The next day, Rob made up an excuse to go next door and see Jerry. When his longtime neighbor answered the door, Rob wasted no time before explaining why he was there. "Are you and Millie busy next weekend?"
"No, why?" Jerry asked. He'd retired from his dental practice, so he and Millie had a lot more free time than they used to.
"Good," Rob said. "Our anniversary is coming up, and I have an idea how we're going to celebrate."
Jerry nodded. He and Millie had been to countless parties at the Petries' over the years. He knew it was unlikely Rob or his friends would entertain like they used to, but of course he would still go. "OK. Just tell us when and where."
"Well, it's not just going to be a party. I'm thinking it's time we renewed our vows. Laura doesn't know yet."
"Wow," Jerry said, genuinely impressed. "I've never done anything like that for Millie." Though he loved his wife, he knew Rob and Laura's relationship was something quite different.
Rob shrugged, embarrassed. "Well, you know our first wedding wasn't exactly what we planned. I figure I ought to make it up to her."
"I'm sure Laura will love that," he said. "And Millie will be thrilled too."
Rob was glad Jerry and Millie would be there. Although Rob appreciated Jerry's friendship over the years, he'd already chosen Richie to be his best man. He was glad that Jerry seemed to understand that. Now that just left two more very important people to invite: his former co-writers.
When he returned to the house, Rob found that Laura was gone. Knowing he might not have much time until Laura came home from the grocery store, he quickly picked up the phone. He watched the door anxiously as he waited for Buddy to pick up.
"Hello?"
"Hi, Buddy, it's me, Rob." He spoke in anxious whisper.
"What are you whispering for? You're not sneaking around behind Laura's back, are you?" Buddy laughed. He knew Rob would never think of such a thing.
"Of course not." He paused. "Well, sort of. I just don't know how long I can talk before she comes home."
"Ooh, this must be something interesting," Buddy said.
"Buddy! It's not like that. It's our anniversary next weekend, and I've decided to renew our vows. I'm hoping to surprise her."
"Oh," Buddy said, trying not to sound disappointed. "Well, of course Pickles and I'll be there. Have you called Sal yet?"
"No," Rob admitted. He was dreading it somewhat. After all her years of searching, Sally had eventually married her longtime boyfriend, Herman. But not long after they'd tied the knot, Herman had passed away. Sally tried to be brave, but she wasn't fooling anyone.
Buddy could read Rob's thoughts. "Hey, if it'll make things easier for you, I can call Sal."
"You'd do that?"
"Sure," Buddy said. "We've known each other for so long now, I can tell her anything."
"Thanks a lot, Buddy. I really appreciate it." Just as he spoke the words, he heard a car in the driveway. He quickly said goodbye to Buddy and hung up.
"Darling?"
Rob's heart pounded when he heard her voice. It wasn't the usual feeling he got from being around the woman he loved. He suddenly felt very nervous. "Uh, I'm in the den, honey."
After putting the groceries down, Laura walked into the den. "What are you doing in here?"
"Nothing!"
"Rob, are you all right?"
"Of course I'm all right. Why wouldn't I be?" He laughed nervously.
Laura eyed him suspiciously.
Rob took a breath, forcing himself to calm down. "Honey, I'm fine." He walked over to her, kissing her.
"Well, if you say nothing's wrong…." She still wasn't sure what was going on.
"I was just talking to Buddy," Rob blurted.
"Oh," Laura said, wondering why he would be so secretive about that.
"Yeah, he and Pickles had a fight again. I told him to apologize, but you know Buddy." Rob laughed, hoping the story would work.
"OK," Laura said. She seemed satisfied with the explanation. After waiting another moment, she went back out to put the groceries away.
Rob let out a very relieved sigh the moment she was gone. He hoped he could keep the secret until the big day.