Olivia tried to recover her wounded heart at "Estate". The memories of betrayal were still very fresh. She watched Grace grow each day, and that was her salvation. The long walks were nice, and the pain got more bearable. The time spent at the ranch was fading away with each day passing by and she avoided the thoughts they would take her back. Thoughts of Austin only brought her the pain. 

"Liv dear we should venture to Moncotton, our darling Grace will need warmer clothes if she's to go outside with you on those walks." Wilma was always fussing over Grace. All she talked about and with whoever would listened was how sweet and cute her great granddaughter was. 

"Yes, grandma the air changed slowly but you can tell winter is approaching, even the ducks are on the move." She smiled at Wilma who dosed of in her chair. It was the truth they will have to make a trip to Moncotton Grace will need warm clothes and Olivia couldn't find an excuse not to leave the Estate. For a while she didn't want to leave the house or their little ranch. With colder weather they spend more time indoors, but on a sunny and dry day they still venture outside. Her and Grace walked back from their daily visit to the lake when the coach arrived and brought visitors, Nelly and Roy. They couldn't stay away from them and Olivia was happy to see them. Nelly spend time with her granddaughter. Roy made rounds of Estate and suggested few changes which manager eagerly noted.

They stayed for a couple of days, thanked Olivia for having them and they headed back home. During the stay at the Estate they didn't mention Austin. They were aware how much their son hurt her. Olivia was grateful for that and didn't ask about him. She was too afraid of awakening memories. Days passed by and she knew healing takes time. Their neighbour Jack came to check on them a few times and stayed playing cards with Wilma. Olivia was glad to see a dear friend. She also got more involved in ranch managing it eased her mind and occupy her thoughts. Olivia also tried to take as much responsibilities off of Wilma as she could.

***

Austin stayed away from everyone at the edge of the ranch close to the mountains. He repaired fences to keep himself busy and at night he slept in the old trapper's cabin. He didn't go back to the ranch for weeks.

Wes after a certain time passed by decided to check on his brother. He packed food and blankets and headed toward the cabin. They used to play there as children many times. He knew that is where he'll find Austin. He also knew staying away gave him time to think.

Austin spotted Wes from a far, he had a feeling his brother will come in search of him. Wes dismounted his horse and pooled blankets off and saying nothing headed for the cabin's door. There he turned and looked at Austin, "Come, I brought food too. You can go on like this or you can resolve this obstacle. Go to Moncotton and bring her back."

" Are you staying or are you going?" Austin asked him.

" I'll stay for two days and help you with fences and then I'm heading back." 

Wes stayed for a couple days and then decided it was time for him to leave Austin to sort things out and decide what to do. 

"I'll see you in a few days or I'm sending Clay over without his tobacco." Wes announced before leaving. Austin had to grin at that.

It was difficult to forget that he caused Olivia such pain. He knew she had a right to feel resentment for him. She was pure as the fresh snow when he met her first. Olivia couldn't known of his not so honourable plans. He should have known back then that this was more. He never felt this way towards any woman. She was the light in the darkness, and she was the warmth on the coldest day.

He hurt the one he loved the most, and he lost her because of it

***

The weather promised each day to get worse and when first snowflakes started to cover the picks of the mountains; it was the time to pack. Austin saddle his horse and headed back. How he crossed the sections of the ranch one by one with each his determination got stronger.

Clay was in the yard when he came home. He almost didn't recognize Austin. He looked different, with beard overgrow his face and he appeared thinner.

"I was about to head out there checking on you. it's time you go get that girl." He grinned. 

In front of the main house was parked to him well know carriage. Thimkens were here. They were the last people he wanted to see. Being out there alone give him time to think and come to a decision.

He missed Olivia and Grace too much. He decided it was time to bring them home. Nothing was more important to him.

Victoria came with her parents, as he walked in, Nelly looked up and couldn't hide her happiness to see him. The good thing was their guests were just leaving. Victoria smiled at him and that was the wrong thing to do. He wasn't going to take it anymore. They might be friends, but Olivia was more to him.

"Austin, you are home!" Victoria sounded triumphant. She quickly turned towards her parents," Maybe now that Austin is back we should stay for a few more days."

Austin couldn't keep quiet anymore, " Victoria, there is no need to inconvenience yourself with me. I won't be staying long. I have an important agenda at Moncotton. Down there is my life. My two girls are waiting for me to repair the damage I caused."

"Austin you can't be serious!" She almost screamed, but not to draw her parents attention kept it low.

" You can always support her. Send her money, but going after her. Don't you think it's ridiculous?" She got the bit red in the face and pure anger poured out of her. Her carefully made plan clearly didn't work. 

"Victoria!" His voice loud and clear, it brought everyone's heads up in attention. He was beyond caring, "I will never marry you! What you did is not to your credit. You hurt Olivia not once but twice. I might deserve it, but she didn't." Then in a calmer manner he continued.

"Only thing ridiculous is your behaviour. Never even think of doing anything like that again. She'll be my wife, so it means she will be Jade. You know your father won't approve of you interfering with Jade family."

She looked at him her eyes wide and her mouth open in disbelief. Austin never talk to her that way.

That wasn't part of her agenda. She expected him to propose to her now that Olivia was out of the picture.

Her parents started to pay the attention to what happened and were speechless. They were packed up and ready to go and they got shocked at Austin's anger not being able to understand the source of it.

"Austin, is there a reason for your unkind treatment of our daughter?" Mrs. Thimken wanted to know.

"All do respect but you might want to ask your daughter. My advice, to be kind to my future wife and my daughter," it was said in the low tone of voice that meant he was serious. Roy looked at his son but sustained himself of saying anything. He knew his son protected Olivia and Grace, and he couldn't be happier. Being a grandparent became a special feeling, and he adored the little bundle of joy. Let Austin sort his own things, his son knew he stood behind his every decision. He out of politeness shook hands with Mr. Timken. Nelly was saying goodbye to Mrs. Timken and sustain herself from showing how much she wanted them to be on their way. The angry Victoria displayed her temper, and she strode out and took a seat in the carriage without saying another word. She hated when things didn't go her way.

Austin passed everyone in a hallway and stopped for a few moments. He turned around to look at his mother. " I'm going to Moncotton. I have to bring them back or I'll stay there."

Nelly beamed at him happy that he is finally home. She already got worried about him. 

She secretly hoped that he'll make things right between him and Olivia.

She missed her granddaughter, and she became to love Olivia like her daughter.

Determination drove Austin to get ready for a trip. Wes came around surprised to see him. After visiting Austin up in the cabin happy that his brother came back. He was in time to hear his statement. Wes wasn't going to allow him to go by himself to Moncotton. Nolan also learned of the upcoming trip and decided to come along as far as Elms. Donald wasn't at the ranch he went up north to Virginia city checking their gold mine progress.The next morning they were on their way. By midday the sunny morning turned into one miserable cold day. The rain came down with a vengeance, the road turned into a mud puddle. The bolt of lightning light up the sky and then got closer with thundered. They rode in silence, only sound was the wind and horses hoofs splashing the mud. The storm got closer with each passing minute. Austin rode the young gelding, and he got restless. The horse was beautiful but still not as trained and calm as other horses. Austin didn't want to ride Black, his faithful horse. He deserved to stay behind after he suffered the solitude of staying with Austin. 

The vegetation growing by the road looked down to the earth . Now low clouds got closer , and yet another bolt of the lightning strike almost beside them. The young gelding sprang to his hind legs lifting the front ones and threw the well experienced rider out of the saddle. Wes jump down and in instance kneel beside Austin. His eyes were open he looked at Wes and then he closed them. They were only a few miles from Elms. Wes knew Austin needed a doctor's attention and how serious concussion could be. Nolan road in to town and brought with him back a buggy and the doctor. They transport unconscious Austin to their house in Elms and the doctor stayed to examine him. "Will just have to see and wait. He could regain consciousness in a few hours or it might take longer." 

Roy, Nelly and Clay arrived the day after but Austin was still unconsciousness. Clay chew on his cigar and slipped out and him and his faithful Rosie took off. Clay knew Austin should be awake by now but he had no motivation to want to. He found himself on the road to "Estate". He had a feeling Olivia was the key to Austin's recovery. 

The information he got last night might help them find the path back to each other.

The lone rider approached the house. Olivia recognized Rosie and the rider. Clay was a dear old man. She wanted to smile at him but there was something in his expression holding her back. Something was dreadfully wrong. She knew it. She could feel it. Clay dismount his Rosie and approached Olivia." Olivia, I wouldn't bother you but he needs you. He won't fight if you don't come." He explained to her what had happen.

" I know Olivia you blame Austin for your papa's death but in the truth I talk to the cowboy's who were there when it happened. Your papa wasn't well for some time there was enough time for him to move out of the way but he fell before bull even reached him. I know Austin made a mistake, but that boy loves you. Please come Olivia. He was on his way here, ready to do anything for your forgiveness. He has a good heart. He was young and foolish but at his age young ones are bound to do stupid things." Olivia couldn't refuse Clay's request. The cold hand grabbed at her heart. what if she's late? 

The darkness was welcoming but the soft voice was calling him back. The voice that penetrate the thickest of dark, reaching him with invisible hands bringing him back to light. He started to fighting against the darkness.The voice got clearer. The one he knew so well. "Don't leave me!" The words reached him. He started to understand. He opened his eyes and looked into the violet deep gaze of the one he love.

The gentle hand touched his face. He still dreamed. Olivia wasn't here. His mind played games with him. Olivia looked into his confused eyes and touched his face, the deep inside her heart she unlocked the doors and she let the shining light of love pour out of it. It was in its confinement for a while and being released it filled every corner of her heart.

"Don't leave me! Stay with me my love." She whispered to him. Looking in that loving face wishing he would open his eyes. He must have heard her because they opened and she gazed into the blue dept of them, still a little confused but his.

"Olivia!" Were his first words. he tried to say more but stopped and just looked at her. She couldn't resist she bend down and put her cheek next to his with both hands holding his head. "You are awake. don't strain yourself. I'm not going anywhere." Olivia spoke gently. The doctor came in at that moment and smiled, "You are awake. This is a good sign. I can tell the young lady did wonders." She smiled at him and stood up ready to move away to give the room for examination. The panic in Austin's eyes told her he didn't want her to go anyplace." I'm not going far, the doctor need to see you."

"Olivia, you are here." His voice got more steady.