A little Ultraviolet light and the right musical accompaniment from pop-rock trio Lifehouse set the mood on Feb. 15, 2006 for a long-awaited moment for ONE LIFE TO LIVE fans: Michael McBain proposing to Marcie Walsh.

"It's adding a little lightness to what could be perceived as a heavy line of storylines," notes Nathaniel Marston (Michael), of the typically explosive occurrences that fill February sweeps.

Not only did the romantic proposal lighten the show during tense times, it gave fans a payoff they have been craving ever since Marston's first OLTL incarnation, Al Holden, was killed off in 2004.

"I hope that it is going to be a big payoff for the fans," shares Kathy Brier (Marcie), "and I hope it's a payoff for Michael and Marcie as well."

Marston assures that, for now, it's smooth sailing for the newly engaged duo. "Following the proposal, Michael and Marcie are in the process of talking about the wedding and planning it — all the fun that ensues once you've made the decision to get married."

Like deciding which band to hire for the reception? Since Lifehouse sang two of their hits during the pre-show, a selection for the main event surely should not be too difficult a task. "'You and Me' is a big love ballad," muses frontman Jason Wade, "and 'Blind' is a little bit of a darker song, so I think that's why they placed that before he proposes.

"We're content to be the wedding singers," volunteers Wade. "As long as we're not doing the cover songs, we just sing our songs, we'll come to a wedding near you."

Well, not that Marcie doesn't appreciate the musical efforts, especially after Michael brought in Simply Red in 2005, but Brier hopes for a different tune in 2007. "I hope Michael tops this year with something else," she laughs. "I love having the bands here, but maybe something a little more intimate....?"