The Jades were relieved to see him awaken, but the concerned for him was still present. When the doctor entered the four of them moved out of the way so he could take a better look at Austin. 

Olivia's cheeks got red, but she glanced at Austin with such warmth that nobody in the room could miss it. Her feelings for him were impossible to hide. 

"Olivia." He tried again. 

"I'm here. Don't talk." 

He wanted to ask her for forgiveness but he was unable to speak more than her bare name. Austin needed her forgiveness to go on. She was here, should he allow himself to hope? Should he hold on to a thin thread of hope? It would be all he needed.

"Olivia, you are here...forg....",he strained.

"Yes, I'm here! Shhhh...you need to take it easy."

She moved to a large hallway with the rest of the Jades. Together they stood in silence, waiting for the doctor's opinion. After he checked his patient, the old doctor opened the door and turned towards them, " I think this young man is on his path to recovery. A little nourishment and he should feel better in no time. I recommend that he should stay in bed for the next few days. ," He packed his black bag and shook hands with Roy."I'll stop by to check on him tomorrow morning. If anything changes send for me immediately."

After Austin was declared well enough to have food, Nelly, who was behind Olivia gave orders to the maid to get the broth from the kitchen. The family had hoped that Olivia would achieve a miracle, and she did. Olivia observed the four people who unmistakably cared about Austin and regarded her as part of the family. She felt their genuine acceptance and even now it felt pleasant to be around them. Nelly brought broth for him, but Austin, propped up on the pillows scanned the room, trying to find Olivia. 

He swallowed a few spoonfuls before he whispered with a groan, "Olivia.....Grace?" 

"She's back home with my grandmother." Olivia came closer to the bed, so he would not have to strain himself. "Rest now and eat. You'll see her soon." 

It touched her deep down that even as weak as he was, he still thought of her and Grace first with obvious affection. She could tell that he struggled with his guilt. The love and fear she felt for him got stronger. Olivia knew she had to go back to "Estate" and was torn between wanting to go back and wanting to stay by his side. As much as she didn't want to leave him she had to think of Grace. She was still too little to be left behind for such a long time. It was heartbreaking to leave him even if he wasn't alone and being well cared for. She only stayed for another day to be sure he was improving and only then with a heavy heart did she return to "Estate".

In the following days, Austin showed recovery and walked a little each day. His head didn't hurt as much, and he got anxious. By now Olivia and Grace should come back. 

It had been only a few days ago how Olivia left, but to him it seemed longer. He missed them both, and couldn't wait to see them. Austin did not have the opportunity to let Olivia know what was in his heart or ask for forgiveness. His heart was full of love for her and she deserved to know that. When she stayed by his side, someone was always in the room with them. He wanted privacy for what he wanted and needed to show and say to her. Many things were left unsaid. Until now he had only taken giving nothing back and now, he wanted so much to give. Making her happy and to return the smile to her eyes would be his first priority in life. To make up for all the hurt he had caused he needed to show her the joy of being loved. Warmth filled his chest, and it only reminded him of Olivia. He remembered the feel of her soft full lips and the texture of her hair under his fingers. 

Deep down, he felt no happiness until he gave back happiness to the one he loved. Inside of him the unfulfilled sense of despair still lurked from some dark place waiting for the light. Only one person could light that for him; Olivia. Her forgiveness was what he craved more than anything.

.......

As to be reading his thoughts the ray of sunshine entered through the window. 

Wes opened the door with a grin on his face, " I see you are sulking so that must mean you are feeling fine. It's time to kick you out of bed." Austin couldn't get angry with his brother knowing Wes hid his worry behind his teasing. His family was there to take care of him and physically he already felt stronger. 

Wes and Nolan already got on his nerves pacing around the house. For them staying for long indoors didn't sit well, they longed for the open pastures. Soon after they were sure their brother was on the road to recovery, they left Elms and went back to the ranch. They were too afraid their mother would get the idea to find them brides and this town was full of candidates for her plans. She only had to mention the word matrimony once. Fearing this both brothers left the first chance they got.

Austin became antsy while he waited for Olivia and Grace and when they didn't come for a couple of days, he got worried. His mother fussed around him a little too much. He didn't had a heart to tell her. 

Mounting his horse and riding to Estate entered his mind. He couldn't wait to hold Olivia in his arms. His heart would skipped up beat every time he thought of her. 

***

After a few days spent at home Olivia was then ready to go back to Elms.

Wilma came in the room and noticed Grace was a little warm, " Olivia, our little one has got a slight fever, she is teething. It wouldn't be wise to travel with her. She won't be happy to be on the road." 

Olivia had to agree with her grandma. She was worried about Austin and missed him, but knew he was in good hands. 

As soon Grace felt better, they'll visit him. She knew he longed to see his daughter. He had not seen her in a while and she had grown since then.

A couple of days have passed and Grace got over her fever. Olivia decided to go back. All the stuff she prepared to take with them rested packed by the door, waiting only for Leon to come and get it. The horses' hoof from outside announced visitors. She looked to check who it was and she couldn't believe when she saw a coach with the unmistakable big J letters. When it stopped Austin's tall frame stepped out of it.

***

Austin felt better, except for the occasional pain in his head. He couldn't wait any more for Olivia and Grace to return to Elms. Each day without them seemed too long. He wanted to be beside his two girls. Grace was growing, and he had not seen his daughter for a while now. Just the thought of Olivia made his heart beat faster.

Nelly and Roy tried to talk him out of it, but he wouldn't listen. They insisted he take the carriage instead of riding. When he saw Olivia open the door for him it did wonders to his heart. 

He looked into her beautiful eyes and smiled, but as soon as he stepped inside he got lightheaded. The dull pain behind his eyelids got persistent. 

Austin reached to hold on to a door frame, and that was the last thing he remembered. When he collapsed Olivia panicked. Immediately she sent Leon to Elms to get a doctor.

He woke up in an unfamiliar room, the blue tones of the room suggested that it was a man's room, but it wasn't his. He recalled his journey to come and see Olivia and Grace.

Olivia was wiping his brow when the old doctor showed up, "Mr. Jade you did a little too much, a little too soon, not following my advice led to your collapse." He scolded him.

Austin couldn't think of the last time anyone did that, not since his childhood. But he couldn't get angry with the old doctor knowing he was right.

"Where am I?" He asked unsure of his surroundings.

"You are at ,"Estate", Ms. Tanner sent for me when you collapsed. You should felt better by now. I think it is a case of overdoing it." 

The elderly maid walked in with a tray of steaming tea and some biscuits, Austin glanced at the tray and got ravenous. 

The doctor looked at him, "If you feel hungry, it's a good sign. I will leave you now Mr. Jade but take care and I advise you to take it easy until you don't experience headaches anymore." 

Doctor left a bottle of laudanum for pain with a warning to take it only if it was necessary.

Olivia came in with a scolding look on her face, "You shouldn't travel, we were just getting ready to go to Elms."

She came closer to the bed, and he pulled her to him with one hand. 

The pleasure of having her close to him was overwhelming, and he buried his face in her hair inhaling her unique fragrance.

How could he have ever thought he could let her walk out of his life? 

Just as he spoke, " I love you.... I need your forgiveness..", the turn of the doorknob announced someone at the door. 

Olivia had just enough time to stand up when Wilma walked in holding Grace. Seeing them Austin's eyes radiated with affection. Just one look at his daughter and his heart swelled with pride. Olivia picked her up and brought her to him. She placed the little bundle beside her father.

He gently stroked Grace's cheeks "My precious girl, my angel."

Grace sensed she was the center of attention. Her little hands explored her father's face. He got hold of her little chubby hand and gently kissed her knuckles playing with her. After a while, when Olivia saw that he was getting tired she took Grace and gave her back to Wilma. The proud great grandmother beamed at her great granddaughter and after placing Grace in the crook of her arms, she shifted her attention to Austin.

"You better rest Austin. Olivia has had enough worries. It is time you make her happy, and for that you need to fully recover. This young lady has been worried about you." Hearing her grandma's remark Olivia's cheeks get red. 

Wilma smiled and holding Grace in her arms left, closing the door behind her. As she walked out she thought about how nice it would be to have more grandchildren, and she left it to those two to fulfill her wishes.

With Wilma out of the room Olivia moved closer to the bed. One look from him had the power to turn all her senses into the motion. He had that hold over her. She knew she loved this man with her heart and soul. Every time he touched her the world ceased to exist. As if he had read her mind, he got hold of her hand and lightly squeezed it. 

"Olivia please forgive me for being a fool! For not realizing what was in front of me! My arrogance, and for every hurt I have caused. I will try to make it up to you for the rest of my life. Olivia, my heart is yours to do as you please. I can't go on without your forgiveness." 

Olivia's eyes were full of love as she said," You have my forgiveness Austin. My papa wasn't well, and the accident wasn't your fault. Clay came to see me with more information about that day. I can't hold anything against you for what you are not responsible. I love you Austin! I missed you and so did Grace." 

A gleam of hope and happiness appeared in his eyes. When he heard her say it, he felt the joy he had never known before.

"Thank you! I will always cherish this moment and I will forever cherish you and our daughter." He brought her head down closer to him capturing her soft lips in a gentle kiss. " My Olivia.. just mine." He was kissing her gently, the sweetness of her consumed his very being. For the moment he stopped and placed his forehead against hers, " Olivia, you are everything to me without you my life is empty. I love you and want you to be my wife. You are my life Olivia and the warmth of my days." He placed a gentle kiss on her lips, "I want to do this the right way this time and only give you pleasure that comes when two people love each other." She found herself gazing into blue depths of his eyes.

They were filled with love for her, and they were shining like the brightest star in the sky. 

She was lost for words. Did he just ask her to be his wife? He waited for her answer but she was quiet.

"I need your answer Olivia! I need to ask your grandma for your hand in marriage." He grinned at her confusion." I would like to know if you are willing to spend the rest of your life by my side." 

It took only a moment longer before she threw herself in his arms,"Yes! I will be your wife and I want to spend the rest of my life by your side." 

He savoured her closeness and wiped her wet cheeks. She wasn't even aware of it. They were tears of happiness. 

Austin knew holding her close was pure heaven. "I love you Olivia." And he was repeating it over and over again.