It was about a week before the Four Amigos were to leave on their tour. Morgan was home - had been since the whole Jesse thing. Morgan simply couldn't handle living in the same house with Jesse for a while. She felt like she was he cause for the wedding cancellation and she couldn't deal with that, and so decided to stay in Tulsa for a while.
Caroline had moved out. Paul, who had flown over for the wedding, was on his way to France and when Caroline told him of her plans, he offered to take her with him, saying it was possible he could get her a modelling contract. Caroline jumped at the chance.
It was dinner time, and Sam had invited his girlfriend Melissa over again. Morgan couldn't help but notice she was not comfortable around her deaf, blind and mute siblings, as if they were contagious or something. Odd that Sam didn't notice that - he was usually pretty perceptive.
At one point Morgan caught Kyle and Charlotte signing to each other. At first she thought she might have gotten rusty, but no… no… there it was again… It took her a moment, but she realised that their reference to 'Stick Insect' was actually their nickname for Melissa! She couldn't help but smile - it fit her so well.
"Everyone," Sam said loudly in the middle of dinner, signing for Kyle's benefit (although he could lip read), "I have an announcement. Melissa and I… are going to get married."
Silence.
"Congratulations," Rita said.
"Yes, indeed," Taylor agreed.
There were soon 'congratulations' all around, except from Morgan. Her eyes sadly met Sam's.
"I, umm, I hope everything works out and all, but I can't deal with this right now," she told him, shaking her head.
And with those words she stood, backed out of the room and fled upstairs.
"What's her problem?" asked Melissa.
"She came home to get away from engagements," Rita replied. "May I have a look at your engagement ring?"
"Sure!" and Melissa completely forgot about Morgan as she showed off her ring.
"It certainly is… very beautiful."
"Thank you!"
Later Rita pulled Sam aside.
"Sam, about that ring…"
"Yeah?"
"Well, don't you think… it looks pretty expensive."
"I can afford it."
"That's not the point. It's just that it's a lot of money to spend on -"
"It is insured, if that's what you're getting at."
"Honey, it's just that… are you sure about Mel? Because, I mean…"
"Mum, I love Mel. She's worth every cent I spend on her and then some."
Rita smiled softly.
"Okay, as long as you're sure."