"I want you to know about Lana and what we went through because I'm about to ask you to be my girlfriend and I don't want you to be surprised by anythin' when we get home." Mike confessed. Cait was a little surprised by his openness .

"Oh I see...and what if I say yes? I'm not gonna go through our relationship being compared to Lana am I?"

"No of course you won't. I would never do that, Lana is my past I'm movin' on. I want you now, I really like you Cait,I like you a lot and I would love for you to be my girlfriend."

"I like you too Mike you know I do but I'm not convinced you're completely over Lana yet"

"I am, I promise. I needed this time to get away to clear my head and think rationally for a change and I realized I am over her. I see that now and I want you," he explained. Cait had to admit it she wanted him too, she could sense that he really liked her and she was willing to give it a try.

"Ok" she said finally "I'd love to be your girlfriend," She said and they both grinned.

"Really?"

"Yeah really, I've had such a great time this past three weeks I've loved spending this time with you and I would be honoured to be your girlfriend" She told him.

Mike pulled her close and they kissed. He felt shivers down his spine at their first kiss he hadn't felt that way in a long time. He was happy and finally not worrying about any thing to do with Lana.

Mike was really pleased that Cait had come to return his jacket, they had only been apart for half and hour but he had really missed her.

"I know one thing for certain, Davy is really gonna love you, he loves anythin' in a dress" Mike said and smiled.

"Is he the cute British guy?" Cait asked.

"Cute! You think Davy is cute?"

I mean..." she paused "...oh now I'm in trouble aren't I, I don't have feelings for him I just recognize that he's cute," Cait explained. Mike was trying not to laugh

"It's ok I don't mind I'm only teasin' you" He said. Cait playfully slapped him.

"You're evil!" She told him with a big grin on her face. They kissed again and didn't notice Lori and Micky come up the back steps, carrying tennis rackets.

"That ball was not out! You are such a cheater," Lori was saying.

"It so was out, it was out by miles any blind person could've seen that and anyway you're only mad cos you lost" Micky told her.

"I am not mad that I lost, I'm mad because my boyfriend cheats at tennis! Remind me never to play monopoly with you" she said. They came through the back door and saw Mike standing by the front door kissing a woman.

"Mike?" Lori asked. Mike stopped kissing Cait and turned around. A big smile covered his face.

"Hello Lolo" He said Lori grinned too.

"You're back!" She said they came towards each other and had the longest hug "I missed you."

"I missed you too how are you?"

"I'm great I've got some news to tell you but first I'm gonna tell you off" She said and they let go of each other.

"Whatever for?" Mike asked a little worried

"For leaving without saying goodbye I was a little hurt."

"You've already done that every time I called you"

"I know but I wanted to do it in the flesh" She said.

"I'm sorry Lolo it was a last minute thing I didn't even get chance to say goodbye to the others, only Davy and that was because he was the only one here"

"Ok well I suppose I can forgive you but only if you brought me back something pretty" Lori said.

"Of course I did would you expect me not too," Mike told her with a grin on his face. Micky had hung back a little, he knew Mike and Lori had a special bond and he didn't want to get in the way of them.

"Hay Mick how are you?"

"I'm great thanks Mike better now you're home maybe things can get back to normal round here now and I hope you've brought me back something pretty as well" Micky told him jokingly and Mike laughed.

"Well I have got you somethin' but I'm not sure if it comes under the `Pretty" label"

"Well that's ok then" Micky said. The two men embraced and when they let go, Micky stepped back and put his arm around Lori's waist and Lori put her arm around his.

"I'm glad you guys are here because there's someone I'd like you to meet" Mike told them he gestured to Cait to come over and join them which she did and Mike laced his fingers in hers. "This is Caitlyn Mackenzie"

"Cait, please call me Cait" she said.

"Cait these are two of my best friends Lori Tyler and Micky Dolenz"

"Hi it's nice to finally meet you I've heard so much about you, especially you Lori. Mike hardly ever stopped talking about you" she told them. She extended her hand and Micky and Lori both took it in turn to greet her and shake her hand.

"It's nice to meet you too Cait" Lori said she was looking at Mike a little quizzical.

"Cait is my girlfriend" Mike told them. It would be fair to say that both Micky and Lori were a little surprised by Mike's last statement.

"Really! Well welcome to the madhouse Cait" Micky told her trying to shake off his stunned expression.

"At last! I'll get another Monkee girlfriend to be a groupie with" Lori said a little excited.

"Wait a minute, did I just hear what I thought I heard" Mike asked. "Are you finally a Monkees girlfriend Lolo?" He asked.

Lori and Micky grinned at each other.

"Yeah I am" She replied and she and Micky kissed.

"Well it's about time! When did this happen?" Mike asked as he hugged both of them again.

"Four weeks ago" Mick told him.

"I've been dying to tell you but I didn't want you to hear it over the phone" Lori explained.

"This is wonderful I'm so happy for you guys" Mike said.

Micky and Lori couldn't stop grinning at each other.

"Well I better get going Mike, Joni's expecting me" Cait told him.

"Oh ok sure" Mike couldn't hide the disappointment on his face he wasn't ready for her to go yet.

"It was nice to meet you both" She said to Micky and Lori.

"You too Cait. Don't be a stranger now you hear, we expect to see you around here quite often" Micky told her.

Cait smiled.

"Thank you Micky I'll try" She said.

"The guys have got a gig on Wednesday night Cait, do you fancy being my date?" Lori asked.

"I'd love to Lori thank you"

"Great" Lori replied.

Mike walked out to Cait's car with her. "See I told ya they'd love you didn't I," He told her.

"Yeah you did, they seemed really nice I can't wait to get to know them better and also meet Peter and Davy too."

"You will soon I promise, I'll call you tomorrow"

"Ok see you later" They kissed goodbye and Mike watched her drive off then went back inside. He looked so contented and he felt happier then he had been in a long time. When he came back inside he joined Micky and Lori. Lori was snuggled up to Micky on the sofa and Mike sat opposite them on the bandstand.

"So you didn't waste any time putting the moves on a complete stranger did ya!" Micky told him.

"Micky!" Lori warned and she slapped him on his arm.

"Sorry dear" Micky replied.

"Well I can see who wears the trousers in that relationship" Mike said, letting out a small chuckle.

"Robert!" Lori warned again. Ever since Mike had told Lori how much he hated being called Robert, she always called him it when he made her angry or she just wanted to irritate him.

"Sorry kid, that just proves my point" Mike said, laughing a little more. Lori didn't reply she just glared at him.

"I hope you realize I resent that Mike," Micky told him.

"Sorry Mick I'm just winding up you're girlfriend there" Mike told him. Lori stuck her tongue out at him then changed the subject.

"Cait seems really nice Robert, how did you meet?" She asked, still glaring at him slightly.

"We met on the beach the Friday I went away. We got talkin' and found out we both had an interest in cars and motorbikes and decided to go to the motor show up state. We were only goin' for the weekend but ended up stayin' for a month." Mike explained.

"Aw how romantic" Lori said, her eyes glazing over a little.

"Oh don't give her ideas man!" Micky said waving a hand in front of Lori's face trying to get her to snap out of it.

"I think I chose the wrong Monkee" Lori sighed and winked at Mike who chuckled a little.

"Hay!" Micky shouted.

"I'm only joking I wouldn't swap you for anything in the world, well unless Dean Martin came knocking on my door of course"

"You're hanging by a very thin thread Tyler you better watch it" Micky said shaking his finger at her in mock anger.

"I'm sorry I'll be good," She promised.

"Yeah well you better" Micky told her and Lori gave him a small peck on the lips then turned her attention back to Mike.

"So does Lana know about Cait?" She asked cautiously.

"No not yet I was hopin' you could not go home too early tonight so I could tell Lana myself just the two of us" Mike asked.

"Oh yeah sure no problem"

"Thank you, so where's Peter and Davy then?"

"Peter is round Lana's" Micky told him.

"And let me guess, Davy is out with Tina!" Mike said.

"No he's round Lana's as well, Tina is sooo last month," Micky informed him.

"He's had Lisa, Emma, Vanessa, Sarah and Linda since then" Lori said, ticking them off on her fingers.

"Yeah he's onto Tessa now" Micky added.

"Really! And I was only gone four weeks" Mike said.

"Yep that's our little Romeo for ya" Micky said.

"It was sad letting Tina go though, I was getting rather attached to her" Lori said she stuck out her bottom lip and looked at Micky for comfort.

"Don't worry hun, knowing Davy she'll be back," Micky told her reassuringly.

"You think so?" Lori asked brightening up a little.

"Yeah I do"

"Yay" Lori replied and they kissed.

Mike was smiling at them.

"I'm so glad you guys are finally together you make such a cute couple," He told them.

"Thank you" They said in unison.

At that moment Peter and Davy came in the front door.

"Mike! You're back!" Davy said a little surprised to see the Texan.

"Sure am shotgun" Mike replied.

"When did you get back?" Peter asked.

"Not long ago about twenty-five minutes ago" Mike replied.

"Did you have a good time? Were there any pretty girls there?" Davy asked as he came over to hug Mike and Mike smiled.

"Yes Davy I did have a good time and yes there were a lot of pretty girls there you would have been very happy."

"Groovy" Davy said and Peter came over and hugged Mike too.

"Did you get the Lana thing sorted out?" he asked.

"Yes Peter I did and I'm afraid you are not goin' to like my decision" Mike told him.

"So you're dating this Cait woman then?" Peter asked not even bothering to hide the disappointment from his voice.

"No we're not datin' we're exclusive. Cait is my girlfriend." Peter's eyes widened with shock.

"What! No! You're supposed to be with Lana," He told Mike.

"I'm sorry Pete I know how much you wanted Lana and I to get back together but we don't belong together we've been down that road before and it didn't work out. I can't. I really like Cait I've got a good feelin' about her, about us and I had to chance it or I'd spend the rest of my life hatin' myself for lettin' her go" Mike explained.

Peter was a little upset by Mike's decision but he did understand. Just because he understood didn't mean he had to like it and he was not looking forward to meeting Cait.

Later that night Mike drove the Monkeemobile to Lana's place. He knocked on the door and instead of letting himself in, waited for an answer. Lana opened the door.

"Michael! Hi, when did you arrive home?" She asked.

She hugged him and Mike kissed her on the cheek.

"Are you mad at me?" He asked.

"No not at all what makes you say that?"

"Well you only ever call me Michael when you're mad at me so I just assumed"

"Oh, must've been a slip of the tongue, I've probably been spending too much time with my brother, so are you gonna tell me who that woman was you were seen riding off in to the sunset with?" Lana asked trying to look and act as though she wasn't bothered by it but Mike could tell she was.

"That's what I've come to talk to you about, can I come in?" Mike asked.

"Yeah sure" she replied and stepped aside so Mike could enter. She closed the door and Mike went into the living room "Would you like something to drink?"

"No I'm fine thank you can you sit down please," Mike told her.

Lana was starting to worry and feel really nervous now and she sat down opposite him and he took her hand.

"What's going on?" She asked.

"This is really difficult for me to do to you Lan but you deserve to hear it from me" Mike told her.

Lana hadn't seen such a serious look in his eyes since the day they had broken up.

"Ok" She said, starting to feel a little nervous.

"The woman Davy saw me drive off with is Caitlyn Mackenzie. We spent a lot of time together while we were away"

"So what, is she like your girlfriend or something?" Lana asked, expecting Mike to laugh it off but he didn't; he just stared at her. "Oh I see" She said and pulled her hand away.

"I know this is probably difficult for you Lana but Cait is my girlfriend, you and I split up a long time ago and we had to move on sooner or later" Mike said.

"Yeah of course, it was kind of inevitable right, one of us had to move on first" Lana said waving her hands dismissively trying to breeze along as if it was no big deal.

"You do know how I feel about you don't you? I'll always love you. You're very special to me Lana you were my first love and I don't want to lose the great friendship we've developed over the months."

"No me either I love you too and I'm happy you could move on."

"And I realize that bein' the ex-girlfriend it's your obligation to hate Cait but please give her a chance I know you'll like her as much as I do" Mike said.

"Well not quite as much as you I hope" She said forcing a smile. "I'll try but I'm not making any promises," She added and Mike smiled.

"So are we cool?"

"Of course we are" Lana said and Mike leaned over, kissed her and hugged her.

"Thank you. I love you, I'm so grateful to have you in my life" he said.

Lana looked calm on the outside but on the inside her entire world had been turned upside down. She was trying so hard not to cry and she had never felt so miserable. Ever since that morning when they had almost kissed Lana had been certain that she and Mike would get back together but now he had someone new and she just wanted to curl up somewhere and disappear.

Over the next couple of weeks every one finally got to meet Cait and they all loved her. She had been met with a hostile reaction from Peter at first but now even he had to admit that she was really lovely and they had become great friends although Peter felt really guilty about not being able to hate her for Lana's sake.

It had been a little harder for Lana to except her but it didn't bother Cait. Mike had told Cait what to expect so she had been prepared for it but as the weeks went passed Lana saw how happy Cait made Mike and that was all that mattered as long as Mike was happy then she could live with it...just.

Lori and Cait got on great they enjoyed being Monkee girlfriend groupies together and went to every gig the Monkees played. Lana was a little jealous of Lori's relationship with Cait but she knew Lori was allowed other friends and whenever Cait and Lori spent time together Lana was always invited too, she just wasn't ready to spend time with Mike's new girlfriend yet.

Mike and Cait were getting on really well they enjoyed each other's company. Cait's roommate Joni had been a little star struck when she first met Mike because she had always been a fan of the Monkees music but they got on like old friends now which pleased Cait.

Lori was finally moving on with her life and loving every single second that she spent with Micky. She still hadn't had the courage to tell Micky about her past, which was something Mike quizzed her about on almost a daily basis.

"I'll tell him Mike I promise," She said one night after Mike had cornered her backstage after a very successful Monkees gig.

"When? If you don't tell him soon it will only get harder"

"I know but he's been so happy lately I can't bare to hurt him"

"The reason he's been so happy is you, he's in love Lori and it'll only hurt more the longer you leave it"

"Ok yeah I know all right can you stop with the lecture please I'll tell him when I'm ready and I won't be pushed into it by any one" She told him and stomped off before he could reply.

Lori had refused to speak to Mike for a couple of days after that until, that is, Mike had driven to her university to confront her about it.

"I'm only saying these things because I care about you," He told her.

"Yeah I know I'm sorry but I meant what I said I'll tell him when I'm ready not when you tell me to"

"Fine just don't leave it too long" Mike warned.

Mike and Lori's relationship had been a little rocky after that. Lori was sick of him trying to get her to do something she wasn't ready for but it wasn't long before she had forgotten why she had been mad at him in the first place and they soon returned to their former best friend relationship, which Mike had been grateful for, he hated fighting with her and the subject was forgotten.

Lori could never have imagined that HE would turn up at her house one evening when she was having Micky, Mike and Cait around to her pad to watch a movie.

Lori and Micky had been together six weeks and one evening they decided to have a quiet night at Lori's pad in front of the television because Lori's favourite movie `The Shop Around the Corner' was on, and at Micky's suggestion Lori had invited Mike and Cait to join them. She had invited Lana too but she already had plans with some friends from work. Micky and Lori had gone to the store to get snacks and when they came in the door they were both giggling at something.

"You're such a liar," Lori was saying between giggles. "He was not checking me out!"

"Oh he so was! His eyes popped out of his head and his tongue fell out of his mouth and hit the floor," Micky told her. Lori was giggling a little more.

"You're making that up!"

"I am not I swear I was about to go over and sock him in the mouth!"

"Aw my hero, let me reward you with a kiss" Lori said and turned around and kissed him and then they kissed passionately. Micky kicked the door closed.

"Er...guys?" Mike had heard them come in and went out to greet them. Micky and Lori stopped kissing and Lori turned around.

"Mike! How did you get in?" She asked.

"Lana let us in, Lori you've got a visitor" He told her.

A tall guy, about the same height as Micky, with blonde straight hair and blue eyes stepped out from behind Mike. Lori stared at him, unable to believe that he was standing in front of her.

"Hay there baby girl," The guy said.

"Ben!" Was all Lori could say before words failed her completely.

Chapter 14

Lori couldn't speak she just stood and stared at Ben opened mouthed. He was the last person she expected to see standing in her living room. Micky was looking very puzzled.

"Who is this guy?" He asked. Lori ignored him and went over to Ben.

"What are you doing here?" She asked him.

"I live here, I moved to America a few weeks ago but it took a long time to track you down because I didn't realize you were still using your married name." Ben told her.

"Her WHAT!" Micky shouted. Again Lori ignored him, she hadn't realized what Ben had said.

"You live here, why?" She asked Ben.

"I got a job here and I couldn't come and not look up the wife could I." He replied smiling a little. Those words cut through Micky like a knife his eyes widened with shock.

"You're married!" he shouted at Lori. Lori had frozen in her spot, that was not the way she had intended on Micky finding out.

"Maybe we should go" Cait said to Mike.

"Can you take Micky with you please?" Lori asked them.

"No way I'm staying right here," Micky said.

"Micky go home," Lori told him.

"Not on your life I am not going anywhere until someone explains what the hell is going on here" He shouted.

"I'm not going to explain anything to you until you calm down so just go!" Lori shouted back.

"Come on Mick Lori's right you need to calm down before you say somethin' you'll regret" Mike told him. Micky was about to protest again when Lori turned around to face him.

"Please Micky just go" She pleaded. Micky had never been so angry in his life. He just turned around and walked out slamming the door behind him. Lori wanted to burst into tears she couldn't believe this was happening now, she and Micky had been so happy.

"I'll call you tomorrow Lolo" Mike told her he gave her a hug "Everythin' will be fine I promise I love you" He said and he and Cait left. Lori turned back around and looked at Ben.

"Have I come at a bad time?" Ben asked. Lori sighed and rubbed her temples.

"It's not your fault I should've told him about you" She said.

"He's your boyfriend?" Ben asked and came over and took over rubbing her temples for her, and Lori nodded. "And he didn't know you were married?"

"No I hadn't found the right time to tell him yet," Lori told him.

"The guy in the hat knew who I was."

"Yeah I told Mike about you I told him about everything."

"Including Annie?"

"Yes including Annie, Mike is my best friend, apart from Lana, he got me to open up to him, he's very good at that. He's my best friend," she repeated.

"Why didn't you tell Er what's his name?"

"Micky, his name is Micky. Why I didn't tell him is a little complicated and a very long story."

"Do you see me going anywhere? You know you can talk to me about anything baby girl."

"Yeah I know why don't we sit down" Lori told him.

Micky didn't say a word for the journey home. He sat at the very back of the Monkeemobile staring at the road rushing past.

"Is he gonna be ok?" Cait asked Mike, peering over her shoulder at Micky.

"I'm not really sure babe, it's probably come as a bit of a shock for him" Mike told her.

"Lori told you about this Ben guy though didn't she? So why didn't she tell Micky?"

"What!" Came a shout from behind them, which made them both jump. "You knew Lori is married?" Micky shouted. Mike could see him through the rear view mirror and Micky was looking at him with a glare that could melt metal.

"Was, not is, she was married, not any more and yes I did know. Remember that night Lori and I went to dinner and I stayed over with her? That was when she told me," Mike explained.

"I can't believe you knew and didn't tell me! What sort of friend are you?" Micky shouted, he was so angry.

"A good friend who doesn't go back on his word, I promised Lori I wouldn't tell anyone. She wasn't ready for the whole of America to hear about her personal life and she needed someone to talk to and she confided in me," Mike said in almost in a shout, he was using all the energy he could find to stay calm. They reached the Monkees pad, Micky jumped out of the car and stomped inside slamming the door just as Mike was about to enter. Luckily he was able to stop in time so avoided getting his nose squashed. He opened the door and let Cait in first then followed her inside just in time to hear Micky slam his bedroom door.

"What on earth is going on?" Davy asked peering up from the sofa.

"Micky's not in a very good mood at the moment" Cait told him.

"I thought you guys were watching a movie at Lori's tonight?" Peter said from his spot on the bandstand.

"There's been a change of plan," Mike said.

"Is Micky ok?" Peter asked him.

"I don't think so he's not very happy with me or Lori at the moment." he turned to Cait "Wait here I'm gonna go try talk to him."

"You sure that's a good idea?" She asked.

"Well I have to try" Mike relied.

"Don't worry about Cait, Michael we'll look after her," Peter said. Cait joined Peter on the bandstand and Mike went upstairs. He knocked on the door.

"Shotgun, can I come in?"

"No!" came Micky's voice.

"Well tough it's my bedroom too and I'm comin' in" Mike said. He opened the door and came in the room. Micky had been lying on his bed and sat up when Mike came in, the drummer looked really angry and irritated.

"I really don't want to talk about it right now Mike ok" He said but Mike ignored him and sat on the edge of Micky's bed.

"Look Mick, so she was married what's the big deal she's not anymore she's with you now I don't get what the problem is."

"The problem is she didn't tell me, the two things thing I hate more than anything is dishonesty and secrets, you know that, I mean I understand why you didn't tell me and I'm sorry about the way I acted but I don't understand why she didn't tell me."

"She didn't tell you because she couldn't, there's more goin' on there then you know" Mike told him but Micky didn't reply to that so Mike continued "So what are you gonna do about it? Are you goin' to break up with her?"

"At the moment I have no idea" Micky said.

"Well at least give her the chance to explain a few things before you make a final decision, she deserves that much." Mike said and Micky huffed.

"Look Mike I know you're only trying to help but I just need to be alone right now please." Micky told him. Mike was worried for his friends, they hadn't been together very long and now it looked as though they were on the verge of splitting up and he wished there was something he could do to stop that from happening but in this case he was powerless. There was nothing more he could think of to say to Micky and it looked as though his words were falling on deaf ears anyway so he got up and left the drummer alone closing the door behind him.

Lori had explained her situation to Ben. How it had taken her so long to get together with Micky because she was scared of falling in love again. They were sitting on the sofa.

"It took me a long time to recover after losing Annie, as you know, and then you and I spilt up it hit me hard and I know it did you as well but I couldn't stay there anymore I just wanted to start fresh and get on with my life and move on, which is why I had to come back to America I couldn't stay in England anymore everything reminded me of Annie and you and it was slowing down my recovery, too many painful memories."

"Is that why you told your dad not to tell me where you were?"

"Yes, I know how stupid that was now I didn't want to hurt you and I didn't want you to feel like I never wanted to see you again because that wasn't the case I asked my dad not to tell anyone where I was because I needed time to settle down and as soon as I felt ready. I was gonna call you I swear, I was gonna do it soon I promise. It had taken a long time but I was finally moving on"

"Until I showed up and ruined everything" Ben told her feeling a little disappointed.

"No not at all don't ever think that. I'm glad you're here. I missed you so much"

"I missed you too, but for now you need to go and see Micky tell him what you just told me," Ben told her.

"I don't think I can, I haven't got the strength to fight with him"

"You have to face him sooner or later and if he feels ten per cent for you as what he says he does then he should at least give you chance to explain"

"I wish I had your confidence in that" Lori said quietly.

"Go and talk to him Lor you might be surprised," Ben told her. It took a bit more persuasion but finally Lori gave in and she left. She walked slowly to the Monkees pad trying out ways in her head to say sorry to Micky. She arrived at the pad and knocked on the door and was grateful to see Mike's smiling face when he opened it. They didn't say anything at first; Mike just hugged her and she closed her eyes, silently thankful to have such a great friend in Mike. She held him tight and finally spoke.

"Is he here?" She asked.

"Yeah he's up stairs but I must warn you, he's not in a very happy mood at the moment" Mike told her as they let go of each other.

"Well that doesn't matter he deserves to hear an explanation" Lori said. She came in and saw Peter, Davy and Cait watching her from the kitchen table.

"Hi Lori" Peter said

"Hi Pete, hi guys" She replied with a weak smile.

"Could you guys take Cait home I want to stay here in case Lori needs me," Mike asked Peter and Davy as Lori trooped slowly up the stairs.

"Yeah of course" Davy said.

"Call me tomorrow?" Cait said to Mike as she came over to him.

"Of course I will, you don't mind about this do you I mean I know we were supposed to be having a night in together and everythin'"

"Hay don't worry I completely understand but just be careful ok don't get involved unless you really have to." she told him. Mike kissed her and they hugged.

"I won't, I will make this up to you I promise." They kissed again then Mike turned his attention back to Peter and Davy. "Don't come back straight away guys ok this could take awhile." The Texan told his band mates.

"Ok Michael" Peter said. He and Davy were very confused as to what was going on, they knew Micky and Lori had had a pretty serious fight but they didn't know what about but they wanted them to make up as much as Mike did so they didn't argue.

Peter, Davy and Cait left and Mike looked up at the balcony and saw Lori take a few deep breaths and open the door. Micky was lying on his bed, the lights were off and the curtains were closed. He sat up when he heard the door open the lights from the living room illuminated his face and it was obvious he had been crying. Lori wanted to die. She hated to see him that way.

"Hi" she said as she walked in and closed the door.

Mike sat on the bench in front of the large bay window at the back of the Monkees pad. His sheet music lay discarded on the floor in front of him. He couldn't concentrate on lyrics right now nor could he concentrate on the words on the page of a magazine that lay open on his lap, he had been on the same page for the last fifteen minutes. He had much more important things on his mind at that particular moment, like what was going on behind the closed door of the upstairs bedroom. He was staring at the bedroom door and figured Micky and Lori must be sorting things out because it was quiet upstairs, but they soon started shouting and half an hour later Micky came storming down stairs closely followed by Lori.

"Please Mick just let me explain!" Lori pleaded.

"No I don't want to hear it just go home!" He shouted. Mike couldn't believe the way Micky was acting.

"Please Micky" Lori said.

"I'm not interested right now," Micky yelled.

"You have to let me explain" Lori told him. Finally it all got too much for her she broke down and collapsed to the floor, "Please," She said through her tears "Just let me explain please Micky, Just let me explain" She begged until the crying got too much and she couldn't speak. She could hardly breath now she was crying so much. Micky turned around and as soon as he saw her, the anger left his body. He loved her and he hated to see her in so much pain. He sat down beside her and wrapped his protective arms around her. Mike was watching them with sorrow etched in his features, he hated to see Lori like
that almost as much as Micky. Lori's hands gripped Micky's back and he was stroking her hair.

"It's ok, Shhh everything will be ok" Micky told her. She wasn't getting better she realized that now. She didn't have the strength to fight it anymore, months of hidden emotions were pouring out of her. Lori finally pulled away breathing unevenly as she tried to calm down, her eyes were red and swollen.

"I'm sorry Mick I'm so sorry" She said.

"Why didn't you tell me? That's all I want to know, why did you feel you couldn't tell me?" He asked smoothing the hair away from her face and looking deep into her eyes. She knew the time had come to tell him, she had to tell him everything. Mike was still watching them, the worry was clear on his face. Lori looked over to him and he knew
what she was about to do, he nodded and left quickly so they could be alone.

"Maybe we should sit down," Lori said to Micky. They sat on the sofa and Micky held her hand. Lori began to explain everything, giving more detail then she did with Mike because Micky deserved to hear the whole truth. Micky listened carefully taking in everything Lori was telling him. It shocked him when he found out about Annie, it shocked him even more when he found out what happened to her. Lori was crying
again now and she was finding it difficult to talk about.

"It's ok take your time" Micky told her bringing her hand to his mouth and gently kissing her palm. She explained how she needed to come back to America and how she was so grateful that her uncle found Lana just at the right time.

"I thought I was getting better I thought I was beginning to move on but then Ben showed up today and you got so angry with me I just wanted to die. I can't handle being shouted at not by you but I know I deserved it. I should've been straight with you from the beginning and I'm sorry I hope you can forgive me I couldn't bare it if I lost you as well" She told him, Micky had a few tears in his eyes but he was trying not to cry for Lori's sake <she doesn't need you to cry, she needs you to be strong> He told himself.

"Do you have a picture? Of Annie I mean" He asked, which surprised Lori a little.

"Yeah in my purse".

"Well can I see it, can I see her. I'd love to know what she looks like" He told her kissing her palm again.

"Yeah of course" She told him she stood up to go and went upstairs to get her bag that she had left in Micky's bedroom. She came back down fiddling in her bag searching for her purse, she found it and pulled out two pictures "This one is from her first birthday she had just blown out the candles on her cake and this one is from the park I'm pushing her in the swing, it was taken the day before she died" Lori explained and handed the photos to Micky and he stared at them for a while until finally he spoke.

"She's beautiful Lori. She's got her mommy's smile," He told her.

"She has hasn't she" Lori said with a weak smile. Micky stared at them for a while longer before finally handing them back to Lori and pulling her into a long embrace.

"You're so brave. I know it must have been very difficult for you to talk about especially with me and I'm sorry I shouted, you didn't deserve that but I wish you'd told me sooner I want to help you get better" He said and kissed the top of her head.

"Thank you" she said so quietly Micky almost didn't hear her.

"We're not all good here though this isn't a get out of jail free card we've still got some talking to do, you kept a huge secret from me and that's one thing people in relationships shouldn't do"

"I know I understand if you don't want to see me anymore," She said. Micky pulled her away and lifted her chin so she was looking at him in the eye, he had a deadly serious look on his face.

"I am not breaking up with you ok, I am still your boyfriend, if you still want me to be?" he added.

"Of course I do...I love you" she told him. Micky stared at her, that was the first time she'd ever said that to him.

"You do?" He asked and Lori nodded.

"Yes I do more then anything in this world," She said. A big grin covered Micky's face he leaned in and kissed her softly.

"I love you," He told her. Lori rested her head on his chest and Micky wrapped his arms around her again. They sat in silence for a few minutes until Lori spoke again.

"So where do we go from here?" She asked.

"I guess we take it one day at a time see how we go" he paused a little, wondering how to phrase his next question "Lor?" He asked cautiously.

"Hmm?" She replied. She felt so relaxed now resting on Micky listening to the drumming of his heart beat and watching his chest rise and fall with every breath he took, she was so relieved to finally have her secret out in the open.

"About Ben" Micky continued "If he's living here now then I guess you guys will be spending a lot of time together huh?" He said and Lori smiled.

"You don't have to worry about Ben Mick, he and I are friends now that's all. We've been through a lot together and we'll always have a special bond but I don't want to be with him, I'm not in love with him anymore and I'm sure he feels the same about me" she reassured him.

"Ok but I'm warning you now I'll probably get very jealous and protective over you" he confessed.

"Thanks for the warning" Lori said managing a small giggle.

"Are you going to be ok?"

"I think so it's hard and it still hurts a lot I miss Annie so much but I've got you and I know with your help I'll get better" She told him and Micky smiled.

Mike was wondering aimlessly around the streets of Malibu beach, not having any idea where to even start looking for Peter and Davy. It was times like this he wished he still had his motorcycle, he could do with a ride out to the countryside right about now. He was getting closer to Lana's pad, he had never started out with a destination in mind but some how he had ended up there, then he remembered Peter had a key to Lana's place so maybe he and Davy had gone there. He walked and knocked on the front door, he knew Lana wasn't in and Peter and Davy being there was a long shot so he was surprised when the door opened.

"Mike! Hi" It was Lana.

"What are you doin' here? I though you were out with some friends?" He asked a little puzzled. Lana suddenly looked very guilty.

"Oh yeah well...I...Er...it was canceled so I...I...I came home again" She replied smiling nervously.

"You're lyin' to me aren't you?" Mike questioned. Lana tried to look hurt.

"No I'm telling the truth," She said defensively.

"Lana you forget who you're talkin' to I can tell when you lie" Mike told her and Lana sighed.

"I hate that you know me so well" She said "Come on in," She told him and they went in and sat down on the sofa.

"So come on then spill it what's goin' on?" Mike asked.

"You were right I am lying, there was no meeting up with friends from work tonight I made it up so I wouldn't have to be at home"

"Why ever not?"

"Please Mike I don't want to do this now can we just forget it please" Lana asked.

"It's to do with Cait isn't it" He said "And tell me the truth because I just proved I can tell when you lie" He told her firmly.

"Ok fine the reason I didn't want to be here was because you were here with Cait it hurts to see you together I still love you so much and I want to be with you again, I know you've moved on and I'm sorry but I can't" She told him. Mike was staring at her, he had no idea she still felt so strongly for him "Maybe you should ---" Lana began to say but she couldn't finish. Mike held up his hand to stop her.

"Shhh don't say another word" He said gently and leaned over and kissed her softly on the lips.

"What about Cait?" Lana asked.

"I don't know, I just know that if I don't kiss you again in the next five seconds I'll explode" He said. He cupped her face in his hand and kissed her again, more passionately this time. Lana couldn't believe she was finally back in Mike's arms they were kissing more fiercely and Mikes hands had moved to her back and were gripping her tightly. Lana began to unbutton his shirt and was on the last button when they heard the front door unlock and open. They jumped apart at the sound of Peter's voice.

"Lana's out tonight but I'm sure she won't mind us hanging out here for a while" He was saying.

"Damn my brother!" She breathed. Mike began frantically doing his buttons back up and Lana straightened her ruffled shirt. The hallway door opened and Peter walked in closely followed by Davy.

"Lana! Michael! What are you guys doing here?" Peter asked, he stopped so suddenly that Davy crashed into him.

"Jeez Pete indicate when you're gonna stop will ya!" He said then noticed Lana and Mike "Ay what are you guys doing here?" He asked, repeating Peter's question.

"Oh...I...I came lookin' for you, I...I...I thought you might be here and when I got here Lana...was...was..."

"My night out got canceled so I came home early" Lana finished for him.

"Did you get Cait home ok?" Mike asked trying to act innocent.

"Yeah she's fine Joni was in when we got there so we had a drink and a chat and...Peter's got a crush on Joni" Davy added.

"No I haven't!" Peter said.

"Yes he has" Davy mouthed. Then Lana realized something.

"Hay where's Lori and Micky and why did you have to take Cait home?" She asked.

"Yeah that's what we'd like to know" Peter asked.

"Lori had a visitor she wanted us to leave so we did and now she's gone to talk to Micky" Mike told them.

"Who was the visitor? Micky seemed pretty upset when he got home" Davy said.

"I'm sorry I'm not gonna tell you. I'm sure Lori will tell you" Mike told them. Lana and Mike kept glancing at each other both of them wishing Peter and Davy would leave so they could pick up where they left off.

"What's up with you guys? You look like two kids who have been caught with their hands in the cookie jar," Peter said.

"Nothing's up with us jeez what's with the third degree!" Lana said sounding irritated.

"Ok sorry" Peter said glancing at his sister questionably she looked guilty about something but he chose to ignore it and changed the subject "So do you think it's safe to go home yet?" He asked.

"I dunno we could try, we've been gone a couple of hours it might be worth a try" Davy replied. They both looked at Mike who was looking at Lana.

"Michael, what d'you reckon?" Peter prompted.

"Yeah I would think so, you guys could go home" Mike replied.

"You have to come too, me and Pete are scared to go home in case they're shouting at each other" Davy said. Mike tried to argue but Peter and Davy wouldn't let him and Mike huffed.

"Ok fine come on let's go," he said rather sharply. He tried to apologize to Lana but Peter pushed him out the door. Lana slumped back against her chair. That was the second time she and Mike had been interpreted when they were on the verge of something but at
least she got to kiss him this time. She really wanted Mike but because they had been interrupted she knew he'd go back to Cait. She was so unhappy and began to cry.

Mike, Peter and Davy arrived home half an hour later and Davy pressed his ear against the front door.

"S'all quiet" he announced, "Maybe they killed each other," He added earning him a smack round the head from Mike.

"Davy!" He warned.

"Ow! Sorry!" Davy said rubbing the back of his head.

"Should we go in?" Peter asked.

"Well if it's quiet then I don't see why not" Mike said. So Davy opened the door quietly and peered in. He saw two pairs of feet hanging off the edge of the sofa and his ears were greeted by the sound of light snores coming from Micky.

"They're asleep," Davy whispered to his band mates. The crept in and over to the sofa and saw Micky and Lori wrapped in each other's arms sleeping soundly. Mike grinned.

"They're gonna be fine" He announced. Peter put a blanket over them then the three of them went to bed.

Mike couldn't sleep, he laid awake thinking about Lana, they had come so close to making love and he felt so guilty for not feeling guilty about it, he had wanted it so badly and he felt he should be guilty because he was with Cait. but he didn't. He thought he was over Lana or at least he had convinced himself he was. He had been so sure he loved Cait but now he wasn't so confident. He was so certain he had made the right decision six weeks ago he had really wanted to be with Cait then, but now...he didn't even know what he wanted anymore. He got back up and got dressed. Went downstairs and quietly sneaked past Micky and Lori who were still sleeping soundly on the sofa. He slipped out the back door and went for a walk along the beach. He sat on the sand and watched the ocean as he tried to clear the confusion from his mind. He woke up the next morning still on the beach. At first he wondered how he had gotten there but then he remembered. He
sighed and stood up and went home. Peter was already up when Mike came in. He was standing in the kitchen pouring Mr. Schneider some coffee.

"Morning Michael you're up early" He said.

"Couldn't sleep, where's Micky and Lori?"

"I dunno they were gone when I got up"

"Oh" He said and he climbed the spiral staircase to put some clean clothes on. He walked in the bedroom got changed and was fiddling with his pinkie ring when it slipped off his finger and rolled under his bed. He huffed and lay down on his belly and reached under and pulled out a teddy, it was a bear Lana had brought him, he remembered back to the day she had given it to him it was the same day he had fallen in love with her and then he began to think about her and how much he missed her sometimes, he needed to talk to someone about this it was causing him so much confusion he needed to hear another
opinion. He went down stairs and Peter and Davy were sitting at the kitchen table.

"Morning Mike" Davy said.

"Mornin' Davy, listen do you mind if I have a few minutes with Peter there's somethin' I wanna talk to him about" Mike asked.

"Oh ok sure, I'll be on the beach if any one wants me" He said and finished his last spoonful of cereal and left through the back door.

"What's up Michael?" Peter asked as Mike sat down opposite Peter at the kitchen table.

"Somethin' happened last night while I was at Lana's, she told me she's still in love with me and we, well I...I kissed her I think if you and Davy hadn't of walked in when you did we would've slept together" Mike confessed.

"So that's why you guys were looking so guilty," Peter said realization flooding his features.

"Pete could I get a little advice here please?" Mike asked, a little irritated.

"Sorry, I don't really know what to tell you, there is a conflict of interest here Lana is my sister"

"I know but I really need your advice, you're the only person I trust enough to help me with this one"

"Oh thank you Michael that means a lot," Peter said.

"So what should I do?" Mike asked.

"Honestly?" Peter asked and Mike nodded "I have no idea. It's a decision you have to make by yourself but I will tell you this, make sure the decision you do make is what you want because you could end up losing both of them" Peter told him.

"I know but it's so hard I've loved bein' with Lana these past six weeks"

"Cait" Peter corrected.

"What?" Mike asked.

"You said you've loved being with Lana, I think you meant Cait"

"I said Cait"

"No you didn't"

"Yes, I did" Mike argued.

"No Michael you didn't" Peter countered. Mike thought about it for a moment the said.

"You're right I didn't, I said Lana didn't I"

"I think you've just made your decision" Peter said Mike sighed.

"I can't do this Pete I don't want to hurt anyone Cait's an amazing woman and I can't hurt her, no more then I can hurt Lana"

"Whatever happens you're gonna end up hurting someone, that's life I'm afraid but you have to follow you're heart I mean I like Cait I really do but it seems to me you're heart wants you to be with Lana" Peter told him. Mike hated to admit that Peter was right, someone was going to get hurt sooner or later and he realized he wasn't in love with Cait, he wanted to be with Lana and it wasn't fair on Cait to keep pretending. He sighed again and looked across at his blonde friend.

"Thanks Pete I guess I better go see Cait," He said. He went outside and jumped in the Monkeemobile and headed for Caitlyn's. He knew this was going to be really hard but he had to do it. He got to her house and knocked on the door and was glad Cait opened it and not Joni. A smile covered her face.

"Hi this is a nice surprise" She said and kissed him, but he didn't kiss her back "Is everything ok?" She asked she could feel the fear rising in her body.

"No not really can we go somewhere and talk?" He asked and Cait nodded. <Uh-oh, I don't like the sound of this already> She thought to herself. They drove somewhere quiet and Mike shut off the engine. They sat in silence until Cait turned to Mike.

"So...what's up?" She asked although she had a feeling she knew what was coming and was dreading her suspicions being confirmed.

"Somethin' happened last night, after you went home. Micky and Lori needed to be alone so I left and went to look for Peter and Davy, I thought they might be at Lana's so I went to look for them there, they weren't there. but Lana was" He told her. Cait's eyes were
filling with tears now.

"Go on" She told him.

"We talked, one thing led to another and then we kissed," He told her.  Cait began to cry and so did Mike "I'm so sorry Caty I didn't plan on it, it just happened"

"You're breaking up with me aren't you" She said, not daring to look at him.

"I don't want to hurt you Caty, you're such an amazing woman and I'm honoured that you would want to be with me but, yes I'm sorry I am" Mike told her. Cait's sobbing became a little worse but she still refused to look at him.

"Can you take me home now please" She said barely able to talk through crying.

"Can't we talk about this please?" Mike asked.

"No just take me home" She replied. Mike didn't want to argue with her so he did as she asked. They drove back to Cait's pad in silence the only sound was Cait's soft sobbing. Mike shut off the engine.

"Are you gonna be ok?" He asked. Cait was feeling a little braver now and she finally lifted her head and faced him eye to eye.

"You know I knew this would happen I knew you would leave me for her and I hate myself for not listening, so many people warned me but I didn't listen because I was stupid enough to think you cared about me. You've broken my heart and I hope you lose my number because I am sure as hell gonna lose yours I never ever want to see you again" She said angrily Mike was a little stunned.

"Caty wait please" He said he grabbed her arm but she wrenched it away.

"Don't you dare touch me, you want it to be over well you've got you're wish, goodbye Michael" She said and got out of the car and ran into her pad slamming the door behind her. Mike hadn't wanted to hurt her so much, he had no idea she loved him. He couldn't move for a moment he stared at her front door completely shocked.

 

Chapter 16

Lana had gotten up to find Lori's room empty, she figured Lori must've stayed with Micky and hoped they had sorted out whatever it was that had made Micky so angry. She poured herself a coffee and stared at the sofa, thinking about the night before, she hated
herself for giving Peter a key, because if he and Davy hadn't walked in that night she could've been waking up this morning wrapped in the arms of the man she loved rather then alone with not even Lori there to offer her comfort. She sat on the armchair completely forgetting about her coffee. She had no idea how long she had sat there when
someone knocked on the front door. She realized she had been crying and wiped her tear stained face and walked over to the door and opened it expecting to see Peter or Lori but instead saw Mike.

"Hi" He said.

"Hi" She replied not knowing what else to say. They stood on the doorstep for a moment looking at each other.

"Can I come in?" Mike asked finally.

"Oh yeah I'm sorry please come in" Lana told him and stepped aside so he could. They went in and sat down, Lana on the sofa and Mike on the armchair.

"You've been cryin'," He told her noticing the tear stains and puffy eyes.

"You too" She said, and indeed he had. His eyes were red and puffy as well.

"That's because Caitlyn and I broke up this mornin' she said some pretty hurtful things, includin' she never wants to see me again" He said. Lana gawked at him.

"You broke up! Why?" She asked trying to hide her delight.

"Because I had a chat with a rather wise bassist and he made me realize I didn't love her. I can't love two people at the same time and I am already in love with some one" Mike told her he came over to her and held her hand "I love you Lana Tork I've been stupid to not realize it and I want you back I want us to be together again" Lana didn't even bother to try and hide the stunned expression on her face, she was not expecting that at all, she had been so sure Mike would go back to Cait.

"I want that too Mike but what about all those things you told me when came back from your trip with Cait, you told me you'd moved on, you said you were over me".

"I know I did I was wrong, I convinced myself I wanted Cait because I was scared of hurting you again. I managed to persuaded myself I was over you because I didn't want you to go through anymore pain, but then when you told you still loved my last night and then we kissed I began to realize I had made the wrong choice".

"I don't know what to say" Lana told him she was beginning to cry again now, tears of joy this time.

"Just tell me we can be together, please I need you Lana I love you".

"I love you too and I would love for us to get back together," She told him. Mike's face broke out into a huge grin.

"Really?"

"But only if you are absolutely sure you've made the right decision I don't want you to realize you were wrong about us in six weeks time".

"I won't I know I've made the right decision this time I'm not gonna let you go ever again" Mike told her. He kissed her and they kissed passionately then Lana realized something.

"You do realize Micky is really gonna go mad when he hears about this" She said smiling Mike laughed and they kissed again then hugged. Mike couldn't believe how lucky he was, he almost lost the love of his life and was so happy to have her back. He felt bad about Cait she was such a wonderful woman and he didn't mean to hurt her but he couldn't go on pretending forever. He was in love with Lana, madly and passionately and he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her.

When Peter, Davy and Lana were told about Lori's past they were very supportive. Lana was secretly upset that Lori hadn't trusted her enough to tell her but she didn't say anything because she knew how difficult it must have been for Lori to keep it a secret and all bottled up. To Lori's surprise Micky and Ben got on really well they had very different personalities but some how they didn't clash. Micky really liked Ben and vice versa. Ben was grateful Lori had found someone who loved her as deeply as he once had and he knew she was in good hands and would be well looked after. Ben had only visited the Monkees pad a few times and he always had a good time when he did. The Monkees were crazy people but he liked them a lot and enjoyed their company and also enjoyed their music and often accompanied Lori and Lana to their gigs. Mike and Lana's relationship was better then ever, they were taking things slowly at first just to get used to each other again but Lana couldn't remember the last time she had been so happy, she loved Mike and was so glad to be back with him. Micky had indeed gone mad when Mike and Lana announced they were back together but no one was as excited as Peter, he actually cried! Lori was so happy to finally get the chance to see Mike and Lana together but was also upset for Cait, She and Cait had become really good fiends over the six weeks Cait and Mike had been together and Lori found herself really missing her, she had visited Cait's apartment and the two woman had had a really long talk, Cait told
Lori she would love to still be friends, as long as she never had to see Mike and Lana again. So Lori never told them she still spent time with Cait. Micky knew, as did Peter and Davy and the five of them often got together and hung out. Cait had taken the break up very badly. She had fallen in love with Mike and she couldn't believe he had hurt her so badly but she knew she would be better off with out him.

Micky and Lori's relationship had slowed down considerably since that day Ben had shown up at Lori's pad which Lori had been secretly pleased about because she had felt they were moving to fast anyway. They were no longer joined at the hip and sometimes enjoyed spending time apart because seeing each other after being apart for a few days
was always something special. Micky was helping Lori move on and for the first time in a long time she no longer felt alone she had Micky and she was grateful for that. He was her sanity, her relief when things got to tough for her, actually he was more then that, he was her soul mate and she thanked God for every single day Micky had been in her life. Micky had never been in love before Lori had entered his life so it was a new experience for him and it was the most incredible feeling to know she loved him too but he doubted she loved him as much as he loved her. He couldn't bear going a single day with out seeing her smile or hearing her laugh. His band mates teased him constantly about it but it was true Micky Dolenz was head over heels in love with that woman and he knew he would spend the rest of his life with Loretta Marie Tyler.

One day, about two months after Lori had told Micky about Annie, she called round the Monkees pad after work to see Micky. She no longer had to knock but had been told by all four Monkees that whenever she came round to just let herself in. Davy and Peter were seated at the kitchen table going through a list of set lists Mike had asked them to look over, which is where Micky had been until Lori came in. Mike was sitting on the edge of the bandstand with Lana she had his old six-string because Mike was teaching her how to play. A task that was proving very easy because she obviously carried the musical gene Peter had and was a fast learner.

"I'm gonna have to be careful of you Lan, you'll be after my spot in the band next" he told her.

"So when do I get a turn on your 12 string then?" Lana asked with a grin because she already knew the answer.

"Let me see...Er...the day after never!" He told her with a smile and kissed her. Mike never let any one touch he beloved 12 string because it was way to precious to him.

Micky had been so grateful to see Lori that he greeted her with the longest kiss. They hadn't seen each other for seven days, the longest they had been apart since they got together, because Lori had been busy preparing for an exam.

"I've missed you so much" he told her and behind Lori, Davy was pretending to throw up "I can see you Jones" Micky said. Lori turned around and Davy put on his most innocent smile.

"Are you pulling faces at us David Thomas Jones?" Lori asked.

"Me? No of course I'm not!" Davy replied smiling again.

"Why don't I believe you? I guess you're only jealous because you're relationships never last longer then a few days" Lori told him.

"Oooh that hurt!" Davy said grabbing his chest "You got me right in the kidneys...Oh Mike she hurt me".

"Sorry shotgun you deserved it" Mike said. Davy stuck out his tongue at Lori and she giggled Lori turned her attention back to Micky.

"I've got you a present," she said.

"You have? What's the occasion?" He asked.

"You are" Lori told him "I'm a little nervous about it actually so if you don't like it then just lie" she told him.

"Of course I'm gonna like it I'll love anything that came from you" Micky said. Lori pulled out a package from her bag and handed it to him. He playfully ran his fingers over is to see if he could tell what it was then he held it up to his ear and shook it a couple of
times.

"Will you just open the thing Dolenz before my nerves get the better of me!" Lori told him. Micky grinned mischievously.

"Sorry" He said he ripped off the paper and produced two drumsticks and inscribed at the top of each stick in gold were Micky's initials GMD. His full name was George Michael Dolenz but he had always been known as Micky ever since he was a kid.

"I hope you like them, I mean I'm not very good with instrument equipment and I know they're only drumsticks but the guy at the music shop said they were good ones and you should of seen the woman face's in the jewelers when I told her I wanted them inscribed she thought I was some kind of a nut" Lori told him and laughed nervously.

"They're perfect thank you so much" Micky said.

"I know it's a pretty lame gift but I wanted to get you something to say thank you and I didn't know what".

"They're not lame at all it's very thoughtful of you thank you, I love them" he kissed her "What are you saying thank you for anyway?"

"For being you, you made my life worth living again and I will always be grateful that you entered my life just when I needed you. I love you with all my heart and soul" Lori told him.

"I love you, I've never met any one like you, you make me so happy I can't imagine how I lived my life before I met you" Micky told her

Lori smiled and pulled him closer to her and they melted into a passionate kiss. Peter, Davy and Lana sighed happily in unison. Mike had a big grin on his face.

"They're gonna be just fine" He said.
 
                   The End..........for now