Final chapter.
On the floor beside his bed Alex Ryan inhales deeply as he rolls himself onto his side to watch his naked wife walk into the bathroom.
"Jesus Stevie what was that?' He chuckles breathlessly.
He hears her giggle as she turns on the shower and replies. "That was me getting what I needed. Didn't you like it?'
Laughing loudly, he stands and lumbers towards her. "I bloody loved it. God I should let you initiate more often."
...
She giggles again and says. "Come on, hurry up I'll scrub your back for you. Kate and Riley need to get ready too and it was kind of them to watch the children for us."
Wrapping his arms around her he nuzzles into her neck and says. "They should know better than to leave me alone with you."
She giggles and quips. "Hold that thought it will make it more fun later."
"No sorry I don't think I can." He whispers before kissing her.
...
On the lawn at the back off the house the music is playing softly in the background while the drinks flow and the BBQ is cooling after feeding the multitudes.
Mozzies coils and sandalwood sticks burn to deter mosquitoes and fairy lights are turned on , giving the space a festive feel.
Matt and Riley had dragged the bar from the shed and set it up earlier in the afternoon and several people are sitting around it talking and laughing.
...
Nick and Alex are standing talking to Greg Milton about stock when Campbell walks past with a couple of bags of corn chips in his hands.
"Are you hungry already?" Alex questions.
Campbell grins and says. " I'm a teenager Alex the minute I open my eyes I'm hungry."
The men laugh.
...
" Come here." Alex calls.
Campbell walks back to him and Alex places his hand on the young man's shoulder and says. " If you're that hungry mate I can fire the BBQ up again for you?"
He laughs and replies. " My Mother would kill me if I put you to so much bother Alex. I'll be right Rose is bringing some dips and Andy and the girls have some other tucker. But thank you anyway."
Alex says . " There's sour cream and salsa inside get Rose to do some Nachos they'll be more filling."
Campbell smile sand says . 'You really want me to get in trouble don't you. ...Rose make me some nachos!... I've already felt her wrath Alex and I'm not going there again."
He walks off.
Alex laughs and calls after him. " You're a smart man."
...
"He's a nice kid." Nick offers.
"Yes he is. I was talking to him earlier and for someone so young he's got his head screwed on the right way that's for sure." Greg Milton says then adds " We met him at the fundraiser and Jill loves him.'
Alex glances back over to where Campbell has walked and says . "He hasn't had an easy run but his Mum has done a great job with him."
" Yes she has." Nick agrees.
...
Changing subjects Greg states. "Smart move buying this place Alex. It's a great set up."
"Yeah it is isn't it. Marcus found it online and we thought yes that might be us. Once we came down and had a look at it and saw all the extras we were sold, weren't we Nick." Alex replies.
Nick replies. "We wanted something for family holidays Greg and I think Alex will agree it's a little more upmarket than what we thought we needed but we've already had so much fun here . There's tonnes of living space , big bedrooms the proximity to the beach. "
"Jill and the boys love coming to the beach. Its nice family time." Greg suggests.
'" I think even in winter it will be nice with the open fires and walks on the beach." Nick comments.
"We'll have to get our boat licences Nick and then we can drag the boat out." Alex adds
...
"What sort of boat?" Greg asks.
"Haven't had a look at it yet but Constance said it's got wake boards and donuts for the children.' Alex replies.
"I'll come and have a look tomorrow Alex I've got my ticket we'll take it out for a spin." Greg offers.
"Sounds good."Alex remarks.
Stevie joins them with Holly in her arms.
...
"Constance? " Greg quizzes.
"Yeah the real estate woman, Constance Kilsyth-Jones." Alex answers.
"Nasty uptight bitch that one." Greg remarks.
"Wow Greg! Harsh words." Stevie quips.
...
"Sorry Stevie not too many people I don't like but her and that piss weak excuse for a husband of hers. I wouldn't pee on either of them if they were on fire in the gutter." Greg grumbles.
"Boy what did they do to you?" Alex asks.
"Nothing but I've had friends burnt by both of them. She reminds me of those fish that swim with whales that clean all the muck off them. She's the same but she collects information and then uses it against you. She'd know all about your court cases and stuff. Powerful people don't like to air their dirty laundry; she'll do it for you. And he owns the trucking company Solomon's."Greg offers.
...
"What Smith Solomon?" Nick offers then adds. "We went to school with him and he's an ass. Isn't he Alex?"
"Yeah he is." Alex remarks.
"I couldn't care less Greg we have no secrets all of our dirty laundry has been on show for years now." Stevie laughs.
Alex puts his arms around her and says.' Yeah we like to keep it a bit dirty don't we?'
Greg laughs and says. "You're not talking about them any more are you?'
Stevie chuckles and replies. " I was but I don't think he is.'
...
"Alex it's your Mum."Kate offers handing him the phone.
'Hi Mum..Yeah Happy New Year to you too...Yeah she is but I think she's about to go and feed Holly and put her down for the night...Yes hang on...Stevie Mum wants to speak to you."Alex says handing her the phone.
"Hi Liz...Happy New Year to you too...Where are you? Really? Oh Wow...You'll be right if you get tipsy no one will know ...Yes exactly... We have had one of the most beautiful days I've ever had...Yes we have ...very restful...working on my tan... No top on too many blokes around" She laughs loudly.
"Ok you too I'll hand you back to Alex, tell Bryce Hi and give him a hug from me."Stevie says smiling and hands Alex the phone.
...
He steps away from them and Nick quips. "Did my Mother just ask you if you were sunbaking topless?"
Stevie nods and grins. "Yeah she's my lookout on The Station when she's there, she lets me know where Riley and the boys are or if you or Marcus turn up."
Nick laughs, shakes his head and then asks. "So where are they?"
"In the middle of Sydney Harbour on a tall ship, eating gourmet food and getting tanked with dignity and class." Stevie chuckles.
"Sneaky buggers they didn't tell us they were going there." Nick states.
"Anyway I'm going to feed the baby. If anyone needs me I'll be inside." She replies and walks off.
...
Alex hands the phone to Nick .
Tess, Grace and Marcus all have a quick chat to Bryce and Liz.
The party rolls along.
Greg and Jill's friend's are lively and funny.
Another two couples turn up and they fit in easily.
Ryder is awake so Jodi moves inside to sit with Stevie and Kate wanders in too for a quiet chat
Rose and her friends plus Campbell and Andy have befriended some young people that know Greg and Jill.
They're all sitting under the veranda near the entertainment area.
Some of them go to the same school as Rose and the girls but are a year above them.
They've seen each other at school but never spoken.
...
Jill is chatting to Grace, Regan, Murphy and Tess when Constance arrives with her husband Sol.
He's full of whisky and smells of cigars and his own self importance.
"Where's me mate Alex?" He says.
...
Marcie is talking to Peter, Greg's brother and she's having a lovely time with him.
He's divorced with two young daughters and is a very sweet man.
Marcie is amazed how much they have in common and how easy he is to talk too.
...
Peter walks over to the bar to get them both a drink.
Across the garden Greg spots Smith and grumbles. "Bloody hell he's turned up. Where's Alex?"
Smith Solomon swaggers across to the bar.
Rose is standing talking to Campbell and spots him and says "Oh yuck this bloke is disgusting stay away from him."
Campbell looks over his shoulder and says. "How do you know him?'
"I met him in Cairns; Dad went to school with him. He called Mum a breeder, she was pregnant with Holly, bastard."Rose snarls quietly to him.
...
Smith stands at the bar and says "I'll have a whisky thanks."
Ben looks at him and says "I think you've had more enough mate and this is a private party."
"I went to school with Alex and Nicky Ryan where are they?' He slurs and turning spots Marcie standing on her own.
"Well look what the cat dragged in. Who invited you?'He snarls.
...
"I did." Nick says from behind him.
"Nicky! You've got bad taste in women she's a slut."Smith whispers.
Before Nick can say anything, Smith is twirled around and punched several times before he hits the ground.
"How dare you hit him you're just a common little thug. Who in the hell do you think you are?"Constance snarls.
...
Campbell spits on Smith and says. "Unfortunately I'm his son. Who in the hell are you?'
"I'm his wife and he doesn't have any other children only mine?"Constance retorts.
"Well I have DNA tests that prove you're wrong. And you're married to a bigamist because he never divorced my Mother even when she begged him."Campbell says grinning at her.
Matt and Riley are standing nearby and smile at each other.
...
"I think you should leave now and take this disgusting human being with you." Campbell tells her.
Smith attempts to stand.
Constance looks around at all the people that are there.
Very wealthy and powerful friends of the Ryan's and Milton's.
Matt asks. "Do you need some help putting the garbage out Cam?"
...
Campbell looks at Matt and says. "I'd really appreciate that Matt. Thank you."
Matt smiles at him and says. "My pleasure... Riley!"
Constance walks away fuming .
Matt and riley roughly drag Smith to his feet and walk him towards the exit.
Campbell calls after him. "You'll be getting a call from Bryce Redstaff when business opens for trade about the bigamy and my Mother's divorce. Oh and Smith I want my share of the trucking company. I deserve it because I have to live the rest of my life knowing you're my Father."
...
Once Riley and Matt drag him around the corner the yard is in silence until a shrill whistle and loud clapping and cheering rises above them.
Stevie and Alex are standing on the deck with full smiles.
"First class Cam absolutely first class. Ben give this man a beer."Alex calls.
...
Marcie looks shell shocked as Stevie and Alex reach her.
"How did you know?" Marcie asks.
"We didn't until tonight when Greg Milton twigged to who you were. He hasn't seen you for a long time." Alex offers.
" But I've never met him as Marcie Solomon!" Marcie states.
"Greg thought there was something familiar about you at the Fundraiser but because you're similar to Grace he just assumed that's what it was." Stevie offers.
"Stevie and I invited her not knowing who she was married too. I was going to say something when I saw him approach you but Cam was already on his way over and I thought I'd wait and see what happened. It was much better that Cam did it." Alex says with his arm around Campbell's shoulder.
...
"How does that feel mate?' Nick asks patting Campbell on the back.
"I can't believe I hit him. I've never been any good with my fists. It felt so good." Campbell says.
Matt and Riley have arrived back.
Greg, Peter and Ben and the girls join the group.
...
Peter puts his hand in the small of Marcie's back and asks. "Are you alright?'
She smiles and says. "Yes I think I am thanks Peter. A bit stunned but ok"
He smiles and hands her a drink.
Ben hands Campbell a beer.
...
Marcie looks at Ben.
"Hey! Don't look at me like that Marcie." Ben says .
" He deserves a beer, what he just did takes balls." Ben adds.
"Ben!" Stevie quips.
He looks at her with a serious expression says. "Well it does Stevie. I know! It takes guts and a lot of love to stand up for yourself and for your Mum."
Stevie puts her hand on his arm and he grins at her.
...
Marcie asks. "When did you do DNA?"
Campbell replies. "I looked up what I had to do on the internet. Had a hypothetical discussion with Bryce about legalities. Oh and I've got some forms for you to fill in for me as well."
"What sort of forms?' Marcie asks.
He steps forward and hugs her and says. "I don't like the name Campbell Solomon I think it's time I became Campbell McLeod. "
Tess claps her hands and says. "McLeod's Stock transport I like it! I like it a lot."
...
Marcie gets a little teary and says. "You're not angry because I lied to all of you?'
Regan offers. "They're not really lies when you're trying to protect yourself or someone you love."
"Regan's right we've all had to do it at some point." Stevie offers.
...
Marcie looks alarmed and says . " Campbell you told him Bryce Redstaff will be calling him we can't afford someone like him."
" Don't even think about any of that Marcie we'll sort it all out." Marcus offers.
Alex chuckles and say " Yeah we've got connections.'
Greg laughs and says . " Oh no please let me pay for this . Watching the young bloke hit him and then spit on him. Then to have the divine pleasure of watching her royal highness come crashing down was sublime it made my day, week, month even ten years down the track I'll still remember this . Whatever you want Campbell McLeod its yours."
...
" I'd like to go to a better school." Campbell states.
" Campbell!" Marcie growls.
" No Marcie he's right .What school?" Greg asks.
'Same one as Rose. It's an awesome school and it has ag studies and an equestrian team. "Campbell explains.
...
" You're right it is a very good school and I'll agree with two conditions." Greg offers.
Campbell looks at him and says . "What's that?'
" When you and your Mother receive your settlement you pay me back because you should not go through life owing me anything . And one week out of each of your holidays you come and work for me until you finish high school." Greg states.
Campbell holds out his hand and says . " You won't be sorry. Thank you."
" I know I won't be. I think you should rejoin your friends and celebrate all that the New year will bring to you and your Mum."Greg say smiling at him.
Campbell turns back to his Mother and asks. " Are you alright Mum?"
She hugs him and says . " Yes I am . Greg's right go and enjoy yourself and we'll talk tomorrow."
...
Turning to Marcie , Greg says . " You must be so very proud of him he is nothing like his Father."
" That's because he's a McLeod." Grace equips.
" Another McLeod ram to boost the bloodlines .'Alex offers.
" Are you sure you don't want us to go." Marcie asks.
" Drink up and shut up." Grace chuckles.
Regan grins and says . " For once I agree with Grace. It's New Years Eve Marcie. Make your resolutions because tomorrow is a new beginning."
...
Stevie says . " Alex I think we should dance."
Smiling he grabs her and begins to dance with her .
She laughs and says . " Music might help."
" Rosie! Mum and I need dance music."Alex calls.
Hip hop blares from the speakers.
Everyone laughs.
...
" No something I can maul her too."He yells.
" Here you go this one is perfect for you." Rose calls back.
Joe Cocker's.. You can leave your hat on begins.
Everyone cheers and laughs.
The mood for the rest of the night is set.
...
When Campbell walked back over to the younger group he was worried they'd shun him.
He couldn't have been further from the truth.
The girls all hugged him and asked him if he was alright .
Their new friends shook his hand and told him what he did was gusty and they were impressed.
Andy was stunned and said . " Man I didn't know you could fight like that. Awesome Campbell just awesome."
...
Later he sits beside Rose on the retaining wall.
' I'm sorry for what I said about him I didn't know he was your Father.' She offers.
" Don't apologize Rose what you said was true he's a dreadful excuse for a man, a husband and a Father ."He replies.
He has his hands beside him on the bricks and she places her hand on his and asks softly. " Are you ok?'
He smiles at her and says . " I'm coming to your school next year."
"Really , Oh wow that is so cool."She replies.
...
"So will you be back up for my birthday?" She asks.
"I'm not sure we'll have to ask my Mum." He replies.
" Peter seems to like her." Rose offers looking over to where everyone is dancing.
Campbell looks over and says. " It's been just the two of us for so long it's funny seeing her with someone."
...
"She's beautiful Campbell ." Rose tells him.
" Yeah that what Andy said but I just see Mum."He chuckles.
"Yeah same as me.' Rose adds.
"Your Mums a hottie." He says and then blushes.
" Sorry ." He adds.
She laughs. " Don't be, even my friends comment about her all the time."
...
Jodi, Murphy and Kate are up dancing and Matt , Riley and Ben are leaning on the bar.
"So Matt I noticed the left side of Smiths face was a little bruised , before the young fellow gave him a tap." Riley quips.
" Yeah I noticed that too." Matt offers.
Riley looks at Ben and says . " They other day I went for a walk and I saw a bloke in the dunes watching Stevie swim and some bloke came up behind him and gave him a bit of a touch up.'
Ben grins and says. "You don't say, now there's a funny thing I was out walking the other day and saw a similar thing myself."
" Must be a lot of it going around." Matt says as he sips his beer.
...
" Yeah the guy looked a lot like you Matt the other guy didn't even get a punch in." Ben muses.
" Ha funny thing that isn't it." Matt comments.
"So what did you do to you hand?" Ben asks.
"I hurt it fixing Riley's car didn't I Riley" Matt says grinning.
"Yeah of course you did.' Riley chuckles .
...
" I think we need more beer Ben." Matt smiles.
Ben puts three beers on the bar and says . " Compliments of the house boys for a job well done."
Raising their glasses Ben says softly. "To standing by your mates.'
"Yeah."Matt says.
"Too right." Riley offers.
...
Ten minutes before midnight everyone quietens down .
Alex says . "I just wanted thank you all for your attendance tonight. This is our first New Years Eve at our new holiday home which in case you didn't notice we've called Somewhere to Run. I've grown up never wanting for anything when it came to material things but for a lot of my life I just wanted to be loved and in later years I desperately wanted to be a Father. I now have my beautiful wife Stevie and she feels the same way about me as I feel about her. We have five of the most amazing , clever, funny and entertaining children. They fill our hearts to overflowing every day. We have our extended family and friends who are just the best in every way. They cry with us, laugh with us and hold us up when we struggle to stand and pull us into line when we're being ridiculous. We just want to tell them that we love them all dearly and we're so glad that we have them in our lives."
He pauses.
You could hear a pin drop.
Everyone caught off guard by what he said and by the emotion.
...
I'd like to propose a toast. " To loyal friends, loved ones and Somewhere to Run." He says smiling.
" To loyal friends, loved ones and Somewhere to Run." They echo.
" It's almost time are you ready ?." Kate yells.
10. ..2.1 HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Everyone laughs, hugs and kisses.
Moving around they wish each other a Happy New Year and hug each other .
...
" Mrs Ryan."
"Mr Redstaff-Ryan ."
" Got any resolutions?" He asks.
She leans in and whispers in his ear.
Looking at her he grins and raising an eyebrow asks .' Really?"
She nods .
He hugs her tightly then kisses her.
...
Turning he says . " Rose one more hour and bed ok?"
She nods and salutes him . "Yes sir ."
He grins and runs over and hugs her and says . " Happy New Year Rose Ryan I love you.'
" I love you too Dad Happy New Year."She chuckles.
...
'Goodnight everyone. We're off to bed ."Alex calls.
" Night!" Most people reply.
His immediate family heckle him.
He laughs and says " Oh bugger off the sign on the gate says every man for himself! You're all big enough and ugly enough to look after yourselves. I want to kiss my wife and hold her without interruption."
Holding her hand they walk up the stairs.
...
Walking through the house they check on the children.
Hawy is curled up beside Alexander's bed.
She lifts her head as they enter and wags her tail .
When they leave, she rests her head back on the floor.
...
Finally they check on Holly and climb into their bed.
Cuddling up he says. "I've had a perfect day. "
" Yes me too all I need now is you."
Flicking off the light he says. " Happy New Year Mrs Ryan."
" It will be if you stop with the chatter." She pretends to growl .
" MmmHmm.' He replies .
"Oh Happy New Year." She chuckles.
...
The End...Hope you enjoyed it...
Thinking I may write more of this one but if I do it with be called Somewhere to Run... Cheers kepc