"Oh, son….." Rick didn't know whether to congratulate him or not. His son was the most levelheaded of the council members, but Robbie had only been on the people's governing board for a year. Laurie took a lookat his face, then suddenly smiled.
"I'm sorry it's come to you like this, Robbie, but I'm so proud of you, and so would the Chief." At once their son let out a sigh, then enveloped both his parents in a hug.
"Helllllo?"
Startled, Rick looked around, then laughed as Robbie hit the receive button on his watch.
"Sorry, Rob, had to explain a few things."
"That's an understatement." The sheriff said wryly, then Laurie spoke up apologetically.
"I'm sorry too, Rob. I'm glad you guys figured out Robbie would make a great leader. I just wish it didn't have to happen so soon, that's all."
"It's all right, Light. You just spoke like I feel. It'll take sometime to iron out all the details, so you all go ahead with Robin's party, I'll be at the Heritage as soon as I can."
Rick chuckled. "Stay within the speed limit, pal."
"Says you, lead foot". Rob retorted, then ended his transmission.
True to his word, Rick noticed the sheriff arriving just as dinner was served in the small banquet room. Robin spotted him and rising from her chair, met him at the door and gave him a hug.
"Happy Birthday, Robin! Sorry I missed Ian's performance". Rob told her, then chuckled as Rick said, "And we're not even talking about the show, you should have seen his birthday surprise!"
"Well, I have a family tradition to uphold." Ian grinned as Robin turned and put an arm around him. "Yes, the most romantic men in the world are my husband and Pop!"
"Oh…?" Linda, A.J.'s wife pouted as Ramona Simon tsked. "I beg to differ, Robbie can be very romantic, who else will surprise you with breakfast in bed on a weekday?"
"Uhhhh, your father-in-law?" Laurie decided to squash the playful one-upmanship before it got out of hand. Smiling, Rick took advantage of the moment to lean over and steal a kiss.
"And don't you forget it, darlin'." He teased, as she giggled. Ian just grinned.
"Shows you I learn from the best."
"That you do." Robin wrapped her arms around him then let him lead her to the chair of honor to open her presents.
When the festivities wound down, Rick went to get his truck from the parking garage, only to find two men heatedly arguing with Sheriff Rob.
"Simon hasn't been on the council long enough to be Chief, Sheriff. You need to look at this objectively." One of the men shouted, attracting attention from the lobby patrons.
"Nonsense, Robert is very wise, he needs to be considered. We need fresh ideas, he'll lead us into the next decade, not force us to the old ways." The other man, older with weathered skin, insisted.
"Hold it!" Rick growled, silencing the two men and causing Rob to turn, startled.
"There's a time and a place for discussing this, not in a hotel lobby. I'll not have my daughter's birthday spoiled by this."
"I'm sorry, Mr. Simon. We should take this back to Silver Rock for a serious discussion, though." The more vocal of the two speakers said.
"I agree, but we're not meeting about this tonight, Tom." Rob answered calmly. He indicated the quieter man to Rick. "This is John Hill from the Tribal Council, and this is…"
"Tom Moonwalk, I remember." Rick politely shook his hand. Red-faced, both leaders nodded to the older Simon.
"The sheriff is right, we'll talk about this tomorrow. Our apologies, again." Moonwalk bowed his head, then walked away. Hill watched him for a minute, then added, "I'll call and set up a meeting, Rob. Good night, Mr. Simon. Again, I'm sorry to have held you up."
As he left the lobby area, Rob let out an exasperated breath. "Your timing is good as usual, pal. I hate being blindsided."
"Yeah, well, I hate grown men to act like idiots…oh, there you are, sweetheart." Rick changed his tone as Laurie came into the waiting area, helping her daughter carry her packages.
"Sorry to take so long, Pop. Ian had to stop the kids from taking all the sugar packets-Katie insists Baron needs sugar so he won't take flowers from people." Robin explained, breaking everyone up.
"I love it, honey. The way the kids minds work…" Rick chuckled, taking a few bags from his wife. Leading the way to the parking valet, Rick helped load everyone into their car seats and cars. As he helped Andy and Lala climb into Robbie's van, he noticed a decided tension between his son and daughter-in-law.
"Anyone up for breakfast tomorrow?" he asked, testing the waters. Ramona smiled uncertainly.
"Sure, Dad. Robbie doesn't have to be at the station until noon, right?" she looked over at him.
Rick saw his son pause, then glance at his wife. "I think so. Yeah, we'll be there, Pop. Want me to bring anything?"
Laurie had been watching this and stepped forward. "No, except yourselves. And, Ramona, do you still have some of your Cactusflower Jam?"
"Yes, I do, Mom. You're my best customer. I'm glad I made extra this summer, so I'll bring you a couple of jars." Ramona beamed at her, then Robbie took her hand and kissed it. "I did marry the best jam maker in town."
Relieved, Rick added, "I'd say in the county, but I think I'm prejudiced."
At that, a couple of wide yawns from the children broke them all up, and Rick and Laurie said their good nights. Climbing into his truck, Rick watched the brake lights of Robbie's minivan drive away, then sighed.
"I don't want him to be Chief, Rick."
Surprised, he turned to see the worried expression on Laurie's face. "Darlin', I thought you'd be happy."
She shook her head. "No, love. Much as I'd like Robbie to carry on the Chief's work, he would be sacrificing too much, between his work at the Sheriff's station, and with you and A.J.-he'd have to give up something. I don't want that to be his time with Ramona and the kids."
Rick was silent for a moment, digesting her words. Starting up the engine, he pulled out of the hotel lot as he thought about how much he and A.J. enjoyed working with Robbie.
Sure he wouldn't stand in his son's way when it came to doing something he wanted to do, but …
"Sweetheart, is that why Ramona was acting funny?"
Laurie smiled and snuggled against him. "You got it, and I love that you suggested breakfast. It'll give us a chance to talk things out with them. It's his decision, darling,
But…"
"But we can point out both sides." Rick finished, putting an arm around her.
