DESTINY
Chapter 20

The following Saturday found Dara in high spirits in anticipation of the gala. Even Lucas' aggravation at wearing a formal tuxedo didn't seem to dim the excitement.

Lucas had argued that since his usual attire at such functions was usually sufficient, he couldn't understand the need to change his habit now. But he also knew that when his wife gazed at him and sweetly requested, "Please, for me." He couldn't say no. Waiting patiently downstairs for Dara to finish dressing, he ventured to the living room to wait with Caleb.

Turning from the movie he was watching he took in his father's appearance, "You look good."

Tugging at the bothersome tie, Lucas replied, "Glad you think so, if I could get rid of this damn tie, I'd feel better."

Caleb turned and started to inquire, "Well, why don't you just..."

Lucas glanced at him, wondering why he hadn't finished his statement, catching the look on Caleb's face he instinctively turned in the direction Caleb was staring. Seeing why Caleb had stopped mid sentence, he whistled low.

Dara smiled timidly, "Do I look all right?"

Caleb, being the first to recover, replied, "You look as pretty as you did when you got married, maybe even better."

Dara smiled at him, "Thanks, sweetie." Turing to face her husband, "Do you think I look all right?"

Lucas couldn't help but stare, she had arranged her hair much like it was on their wedding day, pulled up with the long curls falling in a cascade down her back. The dress she had chosen was made of silk and chiffon, the color bringing out the color of the sea in her eyes, there were tiny silver beads sewn into the chiffon that made up the skirt and sleeves, matching the sparkle in her eyes. The dress was more or less strapless, with the exception of the half-sleeves, which came off her shoulders and ended just above her elbows, with the skirt falling halfway below her knees.

Recovering, Lucas responded, "You look beautiful."

Dara smiled and returned the compliment, "So do you.'

Lucas deciding that now was the time for what he had in mind; reached into his pocket he withdrew a flat jewelers box and opened it for her. Dara exclaimed when she saw the contents, "You shouldn't have done this, it's too much. You know you're spoiling me, don't you?"

Lucas took the necklace, which was a teardrop shaped blue topaz with two diamonds at the top of the point. Motioning for her to turn around he fastened the piece around her slender neck and smiled, "Consider it an early mother's day present, and let me enjoy spoiling you, okay?"

Dara smiled at him lovingly, "All right." Handing the shawl she had purchased to match her shoes and bag to him to drape over her shoulders, she proceeded out the door.


All of committee had gathered to consult the accountant who had volunteered her time to work on the financial reports for the project. Once assured that they would receive a report as soon as possible the group disbanded to join their own groups. Dara and Matt went to search for their spouses, who had sought out their tables.

When Loris and Dara saw each other they both agreed with their choice in attire. Both women were in conversation when Loris motioned to the door, "Here comes your favorite person."

Dara glanced in the direction of the doorway to find Landrum standing there, looking as though he were searching for someone. Finally, when he glanced in her direction he proceeded to make a straight line for her table. Not sure how to avoid him at this point, Dara began to panic until her husband softly touched her shoulder.

Lucas extended his hand to her and stated, "Come on, sweetheart, lets dance."

Dara, grateful for his inspiration, quickly placed her hand in his and smiled. "I'd love to, lets go."

What Dara didn't realize that was Lucas had also spotted the man when she did and was well aware of her discomfort. Wanting to save her from possible embarrassment, he decided the best course of action was for him to get her out on the dance floor.

Lucas had to smile to himself as he felt her relax considerably in his arms, proof of which was evident as she began humming along with the tune the band was now playing. Holding her closer, he whispered in her ear, "You're doing it again."

Dara looked at him in surprise as she demanded, "Doing what?"

Lucas replied, "You're humming with the song."

Smiling sheepishly, she asked, "Is it that bad?"

Shaking his head, Lucas stated, "Not hardly, I think it sounds beautiful."

Dara shook her head as she smiled ruefully, "You're just biased."

Nodding Lucas agreed with her statement, "When it comes to you, I most certainly am."

Dara and Lucas were so involved with each other than neither of them noticed anyone else until Lucas felt someone tap him on his shoulder. Turning, Lucas glared at the intruder grimly.

"Would you mind if I cut in?" Landrum smiled charmingly, knowing that Buck wouldn't be happy with relinquishing his wife, but also knowing that he didn't have much choice.

Lucas glanced at Dara, knowing that she didn't want to dance with the man, but also knowing that she didn't want to create a scene, silently asking for her permission. Reluctantly, she nodded her acceptance. Lucas stepped aside and stared daggers at the man, "Just don't tire her out." Stalking back to their table, Lucas took his seat and watched the man with his wife, seething.

Landrum smiled down at Dara, "You look quite beautiful tonight."

Dara simply nodded politely, "Thank you, Dr. Landrum."

Shaking his head, he stated, "Oh, I think we can drop the formality, don't you?" Call me Devon and I'll call you Dara." Taking her silence as a sign of acceptance, he proceeded with the conversation, "I've been meaning to ask you, how exactly did your parents come by the name 'Dara'?"

Dara, not wanting to encourage more conversation than absolutely necessary, simply stated, "I'm not certain." Finally the music ended and attempting to escape the man, Dara excused herself to the ladies room.

Loris and Selena, having spotted her flight followed quickly, once behind the closed door both inquired, "Are you all right?"

Dara nodded, "Yes, but I think I'm going to be playing hide and seek with that man all night."

Selena shook her head, "You better figure something out, quick. Your husband looks like he's about to strangle the man."

Dara nodded, "I know, I know."

Selena considered a moment, "Would you mind if I try and distract him for you?

Dara looked at her with gratitude, "Mind? I'd be grateful, but are you sure?"

Selena shrugged, "Sure, I can handle him, you just stay close to Lucas."

After waiting a moment and letting Loris and Selena proceed ahead of her, Dara left the sanctuary of the ladies room. Once they returned and she had taken her seat Lucas looked at her with concern, "Are you all right?"

Dara smiled, "I'm fine."

Noticing Landrum's approach, Lucas swore under his breath. Dara placed her hand on his arm gently, "Please, just trust me. Selena and I have this all worked out, okay?" Lucas reluctantly nodded.

Standing over Dara, Landrum held his hand out and inquired, "Could I have this dance, madam?"

Dara, glancing to see if Selena had noticed and assuring herself that she had, nodded her agreement. Standing without taking his offered hand, she led the way to the dance floor.

Lucas sat watching as the man put his hand possessively on his wife's back with fury burning inside of him. Not noticing her approach, he looked up in shock when Selena motioned towards the dance floor, "Come on, lets join them."

Lucas looked as Selena with distrust, he knew that Dara considered her a friend, but he knew from years or experience what she was capable of.

Selena, guessing what he was thinking by the doubt on his face, assured him, "It's not what you think. Dara and I have this all worked out, trust me."

Lucas stood and followed her to the dance floor, once they go close enough, Selena instructed, "Go cut in."

Maneuvering her nearer, he stopped and tapped Landrum on the shoulder, imitating the other man's smile, he stated, "You won't mind if I cut in and dance with my wife, I'm sure." Without waiting for his answer he took Dara's hand in his own and navigated the wide floor far away from Landrum.

Not wanting to create a scene, he motioned politely to Selena, "Ms. Coombs, would you care to dance?"

Selena purred seductively, "I never thought you would ask."

Dara glanced past Lucas and was thrilled to see that Selena had indeed managed to capture Landrum's attention. Sighing with visible relief, she relaxed and smiled up at her husband.

Lucas pulled her closer, allowing her to rest her head against his chest, even with the high heels she was now wearing, she only came to halfway up his chest.

Dara looked at him and stated, "Thank you for the rescue, hopefully, Selena can keep him occupied for the rest of the night."

Landrum having decided that it would be too conspicuous to continue trying to monopolize Dara's time, allowed Selena to keep him distracted. Although she made a charming diversion, he fumed every time he saw Buck with his hands on Dara. He wanted to rip the man's throat out, he had waited to be near her for a very long time and to find this man now in what he considered his place, was infuriating to him.

Finally, deciding that the best course of action was to leave, he contrived and imaginary emergency to excuse his departure.

Watching the man leave, Matt shook his head and then looked at his wife as they were dancing, "Well, at least Dara can enjoy the rest of her evening without him hounding her."

Loris nodded her agreement, "Yeah, he seems to be every where she is."

Matt glanced at her in curiosity, "What do you mean?"

Loris glanced around, making certain that no one was within earshot. "You can't say anything, but when we went to Charleston last week, we were eating lunch and there he was. Just appeared from out to nowhere, claimed to be looking for a new tuxedo."

Matt considered her words, he as well as Lucas had also been in need of new suits, but both had went to the men's shop in Trinity.

Loris nodded, having assumed his reasoning, "I know, why didn't he get his where you did? I'm telling you it's like he knew Dara was going to be there."

Matt looked at her and asked, masking his own concerns, "What are you saying, Loris?"

Pursing her mouth in determination, she stated simply, "Something tells me he's stalking her."

Matt pondered her statement, then advised, "Well, let it go for now, we both know that Lucas Buck loves his wife and if that's the case, then we know also that he'll fight heaven or hell to protect her."


Lucas drove silently home with a set grimness to his face. Dara glanced over at him from time to time and finally unable to hold it in any longer, asked timidly, "Lucas?"

Continuing to stare at the road in front the, he simply replied, "Hm?"

Nervously wetting her lips, she looked at him unsurely, but asked softly, "Honey, are you angry with me?"

Lucas glanced over at her, and then pulled the car off to the shoulder of the road.

Dara, thinking that he was truly angry with her and needed time to cool off, looked at him with tears of hurt in eyes. As usual he totally surprised her by taking her in his arms and holding her close to him.

"No, baby, I'm not angry with you at all. I'm frustrated with the situation; something tells me that Landrum is after you and I don't like it one damned bit. But the only answer I can come up with is for you to give up working at the hospital, which isn't fair to you."

Dara pulled back and offered a small, hopeful smile as she stated, "Well, look at the bright side, darling. I'll have the program to occupy most of my time, which should eliminate most of my contact with him."

Lucas looked down at her and asked, "You'll promise to be careful around him? And if he gives you anymore problems you'll tell me?"

Dara nodded her agreement, "I promise."