Carol stood there with tears running down her face.

“This was your surprise?”

Doug spoke through his teeth, “I’d really like for you to leave.”

“We were going to elope tonight?”  Everything started to click into place – Deerbourne and Clark was where the Clerk’s office was located.  “God Doug, I thought you knew I didn’t wasn’t to get married in an office.  I can’t believe how selfish you’ve been!”

“Excuse me!?”  Doug retorted angrily, “Aren’t you the one being selfish?  You leave me standing out on the corner for hours wondering where you are, if you’re okay; you kiss another man or maybe more; then you tell me you don’t want to get married and then accuse **me** of being selfish?  I can’t understand you anymore Carol.”

“No, no Doug!” she begged him, “I DO want to marry you.”

“I’m really confused, now you want to get married?” and then he spoke to himself, “This better not be out of pity.”

“I do want to marry you, just not in a Clerk’s office.”

“For your information Carol”, he spoke her name with such fierceness it made her wince, “We were only at the Clerk’s office to get a license, I set up a ceremony in Winetka.”

Carol was speechless, he really did know her, but she didn’t understand him at all.  “Doug I am SO sorry.  I just need some time, I want to get married-- ”

He had cut her off, “But not to me right?  You would rather marry this Powell guy.”

“NO, NO, NO!”

“I think **I** need some time; I need for you to leave.”

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

“Doug you don’t understand how sorry I am.”

“No, no I do.  It’s just that your eyes deceive our lips.  I need some time alone, please go.”

“Doug I won’t leave you here.”

“I guess I’m going to have to do this the hard way.”  He pressed the nurses’ call button and within seconds one appeared at his bedside.

“What can I do for you Dr. Ross?” she asked cheerfully.

“I’m really tired and my ‘visitor’ won’t leave.”

Carol stood there, helpless, shaking her head.

“I’m sorry Carol, but if the patient wants you to leave I have to respect his wishes.”

With that she escorted a stunned Carol out of the room.