"Mom, I can't help it…I don't feel safe there anymore….and I didn't know how much I love being near Robbie and Robin and the kids until I packed my case this morning."

Rick stopped, his next step would have taken him into his son's house and in plain view of Laurie. Hearing her on the phone, telling Cecilia that she felt unsafe in their home, and missed being with their children and grandchildren…..that gave him an idea.

Going back to his car, he hit the transmitter on his watch, then signaled to Robbie on his frequency. "Robbie, it's Dad…"

Clear as a bell he heard his son reply, "Hey, Pop…just leaving work….everything okay?"

Explaining what he had overheard, then telling Robbie his idea, Rick felt better at the response he got.

"That's a great idea-at least we'd find out if Mom's serious or not. And if she is…I'd feel better with her nearby."

A few minutes, later, he rapped his knuckles on the side of the kitchen door, then announced, "Taxi service…I hear I have a pretty lady for a fare?"

Laurie was giggling as she opened the door for him, then wrapped her arms around him and kissed him.

"Mmmmm, I love my taxi man…I'll be your fare..where do you want to go?"

"Anywhere with you, darlin'….I had an idea just now….." Rick wagged his eyebrows at her, and Ramona came in just in time to see her mother-in-law laughing.

"I love it, Dad….you are so funny". Ramona teased. Rick just smirked.

"I aim to please…..your Mom and I will be gone a couple of hours….I'll call you when we stop….maybe you and Robbie can join us."

As he helped Laurie into the cab of his newly cleaned truck, he handed her a sheaf of papers.

"Sweetheart, I told you I have an idea…you know you were saying how you missed being with Robbie and Robin and the kids?"

She nodded, puzzled, then took a look at the papers as he climbed in the drivers side.

"Rick, these are houses for sale in town….."

He nodded, "There are a couple in Robbie's neighborhood that are bigger then theirs, and then there's one with a small corral and barn, if you want to keep a couple of the horses."

He started up the truck, then pulled out onto the street. Laurie suddenly put a hand on his arm.

"Darling, do you want to move to town? Because if you do, it's okay with me. I know the ranch is a lot of work…"

Now Rick was confused. He pulled up in front of the first of the properties, and turned to face her. "Laurie, the ranch isn't too much for me, not with Robbie and the kids helping out. I thought you wanted to live in town, that …"

At once she cupped his face with her hands. "That I was too afraid of being alone at home, because of what the Redwings and Travis did? I was..until you showed me how much you were willing to protect and take care of me, how you …" she choked up, "loved me so much you made our home whole again. Rick, where you go..I will go.."

"And where you live, I will live…my sweet girl.." Rick kissed her, then wrapped his arms around her. "I love you, my Laurie. I am never going to leave you alone at home again, though…I couldn't bear it if something happened…."

"I know, but I'll be all right now…can we go home for a while?" she asked.

"We can go home for good…I have your bag in the back.", he told her, tears in his eyes.

"Oh, love…" now tears spilled down her cheeks as she kissed him back, then snuggled into his chest as he put the truck into gear.

"Home it is… but let me call Robbie, he's supposed to meet us there with Jack…I think our little guy has had enough of Mack" At that Laurie burst out laughing, then Rick joined in as they drove out of town.

As they approached the ranch, Laurie clutched at Rick's arm.

"Rick, something's wrong…Robbie's in danger….Someone's threatening him!"