Spending a week in Mark's company, Abby somewhat understood his moods and personality. He had never been chatty, but tonight, he was downright surly. He barely spoke more than five words to her all evening, although he did thank her for dinner."I just ordered pizza," she said, trying to lighten the mood.He shrugged.She sighed. She wanted to shake him until his teeth rattled. At least it would make her feel better, if it didn't get him to talk. They'd gotten so close yesterday afternoon, and now he was acting like she was some kind of stranger.After they finished eating, Mark said something about finishing up some work outside. Abby squinted, looking at the growing dusk outside."What do you have to do right now?" she asked.She had a feeling he wanted to avoid her. Can this guy make up his mind already?Then again, they weren't in a real relationship. They were...well, Abby didn't know. They were attracted to each other; that wasn't in doubt. This "relationship" was a tangle

Abby's mouth fell open as she took in the Thornton mansion. And it was definitely a mansion, with its endless driveway leading up to a house that could be photographed for some magazine. How many rooms did this place have? She almost didn't want to know.When Abby had mentioned going to the Thornton Thanksgiving, Fiona had been adamant that her daughter not get cold feet."I'm going to my sister's, anyway," she'd said, "so you have no excuse. But you have to tell me all about those Thorntons afterward!"So this is how rich people live. She couldn't help but compare this palace with her own small apartment.Mark escorted her inside, and Abby clutched her purse. Butterflies fluttered in her stomach, although whether they were from Mark's touch or from the wealth surrounding her, she wasn't sure."Oh good, you're here!" Megan rushed toward Abby and enveloped her in a fierce hug. "Sara and Harrison aren't here yet, and I was going to have to talk to Lisa alone because Caleb is the wor

Although Abby usually worked days, sometimes she had to work evenings. The day after Delilah gave birth, Abby spent it relaxing and watching the foal tottering around on her long legs. Although Abby and Mark had worried that she might have complications from the difficult birth, as far as they could tell, she was totally healthy."I thought you should name her," Mark said that afternoon. The foal nursed with gusto, and based on her already gleaming coat, she'd rival her mother for beauty.Abby's heart caught in her throat. She had a feeling this was an honor Mark wouldn't bestow on just anyone. Swallowing against the lump in her throat, she replied, "I'll have to think of a good name then."He put an arm around her waist, kissing her temple. "I know you will."When Abby arrived at work later that evening, she found Janine in a tizzy. Two other nurses had called in sick with the flu, and now they were short-staffed.Janine threw her hands up in the air. "And I just got another kid

After a long day at the local courthouse to obtain a restraining order, Abby left with a temporary order in hand. Her heart felt a little lighter, although both she and Mark knew that a restraining order was just a piece of paper. It helped, but it wasn't going to stop Derek if he wanted to hurt Abby, unfortunately.Caleb had told them he would do everything in his power as a police officer to assist her. Based on the evidence provided and with Caleb's help, the judge had agreed to issue an immediate restraining order. The court would notify Derek, and another hearing would be held at a later date.Abby was quiet as she walked with Mark back to his truck. This hadn't been what she'd imagined doing on her day off. She got spooked by random noises, afraid that it was Derek returning to finish what he'd started.Sometimes she had a hard time believing he would hurt her—at least physically. Hurt her with words? Absolutely. But he'd never threatened her like this when they'd been dating.

After finishing her shift for the day, Abby had stopped by her place to feed Darcy and Wentworth before driving to Mark's. Her heart-to-heart with Fiona had shown her that she couldn't let Mark run from her.If he truly loved her—which she hoped and prayed was true—then why should things end like this?Her phone rang as she drove, and she didn't even look at the caller ID when she answered. "Hello?""Abby?"Her breath caught when she heard the voice—not Mark, like she'd hoped.It was Derek.She was about to disconnect the call when Derek said, "If you hang up, your boyfriend is going to pay for it."She gritted her teeth. "You have a lot of nerve to call me when you know I have a restraining order against you. What the hell do you want?""I don't want anything. I mean, I do, but I wanted you to know that I'm here." He let out a nervous laugh, and Abby heard some kind rustling."What are you doing, Derek?" she said very slowly. "Is this worth getting yourself arrested? Put in j