'Jim,' Peter offered a hand to the young man.

An amused staff member interrupted the Manager when the red head entered the Sleepyside branch of the Frist National Bank and asked to speak with him personally. They all knew the college student and his tenuous connection to their boss's daughter. Most had seen the young couple around town, many knowing them for years. The locals liked to tell the story of how Trixie Belden discovered James Frayne at the old mansion and uncovered his fortune a few years back. They expected an announcement any day.

'I wonder if I could take up a few minutes of your time, Mr Belden,' Jim asked, the nervousness in his posture telling.

'It's almost closing time,' Peter looked at his watch, hiding a delighted smile.

The father in him had waited for the opportunity to tease this particular young man. Not about to let James Frayne off the hook that easily, he forced a scowl onto his lips. Peter couldn't let the boy take his daughter away without at least a token fight, even if Trixie longed for this day. After all, anything worth fighting for came at a price. Mr Belden intended to make James Frayne work for the hand of his only female child.

'I know,' Jim managed through the lump in his throat. 'I planned it so I could speak to you without the rest of the family or any other distractions.'

'Why don't you come through to my office,' the older man offered, 'we can talk there with more privacy.'

Leading Jim towards the manager's suite at the back of the building, Peter indicated the chair across the massive and intimidating desk. Seating himself heavily in his leather recliner, the older man took on a daunting pose. 'What is it,' he asked, words laced with menace, 'you wanted to discuss?'

True to form the individual across the desk rose to the occasion. Holding his posture and dignity, the younger man took up the subtle challenge. Aware his life depended on the outcome of this meeting, James Frayne couldn't afford to lose his nerve now. Both understood this to be Peter Belden's final test.

'Today is the 30th April,' Jim stated. He had to be very logical, rational, wiping out any hint of emotion from his tone. 'I know tomorrow is a school day, but I'd like your permission to take Trixie out if you don't have anything planned for her birthday.'

'You've never asked to take my daughter out on a date before. I think,' Peter paused, his eyes deliberately boring into the man he'd long considered his future son in law, 'we'd all like to see Trixie's reaction to the question you're going to ask.'

'Oh,' that rattled Jim's cage. He'd discussed the state of his relationship with Mrs Belden on several occasions. Not, he added silently, by choice. Guessing she'd spoken to her husband and hearing Trixie's version of what occurred on those occasions, James Frayne though he had the support of Peter Belden. For the first time, the young man reassessed his options. Finding he didn't have any, Jim continued with his plan. 'I'm glad you're all expecting me to ask her a question. I had wanted to hear the answer in private before announcing it to the entire family.'

Smiling, Peter shook his head. No longer able to tease the boy he'd known for years, Mr Belden opened his desk draw. Pulling out a deep blue velvet box, he opened it, placing it on the desk between them. 'I guess you've come for this, Jim?'

'Yes, Sir,' he couldn't stop the grin encompassing his face. Imagining the jewellery gracing Trixie's finger gave Jim a shiver of delight. 'I plan on asking her to ware it tomorrow night. I guess you understood that a long time ago.'

'I understand,' Peter lent forward, retaining his smile he allowed the serious tone to enter his voice, 'you and Trixie have had this planned for some time. It became clear to me after you spoke to my wife about your intimate timetable. I tried telling Helen you'd be the only man for my daughter. In the year since, I've become convinced. Take good care of her, Son, or you'll answer to me and both her brothers.'

Grinning, Jim answered, 'Mr Belden, it's not you, Brian or Mart I have to worry about.' Stopping to gain the older man's attention, he smirked good naturedly, 'cross Mrs Belden and my goose is cooked. My future wife would have my hide if I upset her mother. That,' he paused to get his message across, 'is something none of us want.'

'I'd say,' amused, Peter worked to conceal his humour at the situation, 'cross your future wife and you'll be in a world of hurt. Take it from someone who knows, son, women don't like to be crossed in love or anything else. And I think it's about time you called me Peter, don't you?'

'No, Sir,' Jim's eyes held a soft, misty expression, 'if you don't mind, I'll call you Dad, just like the rest of your children. After all, I feel like I belong in this family. Once Trix and I are married, you'll be my father in law.'

'Done,' Peter stood suddenly, offering his hand. Shaking to seal the deal, he stated wisely, 'just give my wife a little more time to cope with the loss of her only daughter. This is going to open old wounds.'

'Any advice?' Jim pleaded. He'd been on the end of Mrs Belden's sharp tongue several times since Trixie turned seventeen. The content revolved around the same issue, his honourabilty and timing of their physical relationship. He'd told the older woman to mind her own business, in the most gentle way possible on several occasions with little success.

'Son,' Peter came around the desk and placed a consoling arm around Jim's shoulders, 'you'll soon learn women are a law unto themselves. It won't take long for you to realise, dating and marriage are very different situations. You can't get away from them when you live in the same house and share a bed every night.'

'I thought they were the positives to marriage,' Jim looked confused. Try as he might, he didn't understand Peter's humour. Personally he couldn't wait to get Trix into bed and keep her there every night.

'They are,' offered the older man sagely, starting for the door, 'most of the time. That is until you do something that makes your wife mad. Build yourself a man cave Jim, you'll need it before you know. If you think the weather's changeable in Boston, just wait until you upset your wife for the first time.'

Remaining silent, Jim considered Peter's words as he followed the older man from his office. He knew Trixie's temper. The evening they'd discussed acceptance letters from Harvard, she'd been as mad as a hornet. When he'd told his girlfriend about the lack of married accommodations, she'd been understandably furious. Finding out he'd failed in his application to Yale only increased her wrath. Luckily Trixie Belden's temper never lasted long.

'Will we see you at home for dinner tonight, Jim,' Peter asked.

Shaking his head, Jim once again took the older man's hand. 'I have to return to New York on the next train. My classes start at eight am tomorrow, but I'll drive down after school and pick Trixie up.'

'Wouldn't miss it for the world,' Peter smirked. 'I'll let Helen know you'll be joining us.'

Ring box tucked firmly in his pocket, Jim walked the three blocks back to the train station. He had a lot to think about on the return journey. Although he wanted to stay, his honour demanded he keep to his ridged timetable. It looked like he'd have to wait for Saturday night, date night to finally round third base. At least he'd be an engaged man by then.