A/N: Thanks for being patient everyone. It was my birthday this weekend, plus I am covering for another employee who is off, plus trying to catch up on my Bones stories to post. Enjoy and reviews are encouraged.

Disclaimer: I don't own the Waltons...too bad

Wednesday came and Mary Ellen was cleaning the exam room. She had assisted Curt with suturing a cut on Jim Bob, who broke up a fight between Rover and another peacock that wandered on their property. Her thoughts were in the clouds thinking about her birthday on Saturday and it couldn't come fast enough. Something told her that Curt was planning something but wasn't sure what.

She stopped as she saw her ring less left hand. For a quick moment, she remembered the beautiful ring she wore earlier in the year for almost two months, her birthstone. If she had married David, right now she would be spending her early spring in a large, beautiful home by the Charles River.

But she knew that the home by the Charles River, while large and beautiful, would also be cold and lonely as David's days would be spent either at the hospital or working with his father. Her days would have been spent at home alone or with her mother in law and her country club committees. Her life would grow to one of resentment and anger.

Curtis Willard didn't have a fancy home by the river. His practice was still growing and was being supplemented by his work at the hospital in Charlottesville. It would take months for him to get all of his back pay from the mines and even then his income would pale to what the Spencer family had.

Mary Ellen knew he couldn't afford to give her a diamond ring right now. However, what he could give her was worth more than all the jewelry and fancy clothes David would have given her. She knew Curt wanted to marry her and she would accept his proposal, when he would ask her with his heart, not tell her or ask offhandedly as if she was just being difficult.

In the residence part of the house, Curt was washing up laughing about Jim Bob. 'Only in Walton's Mountain would I treat someone who broke up a peacock fight.'

When done, he walked to his bedroom and went into his top bureau drawer. Pulling a small box out, he looked inside at Mary Ellen's birthday present. Putting it back, he opened another small box and looked at a small gold band, his maternal grandmother's wedding band that she had given him before her death several years earlier. She wanted him to give it to the woman he married.

For years, it was just wishful thinking, but then he met Mary Ellen. She kept turning his proposals down, but something told him this weekend was going to be different. Someway, somehow, she would be wearing this ring by year's end. Putting the ring back, he headed back to his practice.

When he got there, he watched his girlfriend wash her hands with her back to him. Smiling, he snuck up behind her and gave her a peck on the cheek. "Mary Ellen, I have an idea"

"What's that, Doctor Willard?"

"The sun is shining and it's your birthday on Saturday. I know that your parents are having a family supper that evening but how about we do something with just us during the day?"

Mary Ellen was thinking the same thing and she had some ideas of her own. "Like what, Curt?"

"Whatever you want"

"How about fishing?"

The weather was supposed to be beautiful this weekend. Maybe Saturday will bring him more than fish. "How early do you want to go, birthday girl?"

Feeling impish, Mary Ellen smiled. "Be there at seven. I know the perfect fishing spot"

"Sounds wonderful" Curt responded

Mary Ellen came around and gave her beau a kiss. "I best be getting home for supper. Want to come?"

"I'll try, but I have to check in on the Monroe children. If I miss dinner, I'll try to make it for George and Gracie"

"You do that. I'll make sure Momma saves a plate for you"

"Okay, you do that Nurse Walton" He gave her another kiss. "See you later"

"Until tonight, Doctor Willard"

Curt watched Mary Ellen grab her sweater and walk out. He looked out the window and saw her walking home. Quickly, he filled his medical bag with needed supplies. He wanted more than just one dumpling for dinner tonight and knew he needed to get out to the Monroes and then to the Walton's before her brothers ate everything.

Erin was working the switchboard when she was surprised by a visitor. "David, hi!"

David walked into the room. "Hello Erin. How are you?"

"I'm doing all right. How are you?"

"Good. Erin, I'm glad you called. I think about what you saw and it makes me madder each time. I thought Curt was better than sneaking around with Mary Ellen's friend. Did you tell her yet?"

"No, I didn't. I don't know what to do" Erin thought for a minute. "David, I don't want to hurt her, but she shouldn't be with someone who fools around on her, especially her friend. I thought Nora was so nice. I guess she's dating another doctor right now"

"Yeah nice guy, too. I know Mary Ellen and I are no longer together, but I still care about her and want her to be happy"

'Yes! One step closer to David being back in our family' Erin thought to herself. "I'm glad David. Do you see Mary Ellen at the hospital?"

David pulled a nearby chair over near Erin and sat down. "I talked to your sister recently and we decided to be friends. However, I don't think Curt wants that since the few times we've talked he shows up. Do you have any suggestions?"

"I don't know, David, but we have to do something. Curt is taking advantage of my sister. You belong with me, I mean her, not him. You still love her, don't you?"

David heard Erin's Freudian slip and noted it. He then leaned in slightly and took Erin's hand. "Of course I do, Erin. I would marry her tomorrow if I could. I am hoping she would get over Curt on her own, but I have to be honest. Every day I am losing hope of ever having her back"

"I'm so sorry, David. You deserve better than my sister"

"Erin, you don't mean that and you know it." David looked at the clock. "Shoot, I have to get to the hospital for my shift" He moved to get up and put the chair back. "I've got an idea. How about we get together on Saturday and talk some more. I do miss talking to you."

Erin was unsure, but David looked so hopeful. "Well, sure, but we're having a family dinner Saturday night"

"No, I don't want to intrude. I just think we need to decide how we can help Mary Ellen."

Erin smiled. David was always so nice and she did miss him. "Sure. My family may not approve of us meeting up together, though. How about we meet in town by the schoolhouse?"

"Sure Erin. I don't want to get you into trouble with John and Olivia, though. Maybe this isn't such a good idea"

"It will be fine, David. I still don't understand why she would dump a nice guy like you. Mary Ellen deserves to be with someone who will respect her."

"Well, okay. I'll meet you in the afternoon. I'll call you when I have a better time. Sound good?"

"Sure"

David gave Erin a hug, but was interrupted with the buzz. "Sorry David" She turned to the microphone. "Operator? To Ike's? One moment, please"

David waved goodbye when she got another call. He sat out in the car and contemplated for a moment. For the last several weeks, he debated on how to get Mary Ellen back. He needed to show her much he loved her and could provide for her better than a small town doctor ever could.

Suddenly that feeling hit him again. The one that said Erin probably misunderstood what she saw and that he should encourage her to inquire further instead of assuming. Just as quickly, he pushed that thought down with another one. Thanks to Erin's knowledge of what she thinks is Curt's affair, he had a chance. He hated using the young girl, but as his father always told him, sometimes one must do what one must to succeed. Quickly, he took a swig out of the flask in his jacket pocket before taking off.

Back inside, Erin watched David leave and sighed in relief. She was so glad that he hadn't given up on Mary Ellen. Soon, her sister would be with someone who wouldn't cheat on her and David would be around again. The thought of that made her heart race. The buzzing of the switchboard brought her back to reality.