The next day Merlin told Gwen, Lance and Percy his news. Percy was overjoyed as was Lance. Gwen smiled and hugged Merlin before saying "If he hurts you he's dead. I hope you'll be very happy and I'm pleased you found someone." Merlin knew she was not being completely honest, but at least she wasn't being totally hostile.

Arthur arrived at the office and told Morgana the news. She was overjoyed and immediately told everyone else in the building, and before the end of the day had a collection going for a present. Arthur rang Gaius and Alice and told them. They were happy for Arthur and then arranged for Arthur to bring Merlin over at the weekend for a meal so they could meet him.

Arthur then rang his father, who was now in Jamaica, and told him that he was getting married to someone who he loved with all his heart. Uther was surprised.

"I didn't even know you were seeing anyone. I'm glad you have got over that stupid phase and have found yourself a good woman. I was worried for a bit that you were becoming attached to that cripple boy."

Arthur counted to ten under his breath. "Father I was not going through a phase I told you that ten years ago. I had hoped you would accept that. I am marrying a man and it is Merlin Emrys. The date has yet to be set but I hope you will attend."

Uther slammed the phone down without speaking.

Within an hour Arthur received an email which was short and to the point:

I made a gross error in judgement in handing over the firm I worked so long and hard to build, to a person of such poor judgement. We will not be attending this farce you call a marriage, nor will I dignify it by accepting it as such. You are an abomination before God. You will hear from my lawyers in due course regarding your present situation as CEO of my firm.

Arthur wasn't surprised, but he had been unwilling to hide his relationship. He contacted the company lawyers and spoke to the senior lawyer. Who told Arthur that the contract his father had signed was iron clad, and his father had no grounds to withdraw from the agreement, unless the silent partner backed Uther. If he did then there might be a small chance that Uther may get a court to agree with him. But he would have to have grounds other than Arthur's choice of a life partner.

Arthur then phoned Gaius once more and informed him of Uther's response. Gaius said he was still backing Arthur and not to worry. Arthur also went and told Morgana warning her she might be hearing from their father. As he was speaking to her she received a phone call from Uther. He left the room; he could hear Uther shouting at his sister. Half an hour later Morgana came to see him.

"That was either brave or foolish I'm not sure which, what made you ring Uther, you knew what he would say." Morgana looked at Arthur before sitting down opposite him.

"I had a good idea how he would react, I won't hide my marriage plans, I'm not ashamed of Merlin and Uther will have to accept that." Arthur sounded resigned.

"He's told you he wants the firm back?"

"Yes, I've checked with the lawyers they say he's had it, the paperwork was iron clad."

"He told me there's a secret partner that will back him to get you out. Did you know about that?" Morgana sounded worried.

"Yes, I already knew there was a silent partner, I knew that before I took over, he told me." Arthur looked at his sister waiting for the explosion.

"You knew and didn't tell me!"

"Yes the silent partner approached me, he didn't want his name known and I have to accept that, but he will back me in this. I have already spoken to him."

"You kept that quiet Arthur, are you sure he will back you? You know how persuasive Uther can be, what makes you so sure." Morgana demanded.

"I'm very sure. I will speak to him again and ask if I can tell you his name, but until then you are just going to have to trust me. I don't regret telling father. I won't start my life with Merlin hiding our relationship."

"Well Arthur you've got balls I give you that." Morgana smiled "He won't forgive you or the mysterious sleeping partner."

As soon as Morgana left his office Arthur got on with his work and was pleased when five thirty came round and he could leave the office with a clear conscience. Merlin was cooking supper, pasta one of the few things he admitted being able to cook. Arthur was please to get home and was pleasantly surprised how nice his supper was.

The end of the week soon came round. Arthur was finding his new position a challenge but he was enjoying it immensely. He had arranged with Merlin that they would go to see Gaius and Alice Friday evening. That way they would have the weekend to their selves. Merlin was going to get ready before Arthur got back so the blond could get straight in the shower when he got back.

By careful planning they were on their way by half past six and reached the couples house by seven. There were two steps to get Merlin's chair up, but that proved no obstacle as Merlin had a portable ramp that Arthur had put in the boot of the car. Merlin was scared, he knew from what Arthur had told him that Gaius and Alice had been very close to Arthur when he was younger. In fact almost like parents to him, although they were not related in anyway. He wondered what they thought about Arthur getting engaged to a paralysed man. Arthur had reassured him they would love him but he still couldn't relax.

Gaius and Alice were older than Merlin had imagined, both had kindly faces and immediately tried to make him feel at home. Merlin thought they were more like grandparents than parents and liked then from the start. They had a lovely homely house and Alice had cooked then a traditional roast beef dinner. Something Merlin hadn't had since his mother had died. It had always been their favourite. It made him feel quite sentimental as the memories flooded back he went quiet. Gaius soon picked up on it and asked Merlin if he was ok.

"Yes thank you, the meal brought back memories; it was our favourite meal when mum was alive. You cook it just like she did."

"When did she past?" Gaius asked softly.

"When I was sixteen, she had cancer. We had been on our own for years dad died when I was little. I miss her." Merlin's eyes were swimming with unshed tears.

"Sorry lad I didn't mean to upset you. I must have been hard." Gaius put his hand on Merlin's shoulder.

"Merlin's on his own he has no relatives, a friend helped look after him. He's done very well for himself. He got his degree with Open University." Arthur told them hoping to change the subject.