Olivia wasn't sure if Austin's mother showed up here to give her more trouble. She tried to ignore Nelly. Grace slept and Olivia didn't want to disturb her. She turned and walked towards the little wooden gate that had half of the boards missing. Nelly now moved from under the lone birch tree and stood in front of it. She wore fashionable dark blue dress. Her silvery grey hair pinned in an elegant bun with a beautifully carved white clip. She was still a beautiful woman. Her eyes were the same shade of blue as her son's. She made a few steps in Olivia's direction with a somber expression.

The leaves in a nearby tree waved on the branches. The wind swept by and made them rustle around, talk and whisper to each other. The lonely one freed itself and swirled in the air on its last dance before it softly touched the ground and stayed there. 

The silence took over for a few moments.

Nelly always a confident woman, now appeared nervous and unsure. She lowered her eyes down to sleeping Grace in Olivia's arms.

She spoke to Olivia in a low voice full of anticipation, "I'm so sorry Olivia. I have been just a mother trying to do what I thought was best. Austin won't talk to me. The rest of my boys are looking at me like I'm a very unkind person." 

With a hand pressed to her mouth, she whispered, "Oh my, this is my granddaughter." Nelly made another step towards Olivia. With shiny eyes she devoured the sweet baby, "I am a grandma!" It was a statement made to herself. 

Olivia struggled for words.

Nelly lifted her troubled eyes to Olivia, "Olivia, I was hoping to find you here. I went to Mrs. Helm's house; they told me you'll be here." She shifted her eyes back down at Grace and with hope in them again to Olivia.

Olivia followed the leaf which took off again while she tried to decide what to say to Austin's mother. Nelly had tried to intimidate her before. What if she's here doing the same? Olivia was not sure what were Nelly's reasons for coming after her, and whether she was being sincere.

"Why are you seeking me out?" There was clear mistrust in Olivia's voice.

"I came in hope you'll accept my invitation. We would love for you to stay at the ranch." Nelly saw Olivia's expression, and she rushed to add, "If not to stay at least to join us for a dinner. My husband would love to meet you and to see our granddaughter." She glanced from Grace to Olivia.

The wind picked up the same leaf that has fallen and danced with him around the churchyard just to place him down a little farther. The surrounding air got thicker and heavier.

"Mrs. Jade, I believe you are mistaken. Don't forget I'm only a cowboy's daughter! I know you don't approve of me. Grace will never have to know she's not good enough for your family."

Nelly looked at her with panic in her eyes. Olivia couldn't help but notice it. Maybe she was too harsh towards Nelly. To her defence she wanted to protect Grace. There was no way she'd let anyone hurt her in any way.

Instead of looking at Nelly, Olivia followed the leaf that started its dance all over again trying not to show her bitterness. she lifted her head and looked up into Nelly's blue eyes. This time there were tears in them.

"I'm sorry, Olivia! I'm so sorry! I was inconsiderate. Please forgive an old foolish woman," she pleaded and was full of regret.

"Please! Can I hold my granddaughter? If only for a moment." She extended her hands begging to hold Grace. Olivia's kind heart couldn't deny her that. She slowly placed sleeping Grace in Nelly's stretched arms.

Nelly looked down at her granddaughter and a sob escaped her. "Thank you, Olivia for a such precious gift. Please say yes, you'll come."

"I will come, Mrs. Jade. I'm sorry for being stubborn and too proud. I've protected Grace and didn't realize that she will be loved by her father's family." Olivia's shiny violet eyes looked at Nelly. It was the touchy moment for both.

"She is loved by all of us!" Nelly was fast to reply. "They can't wait to meet her." Her voice shaky but sure.

The lone rider down the road got Olivia's attention. His black stallion walked across the street and left the dust behind. It was well known posture approaching. Austin rode closer to them. Nelly reluctantly gave Grace back to Olivia and now held her shawl instead like her life depended on it.

Olivia's heart on the other hand jumped at the sight of him. Her violet eyes became more alert. It was impossible for her not to react to his closeness. 

"Mother! What are you doing?" He asked Nelly with fear she did something to upset Olivia. He dismounted and looked at Olivia and Grace.

"I was apologizing and meeting my granddaughter." 

"Austin we are just getting to know each other. Mrs. Jade invited me for a dinner and I accepted." Olivia came to Nelly's rescue.

Austin walked to Olivia and took now awaken Grace out of her arms. "My beautiful girl." Grace who was too small to respond only looked at him with her violet eyes. They mesmerized him, they were the same shade as her mother's. 

"We better be going then if we are to make in time for dinner." 

Olivia and Nelly climbed in the Nelly's awaiting coach and Austin handed Grace back to Olivia. Soon they were out-of-town heading towards the Big J ranch. Olivia almost forgot how beautiful it was around here.

The water in the river from a far appeared green, but getting closer you could see it is clear. At the edge water was shallow and exposed the shiny rocks, but in the middle the water danced over the rocks and created white lace. A little further down, the river slowed down and lazily rested for yet another adventure. Alerted by them the flock of the ducks took off quacking. They were on their way south and were resting in the slow part of the river.

The top of the mountains had their beautiful white caps covered in white. They were harbouring necessary snow ensuring water all year round. Right at the bottom of them, trees grew, and the vegetation was rich. The higher you look up the trees were fewer. In the middle the rocky surface showed out of the ground and only a few trees remained. Underneath in the valleys were pastures with a river going through them making bends and curves. The few old lonesome oak trees stood on a few surrounding hills. They held the guard over every living thing around. The cattle peacefully grazed by the river where vegetation was the richest and grass was still dark green. Olivia enjoyed this perfect harmony of the nature surrounding The Big J ranch while the coach slowly came closer to the house.

The narrow road climbed slightly up the hill leading to the front of the white mansion. When they stopped Austin helped Olivia down with a smile. Olivia and his daughter were finally home.

Roy came to greet them in the huge parlour. Three heads appeared behind him. Olivia couldn't believe the warm welcome her and Grace received. Grace was the star of the evening even if she slept through most of it.

The "Estate" was a very nice homestead, but the Jade's home was beautiful and grand. A large, long table covered in handmade white lace tablecloth adorned the dining room. Olivia discovered that it was Nelly's own work, so were the country curtains in the kitchen and the little sunroom that led to the stone path in the yard planted with flowers.

The heavy furniture displayed in every corner of the house. The grand piano was the center of the music room that also harboured red upholstered chairs. The view through the windows was picture perfect: the river, mountains and the town of Kenth all visible from this point.

Clay showed up at the house to meet them. He wiped his eyes with his calloused hands after seeing Grace.

"I knew your papa, Olivia. He was a nice fellow, the hard worker at that." Clay turned towards her. The mention of Olivia's father woke up the uneasiness in Austin. 

She was surprised how at home Clay was in Jade's home. They were not at all what she thought of them. Olivia also found out he has his own bedroom at the ground level, but preferred to stay with the rest of the cowboy's at the bunkhouse. He said he got used to it; after all it is where he has spent all his life.

Austin had to wait for his turn to hold his daughter. The newly found uncles doted on their niece. It was astonishing to see such big men being so gentle with Grace. The little star of the evening already knew how to charm them. No matter how much the Jade brothers adored their little niece they were equally happy about the situation. Mother will leave them alone now having a grandchild to dote on. Commitment wasn't on their list of priorities. They looked at Austin with sympathy and disbelief at his besotted expression when he looked at Olivia or Grace. All three of them shivered at the thought same happening to them. They almost swore off the girls.

Wes tried to put the set of dark eyes out of his mind. It just won't do to get tied down to one woman.

Austin looked at Olivia and admired her beauty. Her shiny honey coloured hair neatly pulled behind on her head, only a few strands escaped to the white slender neck. Her dress was modest, but it did not conceal her lovely figure. Austin wished he could pick her up and take her to his bedroom.

He wanted to keep them right beside him, not to let them go. He knew it wasn't a good idea to pressure Olivia. He didn't want to scare her away, so he decided to be patient.

Later on with a heavy heart he left them at Mrs. Helms house.

"I'll come and get you and Wilma in the morning. The whole family wants you to stay with us Olivia." He tried once again to convince her, but to his surprise Olivia accepted his invitation.

Wilma wanted to stay with Mrs. Helms. They became fast friends and truly enjoyed each other's company. 

At the ranch Olivia was shown to her room. It was truly beautiful. It had a wood-carved baby rocker complete with beautiful pink baby blanket and cushion. On the little table beside the rocker was a wardrobe all done in matching pink: the crocheted booties, hat and socks. Olivia smiled; someone thought about everything. Only shortly after she discovered it was all of them. Nelly made clothes herself. Roy found and brought the beautiful rocker from the attic. The proud uncles had cleaned it and Austin bought the rest for his daughter. Olivia was impressed.

They were having tea when the sound of squeaking wheels and horses hoofs interrupted the peaceful afternoon.

Timken's arrived at the ranch with their daughter Victoria