Chapter 2
"Rick, it's a good thing your brother told me about this out-of-breath business, now you're going to get a real talking to." Rudy sternly addressed the older Simon.
"Oh now, Rudy, it wasn't that bad, I'm in pretty good shape considering..."Rick began, then
the doctor interrupted him, "considering the fact that you've been covering that shortness of
breath. I ought to swat you!"
Rick stared at him, then swallowing hard, replied quietly, "I've only had it happen once and
that was yesterday, when I had to get Laurie out of the snow. This morning was just, heck
Rudy, I didn't get much sleep last night and I guess my stamina's down."
"Okay, I'll give you that, son, but after looking at these tests your brother talked you into
last week, I really need to have you start looking after yourself better. You owe it to yourself
and to your family, especially our girl." Rudy told him worriedly.
"Ok, uncle, I'm listening, what did the tests show." he answered, prompting a smile from his
friend.
"That your cholesterol is high, your lung capacity could be better, and you're definitely
not getting enough rest or healthy exercise. Plus I'm afraid you do have arthritis in both your
knees and that bad shoulder of yours. That I can take care of with some anti-inflammatory medications" Rudy added.
"I don't want to put you on a diet, Rick, but I do want you to start getting more fruits and vegetables into your meals, I know Robin and Laurie can take care of that. As for rest, I really think both you and A.J. should cut back on your hours, you two have earned it. I think if you and Laurie both make time for some walking and riding when the weather turns better, the other things will improve."
Absorbing this, Rick started to feel down again, here he was, not only getting older, but now, on
top of everything, he was starting to fall apart!
Suddenly his spiraling thoughts stopped at something Rudy had said.
"Rudy, you mentioned that Laurie should also start doing more walking, did you find something that..." he started, only for Rudy to hold up his hand.
"Yes, Rick, I'm thinking we'll have to do some surgery on her other knee, I saw her limping on it the other day and she tried to tell me it was just the damp. I just don't want it giving way on her."
"Rudy, she fell on her knees last night, I didn't think anything of it, but I think you should know that she had a bad premonition yesterday; it really scared her!" Rick admitted.
"I don't like that, I want to talk to Joe first, of course. But I found something in her family records that ties in with that." the doctor sighed.
"Well, the Chief's going to be at our place tomorrow, maybe you two can talk things over then. I promise, Rudy, that I'm looking at making some changes in my, well, both mine and A.J.'s work. And I wouldn't mind making sure Laurie has an exercise buddy." he managed a smile.
"Thanks, son, that's a step in the right direction. I will tell you this, your heart muscle is one of the strongest I've seen in a long time. As a matter of fact, that's the one part of you that's actually improved since you and Laurie were married!" Rudy grinned, drawing a laugh from Rick.
"Guess that's because the workout it's gotten from her, it has to be strong to handle her!"
As they got ready for his son's surprise party the next day, Rick kept going back to the
conversation he'd had with his friend and doctor.
Arthritis, yeeesh, that was going to put a crimp in a lot of his activities. At least the pills Rudy
had given him were unobtrusive, all he'd need was Towne or A.J. or any other of his friends
giving him the rag because he had an old man's disease.
The food part, yeah, he could manage that. Robin had complained that her folks didn't eat enough vegetables, maybe she could come up with some good recipes for something other then his favorite potatoes.
He was so caught up in his thoughts that he almost walked into his wife as she was carrying some dishes. "Sorry, darlin' !" he grinned, embarrassed, as he caught her arm and held her upright.
"It's okay, no harm, no foul!" she teased back, then giggled as Rick took the dishes from her then put his arms around her and kissed her. "Still no harm, sweetheart?" he said with a wicked look in his eyes. "Hmmm, I think I need another foul, just to make sure!" she whispered, then kissed him until both were breathless.
"Ahem, who's having their own party?" came Oscar's voice from the kitchen, and both Simon's laughed as the big man put down a cooler of seafood then gave them a stern look before offering them a hug.
"Geez, dad, what next, a curfew and both hands on the steering wheel?" Laurie razzed Oscar, planting a kiss on his cheek as she went to put the fish and shrimp on platters for Robin to marinate.
Both her husband and father started laughing, then Rudy came in the back door to warn them that the birthday boy was on his way. "Thank God it stopped snowing, I can't imagine trying to grill in last night's weather!" "Yeah, and if it weren't for the snowplows, good luck on getting here today!"
Oscar added."Okay-everything's ready for our chefs!" Laurie announced with a smile. Popping into the living room where everyone else was gathered, she organized places for everyone to hide, the plan being that Robin (not Ramona this time) had to change clothes before going over to Robbie's to baby-sit Andy.
Putting her head in their room, she found Ramona getting their son up from his nap. "Honey, Robbie and Robin are on their way, should be here in a few minutes." she told her.
"Thanks, Mom, never thought the old "need to change clothes" excuse would work a second time!" she chuckled. "That's my boy, 'course it helps to have Robin ragging him all the way home. She left his transmitter on to alert us, and that's been worth the price of admission to Rudy!"
"Oh, Mom, he's going to kill us, he'll be so embarrassed!" Ramona giggled, then stopped abruptly as baby Andy looked up and smiled. "Oh ,look, Mom, where's your camera?"
As Laurie grabbed her camera and took a couple of quick snaps, Rick opened the door and said "Show time-Robbie just pulled up!"
"Perfect, darling-guess who just smiled!" she beamed at him, then stood aside for Rick to gaze at his grandson.
"Ramona, can I?" Rick looked at his daughter-in-law, then as she nodded, picked Andy up and
softly whispered, "Hey, Andy-smile for grandpa?"
A moment later Rick was sniffing as the little guy willingly obliged and gave a wide grin. Laurie
took a couple of quick pictures, then stiffened as Robin's voice was heard on the porch.
"I'd better let them in, wait for my signal, Rick!" she said, then slid out the door.
Rick was glad for a moment to wipe his eyes, then gave Ramona a kiss as he handed the baby
back to her. "Thanks, honey, I never felt so much like a grandpa as when he grinned at me."
"You're welcome, dad, I can see he's going to wrap you around his finger!" she replied
quietly. Just then they heard Robbie's voice urging his sister to hurry up.
Putting a stern face on, Rick opened the door and said "Rob, are you picking on your sister
again?"
Startled, his son stopped in mid-complaint. "Uh, hi, Pop. I was just trying to get squirt
to hurry, I want to..." He stopped, suddenly suspicious, then a gleeful cry alerted him
to his son's presence.
At once everyone jumped up "Surprise!" and Robbie stood, open-mouthed as all his
family and friends surrounded him.
Suddenly tearful, he turned to his little sister and hugged her. "Robin, thank you!
You really had me fooled!"
"You're welcome, Rob, happy birthday!" she told him, sniffing. "Only for your
birthday would I let you boss me around!"
"And I intend to make the most of it!" Robbie laughed, wiping his eyes, then
reaching for his mother and father.
As everyone crowded around to greet his son, Rick slipped away to get the grill
started, only to find his brother already heating up the coals.
"Hey, little brother, thanks! When did you get here?"
A.J. snickered. "About the time the kids got here, it was priceless, I just got parked next
to the Chief when Robbie pulled in. They are too funny, Rick. Robin is so believable
when she gets going, especially that old line about spilling on her pants!"
"Trouble is, A.J., she really did!" Rick answered, bringing out the first load of steaks
to grill. "Some new waiter spilled a bowl of gazpacho all over her, she's still steamed
that Robbie put a towel down for her to sit on so she wouldn't get his car seat wet!"
Both brothers were still howling over that when the object of their humor came out
with a clean platter. "Uncle A.J., I thought that was you sneaking in the back,
were you laughing at Rob and I?" she asked as he gave her a hug.
"Guilty, honey! I couldn't help it, you and your brother are better then TV when
you get together!" he teased.
All during the party, as friends arrived and plates emptied, Rick felt like things were
working out in his head. "If this is what fifty's going to be like, I can handle this."
he told himself.
Unfortunately a jealous remark from Ramona's mother almost set him off. As she
arrived, Rick greeted her at the door with a hug. "Hey, Angelina, how's grandma
today?"
"Fine, Rick, fine! My goodness, I heard you were turning fifty next week, but I
sure believe it now! You should really see a doctor about losing so much hair,
my friend!" she replied loudly. Rick felt like someone had slugged him, then
picked up the reason for her remark.
"I hear you got the first smile from my grandson today, I wish I'd gotten a
chance to see that, but Laurie's bound to have taken a picture, I'm sure."
she added with a smile.
"Uh, yes, but.." Rick was trying to control his temper when he felt a loving
arm around his shoulder.
"Angelina, I didn't hear you come in. Did you know that Andy gave Rick his
first smile today? He's really his grandpa's boy, he's going to be as handsome,
I know!" she beamed, placing a kiss on his cheek.
"You're just saying that 'cause you know it's true!" he chuckled, trying to
make nice for his wife's sake.
Ramona suddenly appeared, a serious look on her face. "Hi, mom, I'm glad
you came. Listen, could you help me change Andy?"
All smiles, Angelina patted Laurie on the arm then followed her daughter
to the bedroom.
"Rick, I'm sorry, what is her problem?" Laurie huffed as soon as the door
closed.
"I don't know, darlin', she really was acting up, wasn't she?" Rick refused to
let his wife know how the woman's remarks had stung.
"I'm prouder of you then of me, my love. I'd like to slap her for that hair
remark." she lowered her voice ruefully.
Seeing the anger in Laurie's eyes, Rick pushed aside his feelings and gathered
her into his arms. "Don't worry, sweetheart, she can just whistle." he kissed her
tenderly. "You're still the prettiest grandma I know, well, except for mom, of course!"
"Thank you, my prince, but you still take my breath away, you know." she snuggled closer
to him.
Hearing the party starting to wind down, Laurie gave him a quick kiss and regretfully told him,
"time to cut the cake, darling. Do you want to give the toast, or let me blubber this year."
Snickering at her words, he hugged her tight and whispered, "blubber!"
After everyone had been called into the living room and the guest of honor had been properly
gifted, Laurie tapped her glass until A.J. gave out a loud whistle.
"Thanks, little brother!" she grinned, then directed her gaze to her son.
"I want to drink a toast to a son who makes me proud everyday, and to the daughter who said "ok"when I asked if I could live with them. I know it's Robbie's birthday, but Robin, you helped teach him patience and kindness and thinking of others. So I want to say "Happy Birthday!" to our Robbie, and thank you to our daughter, for sharing him with your father and I" she said, smiling at their children.
Amid tears from Ramona and Cecilia and Robin, and outright sniffing from her husband and father and brother-in-law, a loud "To Robbie and Robin!" burst from the group.
Coming to their feet, both honorees came to their mother and father and tearfully hugged them.
"Thank you, Mom, I love you!" Robbie choked, then received a bear hug from Rick.
"Pop, thank you for keeping your temper with Ramona's mom, you're the best!" he told him.
"It's ok, son, you can't always pick your parent-in-laws, but you chose the best wife, so one out of two aren't bad!" Rick joked through tears.
As everyone was leaving the party, crayon decorated cups in hand, Ramona's mother came up to Rick with a regretful look on her face.
"Rick, I want to apologize for my words if they offended you. I was a little upset that I didn't get to see my grandson smile first, and I spoke before I thought." she said, sounding a little wooden.
Magnanimously, Rick accepted her half-hearted apology, "It's all right, Angelina, you've always
say what you think, and I accept that. What's important is that you came to celebrate Robbie's birthday."
"Well, thank you, Rick, now you say goodbye to Laurie and I'll see you later." Angelina answered as she took her leave. After watching her drive away, Rick felt the familiar depression start to settle in, and he resolved to go for a long walk and think about things in the morning.
As he and Laurie finished picking up the living room, A.J. and Linda came to say good night, toting two sleeping children with them. "Rick, could I talk to you for a moment?" his brother asked, nodding at his wife to go ahead of him.
"Sure, but it's too cold out in the car, Linda, why don't you grab a cup of coffee for the road?" Rick offered. "And take some of Robin's cookies for Ricky, she made some 'specially for him!" Laurie added, taking Ceci from A.J. so he could sit down.
As the two women disappeared into the kitchen, A.J. looked at his big brother, then cleared his throat. "I've been thinking how hard we've both worked, Rick, and with the kids starting to get around more, I was thinking." A.J. paused, and Rick saw him swallow hard.
"I've been thinking of either cutting back or leaving the business. I'd rather only work part time, Rick but it's up to you, I don't want you stuck doing something you've rather only do part time too. The thing is, Rudy told me some stuff about my health. I'm borderline hypoglycemic, and he really thinks I should cut back on the stress in my life, that diet and a change in hours should take care of that." He took a deep breath, and Rick grabbed his arm, upset.
"I, I didn't know, A.J., I'd never have let the office get that big if I ever thought it would hurt you. I'd rather close the office then risk you getting sick, believe me."
His little brother saw his reaction and immediately hugged him. "I know, big brother, and it's not
you who kept going after more and more clients and bigger accounts. I'm a type A personality,
and Rudy told me my risk for heart disease is higher if I don't get control of my life, heck, our lives."
"I know, Rudy read me the riot act yesterday, too. I'm going to take a little holiday by myself tomorrow, and try to get things straight in my head once and for all." Rick sighed. "One thing, though, whatever I decide, A.J., I'll take both of our families into consideration. I can handle getting my health in line, but with Laurie, Rudy's worried about something and he was going to talk to the Chief about it."
"I didn't know, Rick, she's never sick, and other than last year, she's hasn't had any real health problems for years." A.J. replied, concerned.
"It's her premonitions, A.J., she had one the other day and she was so scared, she scared me!" Rick answered. Hearing Linda and Laurie's voices, he lowered his voice. "She doesn't know Rudy's worried about her knee on top of everything else, so, listen, I'm going to think about what you said about maybe working just part time, that might be the answer for both of us. I'll call you when I get back in tomorrow, okay?"
"You got it, Rick, and thanks. Not just for listening, but for being there." A.J. stood up and hugged his brother, as their wives came out of the kitchen.
"Okay, guys, whatever you two are planning, the answer is no!" Linda laughed, then handing a now wide awake Ricky to his uncle. "You know, Ricky, your mom is too smart!" Rick grinned at his nephew, who giggled. "Momma's got a secret, but I won't tell!"
"You bet you won't, little man!" A.J. swooped him up in his arms and bundling him up, led his family out into the cold, goodbyes trailing after them.
As they were closing up, Rick saw his wife limping again, and his heart dropped. No way he could leave her by herself tomorrow, he thought, then saw her look toward him and smile.
"Come here, sweetheart." he sat down on the sofa then pulled her into his arms. Feeling her snuggle against him, he kissed her neck. "Hmmm, are you getting fresh with me, my love?" she murmured.
"Yes, I'm going to be very, "he kissed her throat then all over her face, "very fresh." Finishing with her lips, they only paused to take a breath, then kissed again.
"I love you, Rick, you were so good today with everything." Laurie sighed, leaning against him.
Looking up at him, she added, "and I want you to take your hike tomorrow as you planned,
darling. I'm going to be busy finishing the final corrections on Grandmother's book, so I don't want you to worry, I'm not going anywhere."
"Are you sure, darlin', I can do it later in the week if you like." he offered, then saw her shake her head.
"No, my love, I'll be fine. If it starts snowing again, I want you to come home early, I don't want you sick for your birthday, Rick." she worried.
"I won't stay out long, princess, I promise!" he told her, then sealed his word with a long passionate kiss.
"That's what I call a promise!" she giggled, once they caught their breath. "Can I have that promise again?"
"Your wish is my command!" he teased, sliding back onto the sofa with her.
"Rick, it's a good thing your brother told me about this out-of-breath business, now you're going to get a real talking to." Rudy sternly addressed the older Simon.
"Oh now, Rudy, it wasn't that bad, I'm in pretty good shape considering..."Rick began, then
the doctor interrupted him, "considering the fact that you've been covering that shortness of
breath. I ought to swat you!"
Rick stared at him, then swallowing hard, replied quietly, "I've only had it happen once and
that was yesterday, when I had to get Laurie out of the snow. This morning was just, heck
Rudy, I didn't get much sleep last night and I guess my stamina's down."
"Okay, I'll give you that, son, but after looking at these tests your brother talked you into
last week, I really need to have you start looking after yourself better. You owe it to yourself
and to your family, especially our girl." Rudy told him worriedly.
"Ok, uncle, I'm listening, what did the tests show." he answered, prompting a smile from his
friend.
"That your cholesterol is high, your lung capacity could be better, and you're definitely
not getting enough rest or healthy exercise. Plus I'm afraid you do have arthritis in both your
knees and that bad shoulder of yours. That I can take care of with some anti-inflammatory medications" Rudy added.
"I don't want to put you on a diet, Rick, but I do want you to start getting more fruits and vegetables into your meals, I know Robin and Laurie can take care of that. As for rest, I really think both you and A.J. should cut back on your hours, you two have earned it. I think if you and Laurie both make time for some walking and riding when the weather turns better, the other things will improve."
Absorbing this, Rick started to feel down again, here he was, not only getting older, but now, on
top of everything, he was starting to fall apart!
Suddenly his spiraling thoughts stopped at something Rudy had said.
"Rudy, you mentioned that Laurie should also start doing more walking, did you find something that..." he started, only for Rudy to hold up his hand.
"Yes, Rick, I'm thinking we'll have to do some surgery on her other knee, I saw her limping on it the other day and she tried to tell me it was just the damp. I just don't want it giving way on her."
"Rudy, she fell on her knees last night, I didn't think anything of it, but I think you should know that she had a bad premonition yesterday; it really scared her!" Rick admitted.
"I don't like that, I want to talk to Joe first, of course. But I found something in her family records that ties in with that." the doctor sighed.
"Well, the Chief's going to be at our place tomorrow, maybe you two can talk things over then. I promise, Rudy, that I'm looking at making some changes in my, well, both mine and A.J.'s work. And I wouldn't mind making sure Laurie has an exercise buddy." he managed a smile.
"Thanks, son, that's a step in the right direction. I will tell you this, your heart muscle is one of the strongest I've seen in a long time. As a matter of fact, that's the one part of you that's actually improved since you and Laurie were married!" Rudy grinned, drawing a laugh from Rick.
"Guess that's because the workout it's gotten from her, it has to be strong to handle her!"
As they got ready for his son's surprise party the next day, Rick kept going back to the
conversation he'd had with his friend and doctor.
Arthritis, yeeesh, that was going to put a crimp in a lot of his activities. At least the pills Rudy
had given him were unobtrusive, all he'd need was Towne or A.J. or any other of his friends
giving him the rag because he had an old man's disease.
The food part, yeah, he could manage that. Robin had complained that her folks didn't eat enough vegetables, maybe she could come up with some good recipes for something other then his favorite potatoes.
He was so caught up in his thoughts that he almost walked into his wife as she was carrying some dishes. "Sorry, darlin' !" he grinned, embarrassed, as he caught her arm and held her upright.
"It's okay, no harm, no foul!" she teased back, then giggled as Rick took the dishes from her then put his arms around her and kissed her. "Still no harm, sweetheart?" he said with a wicked look in his eyes. "Hmmm, I think I need another foul, just to make sure!" she whispered, then kissed him until both were breathless.
"Ahem, who's having their own party?" came Oscar's voice from the kitchen, and both Simon's laughed as the big man put down a cooler of seafood then gave them a stern look before offering them a hug.
"Geez, dad, what next, a curfew and both hands on the steering wheel?" Laurie razzed Oscar, planting a kiss on his cheek as she went to put the fish and shrimp on platters for Robin to marinate.
Both her husband and father started laughing, then Rudy came in the back door to warn them that the birthday boy was on his way. "Thank God it stopped snowing, I can't imagine trying to grill in last night's weather!" "Yeah, and if it weren't for the snowplows, good luck on getting here today!"
Oscar added."Okay-everything's ready for our chefs!" Laurie announced with a smile. Popping into the living room where everyone else was gathered, she organized places for everyone to hide, the plan being that Robin (not Ramona this time) had to change clothes before going over to Robbie's to baby-sit Andy.
Putting her head in their room, she found Ramona getting their son up from his nap. "Honey, Robbie and Robin are on their way, should be here in a few minutes." she told her.
"Thanks, Mom, never thought the old "need to change clothes" excuse would work a second time!" she chuckled. "That's my boy, 'course it helps to have Robin ragging him all the way home. She left his transmitter on to alert us, and that's been worth the price of admission to Rudy!"
"Oh, Mom, he's going to kill us, he'll be so embarrassed!" Ramona giggled, then stopped abruptly as baby Andy looked up and smiled. "Oh ,look, Mom, where's your camera?"
As Laurie grabbed her camera and took a couple of quick snaps, Rick opened the door and said "Show time-Robbie just pulled up!"
"Perfect, darling-guess who just smiled!" she beamed at him, then stood aside for Rick to gaze at his grandson.
"Ramona, can I?" Rick looked at his daughter-in-law, then as she nodded, picked Andy up and
softly whispered, "Hey, Andy-smile for grandpa?"
A moment later Rick was sniffing as the little guy willingly obliged and gave a wide grin. Laurie
took a couple of quick pictures, then stiffened as Robin's voice was heard on the porch.
"I'd better let them in, wait for my signal, Rick!" she said, then slid out the door.
Rick was glad for a moment to wipe his eyes, then gave Ramona a kiss as he handed the baby
back to her. "Thanks, honey, I never felt so much like a grandpa as when he grinned at me."
"You're welcome, dad, I can see he's going to wrap you around his finger!" she replied
quietly. Just then they heard Robbie's voice urging his sister to hurry up.
Putting a stern face on, Rick opened the door and said "Rob, are you picking on your sister
again?"
Startled, his son stopped in mid-complaint. "Uh, hi, Pop. I was just trying to get squirt
to hurry, I want to..." He stopped, suddenly suspicious, then a gleeful cry alerted him
to his son's presence.
At once everyone jumped up "Surprise!" and Robbie stood, open-mouthed as all his
family and friends surrounded him.
Suddenly tearful, he turned to his little sister and hugged her. "Robin, thank you!
You really had me fooled!"
"You're welcome, Rob, happy birthday!" she told him, sniffing. "Only for your
birthday would I let you boss me around!"
"And I intend to make the most of it!" Robbie laughed, wiping his eyes, then
reaching for his mother and father.
As everyone crowded around to greet his son, Rick slipped away to get the grill
started, only to find his brother already heating up the coals.
"Hey, little brother, thanks! When did you get here?"
A.J. snickered. "About the time the kids got here, it was priceless, I just got parked next
to the Chief when Robbie pulled in. They are too funny, Rick. Robin is so believable
when she gets going, especially that old line about spilling on her pants!"
"Trouble is, A.J., she really did!" Rick answered, bringing out the first load of steaks
to grill. "Some new waiter spilled a bowl of gazpacho all over her, she's still steamed
that Robbie put a towel down for her to sit on so she wouldn't get his car seat wet!"
Both brothers were still howling over that when the object of their humor came out
with a clean platter. "Uncle A.J., I thought that was you sneaking in the back,
were you laughing at Rob and I?" she asked as he gave her a hug.
"Guilty, honey! I couldn't help it, you and your brother are better then TV when
you get together!" he teased.
All during the party, as friends arrived and plates emptied, Rick felt like things were
working out in his head. "If this is what fifty's going to be like, I can handle this."
he told himself.
Unfortunately a jealous remark from Ramona's mother almost set him off. As she
arrived, Rick greeted her at the door with a hug. "Hey, Angelina, how's grandma
today?"
"Fine, Rick, fine! My goodness, I heard you were turning fifty next week, but I
sure believe it now! You should really see a doctor about losing so much hair,
my friend!" she replied loudly. Rick felt like someone had slugged him, then
picked up the reason for her remark.
"I hear you got the first smile from my grandson today, I wish I'd gotten a
chance to see that, but Laurie's bound to have taken a picture, I'm sure."
she added with a smile.
"Uh, yes, but.." Rick was trying to control his temper when he felt a loving
arm around his shoulder.
"Angelina, I didn't hear you come in. Did you know that Andy gave Rick his
first smile today? He's really his grandpa's boy, he's going to be as handsome,
I know!" she beamed, placing a kiss on his cheek.
"You're just saying that 'cause you know it's true!" he chuckled, trying to
make nice for his wife's sake.
Ramona suddenly appeared, a serious look on her face. "Hi, mom, I'm glad
you came. Listen, could you help me change Andy?"
All smiles, Angelina patted Laurie on the arm then followed her daughter
to the bedroom.
"Rick, I'm sorry, what is her problem?" Laurie huffed as soon as the door
closed.
"I don't know, darlin', she really was acting up, wasn't she?" Rick refused to
let his wife know how the woman's remarks had stung.
"I'm prouder of you then of me, my love. I'd like to slap her for that hair
remark." she lowered her voice ruefully.
Seeing the anger in Laurie's eyes, Rick pushed aside his feelings and gathered
her into his arms. "Don't worry, sweetheart, she can just whistle." he kissed her
tenderly. "You're still the prettiest grandma I know, well, except for mom, of course!"
"Thank you, my prince, but you still take my breath away, you know." she snuggled closer
to him.
Hearing the party starting to wind down, Laurie gave him a quick kiss and regretfully told him,
"time to cut the cake, darling. Do you want to give the toast, or let me blubber this year."
Snickering at her words, he hugged her tight and whispered, "blubber!"
After everyone had been called into the living room and the guest of honor had been properly
gifted, Laurie tapped her glass until A.J. gave out a loud whistle.
"Thanks, little brother!" she grinned, then directed her gaze to her son.
"I want to drink a toast to a son who makes me proud everyday, and to the daughter who said "ok"when I asked if I could live with them. I know it's Robbie's birthday, but Robin, you helped teach him patience and kindness and thinking of others. So I want to say "Happy Birthday!" to our Robbie, and thank you to our daughter, for sharing him with your father and I" she said, smiling at their children.
Amid tears from Ramona and Cecilia and Robin, and outright sniffing from her husband and father and brother-in-law, a loud "To Robbie and Robin!" burst from the group.
Coming to their feet, both honorees came to their mother and father and tearfully hugged them.
"Thank you, Mom, I love you!" Robbie choked, then received a bear hug from Rick.
"Pop, thank you for keeping your temper with Ramona's mom, you're the best!" he told him.
"It's ok, son, you can't always pick your parent-in-laws, but you chose the best wife, so one out of two aren't bad!" Rick joked through tears.
As everyone was leaving the party, crayon decorated cups in hand, Ramona's mother came up to Rick with a regretful look on her face.
"Rick, I want to apologize for my words if they offended you. I was a little upset that I didn't get to see my grandson smile first, and I spoke before I thought." she said, sounding a little wooden.
Magnanimously, Rick accepted her half-hearted apology, "It's all right, Angelina, you've always
say what you think, and I accept that. What's important is that you came to celebrate Robbie's birthday."
"Well, thank you, Rick, now you say goodbye to Laurie and I'll see you later." Angelina answered as she took her leave. After watching her drive away, Rick felt the familiar depression start to settle in, and he resolved to go for a long walk and think about things in the morning.
As he and Laurie finished picking up the living room, A.J. and Linda came to say good night, toting two sleeping children with them. "Rick, could I talk to you for a moment?" his brother asked, nodding at his wife to go ahead of him.
"Sure, but it's too cold out in the car, Linda, why don't you grab a cup of coffee for the road?" Rick offered. "And take some of Robin's cookies for Ricky, she made some 'specially for him!" Laurie added, taking Ceci from A.J. so he could sit down.
As the two women disappeared into the kitchen, A.J. looked at his big brother, then cleared his throat. "I've been thinking how hard we've both worked, Rick, and with the kids starting to get around more, I was thinking." A.J. paused, and Rick saw him swallow hard.
"I've been thinking of either cutting back or leaving the business. I'd rather only work part time, Rick but it's up to you, I don't want you stuck doing something you've rather only do part time too. The thing is, Rudy told me some stuff about my health. I'm borderline hypoglycemic, and he really thinks I should cut back on the stress in my life, that diet and a change in hours should take care of that." He took a deep breath, and Rick grabbed his arm, upset.
"I, I didn't know, A.J., I'd never have let the office get that big if I ever thought it would hurt you. I'd rather close the office then risk you getting sick, believe me."
His little brother saw his reaction and immediately hugged him. "I know, big brother, and it's not
you who kept going after more and more clients and bigger accounts. I'm a type A personality,
and Rudy told me my risk for heart disease is higher if I don't get control of my life, heck, our lives."
"I know, Rudy read me the riot act yesterday, too. I'm going to take a little holiday by myself tomorrow, and try to get things straight in my head once and for all." Rick sighed. "One thing, though, whatever I decide, A.J., I'll take both of our families into consideration. I can handle getting my health in line, but with Laurie, Rudy's worried about something and he was going to talk to the Chief about it."
"I didn't know, Rick, she's never sick, and other than last year, she's hasn't had any real health problems for years." A.J. replied, concerned.
"It's her premonitions, A.J., she had one the other day and she was so scared, she scared me!" Rick answered. Hearing Linda and Laurie's voices, he lowered his voice. "She doesn't know Rudy's worried about her knee on top of everything else, so, listen, I'm going to think about what you said about maybe working just part time, that might be the answer for both of us. I'll call you when I get back in tomorrow, okay?"
"You got it, Rick, and thanks. Not just for listening, but for being there." A.J. stood up and hugged his brother, as their wives came out of the kitchen.
"Okay, guys, whatever you two are planning, the answer is no!" Linda laughed, then handing a now wide awake Ricky to his uncle. "You know, Ricky, your mom is too smart!" Rick grinned at his nephew, who giggled. "Momma's got a secret, but I won't tell!"
"You bet you won't, little man!" A.J. swooped him up in his arms and bundling him up, led his family out into the cold, goodbyes trailing after them.
As they were closing up, Rick saw his wife limping again, and his heart dropped. No way he could leave her by herself tomorrow, he thought, then saw her look toward him and smile.
"Come here, sweetheart." he sat down on the sofa then pulled her into his arms. Feeling her snuggle against him, he kissed her neck. "Hmmm, are you getting fresh with me, my love?" she murmured.
"Yes, I'm going to be very, "he kissed her throat then all over her face, "very fresh." Finishing with her lips, they only paused to take a breath, then kissed again.
"I love you, Rick, you were so good today with everything." Laurie sighed, leaning against him.
Looking up at him, she added, "and I want you to take your hike tomorrow as you planned,
darling. I'm going to be busy finishing the final corrections on Grandmother's book, so I don't want you to worry, I'm not going anywhere."
"Are you sure, darlin', I can do it later in the week if you like." he offered, then saw her shake her head.
"No, my love, I'll be fine. If it starts snowing again, I want you to come home early, I don't want you sick for your birthday, Rick." she worried.
"I won't stay out long, princess, I promise!" he told her, then sealed his word with a long passionate kiss.
"That's what I call a promise!" she giggled, once they caught their breath. "Can I have that promise again?"
"Your wish is my command!" he teased, sliding back onto the sofa with her.