Thimkens arrived unannounced. It wasn't all that unusual. Jades were used to their friends surprise visits.

Roy stood up from his chair, still tall and an impressive man. Even being close to his sixties he was nowhere near retirement. His dark tan he earned from hours spent outdoors. He went out to welcome their old friends.

Olivia sat at the table. Grace rested beside her in her little baby basket. Her eyes were open, and she followed her grandma. 

The stirring of air from the open door made the curtains flap and brought with it Mrs. Thimken and Victoria. They entered with an air of arrogance around them.

Mrs. Thimken walked in first, smiling. She was a short petite woman. Her face still held traces of beauty, but her eyes were cold and the smile never reached them. Her fakeness didn't fool Olivia.

She acknowledged Nelly but ignored her.

"Good day, Nelly. It's good we finally arrived. I'm getting too old for this road travel. We will have to talk to our husbands to bring the railroad to this part of the country," she complained while seating herself at the furthest spot at the table possible from Olivia and Grace.

Victoria walked in behind her mother and Olivia noticed how much they looked alike. She first saw Olivia, and then her gaze shifted to the baby basket beside Olivia.

Nelly appeared uncomfortable with her friend's rudeness, but kept quiet.

Victoria's sideway look told Olivia that she wasn't too happy to find her here. She followed her mother's example and seated herself away from them.

Nelly smiled at them, welcoming them. She hurried to get more china settings for the tea and came back carrying the tray herself. Placing it on the table, she looked at her guests, "A little refreshment to ease the dust of the road." Shortly after the young maid brought a plate with freshly made honey cakes.

Olivia couldn't understand how Nelly could stand to listen to them only talking about their latest purchases of new gowns and hats. Mother and daughter were alike. 

Grace got fussy and it was the perfect excuse for Olivia to leave the room. Nelly helped her and held Grace until Olivia gathered her shawl.

The men were still outside inspecting the progress of the new barn. When Roy and Mr. Thimken came inside, they settled themselves in the chairs by the open fireplace with a glass of bourbon, discussing and predicting the prices of cattle.

Rest of the Jade brothers, with the arrival of Victoria, seemed to become busy. Right away every pasture of the ranch called for their assistance. They'd all saddled their horses and only dust behind them visible. They couldn't rode out fast enough.

Victoria excused herself and sneaked out in a search of Austin. She knew he had to be somewhere close and found him in the stables. Self assured she walked up to him with a smirk around her mouth.

"Just lately I've talked to Emma Ewans! So, you let her papa go." A strand of her hair escaped her braid. With one hand she played with it and the other hand she had placed on her hip.

"Why didn't you tell me? I don't mind your little fling as long as you are discreet." Her high polished boot circling the dust in front of her. Austin looked at her with disbelief. 

"How much is my silence worth to you?" She stared at him without a shame, and a triumphant look in her eyes. "You marry me and she'll never know." 

Austin saw red. This was a treat, but Victoria patted the horse's neck like what she was saying had no great importance. Then she continued in the even tone.

"Or should I let her know why her papa died!" The grin on her face was of a person sure they'll get their way.

Austin grind his teeth. "You leave her alone, Victoria! Don't go there!"

She smiled at him, "I overheard Wes talking about the wedding. You can't be serious about it."

There was no answering smile on his lips. "It will never happen Victoria get that idea out of your head. Just to make it clear to you, I'll never marry you. I have a daughter and I love her mother." His eyes were stormy and even the weather sided with him. Outside the barn door the wind picked up and the first drops of rain after two weeks of warm weather hit the ground.

He stormed away not being able to withstand her presence and left her behind. Clay was carrying the bucket of water for the horses. With a questioning eyes he looked at angry Austin. Clay could feel something troubled him, but Austin disappeared before he had a chance to ask him. He stepped into the stable to get off the rain. When he spotted the young lady inside the barn, he got his answer. 

Victoria passed by Clay snubbing her nose at the sight of him. "Dirty cowboys," she hissed under her breath and hurried towards the house.

From the window Olivia watched Victoria hastily walking towards the stables. She knew she was looking for Austin. She didn't want to be unkind, but Victoria spelt bad news for her. An uneasy feeling set in her stomach. She still remembered what happened at Elms and the near consequence of Victoria's action. Grace who peacefully slept in her rocker had no idea of her mother's struggles.

Olivia knew everyone doted on and wanted Grace. Nobody said the word about her position in their lives.

She was halfway to the tearoom when the voice of Mrs. Thimken reached her, "Nelly I'm surprised that you let this girl into your house. Her character is little known! Are you sure this is Austin's child? She is after all only a hired hand's daughter."

Olivia didn't need to hear more. She returned to her room thinking of the words she overheard. Austin never mentioned his plans for her or how he feels. She didn't want again to be looked down at. Maybe it's time for her and Grace to leave The Big J and town of Kenth. Wilma will understand.

She packed her and Grace's belongings and then carrying Grace in her arms step out. One of the cowboy's had surrey out and was getting ready to go to town.

Everyone was about their chores. Nelly was busy with Mrs. Thimken and nobody saw her leave.

By dinner time Austin came to check on her and he quietly opened the door. The room was empty. All was in place and tidied up. Grace's belongings neatly piled on the little table started the panic. There was no sign of them.

After he investigated, he found out that Hank the young cowboy gave them the ride to Kenth. He told Austin that he left them at Mrs. Helm's house.

"It's late, and it's raining. They won't come back tonight. You can get them in the morning.' Roy reassured devastated Austin. Their guests already retired to their rooms. He thought about Victoria's words. The fear of losing Olivia was sending chills down his bones, it got real, but letting her go wasn't an option. He has to find courage to ask her to marry him.

Early in the morning Austin was on the road to Kenth. He arrived at Mrs. Helms' house just in time, and what he saw was the cause that his heartbeat dropped. They were packed and about to leave. Last night's rain had stopped. The air was a little crisp despite the big orange globe rising behind the mountains. 

"Olivia, why did you leave?" There was an uncertain glow in his eyes while waiting for the answer.

"It was for the best. Don't you realize it's better this way. You can come and see Grace at the "Estate"." Her violet eyes searched his face trying to make him see that by leaving she's doing the right thing for all of them.

"I don't understand this logic. Not having Grace and you beside me can't be better Olivia. Big J is Grace's home." Austin couldn't know how those words affected Olivia. He didn't mention her home too. He didn't mention Olivia.

The horses stamped their hoofs on the ground and neighed occasionally, almost like they were waiting for an outcome. Olivia thought for a while but then did what her heart was telling her to do. 

She agreed to go back to the ranch because of Grace.

When they arrived at the ranch, it was still early afternoon. Nelly came out to meet them in the front of the house. "Olivia! My dear Olivia, you gave us a scare." She took crying Grace out of Olivia's arms swinging her, "Hush little one. You'll be fine, my sweet baby girl."

Olivia followed Nelly back inside with Austin behind her. Gratefully the house was quiet the Thimkens were still in bed. Nelly settled Grace in her rocker and soon she left after she heard their guests wake up.

Austin took a chance to sneak in Olivia's room. He gently drew her to him, and his lips captured hers. She tasted sweet. It was the heaven all over, her full pink lips were made for his kisses. Her skin like the soft, smooth silk. His breathing got heavier. He wanted her, but knew it was too soon. Hesitantly he placed her gently away from him.

After she made a protest of losing his warmth, Austin chuckled,

"It is equally hard for me to leave you like this, but I better go before someone finds me here." He kissed the tip of her nose before he left. Olivia's heart pumped wildly inside her chest, being in his arms was where she wanted to be.

After Austin left, she changed her travel dress with the soft pink one. It looked beautiful on her. She needed to stretch her legs, so she asked the young maid to watch Grace for a while. 

The flowers on the side of the wall still bloomed and their colors filled the garden with the beauty. Just a little down the rose alley the heavy yield of apples and late pears got branches bend down to the ground. It was peaceful. She thought how she liked being out here.

Victoria had an agenda, and when saw Olivia leave the house, she followed her outside.

Austin wasn't sure what to expect of Victoria, but he kept on alert when it comes to her. Clay ran to the house, "You better come, "Black" is having her colt. She looks she is in distress. It would be good to keep an eye on her." Austin left and went after Clay to the barn momentarily forgetting about Victoria.

Victoria caught up with Olivia down by the apple tree. She lazily picked one of the fruit before spilling her venom.

"You know I'm a friend with Ewans' daughter. Didn't your papa work for them?" She even sounded sweet