The following day, Tex woke up as usual to get ready for work. That night, he was planning on taking Melanie out for dinner, propose to her, and ask her to marry him. He was nervous a little and couldn't think well about what he had to do during the day. He was also excited to share the news with Lynda and Strip. They would be very happy for him and knew that he was making the right choice instead of living a miserable life like he was dealing with after Katy died.

During the day, Tex was going to head out from work and buy an engagement ring for Melanie. He wanted it to be beautiful and special for her just like Katy's ring was special to the both of them. He didn't care about the size or price. He just wanted to marry her. When Tex arrived at work, he began to sort out paper work and files. Lynda approached him and decided to check on how he was doing with Melanie.

"So, I assume your dating now?" asked Lynda. Tex nodded at her.

"We are dating, but I decided that I'm going to propose to her" replied Tex. Lynda was glad to hear that.

"I'm happy for you Tex. It's your life and no one can tell you what to do. But it's also important that your thinking about Sophia and not just yourself. I was always told to replace the bad with good and not look back at what happened in the past." replied Lynda and she left to sort out more files.

Tex was startled for a minute. He actually didn't believe that. He knew that he was thinking about his daughter all along and he wouldn't even dare let her out of his life. He never wanted her to think that he was pushing her out of his life. He wanted her happy and he wanted a happy life again. And he knew that this choice was a good thing. Kate told him it was a good choice and Lynda told him that he had to think about Sophia and he knew he was.

By the time noon came, everyone went to their lunch break areas. Tex headed out to buy an engagement ring for Melanie and would be back in time for everyone to continue working. He found a nearby jewelry store and looked through all of the engagement rings. He caught one from the corner of his eye and it shone like the sun. The ring was in the shape of a crown and it had small pink diamonds in it. The ring was silver and very beautiful. Tex knew this ring was perfect for Melanie. He purchased the ring and headed back to work. He decided that on the way home he would pick up some flowers and bring them to Melanie tonight. Tex was really looking forward to tonight and he was really looking forward to having a happier and normal life again. Just like it was with Katy.

The day was going by really quickly. Tex had managed to call Melanie and asked her if she wanted to go out for dinner. Melanie agreed and would meet him at the restaurant. Evening began to fall in no time. The sky was like one that was normal on a nice cool summer evening, but one that looked better than the rest. Tex headed home quickly and left Strip in charge of locking up the business. When he got home, he kissed his daughter and began to prepare for the big memory he would ever have for the rest of his life.

"Dad?" asked Sophia. Tex looked at his daughter and rested his tire on her fender.

"Yes sweetheart?" replied Tex.

"Are you sure your not dating anyone or possibly remarrying?" asked Sophia, "You promised me that you wouldn't leave my side ever since mom died." Tex looked at his daughter and didn't know how to respond. He didn't want to tell her that he was seeing Melanie, but he also didn't want to tell her that he was going to marry her. He didn't want her to be upset so he spoke after thinking about what to say to her.

"No sweetie. I told you I wouldn't let anyone or anything take you away from me. Your my princess and you always will be that light in me. I love you and I wouldn't ever put anyone else in your place." replied Tex. He kissed his daughter and headed out from the house to the restaurant where he was going to meet Melanie. He was ready to propose to her and give her the flowers he had bought before he came home. He had managed to hide them from Sophia so this way she wouldn't get upset. But all he could think about in the meantime was proposing to her, marrying her, and getting the life back he thought he couldn't have ever since Katy died.