Murphy and Remington managed- somehow, to behave themselves over dinner. Murphy didn't even complain about the more traditional English meal instead of the American one he would have had at his mother's house in Denver. And perhaps, as a reward, Remington didn't object when Rikki asked Murphy to take her out to ride her new bike once more after dinner was finished, while Laura and Remington were cleaning up the dining room and kitchen.
"Thanks," Laura told him.
"For what?"
"Dinner. And for letting Murphy go out with her instead of jumping in."
"Perhaps I'm feeling generous. After all, it's Christmas." He wiped his hands on a dishtowel as the last of the dishes were stowed in the dishwasher. "And, speaking of Christmas, I do have one more gift to give out."
"You do? Remington, don't you think she's gotten enough today? As it is, I've no idea where I'm going to put all of the things you and Murphy got her."
"This isn't for Rikki," he told her as they went into the living room. He went to his overnight bag and came back with a long, yet narrow package wrapped in gold paper with a bright red bow. "It's for you."
"For me?"
"I was passing by a store the other day and the moment I saw it, I thought of you."
Laura carefully removed the paper, knowing that he was waiting impatiently for her to finish. The black velvet box made her pause for a moment, her eyes on his.
"Go on. Open it."
She lifted the lid to reveal a fine gold chain with a heart affixed to it. The heart was encrusted with small diamonds interspersed with three other stones as well. "What are the other stones?
"Birthstones. The opal at the bottom of the heart is Rikki's and the garnet on the left is yours."
"And the dark blue one on the right?" she asked.
"That's mine," he told her.
"Sapphire? Your birthday is in September?"
"It's Royal Lavulite, actually. A chip. A *very* small chip. Signifying that my life started over the day I became Remington Steele."
"It's lovely," she told him. "And so is the sentiment."
He took it from her and fastened it around her neck. "There."
Laura leaned forward to give him a kiss, then hesitated. "Remington- I know you're hoping that - what I mean to say is,-"
"At the moment, all I'm hoping for is that you'll agree to have dinner with me on New Year's Eve. Beyond that- who knows?"
"One day at a time?" she questioned.
"Something like that."
"Dinner on New Year's Eve, hmm?"
"Just the two of us. You and me. Dinner, a little dancing, no one looking over our shoulders- unless you have something planned with Rikki?"
"She's too young to fully appreciate New Years Eve. To her, it's just an excuse to try and stay up until midnight and watch TV."
"Does she manage to make it til then?" he asked.
"Not yet. I think she'll be okay. Let me talk to her about it first, though."
Remington nodded. "We'll both talk to her about it," he said.
"I suppose I could ask Murphy to come over and stay with her-"
"Don't you think he might have other plans for the evening? After all, it is New Year's Eve."
"Murphy? I can't remember the last time he had a date."
"Maybe he should," Remington noted. "I wonder if that blonde that works in the law office on the same floor as the agency is available?"
"You're not going to try and fix Murphy up," Laura insisted.
"He needs a life of his own, Laura. Asking him to come and spend New Year's Eve with Rikki is only encouraging her attachment to him-and his to her."
"I know. I guess it's just- Murphy's always been there. I'd hate to think he wouldn't be for some reason. Kinda scary being out here on my own sometimes without someone to lean on."
"Hey. I'm here," he reminded her putting his arm around her shoulders.
"I know," she said. "I know."
***
It was the first real date they had gone on, and Laura was enjoying herself. Okay, so part of it was the envious looks she was getting from the other women I the room as she and Remington swept elegantly across the dance floor. The man looked simply gorgeous in a tux. They had talked about the agency, about those years between their meeting in Acapulco and the day he'd walked back into her life,- Laura's side of it, anyway, she still knew very little about what *he* had been doing during that time-, and he'd told her about places he'd been. Hong Kong, Cannes, Rome, South America. He was an enjoyable companion, and could make her laugh easier than anyone else had done in a long time.
She knew she was falling under the spell of those blue eyes and that killer charm, and she wasn't sure that was necessarily a bad thing- just that it was a risky one. What if he decided he wasn't cut out to be a father after all some day? What if he got bored? What if he only wanted Rikki?
"Hey," he said, waving a hand in front of her face. "Would you like to dance again?"
"No," she said, shaking her head. "I'm fine." He lifted his hand to order more champagne. "This is nice. I haven't gone to anything other than business related gatherings in a long time."
"You should. I've noticed that you spend entirely too much time in that office."
"Still looking for Ilsa?" Laura asked, sipping her champagne.
"A never ending quest, it would appear," he said with a smile as he lifted his glass in a silent salute.
"One destined to end in failure, I think. Ilsa never existed anymore than Richard Blaine did."
"Ah, but for a brief, shining, incredible three days, they were very real. To each other, anyway."
Laura raised her glass. "To those three days."
Remington acknowledged her toast and drank to it. "I thought about trying to find you, you know."
"You did?"
"Until I realized that I didn't know your name. I suppose that I could have tracked down a bankers convention, but I couldn't stay in Acapulco that long."
"On the run, hmm?" she teased.
"In a way." Noticing her curious expression, he grinned. "Do you really want to know?"
"You know everything about me- I still only know the things you've allowed me to know about you."
"Very well, then," he said, moving closer. "I'd gone to Mexico City to steal the last piece of something called the Marchesa Collection . . ."
***
Murphy sent Maria to bed around ten, leaving he and Rikki to watch Dick Clark on TV. A replay, actually. The apple had already dropped in Time Square. They were just waiting for it to play again, signaling the start of a new year in California.
"Why don't you like Uncle Rem, Uncle Murphy?" Rikki asked as they shared a bowl of popcorn.
"Who said I don't?" Murphy asked her.
"You look angry at him lots of the time. Like you wish he'd go away."
"Well, sometimes, to be honest, I wish he would," Murphy told her. "You see, I guess I'm a little jealous."
"Huh?"
"Before he came along, I was the only man in your life. Now, I have to share you with him."
"Oh. But Mommy and Maria says we're supposed to share."
"Yes, well, and they're right. But sometimes we don't have to like it. You like him a lot, don't you?"
She gave him a wary look before nodding her head. "He's funny. And he tells good stories. And he draws funny pictures."
"All excellent reasons to like someone," Murphy pointed out. "I'm glad you like him. Just don't forget your old Uncle Murphy, okay?"
"Okay," she said, reaching for more popcorn as something caught her eye on the TV.
***
The Master of Ceremonies stood before the band, his glass of champagne at ready. "Okay, everyone, get ready! Ten, nine, eight, seven, six-"
Remington and Laura each lifted their just refilled glasses to toast the New Year, counting along with the man. "Three, two, one- Happy New Year!"
As the band began to play "Auld Lang Syne", Remington and Laura toasted the New Year and exchanged a heart stopping kiss, while balloons fell from the ceiling and streamers and confetti filled the air.
"Happy New Year, Laura," Remington said, reaching up to remove a speck of confetti that was glistening in her hair.
"Happy New Year, Remington."
"Know what my one resolution is?" he asked.
"What?"
"To find Ilsa."
Laura smiled and laughed, and for a brief second, Remington saw the young woman he'd known for such a short time almost six years ago. The glimpse reinforced his hope of success in his endeavour.
Ilsa *was* still in there. He just had to find the right situation to bring her out.
***
Murphy jumped, jerking awake as the telephone rang. Opening his eyes, he saw the words "Happy New Year!" flashing on the screen. At his side, Rikki was sound asleep- but stirring due to the ringing of the telephone.
He grabbed it before it could ring the third time. "Hello? . . . Mrs. Holt . . . No, you have the right number. It's Murphy . . . Actually, I'm keeping an eye on Rikki for her . . . No, she's not here," he said, knowing that this was his chance. He could tell her that Laura was on a date, with Remington Steele-. Rikki stirred restlessly again, as if she could tell what he was thinking about doing. "She's- on a stakeout," he lied. "Yeah, I know. It's New Year's Eve, but crime doesn't take holidays . . . I tried to convince her to let me take the first shift, but you know Laura . . . Yeah, she's here, but she's asleep . . . I think she made it to eleven this year," he said with a smile at the dark haired little girl. "Okay, I will . . . Mrs. Holt- Laura hasn't said when you're coming home- . . . Oh, no reason. Just curious. Enjoy the rest of your trip . . . I'll tell her you called. Bye."
He sat there for several minutes, watching Rikki sleep, telling himself he'd made the right decision. At last he rose, lifting Rikki in his arms, to carry her into her bed. Across the room, Maria stirred at the soft sounds.
"Señor Murphy?" she questioned.
"Just putting Rikki to bed, Maria," he told her. "Go back to sleep."
"Feliz Ano Nuevo," she murmured sleepily, and he heard her roll over.
"Happy New Year," Murphy replied, brushing Rikki's hair back from her face.
He was asleep on the sofa when he heard the front door open. "It was a lovely evening," Laura said. "Thank you."
"My pleasure. We'll have to try for a repeat performance soon. Dinner at my place, perhaps?" Remington suggested smoothly, and Murphy decided he'd heard enough. Grabbing his jacket, he approached the doorway.
"Night, Laura," he said, pushing past the two of them en route to his car. "Rikki's in bed. Stayed awake til eleven. And your mother called."
"My mother? What did you tell her?"
"That you were on a stake out. Don't worry, I didn't spill the beans. Happy New Year."
"Thanks, Murph," she said, watching him leave, aware that Remington's eyes were on her.
"You haven't told your mother that I'm here?"
"No. She's in Europe- I'd hate for her to cut her trip short. She's been looking forward to it-"
"And why would she do that?"
"Because she's always wanted to meet- Rikki's father," Laura told him. "If she found out you were here, she'd catch the next flight out to LA and demand to know why we weren't planning a wedding."
"A very good question," Remington mused. "Sounds like a woman after my own heart."
"You don't know my mother," Laura warned him. "She's not very happy with Remington Steele for having neglected Rikki all these years."
"Ah. Well, I'll just have to charm her, then, won't I?" he said, leaning close for a kiss as a sleepy little voice spoke.
"Mommy, I need a glass of water."
Laura smiled at Remington's frustrated air. "Good night. And thanks again. I'm coming sweetheart," she told Rikki.
"Good night." He looked around the doorframe to see Rikki standing in her pajamas. "Night, Poppet."
"Night," she replied.
***
The next week went a little easier, Laura thought, as Murphy and Remington seemed to get into a pattern of one spending time with Rikki, and then the other. But the night of the little girl's piano recital, things came to an ugly head.
Laura was late, as usual. She slipped into the chair beside Maria as a little boy was playing his piece on the brand new grand piano that sat on the stage. "How long til she's on?" Laura asked in a quiet voice.
Maria handed her a program as she listened. Rikki was on last. Laura smiled, knowing that was the spot that her piano teacher usually reserved for her best student. Maria tapped her arm and pointed to their left. Murphy was sitting a few rows ahead of them, in an end chair, looking incredibly bored as he waited. "Where's Mr. Steele?" she asked the housekeeper.
Before Maria could answer, Remington returned to his seat on the other side of Laura. "Had to take care of something," he told her. "You're late."
"Last minute client at the office- you're meeting him tomorrow morning." A woman behind them leaned forward.
"Shh."
Laura sat back, listening to the music, trying not to wince at the newer students' wavering abilities, politely applauding each and every one. Then Mrs. Jacobs came out and announced Rikki's number. Laura sat forward, listening as the child played the piece flawlessly, just as she'd practiced it.
When it ended, Murphy jumped up to place a single red rose in his god daughter's hands. But then Mrs. Jacobs brought a dozen red roses from beside the stage and gave them to Rikki, overshadowing the single rose.
Murphy turned to look at Remington, and even from where they were standing, Laura could see the anger in his blue eyes. Looking up at Remington, she saw his triumphant and proud smile. They approached the stage to get Rikki, and Murphy confronted Remington.
"You just had to play the big shot, didn't you?" he asked. "A dozen roses."
"They're pretty, Uncle Rem," Rikki said.
"Thank you, Poppet," Remington said, picking her up.
"I think it's time we settled this, Steele," Murphy told him.
"I don't think this is the time, Murphy," Laura said, trying to keep thing calm. "Or the place."
"I'm just a little tired of this guy trying to buy Rikki's affection, Laura!" he yelled, and the room fell eerily silent. "Who does he think he is, anyway?"
"You know who I am, Murphy," Remington said in a soft, yet dangerous voice. "I think you'd best remember that."
"What's wrong, Uncle Murphy?" Rikki asked. "Didn't' you like how I played?"
"You played wonderfully, Rikki," Murphy said. "I'm not angry with you."
"You're angry with Uncle Rem," Rikki said. "Why?"
Laura took her daughter, mostly to get her out of the line of fire between the two men as Mrs. Jacobs approached. "Mr. Steele, I'd like to thank you for your donation of the piano to the school. I didn't have a chance before-"
"You donated a piano?!" Murphy asked.
"It wasn't an entire piano," Remington explained to Laura, who was also looking at him with suspicion.
"Oh, no," Mrs. Jacobs assured them. "We had most of the money to buy it, Mr. Steele just gave us the difference. But without him-"
Laura nodded. "Thank you, Mrs. Jacobs. I'm sorry-"
"That's all right, Miss Holt. Rather- livened things up a bit, don't you think?"
Laura grabbed Rikki's hand. "I think we'd better go, sweetheart."
"Uncle Rem?" Rikki asked when she realized that Remington was still standing toe to toe with Murphy.
"Right behind you, Rikki," he said.
"We'll discuss this tomorrow morning, Murphy," Laura told her old friend.
"Laura-"
"Tomorrow morning."
Murphy ran a hand through his hair as he gave the remaining parents an embarrassed smile.
***
The moment he entered the office the next morning, Bernice steered him toward Steele's office. "She wants to see you ASAP. You've been a bad boy."
"The guy just makes me so crazy sometimes, Bernice."
"He does me, too. But I don't go around challenging him in public."
Murphy approached the door, took a deep breath, and entered. Laura was leaning back against Steele's desk, arms at her sides, a look of intense disappointment on her face. "Before you say anything, Laura, I just want to apologize for what happened."
"I'm not the one you owe the apology to," she told him. "What were you thinking, Murphy?" she asked. "You could have jeopardized the entire agency last night- and I won't even mention the questions Rikki asked last night."
"I know. I wasn't thinking. I was just- angry. Seems like every time I turn around he's there ahead of me with a bigger present, a bigger outing- "
"Murphy, he *is* her-"
"I know, I know. He's her father. Okay. So what are we going to do? You want my resignation?"
"No, of course not. But it doesn't look good to go around confronting the supposed head of the agency you're working for- especially at a piano recital. As much as I hate to suggest it, Murph, maybe you need to- Back off a little?"
"Back off?" he repeated. "From Rikki?"
"Not see her so much for awhile. Give him a chance without having to fight you for her. You'll always be her godfather, Murphy, always be important to her."
"Yeah." He took a deep breath. "Okay. I'll do as you ask. I won't like it, but I'll do it."
"Thank you."
"Don't mention it."
***
That night, when Murphy got home, he turned the pages on his desk calendar to the date when Abigail Holt said she would be returning to the States. Picking up a pen, he wrote, "Call A.H. about R.S." and underlined it three times for emphasis.
Tossing the pen aside, Murphy took a long shower and went to bed early.