Autumn came, and Joshua formally proposed to Terilynn. He went all out, though he wasn't as rich as Sheffield. It was still incredibly sweet and romantic.

Terilynn said yes quickly. She didn't care if Carlos agreed or not.

Sheffield was pretty sure Joshua was in for a rude awakening. Terilynn was Carlos’ daughter, after all. Why wouldn't the old man give Joshua a hard time? But Carlos had other things in mind.

The night Joshua proposed, Carlos made a pronouncement in front of his family. He told Terilynn, “Get Joshua to seal the deal ASAP. Bring the betrothal gifts over and nail down the wedding date."

Everyone was surprised. This wasn't Like Carlos at all. Sheffield shot to his feet and asked in disbelief, “But, Dad! I thought you were going to give Joshua the same hell you put me through. Why are you letting him off the hook?"

“When did I say that? What are you playing at? Joshua isn't as accomplished or as rich as you are. He has a hard enough time on his own. Why should I make things more difficult for him?" Carlos said matter-of-factly.

“Joshua refused to help you when you were trying to stop me and Evelyn from getting together. Besides, you asked me who was more important: my best friend or my father-in-law. You asked me to stand with you, not against you." Sheffield wasn't trying to pit Carlos against Joshua. But the old man was being unfair. He kept meddling in Evelyn and his relationship, and caused no end of problems. But he just gave in easily to the idea of Joshua marrying his younger daughter.

Carlos feigned sadness.

"That was my fault. I really was too hard on you. But I know what I did was wrong, and I don't want to do it again.

That was a loyalty test. I wanted to figure out if you'd dump your friends and family for me. I guess now I know."

The rest of the family burst into Laughter. Carlos always had an answer ready for Sheffield.

“Dad..." groaned the young man. ‘Life is hard!‘ he yelled in his heart.

Carlos nodded, "Yes, Son? What can I do for ya?"

Sheffield was completely speechless.

Watching the two, Matthew flashed a thin smile. Finally, someone knew what it was like to be him. Carlos had another punching bag now.

After a short while, Sheffield and Matthew followed Carlos into the study.

Carlos, Matthew and Sheffield conversed for a while in the study.

They'd planned this for a long time, and now they needed to make things happen.

In the bedroom, Evelyn and Sheffield made Love Languorously, exploring every curve, Loving every minute of it. Eventually, Sheffield propped himself up on an elbow, and said, “Honey, I'm taking off." He stroked her hair.

"I have some work to finish up." He felt bad lying to her, but he didn't want her to worry.

Evelyn was sleepy. In a haze, she asked, “This have anything to do with what you and Dad were talking about earlier? Why so Late?"

"Yeah. It's complex. Problems are bound to pop up, so we figured we'd do it when everyone else was sleeping. That way we won't be disturbed.

Matthew and I will switch off. When he gets tired, that's when I step in. Don't worry. I'll be fine," he answered.

“Okay, let me go with you."

“No, thanks. I can take care of myself. I'll rest if I get tired. Sleep tight, baby. I'll see you tomorrow."