I do, cherish you, for the rest of my life,

You don't have to think twice.

I will love you still, form the depths of my soul

It's beyond my control. –I do cherish you. 98 degree

Chapter 2- I do cherish you

         The next day, Duke takes Scarlet back to the base.  Duke goes back to his office and looks through the files.  Flint comes in and sits down at the sofa.  Duke stares at him and questions, "I imagine that you do not have enough work to occupy your time.  I can give you with extra assignments.  The Middle East situation needs attention."  Flint says, "come on, man.  You gonna 'fess up. How is she?"  Duke replies unadorned, "I am not certain of whom your are referring to."

          "Come on.  I'm your pal.  Just tell me, did you get lucky last night?"  Flint asks.  "I most certainly did."  Duke says without looking up.  Flint exclaims, "How did you get her to have sex with you?  She said she won't have sex until married."  Duke closes his files, look at Flint and says, "first of all, Scarlet's private life is not your concern.  Second, my relationship with Scarlet remains platonic; and that is not your concern either.  I admire her morals and intend to honor her for that."

          Flint smirks, "so you two didn't go to bed?"  Duke says, "Scarlet went to bed.  I slept on the couch.  I am an old timer and have antiquated standard."   Flint says, "did you go check yourself at the Doc lately?  How can you date the hottest girl in the base and not try to get any?"  Lady Jane comes in and says, "if she is so hot why don't you go and try to get some."    Flint sticks out his tongue and jokes, "are you saying you are going to wait until wedding night?"

          "I don't see what the humor in that is.  Duke, that is very kind of you to do that for Scarlet."  Lady Jane says as she shoots Flint a glance.  Duke says, "I can be patient for Scarlet.  It will not be a lengthy wait nonetheless."  Lady Jane screams and shouts, "You Did Not!"  Duke smiles, "I proposed to her last night.  You two may go speculate the news.  I have enough interference from the two of you already."

          "Oh, come on.  Tell us more!"  Lady Jane says.  Duke replies, "There is nothing more to tell.  I would much appreciate if you two leave me to attend to my work and plans for the wedding."  Flint shakes his head and says, "I can't believe you proposed to her.  How can you?  That's insane!"  Lady Jane pushed Flint out of Duke's office and they run toward the girls' quarter.  They open the door and knocks Cover Girl over.

          "Where is Scarlet?"  Lady Jane asks.  Cover Girl crawls up and says, "thank you for not helping me up.  She is sleeping.  Duke must have…" Lady Jane stops her, "He didn't!  Duke slept on the couch last night.  And get this!  Duke proposed to Scarlet!"  Cover Girl screams out of her lung.  Flint shouts, "Woo!  I am deaf!"

          Jinx comes out and looks at Flint, "guys aren't allow here."  Cover Girl shouts, "oh who cares?  Come on!"  They run up to Scarlet's bed and pull her up.  "Alright!  Girlfriend.  Talk!" Lady Jane says.  Scarlet wipes her eyes and says, "what?"  Flint puts his arm around her shoulder and says, "Duke said he proposed to you last night."

          "The ring!  The ring!"  Cover Girl shouts.  Scarlet takes a little box out of her pocket and Cover Girl opens it and screams.  Flint says, "you better stop doing that before they lock you up in a sound proofed room.  Hey, Scarlet.  Duke really didn't sleep with you last night?  I mean, he didn't even ask?"  Lady Jane pushes Flint off the bed and asks, "when is the wedding?"

          "Duke wants it to be next year.  I don't know.  He got things pretty much planned already.  I am so confused.  I don't know what to think.  I'm still trying to believe this is happening."  Scarlet says.  Lady Jane smiles and says, "Congratulation, Sweetie.  I am so happy for you two.  Duke is lucky to have you."  Scarlet says bashfully, "I'm luckier.  This is all happening so fast.  I'm scare, Lady Jane."

          "Prewedding jitters.  All brides get that."  Cover Girl says.  Jinx asks, "Are we gonna be in the wedding?  What's the dress gonna be like?"  Scarlet lies back down to bed and answers, "I really don't know.  Duke will tell me when he sees fits.  I need to sleep."  Flint climbs back up to the bed and asks, "Are you tired because Duke keeps you up all night?"  Lady Jane pushes him out.

          "He really loves you.  I tried so hard to get his attention but all he sees is you.  I'm sorry for trying to get into you two's way before."  Cover Girl smiles.  Scarlet replies, "Nothing to be sorry about.  You are going to do my make up for the wedding, right?  I always count on you to make me beautiful no matter what."  Cover Girl gives Scarlet a big hug and says, "you're the most wonderful person in the world."      

          Lady Jane comes in and says, "Scarlet, I can tell there is something on your mind.  We are best friends.  You can talk to me.  Are you okay with all these wedding thing?"  Scarlet asks, "I'm very happy, really.  I'm just a little overwhelmed."  Lady Jane nods and says, "anytime you are ready to talk.  You know where to find me."

          Lady Jane walks out and punches Flint playfully.  "Too bad your dream girl is taken by Duke.  Guess you are stuck with me!"  Lady Jane says.  Flint makes a face and says, "let's go spread the news!  We will have to let everyone know before lunch!"  Cover Girl runs away as Jinx follows.  Jinx shouts, "let me tell Ship Wreck!  I want to see his face!  He still thinks he stands a chance."

          "I am so happy for Scarlet."  Lady Jane says.  "We all are."  Cover Girl responds.  Scarlet watches at the window as the group runs toward the Pitt.

Continue at Ch.3