Sophie dried her hands with her apron and ran to save her son and the pot he was just about to knock down. Spot hid under the bench. He learned to stay away when Dallin got into his exploring expeditions. 

"Dallin darling, you have to be careful. You'll hurt yourself." 

Dallin kept her busy. He was an active child always ready to explore and run. Dallin was shy towards strangers. It had been only the two of them and besides a few visits from her neighbours they were on their own. Their daily outing consisted of going to the market, and going for walks. She missed Eric, and his bedroom waited for him as he left it. There was hope in her heart he'll come home one of those days. 

It was only at night she allowed herself to remember. In her mind it was still as it was yesterday, every moment spent in Jaxon's bed, the shade of his eyes, the texture of his skin and hair. Her heart refused to forget, but her mind argued with her. 'You were nothing to him. He bought you for his entertainment and he is now happily married with children of his own. ' The children that he loves and takes care of. Dallin was his unknown illegitimate child. Sophie never wanted for her son to be labeled as such, and for anyone who asked, his father died in a coach accident. She loved her son more than anything.

THREE YEARS LATER

It was Monday morning and the market was unusually busy. "Dallin,Dallin...stop, come here." She tried to stop hers ’the ever fast son’. It was just as she said that; he ran into somebody. 

"Ups...sorry about that." Sophie apologized to the person Dallin slammed into. She looked up and held her breath. It was the person she hoped to never in her life see again; Jaxon. 

She picked Dallin and straightened up. The same look of surprise appeared on his face, but recognition in his eyes was more of a shock. He shifted his eyes from Sophie to Dallin and back to her again.

"Sophie!" 

Sophie tightened up a hold on her son. Dallin hugged her and buried his face in her neck. 

"Mommy!" 

"It is fine son. I'm sure the gentleman is unharmed. You apologize and then we can go home."

"Sorry!" Dallin mumbled and hugged her again. 

"If you would excuse us." She wanted to slip away. Out of his closeness, and out of his view. 

It was Jaxon but somehow he looked different. There was a hint of sadness in his eyes, and his posture didn't have that arrogant stance. 

It took him a few moments to react, but he did before she had a chance to disappear.

"You don't think I'll let you go this easy?" He got hold of her upper arm in a soft but firm grip, and led her away from the crowded space. Sophie followed him, because she didn't want to upset Dallin. Before she knew it, they were seated inside of his carriage. 

"You didn't tell me you had my child!" There was an accusation in his voice. He watched Dallin who peeked at him shyly while snuggled against his mother. 

The child looked so much like him. Jaxon knew he was his son the same moment he laid his eyes on him. The resemblance was astonishing. It was Sophie! His beautiful Sophie with his son. 

"What was there to tell? Even now this is pointless. I'm sure your wife would be delighted to know, and besides I'm sure you have other things to do." 

"No, Sophie I don't have anything else that is more important. We are going to talk about it, but not here in front of ..." 

The question in his eyes demanded of her to finish his sentence.

".....Dallin." She was sure he heard when she called him, but it was obvious he omitted to pay attention. This was a surprise for him as well.

"Dallin, Dallin" he repeated the name a few times. 

The rest of the way they didn't say much except Dallin asked questions," Mommy, mommy!" He tried to get her attention. 

"Yes Dallin! What is it darling?" 

"Where are we going? Who is this mean man?" He wanted to know. 

" That wasn't very polite" she scolded her son. 

Jaxon heard Dallin's comment and it hit him more than anything else in his life. He was a stranger to his own son. His and Sophie's son. Dallin had no idea who he was. Jaxon wanted children, but he never hoped he'd have any. Dorin never wanted any, and he thought the reason was because she never loved him. The pride filled his chest. He was a father, and you don't find you have a child every day. 

They stopped in front of the colonial style house with a long drive and stone carved lions.

She carried Dallin who didn't want anything to do with Jaxon.

Jaxon attempted to pick him up, but he turned away, his bottom lip curled up and his eyes filled with tears. He grabbed Sophie's dress and hid his face.

"Mommy!" It was a plea. 

She hugged him gently,"It is fine, Dallin mommy is here." 

"How old is he now?" Jaxon wanted to know.

"He will be just about four." He couldn't even remember that much Sophie thought sadly. 

"This is pointless Mr. Barnett. What is possible you would want from us?" 

After a few attempts the young maid succeeded in getting Dallin's attention with a promise to visit the stables where the cat had her kittens. The maid took charge of Dallin and she led Sophie into the tearoom.

Jaxon looked at her and he appeared just about furious, "I'm not impressed Sophie that you concealed from me that I'm father." 

"Why Mr. Barnett? I'm sure you have your legitimate children to worry about. My son can't be of interest to you. You should be happy your wife doesn't know of your extra activities. I don't want my son to be labeled as a bastard. If you have any consideration, you'll see it for yourself." 

Sophie tried for him to see the reason. 

He turned around, but not before she saw a shadow of pain on his face, 

"My wife died a year ago, and I don't have any other children." Sophie couldn’t know it was the last part that caused the pain.

"I'm sorry to hear that, and sorry about your loss." 

He turned back and he was back in control of his emotions. 

"Are you sorry Sophie?" 

"Yes, I am. Despite what you think! How did she die?" 

"She fell off of her horse, and she broke her neck. It was useless telling her not to ride so wild. She never listened, and did her own thing." The quiet that followed was thick and heavy. After as it seemed he thought , he added," It was a loveless marriage." 

"Again, I'm sorry" 

"So, you see Sophie Dallin is my heir."

“How do you propose to do that Mr. Barnett? What will you tell the rest of the world? Let me introduce my son. His mother was my former mistress. You don't think how that would affect him. He is happy, let us be, and go back to your land and your life. I’m not asking for your support anymore, in fact I haven't received it for about a year now. I'm assuming Erick is out of school." 

"What do you mean you assume?" 

"He resented me for what I did. The news about it somehow reached his school. I haven't seen my brother in three years." 

Jaxon walked to the large window and pushed his hands deep into his pockets. 

"Are you telling me that you are on your own?"

"Yes, I'm on my own. We managed so far, and we are fine. You need not to be concerned." 

"I can't do that now that I found you and found out I have a son. I need you both in my life. I'm not letting you go Sophie. We'll have to get married." He fully faced her, and drank her in. She was more beautiful than he remembered. Her blue eyes were more blue, her lips full, tempting. Until now he didn't know how much he missed her. He still tasted her skin on his lips, he still felt her heart beat. 

"Married? To you?" Her voice got low and shaky. 

"Yes! Why is this so shocking to you? This way Dallin will be rightfully mine and will carry my name." 

"No, no thank you. I have no wish to be your wife." Why did he think she'll say yes? He might not recall his last words when they last parted, but she does, and always will.

Her rejection surprised and angered him. Jaxon wasn't ready to allow her and his son to walk out of his life. 

"I don't think you have a choice. I'll press for custody of my son." 

"You....you can't do that!" It was a pitched sound that came from deep down someplace. Sophie started to shake and fear crept into her heart. 

"Yes, I can, and I will. Money talks." He raised his eyebrows," Who do you think will win?" 

She knew she had no resources or connections to fight him. The years of resentment and bitterness surfaced up and with tears in her eyes she charged at him with her fist raised. 

“You would, wouldn’t you..you cold hearted man.”  

He easily caught her wrist and contained her, “ Yes I would! Sophie