<em>- Bo remembering this time to head his post, leading Nicci into the dining room - </em><br/><br/>A West Texas boy understood the meaning of the phrase "proper gentlemen", as it was ingrained into his soul.  As Marcus took the lead, Bo glanced at Nicci.  A feeling came over him that was so unusual and unexpected that it took him just the briefest of moments to recognized it -- hesitation.  After the way he had reacted to her words on the dance floor, he wasn't quite as confident that she would want him to escort her so soon.  Perhaps she needed some time.  And the thought did cross his mind that he should give some attention to one of the other two women.  They all were to be a family.  But there was time.  Six months, in fact, to share themselves with each other.  After an uncomfortable moment of indecision, Bo finally decided that if he made a mistake following his heart that it would be better than the mistake of not doing so.<br/><br/>Seeing that Nicci had set her champagne glass down, Bo did the same before placing his left hand lightly against his stomach with his elbow bent out away from his body, offering it to Nicci as he looked her in the eyes.  His smile was small, but sincere, the look in his eyes inviting as he spoke, "may I escort you, Nicci?"  His heart jumped in anticipation and at the feeling of warmth that washed over him when she returned his gaze, accepting his invitation by slipping her arm into his.<br/><br/>The dining room was spectacular.  Immediately upon seeing the rich opulence, Bo instinctively turned his eyes toward Nicci, wanting to see her reaction to the splendor laid out before them.  Set amongst the fine dining place settings stood folded cards with each person's first name emblazoned in finely wrought calligraphy.  Seeing immediately the card with Nicci's name, Bo led her to the soft leather chair.  As her arm slipped gently out of his, he smiled and slid the chair back, then slid it softly against the back of her knees as she set.  He felt the sudden loss of her touch, like a warm blanket had been pulled away on a cool night.  With an effort, he shifted his attention to finding his own seat.<br/><br/>Marcus' and Mila's names were the other two on this side of the table, so Bo walked around until he saw his name.  He laid his hands lightly on the top of the soft leather upright, and stood, waiting patiently for the other ladies to be seated.  He took the time to assess the seating arrangement.  Initially disappointed at not being seated next to Nicci, he was genuinely looking forward to talking with Mari to his left and Mila across the way.  Looking into Mila's lovely green eyes would make the meal quite pleasant indeed, as well as the opportunity to lean over and catch Mari's light scent as he found something to whisper privately to her.  He wanted to get to know these women in every way.  Glancing at Nicci, he was also a little relieved.  There was something about her that stirred him deep inside, but he wasn't prepared yet to explain his reaction on the dance floor.  He didn't think she would have asked him in such a public setting as the dinner table, but by not sitting directly beside her it reduced the chances dramatically of the subject being raised.  He needed some time on his own to consider his reaction before trying to explain it to someone else.<br/><br/>