"Would you like to come in?"

"No Sophie... I'm afraid I don't have much time, and I would like to spend the day with my son. I'll bring him back tonight." 

Sophie had no reason to deny him that. The wishes of her heart to go with them had to be ignored, she simply couldn't do that to herself. It would only make it harder to say bye.

"That is fine. I'll spend the day with Eric. He wants to take me to the clinic where he works, but I'll be home by evening." She managed with as much dignity as she possibly could without 

betraying herself.

"Thank you Sophie, will be back at that time, but now this young man is going for a treat. After that we are going to spend the time with puppies, and read stories."

He picked up his son with affection. Dallin was obviously delighted with the idea of spending the day with his father.

Jaxon's coach retreated down the street and Sophie could only look sadly after them. Eric came behind her, but decided not to say anything. He watched his sister's expression for a moment and changed his mind.

"Sophie, I know he offered marriage!"

"He doesn't love me Eric. I don't want to feel as a burden to someone for the rest of my life. Eventually he would resent me...I would resent myself..." Sophie stopped herself. It was too painful to go to that memory line. Eric didn't push any further and she was grateful for it.

"Enough about me! Let's go! I'm eager to see where you work, young man. I'm very proud of you!" She changed the subject, no longer wanting to discuss Jaxon with her brother.

"Thanks Sophie... I wish I could change the past.. I know I hurt you..."

"We won't talk about it...there is no use in reminding ourselves of the things that we can't change. We have a future to look forward to. You are moving back in with us. I won't let you live in a rented bedroom above the clinic. Dallin will love to have you around."

"I work long hours, but yes, I would love to get to know my nephew." Sophie was happy to hear that. In town she met his mentor, the old doctor with a very kind heart. Eric gave her a tour of the medical clinic and the place where he was living after he started to work there. 

It was a nice size bedroom, and she noticed, to her surprise, how clean and neat it was. The books were piled on the one shelf above the simple desk. The bed in the corner of the room was made, and the clothes were neatly hanging off the rack. She helped him pack, and they moved his belongings into her house. They were just about finished in time for Jaxon and Dallin's return. She found herself a few times by the door, watching down the road. Finally, she spotted the unmistakable dark coach pulled by two horses. It appeared around the corner and was heading up the road towards her house.

When it stopped in front of it, Jaxon's tall, impressive frame stepped out lifting Dallin out of it and placing him down, which their son took as an opportunity to run straight into Sophie's open arms.

"Mommy, I had a lot of fun." He couldn't wait to tell her while beaming with happiness,

"I'm glad you did sweetheart." Sophie placed a kiss to his cheek, then she placed him down and looked up at Jaxon. He stood there, shifting, reluctant to go, as if he waited for some sign enabling him to stay with them.

"I'll be back in about three weeks. It will convenient, because I'll have some business to resolve in St. Paul's." Jaxon didn't want to sound too needy, and with that, he walked back to his awaiting coach, and with slow steps climbed in and signaled his driver to get going.

Sophie's heart sunk while watching him go. She told herself that It was for the best. Yet she knew that it would be the longest three weeks.

In upcoming weeks she did spend a lot of time with Dallin and some with Eric, but she missed Jaxon. She was happy Erick moved in with them. It took the edge off her loneliness. He put in a lot of hours working, but when he was home, he helped with Dallin who became very fond of his uncle.

It was Saturday, one week before Jaxon was due to come back.

The three of them went to town to do some necessary shopping. Eric took Dallin to the cotton candy shop. Sophie took the opportunity to go get fabric for the new chair pads.

With the bundle tucked under her arm, she stepped out of the shop just in time to spot them coming down the road towards her.

The last thing she was aware of was Eric's shouting, and sudden commotion around her. 

"Watch Sophie....watch out ..!" Eric yelled across the street, but it was too late. The escaped surrey was heading her way not leaving much time or room to move out of the way. Sophie laid down on the sidewalk motionless. In mere moments Eric thought that he lost his sister. He ran across the street holding Dallin.

He put his training into use and checked Sophie's pulse, it was there. The sight of relief escaped him. The people gathered around them, some onlookers, some to see if they could help. One of the men picked up Sophie off of the cold ground. 

He looked at ashen Eric, who stood with Dallin clinging to him. Without knowing Eric worked there he suggested, " We should take her down to the clinic. It's not too far from here."

"Yes! We'll take her there. I work for Dr. Tadman."

Sophie's limp body got carried to the clinic, and Eric thanked the kind stranger.

Dr. Floyd Tadman checked her out and dressed her cut to stopped bleeding out of her right arm. She didn't move even when he cleaned her wound.

"I'm sure she hit her head on the sidewalk when she fell." Eric provided the missing piece of information to explain her unconsciousness.

"We'll have to watch her closely. I don't like concussions. " The old doctor looked at Eric with concern in his eyes. In time he worked for him, he came to like this dedicated, compassionate young man.

"For now we have done all we could. The bed rest should help to heal her."

The next morning Sophie still hasn't regained concessions. Eric made a decision to send the word of the accidents to Jaxon. He felt Jaxon had the right to know and Dallin needed him.

Ben storms into his employer's office. Jaxon looked up surprised at Ben's outburst. He held the note in his hands and was handing it to Jaxon, "This just came from St. Paul's."

Jaxon opened up the letter. It was written in neat handwriting, but in front of his eyes he only saw.. Sophie... hurt... in the medical clinic.."

He called Ben back before he left," Ben, get the horses ready. We are going to St. Paul's Immediately. It's Sophie. The faster we are on the road the better. There is no time to lose."

They traveled all night, Jaxon took a couple of his men to ride behind the coach for safety.

He walked into the clinic, and Eric came to greet him.

"How is she?"

"Her colour improved somewhat, but she still has yet to open her eyes."

"Where is she?" With a somber expression, Jaxon asked.

"I got her a private room. Down the hall, follow me."

"Where is my son?" Jaxon wanted to know. 

"He's staying with Sophie's neighbour. I've stayed here just in the case she wakes up."

"Thank you Eric. I'll check on her, then I'll go get Dallin. He'll be more comfortable in my house until Sophie gets better." 

Jaxon walked into the room with the white painted walls, a single bed, and a wooden chair in it. They were the only furniture. Sophie laid there, she looked white, and fragile. He stood in the middle of the room and watched Sophie's shallow breathing. He thought if her heart stops his own heart won't have a reason to beat any longer. How he loved this woman, more than anything. The only other person that he felt the same love for was his son, their son. In that single moment Jaxon got determined to win Sophie's love. Nothing will keep him away from her. Even if it meant moving to St. Paul's. He was willing to give up "Morning Glory" for her. Anything to make her happy, maybe with time she'll forgive him and learn to care for him. He wasn't going to go that far and expect her to love him. Anything to make her happy, maybe with time she'll forgive him and learn to care for him. He will settle for fondness and carrying.

Eric closed the door and left them alone. He has witnessed enough to know those two love each other and were hiding their love. He just hoped Sophie gets better, and smiled. They will find the path to each other's heart.

After Jaxon left, he pulled the chair closer to the bed and held her hand. 

Sophie groaned in pain. Her right arm was hurting, and there was a dull pounding in her head. She slowly opened her eyes. Eric came into her focus.

She thought she heard Jaxon's deep muscular voice talking to her. It was only a dream after all. Where was she?

"Don't move, Sophie. You've been hurt. I'm happy to see you awake."

"Dallin!" she mumbled first, then, " water"

Eric supported her head while he carefully pressed a glass of water to her lips.

"Better?" He lowered her back to the pillows.

She nodded her head.

"Jaxon went to get Dallin. He's taking him to his house. He'll be back." Eric smiled at her.

"Jaxon's here?" She whispered.

"Yes, he came this morning. He stayed with you, but you know your neighbor adores Dallin, but he might be too much for an old woman."

She was tired, too tired to respond and fell asleep.

Eric was relieved that she finally woke up. The worst was over.

Jaxon came back after a few hours, and quietly walked in. The nurse smiled at him and left the room. He got closer to the bed, with a shaky hand, he moved the hair off Sophie's cheek and traced it with his finger. He heard footsteps and Eric walked in nodding his head in acknowledgment. Jaxon bent over closer to her, "Sophie, wake up love. Wake up Sophie. I need you." He gently whispered to her, putting his pride aside, didn't care that Eric was there, that he could hear him. Anything and everything was beyond caring, the only important thing was Sophie's welfare. Her recovery. Jaxon didn't have a doubt she'll recover, and he wanted that to be fast. For now her eyes remained closed. Eric didn't have a chance yet to let him know she's only sleeping, and that she regained her consciousness. 

“She was awake earlier, for now she is sleeping. We have all the reasons to believe she is out of danger.”


Sophie was sure she was still dreaming. It can't be that she heard Jaxon declaring love for her