Epilogue
"Aw, A.J., no way that rat trap is worth $200 a night!"
"You landed on it, you pay for it!"
"Boys, how many times have I told you, if you can't play nice, you can't play at all!" Cecilia scolded, as Laurie laughed at their expressions. The weekly Monopoly game was on, and both brothers were overbuilding in the vain attempt to bankrupt each other.
"You tell'em , Mom! Besides, it's my turn! Let me roll then I'll change Cece!"
A.J. grinned at her, "Thanks, Auntie Laurie! Never knew so much could come from such a little person!"
"Well, you know what they say, what goes in must come out!", she quipped, then ducked the crumbled paper her brother-in-law tossed at her.
After finishing her turn, Laurie went to take her new niece from a sleepy Linda. "Thanks, sis! You are the best!" she told her, then nodded off as Laurie cuddled the baby to her .
"I hear you wore your mommy and daddy out last night, little CeCe!' she whispered, going to the nursery and putting her down.
As Rick watched Laurie go past with Cece, his namesake caught sight of her with his sister and followed behind. Laurie felt him tug on her leg, then looking down, saw Ricky's smiling face. "Want to watch me change your little sister?, hmm?" she asked.
He nodded, so she put the baby down then lifted the little boy on to the table.
"Now that you're a big boy, you can go to the bathroom by yourself, but your little sister's going to need help still for a while, like you did." she explained. Rick left A.J. counting up their scores and came to the nursery door, listening as his wife talked to their nephew.
Gratitude welled up inside him as he watched the little boy's face; after all the fear and terror they had gone through in the last week, they had made it safely through. He couldn't help but kick himself still; he'd almost lost the love of his life because of his desire to "prove" himself to Grant Winslow. The silent partner to Fairchild, he had struck a deal to
take Laurie for himself if the millionaire killed Rick during his "game".
Now Fairchild was locked up with his murderous employees, and Winslow had died in the hospital of his wounds. Rick had been notified of his death
while waiting for Laurie to be treated in the hospital emergency room.
He was torn between relief at the threat Winslow posed being eliminated and guilt at having endangered himself and his family for pride's sake. He must have let some of that conflict show, as he felt her hand close around his.
Looking at his wife, she softly told him, "I'm sorry for the friend you once knew, but you saved me from him, darling. Please, never regret that you did that, he was ready to kill me to hurt you."
"I don't, sweetheart, but I should have left when A.J. and I could have, instead of trying to be a big man!", he said, wrapping his arms around her.
"Rick, you never have to impress me how tough you are, you've proven that time after time. But because you stayed, you stopped that maniac before he could hurt anyone else.", she insisted.
His thoughts were interrupted by Ricky's little voice; "Auntie?" Startled, he heard her sniffing, then reply, "It's ok, Auntie's just got something in her eye. Why don't you hop down so you and Cece can take a nap."
Waiting until she had covered Ricky with a blanket and kissed him, Rick took Laurie in his arms and just held her.
"Oh, Rick.", she whispered, "I love you." Lifting her face, he saw tears in her eyes. "What is it, darlin'?"
"Just being sentimental, darling. Did Robbie talk to you this morning about his and Ramona's wedding date?"
"Yes, sweetheart, the first weekend of June; this way they can have a week's honeymoon before she starts summer school and he takes Andy's position.", he smiled, now he knew what the tears were for.
'I was just imagining what it will be like for A.J. and Linda when it's Ricky's turn; I guess I'm just silly!", she sniffed, snuggling against him.
"My silly Valentine, oh, how I love you!", he told her, kissing her. Putting her arms around him, she beamed, "Happy Valentine's Day to you, too, my love!"
"Hey you two, break it up, no necking in the nursery!" they heard, then turned to see a laughing A.J. in the hallway.
"Too late, we already did!" Rick teased his brother. Shaking his head, A.J. put an arm around both of them.
"Listen, we're fine here, why don't you guys go home so I can, uh, wish Linda Happy Valentine's Day!" he hinted.
"Gee, subtle you're not, little brother!" Rick snickered. "Ok, we're going, just remember how you got two children in the first place!"
Giggling, Laurie hugged A.J. , "Tell my sis Happy Valentine's, I think she has three of the best right here!"
Holding her hand, Rick led his wife out to his truck, then helping her in, climbed in and started up the motor. "Tired, darlin'?" he asked, putting his arm around her.
"Uh-uh, I'm fine. Did you want to go some place?" Laurie responded, thinking of the small package she had in her tote.
"Yes, I want to take you to a dinner cooked by the finest chef in town!" he smiled. "That'll be wonderful, thank you darling!" she replied, curious about where they were going.
As they drove through town and then onto the freeway, Laurie was puzzled, she thought he said the finest in town. Suddenly the light dawned as they approached Silver Rock then passed it; and she laughed out loud.
"What's so funny, sweetheart?" he grinned. "You are, I love you!" she kissed him, then put her head on his shoulder. As they drove up to the ranch, she noticed the lights were out. "Rick, didn't we leave the timer on?" she said, wondering if she had misread his tease.
"I don't know, let me go in first, darlin', just in case!" he answered, stopping the truck. Going in, he put on a light, then waved her in. As she entered, taped music started, then lights blazed in the dining room as Robin entered with her full chefs outfit on.
"Oh, honey, I love it!" she gasped, then embraced her daughter. "Happy Valentine's Day, Mom! Come on Rob, you nearly blew it!" she called to her brother, who came out in a waiter's outfit.
His father took one look and burst out laughing, as the uniform was clearly meant for a shorter person. Grinning, Robbie joined in the merriment himself, saying, "Robin thought extra large was for tall people, not for extra wide!"
Exchanging hugs and kisses, the brother and sister seated their parents, then took turns serving a gourmet dinner. As they enjoyed dessert with their children, Rick surprised both Robbie and Robin with engraved heart bracelets, Robbie's out of deerskin and Robin's in silver.
"Pop, that's wonderful!", Robin gasped, then threw her arms around his neck. "Yeah, thanks, you're the best/", his son echoed,
"Well, um, I love you two, and well, this is for making me such a proud father!", he choked. Laurie had to wipe her eyes, "Rick, that's beautiful!"
Suddenly a whimpering sound broke the tearfulness, and Laurie relented, "Ok, Mike, you can come in now!"
Tearing in, the golden retriever stopped in front of Rick and sat up, holding a small gold box in his mouth. "What the,....Mike, let me have it!" Rick told him, surprised. Dropping the box at his feet, Mike then jumped into his lap. "All right, all right, mister, simmer down!", he grinned, then picking up the box, opened it to show an envelope and a key.
Abruptly there was silence, as Rick looked up at his family, then tore open the envelope to a heart-shaped note.
"To the best Father, Friend and Husband. Happy Valentine's Day! Use what you find outside with all our love!
Your Laurie
Robbie
and
Robin"
Tears filled his eyes as he got up and embraced them each in turn. "Come on, Pop, let's see what's outside!", Robbie told him, choking up.
Going to the front door, Rick gasped to see a new Ford truck, parked in the carport. As he went out to the vehicle, Rick was amazed to see it was the same style of interior he had in his old truck, but all clean and new. He ran his hand along the outside, thinking of how he had made the decision to dump the old truck but wishing he could keep the original seats and dash.
Finally turning to his family, he took a deep breath, then said, "I don't know how you did it, but you gave me the best gift ever, thank you!" "You're welcome, darling, thank you for being our Valentine!", Laurie replied, embracing him again..
Going back in to finish dessert, they found that Mike had decided to join them, sitting in the fifth seat and wagging his tail. Laughing so hard he could barely talk, Rick ordered him off the chair, then gave him a piece of leftover steak and let him stay by his feet.
"Pop, I don't know who taught him that trick, but that's the best one of all!", Robin grinned, then ducked as her brother tossed a napkin at her. "Don't know my foot, who else would have trained him to fetch using filet mignon!"
"Ok, ok, no food fights in the house!", Laurie ordered, smiling. "Yes, dear!", Rick teased, flipping a spoonful of whipped cream at his wife and hitting her nose.
"Rick!", she squealed, then flicked a blob at him and caught his mustache. "Uh, Mom, Dad, why don't we clear up here and you guys can play with your dessert in the living room!", their daughter suggested, trying not to laugh at them.
"With pleasure!", Rick snickered, going over and picking Laurie up from her chair. Carrying her giggling out of the room, Rick set her down on the sofa and proceeded to kiss the sweet cream off her nose. Laurie did the same for his mustache, then wrapped her arms around him as he kissed her neck. "I love you, Laurie, you are my sweetheart all the year round.", he whispered between kisses.
"Oh, Rick, you are my heart, you give me joy everyday of my life!", she said, "I wouldn't know the meaning of Valentine's Day except for you!" Holding her in his arms, he produced a small box from his pocket, then opened it to show her a small opal and silver ring, blue and turquoise fire flashing out of the heart-shaped settings.
"Ohhhh!", was all Laurie could say, as her husband took her hand and gently put it on her middle finger, where it clicked into her anniversary band. "Be my Valentine?", was all he manage, seeing the love in her eyes. "Always yours.", she promised, kissing him all over his face. "Thank you, my love, I'll wear it everyday of my life."
"Well, except when you muck out the stalls", he teased. "Or when I help you change the oil!", she returned, smiling. Hearing the snapping of a towel from the kitchen area, Rick groaned, "I think we'd better break up the kitchen war , want to continue this in our room?" "Thought you'd never ask!, "she beamed. As they went into the kitchen, they found two red-faced adults, towels in hand.
"Don't you two have plans tonight?", Rick asked, tongue-in-cheek. "Yes, Ramona's at her aunts, I'm picking her up in five minutes, thanks again, Pop!", Robbie smiled, then hugging his parents, took off. Robin's smile disappeared as she watched him leave, and Laurie realized that Ian may have forgotten the day.
"Darling, would you like to watch a movie with us, your father's pick.", Laurie suggested. "Thanks, I would like to stay home with you two, tonight, if that's ok?", their daughter replied, tentatively.
"Honey, I'd like nothing better to do then be with my valentines!", Rick answered, winking at Laurie. Settling down in the living room with popcorn as he put the movie in, Laurie gazed at her husband, grateful the man she married cared so much for his daughter he put any plans he had aside to make her happy.
Suddenly the phone rang, and Robin bolted for the extension, saying "I'll get it!" Watching her expression as she answered, "Simon Residence," both Rick and Laurie hoped it was Ian Whitehorse, if he forgot such an important day, well, at least Robin would have an idea of where she was in his order of things
Seeing Robin's face light up, Laurie realized how much her girl loved the performer. Abruptly she said, "Let me ask them." and covered the receiver. "Ian's off tomorrow, can he come over for lunch and then ride with Pop into Phoenix to catch his flight back?"
Rick smiled, "Sure, honey, no problem, as a matter of fact, if he can get a flight tonight, he can stay the night!"
"He did, he was going to stay overnight in Flagstaff, only his grandfather had previous plans. Let me ask him!", she responded.
A few words later, Robin's face was a beacon of joy. "Thanks, Pop, I know it was short notice, but Ian didn't know he wasn't on the schedule for tomorrow until just now. He ordered some flowers for me, but the delivery guy mistook Window Rock for Silver Rock and got lost!"
"That's all right, honey, what time does he land?", Rick asked. "He takes off in an hour, so he should be here around midnight. He'll call if he's going to be any later.", Robin added.
Standing up, Robin excused herself, saying "If it's ok, I'll skip the movie, I want to get the guest room ready for him."
"All right, honey, don't forget there's fresh coffee in the the maker, and leftovers if he's hungry.", Laurie reminded her.
"Thanks, Mom, Pop, I love you guys!", she kissed both of them, then went to her room.
After a moment, Laurie softly whispered, "Bless you darling, for inviting Ian to stay, you made them both so happy." Sighing, Rick pulled her closer to him. "What could I do, my little girl was so sad, I couldn't bear her to be disappointed. Besides, the more he sees how a family shares themselves with one another," he kissed her", "the better chance he has of being the kind of man she deserves!"
"You're such a good father.", she said, kissing him back. Settling down to watch the movie finally, they never noticed that Robin stuck her head out of her room and smiled.
She decided that sometimes your favorite valentines weren't the kind you opened; but the kind that lasted all year long, like her parents' love.
"Aw, A.J., no way that rat trap is worth $200 a night!"
"You landed on it, you pay for it!"
"Boys, how many times have I told you, if you can't play nice, you can't play at all!" Cecilia scolded, as Laurie laughed at their expressions. The weekly Monopoly game was on, and both brothers were overbuilding in the vain attempt to bankrupt each other.
"You tell'em , Mom! Besides, it's my turn! Let me roll then I'll change Cece!"
A.J. grinned at her, "Thanks, Auntie Laurie! Never knew so much could come from such a little person!"
"Well, you know what they say, what goes in must come out!", she quipped, then ducked the crumbled paper her brother-in-law tossed at her.
After finishing her turn, Laurie went to take her new niece from a sleepy Linda. "Thanks, sis! You are the best!" she told her, then nodded off as Laurie cuddled the baby to her .
"I hear you wore your mommy and daddy out last night, little CeCe!' she whispered, going to the nursery and putting her down.
As Rick watched Laurie go past with Cece, his namesake caught sight of her with his sister and followed behind. Laurie felt him tug on her leg, then looking down, saw Ricky's smiling face. "Want to watch me change your little sister?, hmm?" she asked.
He nodded, so she put the baby down then lifted the little boy on to the table.
"Now that you're a big boy, you can go to the bathroom by yourself, but your little sister's going to need help still for a while, like you did." she explained. Rick left A.J. counting up their scores and came to the nursery door, listening as his wife talked to their nephew.
Gratitude welled up inside him as he watched the little boy's face; after all the fear and terror they had gone through in the last week, they had made it safely through. He couldn't help but kick himself still; he'd almost lost the love of his life because of his desire to "prove" himself to Grant Winslow. The silent partner to Fairchild, he had struck a deal to
take Laurie for himself if the millionaire killed Rick during his "game".
Now Fairchild was locked up with his murderous employees, and Winslow had died in the hospital of his wounds. Rick had been notified of his death
while waiting for Laurie to be treated in the hospital emergency room.
He was torn between relief at the threat Winslow posed being eliminated and guilt at having endangered himself and his family for pride's sake. He must have let some of that conflict show, as he felt her hand close around his.
Looking at his wife, she softly told him, "I'm sorry for the friend you once knew, but you saved me from him, darling. Please, never regret that you did that, he was ready to kill me to hurt you."
"I don't, sweetheart, but I should have left when A.J. and I could have, instead of trying to be a big man!", he said, wrapping his arms around her.
"Rick, you never have to impress me how tough you are, you've proven that time after time. But because you stayed, you stopped that maniac before he could hurt anyone else.", she insisted.
His thoughts were interrupted by Ricky's little voice; "Auntie?" Startled, he heard her sniffing, then reply, "It's ok, Auntie's just got something in her eye. Why don't you hop down so you and Cece can take a nap."
Waiting until she had covered Ricky with a blanket and kissed him, Rick took Laurie in his arms and just held her.
"Oh, Rick.", she whispered, "I love you." Lifting her face, he saw tears in her eyes. "What is it, darlin'?"
"Just being sentimental, darling. Did Robbie talk to you this morning about his and Ramona's wedding date?"
"Yes, sweetheart, the first weekend of June; this way they can have a week's honeymoon before she starts summer school and he takes Andy's position.", he smiled, now he knew what the tears were for.
'I was just imagining what it will be like for A.J. and Linda when it's Ricky's turn; I guess I'm just silly!", she sniffed, snuggling against him.
"My silly Valentine, oh, how I love you!", he told her, kissing her. Putting her arms around him, she beamed, "Happy Valentine's Day to you, too, my love!"
"Hey you two, break it up, no necking in the nursery!" they heard, then turned to see a laughing A.J. in the hallway.
"Too late, we already did!" Rick teased his brother. Shaking his head, A.J. put an arm around both of them.
"Listen, we're fine here, why don't you guys go home so I can, uh, wish Linda Happy Valentine's Day!" he hinted.
"Gee, subtle you're not, little brother!" Rick snickered. "Ok, we're going, just remember how you got two children in the first place!"
Giggling, Laurie hugged A.J. , "Tell my sis Happy Valentine's, I think she has three of the best right here!"
Holding her hand, Rick led his wife out to his truck, then helping her in, climbed in and started up the motor. "Tired, darlin'?" he asked, putting his arm around her.
"Uh-uh, I'm fine. Did you want to go some place?" Laurie responded, thinking of the small package she had in her tote.
"Yes, I want to take you to a dinner cooked by the finest chef in town!" he smiled. "That'll be wonderful, thank you darling!" she replied, curious about where they were going.
As they drove through town and then onto the freeway, Laurie was puzzled, she thought he said the finest in town. Suddenly the light dawned as they approached Silver Rock then passed it; and she laughed out loud.
"What's so funny, sweetheart?" he grinned. "You are, I love you!" she kissed him, then put her head on his shoulder. As they drove up to the ranch, she noticed the lights were out. "Rick, didn't we leave the timer on?" she said, wondering if she had misread his tease.
"I don't know, let me go in first, darlin', just in case!" he answered, stopping the truck. Going in, he put on a light, then waved her in. As she entered, taped music started, then lights blazed in the dining room as Robin entered with her full chefs outfit on.
"Oh, honey, I love it!" she gasped, then embraced her daughter. "Happy Valentine's Day, Mom! Come on Rob, you nearly blew it!" she called to her brother, who came out in a waiter's outfit.
His father took one look and burst out laughing, as the uniform was clearly meant for a shorter person. Grinning, Robbie joined in the merriment himself, saying, "Robin thought extra large was for tall people, not for extra wide!"
Exchanging hugs and kisses, the brother and sister seated their parents, then took turns serving a gourmet dinner. As they enjoyed dessert with their children, Rick surprised both Robbie and Robin with engraved heart bracelets, Robbie's out of deerskin and Robin's in silver.
"Pop, that's wonderful!", Robin gasped, then threw her arms around his neck. "Yeah, thanks, you're the best/", his son echoed,
"Well, um, I love you two, and well, this is for making me such a proud father!", he choked. Laurie had to wipe her eyes, "Rick, that's beautiful!"
Suddenly a whimpering sound broke the tearfulness, and Laurie relented, "Ok, Mike, you can come in now!"
Tearing in, the golden retriever stopped in front of Rick and sat up, holding a small gold box in his mouth. "What the,....Mike, let me have it!" Rick told him, surprised. Dropping the box at his feet, Mike then jumped into his lap. "All right, all right, mister, simmer down!", he grinned, then picking up the box, opened it to show an envelope and a key.
Abruptly there was silence, as Rick looked up at his family, then tore open the envelope to a heart-shaped note.
"To the best Father, Friend and Husband. Happy Valentine's Day! Use what you find outside with all our love!
Your Laurie
Robbie
and
Robin"
Tears filled his eyes as he got up and embraced them each in turn. "Come on, Pop, let's see what's outside!", Robbie told him, choking up.
Going to the front door, Rick gasped to see a new Ford truck, parked in the carport. As he went out to the vehicle, Rick was amazed to see it was the same style of interior he had in his old truck, but all clean and new. He ran his hand along the outside, thinking of how he had made the decision to dump the old truck but wishing he could keep the original seats and dash.
Finally turning to his family, he took a deep breath, then said, "I don't know how you did it, but you gave me the best gift ever, thank you!" "You're welcome, darling, thank you for being our Valentine!", Laurie replied, embracing him again..
Going back in to finish dessert, they found that Mike had decided to join them, sitting in the fifth seat and wagging his tail. Laughing so hard he could barely talk, Rick ordered him off the chair, then gave him a piece of leftover steak and let him stay by his feet.
"Pop, I don't know who taught him that trick, but that's the best one of all!", Robin grinned, then ducked as her brother tossed a napkin at her. "Don't know my foot, who else would have trained him to fetch using filet mignon!"
"Ok, ok, no food fights in the house!", Laurie ordered, smiling. "Yes, dear!", Rick teased, flipping a spoonful of whipped cream at his wife and hitting her nose.
"Rick!", she squealed, then flicked a blob at him and caught his mustache. "Uh, Mom, Dad, why don't we clear up here and you guys can play with your dessert in the living room!", their daughter suggested, trying not to laugh at them.
"With pleasure!", Rick snickered, going over and picking Laurie up from her chair. Carrying her giggling out of the room, Rick set her down on the sofa and proceeded to kiss the sweet cream off her nose. Laurie did the same for his mustache, then wrapped her arms around him as he kissed her neck. "I love you, Laurie, you are my sweetheart all the year round.", he whispered between kisses.
"Oh, Rick, you are my heart, you give me joy everyday of my life!", she said, "I wouldn't know the meaning of Valentine's Day except for you!" Holding her in his arms, he produced a small box from his pocket, then opened it to show her a small opal and silver ring, blue and turquoise fire flashing out of the heart-shaped settings.
"Ohhhh!", was all Laurie could say, as her husband took her hand and gently put it on her middle finger, where it clicked into her anniversary band. "Be my Valentine?", was all he manage, seeing the love in her eyes. "Always yours.", she promised, kissing him all over his face. "Thank you, my love, I'll wear it everyday of my life."
"Well, except when you muck out the stalls", he teased. "Or when I help you change the oil!", she returned, smiling. Hearing the snapping of a towel from the kitchen area, Rick groaned, "I think we'd better break up the kitchen war , want to continue this in our room?" "Thought you'd never ask!, "she beamed. As they went into the kitchen, they found two red-faced adults, towels in hand.
"Don't you two have plans tonight?", Rick asked, tongue-in-cheek. "Yes, Ramona's at her aunts, I'm picking her up in five minutes, thanks again, Pop!", Robbie smiled, then hugging his parents, took off. Robin's smile disappeared as she watched him leave, and Laurie realized that Ian may have forgotten the day.
"Darling, would you like to watch a movie with us, your father's pick.", Laurie suggested. "Thanks, I would like to stay home with you two, tonight, if that's ok?", their daughter replied, tentatively.
"Honey, I'd like nothing better to do then be with my valentines!", Rick answered, winking at Laurie. Settling down in the living room with popcorn as he put the movie in, Laurie gazed at her husband, grateful the man she married cared so much for his daughter he put any plans he had aside to make her happy.
Suddenly the phone rang, and Robin bolted for the extension, saying "I'll get it!" Watching her expression as she answered, "Simon Residence," both Rick and Laurie hoped it was Ian Whitehorse, if he forgot such an important day, well, at least Robin would have an idea of where she was in his order of things
Seeing Robin's face light up, Laurie realized how much her girl loved the performer. Abruptly she said, "Let me ask them." and covered the receiver. "Ian's off tomorrow, can he come over for lunch and then ride with Pop into Phoenix to catch his flight back?"
Rick smiled, "Sure, honey, no problem, as a matter of fact, if he can get a flight tonight, he can stay the night!"
"He did, he was going to stay overnight in Flagstaff, only his grandfather had previous plans. Let me ask him!", she responded.
A few words later, Robin's face was a beacon of joy. "Thanks, Pop, I know it was short notice, but Ian didn't know he wasn't on the schedule for tomorrow until just now. He ordered some flowers for me, but the delivery guy mistook Window Rock for Silver Rock and got lost!"
"That's all right, honey, what time does he land?", Rick asked. "He takes off in an hour, so he should be here around midnight. He'll call if he's going to be any later.", Robin added.
Standing up, Robin excused herself, saying "If it's ok, I'll skip the movie, I want to get the guest room ready for him."
"All right, honey, don't forget there's fresh coffee in the the maker, and leftovers if he's hungry.", Laurie reminded her.
"Thanks, Mom, Pop, I love you guys!", she kissed both of them, then went to her room.
After a moment, Laurie softly whispered, "Bless you darling, for inviting Ian to stay, you made them both so happy." Sighing, Rick pulled her closer to him. "What could I do, my little girl was so sad, I couldn't bear her to be disappointed. Besides, the more he sees how a family shares themselves with one another," he kissed her", "the better chance he has of being the kind of man she deserves!"
"You're such a good father.", she said, kissing him back. Settling down to watch the movie finally, they never noticed that Robin stuck her head out of her room and smiled.
She decided that sometimes your favorite valentines weren't the kind you opened; but the kind that lasted all year long, like her parents' love.