Sophie sorted through the mountain of sugar beets, and her nostrils inhaled the musty smell of them. Once in a while the drop of moisture from the steel beam above her dripped on her neck, and she hardly had any feeling left in her hands, they were just about frozen. Sophie wished it was the case of her heart as well.

While her hands worked, her mind refused to register her surroundings, and it was far away from the cold and dark factory. Her thoughts were entirely on the evening that was ahead of her, and were closely accompanied with a tight feeling in her belly. Tonight she'll hold her son in her arms, and she tried to concentrate only on that, but the turmoil inside of her raged with confusion, and she didn't want to think about it. It kept on resurfacing; she wanted to banish the anger, hate, and love towards Jaxon. It would be much safer and easier not to feel at all, not to remember the past, her brother Eric, time with Jaxon. 

Sophie never thought she was capable of such strong feelings. Is it possible to hate and love at the same time? She wasn't sure. His presence never failed to bring that feel in her belly. 

The whistle announced the end of the dragged, endless shift, and Sophie rushed back to the boarding house. As soon as she opened the door the heavy smell of the old bacon cooking with cabbage hit her nostrils. She was afraid any food wouldn't sit well in her belly at the moment, especially the food they served at the boarding house. Avoiding the kitchen, she went straight into her room. Sophie pulled out her best dress, washed up, changed and was out the door. She walked towards the direction of Jaxon's plantation as fast as her feet would carry her, and ignored the feel of her sore muscles. 

The route there was very well known to her. The "Morning Glory" was at least a three quarter an hour walk to get to.

When she reached the road leading to the plantation the carriage stopped by. It was Ben. 

"Miss Sophie, I'm going up to the house so you can get a ride with me." 

She looked at the carriage, but it was empty. Ben, who saw her look, smiled at her.

"Mr. Barnett is home with Dallin waiting for you. I had some parcels to pick up in town. I spotted you walking, but there is no need to walk when I'm going up there. I have to tell you Dallin is a very sweet child. " Ben was extra chatty.

"Thank you Ben." Sophie climbed up beside him thankful for the ride. It also meant she'd be there faster.

The " Morning Glory" mansion looked even larger from up close. It was magnificent. The house itself was white with the large balconies, and was surrounded with flowers and the green grass everywhere. The sheer size of it, also reminded her of his wealth and position. The fight with Jaxon would be pointless. She had no chance of winning. Every judge in the country would side with him. He already proved that by getting custody so easy. 


She stepped through the door and the indoors wasn't any less impressive. The elderly maid took her into one of the large rooms. Jaxon was there, but Dallin wasn't. 

Sophie's heart stopped,"Did he change his mind?" 

Her eyes gave her away, her fear reflected in them. Jaxon noticed that and rushed to reassure her. 

"He's having his dinner. If you wish you could join him." 

Sophie was not even aware of her hunger. She skipped her own dinner in order to get here faster. As much as she wanted to decline Jaxon's offer the same time she wanted to see Dallin.

"I would love that. Thank you." 

She followed him to the massive dining room. At the large, long table sat her son, beside him stood a stern looking older woman, her hair pulled back, and her dark brown dress ironed to perfection. 

Dallin looked up and when he spotted Sophie slid down from his chair, ignoring the protest of his nanny.

"Mommy, mommy! " He ran into her open arms. Sophie scooped him up, kissing, and hugging him. Her tears of happiness were unstoppable.

"You are not happy to see me mommy?" Not understanding, he innocently asked.

"Oh no my darling, I'm very happy to see you."

"Why are you crying then?" 

"Those are happy tears. I missed you." 

"I missed you too!" 

He hugged her tight not wanting to let go of her, and equally she didn't want to let him go.

Jaxon that stood in the doorway was a witness to something that was totally strange to him, totally new. Mother and child love. Against his will Sophie's tears moved him, something in him shifted. His son's little arms hold tight to his mother's neck hugging her. It was a reunion of love and he felt like an outsider. He underestimated the bond and knew then that for his son to grow happy he needed the security of both parents.Did he wished for Sophie's attention for himself, to have her close by, to see her each day? 

Dallin finally let go of his mother's neck, and placed his nose against hers. 

"I'm happy you are here. I want to show you my toys papa got me. Do you want to see my new bedroom? Can you read me a story?" It was a stream of questions that followed. 

The nanny showed the first sight of annoyance and buds in.

"Master Dallin, you better finish your dinner." 

"My mommy is here now. I don't need you anymore." He announced with unhidden pride.

The woman ignored Sophie so far, it was obvious she didn't want to give up her authority.

"Yes, I see that,but regardless you have to eat your dinner." She insisted, and turned towards Jaxon who was quiet until now observing the scene.

"It isn't good to interrupt his routine." The nanny tried to get his support. 

"It is fine Elaine! You are free for now, we'll take over." Jaxon dismissed her.

Her displeasure was written all over her face, but that was her employer that spoke to her. She wanted to say something else, but instead decided to just answer in a lower tone.

"Yes, of course, Mr. Barnett." With a straight back, she left the room, but didn't lose an opportunity when she passed by Sophie to give her a cold look. Dallin, who was totally unaware of the tension, looked at Jaxon. 

"Papa, can we show mommy my room?" 

Jaxon ruffled his hair with affection.

"Yes son, we will, but first you have to eat, and I think your mother is hungry as well." 

He rang the bell and soon the young maid showed up. 

"Dorothy, bring the dinner for our guest." He ordered the meal to be brought up.

Dallin looked a little disappointed, but decided to obey his father.

"Yes, papa." He went back to stand by Sophie's side, almost afraid she'll leave again. 

"It is fine, Dallin. I promise to see all your treasures after our meal." 

That satisfied Dallin and he went on telling her about his puppy and kittens. Jaxon exited quietly out of the room, leaving them alone to have dinner, and went to his study. He could hear his son's happy laugh and sensed the loving atmosphere in the house for the first time.

It was for sure Sophie brought the warmth to this house with her. With her here it felt like home,it sprang to life. He had to admit to himself that Sophie was a devoted mother, nothing like his own mother.

Jaxon had the information that Sophie was staying alone in the women's boarding house. No lover on the site. Did he stay behind? 

He joined them a little later on in Dallin's rooms. His son was busy showing his mother all of his toys, but then after a while he stopped, and the big yawn escaped him.

"I think it's time for bed young man." Jaxon picked him up, but Dallin turned in his arms, and looked at Sophie. 

"You won't leave me again mommy? You'll be here when I wake up." He wanted to know. 

"Be good now and go to sleep. I'll see you again soon. I promise I won't go far away." It seemed that satisfied Dallin, and he stopped resisting his bedtime routine. Sophie stood by his bed watching him sleep. Her heart, her child. Jaxon came behind her, startling her. 

"We better have a word before you leave." 

With one more glance at her sleeping son, she followed him to his study. He closed the door behind them.

"Please, have a seat." He stood by his desk watching her. 

"He misses you. It would be a good idea if you would move in here." 

Did he mean that? What does he want from her? Sophie had all the reasons to be suspicious. 

"I don't want to be your mistress!" It came out before she had time to think it over. 

Jaxon looked at her with eyes that somehow changed and had a trace of a regret in them. 

"No Sophie, you will not be that. I will never ask that of you again. You will have your own accommodations. Dallin needs you."

"I need him as well." She admitted.

Jaxon would love to hear her say she needs him as well. He was telling himself it was all for Dallin, but the warm feeling when he looked at Sophie spread around his heart. He tried to deny that fact, even to himself. He doesn't “do”a love relationship. It isn't love that he feels for her. It is lust, not love. His heart is too cold for such a feeling. Dallin needs her and what his son needs his son gets. He turned away from her and watched through the window until he got his composure back,only then he turned back to face her. 

"I'll send someone to collect your belongings, there is no need for you to go back there. Stay here with our son. Your room will be prepared tomorrow, but for tonight you can stay in Dallin's room. I'm sure he'll enjoy that." 

It was the moment when he said "our son" Sophie for the first time saw a different Jaxon. There was a glimpse of warmth in his eyes when he looked at her. It was short but she was sure it was there, and she didn't imagine it. 

Is it possible that his heart warmed up? She could tell he loved Dallin. There was nothing he wouldn't do for his son. His face changed every time he looked at him. 

"Thank you for allowing me to see him, and to stay with him." 

"Dallin needs you.... he needs us both. He is a great child." To her surprise Jaxon took her hand in his and squeezed it gently. 

"Sophie...." Then he let go of it.

"I'll see you in the morning." 

"I leave early for my shift."

"You don't have to work. Stay with our son. I'll pay your wages if the money is what you are concerned with." 

"I'm grateful to you for your offer, but what will society say about my stay here?" 

"Don't worry, I don't entertain or have parties, and my stuff is devoted. The only thing I ask of you is that you can't see your lover with this arrangement.....It is the only condition I imply." 

Sophie looked into his eyes.

"I don't have a lover.", and more quietly added," You were the only one."

It was good to hear her say that.

"I'm pleased to hear that. It will be good for Dallin to have you around