Epilogue

"Football instead of the parade, David?" Carolyn shook her head at her cousin, only to laugh when she saw who his TV "buddy" was. "I'm sorry, Carolyn, that television in the kitchen is so small and .... come on, run with it!" Rick and David started cheering a runner on.

"Laurie, your husband's a bad influence." She grinned, as Laurie came in, balancing a plate of snacks. Looking around the little sitting room, she smiled. "I know, we love football, but he's more addicted them I am. I do love that you fixed up this room as the television room, it's cute."

"It was Mother's idea, she got tired of David and Uncle Roger sneaking into the kitchen." Carolyn said quietly. Laurie put the plate down in front of the guys, then came and put her good arm around her. "Any time you want company seeing them, I'm here. Beside, it makes me feel less homesick." She admitted.

"I thought you might be, Rick told us it's your first holiday away from Robbie and Robin." Carolyn replied, squeezing her hand. "I'd like to go do that later. But..."

A twinkle entered her eyes as she glanced at Rick, then she put her hand to her mouth.

"On second thought..." "What are you up to?" Laurie giggled, then sighed happily.

"Never mind, you're just as bad as David! I'm going to see if Ms. Johnson needs any help."

As soon as she left the room, Rick looked up at her cousin. "Thank you, Carolyn, she's having such a good time. She's going to be so surprised."

"I shouldn't say it's like old times, Rick, but it is." She chuckled then picked up the empty soda cans off the coffee table, then left.

After a moment, David turned to Rick. "I'm glad you and Laurie came, Rick. I wasn't looking forward to a holiday alone with Carolyn and Barnabas being all sad. This is..."

"Better?" Rick reached out and unthinkingly tousled the young man's hair.

"Yes." David looked with surprise at Rick's brotherly gesture, then grinned. "Besides, I can't get either Carolyn or Barnabas interested in the games, I bet you've seen some good ones."

"Sure have, David. I remember one game..." Rick embarked on the story of a client who was being forced to throw games.

As Laurie came to call both men to lunch, she saw David's face alive with interest as Rick explained how they gather clues to solve a case. "I wouldn't have missed this for the world." she decided.

Waiting for a break in the action, she came into the room. "Guys, dinner is ready, okay?" she leaned down and kissed her husband.

"I like your version of a dinner bell, sweetheart!" he grinned, then got up and took his wife's arm.

As the threesome came out into the foyer, Barnabas greeted them as he shook snow from his coat.

"Happy Thanksgiving, Laurie, you too, Rick." Barnabas greeted them, then put his hand on David's shoulder. "I heard you and Rick in the family room, I'm glad you found someone who enjoys football."

Just then Carolyn beckoned them into the living room, and as Laurie approached the doorway, she heard a familiar voice. "Who wants a drumstick?"

"Dad?" she gasped, then entered the dining room and flung herself into Oscar Goldman's arms.

"Dad, what a wonderful surprise!" she beamed. "Could you stand two surprises?" Robin popped her head out of the kitchen bearing a platter of corn.

"Robin? My baby!" she cried, then waiting for her to set the food down, hugged her smiling daughter. "Mama, I missed you. I'm so spoiled having you and Pop around." she replied, tears in her eyes.

Rick waited until Laurie surrendered Robin to him, then embraced her. "Told you she'd be happy." he grinned, then admitted, "and so am I, honey."

"Carolyn, did you and Barnabas plan this?" Laurie looked at them as Oscar put an arm around her.

"Yes, I told Rick I didn't want you to be homesick, and I really wanted to see Oscar and Robin again!" her cousin said. Laurie hugged her, then Barnabas. "Thank you, this really is a family holiday." she sniffed, then giggled as David handed her a napkin. "Okay, here she goes!" he razzed.

As everyone sat down to dinner, Laurie caught Rick's hand in hers as they said grace, then whispered, "I'm giving thanks for you today, darling."

Leaning over, he kissed her cheek and replied, "I'm giving thanks for you everyday for the rest of my life."

Overhearing him, David added, as he smiled at Robin, "Amen!"

Seeing the glance he was giving her, Rick and Oscar both looked sternly at David, then laughed as Laurie added, "Thanksgiving get-togethers come only once a year, guys!"

Both men exchanged sighs "Thank God for that!"