Richie walked up to the familiar front door. He was a grown man now, and he typically went by Richard, but here, he would always be Richie. His parents still lived on Bonnie Meadow Road, in the same home he'd grown up in.

The last few years had been a blur for him. When it came time to pick a career, the choice wasn't hard. He followed his father's footsteps and took a job in television. Having a father who was the head writer for The Alan Brady Show opened a few doors, and in no time, Richie found himself directing sitcoms. His parents were so proud, especially his father. His latest show was beginning to be a hit. Life was good, except for one thing.

While working on one show, Richie met a girl. She was an actress, and the two had hit it off immediately. The series, unfortunately, didn't last a season, but the romance certainly did. Her name was Rose, and Richie and his parents couldn't help laughing over the fact that, if they were to marry, her name would be Rose Petrie. They all agreed it would be perfect, especially since Richie's middle name happened to be Rosebud. The talk of marriage had been a joke at first, but now it didn't seem so funny anymore. He really did think she was the one. He'd gone out and bought a ring, and was so excited to propose to her. But then came the part where he actually had to ask her. Richie had no idea if she would say yes or no. He knew that back when his parents were dating, things were much simpler. Women got married and had babies. But now, some women were more interested in a career than a family.

After driving himself crazy for days over what to do, Richie finally decided he had only one option. Go talk to the man he'd always admired: his dad. His parents had been married for over thirty years, and yet they were still just as in love as when they were newlyweds. Whatever advice his father had, he knew it would be good. He rang the doorbell and waited.

Rob heard the doorbell ring. "Honey, did you invite Millie over again tonight? I didn't forget a bridge game again, did I?"

Laura shook her head. "No. She and Jerry went to visit their grandkids this week."

"Huh. Then who's at the door?" Rob wondered.

"I don't know, Darling. Why don't you answer it?" Laura rolled her eyes. She loved Rob so much, but sometimes she wondered what was wrong with him.

"Well, OK," Rob said, getting up. He wasn't quite as energetic or as graceful as he'd been years ago. "Coming!" It better be somebody important, he thought as he crossed the room. He finally opened the door, and his jaw dropped. "Richie! Why didn't you call? Your mother would've made dinner."

Richie smiled, suddenly feeling like a little boy all over again. "I didn't want anyone to go to any trouble," he said, slightly embarrassed. "I kind of just wanted to talk to you, Dad."

"Well, that didn't hurt my feelings too badly," Laura said, coming to stand beside her husband.

Richie quickly hugged his mother. "It's always great to see you, Mom. It's nothing personal, I swear. I just need to talk to Dad. It's kind of a guy thing."

Laura looked from her husband to her son. "I guess I'll just go in the kitchen for a moment, then, and leave you two alone," she said, after taking a moment to get over the surprise.

Rob waited until his wife had left the room. "What's on your mind, son?"