Doc pulled the buggy up next to the creek. The area was just as he told Kitty it would be. Meadow birds sang and the quiet babble of the water over the rocks with the sun sparkling off it made a prefect picture.

"Its beautiful, Doc!" Annie gently squeezed his hand as she gazed around.

Doc smiled as he got out of the buggy and reached up for Annie's hand. "Here. You'll love to sit by the water." As Annie took Doc's hand and stepped down, Doc picked up the picnic basket and the two made their way to the side of the creek under the shade of a large maple tree. The summer breeze was warm and filled with the fragrance of clover and sweet grass.

Doc placed the basket on a flat rock near the tree. He busied himself by opening the top and pulling out the red and white gingham cloth and spreading it on the ground. He watch Annie for a moment who was looking into the creek. Doc twitched his head and with a wink continued to get the luncheon ready for their enjoyment. Once he was satisfied he called for Annie. "Care to join me?"

Annie turn to him. She was lost in thought for a second but regained her composure as she joined the doctor for the picnic lunch. "This looks lovely." She said as she scanned the food. Fried chicken, cheeses, bread and wine.

Doc handed her a plate. "Here you go. Help yourself; there's plenty! Ma Smalley is a great cook."

Annie placed a few pieces of chicken on her plate and then looked at Doc. Her face held a question.

"What is it?" Doc saw it clearly.

"Doc. What is you real name?" She nibbled at a chicken leg. "I mean, if we we're meant to be closer friends, I guess I should be saying your name..."

Doc chuckled. "Well, I don't use it often."

"Why?" Annie pressed.

Doc sighed. There was no way he was going to throw off this question and then ask the one he wanted to ask. "It's Galen. I think my parents had great expectations for me as a doctor." He swiped his moustache in slight embarrassment.

"I think it is a noble name. It's Greek for 'healer' isn't it? You should be proud of it. I like it. I like it a lot better than "Doc"." She smiled with that same under toned smile that Doc didn't pick up on; the same one Festus had time and time again.

Doc nodded and finished the slice of bread and looked up to Annie. "You have something else on your mind, Galen. What is it?" Obviously she could read him better than he could read her.

Doc swallowed hard and composed himself. He looked Annie deep in the eyes before he spoke the words from his heart. "Annie. I know I have only known you for a few weeks, but I have to say these few weeks have made me the happiest man alive. I feel reinvigorated. It may sound funny to you but..."

Annie leaned forward. "But?"

Doc drew a deep breath before he continued. "I know I'm older than you...and I know you just lost your husband..."

Annie drew even closer to Doc. "What? What is it that you want to say?" Her eyes met his.

She could heard him swallow. "Would you marry me?" Doc said softly.

Annie leaned back slightly and giggled.

Doc sat back. He didn't know if he just made the biggest fool out of himself or Annie was happy. His eyebrows rose in confusion and he looked down at his plate. His stomach turned.

Annie reached over and placed her hand under Doc's chin and had him look up at her. "I can't think of a nicer thing to say 'yes' to. Annie Adams...nice sounding isn't it?" She smiled.

Doc smiled even more. He slowly drew her into his arms and kissed her gently on the lips