did they know the truth? "I don't know, why? What did he say?" was her response "Alex said he was in love!" everyone laughed and another man said "Alex Ryan, in love? I don't believe it" "How's he feeling this morning Claire? He was pissed out of his head last night" "how would I know? What else did he say?"
Claire was thinking. Alex would rather drink all night with these blokes, rather then spend their last night together, but he did say how he loved her, but then, he'd spent the whole night getting drunk. "Not much, he wasn't making much sense by then; we had to carry him to his room"
Claire decided Alex needed to be left alone, especially if he was feeling so bad. She packed her bag quickly, checked out and went home. Claire was angry and everybody noticed.
"Claire, what happened? Didn't you have a good time? What's he done to you?" Tess asked when she followed Claire upstairs. "Alex didn't do anything to me; he was too busy getting drunk!" Claire said as she flung her clothes into the drawer. She didn't want to talk so she rushed off and started working. Tess was left to wonder what had happened. She had tried, but if Claire didn't want to talk, there was no way she could try to get it out of her.

Alex woke up with a blinding headache. He felt awful. He tried to remember what happened the night before. Claire had gone upstairs and he was going to follow but somebody made a comment about him going to bed early and without a lady. He didn't want anyone to get suspicious so he stayed for a drink, and then another and another. He didn't remember anything else after that. He managed to get up and walk along to Claire's room to apologise, but there was no answer. He went downstairs and they told him that she'd left already. He wondered why. His head hurt too much and so just put it down to the fact that she had to sheer all the sheep within three days and had left to get on with it. Alex drove back to Killarney and slept off his hangover.

Claire didn't know what to do. She was thinking hard. She hadn't heard from Alex all day. Was he ok? Of course he was, this was Alex, and she wasn't going to waste her thoughts on that when she knew fairly well that he was perfectly fine minus a hangover. But why hadn't he come over, or at least called? Why would he though? Nobody knew they were seeing each other, let alone engaged, and if he did come over, what was she going to do? She couldn't exactly have a go at him, because everyone would probably find out about them then. This was pointless! He wasn't there, and it didn't look like he was going to show up any time soon either. She just got on with her work.

The next morning the phone rang as everybody was about to leave. Claire just stared at it, but Tess picked it up. "Hello? ... Hang on…Claire it's for you" "who is it?" she said trying to not care "Alex" "I'm busy" and with that she stormed out.

The sheep had to be sheared so they got to work. Claire was on a roll and doing really well until Alex popped into her head and she cut her hand. "Aghh" "Claire what's wrong?" Meg asked "nothing, I'm fine!" "Claire that looks pretty bad. Why don't you go and fix it up and we can finish off her, I'd say we just about done for the day anyway." Claire thanked her and went into the house. She ran her hand under the tap, and bandaged it up. She was tired so decided to have a shower. She went upstairs and before she went in the bathroom she thought she heard somebody downstairs. She shouted down but got no reply. She assumed it was Tess. "Tess, if that's you, I'm getting in the shower" still no reply. She went in the bathroom and got undressed when there was a knock on the door. She placed a small towel around her and opened the door slightly. Alex pushed it open further and walked in, pinning Claire against the wall. She looked hot in that towel. Claire was still mad at him though and tried to pull away. "Get off me" she said. He just kissed her. "I said get off me" he smelt so good. He pulled away slightly but didn't let her go. "What's up with you McLeod?" he asked. "Me, you're the one who'd rather spend your time getting drunk then in bed with me, your fiancé!" Alex couldn't believe that "No, why on earth would I want that?" "you tell me, you're the one that didn't show the other night" "oh, well what was I supposed to do, the blokes thought I was off to bed early and you know that's not like me unless I gotta girl, but I couldn't tell them I did because they'd know it was you." Claire felt stupid now. She kissed him and apologised. He moved in closer again as Claire started to undress him. They both got in the shower together, barely coming up for breath.

By the time everybody else had come in, Alex and Claire were in the office sorting out arrangements to collect a horse after the sheering had been done. They were also arranging for Alex to go around that night, which he did. They had a fantastic time. It was great to be in love they both thought. They had never been happier. Claire loved waking up in Alex's arms as much as Alex loved waking up holding Claire close to him. He would watch her sleep and pull the hair from her face. He thought of their future and how they would have kids and he would play with them and show them how to run a farm and Claire would show them how to ride and train the horses. He would love and take care of Claire. He would kiss and cuddle Claire and make her so happy. He would take the kids up in the chopper and spend Sundays round his parents. They'd all go swimming and he and Claire could go to, minus the clothes though. He'd take Claire away on romantic weekends while aunty Tess and Uncle nick looked after all the children and he would carry Claire over the thresh hold once they were married, no matter how much she struggled. He didn't even want to be with another woman anymore. He was completely a one woman man now and he was the happiest he had ever been and he wanted everyone to know. Teasing Claire was great and he had loved the sneaking around at the start but now he wanted everybody to know she was his and he wanted to be able to be with her whenever he wanted and not come up with an excuse anymore.

The sheering of the sheep had been done and Alex and Claire were stopping off in Gungellan after collecting a horse so Alex could pick something up. Claire waited in the truck for him. She sat there with a smile on her face as she watched Alex run off. He was so handsome. They had just been talking before they stopped. Alex said how he wanted to tell everybody about them. Claire had been feeling the same way. She couldn't bear to be without him and not be able to have a go at him when she was angry. She was glad they'd been able to spend the time alone together but that's not what she wanted anymore. They decided to tell everybody soon. Alec had also said how everyone at Drovers was invited to spend Christmas dinner at Killarney. Liz wanted to cook a big dinner and Alex had encouraged her. He wanted to spend Christmas with Claire. Nick could spend it with Tess and it would be great fun. Claire was pleased. Christmas day had been the day Claire and her father would spend most of the day alone, not worry about the farm but having a good time. Last Christmas was hard enough as it was without him, but she had been able to throw herself into her work. This year wouldn't be so easy to do as Tess knew how things were and she'd found out how Claire had used to spend Christmas and wouldn't let her get away with it this time. She couldn't believe Christmas was only a week away now.

Claire's thought were interrupted by the man that had walked up to Claire's window. It was Peter. "Hello Claire" she couldn't believe it, she wanted to hit him and scream at him but just stared at him in shock. "Claire, I want to now if the babies mine!" he couldn't see her stomach so didn't know she'd lost the baby. She had recovered from the shock now. "Go away Peter, your not welcome around here, how you can show you face around here I don't know. You nearly killed me." "That was not my fault Claire" "not your fault, you got in my way and nearly killed me, the person you were supposed to love, yet was blackmailing. I don't know how you can live with yourself." "I just want to know if the babies mine or not" "Peter go away" "I cant, I love you and I want to have this child with you" Claire had not thought about the baby in a long time and a cheek came running down her cheek. Peter tried to comfort her and hold her arm, but she pushed him away and shouted at him to go. "I don't love you. You killed my baby!" she was crying now. It was at that point Alex had appeared furious and punched him. Claire got out of the Ute and started to run away. She couldn't bare the sight of Peter. If it wasn't for him, she might still be pregnant, yet she didn't want to have his baby. She just had to get out of there. Alex chased after her. Tears were running down her cheek. Her eyes were red and she didn't know what she was doing or where she was going. He grabbed her and shook her to make her pay attention to him. She couldn't see though all of the tears. He pulled her close and held her tightly. She started to feel better straight away. She knew it was Alex and he would never let Peter hurt her again. Becky drove along at that point and stopped as she saw who was there and the state Claire was in. She ran over to Alex and Claire. Alex sat Claire down and told Becky to take her home. HE went over to peter and punched him again. He was so angry! He told Peter to piss off. He had no right to be there and no reason. Peter left for good that time. Alex went into the pub and had a drink, then another. He was so angry at Peter and couldn't bear to think about the state poor Claire was in. she was unrecognisable. Claire had completely broken down. He didn't know what to do. He had another drink. It was Nick who was called to get him. He wasn't surprised. He had been at drovers when Becky showed up with Claire. Claire had stopped crying and just had a dazed look on her face. Nobody knew what had happened, only that Peter had been there and Alex was furious. Claire went to her room and lay on her bed. Tess went up to her room. She hated seeing Claire like this as much as Alex did. She just laid there next to her sister. Claire eventually started to talk. She explained what had happened, how all these feelings of hate appeared. She was so shocked to see peter. It was a part of her life she thought shed never have to deal with again. Having said all of that and had Tess listen to her. She felt so muck better. The fact that she had seen Peter again had sunken in. it was more of the shock than anything that had got her upset. She was ok now though. She just needed a good nights sleep and she would be fine, which she was. Claire was strong. She had just been really emotional.

The next day Claire went to see Alex. She was better and had gotten over it. She actually felt stupid more than anything. Alex looked worse off. He had a hangover. They were alone when Claire arrived so the first thing she did was kiss him. "Thank you for sticking up for me" Alex was waiting for the bit about how she could handle herself though, but it never came. He just held her close "are you alright, I don't think we'll be seeing him again" "I'm fine; I don't know what happened to me. I was just so shocked to see him and was full of rage and I just completely lost it" he touched her face and Claire was so relieved she was with him. No more was said about it. They did talk about telling everyone about the two of them getting married, but decided to wait a bit longer, at least until this whole Peter thing was forgotten about. Chapter 6

Everybody was cautious around Claire for the next couple of days but they soon realised that she really was fine; especially knowing that Peter had gone at last.

Tess had an idea "uh oh" was Claire's response. She knew what Tess' ideas were like. "What are we in for this time?" "Well, when was the last time we had a party?" Claire shot Meg a look. "Jodi's 18th, why?" Meg asked. "Well, why don't we have another one? We could have a new year's party. Don't you think it's a great idea?" "I don't know Tess. It's new years in little over a week. Do you think you can organise a party in a couple of days?" "Sure, leave everything to me!" with that she ran out of the room with a huge smile on her face. She was so excited. She loved parties and organising them. She would invite everybody. It would be so much fun. Christmas at the Ryan's, and new years at Drovers!
Claire had a look on her face that said 'what have we got our selves into', Meg felt the same way. Jodi was excited and Becky was a bit to. By the end of the day, Tess had practically organised the whole thing and invited nearly all of Gungellan. Nobody could take the smile from her face. The Ryan boys were always up for a party, they even offered to help set up the barn.

It came to Christmas day, and everybody was getting ready to go to Killarney for Christmas dinner. They were actually quite excited. At least Meg and Tess were. Tess got to spend Christmas with Nick, and Meg didn't have to cook and would probably spend the day with Terry. Claire was the only one who wasn't ready when it came time to leave. She had decided she wasn't going to go. She couldn't go. She'd spent the whole morning throwing up in the bathroom. She was disappointed because she wanted to spend the day with Alex. She felt really sick though and couldn't work out why. Tess seemed quite concerned because she knew Claire never got sick. "I'll be fine. Go and have a good timeâ?¦" Claire didn't get to finish off what she was saying; she had to rush to the bathroom where she was sick again. She shouted through the door for them all to go. Tess went in. "Claire are you ok?" "I had some left over meet yesterday; I think it might have been off. You lot go, I'll come over if I feel better. Tell them I'm sorry. Now go before you're late. Have fun and don't worry about me." "Well if you're sure" Tess said reluctantly. She left though when she saw the look that Claire gave her. Claire was relieved when they left. She felt awful and just wanted to be left alone. She was disappointed that she couldn't go but then, would it have been worse spending a day at the Ryan's and not be able to spend the day with Alex who would have been her only salvation. She probably would have had fun though. Claire sighed and threw up again.

When they all got to Killarney, everyone was waiting outside for them. Alex looked concerned when he couldn't see Claire but wasn't going to say anything. It was Liz who asked after her. "And where's Claire?" "She, a, she's not coming. She's not very well" Meg said "not very well? That's unlike Claire; she's always had perfect health. What's wrong with her?" "She's just a little sick" "a little sick more like it, she looked awful!" Jodi commented "Jodi be quite. She'll be fine in no time. She might even be here later if she feels better" Meg said faking a smile and trying to remove the look of concern on everyone's face. They all knew Claire never got ill; it was probably as bad as Jodi had made it sound. Meg was not only trying to convince everyone else, but herself to. She was worried about Claire and didn't want to leave, but knew Claire wouldn't let her stay. They all walked inside in silence. Alex had a million thoughts go through his head and decided not to worry about it; he could call her later to make sure she was ok when nobody was around.

Claire felt much better now. She didn't know what had come over her. She had woken up feeling dreadful. She looked at the outfit Tess had put out for Claire to wear. She laughed to herself. She had almost worn it as well. She now had on her usual jeans and a shirt. She hardly ever wore dresses. The last time she did was for Peter and that was only to get the Bloodline contract. Apart from that, she'd never had a reason to. Tess was interfering as usual, trying to make Claire wear the dress. She pulled it up to her for a minute. She looked at herself in the mirror and wished she was more girly, then she chucked it on her bed, erasing the thought from her mind and decided to go and do some work. She was feeling better and had nothing better to do. She went to the stables, got blaze and was training him outside. She felt nothing like she had that morning and it was still puzzling her why she had been ill. If only she had eaten meat that had gone off, but she hadn't!

It was after dinner and Alex kept looking at his watch. Thoughts of what state Claire might be in were going through his mind, and they'd had no word from her. His father had noticed "Are we keeping you?" he said. Everyone turned to Alex. He had been fairly quite all day, which was really unlike him. He didn't know what to say but he came up with a good idea. "Actually yes dad, I've got to be somewhere, don't wait up for me, see ya!" and with that he got up and left. He hadn't been enjoying himself. The McLeod's used to go over on Boxing Day and the only reason he enjoyed it was because Claire had been there. They always had great fun. He got to Drovers and went inside. He called out for Claire and got no reply. He searched the house and couldn't find her. He did notice the dress on her bed though. He laughed at the thought of Claire in a dress. Then he thought to himself maybe that was the reason she didn't come. He went outside and found her riding a new horse. She saw him with a grin on his face walking over. "Aren't you supposed to be at home?" she shouted to him "aren't you supposed to be ill?" he said cheekily. Claire felt like a naughty school girl. "Feeling much better are we?" he said with a sarcastic tone. Claire looked at him confused. "I know why you're here; I saw the dress in your room. You'll have to come up with a better excuse than feeling sick, just to get out of wearing a dress you know McLeod. You could have just worn your normal clothes!" Claire was shocked. Not half an hour ago she had been thinking about wearing it and about two hours ago she had been bent over the toilet seat emptying her stomach. And what was so unusual about Claire wearing a dress? She was a woman after all! "No, I just didn't want to spend the day with you actually!" she shouted to him, before opening the gate and riding off. That threw Alex. Why wouldn't she want to spend the day with him? They always had a laugh together" he got on another horse and followed her. He caught up and they started racing to the creek. It was fun and you could tell from the look of excitement on their faces. They were both so competitive and eager to win. They were head to head, but the horse Claire was on didn't like the water and threw Claire off. Alex stopped and couldn't stop himself from laughing at Claire lying at the edge of the creek soaking wet. Claire got up and went over to Alex. "You look so sexy when you laugh" Claire had a mischievous grin that he didn't notice. She pulled him down to meet her lips. He was willing to go, not even contemplating what Claire had intended to do. They barely touched when she pulled him off the horse and into the water. She laughed so hard. Alex hadn't seen her laugh so much in a long time. As Claire was standing he noticed how her shirt had pulled tight against her body. She looked sexy even when she was dripping wet. He got out and started to kiss her. Claire had forgotten why she had been mad at him. They both decided they were already wet, so went for a swim, minus the clothes this time though. It was so much fun. It ended up being a great Christmas though. They went back to the house and had a shower together, had something to eat and went to bed. "Is this my Christmas present then?" Alex asked as he started kissing Claire. She kissed him back and didn't say anything. "You know seeing you in a dress would have been a great present" he added. Claire stopped and moved away. She didn't understand what the big deal was. It was just a dress. "What have I done now?" he asked moving closer to her. She wasn't sure what to say. She didn't know why she was so annoyed. She was getting wound up over nothing. She kissed him as Alex moved on top of her. "I think I prefer you with nothing on at all actually" she laughed as he kissed her around the neck. She did love him.

Everyone except Tess and Nick wondered where on earth Alex had gone to. They thought it might have been a woman, but then why be so secretive about it, and why did he look so worried. In the end they gave up and would just have to quiz him when he eventually got home, which he didn't, at least not that day. Everybody left late. It was dark and nobody noticed Alex's Ute. Tess was going to check on Claire but didn't want to wake her up if she was sleeping. She also figured Alex was with her so she stopped Meg from checking on Claire. She went straight to bed and fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow. They all had had a fantastic time.

Alex woke up the next morning alone. He looked over and Claire had gone. He looked around the room and he couldn't see her. He wondered where she was. He knew it was safe to look upstairs because Tess already knew so he walked out on the upstairs landing. It was there he heard Claire. She was being sick in the bathroom. He was really shocked. She had actually been sick and he thought she'd been lying. He had been disappointed that he hadn't seen her in the dress, although she always looked hot in her usual clothes to him. He didn't know what to do. Should he go and see if she's alright or just leave her alone? Should he call a doctor or Tess or someone? Why was she being sick?
Claire now knew the answer to that question. She didn't know what to do about it though. If they were going to tell everyone they were together, it might seem a bit suss if she then tells everyone she's pregnant again. And how would Alex feel about being an actual father. He said he wanted kids, but this soon? And what if she lost the baby again? Shed already lost one. She was actually happy, apart from the fact she was throwing up every five minutes, she and Alex were going to have a baby.
Alex decided to leave her alone and wait until she came out. He went back to bed and waited there. She did eventually go back to her room, but decided not to tell Alex, at least not yet. She was going to go and see the doctor first. She had an appointment to check her hand and make sure it hadn't got infected from when she had cut it sheering the sheep. She would talk to the doctor about it then. "Where you been?" he asked her as she got into bed. He cuddled her and didn't even try to kiss her. "Nowhere. Just needed a glass of water" they both knew she was lying but Alex didn't want to say anything. He felt stupid not believing her and it might be nothing after all.

He tried to spend as much time with her as possible, even if it was just to make sure she was ok. He never saw her being sick again, because he hadn't stayed the night again and it was only in the morning Claire was being sick. He thought she was ok now, and so didn't say anything to her.

Tess spent a couple of nights around Nicks and had been getting up early to sort the place out for the party so hadn't noticed how sick Claire had been in the mornings. She assumed Claire was better. Claire also rushed out of the house every morning as quickly as possible, as the food made her want to be sick again. Meg didn't notice because Claire would grab something in her rush to get out. What Meg didn't notice was how Claire just chucked the food in the bin as soon as she was outside and then threw up again. Claire didn't want anybody to know, at least not yet.

Eventually it was New Years Eve. Everyone was helping out with the preparations for the party. A stage had been built for the band to perform on and all the food and drink were laid out. By the evening it was all ready and the Ryan boys left to go get cleaned up and changed after helping with the decorations and the mini stage.

"But I don't want to" Claire said to Tess "but you'd look great" Tess said trying to get Claire to put on this really small dress she had. "I'd look stupid" "it would defiantly wind Alex up" Tess commented with a cheeky and desperate grin. Claire liked the sound of that. She put it on and was glad she didn't have a bump yet, because it would have stuck out like a sore thumb. She got ready and by the time she came downstairs, everybody had arrived. She looked stunning and everybody noticed as she walked in. Claire blushed. The dress was blue and made her eyes show up even more. It was low cut and quite short. It looked fantastic on her. She had a great figure and it hugged all the right curves. Tess smiled with satisfaction as she not only looked at Claire, but everyone else and at the way the place looked.

Alex was probably the only person who hadn't noticed Claire walk in. He was talking to Nick when all of a sudden a woman fell into his lap. Claire had been dancing and had got dizzy all of a sudden when the man had twirled her around. She'd lost her balance, and luckily for her, landed right in Alex's lap. He couldn't believe his eyes. Was that really Claire McLeod? She looked amazing! He helped her up and couldn't keep his eyes off of her or his mouth shut. Claire had gone red again from embarrassment. Within in seconds she was whisked away again by another man, to dance. Alex realised he looked like a complete idiot. When Claire went to get a drink, he walked over and started teasing her. "Well well McLeod, you don't scrub up to badly" with that, he pinched her ass without anybody seeing. Claire was shocked and just stared straight forward not quite sure what to do. "Something I never thought I'd see, Claire McLeod in a dress!" he pinched her ass again. He was enjoying this. He knew she wouldn't hit him there in front of everybody. She was getting really annoyed. She felt stupid and she couldn't make a fool out of herself again by hitting him. She just had to grin and bare it. The next thing she knew, he'd whisked her onto the dance floor. They danced wonderfully together. They were made for one another. There was such chemistry and everyone cheered and he flung her around the dance floor. Liz had made Alex take dance lessons as a kid. He'd get Claire to practice with him. At the end of the dance, before Claire was taken away again, he whispered to her "you look fantastic, I love you" Claire was shocked but didn't have time to say anything back before she was dancing with somebody else. Claire danced most of the night. She was really enjoying herself. So was Alex, even if he was just watching Claire enjoy herself. He didn't dance with Claire again for the rest of the evening, but when Claire went outside for some fresh air, he followed her to ask her a question. He had made up his mind about something but needed to know what Claire thought. It was a big deal for him.
"Claire, I need to ask you something." Claire was not really listening to what he was saying, her mind had wondered as she took in the fresh air. To what, even she didn't know, she just wasn't listening to Alex properly. "yes" was the feeble reply "you know I love you, well I want everybody else to know to" "yeah" "I think we should tell people" "uh huh" Alex smiled and was happy with that answer. He walked back inside, pleased with the outcome. Claire still stood there until Tess started to shout out to her. "Claire, Claireâ?¦. Claire? Are you ok? Claire!" Tess had come over to her when she didn't get an answer. It was the last 'Claire' that made her come out of her day dream. "What?" Claire said to Tess in an annoyed tone. "Are you ok?" Tess said a little concerned. Claire smiled and said "I'm fine, what did you want" "its nearly midnight, are you coming inside?" Claire just nodded and they both walked in.

Alex grabbed Claire by the arm as she walked past him. He was grinning and she smiled back. They danced together and then Alex looked at his watch. He pulled Claire up to the front of the barn with him where Tess and Nick had been dancing. He got on the mini stage with Claire and called for everybody's attention, not letting go of Claire's hand. Claire tried to make him let go but he wouldn't. She wanted to know what he was doing "Can you all shut up? We have twelve seconds to go, tenâ?¦ nineâ?¦ eightâ?¦ sevenâ?¦ sixâ?¦ fiveâ?¦ fourâ?¦ threeâ?¦ twoâ?¦ one." As everybody chorused HAPPY NEW YEAR! Alex pulled Claire into him. He put his hand around her waste. He pushed his lips to hers and moved his tongue into her mouth. Claire automatically put her arms around his neck, moving even closer to him, moved her hands to the back of his head and kissed him back with as much passion and feeling. The world stopped and the electricity between them was so immense, sparks could fly. The love ands feeling they had for each other showed so much in that moment, words could not describe. They were in their own little world, oblivious to everyone around them screaming and gasping and whistling.
Claire had to come up for air, and she had the biggest smile on her face. Every thing was going in slow motion. Then she realised everyone looking, even more so, the shocked looks from the women at Drovers, minus Tess, who stood there with a satisfied grin on her face once again. Claire couldn't look at them though, the pleading looks they gave to know what was going on nearly made her laugh. Instead she just looked into Alex's big brown eyes. He gave his mischievous grin. "I have an announcement to make" he started, already having everyone's attention. The other three women looked and saw the grin on Tess' face. They started to ask her what was going on. She told them to shut up and listen. She was so pleased for Claire because she deserved this so much. She deserved to be happy and with the man she was meant to be with. "As you may have noticed, me and Claire are seeing each other, and have been for months now, but more than thatâ?¦ We're getting married!" He put so much energy and feeling into what he said. He wanted the whole world to know! He takes the ring that Claire had been wearing on a chain, from her neck and places it on her finger. They kiss again. Everyone cheers and the women can't believe what there hearing. Alex picks up the bottle of Champaign that Nick passes him along with some glasses. He pops the bottle pours it into the glasses. "I would like to make a toast, to Claire McLeod" he clinks glasses with Claire and drinks the Champaign. When he sees Claire hasn't drunk hers, he asks her why. "Not now?" "What's wrong Claire? Drink up!" "I can't?" "Why not?" "I said not now" "tell me Claire" "not here" "tell me!" he says getting worried. Claire hesitated, and then though to herself, it's been a night for announcements, a night I'll never forget, nothing could spoil it now, so what the hell. She put her arms around his neck and reached up to his ear as he placed his hands on her hips. The noise around them seemed to disappear as Claire whispers into his ear "I'm pregnant" were the two simple words that she said. He pushes her away so he can see her face. He looks at her as if to say, are you sure? She nods with anticipation, waiting for him to say or do something, her face dropping in panic as he just looks at her with a shocked face. All of a sudden he lets out a scream, pulls her into his arms and swings her around in circles as she laughs with relief. He puts her down, holds her face, and says; "are you sure" she nods. "We're gonna have a baby?" she nods again. He kisses her as everyone comes on to the stage to find out what's going on "We're gonna have a baby!" He shouts.
Questions flew about the place and Claire was overwhelmed but ecstatic. It was such a relief to have everything out in the open and to know that Alex was as excited about having the baby as she was. She didn't leave his side for the rest of the night. Everyone was asking questions, especially from the women at Drovers. 'Why didn't you tell us?' 'How come Tess knew?' 'Why didn't I figure it out' 'oh my god!' 'Getting married?' 'Pregnant?'
Alex didn't want to answer the questions, so he dragged Claire away and started dancing to a slow song that had started playing. Claire rested her head on Alex's shoulder. She thought how lucky she was as they danced together. Alex was thrilled. He was going to be a father! The rest of the night was fantastic and they all had the best time!
Chapter 7

Claire was in the bathroom when Alex woke up. He was about to get up when she crawled back into bed and cuddled up close next to Alex. She felt rotten but was glowing. It was the first time they'd had a chance to talk properly to one another.
"I love you" he whispered into his ear. She was facing away from him, tucking her back right up close to him while his arm went around, and holding her tightly to him. "And the baby?" she asked "What about the baby?" "Are you pleased? Do you want kids yet?" he squeezed her "I love you and anybody else who comes along. I'm thrilled about the baby, especially knowing that this one is actually mine!" Claire was relieved. "Now, when are we getting married?" he asked "how about February 10th?" she said in a pleased tone. He still wanted to marry her. "Fantastic, I do think I should tell my parents about all this though." "you are happy aren't you?" she asked him, just to make sure "I've never been happier, now are you going to come with me, not only do I have to tell my parents, but face that lot down there" Alex said after hearing a bang of a plate from downstairs and a few female voices, along with Nicks. "I guess we better" she said, and then it was Alex's turn to have his mind put at ease. "You do love me don't you; you are pleased with the way things are turning out?" "Alex of course I love you, it facing your parents I'm not to keen on. And I'm so glad that I am actually having your baby" she said "even if I do feel like crap" she added as they both got up and dressed.

I cant believe it! Was the general feeling downstairs. Everyone was so happy for the both of them, but were still shocked. "Did you know about the baby?" Jodi asked Tess. "No, that was new to me" they were all so excited when Alex and Claire finally came down stairs together. Claire stood in the doorway while Alex sat down and dug into the food. It still made Claire feel sick. "Well?" Tess prompted. "Well what? Claire said in her usual tone. "When's the big day? Have you set a date yet?" Claire looked at Alex with a smile on her face as she said "February 10th" "so when's the baby due?" Meg asked. Alex's head came up. That was one thing he hadn't thought to ask. "The doctor said the end of July" it was at that point she couldn't handle the smell anymore and ran for the bathroom.

Claire and Alex pulled up at Killarney. Claire didn't want to do this; she wasn't sure how they would react. Alex got out of the Ute and walked around to Claire's window. "You ready?" He asked her. But there was no need to because it was at that point that Liz came running out of the house. Claire got out of the Ute while Liz gave Alex a cuddle. Liz took the two inside to the room Harry was in.
"There's something we think you should know" Alex started and waited for Claire to finish. Alex was just going to sit back and let Claire deal with it, which Claire only realised at that point. She could have killed him. "Well, what is it?" Liz prompted. "Wellâ?¦" Claire started, actually quite nervous "â?¦I have two pieces of news, first of all, I'm pregnant, secondly, I'm getting married." Claire didn't do anything; she just stood there waiting for a reply. There was an awkward silence as Alex's parents took in the news. Liz couldn't believe her ears and started in with the question. "It's not that Peter bloke who's the father? Claire I thought you had more sense than that. And who are you marrying?" "Uh, that would be me mum" Alex piped up. Liz nearly had a heart attack. Harry was thinking from a business angle as always, so he got up, congratulated Claire and shook Alex's hand. "You cant" was Liz's reply, until she got into full flow "Claire you can't take advantage of Alex like this again, we were lucky when you lost the baby the first time, you think you'd learn your lesson. Poor Alex can't be stuck looking after your baby, and how you can even ask him is beyond me. Claire, I really thought better of you! My son shows a little kindness to a friend, and you try to ruin his life, and getting pregnant again, that's just down right stupid!" Alex had tried to get his mother to stop but she didn't, at least not until Claire ran out of the house to the Ute. Her eyes were streaming. She just wanted to leave but Alex had the keys and there was no way she was going back into that house. That was the last thing she had expected. And Alex was useless. He didn't say anything. But what if she really was trapping him? Then she realised the keys were in the ignition and she drove off trying to wipe her eyes dry before they filled up again.

Alex was furious at his mother "Now look what you've done!" "Alex, I have probably saved you from a life of misery" Alex lost it. He couldn't bare seeing Claire so upset. "Mum, I love Claire, and she loves me and we were going to have our child together!" there was silence until Liz was able to mumble "the babies yours?" "Yes its mine! Me and Claire have been seeing each other for months now and she told me last night she was pregnant after we announced our engagement." "But when? What happened? How comes you didn't tell us?" Alex sat down and explained how he realised how much he loved her when Claire nearly died, how he proposed, how they'd been seeing each other secretly and then all of what happened the night before.

Claire got back to Drovers with red eyes. She just wanted to get away. She had to leave for a couple of days. She got a bag and started to fill it with clothes. Everybody was out working so nobody noticed. She took her own Ute, chucked the bag in the back, left a note and left. She wasn't quite sure where she was going, she just had to get away. Tears were now falling from her eyes aging and she felt sick, angry, sad and confused. The only certainty in her life right then was that she was going to be a mother, but then it struck her that she'd already lost one baby, what if it happened again? The tears dropped heavier at that thought but she just kept on driving.

Alex finally got to Drovers and went in search of Claire. He went outside first of all because knowing Claire she would be hard at work. He also knew she'd be in a bad mood. His mum had really upset her. "Tess, have you seen Claire?" "No, I thought she was with you" "long story, I'll tell you later. Do you know where she might be?" "your guess is as good as mine" She said "but I can help you look for her" they both walked off looking in the stables and all over the place, finally going into the house. There was a tear stained, scribbled note on Claire's bed. Her room was in a mess from clothes that had been dropped on the floor and draws that had been left open. "What's happened in here?" Alex asked "oh no" was Tess reply as she picked up the note. "What Alex said, taking the note from Tess. 'I have to get away, I don't know where I'm going and I don't know when I'll be back. Claire'
"What's going on Alex?"

Two weeks had passed and still no sign of Claire. Everyone was panicking. This was so unlike Claire. Alex had explained all of what had gone on with his mother and thought Claire was overreacting. Meg said that Claire's feelings must be all over the place and so who knows what state of mind Claire is in. They all tried to convince each other that Claire was fine even though they doubted it slightly. They all knew Claire was strong and could look after herself, but why hadn't she come home, or called or written. She must have really been hurt. Maybe it was her pride stopping her from coming home. Then more thoughts started to pop into at least Alex's mind. What if she didn't want to come home, what if she never did? Had she lost the baby? Was she sick, injured? Was she dead? Alex just wanted her to come home. He was at Drovers everyday in case she came back. He spent many nights in Claire's bed.

Claire spent a lot of time thinking about everything and everyone. She spent a lot of time crying and over what, she wasn't sure. It was a mixture of sadness over the loss of her first baby, worry about the one she was carrying, missing Alex, hating Peter, hating herself in case what Liz said was true and just wanting someone to talk to like her mother. Claire had driven for a couple of days until she reached a place owned by her father's best mate Tom. Claire had spent a lot of time there, especially when she was younger. He was like an uncle to her. Tom was shocked to see her but pleased. He was also worried because she looked a state. He had no idea of what had happened because they hadn't really spoken properly for about a year. He didn't pry though and for that Claire was grateful. He let her stay with him, his wife and two teenagers, while she helped him on the farm. Claire mainly worked on the horses. Tom watched her and saw how talented she was. He told her how her father would have been proud. She had to fight back the tears. She had plenty of time to think and one day she went into town. That was when she saw Peter. She couldn't believe her eyes. She was with Tom's wife Anna at the time. Claire got on really well with her as well. She'd been like a mother to Claire since her own had died, at least whenever Claire had stayed with her. Luckily Peter hadn't seen Claire, but Anna had seen the look on Claire's face when she noticed Peter. Claire had practically run in the opposite direction to get away from him. Anna didn't say anything, at least not until that evening when they were on their own.
"Claire, what's wrong?" Anna asked in a sensitive voice. "Nothing Claire replied in her McLeod tone, not wanting to let anybody in. Tom and Anna had been so kind to her, she didn't want to just drop all of her problems onto them. "Claire I've known you since you were barely able to walk. Claire, honey, we know there's something wrong, why don't you just tell me?" Claire wanted to so badly but didn't know where to begin. Seeing Peter had really thrown her that day. She couldn't hold it in anymore and just started to cry. Anna went over to her and cuddled Claire, stroking her hair and holding her close until Claire calmed down. Claire felt better just being held. She missed the way Alex used to hold her. "Now Claire, tell me what's wrong, I'm really worried about you" Claire looked into Anna's eyes, feeling silly and tried to laugh it off but it didn't work. Anna had such a concerned and motherly face, Claire couldn't help but let everything out. "Anna, I've really messed up" she started. Anna took her hand and said softly "tell me" "I met this bloke through getting a contract with Australian Bloodlines, training horses. "That's great!" Anna was pleased because she knew how talented Claire was and how it had always been her dream. "Well the man I worked with was Peter, the man I saw in town today." Anna's face looked confused, but she didnt dare interrupt until Claire had finished "we fell in love and were going to get engaged when I found out he was already married and had kids. "Claire tried not to start crying again. "I was getting over him. I quit Australian Bloodlines and started up a business with Alex Ryan" Anna knew who Alex was, she had met him several times and had always felt Claire and Alex would be great together, she even thought Claire had always had a thing for him to. "But I stupidly nearly got back with him. I didn't though. Then it was the Gungellan carnival. Me and Alex wee competing as a team with me doing the first obstacle course and Alex doing the Cross country. I didn't do my even in the end. I found out I was pregnant with Peters baby. I also found out on the same day that Peter hadn't handed in my letter of resignation and so Drovers was going to be taken away from me. I was all over the place. Peter didn't know about the baby but he asked me to marry him again. I didn't want my child to be without a father, so I said yes. Then I realised I couldn't be with him because I didn't love him anymore. Peter dislocated Alex's shoulder after I turned him down and so I was furious and took Alex's place in the cross country. Because of Peter I had a huge accident and ended up in hospital for a couple of months. Tess and Meg were the only ones who knew I was pregnant so Tess told the paramedics as they loaded me into the ambulance. Peter heard. I didn't want him to know so I said the baby wasn't his. That was when Alex piped up and said it was his. I ended up losing the baby though, but that was after Alex said he loved me and that he would be a father to my baby. We got engaged." A smile came over her face for the first time that she had been there. "I lost the baby but me and Alex still saw each other in secret. He looked after me and Drovers. Then on New Years Eve we had a party and he announced to everyone we were getting married and I told him I was pregnant again, with his child. Then we went to tell his parents everything the next day and some of the things his mother said were so true. I've trapped Alex into marrying me and now I'm having his baby and it's a complete mess, I'm frightened of losing my baby again and I don't know what to do" she started crying again. Anna pulled her close again until Claire calmed down. Claire's hormones were really all over the place and she had managed to convince herself that she really had trapped Alex into this whole thing. "Do you love him?" Anna asked her. Claire just nodded her head. "Do you want to marry him?" she nodded again. "Did you lose the baby because of the accident?" Claire nodded again. "Well you don't have to worry about the baby, as long as you look after yourself, and as for Alex, I don't think he's the sort to let himself get trapped. You need to talk to him. Find out what he wants, and fight for him if you have to. Claire, you're a very special person and f he can't see that, then he's not worth it" Claire smiled. "You look just like your mother when you smile. I don't know if you know this, but when your mum found out she was pregnant, she left your dad for a couple of days. Your father went frantic. He was so looking forward to having a baby, and didn't know what he'd done wrong. It all worked out in the end though. When I see you riding those horses out there, you remind me so much of Jack. You have the best qualities of both your parents. They'd be so proud of you Claire. I know I am. You achieved your dream to start with and now you're going to be a mother. All you need to do now is get married, and you're not going to do that here." Claire knew she was right, which is why she left the next day. She couldn't thank them enough but they were just pleased she was ok. Tom was shocked when he heard what had happened and that Claire was pregnant. He made Claire promise to let them know what happens and to come back and visit soon, they could do with the decent hand with the horses. Claire was so grateful for everything, she had a mother in Anna that she needed, who said the right thing at the right time, knew exactly what to do and who sorted everything out in Claire's head so that Claire could now sort out everything in her life.

It was a couple of days drive back to Drovers run. She was pleased to be seeing everyone because she had missed them, especially Alex, but she felt so stupid. She didn't know what to expect. When she did get home it was in the middle of the night and she went to her room without waking up anybody. When she got there she was shocked to see Alex was sleeping on her bed. She hadn't expected that. She was so happy to see him and just climbed into bed next to him, taking in his scent and cuddling up close and fell asleep.

Alex woke up the next morning slowly. He soon realised that he was in bed with someone because he had his arm around them, as he opened his eyes, he realised, with relief, that it was Claire. He couldn't believe it at first and had to pull back the hair that had fallen in her face. He kissed her gently and moved up closer, squeezing her slightly with his arm still around her. He just laid there and listened to her sleeping. Claire was tired, emotionally and physically, she was dead to the world. All of a sudden Tess came rushing in "Alex, Alex, the Uteâ?¦" that was when she saw that Claire was home. She'd seen the Ute outside and hadn't thought that anybody had noticed Claire was back. Alex gestured to be quite and Tess smiled at how they looked together. She was relieved Claire was home, and quietly left.
Claire woke up and felt Alex's arm around her. She felt happy and safe but it didn't last. She turned around and saw Alex had been watching her. She gave a shaky smile and hen ran out of the room. He was about to shout after her until he realised the reason she was running away was because she was going to be sick. Alex gets up, not quite sure what he's going to say to her when she gets back. He starts pacing as he thinks. Claire slowly walks back into her room, not really wanting to, but is shocked when she doesn't see Alex straight away. She momentarily panics and thinks he's gone, for good, until he grabs her from behind and holds her close to him. They both feel better like they were meant to be. Alex wants to know why she left, where she went and what's going to happen now. He is not going to let her go again. Claire all of a sudden pulls away, and turns to look out the window, away from Alex "Claireâ?¦" he begins in a frustrated tone. "Alex I'm sorry," she starts. She doesn't look at him and as he tries to walk closer, she moves away. "Thisâ?¦this is your chance to leaveâ?¦ Iâ?¦ I won't do or say or think anything bad, so you can go. You can see the baby if you want to, but just leave now" her eyes start to shed tears, unknown to Alex who stands there gob smacked. "Leave?" "Ryan, this is your chance to get out early" "but I don't understand Claire, why would I want to leave?" "Why would you want to stay? Everybody leaves eventually. Your mother was right, I trapped you into this, but just because I'm having your baby, it doesn't mean you have to stay" "is that what you think? I'm gonna leave you?" "What's to keep you here? Everybody I have ever loved has left sooner or later. Mum, dad, Tess, Ruth, Peter, and then it'll be you." "Claire, my mother doesn't know what she's talking about and as for people leaving, Tess came back" "yeah, for how long? She'll leave sooner or later" "there's Meg, and Jodi and Becky, mum, dad, Nick. Claire we all care. And there's me! I'm never gonna leave you Claire. I love you. I thought we were gonna get married and have at least six kids. We've already started on the first one, five more to go" As he had been talking, he'd slowly moved closer until he had put his hands around her waste and was touching her tummy. The tinniest bump had started to show and it gave both Alex and Claire goose bumps as he touched it "do you really love me? I'm not just another one to tick off the list?" He gave her a look as she turned around to look at him. He wiped the tears from her eyes and said "I have always loved you and you weren't even on the list" he says as he picks her up and puts her on the bed. "Now, are we still getting married?" "Yes" she said as she undid Alex's shirt. "We've got some time to catch up on" Alex said as he kissed her. She giggled and pulled him down kissing him back.

When they finally went downstairs, nobody said anything, they were just all glad she was back safe and sound. Alex and Tess both gave each other relieved looks. Claire didn't eat anything but headed out to fix the broken fence Becky said she was going to do. Alex hadn't noticed her slip out but when he realised she'd gone, he went after her, jumping in the back of the Ute as Claire drove off after loading it up with all of the equipment. Claire noticed, but kept on driving. She realised she would be able to spend some time with him. When Claire pulled up and started to unload the truck, he took away what Claire was holding and pushed her up against the Ute. "Alex, I have work to do" "no you don't" "what do you mean I don't?" "You can't seriously be thinking about working?" he said as he kissed her down the neck "and why not?" she said pushing him away. If he seriously thought what she thought he thought, he had to be joking. "There is no way you can stop me from working" "do you think I'm mad?" Alex said looking at her "Oh, right" she said a little shocked "well what did you mean then?" she asked him curiously. "You would rather work than be with me?" he had been thinking what she thought he had been thinking, but he knew better than to say it. Instead, he would try anything to distract her. He didn't mind her riding horses so much unless the doctor said not to, but there was no way he was going to let her do all the heaving lifting and any hard jobs. "No, but" "but what?" he asked, kissing her neck again. She wanted to give into him, but she knew the job had to be done and if he didn't stop kissing her neckâ?¦ "Claire?" "Yes?" "We can do the fence in a minute" Alex pulled her up into the back of the van.
Claire fell asleep in Alex's arms after they slept together. She was still so tired. Alex enjoyed laying there with her, but he knew he had to fix the fence before she woke up, or she'd do it herself. They were driving back after Alex had fixed the fence, before Claire woke up. She was a little dazed. She didn't know where she was at first or what had happened. When Alex pulled up, he explained how had done the fence, because someone had fallen asleep. "Well why didn't you wake me?" she asked. "Because if this babies anything like you, we're gonna have our hands full and so you need al the rest you can get" Claire raised her eyebrows at that and went to hit Alex in the stomach, but Alex grabbed her hand as it came at him, and pulled it behind him. He did the same to the other and then held her face as Claire grinned and he kissed her. They were really getting into the kiss. Whenever Alex kissed her, all these feelings came rushing to her and she felt like she was in her own world. Her heart started to pound and she still got goose bumps as well as a tingly feeling. That was the point when Liz showed up. She had felt so guilty about what had happened. The news of Claire and Alex had really shocked her and she just thought the worst. Nick had phoned his mother to let her know that Claire was back safe and sound. Liz just had to apologise, although the thought of Alex and Claire still puzzled her that was until that moment. She had been blind to Alex and Claire, and how well they went together. The thought had never crossed her mind because everyone wanted Claire and Nick to get together. She soon realised how blind she had been when she saw Alex and Claire kissing. They looked so perfect together. Anybody could see that, and they were so much in love. Liz really was sorry and happy for the both of them.

Chapter 8

It was now late June and Claire only had a month to go until she gave birth. She was so happy. Tess had moved in with Nick, not that you'd notice, she still worked at Drovers and spent more time there than at home. Claire was married to Alex, and everything was fantastic. Claire had never been happier, except for the fact that nobody would let her work. She couldn't even be on her feet for ten minutes without somebody saying anything. Alex couldn't wait to be a dad, but he was enjoying just being with Claire. Last year things had been so different. Claire had nearly gotten married to Peter and had his baby!
It was a very hot day and Alex had to see his father about some business. It wasn't until after he had left that Claire remembered she had a doctor's appointment. Tess and Nick said they'd take her because they could pop into town and Alex could catch them up when he got home. Claire thought Alex would be back in time, but when they couldn't wait any longer, she let Nick and Tess take her.

Alex couldn't believe he'd forgotten. He ran to his Ute and drove off in a hurry. He loved going to the doctors with Claire because she couldn't argue with them. It was great. She had to do what ever they said and she hated it. He was thinking about Claire when all of a sudden something ran out in front of the Ute. He had no idea what it was but swerved to avoid it. The Ute went out of control. Alex tried to steer it away from the tree but couldn't, it was too hard and he was too close and then there was a crunch and the Ute hit the tree straight on with full force.

Claire was thinking about how much she hated the doctors and how Alex always sat there with a grin. She knew why it was. She just wished it was Alex instead because then she could sit there with the smug look on her face knowing that she couldn't argue with the doctor. They were too much alike. She laughed to herself. She was not looking forward to being told what to do. It was all of a sudden that they all noticed a Ute. It had crashed into a tree and it looked awful. All of a sudden Claire's heart started to pound and she was terrified. It looked like Alex's Ute. She couldn't sit still and as soon as they stopped, she jumped out and headed for the crashed vehicle. She just wanted it to not be Alex, she prayed that it wasn't. She felt sick in the pit of her stomach and as soon as she knew it was Alex's she went pale and nearly fainted. She started to run to the van to find Alex but Nick and Tess where at her heals holding her back. They were both as petrified. Claire was screaming out Alex's name wanting him to reply with all her might, but there wasn't one. She broke down on the ground in tears. The thoughts that went through her head were ones like, it cant be true, this cant be happening, he cant be dead, please say his not dead, what am I going to do, my baby's going to be without a father. I love him, he can't be dead. Tess was holding Claire, while Nick went to find Alex. He got to Alex and realised he was in a bad way. Alex was unconscious and bleeding pretty badly. He was still breathing though. He called an ambulance straight away and didn't dare more him. Claire went over and started crying even more. She got as close to Alex as she could and started stroking his face. He couldn't die, he just couldn't. She told him that to "Alex I love you, we're going to have a baby, you have to teach it to do all the things your supposed to like play games and fly your chopper. You're supposed to tease me and make me laugh and hold me close and kiss me. You can't die! We've got too much work to do. You can't die, I won't let you!" she couldn't see through all the tears in her eyes. She didn't know what was going on around her and she didn't care. All she wanted was for Alex to be ok. When the ambulance finally arrived, she stayed by his side and Nick and Tess were close behind in a frantic state.

As they arrived at the hospital, Claire had calmed down and was in a daze. Everything was going in slow motion and she didn't know what to do. She paced outside the door of Alex's room until finally somebody came out to speak to them. "He's going to be fine. He's very lucky. He's got concussion and has lot quite a bit of blood, but with a few days bed rest, he'll be fine" Claire couldn't believe what she'd heard. An enormous amount of relief came over her and she could have cried again. They all went in and sat by his bed. Liz and Harry were called and it was when Nick went to get some drinks that he saw them. "How is he, what happened?" was all Liz could say "mum, calm down. He's fine, just a few cuts and burses and a concussion. He'll back to work within a few days." Liz was so relieved. They all went back to the room and Liz started fussing about how it looked. Claire didn't really say anything. She just sat in the chair, watching Alex. When it started to get late and a few yawns were shed, they decided they had all better go. It was clear Alex was going to be fine and he wouldn't wake up now until morning. "Come on Claire, we can come back first thing in the morning" Tess said. "I'm going to stay" "come on Claire, you need some sleep" "I'll sleep here" "you need a proper rest in your own bed" "Tess, I'm staying!" There was no way Tess was going to win. Claire had made up her mind and so reluctantly left. When they had all gone, Claire climbed onto the bed, resting her head on Alex's chest and cuddling up close to him. That was how she fell asleep.

What was that? What happened? Where am I? God my head hurts! These were the thoughts that went through Alex's head as he came to. Claire was also woken up as the baby kicked. She moved her hand to her stomach as did Alex. She looked up at him and smiled. Her heart was pounding fast from the love she felt for him. The baby was kicking away and where Claire had been lying up against him, he could feel it to. Claire got off his bed and sat next to him as she stretched and yawned. Then she gave him a kiss just before the doctor walked in. "oh good, you awake Mr Ryan. How are you feeling?" "Like a Christmas and New year's hangover all at once" "well I'm not surprised. You have a concussion, a few cuts and bruises and you'll have to stay where you are for a couple of days" Claire grinned to her self at that point and Alex noticed "but you'll be glad to know you can be back to work in less than a week." "Thanks doc" Alex said as the doctor walked out. "What you grinning at?" he asked Claire. She had remembered thinking about Alex being told what to do by a doctor and it had come true and she found it amusing. She didn't answer his question though, her thoughts had moved on from that. "What the hell do you think you were doing? Didn't you realise you were supposed to miss the tree?" Alex was stunned. "And I thought you were dead, you nearly gave me a heart attack. You can't go and die on me like that you know Ryan!" "Oh so I have to ask your permission before I die now?" "Yes!" was her short reply before she smiled and kissed him again. He took her hand. "I'm not leaving you, so don't worry. You really think a tree's going to stop me?" "Yes, well, I'm beginning to realise how much this baby is going to be like you" the baby was still kicking away but the conversation stopped there as everybody arrived and saw Alex was awake. Claire moved away from the bed. She was feeling hot and didn't want to get in everybody's way. She was happy that Alex was ok. He was the only thing she could think about. He was the only thing that was important now. Nothing else mattered except Alex. He was loving it. He was getting all the attention. His mum had been cooking and making sure he was comfortable. He didn't have to do a thing. What he wasn't telling anybody was he probably couldn't move even if he wanted to because his whole body ached, but as usual, he was being the big brave macho man and nothing could hurt him. As Claire looked around the room with nearly everybody she cared about in it, she realised how lucky she was. Liz was fluffing Alex's pillow, Harry was trying to talk business but getting shouted at by Liz. Tess was holding hands with Nick and were chatting. Becky was talking to Brick. Jodi had been filing her nails but was being watched by Meg who about to tell her to shut up, because she knew Jodi was about to say something that she shouldn't. Then Alex mad a comment and everybody laughed. Claire didn't hear what was said. She just smiled at the picture of them all. As long as Alex was alright, nothing else mattered.

She sat in the chair and remembered a picture she had on her desk at Drovers. It was of her and Alex on their wedding day. They were standing side by side, staring into each others eyes while both holding Claire's belly where the bump was showing. She remembered the day as if it was yesterday. It had only been small. They both didn't want anything big. Claire had a gorgeous dress that looked fantastic on her. Alex had a tux on. Claire nearly laughed when she saw him standing at the alter, but it would only have been a mask for what she was really feeling. Her heart was pounding and she was trying not to show how shaky she was. She loved Alex and wanted to be with him so much. Harry walked her down the isle after Tess, Becky and Jodi who were bridesmaids. Anna and Tom, with their kids were there. Meg sat with Liz, both in tears, and Nick stood next to Alex at the alter. As soon as she saw him and he saw her, the smiles could not be taken from their faces and their eyes could not be separated. She took his arm as the stepped up to the alter. The vows were said and then came the 'I do's' It was perfect. She chucked the bouquet and Tess caught it as both Alex and Claire gave Nick a teasing look. They were so much alike, it wasn't funny sometimes. At the reception, toasts were made "I would like to say that, I did it, I finally settled down! A one woman man! And a baby on the way, who would have thought it? Not me. If I was to predict my future, it never would have consisted of finding the love of my life, Claire McLeod of all people, get married and have a baby. But I did and have never been so happy!"
They danced with each other for the first time as man and wife. The reception was great; it was one of the best days of her life.

Everybody was so enthralled in what they were doing, they forgot all about Claire and so didn't realise the pained look she was trying to hide. They also didn't notice her get up and walk out of the room. Claire couldn't understand what was wrong. The baby wouldn't keep still and it was getting painful. The place was spinning and she was really hot. A nurse noticed and came over to her. "Are you ok?" "I'm fine" Claire sat down, took a couple of deep breaths and then she really did start to feel better. The baby stopped kicking, the room was still and she was starting to feel cooler. The nurse didn't think Claire was so great though so called over a doctor. "I'm fine, it just got a bit to hot that's all" Claire was adamant and stood up. The doctor made her come with him anyway. She sat in a room and when the nurse offered to get someone for her she said no. Claire thought how she was fine and there would be no point worrying over nothing. Alex needed the fuss, not her. The doctor took her blood pressure and a couple of other tests. "Your blood pressure is too high to start with" Claire looked a little concerned now. What if something really was wrong? The doctor noticed "Butâ?¦ all you need is some rest, take these tablets and drink plenty of water. You'll be fine don't worry"

Claire went back in and sat back down. Nobody had noticed she had gone and she was glad. Alex looked so happy. A tear started to roll down her cheek as she though how she might lose the baby. It terrified her, especially with what happened to her mother. Then she wondered what Alex would do if she did lose the baby. Would he still love her, would he still want to be with her? She wiped away the tear quickly and listened to the conversation, forgetting about all her worries. They were all talking about the Gungellan show. "I guess you wont be competing again this year in the cross country?" Jodi said. Alex looked at her as if to say 'are you mad?' "Of course I am, and I'm gonna win" "Alex do you think that's such a good idea?" his mother said "I'll be back to work by the end of the week, so what's to stop me racing?" "Well I just don't think it's a good idea. Now you need some rest" everyone started to look at the time and realised how long they had been sitting there for.  They all said goodbye and as they were walking out, Claire went over to say goodbye to him. She only kissed him on the forehead. As Claire turned to leave, Alex grabbed hold of her arm "your not leaving?" "I'll be back tomorrow" "cant you keep me company?" he patted the bed beside him. She avoided his eyes. "No, I better go, you need your sleep if you want to do the cross country" She left quickly before he could say anything else. He was a little disappointed.

Claire was sitting in her room after she'd taken her food and went upstairs with it. Tess followed her up about half an hour later. Tess sat on the bed next to Claire. "Claire, what's wrong" "nothing" "Claire, you can tell me" "I said there's nothing wrong" "you're not yourself. You've hardly said two words today, and you didn't say a thing in the hospital. Alex is going to be fine, you do know that?" "I'm not stupid" "Claire I'm really worried, now will you tell me what's wrong!" Tess spotted the tablet bottle on the side and Claire realised what she was looking at. Tess had already picked up the bottle and was about to read it when Claire snatched them out of her hand. Tess couldn't believe it. Something must be wrong and it must be serious, but when did, whatever it was, happen and why didn't she say anything?
Luckily for Claire, there was a knock at the door and Meg pocked her head around the corner "Tess, Nicks on the phone for you" She reluctantly left with Meg. Claire gave a sigh of relief, put the pills away after taking one and then tried to get some sleep. Luckily again for Claire, Tess actually forgot about the pills.

Alex came home two days later in perfect health. Claire was so pleased he'd come home. He started to practice for the cross country horse race, almost straight away though because it was only two days away. Alex himself was glad to be home. He hated hospitals and loved being back in his own bed with Claire. He'd only been gone a couple of days but that was long enough for him. He couldn't wait to start practicing again. He was going to win!

"And the winner isâ?¦ Alex Ryan" the crowd erupted with screams and clapping. He'd won and everybody was so pleased, especially Claire. She was only disappointed she couldn't compete in the events this year. Alex was shaking hands and getting congratulations, as he was making his way through the crowd to Claire. The doctor caught his attention though. "Congratulations Alex! How's Claire going?" Said the doctor with a concerned face. Alex didn't like that look. "She's fine! Why?" "The doctor at the hospital told me about what happened and the medication he gave her. I hope she's taking it. She really needs to!" Alex stormed off. He hoped what he'd heard was wrong. And what happened to Claire to make her need medication? Was it serious? Was she going to be ok? He was fuming with rage.

Claire was in the middle of a crowd and she didn't like it. Everyone she knew was around her, but she didn't feel too good. Claire thought that if she just got out of there then she would be ok. She felt hot and dizzy and really strange. She started to move away when her arm was grabbed. She tried to ignore it. She really had to get out of there because she knew she really wasn't well. Her stomach was starting to hurt. It couldn't be a contraction?

Alex had started shouting at Claire the moment he'd seen her and she was in ear shot. "Claire, we need to talk" he grabbed her arm as he saw her trying to leave "Claire, what's going on? What happened, why didn't you tell me you were on medication? Claire?" Claire tried to walk away. She felt faint and then the pain came again. She was turned around by Alex, who she could see was furious but his face changed almost instantly at the sight of Claire's face. She was in pain and couldn't hide it any more. "Claire what's wrong?" "I think it's the baby" As soon as Alex had come over shouting everybody had gone quiet and so heard all what had been going on. "Go get the doctor Jodi, quickly" Meg shouted to her daughter. Tess started to panic. Alex got Nick to help him get Claire back to their room. Claire was adamant that if she was having this baby, she was not going to have it outside! They managed to get her into the room they where they were staying. The doctor arrived and everyone waited outside. There was so much tension. Alex was about ready to punch something when the doctor came out. "Well?" Alex asked impatiently. "What's been going on? Is she ok?" "Why was she taking pills?" Tess asked. She couldn't believe she'd forgotten and hadn't done anything. "When Alex had the accident, Claire was found outside his room looking extremely ill. The doctor looked at her, took her blood pressure and did some other tests. She was told to take the medication he gave her and to get plenty of rest. Her blood pressure was dangerously high. She suffered far too much stress, probably due to the accident." "Is she going to be ok?" "Hopefully she'll be fine, but she's gone into labour." Alex couldn't believe it. It was a lot for everyone to take in and they all had questions to ask, let alone all being annoyed at Claire for keeping something like this to herself. Alex followed the doctor back into the room.

Nearly two hours later, Tess was pacing up and down the corridor. She pulled a face every time she heard Claire in pain. Half an hour after that, Alex came out with a very pleased face. "It's a boy!" everyone cheered and congratulated him. His mother and Meg were in tears and Tess was beside herself. She wanted to see mother and baby, as did everyone. They all followed Alex back in. He went and sat on the bed next to Claire and put his arm around her. Claire was over the moon but exhausted at the same time. She sat there with Alex's arm around her while she held their son. Everyone was so happy and soon left them except Tess. "What you gonna call him" she asked. Claire looked up at Alex expectantly as he smiled at her and said "Jack! Jack Ryan!" Claire smiled and kissed Alex, then Jack. Tess held the baby for a few minutes. "Hello jack, I'm your aunty Tess. Now if you're anything like your parents, you're going to be hard work. There both stubborn and competitive and stupid because it took them long enough to get it together. But you'll also be smart and handsome, brave and extremely talented" she kissed the baby and handed him back to his mother and left, leaving the new family alone together. Claire lay there watching Alex walk around with their son. That was how she fell asleep. Alex ended up falling asleep in the chair, still holding little jack. It was a beautiful sight

(feedback would be great!)