Chapter 5
"Good Morning, sweetheart, Happy Anniversary!" Rick watched his wife open her eyes, then smiled at him. "Happy Anniversary, to you, darling!" she kissed him as he wrapped his arms around her. Holding Laurie in his arms, he thought about the surprise he had planned for her that evening, considering the events of the past week, they deserved a trouble-free celebration.
Oscar and A.J. had decreed that until the smuggling investigation was complete, the Simons should leave town for a few days. Having suffered only a bad bruise on her forehead, Rudy had cleared Laurie to travel, telling Rick the best medicine was a relaxing getaway. Rick already had had reservations for Saturday and Sunday at a Las Vegas hotel, but with a few phone calls, Rick and Laurie and Robbie and Robin checked in on Thursday night at the medieval hotel right on the strip.
His musings were interrupted by the feather light kisses Laurie was planting on his chest, "Trying to have your way with me, are you?", he teased, doing the same to her neck. "That's right, and don't you forget it! Seriously, Rick, what would you like for breakfast?" she asked, laughing at his growling stomach. "Room Service!" he chuckled, then pulled her back under the sheets.
Later on, Rick was glad he and Laurie had slept in, for the day seemed to pass in a whirlwind of activities. Joining Rob and Robin after breakfast, they went to the amusement park next to the casino. Rick played game after game with Laurie; the two of them accumulated so many stuffed toys and trinkets a bellhop was called to take everything back to their room.
Later, Rick made an excuse to go past the stables for the Medieval Knights show, where the horses used in the exhibition were cared for. Rob and Robin were all over the place, excited to be around all the horses, talking to the grooms. Rick and Laurie wandered over to the Knight's horses, then as she spotted a flame-colored horse, slowly approached it. Her eyes wide with recognition, she called him, "Darling, it's Brick, Robbie, Robin, isn't this Brick?"
Both of them came over, watching their mom softly stroking the white-faced bay, then Robin gasped, "Mom, it is! He recognizes you!"
A voice behind the horse, answered, "He does, but how did you know his name?"
A tall, dark haired boy appeared, and Robin just stared at him, Rob caught his sister's expression out of the corner of his eye and nudged her, as he replied, "My family and I raised Brick, we often wondered what happened to him after he was sold." Laurie took pity on her daughter and held out her hand, "I'm Laurie Simon, our ranch raises horses and Brick was the last one we sold before the tornado hit our home this year."
"Mrs. Simon, I recognize you now, I mean, I know about your ranch. I'm Ian Whitecloud, I ride Brick in the show. He's a wonderful horse, and I wanted to know more about him, but all I could find out was That he came from the Triple S on the Navajo reservation." he replied, nervously gazing at Robin. "I asked our trainer about the Triple S, and he told me it was a family operation, and that you hand raised your horses."
Laurie grinned at her husband, then told the performer, "Well, I'm glad you wanted to know more about Brick, he's a very smart horse. As a matter of fact, Robin worked a lot with him, honey, why don't you tell Mr. Whitecloud about Brick, it might help in his training." Rick chimed in, "Yes, I have to take care of something, so Robin, why don't you and Rob meet us back at the room in an hour?"
"Sure, Pop, I mean, thanks, I'll be there." she fumbled, tearing her eyes away from the rider. Rob hid a smile, then told his father, "Sure, Pop, we'll see you in an hour."
As Laurie said goodbye to the young rider, Rick looked over her head at their children, winking to let them know he was going to be right back, to make the final arrangements for that night.
Back in their room, Rick started laughing and told his wife, "You are a matchmaker at heart, darlin', I saw that smile of yours. You know you were the one who taught Brick those tricks, worked a lot with him, huh!" "Oh, silly, you saw that look she gave him, and he was just as hooked!" she responded, tossing a stuffed bear at him. Giving her a wicked look, he tossed a cloth dog back at her and soon the room was littered with toys, leaving them weak with laughter on the floor.
Remembering that he still had to go downstairs, Rick got off the floor, saying, "Sweetheart, I've got to go down to the front desk, I forgot I had a message to pick up. Will you be ok for a few minutes?" "Sure, Rick, I'll put my feet up for a little while." she assured him, puzzled.
Hurrying down to the lobby, Rick greeted his mom, and Linda, then found Steve and Jaime with Oscar and Rudy, all waiting at the check in desk. "Does Laurie know anything yet?" A.J. asked, getting in line. "No, as a matter of fact she's just been playing matchmaker for Robin, she and a rider in the show were making goo-goo eyes at each other so she got them to talk and I arranged for Rob to bring his sister back upstairs in an hour." he snickered. His little brother shook his head, "That's too funny, at least it'll keep her occupado until you bring the costume upstairs! He grinned at Rick , then put an arm around him. "What amazes me is that you came up with this whole Round Table idea, I never pictured you willing to wear tights and stuff!" Rick smiled, then simply said, "She calls me her knight, I want her to know that she's always been my princess."
Making sure everyone had their costumes, Rick went back upstairs with his and Laurie's, and found Rob teasing his sister, red with embarrassment, at the elevators. "Pop, it was ridiculous, Whitecloud was practically hyperventilating at Robin, you could have at least said you'd meet him for breakfast!"
"Pop, tell him to stop, Ian's a nice guy, just a little shy. And he wasn't hyperventilating, he just got the hiccups!" she protested. "All right, you two. Robbie, be nice to your sister, it's not everyday you find someone who cares about a horse enough to find out their background." he interrupted, winking at his son. Handing them each a package as they rode up to their floor, Rick reminded Robin to come to their room as soon as she was dressed. "Ok, Pop, I'll be right there, boy is Mom going to be surprised!", she added, as they got off the elevator and went to their respective rooms.
Once inside, Rick told Laurie the message was someone else's and he had met their children at the elevator. "Rick, what is going on? Is something wrong at home?" she asked, starting to worry. "No, sweetheart," he reassured her, kissing her cheek. Just then there was a knock at the connecting door, and Rick opened it to let their daughter in. Turning back to Laurie, he took her hand and told her, "Darlin', I have a surprise for you, but I need you to close your eyes and let Robin get you ready for tonight, ok?" Glancing at her husband and daughter in disbelief, she smiled at them, "what on earth?" then seeing the anticipation on Rick's face, leaned over and kissed him, then stood back and closed her eyes.
Leaving her in Robin's hands, Rick went next door to Robbie's room, where he helped his son with the knights' costume he had brought him. When it was his turn to change, Rick frowned at the tights he was expected to wear. "It's all right, Pop, they're not bad once you get them on." Robbie admitted, helping him with the doublet. When they were both ready, Rick knocked on the door and Robin opened it, a vision in a high waisted gown with a peaked hat. "Honey, you look fantastic!" Rick said, seeing his little girl looking like something out of a fairy tale. "Thanks, Pop, but I want you to see someone who is waiting for you." she beamed.
Letting her father and brother in, Robin turned, "Ok, Mom, open your eyes and come in."
Laurie entered, blinking in the bright light, then gasped at the sight of her husband, clad in his knight's formal dress, complete with cape and helmet under his arm. Rick in turn was speechless, seeing his bride so radiant in a blue and silver gown with a crown on her head. A long veil covered her hair, and as she gazed at him, he felt a rush of emotion. "Laurie, you are beautiful, will you be my lady fair?"
"Oh, yes, my knight, I'll be your lady forever, my love." Laurie replied, tears of joy in her eyes. She went into his arms as he kissed her. Looking over his shoulder at their children, she told them, "You are both so gorgeous, thank you for the surprise." Near tears themselves, Rob and Robin embraced their parents, then Laurie turned to Rick, stroking his cheek and whispering, "You take my breath away."
Kissing his wife again, he was reminded of the rest of the surprise, and wiping the last of her tears away, Rick told Laurie, "My princess, the rest of my gift is waiting downstairs, are you ready?"
She smiled again at her knight, then letting him take her arm, said, "Your lady is ready for whatever your heart desires." Rick grinned back at her, then led the way to the elevators.
Arriving at the Medieval Show arena, the foursome was directed to a small hall just off the arena, where Rick had arranged for a private banquet. As they waited in the entrance, a herald announced the arrival of "Her Highness, Princess Laurel, and her knight, Lord Richard, with Princess Robin, and her brother, Prince Robert." Ready to tease her husband at his new title, Laurie stopped in mid-word when she saw all their friends and family, also in medieval attire, seated around a great table. "Oh, my", was all she could say, seeing Oscar and Rudy and A.J. and Steve, beaming back at her in regal robes.
Linda and Jaime and Cecilia were dressed as ladies of the court, and as soon as they saw Laurie, immediately got up and took turns hugging her and Robin. Rick endured the teasing of his brother and friends, as they had decided against the tights he and Rob wore. "Well, you know what they say about men who wear tights." He told A.J., as Oscar grinned in the background. "No, but I do know what Towne would say!" his brother smirked. "What would I say?" came the familiar voice, as Downtown Brown and his wife Temple came in the room. Laurie jumped up in excitement, "Towne, Temple, you guys look great!" Rick pounded his friend's back, then turned red as Temple eyed his leg ware then told her husband, "See, I told you he'd wear them, you owe me ten dollars!"
The party broke up in laughter, then Rick joined his wife as the master of the banquet indicated dinner was ready. As they were seated, Laurie took his hand, "Thank you, Darling, I keep thinking this is some wonderful dream, I can't believe you arranged this surprise, all our friends." Rick got choked up at the joy in her face, then putting his hand under her chin, told her, "All this is my gift to you, sweetheart, you bring me such happiness."
As they kissed, a rattling of glasses told them they had everyone's attention, then A.J. stood and proposed a toast. "To the best friends, brother and sister anyone ever had; May you always be as happy as you are tonight! Happy Anniversary!"
After a festive and very silly meal, the entire party was summoned to the main arena for the Round Table entertainment. As the entire company of knights were introduced, Laurie noticed Robin's attention directed solely at "Sir Ian, the Blue Knight". As he took his turn riding by on Brick, a balloon popped amid one of the other parties, startling the bay. As he started to rear, the young performer tried to rein him in. Robin quickly stood, calling "Brick, here boy!" The horse immediately responded to his old mistress, calming down and obeying his rider. Ian looked at once to the Simon's box, then rode close to their seats, stopping and saying "Thank you, my lady." Realizing he was making the moment part of the show, Robin took the scarf from her hat, then handed it to him. Smiling, he tucked the favor in his sleeve, then bowed and joined the other knights.
As the crowd applauded the gesture, Robin went pink with embarrassment. Rick put an arm around her, "Honey, you handled that just right, I'm proud of you." She squeezed his hand, "Thanks, Pop, you're not doing bad yourself!"
After the show, all their friends and family posed for a picture around the
anniversary pair. Laurie caught Robin looking around between takes for Ian, and catching his eye, asked if he would like to join them for a picture. Beaming at their daughter, he replied, "Yes, Mrs. Simon, I would love to!" Standing next to Robin, he put an arm around her waist, bringing a smile to her lips. After the photo was taken, Robin suddenly said, "Mom, can I go for coffee with Ian, just for a little while?" "I won't keep her too late, ma'am," he added. Laurie looked at Rick, then nodded, "Sure, we'll meet you back at our room later, honey. We'll see you later, Ian." Rick shook hands with the performer, then hugged Robin, whispering, "have fun!"
Watching the two leave the lobby, Rick caught sight of his son standing by himself, then realized his last part of his surprise hadn't arrived. "Rob, listen, one thing I planned didn't work out, and I'm sorry." A puzzled look crossed Robbie's face, "What didn't work out, Pop? Everything was amazing, it was a great night!" Abruptly his eyes widened, and he looked past his parents to the entrance. "Ramona?" He practically ran down the steps, then caught up a young girl in his arms, whirling her around then kissing her.
Startled, Laurie gazed at Rick, then started to grin. "Rick, you sent for her, didn't you, darling?" Sheepishly he smiled back at her, "Yeah, only she was supposed to be here for dinner and the show. I got a call from Ramona that her plane was hung up in Albuquerque, so I didn't think she was going to come."
"I'm sorry I'm so late, Mr. Simon, Mrs. Simon, but I promised to come and I did!" she blurted, coming up to them. Laurie hugged her, saying "What's important is that you came, I've missed you!" "So have I, and I wanted to tell you I've been thinking about, well, what your family has meant to me and, would it be ok if Rob and I went for coffee? Unless you have other plans?" Ramona added.
It was Rick's turn, "No, honey, Mrs. Simon and I will see you two later upstairs, you can get your room key from the front desk." "Thanks, Pop!" Robbie embraced his father, then in a low voice, "Thank you for inviting Ramona, I love you!"
"Me too, son!" he managed, patting Robbie's back. Blowing a kiss to his mom, Rob took his girl's hand and led her toward the coffee shop.
"Rick, you talk about me being a matchmaker, you are just as bad! He's missed Ramona so much, I hope whatever it is, tonight helps!" Laurie said, watching them go. "Speaking of tonight, "He grinned, then took her arm and escorted his wife back to their suite.
After carrying Laurie, giggling, over the threshold, Rick took her into their room, then set his wife on the bed. Holding out her arms to him, Laurie pulled him down beside her, then kissed him, saying, "Thank you for a wonderful present, and for the best anniversary ever, my darling!"
Rick kissed her back, "You're welcome, sweetheart. Thank you for loving me, and trusting in me and ..." "Wearing my present to you?" she interrupted, pulling a box out from under her pillow and giving it to him. "Laurie, you already gave me a present, what's this?" he replied, opening the beribboned case. "It's partially from me and partially from Oscar and Rudy and Steve, there's a note in there.", she said, leaning against his shoulder.
Pulling out the small piece of paper that rested on top of a silver and blue watch, Rick read the message:
"Rick,
This is just a small token of our friendship and thanks for all you have done for us and for being a part of our family
Wear it in good health and remember to use it when needed!"
Happy Anniversary!
Oscar, Rudy and Steve
Rick looked at his wife, who gently put the watch around his wrist, then fastened it. "It's like mine, Rick, except you can send and receive only to my watch. The transmitter can be picked up like mine, though. that way, well, in case of emergency or. well, in case you and A.J.." Laurie stopped, unable to speak.
He stared at the gift, realizing how much it meant to her to know she could reach him and him her, when danger was near. "Darlin', thank you, this will help keep you safe for me." He took her in his arms and held her close. "I love you, Rick," she sighed, then looking into his eyes, smiled, saying "and I have all night to show you how much."
Turning out the light, Rick grinned, "My lady, I hope this knight never ends!" As their children tiptoed past their door, they heard laughter coming from the suite. Robin looked at her brother, "Do you think we'll be that much in love with someone after ten years?" Rob smiled back at his sister, "I hope so, I have a feeling after tonight they'll make sure of it!"
"Good Morning, sweetheart, Happy Anniversary!" Rick watched his wife open her eyes, then smiled at him. "Happy Anniversary, to you, darling!" she kissed him as he wrapped his arms around her. Holding Laurie in his arms, he thought about the surprise he had planned for her that evening, considering the events of the past week, they deserved a trouble-free celebration.
Oscar and A.J. had decreed that until the smuggling investigation was complete, the Simons should leave town for a few days. Having suffered only a bad bruise on her forehead, Rudy had cleared Laurie to travel, telling Rick the best medicine was a relaxing getaway. Rick already had had reservations for Saturday and Sunday at a Las Vegas hotel, but with a few phone calls, Rick and Laurie and Robbie and Robin checked in on Thursday night at the medieval hotel right on the strip.
His musings were interrupted by the feather light kisses Laurie was planting on his chest, "Trying to have your way with me, are you?", he teased, doing the same to her neck. "That's right, and don't you forget it! Seriously, Rick, what would you like for breakfast?" she asked, laughing at his growling stomach. "Room Service!" he chuckled, then pulled her back under the sheets.
Later on, Rick was glad he and Laurie had slept in, for the day seemed to pass in a whirlwind of activities. Joining Rob and Robin after breakfast, they went to the amusement park next to the casino. Rick played game after game with Laurie; the two of them accumulated so many stuffed toys and trinkets a bellhop was called to take everything back to their room.
Later, Rick made an excuse to go past the stables for the Medieval Knights show, where the horses used in the exhibition were cared for. Rob and Robin were all over the place, excited to be around all the horses, talking to the grooms. Rick and Laurie wandered over to the Knight's horses, then as she spotted a flame-colored horse, slowly approached it. Her eyes wide with recognition, she called him, "Darling, it's Brick, Robbie, Robin, isn't this Brick?"
Both of them came over, watching their mom softly stroking the white-faced bay, then Robin gasped, "Mom, it is! He recognizes you!"
A voice behind the horse, answered, "He does, but how did you know his name?"
A tall, dark haired boy appeared, and Robin just stared at him, Rob caught his sister's expression out of the corner of his eye and nudged her, as he replied, "My family and I raised Brick, we often wondered what happened to him after he was sold." Laurie took pity on her daughter and held out her hand, "I'm Laurie Simon, our ranch raises horses and Brick was the last one we sold before the tornado hit our home this year."
"Mrs. Simon, I recognize you now, I mean, I know about your ranch. I'm Ian Whitecloud, I ride Brick in the show. He's a wonderful horse, and I wanted to know more about him, but all I could find out was That he came from the Triple S on the Navajo reservation." he replied, nervously gazing at Robin. "I asked our trainer about the Triple S, and he told me it was a family operation, and that you hand raised your horses."
Laurie grinned at her husband, then told the performer, "Well, I'm glad you wanted to know more about Brick, he's a very smart horse. As a matter of fact, Robin worked a lot with him, honey, why don't you tell Mr. Whitecloud about Brick, it might help in his training." Rick chimed in, "Yes, I have to take care of something, so Robin, why don't you and Rob meet us back at the room in an hour?"
"Sure, Pop, I mean, thanks, I'll be there." she fumbled, tearing her eyes away from the rider. Rob hid a smile, then told his father, "Sure, Pop, we'll see you in an hour."
As Laurie said goodbye to the young rider, Rick looked over her head at their children, winking to let them know he was going to be right back, to make the final arrangements for that night.
Back in their room, Rick started laughing and told his wife, "You are a matchmaker at heart, darlin', I saw that smile of yours. You know you were the one who taught Brick those tricks, worked a lot with him, huh!" "Oh, silly, you saw that look she gave him, and he was just as hooked!" she responded, tossing a stuffed bear at him. Giving her a wicked look, he tossed a cloth dog back at her and soon the room was littered with toys, leaving them weak with laughter on the floor.
Remembering that he still had to go downstairs, Rick got off the floor, saying, "Sweetheart, I've got to go down to the front desk, I forgot I had a message to pick up. Will you be ok for a few minutes?" "Sure, Rick, I'll put my feet up for a little while." she assured him, puzzled.
Hurrying down to the lobby, Rick greeted his mom, and Linda, then found Steve and Jaime with Oscar and Rudy, all waiting at the check in desk. "Does Laurie know anything yet?" A.J. asked, getting in line. "No, as a matter of fact she's just been playing matchmaker for Robin, she and a rider in the show were making goo-goo eyes at each other so she got them to talk and I arranged for Rob to bring his sister back upstairs in an hour." he snickered. His little brother shook his head, "That's too funny, at least it'll keep her occupado until you bring the costume upstairs! He grinned at Rick , then put an arm around him. "What amazes me is that you came up with this whole Round Table idea, I never pictured you willing to wear tights and stuff!" Rick smiled, then simply said, "She calls me her knight, I want her to know that she's always been my princess."
Making sure everyone had their costumes, Rick went back upstairs with his and Laurie's, and found Rob teasing his sister, red with embarrassment, at the elevators. "Pop, it was ridiculous, Whitecloud was practically hyperventilating at Robin, you could have at least said you'd meet him for breakfast!"
"Pop, tell him to stop, Ian's a nice guy, just a little shy. And he wasn't hyperventilating, he just got the hiccups!" she protested. "All right, you two. Robbie, be nice to your sister, it's not everyday you find someone who cares about a horse enough to find out their background." he interrupted, winking at his son. Handing them each a package as they rode up to their floor, Rick reminded Robin to come to their room as soon as she was dressed. "Ok, Pop, I'll be right there, boy is Mom going to be surprised!", she added, as they got off the elevator and went to their respective rooms.
Once inside, Rick told Laurie the message was someone else's and he had met their children at the elevator. "Rick, what is going on? Is something wrong at home?" she asked, starting to worry. "No, sweetheart," he reassured her, kissing her cheek. Just then there was a knock at the connecting door, and Rick opened it to let their daughter in. Turning back to Laurie, he took her hand and told her, "Darlin', I have a surprise for you, but I need you to close your eyes and let Robin get you ready for tonight, ok?" Glancing at her husband and daughter in disbelief, she smiled at them, "what on earth?" then seeing the anticipation on Rick's face, leaned over and kissed him, then stood back and closed her eyes.
Leaving her in Robin's hands, Rick went next door to Robbie's room, where he helped his son with the knights' costume he had brought him. When it was his turn to change, Rick frowned at the tights he was expected to wear. "It's all right, Pop, they're not bad once you get them on." Robbie admitted, helping him with the doublet. When they were both ready, Rick knocked on the door and Robin opened it, a vision in a high waisted gown with a peaked hat. "Honey, you look fantastic!" Rick said, seeing his little girl looking like something out of a fairy tale. "Thanks, Pop, but I want you to see someone who is waiting for you." she beamed.
Letting her father and brother in, Robin turned, "Ok, Mom, open your eyes and come in."
Laurie entered, blinking in the bright light, then gasped at the sight of her husband, clad in his knight's formal dress, complete with cape and helmet under his arm. Rick in turn was speechless, seeing his bride so radiant in a blue and silver gown with a crown on her head. A long veil covered her hair, and as she gazed at him, he felt a rush of emotion. "Laurie, you are beautiful, will you be my lady fair?"
"Oh, yes, my knight, I'll be your lady forever, my love." Laurie replied, tears of joy in her eyes. She went into his arms as he kissed her. Looking over his shoulder at their children, she told them, "You are both so gorgeous, thank you for the surprise." Near tears themselves, Rob and Robin embraced their parents, then Laurie turned to Rick, stroking his cheek and whispering, "You take my breath away."
Kissing his wife again, he was reminded of the rest of the surprise, and wiping the last of her tears away, Rick told Laurie, "My princess, the rest of my gift is waiting downstairs, are you ready?"
She smiled again at her knight, then letting him take her arm, said, "Your lady is ready for whatever your heart desires." Rick grinned back at her, then led the way to the elevators.
Arriving at the Medieval Show arena, the foursome was directed to a small hall just off the arena, where Rick had arranged for a private banquet. As they waited in the entrance, a herald announced the arrival of "Her Highness, Princess Laurel, and her knight, Lord Richard, with Princess Robin, and her brother, Prince Robert." Ready to tease her husband at his new title, Laurie stopped in mid-word when she saw all their friends and family, also in medieval attire, seated around a great table. "Oh, my", was all she could say, seeing Oscar and Rudy and A.J. and Steve, beaming back at her in regal robes.
Linda and Jaime and Cecilia were dressed as ladies of the court, and as soon as they saw Laurie, immediately got up and took turns hugging her and Robin. Rick endured the teasing of his brother and friends, as they had decided against the tights he and Rob wore. "Well, you know what they say about men who wear tights." He told A.J., as Oscar grinned in the background. "No, but I do know what Towne would say!" his brother smirked. "What would I say?" came the familiar voice, as Downtown Brown and his wife Temple came in the room. Laurie jumped up in excitement, "Towne, Temple, you guys look great!" Rick pounded his friend's back, then turned red as Temple eyed his leg ware then told her husband, "See, I told you he'd wear them, you owe me ten dollars!"
The party broke up in laughter, then Rick joined his wife as the master of the banquet indicated dinner was ready. As they were seated, Laurie took his hand, "Thank you, Darling, I keep thinking this is some wonderful dream, I can't believe you arranged this surprise, all our friends." Rick got choked up at the joy in her face, then putting his hand under her chin, told her, "All this is my gift to you, sweetheart, you bring me such happiness."
As they kissed, a rattling of glasses told them they had everyone's attention, then A.J. stood and proposed a toast. "To the best friends, brother and sister anyone ever had; May you always be as happy as you are tonight! Happy Anniversary!"
After a festive and very silly meal, the entire party was summoned to the main arena for the Round Table entertainment. As the entire company of knights were introduced, Laurie noticed Robin's attention directed solely at "Sir Ian, the Blue Knight". As he took his turn riding by on Brick, a balloon popped amid one of the other parties, startling the bay. As he started to rear, the young performer tried to rein him in. Robin quickly stood, calling "Brick, here boy!" The horse immediately responded to his old mistress, calming down and obeying his rider. Ian looked at once to the Simon's box, then rode close to their seats, stopping and saying "Thank you, my lady." Realizing he was making the moment part of the show, Robin took the scarf from her hat, then handed it to him. Smiling, he tucked the favor in his sleeve, then bowed and joined the other knights.
As the crowd applauded the gesture, Robin went pink with embarrassment. Rick put an arm around her, "Honey, you handled that just right, I'm proud of you." She squeezed his hand, "Thanks, Pop, you're not doing bad yourself!"
After the show, all their friends and family posed for a picture around the
anniversary pair. Laurie caught Robin looking around between takes for Ian, and catching his eye, asked if he would like to join them for a picture. Beaming at their daughter, he replied, "Yes, Mrs. Simon, I would love to!" Standing next to Robin, he put an arm around her waist, bringing a smile to her lips. After the photo was taken, Robin suddenly said, "Mom, can I go for coffee with Ian, just for a little while?" "I won't keep her too late, ma'am," he added. Laurie looked at Rick, then nodded, "Sure, we'll meet you back at our room later, honey. We'll see you later, Ian." Rick shook hands with the performer, then hugged Robin, whispering, "have fun!"
Watching the two leave the lobby, Rick caught sight of his son standing by himself, then realized his last part of his surprise hadn't arrived. "Rob, listen, one thing I planned didn't work out, and I'm sorry." A puzzled look crossed Robbie's face, "What didn't work out, Pop? Everything was amazing, it was a great night!" Abruptly his eyes widened, and he looked past his parents to the entrance. "Ramona?" He practically ran down the steps, then caught up a young girl in his arms, whirling her around then kissing her.
Startled, Laurie gazed at Rick, then started to grin. "Rick, you sent for her, didn't you, darling?" Sheepishly he smiled back at her, "Yeah, only she was supposed to be here for dinner and the show. I got a call from Ramona that her plane was hung up in Albuquerque, so I didn't think she was going to come."
"I'm sorry I'm so late, Mr. Simon, Mrs. Simon, but I promised to come and I did!" she blurted, coming up to them. Laurie hugged her, saying "What's important is that you came, I've missed you!" "So have I, and I wanted to tell you I've been thinking about, well, what your family has meant to me and, would it be ok if Rob and I went for coffee? Unless you have other plans?" Ramona added.
It was Rick's turn, "No, honey, Mrs. Simon and I will see you two later upstairs, you can get your room key from the front desk." "Thanks, Pop!" Robbie embraced his father, then in a low voice, "Thank you for inviting Ramona, I love you!"
"Me too, son!" he managed, patting Robbie's back. Blowing a kiss to his mom, Rob took his girl's hand and led her toward the coffee shop.
"Rick, you talk about me being a matchmaker, you are just as bad! He's missed Ramona so much, I hope whatever it is, tonight helps!" Laurie said, watching them go. "Speaking of tonight, "He grinned, then took her arm and escorted his wife back to their suite.
After carrying Laurie, giggling, over the threshold, Rick took her into their room, then set his wife on the bed. Holding out her arms to him, Laurie pulled him down beside her, then kissed him, saying, "Thank you for a wonderful present, and for the best anniversary ever, my darling!"
Rick kissed her back, "You're welcome, sweetheart. Thank you for loving me, and trusting in me and ..." "Wearing my present to you?" she interrupted, pulling a box out from under her pillow and giving it to him. "Laurie, you already gave me a present, what's this?" he replied, opening the beribboned case. "It's partially from me and partially from Oscar and Rudy and Steve, there's a note in there.", she said, leaning against his shoulder.
Pulling out the small piece of paper that rested on top of a silver and blue watch, Rick read the message:
"Rick,
This is just a small token of our friendship and thanks for all you have done for us and for being a part of our family
Wear it in good health and remember to use it when needed!"
Happy Anniversary!
Oscar, Rudy and Steve
Rick looked at his wife, who gently put the watch around his wrist, then fastened it. "It's like mine, Rick, except you can send and receive only to my watch. The transmitter can be picked up like mine, though. that way, well, in case of emergency or. well, in case you and A.J.." Laurie stopped, unable to speak.
He stared at the gift, realizing how much it meant to her to know she could reach him and him her, when danger was near. "Darlin', thank you, this will help keep you safe for me." He took her in his arms and held her close. "I love you, Rick," she sighed, then looking into his eyes, smiled, saying "and I have all night to show you how much."
Turning out the light, Rick grinned, "My lady, I hope this knight never ends!" As their children tiptoed past their door, they heard laughter coming from the suite. Robin looked at her brother, "Do you think we'll be that much in love with someone after ten years?" Rob smiled back at his sister, "I hope so, I have a feeling after tonight they'll make sure of it!"