Luke had paid the bill and was leaving a nice tip for Clover when he heard someone call out his name. He turned to find Caller Bob approaching him.

"G'day Mayor, what can I do for you?" He asked.

"Hello Luke, how's Meghan?"

"She's doing well, thanks."

"Good, good. I have something for you." The older man said as he handed Luke a small note.

Luke took it and read it quickly. Not believing it the first time, he reread the note. "You can't be serious. I can't do this."

"Sure you can."

"No, I mean I'm a newlywed. I can't just up and leave my wife." What he didn't say was that he didn't like the idea of Buck moving into his house. He liked Buck well enough. He was just feeling very possessive of his wife right now.

"Luke this is for a good cause surely Meghan will understand, and it's only until someone pays to get you out."

Luke sighed loudly, "Alright. So when do I have to go to the Station?"

"As soon as possible."

"I have to tell Meg. Can I go tonight? I'm supposed to meet her at her parents house in about an hour."

"Sure. Luke don't worry about this, it might be fun."

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Two hours later Luke found himself sitting in the parlor of Daniel's house with Meg waiting for her parents. "Meg we have to talk."

Meg's eyebrows rose, "That doesn't sound good. What's wrong?"

Luke pulled the note out of his pocket and handed it to her. "I ran into the Mayor before I left the Silver Spoon, and he gave me this."

Meg took the note and read it. "Oh no you don't. You can't do this. I won't let you. Tell him you won't do it."

Luke laughed. "I can't. I already agreed. I've thought about it, and maybe it's not so bad. It is for charity."

"You agreed? Without talking to me first? I can�t believe this, you are actually going to do this? Luke being an express rider is a dangerous job this is not a game."

"I know it's not a game, Meg. I don't think I'll have to actually take a run."

"You think? Wonderful, and what happens if you do have to take a run, and what happens if you get hurt? What about me? What happens to me and the baby?" Meg asked with tears in her eyes.

"Don't worry I'm sure I'll be the worst rider they have. I probably won't be there more than a couple of days okay?"

"If you are I'll pay the fee to get you back."

"Okay you've got a deal. But take it out of our savings and not your trust fund, that money is for school." Luke said as he hugged her.

"So does this mean Buck is moving into the house?"

"Yes, why?"

"Well, I guess Corey and Caly will be visiting a lot then." The couple were laughing as Daniel and Serena walked in. Meghan hugged her father and step-mother then sat beside her husband and held his hand for support.

"So to what do we owe this unexpected pleasure?" Daniel asked.

"Well daddy. First I wanted to thank you for the recommendation you wrote. I really appreciate it."

"You're welcome sweetheart. I just hope you're happy with this crazy idea of going to medical school."

"Daniel-" Serena warned.

"Fine that's the last I'll say on this subject. Is there anything else? I hope you didn't come here just for that."

"Well actually there is something else." Luke said.

"Daddy, I won't be going to medical school in the fall like I planned-" Meg began.

"What? Why not Meghan?" Serena asked as Daniel whooped for joy beside her.

"Umm . . . well, I shouldn't be traveling like that."

"Why not? Is there something wrong, Meghan?" Daniel asked suddenly worried.

"No nothing's wrong Daniel." Luke said quickly, "It's just that Meg and I . . . well more Meg than me . . ."

"I'm going to have a baby."

The room had gone silent, both Serena and Daniel stared at the young couple with their mouths open. "Well say something." Meg pleaded weakly.

Daniel turned to Luke. "You! You did this to her! How could you? After everything you said! After all the promises you made!"

"Daddy! We did this. Luke and I, and I want you to be happy for me, for us!" Meg yelled. Serena grabbed her husband's hand and squeezed it gently, silently reminding him of her condition.

"Meghan I'm scared-" Daniel began his voice softer.

"Don't you think I'm scared too daddy? Don't you think I've stayed up nights wondering if I'll live to see my child grow up? I need you to be happy for me. I need your support. I have enough fear in me for everyone. I need you to help me get over it."

Daniel stood slowly, a man defeated. "It's going to take some time to get used to Meg. Just give me time." He kissed her forehead and left the room.

"Meghan, your father has a lot to deal with right now. He'll come around." Serena said gently.

"I know. Serena I'd like you to be my doctor. I think daddy has too much at stake where I'm concerned." Meg said softly.

"I'd be honored. Have you seen a doctor?"

"Just the one who diagnosed me. I'm due in March. We better go, Luke has to pack."

"Where are you going?" Serena asked her friend.

"I've been picked to switch jobs with Buck Cross." Luke said as he and Meghan walked to the door.

"Well, then I won't be going into the shop for a hair trim anytime soon." The three laughed and Serena walked them to their buckboard. "I'd like you to come in tomorrow Meg for a check-up."

"Okay I will." She said as she hugged her step-mother. "Tell daddy we said good-bye." Serena nodded and went into the house, softly closing the door behind her. Meg turned back to Luke and burst into tears. "I'm so sorry Luke. This didn't turn out well at all."

"Shhh, it's going to be okay. You'll see, by tomorrow Daniel will be ecstatic at the idea of being a grandfather."

"You think so?"

"I sure do. We'll all be fine, and at least now that they know we can start telling more people, especially Buck. He'll need to be aware of your mood swings."

Meg punched her husband in the arm, "I might just leave you a Pony Express rider. Buck might turn out to be a better husband than you." Luke pulled his wife in for a tender kiss. "On second thought how could I give up these kisses?"