"Yes Sophie! Look at him how happy he is with you around. He is a different child, but you are not happy....I was wrong to try to force you to stay ..I already caused you enough grief. You know I can't stay out of Dallin's life. He is my son...I have to come and see him." How he wanted to add he wished she would stay a part of his life as well, but he couldn't expect her to stay with him, when she hated him. Clearly she wasn't happy to be around him, and no wonder after all the pain he'd given her. 

Sophie looked at him still in the state of shock, she couldn't believe him just yet.

"You ...." She faltered.

The reality sank in slowly, but why wasn't she happy about it, rejoicing? He is letting her go with their son. It was all she wanted.

He probably wants his freedom back. Maybe to marry again. She was once there already. Why is fate so cruel to her? Not once, but twice she'll have to see him belong to someone else, but she didn't regret her decision not to accept his proposal when he offered it. He didn't love her, and to live together without love would be another form of torture to her wounded heart. She knew there would be other women on the side. He would probably take a mistress, just like she once was. At least being far away, she doesn't have to witness. 

"Thank you.." Was the only thing that came out of her mouth.

The rest of the way they mostly talked to Dallin and Jaxon was busy going over some papers. 

He had plenty of time to read them later, but they provided the shield he needed to hide his feelings. She thanked him, obviously happy she won't have to see him every day, to be rid of him. 

They stopped at his house in St. Paul's first. In response to Sophie's unspoken question he explained.

"We all need refreshment and then we'll continue on." 

When they finally arrived in front of Sophie's house Dallin exclaimed," our house mommy!" 

"Yes, our home!"


They both didn't realize how deeply those words hurt Jaxon. His family didn't want him, they were his family and to leave them behind it will tear him apart. 

Sophie looked and noticed that the door was open. It shouldn't be, she locked it when she left. The handsome young man came out and stood in front of the house watching them. Sophie placed her hand over her mouth to prevent the sob that threatened to escape her. *****

"Eric!" She whispered, but was afraid to make a step towards him in the fear he'll vanish. 

He looked somber, guilt ridden face, and his eyes searched hers. 

" Sophie...." , but she already hugged him, tears streamed down her cheeks, and her hands explored his face. 

"I'm sorry Sophie...I was young, influenced by peers...I'm so sorry Sophie..by the time I realized what you've done for me.. I was too embarrassed to face you.." 

"I'm so happy you are here..how I missed you..but look at you all grown up.." 

They hugged for a few moments longer, both happy to be reunited. When Eric let go of her his 

eyes looked behind her where Dallin held Jaxon's hand. He smiled at him. 

"You must be my nephew? I'm Eric, your uncle."

Dallin gave him only a shy glance and turned to look at his father. Jaxon scooped him up, and only when he was safely in his father's arms he got more brave. 

"Hello" He said quietly. 

Eric extended his hand to shake Jaxon's hand.

"I'm glad we found you!" Jaxon said to Eric, but he looked at Sophie, "Your sister missed you, and she was worried about you." Then he became more relaxed.

"You better tell us about yourself."

"Oh, yes. I'm working with Dr. Floyd Tadman here in town. I have two more years and then I can practice medicine." 

Sophie listened to every word with pride and happiness. Dr. Floyd Tadman was well known in town, and the region. 

"We better get inside." Jaxon suggested after Dallin put his head on his shoulder, his eyes closing.

"Let's get you settled before I leave." There was sadness in his voice. 

The words went straight to Sophie's heart. Why isn't she happy? Why does the picture of him leave hurt her so much? She will lose him again, and she shouldn't be surprised, after all he was out of her league, and out of her reach. Jaxon Barnett was a rich and powerful man.

He was a land and factory owner. She was still the poor Sophie. Not socially or otherwise educated, the only thing they have in common was a child. It somehow made her at peace knowing Dallin's future was secured. The love for his son was evident, but for her there was no room in his life.

Involved in her own thoughts, she missed the pain that surfaced in Jaxon's eyes. 

He took Dallin to his room and put him down on the bed covering him up. He kissed him before he left his room. It hurt him to have to leave them behind, but he loved them too much to continue hurting them. When he saw Sophie's happiness upon seeing her brother, he knew he did the right thing. Even if it felt like all of him was dying and someone delivered a punch to his stomach. 

When he re-entered the kitchen, Eric and Sophie were sitting at the table deeply in conversation. He was an outsider here, there was no need for him to linger around any longer. He'll stop to say bye tomorrow morning before he returns to " Morning Glory". Alone! Jaxon slipped out before brother and sister noticed him. 


Sophie got up and made the tea. It was quiet, so she went to check Dallin's room. He was peacefully sleeping, but there was no sign of Jaxon. She realized he left. He couldn't wait to be gone. The tear rolled down her cheek, and she wiped it off with the back of her hand. 

Pulling herself up and straightening her back, she went back to the kitchen. Just then she noticed Jaxon's hat sitting on the peg in the foyer. She picked it up and brought it to her chest, the wretched sob escaped her against her will. The pain in her chest returned just as title waves came back to the shore, and she slid down the wall sobbing. ****

Erick found her like that, " Sophie!" It took him bare seconds to observe and conclude the picture.

"Oh, gosh! You love him Sophie." He helped her to get up and took the hat from her hands, and placed it back on the peg. 

"I'm here now for you. Are you fine? You will be fine! " She just managed to nod her head, but inside she knew she'd never be fine again. 

"Let's go back to the kitchen. I'm sorry Eric! I shouldn't behave like that. It's not appropriate."

"It is fine Sophie I'm not a young.....that young lad anymore." 

She had to smile at the fact that he was only twenty years old.

"Yes, I know you are old, and wise now." 


They talked deep into the night before retiring into their rooms. Eric was touched that his room waited for him the way he left it. 

They were eating a morning meal when someone knocked at the door. Sophie was surprised when she saw Jaxon. He was looking at her, almost trying to find reasons not to say what he was about to say.

"I came to say bye to you and Dallin. Early tomorrow morning I'm going back home. I'll be back in a month to see Dallin. You know I can't stay away from him for too long." It was written on his face how much it pains him, and how much he'll miss him. 

She wanted to hear him say he can't stay away from her either, but it was only her wish. Those words never came. 

"Yes of course! You can see him anytime you are able to. He'll miss you!" 

He wanted to ask her if she'll miss him too, but had to save some of his pride. 

"I will miss him as well, but this is for the best. I like to see you smile, Sophie." 

Only if he would love her,she would have a reason to smile anywhere. 

Dallin who heard his father run from the kitchen and hurled himself at his father. 

"Dad, dad, you are here!" Jaxon caught him and lifted him above his head, tossing him a little, and making Dallin giggle. 

Sophie felt as if the ground would give under her feet. She was so shaken by the sight of him and the love he showed for his son