Matt sat at his table, watching Gail from across the room. He had not been able to enjoy his meal with M, knowing he had upset his friend and he had noticed Lucas was continuously supplying her with wine. Matt knew Gail was not one to conform to something like Valentines Day; therefore, he began to wonder why she was here and what Lucas was up to.

Merlyn was unimpressed that Matt's attention was elsewhere and did not know why her companion had suddenly turned cold towards her. 'Do you feel guilty for somethin', is that it?' she asked and watched as his attention finally returned to her.

Matt had not considered how his behaviour must look to M and forced a smile, then took a sip of his glass of water. 'This is a little inappropriate...' he shrugged, then turned his attention back to Gail. '...What do you think is going on over there? Why would he be trying to get her drunk when he can have her anyway?'

Merlyn looked over her shoulder and spotted another bottle of wine being brought to the table where Lucas and Gail sat. She sensed Gail was not her usual self and her own curiosity began to spike. 'She's been investigating the Walter Maine story...' Merlyn started.

'So have you and he isn't over here trying to manipulate you' Matt interjected.

Merlyn thought for a moment, then shrugged. 'He's always all over her, today isn't any different'

Matt shook his head and caressed her chin gently, then turned her to face Gail's table. 'Oh but it is, look...Usually he's over confident and doesn't need alcohol to close the deal, especially as he believes he has her. Something is different here'

Merlyn watched her cousin closely, she was downing her drinks quicker than she normally did and she guessed the short lace dress was not one of Gail's choosing. 'Alright, I'll play along...So he's gone out of his way to make her feel uncomfortable and she's drinkin' to get through it'

'Exactly' Matt nodded and started to feel concern for his friend.

Merlyn let out a long sigh, then stood up and took hold of Matt's hand. 'What's say we make this interestin'?' she asked, then dragged him behind her without waiting for his answer.

Matt allowed himself to be led; however, he had a bad feeling as to what she was leading him into.

Lucas was continuing to stroke Gail and kiss her neck seductively, when he felt her tense. He looked up to see Merlyn stood in front of their table, with Matt hiding behind her and let out a long sigh. 'I understand this little thing you two have ain't very smart, but I thought you both had enough brains not to interrupt me and mine' Lucas said in irritation.

Gail reached under the table and squeezed Lucas' knee, to indicate for him to back down and then turned her attention towards Merlyn. 'This better be good' she warned, unimpressed at her presence and placed her glass of wine down.

Merlyn pulled up a chair from an empty table beside them and sat down, leaving Matt standing behind her. 'I've got somethin' I wanna run by you' she stated and smiled innocently.

Gail sensed Lucas's anger, then trailed her hand up his leg and stroked his manhood over his pants. 'I don't buy that innocent look...This isn't the time' Gail advised and signaled for Merlyn to leave.

'Am I not your family?...Sorry, metaphorically your family?' Merlyn asked sweetly and shot Lucas a smug look.

Lucas sensed a challenge in Merlyn Ann and returned his hand to Gail's sweet spot, then smiled when she bit her lip to keep in her moan. 'I do believe this little Missy wants your attention love...You think I should share?' he mocked.

Gail took hold of Lucas' hand and removed it from between her legs, then gave him a look of warning. Her mind was hazy and she did not like being pulled between the two of them, especially when she was attempting to work out Lucas' game. 'You know what you are to me...' she said to Merlyn, '...but you know this isn't the time, so what is this?'

Merlyn shrugged and continued to look at her cousin sweetly. She sensed Gail's irritation and all she wanted to do was pull her away from Lucas.

Lucas sensed his grasp on Gail loosening due to Merlyn's interference, so he stood up and brought another chair to the table. 'You know Harvard, I don't think we've given it enough of a chance. We're both fond of the same woman, I think it's about time we learned to play nice together...why don't you sit down?' Lucas asked and smiled at Matt's suspicious look.

Matt glanced at Gail, who appeared too concerned with M, then took a seat next to Lucas. He had wanted to know what Lucas was up to and now he was up close and personal, thanks to M.

Lucas smiled and placed his arm possessively around Gail, this was not the way he had foreseen the night going; however, it certainly kept things interesting. 'I don't know about you folks, but I'm dying for dessert' he winked at Gail and signaled for the Waiter to bring the dessert menu's.

Gail was finishing off her large slice of red velvet cake and shook her head at Lucas' attempt to engage Matt in conversation. She had held off on the wine while Matt was at her table, respecting his sobriety and was started to regain control of her mind. She had been watching Merlyn closely and sensed that her initial interruption was to ensure that Gail was thinking clearly around Lucas. She did not like the girls actions in interjecting herself into the equation; however, she appreciated her concern and they were family after all.

'So Doc, what did you get your valentine? Somethin' befittin' of her uniqueness I hope' Lucas smiled and watched as Matt shifted uncomfortably in his chair.

Merlyn glanced at Gail, who just rolled her eyes, then turned her attention to Lucas. 'What did you get the mother of your child? Surely somethin' more befittin' than that tight little dress you forced her into' she said sarcastically.

'He's not stupid enough to fall into the trap of throwing money at the Card and Gift Stores, for a fake holiday' Gail answered for Lucas, then shot Merlyn a look of disapproval which dared her to continue. She relaxed when the girl chose to remain quiet and continued to finish off her cake.

Lucas smiled at how easily Gail controlled Merlyn, then pulled out a blue velvet box and got down on one knee in front of her. 'I suppose I'm a little stupid' he shrugged and held up the box to her.

Gail turned her full attention towards him, then crossed her legs and folded her arms over her chest in an unimpressed manner. She disregarded the sharp intake of breath she heard from a prying resident who had clearly been watching them and shook her head.

'You can't be serious!...' Matt started in disbelief and leaned forward. '...Gail you can't...'

Gail held her finger up to silence Matt, whilst not taking her eyes off Lucas. 'I've already got one of these and I bet it's a damn site more unique than the one in that box' she said calmly.

Lucas looked deep into her eyes and smiled. 'Considerin' you ain't wearin' my Mothers ring, I thought you must be holdin' out for a more expensive one'

Gail glanced around the room in irritation. Lucas had not made a spectacle, all he had done was silently get down on one knee, yet all eyes were suddenly on them. She was not stupid, she knew this was all part of the game and she commended his ability to surprise her. She would never have suspected he would make such an open gesture on Valentine's Day and this left her in an uncomfortable position, especially when he knew she did not rate marriage.

Lucas watched her reaction carefully, he sense the cogs turning within her and it amused him that he had caught her off guard. She was clearly trying not to react and attempting to remain in control; however, the silence in the restaurant and the eyes on them were clearing bothering her, it was written all over her face. 'You gonna make me stay down here all night?' he asked sarcastically.

'I just might' Gail forced a smile to hide her irritation and took the small box out of his hand.

When she opened the velvet box, she was taken aback by the large diamond shining up at her and the pattern on the white gold band. The ring itself was beautiful and he had clearly gone to a lot of trouble in finding something unusual for her; however, this was not something that she had ever wanted for herself and she begrudged the thought of being officially tied down to someone for the rest of her life.

Sensing this had gone on for an unnatural amount of time, she bent down and placed a soft kiss on Lucas' lips, then let out a long sigh when he got up.

'Is that a yes Miss Emory?' Lucas asked, when he sat down in his chair.

'It's a you can go service yourself tonight' she stated, then put the ring on her finger and signaled for Merlyn to follow her out of the restaurant.

Matt shook his head in disbelief at the stunt Lucas had just pulled, then got up and followed the women out of the restaurant.

Lucas poured himself a glass of wine and took a long sip, when the Head Waiter approached him.

'Did everything go as planned Sheriff?' the man asked nervously.

Lucas smiled and nodded. 'Drink's are on me friend, I just got engaged' he winked, then downed the remainder of his glass of wine.

Gail awoke in Abe's guest bedroom, to Gideon on the pillow next to her and the sound of her screaming son. Her head was throbbing; however, she shrugged off the pain, reached for her robe and headed into the kitchen. She smiled when she saw Abe attempting to rock Luke unsuccessfully back to sleep.

'He's usually fine until he suspects you're here...' Abe sighed, '...I swear this little devil can sense you'

Gail laughed and shook her head. 'A trait he get's from his father I suspect' she smiled and took Luke into her arms.

Abe watched as the baby instantly stopped crying and snuggled into his mothers chest. 'Everythin' go alright last night? I wasn't expectin' company after Lucas dropped the baby off'

Gail held up her left hand unimpressed, ensuring Abe caught sight of the ring and then sat down at the kitchen table with Luke.

Abe shook his head when he saw the large rock on her finger and ran his hand through his thinning hair. 'I guess that boy really think's he's got you now'

Gail laughed and turned towards her Uncle Abe. 'Do you believe he has?'

Abe laughed and poured her a cup of coffee. 'I think you do what you have to with whatever life throws at ya Rosie'

'Did you know about this?' she asked, curious as to whether Abe had sided with Lucas behind her back.

'I did not...' Abe answered irritated, '...If I had I woulda smacked him around the head with my cane, see if I could knock some sense into him'

Gail smiled and stroked Luke's head affectionately. Suddenly, the kitchen door opened and she nearly jumped out of the seat when Caleb stumbled in tiredly. She had not realised anyone else was in the house and she let out a long sigh. 'He roped you into staying here too?' she asked her cousin.

Caleb sat down at the table and shrugged. 'It's better than stayin' with Merly and Matt, they're weird these days'

Gail looked at Abe, who just shrugged, then turned her attention back to Caleb. 'I'm sick of being controlled by the man...You wanna take a run up to Thomasville with me today?'

Caleb regarded his cousin curiously and shrugged. 'What's in Thomasville?'

'Absolutely no-one we know' she advised and took a sip of her coffee.

Caleb smiled when he realised she was serious and nodded excitedly. 'Alright cous', we're goin' on a roadtrip!'

'Great...' Gail smiled, '...You go get ready and we'll head straight out'

Abe shook his head when Caleb rushed past him and glanced at Gail disapprovingly. 'He ain't gonna like you takin' his boy Rosie'

Gail stood up and grabbed Luke's bag. 'Well he really ain't gonna like me takin' both his boy's then is he?' Gail mocked mischievously, then placed a reassuring kiss on Abe's cheek and headed to the bedroom.

Lucas entered Trinity Elementary School and whistled to himself, as he walked casually down the deserted corridors. Gail had chosen to stay with Abe last night, wasting the effort he had put into their bedroom with the roses; however, Lucas was still reeling from her accepting his proposal, therefore, he could forgive her for the wasted roses.

After Lucas had awoken this morning, he had a strong urge to see his boys; however, it appeared the news of his engagement had spread across the town and as soon as he stepped off his property, he had been greeted by well wishing residents. By the time Lucas had been able to get on his way, he knew Gail would have taken Caleb to school and began her investigation again. So here he was, heading towards his eldest's classroom.

When Lucas entered the classroom, all eyes turned to him in awe. He enjoyed seeing these children, they gave him a sense of purpose and there were few things better than a child's respect. Lucas smiled charmingly at all the children, then his eyes fell on Caleb's empty desk and his smile faded. 'Mornin' Teacher, it appears you're missin' one less today' he said to Selena, who had continued to write on the black board and disregarded his presence.

Selena turned towards Lucas and narrowed her eyes at him confused. She had assumed Caleb not turning up for class was down to him; however, by the look on his face, it appeared Lucas was in the dark just like she was. 'Caleb is awol today Sheriff, unless his cousin has forgotten to inform us of him being ill' she said cattily.

Lucas stared at her in irritation, then forced a smile for the children who had not taken their eyes off him. 'I'm sure the boy is just taken a little ill, I'll be sure to send him your regards' he smiled, then turned to leave.

'You're not leaving yet are your Sheriff?...' Selena asked, sensing his urgent need to locate Caleb and choosing to derail his efforts. '...Please don't go yet Sheriff, please...'

'Please!' the class all shouted in unison.

Lucas let out an exasperated sigh, then smiled when he turned back towards the children. 'Alright kids, you got me for an hour...Who wants to be deputized?' he forced a laugh, then shot Selena an irritated glance.

-To be continued-