A/N: Thanks for your patience everyone. I had some health issues the last couple of weeks and in between updating I've been writing ideas for new fanfics. Enjoy.

Disclaimer: I don't own the Walton's. Too bad.

Aimee and Elizabeth were playing on the swings next to the schoolhouse. When the girls got thirsty, they walked over nearby where there was a faucet and each took a drink. As the girls finished and were heading back to play, they heard a car pull up. When Elizabeth saw it was Erin and David, she got mad. "Why is she talking to him?"

"Elizabeth, isn't that the guy Mary Ellen was going to marry?"

"Yeah it is."

"Should we leave? Momma says we shouldn't eavesdrop on a conversation that doesn't involve us"

Elizabeth turned to her friend. "Aimee, I know Corabeth said that but how often do you see her snooping when people go into your parents' store?"

Aimee thought for a moment before laughing. "You're right"

"Let's go see what they are talking about. I don't think its right she's with him alone. Jessica Spy finds it very suspicious" After the girls laughed, they quietly snuck behind trees and kept out of sight.

Nearby, Erin and David got out of the car. After a moment the two walked around the back and settled on the steps.

"Erin I see them together at the hospital and they look really close. I'm wondering if she has truly moved on from me. If so, maybe I should go on with mine"

'Noooooo' Erin thought. She decided to press further, hoping that it will all work out in the end. "She still has your love letters you know"

"She does?" David said.

"Yeah, I saw her put them in her hope chest" Erin lied. 'I'm glad I pulled them out of the trash when Mary Ellen got rid of them' Erin took a breath. "She still cares, David. Just talk to her"

"Erin, I've tried to talk to her at the hospital but Curt always interrupts us and when I leave her messages I don't hear back"

Erin felt bad for him. "Have you just tried calling her at the office?"

David turned to her. "I can't do that, Erin. Curt would get mad, plus my mother made a mess of things by going over there and saying horrible things to her. I don't know what to do."

"Well, we have to think of something. My sister can be stupid but she doesn't deserve someone who has another girl behind her back"

"Erin, your sister isn't stupid"

"No, David she is. She dumped a great guy like you for him. You have so much to offer her and with him she won't have beans" Erin suddenly smiled. "David, what if we set up a place for you two to meet alone? When she gets there, she'll be upset about being lied to, but once you tell her how you feel, she'll be glad she stayed."

David was excited. He thought he would have to give more hints for Erin to come up with that idea. She would make a good wife someday. "You think that will work?"

Erin got excited. Soon her sister would be with the right man again and Curt Willard can move on to another stupid woman. "Sure David. I don't know when I can do it, but I can come up with something soon"

David smiled at the young woman before hugging her. "Oh, you are the best, Erin. Thanks so much for helping me. You're a good friend"

"Thank you, David" Erin said. She thought she noted the smell of whiskey but she blew it off since their hug was brief.

He saw the love struck look in her eyes. He knew he could kiss her and she would do whatever he requested. However, that was a line that even he could never cross. Knowing he had to remove himself, he moved back towards his car. "Well, Erin, I'm going to take off so you can help get ready for Mary Ellen's birthday supper."

"What are you going to do?"

"I've got some thinking to do" David said honestly. "Know of any places one can clear their minds?"

They arrived back at the car. "Yeah, go to the Walton's homestead. It's where Mary Ellen goes, especially since it borders her land"

David looked up in surprise. "What land?"

Oblivious to David's hurt, Erin answered. "Grandpa has some land set aside for each of us that we receive when we turn eighteen. Mary Ellen got a small cabin built on hers that she uses as her thinking place"

'I did overhear her tell someone she was going fishing on her birthday with him. Maybe I'll see her there' Putting a smile on his face, he turned back to Erin. "Yeah, I think I will do that"

"Don't give up on my sister, David. You two belong together"

"I appreciate the sentiment. Do you need a ride somewhere?"

Erin turned around. "No. Besides, you have thinking to do"

"Yeah. I'll talk to you soon" David started his car before driving away. He needed to leave quickly to avoid being seen. Erin started to walk back home.

When the coast was clear, Elizabeth and Aimee came out from hiding. "Elizabeth, why does Erin not like Doc Willard?"

"She's in loooovvve with David. She thinks he's so perfect. He was nice and all but do you remember when he was over for supper and you stayed?"

"Yeah, he kept going out to his car a lot and got mad when I saw him out there drinking out of his water canteen. He gave me a dollar not to say anything. I don't see what the big deal was"

"I don't either, but I don't like this. Momma and Daddy wouldn't like her meeting him alone"

"Are you going to tell your folks?"

"Not yet, but I'm watching them. Besides, what can I tell them? I don't know what's up. But Jessica Spy can find out"

The girls laughed as they walked back home.

Curt woke up feeling a weight on his chest. When he opened his eyes, he could see light brown hair and felt a steady breath on him that warmed his heart. He knew it was irrational, but he never wanted to leave this spot. He started gently looping Mary Ellen's hair in his hand. He felt foolish but didn't care as he leaned down and smelled her hair. He was sorry as he felt her move in his arms. When she grumbled, he laughed.

"Good afternoon Nurse Walton. Enjoy your nap" When she turned up and looked at him with her tousled hair, he about lost it, but kept his cool.

"I did, even when you snored"

Curt looked at her through narrowed eyes. "I do not snore, Ms. Walton. The only snoring you may have heard is from when you were sawing logs. I must have tired you out"

"That's enough from you, Curt Willard" She smacked his chest. "What time is it?"

Curt leaned down but couldn't get his watch. Mary Ellen moved and snagged it before handing it to him. "It's 2:30"

"Well, the rain stopped. Want to go try for more fish?"

"Sure, Honey, but where are we going to put all these fish?"

"Your house Curt. Momma doesn't like fish smelling up her kitchen"

Curt laughed. "Of course. Come on woman, get off me"

Mary Ellen got off from him and began to put her clothes on. She had just put on her shoes when she saw that Curt had just finished buttoning his pants and had his shoes on, but didn't have his shirt completely on yet. "You know, Doctor. I may be able to spot you a fish. Have to respect my elders after all" Mary Ellen took off quickly out the door while buttoning up the top part of her dress.

"That's enough from you, young lady. You will get a bath if I catch you" Curt said as whipped his undershirt on, grabbed his other shirt, and ran out the door following her down to the stream while attempting to put on his shirt.

Each forgot their fishing pole and supplies.

A few hours later, Olivia was frosting Mary Ellen's cake while Grandma was finishing the final touches to the fried chicken. Everyone was either helping with the table setting or in the living room listening to the radio. Suddenly, the front door burst open, followed by an excited Mary Ellen and a glowing Curt. "We're getting married!"

"Again?" Elizabeth asked

"Yes Elizabeth, again" Mary Ellen said as she walked over to her little sister and hugged her. "Look what Curt gave me for my birthday!" Mary Ellen held up her cameo locket for everyone to see.

Olivia caught Curt's eyes. She smiled and nodded when Curt mouthed 'thank you'. Grandma walked up to her daughter in law and tapped her on the shoulder. "She just broke up with David less than two months ago and she's engaged again? It's too soon, Livie. What will people say?"

Olivia turned to her mother-in-law. "Whatever they want to say Grandma. Besides" Olivia turned back to see Mary Ellen and Curt flanked by hugging family. "Something tells me this one will go the distance"

Grandma signed. "Well, I hope so this time, Olivia" She turned to the family. "What are you all waiting for? Supper's on!"

Everyone went over to the table. As Mary Ellen and Curt walked to the opposite side of the table, Elizabeth noticed a grass stain on Mary Ellen's dress on her lower back and near the backside. "Mary Ellen, what happened? You have a big stain on your dress right there"

When Mary Ellen and Curt saw where her little sister was pointing, each looked to the other and tried to hide their embarrassment. Their second round for fish turned into making love again on the grass by the stream. She thought fast. "I fell while I was there. Hopefully it comes out"

Jason, Ben, and John Boy snickered for a second before being silenced by their grandmother's look. When all were situated, Olivia turned to the newest member of the family. "Why don't you say the blessing, Curt?"

Curt was surprised but touched to be asked, but was unsure what to say. He cleared his throat as everyone took a hand. Mary Ellen looked at him with love before he decided to go with his instinct. "Father, thank you for blessing us with this food. Also thank you for the chance to celebrate this special day with a special family. Amen"

"Amen" the others repeated.

Everyone began to pass the food around. Mary Ellen turned to Curt and squeezed his hand. He squeezed back without smiling, but she could see the love in his eyes.

Olivia looked and saw the look Curt and Mary Ellen gave each other and approved. 'Oh yes, this will go the distance'