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    <TD class=3DTextSmall><A class=3DTextSmall=20
      href=3D"mailto:?subject=3DAn opinion from the Texas Judiciary =
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      <DIV class=3DSection1>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal><A name=3Da3><B><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt"></SPAN></B></A>&nbsp;</P>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt">Opinion of April 26, 2007 Withdrawn; =
Reversed and=20
      Remanded</SPAN></B><B><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt"> and =
Substitute=20
      Memorandum Opinion filed July 24, 2007.</SPAN></B></P>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal><B><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: =
13pt"></SPAN></B>&nbsp;</P>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"TEXT-ALIGN: center" =
align=3Dcenter><B><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt">In The</SPAN></B></P>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"TEXT-ALIGN: center" =
align=3Dcenter><B><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt"></SPAN></B>&nbsp;</P>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"TEXT-ALIGN: center" =
align=3Dcenter><B><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 18pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'EngrvrsOldEng Bd =
BT'">Fourteenth=20
      Court of Appeals</SPAN></B></P>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"TEXT-ALIGN: center" =
align=3Dcenter><B><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">____________</SPAN></B></P>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"TEXT-ALIGN: center" =
align=3Dcenter><B><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti"></SPAN></B>&nbsp;</P>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"TEXT-ALIGN: center" =
align=3Dcenter><B><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; FONT-FAMILY: Shruti">NO. <A=20
      name=3Da4>14-05-01215-CV</A></SPAN></B></P>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"TEXT-ALIGN: center" =
align=3Dcenter><B><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">____________</SPAN></B></P>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"TEXT-ALIGN: center" =
align=3Dcenter><B><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti"></SPAN></B>&nbsp;</P>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"TEXT-ALIGN: center" =
align=3Dcenter><A=20
      name=3Da5><B><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">LARRY A.=20
      BUHMAN</SPAN></B></A><B><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; FONT-FAMILY: Shruti">, =
Appellant</SPAN></B></P>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"TEXT-ALIGN: center" =
align=3Dcenter><B><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti"></SPAN></B>&nbsp;</P>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"TEXT-ALIGN: center" =
align=3Dcenter><B><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; FONT-FAMILY: Shruti">V.</SPAN></B></P>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"TEXT-ALIGN: center" =
align=3Dcenter><B><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti"></SPAN></B>&nbsp;</P>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"TEXT-ALIGN: center" =
align=3Dcenter><A=20
      name=3Da6><B><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">JAMES LEIGH=20
      MCGAUGHY</SPAN></B></A><B><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; FONT-FAMILY: Shruti">, =
Appellee</SPAN></B></P>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"TEXT-ALIGN: center" =
align=3Dcenter><B><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti"></SPAN></B>&nbsp;</P>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"LINE-HEIGHT: 2.85pt; TEXT-ALIGN: =
center"=20
      align=3Dcenter><SPAN=20
      style=3D"MARGIN-TOP: 0px; Z-INDEX: -2; LEFT: 0px; MARGIN-LEFT: =
96px; WIDTH: 624px; POSITION: absolute; HEIGHT: 4px"><IMG=20
      height=3D4 src=3D"" width=3D624></SPAN></P>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"TEXT-ALIGN: center" =
align=3Dcenter><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; FONT-FAMILY: Shruti"></SPAN>&nbsp;</P>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"TEXT-ALIGN: center" =
align=3Dcenter><B><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; FONT-FAMILY: Shruti">On Appeal from the =
<A=20
      name=3Da7>127th District Court</A></SPAN></B></P>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"TEXT-ALIGN: center" =
align=3Dcenter><A=20
      name=3Da8><B><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">Harris</SPAN></B></A><B><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; FONT-FAMILY: Shruti"> County, =
Texas</SPAN></B></P>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"TEXT-ALIGN: center" =
align=3Dcenter><B><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; FONT-FAMILY: Shruti">Trial Court Cause =
No. <A=20
      name=3Da9>03-37143</A></SPAN></B></P>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"TEXT-ALIGN: center" =
align=3Dcenter><B><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti"></SPAN></B>&nbsp;</P>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"LINE-HEIGHT: 2.85pt; TEXT-ALIGN: =
center"=20
      align=3Dcenter><SPAN=20
      style=3D"MARGIN-TOP: 0px; Z-INDEX: -1; LEFT: 0px; MARGIN-LEFT: =
96px; WIDTH: 624px; POSITION: absolute; HEIGHT: 4px"><IMG=20
      height=3D4 src=3D"" width=3D624></SPAN></P>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"TEXT-ALIGN: center" =
align=3Dcenter><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; FONT-FAMILY: Shruti"></SPAN>&nbsp;</P>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal=20
      style=3D"MARGIN-BOTTOM: 7.35pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: =
center"=20
      align=3Dcenter><B><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 14pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">S U B S T=20
      I T U T E&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; M E M O R A N D U M&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; =
O P I N=20
      I O N</SPAN></B></P>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal=20
      style=3D"MARGIN-BOTTOM: 6.8pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: =
150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">We=20
      overrule appellee</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">=3D</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">s motion=20
      for rehearing, withdraw our opinion of April 26, 2007, and issue =
the=20
      following substitute memorandum opinion.</SPAN></P></DIV><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti"><BR=20
      style=3D"PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: auto" clear=3Dall></SPAN>
      <DIV class=3DSection2>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal=20
      style=3D"MARGIN-BOTTOM: 6.8pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: =
150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">James=20
      Leigh McGaughy, appellee, sued Larry A. Buhman, appellant, to =
recover what=20
      he believed to be his share of a partnership allegedly formed by =
an oral=20
      contract.&nbsp; The jury found for McGaughy and awarded damages =
and=20
      attorneys</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">=3D</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: Shruti"> =

      fees.&nbsp; Buhman appeals, arguing that the trial court (1) =
improperly=20
      instructed the jury to assume that a partnership had been formed =
unless=20
      Buhman proved otherwise, (2) improperly placed the burden of proof =
on=20
      Buhman without requiring McGaughy to prove up the oral contract, =
(3) erred=20
      in denying Buhman</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">=3D</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">s motion=20
      for directed verdict, and (4) erred in awarding McGaughy=20
      attorneys</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">=3D</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: Shruti"> =
fees=20
      because his claims were submitted as conversion claims rather than =
as a=20
      contract claim.&nbsp; We agree that the trial court</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">=3D</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">s=20
      instructions and the jury charge improperly shifted the burden of=20
      proof.&nbsp; Accordingly, we reverse and remand for a new trial =
without=20
      reaching Buhman</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">=3D</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">s=20
      remaining issues.</SPAN></P>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal=20
      style=3D"MARGIN-BOTTOM: 6.8pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: =
center"=20
      align=3Dcenter><B><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">I.<SPAN=20
      style=3D"TEXT-TRANSFORM: uppercase">&nbsp; Factual and Procedural=20
      History</SPAN></SPAN></B></P>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal=20
      style=3D"MARGIN-BOTTOM: 6.8pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: =
150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">In 1995,=20
      Larry Buhman was working as a full-time dentist when he and&nbsp; =
a=20
      friend, John Goullet, formed a partnership and opened an upscale =
cigar=20
      shop called </SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">A</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">The Smoke=20
      Ring.</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">@</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">&nbsp;=20
      Buhman contributed all the capital to start the business in return =
for a=20
      sixty-percent partnership share.&nbsp; In exchange for his =
forty-percent=20
      share, Goullet contributed his industry knowledge, contacts, and=20
      management experience.&nbsp; Their partnership agreement was =
memorialized=20
      in a written contract, and the two men co-signed for partnership=20
      obligations and shared profits proportional to their partnership=20
      interest.&nbsp; Because Goullet was responsible for the day-to-day =

      management of the shop, he was guaranteed monthly compensation of=20
      $2,000.&nbsp; Buhman was solely responsible for the bookkeeping =
and=20
      finances of the shop. </SPAN></P>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal=20
      style=3D"MARGIN-BOTTOM: 6.8pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: =
150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">In 1997,=20
      Buhman became dissatisfied with Goullet</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">=3D</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">s=20
      performance and decided to terminate the relationship.&nbsp; =
Because=20
      Buhman was still working full time as a dentist, he needed someone =
to=20
      quickly assume the management responsibilities for the shop.&nbsp; =
He made=20
      partnership offers to three people: Matthew Lichter, McGaughy, and =
another=20
      man identified at trial only as </SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">A</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">Peter.</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">@</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">&nbsp;=20
      Both Lichter and McGaughy testified regarding the partnership =
offers they=20
      received.</SPAN></P>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal=20
      style=3D"MARGIN-BOTTOM: 6.8pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: =
150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">According=20
      to Lichter, Buhman offered to allow him to purchase a forty =
percent=20
      partnership interest in the business for $15,000.&nbsp; Under the =
terms of=20
      this offer, Lichter would have been required to assume =
Goullet</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">=3D</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">s=20
      responsibilities for the day-to-day management of the shop; =
however,=20
      Lichter declined the offer.</SPAN></P></DIV><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti"><BR=20
      style=3D"PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: auto" clear=3Dall></SPAN>
      <DIV class=3DSection3>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal=20
      style=3D"MARGIN-BOTTOM: 6.8pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: =
150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">McGaughy,=20
      who had been working part-time at The Smoke Ring, accepted=20
      Buhman</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">=3D</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">s oral=20
      partnership offer, but their agreement was not reduced to writing =
and its=20
      terms are hotly disputed.&nbsp; The parties agree only that =
McGaughy was=20
      to manage the store, and was promised a forty percent share of the =
profits=20
      with a guaranteed minimum of $2,000 per month.<A title=3D""=20
      =
href=3D"http://www.14thcoa.courts.state.tx.us/opinions/htmlopinion.asp?Op=
inionId=3D83633#_ftn1"=20
      name=3D_ftnref1><SPAN class=3DMsoFootnoteReference><SUP><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-FAMILY: Shruti"><SPAN =
class=3DMsoFootnoteReference><SUP><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">[1]</SPAN></SUP></SPAN></SPAN></SUP></SPAN></A>&nbsp;=20
      McGaughy began managing The Smoke Ring on October 15, 1997.<A =
title=3D""=20
      =
href=3D"http://www.14thcoa.courts.state.tx.us/opinions/htmlopinion.asp?Op=
inionId=3D83633#_ftn2"=20
      name=3D_ftnref2><SPAN class=3DMsoFootnoteReference><SUP><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-FAMILY: Shruti"><SPAN =
class=3DMsoFootnoteReference><SUP><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">[2]</SPAN></SUP></SPAN></SPAN></SUP></SPAN></A>&nbsp;=20
      </SPAN></P>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal=20
      style=3D"MARGIN-BOTTOM: 6.8pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: =
150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">For=20
      several years, McGaughy and Buhman used business cards that =
identified=20
      each as </SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">A</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">Owner</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">@</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: Shruti"> =
of The=20
      Smoke Ring.&nbsp; Buhman paid for the cards.&nbsp; McGaughy =
identified=20
      himself as an owner or a partner in the business to his friends =
and=20
      family, and did so in Buhman</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">=3D</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">s presence=20
      without correction.&nbsp; The Smoke Ring was also repeatedly =
reorganized=20
      into various business structures for tax advantages as directed by =

      Buhman.&nbsp; At one time, the business was organized as a =
partnership,=20
      and Buhman identified McGaughy to the Internal Revenue Service as =
the=20
      owner of a one-percent partnership interest; however, Buhman =
claimed one=20
      hundred percent of the deductions arising from the business on his =

      personal tax return.</SPAN></P></DIV><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti"><BR=20
      style=3D"PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: auto" clear=3Dall></SPAN>
      <DIV class=3DSection4>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal=20
      style=3D"MARGIN-BOTTOM: 6.8pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: =
150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">In 2003,=20
      Buhman became dissatisfied with McGaughy and told him that his=20
      </SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">A</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">employment</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">@</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: Shruti"> =
was=20
      terminated.&nbsp; McGaughy filed suit, alleging breach of =
fiduciary duty=20
      and breach of the partnership agreement.&nbsp; Buhman answered =
that there=20
      was no enforceable partnership agreement because the agreement =
described=20
      by McGaughy lacked consideration and was not reasonably definite =
and=20
      certain.&nbsp; Buhman further alleged that McGaughy </SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">A</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">was=20
      offered the opportunity to become a partner provided he made a =
$10,000=20
      investment</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">@</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: Shruti"> =
and that=20
      investment of this sum, which Buhman characterized in his =
pleadings as a=20
      condition precedent, had not been accomplished as required.&nbsp; =
Buhman=20
      also alleged that McGaughy breached the agreement by, <I>inter =
alia</I>,=20
      removing merchandise from the store and using it to pay his =
personal=20
      debts.</SPAN></P>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal=20
      style=3D"MARGIN-BOTTOM: 6.8pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: =
150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">At trial,=20
      Buhman</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">=3D</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">s=20
      testimony varied somewhat from his pleadings.&nbsp; He testified =
that he=20
      offered McGaughy a forty-percent partnership interest if McGaughy =
paid=20
      Buhman $10,000 within three years of assuming his management =
role.&nbsp;=20
      According to Buhman, the money had to be paid to him directly, =
rather than=20
      indirectly invested in the business.&nbsp; He further testified =
that he=20
      never considered McGaughy a partner, and that the profit sharing=20
      arrangement was simply a compensation scheme similar to other =
bonus and=20
      compensation structures in the industry.&nbsp; Buhman emphasized =
that,=20
      unlike Goullet, McGaughy never co-signed partnership =
obligations.&nbsp; He=20
      further testified that he allowed McGaughy to refer to himself as =
a=20
      partner and as an owner of The Smoke Ring because Buhman expected =
McGaughy=20
      to make the required payment within three years and because, as=20
      McGaughy</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">=3D</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">s friend,=20
      Buhman did not want to embarrass him; however, Buhman also =
presented=20
      testimony of other witnesses that McGaughy denied possessing an =
ownership=20
      interest.&nbsp; Both parties agreed that after managing the =
business for=20
      approximately three years, McGaughy purchased a lawn-sprinkler=20
      business.&nbsp; According to Buhman, he understood at that time =
that=20
      McGaughy would not pursue Buhman</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">=3D</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">s=20
      partnership offer.</SPAN></P></DIV><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti"><BR=20
      style=3D"PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: auto" clear=3Dall></SPAN>
      <DIV class=3DSection5>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal=20
      style=3D"MARGIN-BOTTOM: 6.8pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: =
150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">Although=20
      the parties vigorously contested the issue of whether the =
partnership=20
      agreement was supported by consideration, the trial court did not =
submit a=20
      question on this issue.&nbsp; Both parties objected to the charge =
and=20
      proposed similar instructions asking the jury to determine, in the =
first=20
      instance, whether a partnership was formed.&nbsp; Under the =
proposed=20
      instructions, the jury would have been asked to evaluate the =
elements of=20
      formation for an oral contract, including consideration.&nbsp; The =
trial=20
      court refused both proposed instructions.&nbsp; Buhman also =
objected to=20
      the court</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">=3D</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">s=20
      instruction that stated: </SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">A</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">You are=20
      instructed that Mr. McGaughy was a 40-percent partner in The Smoke =
Shop=20
      [sic], unless there was a term of the agreement for him to pay =
$10,000=20
      before becoming a partner.</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">@</SPAN><A=20
      title=3D""=20
      =
href=3D"http://www.14thcoa.courts.state.tx.us/opinions/htmlopinion.asp?Op=
inionId=3D83633#_ftn3"=20
      name=3D_ftnref3><SPAN class=3DMsoFootnoteReference><SUP><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti"><SPAN=20
      class=3DMsoFootnoteReference><SUP><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">[3]</SPAN></SUP></SPAN></SPAN></SUP></SPAN></A><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">&nbsp; The=20
      only relevant statement from the trial court concerning =
consideration is=20
      the statement, made outside the jury</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">=3D</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">s=20
      presence, </SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">A</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">But the=20
      Court finds legally sufficient consideration, undisputed, that =
[McGaughy]=20
      managed The Smoke Ring for a number of years, more than three=20
      years.</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">@</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">&nbsp;=20
      </SPAN></P>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal=20
      style=3D"MARGIN-BOTTOM: 6.8pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: =
150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">In=20
      Question One of the charge as submitted, the jury was asked the=20
      following:</SPAN></P>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal=20
      style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0.5in 4.55pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; FONT-FAMILY: Shruti">Do you find that =
the parties=20
      agreed that:</SPAN></P>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal=20
      style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0.5in 4.55pt 1in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.5in; =
TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">A.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;=20
      Leigh McGaughy was required to make a $10,000 cash payment to =
Larry Buhman=20
      within three years before Mr. McGaughy would have a 40% =
partnership=20
      interest in The Smoke Ring.</SPAN></P>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal=20
      style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0.5in 4.55pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; FONT-FAMILY: Shruti">or</SPAN></P>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal=20
      style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0.5in 4.55pt 1in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.5in; =
TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">B.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;=20
      Leigh McGaughy was NOT required to make a $10,000 cash payment to =
Larry=20
      Buhman within three years before Mr. McGaughy would have a 40% =
partnership=20
      interest in The Smoke Ring.</SPAN></P>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal=20
      style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0.5in 6.8pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: =
justify"><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">Choose A=20
      or B.</SPAN></P>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal=20
      style=3D"MARGIN-BOTTOM: 6.8pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: =
justify"><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">The jury=20
      answered, </SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">A</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">B.</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">@</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">&nbsp;=20
      Having selected this answer, the jury was next directed to =
Question Four=20
      as follows: </SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">A</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">Find the=20
      fair value of Mr. McGaughy</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">=3D</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">s 40%=20
      interest in The Smoke Ring at the time he was locked out of the=20
      business.</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">@</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">&nbsp; The=20
      jury answered, </SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">A</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">$126,000.</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">@</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">&nbsp; The=20
      jury was then directed to Question Seven, pertaining to the amount =
of=20
      McGaughy</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">=3D</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">s=20
      reasonable attorneys</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">=3D</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: Shruti"> =

      fees.&nbsp;&nbsp; </SPAN></P>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal=20
      style=3D"MARGIN-BOTTOM: 6.8pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: =
150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">On appeal,=20
      Buhman asserts <I>inter alia</I> that the trial court improperly =
placed=20
      the burden of proof upon him, and did not require McGaughy to =
prove the=20
      existence of an oral contract supported by the agreed =
consideration.=20
      </SPAN></P>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal=20
      style=3D"MARGIN-BOTTOM: 6.8pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: =
center"=20
      align=3Dcenter><B><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; TEXT-TRANSFORM: uppercase; LINE-HEIGHT: =
150%; FONT-FAMILY: Shruti">II.&nbsp;=20
      Standard of Review</SPAN></B></P></DIV><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti"><BR=20
      style=3D"PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: auto" clear=3Dall></SPAN>
      <DIV class=3DSection6>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal=20
      style=3D"MARGIN-BOTTOM: 6.8pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: =
150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">We review=20
      alleged charge error for an abuse of discretion.&nbsp; <I>Tex. =
Dept. of=20
      Human Servs. v. E.B.</I>, 802 S.W.2d 647, 649 (Tex. 1990).&nbsp; =
To=20
      determine if an error is reversible, we must consider the =
pleadings of the=20
      parties, the evidence presented at trial, and the charge in its=20
      entirety.&nbsp; <I>See Island Recreational Dev. Corp. v. Republic =
of Tex.=20
      Sav. Ass</I></SPAN><I><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">=3D</SPAN></I><I><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">n</SPAN></I><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">, 710=20
      S.W.2d 551, 555 (Tex. 1986).&nbsp; We will reverse only if the =
error,=20
      viewed in light of the totality of the circumstances, amounted to =
such a=20
      denial of the rights of the complaining party as was reasonably =
calculated=20
      and probably did cause the rendition of an improper =
judgment.&nbsp; <I>See=20
      id</I>.; <SPAN style=3D"TEXT-TRANSFORM: uppercase">Tex. R. App. P. =

      </SPAN>44.1(a)(1).&nbsp; Omission of a key issue can be fatal, =
requiring=20
      the case to be reversed or remanded.&nbsp; <I>See Sw. Bell Tel. =
Co. v.=20
      John Carlo Tex.</I>,<I> Inc.</I>, 843 S.W.2d 470, 471</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">B</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">72 (Tex.=20
      1992) (reversing and remanding because the trial court failed to =
include=20
      instruction requiring jury to make finding central to =
claim).</SPAN></P>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal=20
      style=3D"MARGIN-BOTTOM: 6.8pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: =
center"=20
      align=3Dcenter><B><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">III.<SPAN=20
      style=3D"TEXT-TRANSFORM: uppercase">&nbsp; =
Analysis</SPAN></SPAN></B></P>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal=20
      style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 6.8pt 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.5in; =
LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">A.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;=20
      <SPAN style=3D"TEXT-TRANSFORM: uppercase">Governing=20
      Law</SPAN></SPAN></B><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; TEXT-TRANSFORM: uppercase; LINE-HEIGHT: =
150%; FONT-FAMILY: Shruti">=20
      </SPAN></P>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal=20
      style=3D"MARGIN-BOTTOM: 6.8pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: =
150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">In a=20
      breach-of-contract action, the plaintiff must prove: (1) the =
existence of=20
      a valid contract, (2) performance or tendered performance by the=20
      plaintiff, (3) breach of the contract by the defendant, and (4) =
damages=20
      sustained by the plaintiff as a result of the breach.&nbsp; =
<I>Valero=20
      Mktg. &amp; Supply Co. v. Kalama Int</I></SPAN><I><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">=3D</SPAN></I><I><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">l,=20
      L.L.C.</SPAN></I><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">, 51=20
      S.W.3d 345, 351 (Tex. App.</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">C</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">Houston=20
      [1st Dist.] 2001, no pet.).&nbsp; To be binding, the contract must =
contain=20
      all essential terms and be sufficiently certain to define the =
legal=20
      obligations of the parties.&nbsp; <I>Stinger v. Stewart &amp; =
Stevenson=20
      Servs., Inc.</I>, 830 S.W.2d 715, 720 (Tex. App.</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">C</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">Houston=20
      [14th Dist.] 1992, writ denied).&nbsp; In addition, the contract =
must be=20
      supported by consideration.&nbsp; <I>Alex Sheshunoff Mgmt. Servs., =
L.P. v.=20
      Johnson</I>, 209 S.W.3d 644, 659 (Tex. 2006) (Jefferson, C.J.,=20
      concurring).<A title=3D""=20
      =
href=3D"http://www.14thcoa.courts.state.tx.us/opinions/htmlopinion.asp?Op=
inionId=3D83633#_ftn4"=20
      name=3D_ftnref4><SPAN class=3DMsoFootnoteReference><SUP><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-FAMILY: Shruti"><SPAN =
class=3DMsoFootnoteReference><SUP><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">[4]</SPAN></SUP></SPAN></SPAN></SUP></SPAN></A>&nbsp;=20
      Consideration </SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">A</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">may be=20
      either a performance or a return promise bargained for in a =
present=20
      exchange.</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">@</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">&nbsp;=20
      <I>Id.</I> (citing <I>Roark v. Stallworth Oil &amp; Gas, Inc.</I>, =
813=20
      S.W.2d 492, 496 (Tex. 1991).&nbsp; Moreover, it is an </SPAN><SPAN =

      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">A</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">elemental=20
      principle of contract law that </SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">&gt;</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">nothing is=20
      a consideration that is not regarded as such by both =
parties.</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">=3D</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">@</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">&nbsp;=20
      <I>Connell v. Provident Life &amp; Accident Ins. Co.</I>, 148 Tex. =
311,=20
      314, 224 S.W.2d 194, 196 (1949).</SPAN></P></DIV><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti"><BR=20
      style=3D"PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: auto" clear=3Dall></SPAN>
      <DIV class=3DSection7>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal=20
      style=3D"MARGIN-BOTTOM: 6.8pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: =
150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">It is=20
      essential that the parties agree on the consideration supporting =
the=20
      contract.&nbsp; <I>See TCA Bldg. Co. v. Entech, Inc.</I>, 86 =
S.W.3d 667,=20
      672 (Tex. App.</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">C</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">Austin,=20
      2002, no pet.) (citing </SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; TEXT-TRANSFORM: uppercase; LINE-HEIGHT: =
150%">Restatement=20
      (Second) of Contracts: Requirement of Exchange; Types of Exchange=20
      </SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">'</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%"> 71(4) =
(1981))</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">.&nbsp; It=20
      is not enough that one party to the agreement offered =
consideration that=20
      could be considered a fair exchange for the other =
party</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">=3D</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">s promise=20
      if the offered consideration is not what the other party agreed to =
accept;=20
      rather, the consideration must be that for which the parties =
bargained and=20
      on which they agreed.&nbsp; <I>See id</I>. (explaining that one=20
      party</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">=3D</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">s=20
      proffered consideration was immaterial when the record did not =
show that=20
      the proffered consideration was promised or accepted in exchange =
for the=20
      other party</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">=3D</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">s=20
      obligations).&nbsp; </SPAN></P>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal=20
      style=3D"MARGIN-BOTTOM: 6.8pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: =
150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">Although=20
      consideration may be implied in a written contract, there is no=20
      presumption that an oral contract is supported by consideration.=20
      <I>&nbsp;Okemah Constr., Inc. v. Barkley-Farmer, Inc.</I>, 583 =
S.W.2d 458,=20
      460 (Tex. Civ. App.</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">C</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">Houston=20
      [1st Dist.] 1979, no writ).&nbsp; Consequently, it is the=20
      plaintiff</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">=3D</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">s burden=20
      to plead and prove the element of consideration in a suit on an =
oral=20
      contract.&nbsp; <I>Id</I>. </SPAN></P>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal=20
      style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 6.8pt 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.5in; =
LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; TEXT-TRANSFORM: uppercase; LINE-HEIGHT: =
150%; FONT-FAMILY: Shruti">B.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;=20
      Application to the Jury Charge</SPAN></B><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;=20
      </SPAN></P></DIV><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti"><BR=20
      style=3D"PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: auto" clear=3Dall></SPAN>
      <DIV class=3DSection8>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal=20
      style=3D"MARGIN-BOTTOM: 6.8pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: =
150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">Because=20
      this is a suit on an oral contract, the burden was on McGaughy, as =

      plaintiff, to plead and prove the existence of the alleged =
partnership=20
      agreement.&nbsp; That proof was required to include the element of =

      consideration, an issue which was hotly disputed at trial.&nbsp; =
On=20
      appeal, McGaughy argues that </SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">A</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">Buhman=20
      knew the following consideration was afforded in exchange for his=20
      partnership offer: quitting school; coming into the business to =
manage;=20
      managing day-to-day operations; upgrading inventory; [and] =
providing=20
      labor.</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">@</SPAN><A=20
      title=3D""=20
      =
href=3D"http://www.14thcoa.courts.state.tx.us/opinions/htmlopinion.asp?Op=
inionId=3D83633#_ftn5"=20
      name=3D_ftnref5><SPAN class=3DMsoFootnoteReference><SUP><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti"><SPAN=20
      class=3DMsoFootnoteReference><SUP><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">[5]</SPAN></SUP></SPAN></SPAN></SUP></SPAN></A><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">&nbsp;=20
      Buhman contends that, at the time McGaughy was terminated or =
locked out,=20
      </SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">A</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">Mr.=20
      McGaughy was a contract laborer who was getting paid 40 percent of =

      profits.</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">@</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">&nbsp;=20
      Moreover, Buhman testified that, as the sole owner of the store, =
he could=20
      choose to treat the store</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">=3D</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">s income=20
      as profit, reinvest in the store, or simply withdraw the money and =
treat=20
      it as his personal income to spend as he chose.&nbsp; It is=20
      Buhman</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">=3D</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">s position=20
      that he offered to exchange a forty-percent partnership interest =
for=20
      payment of $10,000 within three years, and that =
McGaughy</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">=3D</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">s work at=20
      the store was not part of the consideration of the partnership=20
      offer.&nbsp; In addition, Buhman claimed that, if a valid contract =
was=20
      formed, McGaughy breached it by stealing from the store or =
converting=20
      merchandise to his own use.</SPAN></P>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal=20
      style=3D"MARGIN-BOTTOM: 6.8pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: =
150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">Although=20
      the issue of consideration was central to the dispute, the=20
      jury</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">=3D</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">s ability=20
      to determine the terms of the partnership agreement, if any, was =
limited=20
      by the court</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">=3D</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">s=20
      instructions.&nbsp; As part of the court</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">=3D</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">s charge,=20
      the jury was instructed, </SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">A</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">The term=20
      </SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">&gt;</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">preponderance=20
      of the evidence</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">=3D</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: Shruti"> =
means the=20
      greater weight and degree of credible testimony or evidence =
introduced=20
      before you and admitted in this case.</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">@</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">&nbsp; The=20
      jury was further instructed as follows: </SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">A</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">Whenever a=20
      question requires other than a </SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">&gt;</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">Yes</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">=3D</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: Shruti"> =
or=20
      </SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">&gt;</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">No</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">=3D</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: Shruti"> =
answer,=20
      your answer must be based on a preponderance of the =
evidence.</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">@</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">&nbsp;=20
      However, the jury was also instructed that </SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">A</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">McGaughy=20
      was a 40% partner in The Smoke Shop [sic] unless there was a term =
of the=20
      agreement for him to pay $10,000 before becoming a =
partner.</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">@</SPAN><A=20
      title=3D""=20
      =
href=3D"http://www.14thcoa.courts.state.tx.us/opinions/htmlopinion.asp?Op=
inionId=3D83633#_ftn6"=20
      name=3D_ftnref6><SPAN class=3DMsoFootnoteReference><SUP><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti"><SPAN=20
      class=3DMsoFootnoteReference><SUP><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">[6]</SPAN></SUP></SPAN></SPAN></SUP></SPAN></A><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">&nbsp;=20
      </SPAN></P></DIV><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti"><BR=20
      style=3D"PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: auto" clear=3Dall></SPAN>
      <DIV class=3DSection9>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal=20
      style=3D"MARGIN-BOTTOM: 6.8pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: =
150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">Whether=20
      the parties reached an agreement is a question of fact.&nbsp; =
<I>Beal=20
      Bank, S.S.B., v. Schleider</I>, 124 S.W.3d 640, 653 n. 8 (Tex.=20
      App.</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">C</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">Houston=20
      [14th Dist.] 2003, pet. denied).&nbsp; Moreover, it is a question =
of fact=20
      on which McGaughy bore the burden of proof.&nbsp; <I>See Advantage =

      Physical Therapy, Inc. v. Cruse</I>, 165 S.W.3d 21, 24 (Tex.=20
      App.</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">C</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">Houston=20
      [14th Dist.] 2005, no pet.) (</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">A</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">To prove=20
      an action for breach of contract, a plaintiff must establish the =
existence=20
      of an enforceable contract.</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">@</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">).&nbsp;=20
      However, this instruction required Buhman to rebut a presumption =
that=20
      McGaughy was a partner in The Smoke Ring.&nbsp; Thus, the jury=20
      instructions and charge as submitted improperly shifted the burden =
of=20
      proof to Buhman, the defendant.</SPAN></P>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal=20
      style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 6.8pt 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.5in; =
LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; TEXT-TRANSFORM: uppercase; LINE-HEIGHT: =
150%; FONT-FAMILY: Shruti">C.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;=20
      Harm Analysis</SPAN></B></P>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal=20
      style=3D"MARGIN-BOTTOM: 6.8pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: =
150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">Our review=20
      requires us to assess whether the charge error was harmless.&nbsp; =

      McGaughy claims the error was harmless because the jury rejected=20
      Buhman</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">=3D</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">s position=20
      concerning the required consideration.&nbsp; Buhman counters that =
McGaughy=20
      was the party responsible for carrying the burden of proof and, as =
the=20
      charge stood, the jury was not asked to find whether McGaughy =
proved up=20
      the contract as required.&nbsp; As explained above, Buhman =
correctly=20
      asserts that a proponent of an oral contract has the burden to =
prove each=20
      element of the oral contract.&nbsp; We further agree with Buhman =
that the=20
      error was such that it was reasonably calculated to cause and =
probably did=20
      cause the rendition of an improper judgment.</SPAN></P>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal=20
      style=3D"MARGIN-BOTTOM: 6.8pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: =
150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">In this=20
      case, the key issues in dispute were consideration and whether a=20
      partnership was ultimately formed.&nbsp; The jury was never asked =
to find=20
      the bargained-for consideration.&nbsp; As we have explained, it is =
not=20
      sufficient that the offered consideration was adequate unless it =
is also=20
      shown that the other party agrees to accept the offered=20
      consideration.&nbsp; The jury was never asked to find the parties =
agreed=20
      to the consideration that was provided and that allegedly formed a =

      partnership.&nbsp; We therefore conclude the trial court =
reversibly erred=20
      by shifting the burden of proof. </SPAN></P></DIV><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti"><BR=20
      style=3D"PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: auto" clear=3Dall></SPAN>
      <DIV class=3DSection10>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal=20
      style=3D"MARGIN-BOTTOM: 6.8pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: =
150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">To support=20
      his argument that any error was harmless, McGaughy relies on two =
cases:=20
      <I>Walker v. Eason</I>, 643 S.W.2d 390 (Tex. 1982) (per curiam), =
and=20
      <I>Turk v. Robles</I>, 810 S.W.2d 755 (Tex. App.</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">C</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">Houston=20
      [1st Dist.] 1991, writ denied).&nbsp; Both cases involve the =
improper=20
      shift of the burden of proof.&nbsp; <I>Walker</I>, 643 S.W.2d at =
390;=20
      <I>Turk</I>, 810 S.W.2d at 759.&nbsp; Aside from this =
characteristic, the=20
      similarity between those cases and this case ends.&nbsp; In both=20
      <I>Walker</I> and <I>Turk</I>, the jury was asked to =
answer</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">C</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">and did=20
      answer</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">C</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">the key=20
      question at issue.&nbsp; In both cases, the pivotal issue was =
whether=20
      testators had the requisite mental capacity to make testamentary=20
      instruments.&nbsp; <I>Walker</I>, 643 S.W.2d at 390; <I>Turk</I>, =
810=20
      S.W.2d at 757</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">B</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">60.&nbsp;=20
      Although the burden of proof in those cases was reversed, the =
juries made=20
      definitive findings that the testators lacked testamentary =
capacity.&nbsp;=20
      <I>Walker</I>, 643 S.W.2d at 390; <I>Turk</I>, 810 S.W.2d at =
758.&nbsp;=20
      But the jury in this case made no such definitive finding on the =
main=20
      issue at trial.</SPAN></P>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal=20
      style=3D"MARGIN-BOTTOM: 6.8pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: =
150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">Given the=20
      nature of this case as a suit on an oral contract, McGaughy was =
required=20
      to prove that he and Buhman agreed to the consideration.&nbsp; The =
jury=20
      was presented with one theory of consideration, for which it made =
a=20
      negative finding, but made no positive findings accepting=20
      McGaughy</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">=3D</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">s=20
      allegations concerning formation of the partnership.&nbsp; <I>Cf.=20
      Turk</I>, 810 S.W.2d at 759 (explaining that to place the burden =
of proof=20
      on the proper party, the question must be worded such that an =
affirmative=20
      answer indicates the party with the burden established the =
fact).&nbsp; We=20
      cannot infer that the plaintiff met his burden by a preponderance =
of the=20
      evidence simply because the jury rejected one of the =
defendant</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">=3D</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">s=20
      theories.&nbsp; Thus, we conclude the error was harmful.&nbsp; =
</SPAN></P>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal=20
      style=3D"MARGIN-BOTTOM: 6.8pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: =
150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">Finally,=20
      McGaughy contends Buhman waived the buy-in requirement, or =
alternatively,=20
      time was not of the essence for the payment.&nbsp; In these =
arguments,=20
      McGaughy continues to place the burden on Buhman to prove the =
identity and=20
      failure of the bargained-for consideration.&nbsp; As we have =
explained,=20
      this is an improper placement of the burden of proof.=20
      </SPAN></P></DIV><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti"><BR=20
      style=3D"PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: auto" clear=3Dall></SPAN>
      <DIV class=3DSection11>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal=20
      style=3D"MARGIN-BOTTOM: 6.8pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: =
150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">Based on=20
      our review of the pleadings, the evidence, and the charge, we =
conclude the=20
      trial court abused its discretion by overruling Buhman</SPAN><SPAN =

      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">=3D</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">s=20
      objections to the charge.&nbsp; Moreover, the error was reasonably =

      calculated to cause, and probably did cause, the rendition of an =
improper=20
      verdict.&nbsp; Accordingly, we sustain this issue.<A title=3D""=20
      =
href=3D"http://www.14thcoa.courts.state.tx.us/opinions/htmlopinion.asp?Op=
inionId=3D83633#_ftn7"=20
      name=3D_ftnref7><SPAN class=3DMsoFootnoteReference><SUP><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-FAMILY: Shruti"><SPAN =
class=3DMsoFootnoteReference><SUP><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">[7]</SPAN></SUP></SPAN></SPAN></SUP></SPAN></A></SPAN></P>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal=20
      style=3D"MARGIN-BOTTOM: 6.8pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: =
center"=20
      align=3Dcenter><B><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; TEXT-TRANSFORM: uppercase; LINE-HEIGHT: =
150%; FONT-FAMILY: Shruti">IV.&nbsp;=20
      Conclusion</SPAN></B></P>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal=20
      style=3D"MARGIN-BOTTOM: 6.8pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: =
150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">Having=20
      determined that the trial court committed reversible jury-charge =
error, we=20
      reverse and remand for a new trial without reaching =
Buhman</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">=3D</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">s=20
      remaining issues.</SPAN></P>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; FONT-FAMILY: Shruti"></SPAN>&nbsp;</P>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; FONT-FAMILY: Shruti"></SPAN>&nbsp;</P>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; FONT-FAMILY: Shruti"></SPAN>&nbsp;</P>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"TEXT-INDENT: 3.5in; TEXT-ALIGN: =
justify"><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; FONT-FAMILY: Shruti"></SPAN>&nbsp;</P>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"TEXT-INDENT: 3in; TEXT-ALIGN: =
justify"><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;=20
      Eva M. Guzman</SPAN></P>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"TEXT-INDENT: 3.5in; TEXT-ALIGN: =
justify"><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; FONT-FAMILY: Shruti">Justice</SPAN></P>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; FONT-FAMILY: Shruti"></SPAN>&nbsp;</P>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; FONT-FAMILY: Shruti"></SPAN>&nbsp;</P>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; FONT-FAMILY: Shruti"></SPAN>&nbsp;</P>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; FONT-FAMILY: Shruti"></SPAN>&nbsp;</P>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: =
justify"><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">Judgment=20
      Reversed and Remanded and Substitute Memorandum Opinion filed July =
24,=20
      2007.</SPAN></P>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: =
justify"><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti">Panel=20
      consists of Justices Frost, Seymore, and Guzman.</SPAN></P>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: =
justify"><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 13pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: =
Shruti"></SPAN>&nbsp;</P></DIV>
      <DIV><BR clear=3Dall>
      <HR align=3Dleft width=3D"33%" SIZE=3D1>

      <DIV id=3Dftn1>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal=20
      style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 12pt 4.5pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><A =
title=3D""=20
      =
href=3D"http://www.14thcoa.courts.state.tx.us/opinions/htmlopinion.asp?Op=
inionId=3D83633#_ftnref1"=20
      name=3D_ftn1><SPAN class=3DMsoFootnoteReference><SUP><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 11pt"><SPAN =
class=3DMsoFootnoteReference><SUP><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: =
11pt">[1]</SPAN></SUP></SPAN></SPAN></SUP></SPAN></A><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 11pt">&nbsp; If forty percent of the monthly =
profit was=20
      less than $2,000, McGaughy would nevertheless receive $2,000. =
&nbsp;The=20
      source of these funds during unprofitable months is unclear.&nbsp; =
We are=20
      unable to determine from the record whether this was a =
</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">A</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 11pt">draw</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">@</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 11pt"> against future profits that was =
required to be=20
      repaid to the store in more profitable months, whether it was an =
treated=20
      as an expense in unprofitable months, or whether Buhman was =
expected to=20
      make up any shortfall in McGaughy</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">=3D</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 11pt">s compensation from his own=20
funds.</SPAN></P></DIV>
      <DIV id=3Dftn2>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal=20
      style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 12pt 4.5pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><A =
title=3D""=20
      =
href=3D"http://www.14thcoa.courts.state.tx.us/opinions/htmlopinion.asp?Op=
inionId=3D83633#_ftnref2"=20
      name=3D_ftn2><SPAN class=3DMsoFootnoteReference><SUP><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 11pt"><SPAN =
class=3DMsoFootnoteReference><SUP><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: =
11pt">[2]</SPAN></SUP></SPAN></SPAN></SUP></SPAN></A><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 11pt">&nbsp; At Buhman</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">=3D</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 11pt">s direction, McGaughy locked Goullet out =
of the=20
      store.&nbsp; Goullet subsequently sued and reached a settlement =
with=20
      Buhman regarding his partnership interest.</SPAN></P></DIV>
      <DIV id=3Dftn3>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal=20
      style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 12pt 4.5pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><A =
title=3D""=20
      =
href=3D"http://www.14thcoa.courts.state.tx.us/opinions/htmlopinion.asp?Op=
inionId=3D83633#_ftnref3"=20
      name=3D_ftn3><SPAN class=3DMsoFootnoteReference><SUP><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 11pt"><SPAN =
class=3DMsoFootnoteReference><SUP><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: =
11pt">[3]</SPAN></SUP></SPAN></SPAN></SUP></SPAN></A><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 11pt">&nbsp; Some of the discussion regarding =
the charge=20
      occurred off the record. </SPAN></P></DIV>
      <DIV id=3Dftn4>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal=20
      style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 12pt 4.5pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><A =
title=3D""=20
      =
href=3D"http://www.14thcoa.courts.state.tx.us/opinions/htmlopinion.asp?Op=
inionId=3D83633#_ftnref4"=20
      name=3D_ftn4><SPAN class=3DMsoFootnoteReference><SUP><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 11pt"><SPAN =
class=3DMsoFootnoteReference><SUP><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: =
11pt">[4]</SPAN></SUP></SPAN></SPAN></SUP></SPAN></A><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 11pt">&nbsp; Although there are exceptions to =
this=20
      general rule, <I>see id.</I>at n.3, none apply =
here.</SPAN></P></DIV>
      <DIV id=3Dftn5>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN-LEFT: 4.5pt; TEXT-ALIGN: =
justify"><A=20
      title=3D""=20
      =
href=3D"http://www.14thcoa.courts.state.tx.us/opinions/htmlopinion.asp?Op=
inionId=3D83633#_ftnref5"=20
      name=3D_ftn5><SPAN class=3DMsoFootnoteReference><SUP><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 11pt"><SPAN =
class=3DMsoFootnoteReference><SUP><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: =
11pt">[5]</SPAN></SUP></SPAN></SPAN></SUP></SPAN></A><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 11pt">&nbsp; McGaughy</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">=3D</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 11pt">s argument that leaving school formed =
part of the=20
      consideration for the partnership agreement is not supported by =
the=20
      record.&nbsp; Although McGaughy testified that he left school to =
manage=20
      the cigar store, no evidence was presented at trial that Buhman =
asked=20
      McGaughy to abandon his studies or that Buhman agreed to accept =
such an=20
      act as part of the consideration for the partnership =
agreement.&nbsp; The=20
      only evidence that McGaughy and Buhman discussed this subject is =
the=20
      following testimony from McGaughy:</SPAN></P>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal=20
      style=3D"MARGIN-LEFT: 40.5pt; TEXT-INDENT: -0.5in; TEXT-ALIGN: =
justify"><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: =
11pt">Q:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;=20
      [H]ow did he lead into the conversation about I</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">=3D</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 11pt">m going to make you this partnership=20
      offer?</SPAN></P>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal=20
      style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 12pt 40.5pt; TEXT-INDENT: -0.5in; =
TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: =
11pt">A:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;=20
      We were pretty close.&nbsp; I remember he was like, well, Leigh,=20
      I</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">=3D</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 11pt">m going to ask you something =
but</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">C</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 11pt">or maybe he made the offer first; but he =
also=20
      cushioned it with, well, I know you are off on this track here, =
sales=20
      engineer.&nbsp; We talked about it often.&nbsp; And I =
wouldn</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">=3D</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 11pt">t want to put you in a position to do =
anything,=20
      you know, wrong for yourself; but I have this situation.&nbsp; I =
feel=20
      confident that you could do this.&nbsp; I can</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">=3D</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 11pt">t do this; and would you at least think =
about it,=20
      because I have the potential to lose everything with the present=20
      situation.&nbsp; And so</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">C</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 11pt">&nbsp; </SPAN></P></DIV>
      <DIV id=3Dftn6>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal=20
      style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 12pt 4.5pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><A =
title=3D""=20
      =
href=3D"http://www.14thcoa.courts.state.tx.us/opinions/htmlopinion.asp?Op=
inionId=3D83633#_ftnref6"=20
      name=3D_ftn6><SPAN class=3DMsoFootnoteReference><SUP><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 11pt"><SPAN =
class=3DMsoFootnoteReference><SUP><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: =
11pt">[6]</SPAN></SUP></SPAN></SPAN></SUP></SPAN></A><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 11pt">&nbsp; We note that this instruction =
also does not=20
      accurately reflect Buhman</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">=3D</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 11pt">s contentions at trial because the =
instruction=20
      omits the requirement that the sum be paid within three=20
      years.</SPAN></P></DIV>
      <DIV id=3Dftn7>
      <P class=3DMsoNormal=20
      style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 12pt 4.5pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><A =
title=3D""=20
      =
href=3D"http://www.14thcoa.courts.state.tx.us/opinions/htmlopinion.asp?Op=
inionId=3D83633#_ftnref7"=20
      name=3D_ftn7><SPAN class=3DMsoFootnoteReference><SUP><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 11pt"><SPAN =
class=3DMsoFootnoteReference><SUP><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: =
11pt">[7]</SPAN></SUP></SPAN></SPAN></SUP></SPAN></A><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 11pt">&nbsp; Our analysis is unaffected by the =
trial=20
      court</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">=3D</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 11pt">s statement, </SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">A</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 11pt">But the Court finds legally sufficient=20
      consideration, undisputed, that [McGaughy] managed The Smoke Ring =
for a=20
      number of years, more than three years.</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'WP =
TypographicSymbols'">@</SPAN><SPAN=20
      style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 11pt">&nbsp; The central issue in the case is =
not the=20
      adequacy of the consideration, but the identity of the =
consideration.=20
      </SPAN></P></DIV></DIV></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></BODY></HTML>

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	COLOR: #000099; TEXT-DECORATION: underline
}
A.TextSmallJust {
	COLOR: #000099; TEXT-DECORATION: underline
}
A.TextSmall:hover {
	FONT-WEIGHT: bold
}
A.TextSmallJust:hover {
	FONT-WEIGHT: bold
}
.TextSmallWhite {
	FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top; COLOR: =
white; FONT-FAMILY: Arial Narrow
}
.TextWhite {
	FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: white; FONT-FAMILY: =
Tahoma, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif
}
A.TextWhite {
=09
}
A.TextWhite:hover {
	FONT-WEIGHT: bold
}
.LinksSite {
	FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 9pt; COLOR: #000099; FONT-FAMILY: Arial =
Narrow; TEXT-DECORATION: none
}
A.LinksSite {
=09
}
A.LinksSite:hover {
	FONT-WEIGHT: bold
}
.TextNotify {
	FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 9pt; COLOR: #000099; FONT-FAMILY: Arial =
Narrow
}
.SiteMaster {
	FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #000099; LINE-HEIGHT: =
normal; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma, Arial, Helvetica, =
sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: underline
}
A.SiteMaster {
	LINE-HEIGHT: normal; TEXT-DECORATION: underline
}
A.SiteMaster:hover {
	COLOR: blue
}
.SiteMenu {
	FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: #000099; LINE-HEIGHT: =
normal; FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; =
TEXT-DECORATION: none
}
A.SiteMenu {
	FONT-WEIGHT: bold; TEXT-DECORATION: none
}
A.SiteMenu:hover {
	COLOR: blue
}
.SiteBase {
	FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 9pt; COLOR: #000099; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; =
FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; =
TEXT-DECORATION: none
}
A.SiteBase {
	FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: maroon; FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma, Arial, =
Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: none
}
A.SiteBase:hover {
	COLOR: blue
}
.ErrorNormal {
	FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top; COLOR: red; =
FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif
}
.ErrorSmall {
	FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top; COLOR: red; =
FONT-FAMILY: Arial Narrow
}
.SystemMSG {
	FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top; COLOR: white; =
FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; BACKGROUND-COLOR: =
navy
}
.SystemErrorMSG {
	FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top; COLOR: white; =
FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; BACKGROUND-COLOR: red
}
.buttonUnused {
	PADDING-RIGHT: 1pt; PADDING-LEFT: 1pt; FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: =
9pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1pt; MARGIN: 1pt; COLOR: #fff5d7; PADDING-TOP: 1pt; =
BACKGROUND-COLOR: #576a9d; font-face: Tahoma, Arial, Helvetica, =
sans-serif
}
.buttonTanUnused {
	PADDING-RIGHT: 1pt; PADDING-LEFT: 1pt; FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: =
9pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1pt; MARGIN: 1pt; COLOR: #576a9d; PADDING-TOP: 1pt; =
BACKGROUND-COLOR: #fff5d7; font-face: Tahoma, Arial, Helvetica, =
sans-serif
}
.TextLargeBlue {
	FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; COLOR: #000099; LINE-HEIGHT: =
normal; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma, Arial, Helvetica, =
sans-serif; TEXT-ALIGN: left
}
.DocketHeaderTitle {
	FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: black; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; =
FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma, Arial, ' Helvetica', sans-serif; TEXT-ALIGN: center
}
.TextLargeBlack {
	FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 11pt; COLOR: black; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; =
FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; =
TEXT-ALIGN: left
}
.TextLargeBlackcenter {
	FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 11pt; COLOR: black; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; =
FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; =
TEXT-ALIGN: center
}
.TextBlue {
	FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: #000099; LINE-HEIGHT: =
normal; FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif
}
A.TextBlue {
	FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: #000099; LINE-HEIGHT: =
normal; FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; =
TEXT-DECORATION: none
}
.TextRed {
	FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; COLOR: red; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; =
FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif
}
.TextHidenGray {
	FONT-SIZE: 0pt; COLOR: #ebebe1; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; FONT-FAMILY: =
Tahoma, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-ALIGN: left
}
.Time {
	FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 10px; COLOR: red; LINE-HEIGHT: 4em; =
FONT-FAMILY: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-ALIGN: center
}

------=_NextPart_000_0038_01C7D77F.EAEF53C0--
