SCOTT HAD LUNCH with Richard on Wednesday.

"I'm glad to see you looking so well and full of life, my friend," said Richard.

"Hmm, well, all it took was meeting a special woman and finding nature. I think Jana was sent to me when I needed her."

Richard had his doubts about this but said nothing. He didn't want to spoil his friend's happiness in any way.

"You and Amy will be at the wedding?" Scott asked.

"Yes, yes, of course. When do I get to meet the lady?"

"She's living at my place now, so I'll bring her to the office Christmas party. I have a photo here." He passed his favorite picture of Jana across the table, one he had taken on the Alaska cruise.

Richard whistled. "Hey, gorgeous! She could have been a model."

"She is lovely," said Scott proudly, "But she doesn't have an ounce of vanity - that's what I like, among a hundred other things."

"Ah, true love! May it last forever," toasted Richard with his coffee cup.

AFTER LUNCH Scott went to his office to see how many patients had come to talk with him on his pro-bono afternoon. He was surprised to see Lacey's name on the list. He called her in first.

"Lacey, what's this all about?" he asked.

"Scott there are three things I need to talk about, and one of them must be confidential, between you and me - not even Jana must know. That is why I came here to your office."