Merlyn sat quietly on a bench with Matt outside of the Town Hall, watching as the crowd of people grew around them. Matt informed her previously that Gail had extended the invites for the Birthday celebrations to the whole town and Merlyn was thankful the spot light was not on her.

'Don't feel overwhelmed, I'm here and won't let anyone bother you' Matt reassured her, sensing her unease.

'Her whole family is here and that's the only protection she needs' Gail interjected, as she walked up to them with an unimpressed Lucas by her side.

Merlyn stood up and forced a smile for her cousin. 'This is a lot' she advised and glanced around as the whispers started, due to Lucas' arrival.

'It's a lot considering we have a prior engagement at the Mayor's House and I don't usually break tradition' Lucas sighed disapprovingly.

'Says the man who had a child out of wedlock twice' Gail scolded sarcastically, then released her arm from around Lucas' and went towards the stage in the middle of the square.

'What's she doin'?' Merlyn asked Lucas in a sudden panic.

'Your guess is as good as mine' Lucas stated suspiciously, as he watched Gail intently.

Gail hated this attention; however, she forced a confident smile and placed her arm around Caleb when they walked on stage together. As they approached the podium, a silence befell the crowd and she felt her nerves trying to get the better of her. Before utter panic at this public display set in, Caleb took her hand in his and smiled at her reassuringly, allowing her to regain her self control to address the crowd.

Lucas watched as Gail shook off her discomfort and smiled pleasantly at the crowd. This spectacle was so far from her comfort zone that his feelings of missing John's annual party had disappeared and he was only left with intrigue over what was going to happen next.

'Thank you all for joining us to celebrate my cousin's 19th Birthday, as well as my husband's 50th Birthday' Gail addressed the crowd sweetly, 'We all appreciate your kindness in wanting to be here and I'm sure you'll find something to your liking, whether it be here with the live music or on the Pier with the Halloween games'

Caleb stared at the crowd curiously as they all applauded his cousin, he had never been directly involved in anything as big as this and the falseness of these strangers intrigued him.

Gail sensed Caleb's thoughts and pulled his close to her. 'I know you're all aware of the tragedy that has stricken my family in the past and I thank you all for the kindness you showed my cousin in his hour of need. Out of tragedy comes greener pastures and ours couldn't come any greener than Sheriff Lucas Buck'' she said, hiding her sarcasm as she played the part everyone expected and winked at Caleb playfully.

Lucas held in his laughter as the gullible people ate up every false word that came out of her mouth. She was playing the dutiful wife perfectly and he knew this public charade was hard for her to keep up with a straight face.

'We've all had experiences with Lucas Buck, he's a hard man to forget and even harder to ignore' she continued her falseness and tried not to roll her eyes at the echo of laughter from the crowd. 'Lucas has gone out of his way to touch all our lives and I know you'll all join me in wishing him a very happy 50th Birthday...With how stubborn the old man is, I'm sure there'll be another 50 to come!'

Lucas smiled at the people around him, then gave in to the hollers of the crowd and joined his family on stage. He nodded his satisfaction at how well she had played the game, then took the podium to relieve some of her pressure. 'Well howdy, where'd you all come from on a night like this?' he addressed the crowd amused.

Gail watched his natural ability to take control as the crowd erupted into applause. She knew that it would not take long for him to take over, it was in his nature and he his confidence was radiant.

'Let's hear it for my stunnin' wife, I never thought I'd bag me an Emory and I have to say that I clearly got the best of the bunch' he joked, then wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her to him as the crowd applauded louder.

Gail gave a small wave, then shot Lucas a look of warning and shook her head when he shrugged it off.

'In all seriousness, this woman gave up a lot to stay here and look after one of our own. She made an honest man outta me and I'm sure the usual suspects out there are happy for her intervention' he said knowing, as his usual torturous games had taken a backseat to his family.

'She can keep you tied up in that big 'ol house all she wants Sheriff!' Tommy Waller shouted jokingly and Lucas shot him a smug wink.

Gail gently pulled out of Lucas' grasp and sneaked off the stage when he began addressing individuals in the crowd. He knew these people so well, it did not take long for them all to join in the banter. While he was busy having his fun with his people, she took the opportunity to pull Merlyn away from the crowd and dragged her towards Mary, who was standing close to Josh by the Town Hall.

Merlyn followed her cousin obediently, happy to be away from the crowd and let out a relieved sigh when she was sure she was not going to get dragged into the banter on stage. 'I don't know how you could do that' she advised honestly.

'I had to do something to get his mind off the Mayor's party and look, he took the bate perfectly' she smiled, shaking her head at how effortlessly he controlled a crowd.

'Your cousin should do more public speaking, she could be an advocate for the women of this town' Mary suggested.

'Or I could just be a Reporter and remain left alone' Gail shot down the suggestion and turned towards Merlyn. 'I know you don't want to do this, but look at how happy Matt's been with spoiling you'

Merlyn glanced towards Matt, who still stood by the bench and smiled when she saw Abe had joined him with Luke. 'He does appear happy that we're included in somethin' for a change'

'You both chose to be isolated from everybody and I accepted that for a time, but it's not healthy. You're a young girl, it's about time you both came back to the land of the living and behaved like adults rather than scared children' Gail said, then handed her an envelope.

Merlyn took the envelope and turned it over in her hands curiously, then opened it carefully. 'A Tenancy agreement?' she asked confused.

'A Tenancy agreement in your name with the deposit and first 3 months rent paid, to give your time to sort out your finances' Gail smiled.

'But I live with Matt...' Merlyn started.

'You've been temporarily staying in my old rented property free of charge with the man you've just gotten in a new relationship with' Gail interrupted, 'It's about time you started to grow and develop your own independence, just like I had to when I was your age'

Merlyn stared down at the Tenancy agreement and felt herself begin to panic. 'It says the rent is $500.00 a month, I can't afford that on what Abe's payin' me'

'You're not working for Abe, you were helping him out while I figured a few things out. Your position at the Guardian is waiting for you and I'll be returning to help you shortly' Gail shrugged.

'And Abe?' Merlyn asked, not wanting to abandon him at the Antique Store.

'Will be relocating to the building next door to the Wicca Store, where I can keep an eye on him. He just doesn't it yet' Gail smiled cunningly.

Merlyn shook her head at the what was happening, it was all so overwhelming and she was not convinced she was ready to live on her own.

'You think I'd just abandon you?' Gail asked, reading her mind. 'This is your first official home that just belongs to you, that doesn't mean I'm going to let you lock yourself away there. We'll be doing a lot more than we have been, to make sure you start living your life to the fullest'

'What about Matt?' Merlyn asked concerned.

'Matt's a grown man and can deal with it. Now I have to go' Gail said, sensing the stage show beginning to die down. 'Go find your brother, he's got your other present'

'Where are you goin'?' Merlyn asked, when Gail turned around and started to walk away.

'I've got to deal with the man of the hour' Gail smiled, then continued walking away from the crowd.

Lucas finished performing for his townspeople and exited the stage with Caleb close behind him. He had not expected Gail to instigate such a spectacle or allow Caleb to be part of it; however, he was happy it had gone down this way, as it prepared his eldest for the presence he would be required to give off one day.

He scanned the area as he shook hands and informed the people to go enjoy the festivities, a strange feeling had come over him and he suddenly felt an urgent need to find his love. Lucas spotted Matt standing by a bench with Merlyn and proceeded in that direction; however, a strong gust of wind blew him to the right and when he looked around, he spotted Gail's retreating figure turn around a corner.

Lucas let out a small laugh and smiled playfully, she should know better than to break off from the group when he was in a strange mood and his excitement peaked at this potential game of cat and mouse. He turned his attention towards Caleb and placed his hands on his shoulder. 'I gotta go do somethin', can I trust you to ensure your sisters surprise runs smoothly?' he asked, happy to provide the boy with some responsibility while he headed off to have his fun.

Caleb nodded obediently and watched as Lucas headed away from the crowd, then turned towards where his sister stood and approached her casually. 'Happy Birthday Merl...' he started, then saw her eyes go wide and corrected himself. 'M, Happy Birthday M'

Merlyn stared at Caleb and hoped Matt did not catch his slip, when Matt just placed an arm around her she smiled at her brother and stroked his arm affectionately. 'Thank you, you did well up there' she advised proudly.

Caleb smiled, proud of himself. Gail had already told him of how proud she was that he was willing to go up on stage with her and the comment from his sister made it all seem even better. 'Gail needed help and I stepped up, I'd do it again' he shrugged.

'Well that's very brave and kind of you Caleb, you seem to be coming into your own now that you're permanently living with Gail' Matt smiled.

'And my Daddy' Caleb advised, then looked at Matt confused when his smile faded.

Merlyn sensed Matt's irritation at the thought of Lucas being Caleb's Father and decided to step in. 'I got my own house now' she beamed excitedly.

Caleb smiled and nodded. 'I was there when Gail got it, you shoulda seen her argue with the man to get your rent down' he laughed and glanced over at Ben when he sensed his approach.

'I can imagine she didn't let up until she got what she wanted' Matt laughed.

'Yep, the guy didn't know what to do!' Caleb smiled, then signalled Ben to place the box he was carrying behind his sister.

Merlyn spotted Caleb's signal and turned around to see a large white box on the ground. 'What's this?' she asked suspiciously.

'It's just a little somethin' from me, Luke and Lucas to help in your new home' Caleb advised and shifted on the spot nervously, hoping she liked the gift.

Merlyn did not like the notion of Lucas getting her a gift; however, she took a deep breath and shook off the negative thoughts. The man was married to her cousin now and she had to accept him fully once and for all, so she just bent down to pick up the box and jumped when the lid moved.

Matt and Ben laughed as she let out an involuntary shriek, then put there heads down when she shot them and unimpressed glance.

Merlyn shook off her fright and knelt down in front of the box. She stared at it curiously for a moment, then took off the large lid to find a small white West Highland Terrier peering up at her scared. She looked at the puppy in disbelief for a moment, then caught sight of it shaking and picked it up carefully.

Matt smiled as she held the puppy close to her chest and winked at Caleb to indicate the present had been accepted. 'It'll be nice having a little something to take Rocky's place' Matt stated, as he leaned in and stroked the puppy gently.

'What do you mean? Where's Rocky goin'?' Merlyn asked concerned.

'Lucas said Gail said you have to learn to make your own way in life, without the familiarity of her things' Caleb shrugged, as he repeated Lucas' words.' I guess that means Rocky's comin' to us'

'Rocky was always Gail's Dog' Matt advised, as he placed his hand on Caleb's shoulder. 'She want's him back'

'She can't do that, Rocky lives with you!' Merlyn exclaimed crossly, as she felt a wave of concern for her boyfriend flow through her.

'He lives with us now, he'll help stop Gideon from bein' lonely...Besides, you can see him whenever you want with you just livin' down the street from us' Caleb advised, not understanding why she was overreacting.

Merlyn thought for a moment, she had not considered the location of her new place as she had been too excited and she did not know how she felt about living so close to Lucas. Rocky may have a calming affect on Gideon and that was definitely needed; however, she was concerned for Matt being on his own and that was all she could concentrate on right now. 'Where is she? I wanna talk to her' Merlyn advised and started glancing around the area in an attempt to locate her cousin.

Matt sensed her concern and wrapped his arm around her reassuringly. 'I have you and this little fellow, Rocky is pining for Gail and wants to be with her as much as she wants him back so it's fine' Matt explained and placed a soft kiss on her lips.

Ben turned away when they kissed and shook his head. He did not approve of Matt having a relationship with Merlyn due to the age difference; however, they both appeared to be happy, so he would keep his thoughts to himself. 'You wanna tag along with us and Ben Jr?' he asked Caleb, wanting to leave these two alone

Caleb turned towards his sister, to gauge whether she was alright being left with Matt and smiled when she was too busy playing with her new puppy to notice him. 'I reckon I can do that' he smiled, then gave his sister a big hug before following Ben to the Pier.

-To be continued-