Everyone ready to head west? :)

Micky: I'm ready!

Lauren: Me, too! I can't wait! :)

Mike: Yeah. Aunt Kate's been after me to visit again. ;)

Emma: It'll be nice to see her. She's a great lady. ;)

Peter: It'll be fun, as long as we aren't attacked by bandits! :p

Davy: Can't wait to ride a 'orse again, mate. :)

Lauren: Mick, you aren't gonna ride barefoot again, are you? ;)

Micky: *grins* Won't promise anything. ;)

(We open with the shot of Kate's little green house...which now has a fresh coat of green paint and several obviously new buildings surrounding it. Lucy, wearing chaps and a fringed jacket, rides a horse over to the house as two trucks pull up alongside a large garage. Mike climbs out of one of the trucks, joined by an older man in his 30s who looks a bit like Mike with darker hair and sharper features. The others pile out of the trucks, both the cabs and the back.)

Mike: Thanks for the lift from the airport, Jake.

Jake: Yeah, but next time warn me, ok? Your groupies almost wrecked the new paint job on my babies! :p

Micky: Sorry about that, man. ;)

Davy: 'Ey, Mick, you recoverin' well from the plane ride?

Jake: Yeah, you did look a little green when we picked you up.

Micky: Well, I was out for most of it. Unfortunately, I woke up as we were coming in for the landing. Otherwise, I woulda been more than just a little green. :P ;)

Jake: You don't handle flyin' well, huh?

Micky: Not really, no. :P

Jake: Flyin's all right, but I'm more at home on a horse or steer myself. Still do rodeo on occasion, but I haven't been in the ring as often since I married Carrie and moved to the west side of the valley.

Mike: How's the horse-raisin' business comin' anyway, Jake?

Jake: (Frowns) I ain't gonna lie, Mike, we're damn worried right now. There's been a rash of horse-thefts in the valley. Our big show is comin' up next week, and we're gonna need all the horses we can get.

Peter: (Gulps as he helps Valerie down, and then takes Jordan out of the cab of the truck) I hope it isn't bandits again! :o

Jake: Probably not of the black-clad variety, no. Cartwheel and his boys are serving their twenty-year-jail sentance at the moment, and anyway, they only targeted Mama.

Mike: I know they wouldn't come here. The only horses Aunt Kate has is the family's personal stock, and they're not for shows or rodeos.

Valerie: Mike, you haven't properly introduced this man.

Mike: Oh, yeah. (Nods at Jake) This is my cousin Jake Nesmith. Jake, this is Val and Peter, (nods at Micky and Lauren), Micky and Lauren and their twins, (nods at Davy, who helps a faintly dazed Daphne down from the truck) and Davy Jones and his fiancee Daphne Morgani.

Jake: Nice to meet all of 'ya. (Leans over the twins) What your names, little pardners? ;)

Mick: I'm Micky! :D

Shelly: *smiles* My name is Shelly. :)

Jake: You're nice-lookin' kids. Almost makes me wish my kids were still this little. My youngest is six.

(Lucy dismounts and joins the group.)

Lucy: Hey, folks, nice to see 'ya again. :)

(Davy stares, but Daphne nudges him and glares. :p )

Mike: Hi, Luce. Where's Aunt Kate?

Lucy: Mama went down the road to talk to Andrew Marshall about comin' to the Rodeo next week. (Looks at Mike) We'd be honored if you guys would play for it.

Mike: (Looks at the others with one of his crooked smiles) The "Rodeo" is the Big Valley Rodeo, and it's a huge thing. There's an all-day fair and rodeo and huge horse show. Everyone for miles comes. For the folks who live really far in the mountains, this is kinda the only time they really get out. There's prize jams and jellies and midway rides and all kinds of food and games.

Micky: *grins* Groovy! :D

Lauren: That sounds like a lot of fun!

Mike: Hey, Luce, is Aunt Kate submittin' her blackberry jam again? ;)

Lucy: She and Clara spent all morning working on it. ;)

Mike: (Makes a face) Clara's here, too?

Lucy: Only for the weekend. She teaches second grade in the elementary school in town on the weekdays.

Jake: (Snickers) You're only scared of her 'cause she used to beat you up. ;)

(Emma snickers. ;) )

Mike: (Mutters) That string bean is tougher than she looks. :p

Lucy: Why don't we bring your things around back to the guest cabins, then get you settled in and show you around?

Mike: Yeah. I wanna talk to Aunt Kate when she gets back.

Katie: (Runs to Lucy the moment she gets out of the truck) Lucy! Lucy! :D

Lucy: (Sweeps Katie into her arms) Hi there, kiddo. How are you doin'? Bein' good for your folks? ;)

Katie: Me good!

Mike: (Rolls his eyes) Lucy kept spoilin' Katie the last time we brought her. :p

Lucy: Of course, I did. I'm her cousin. That's what I'm supposed to do.

Micky: *grins* She's got a point, Mike. ;)

Lucy: Nice to meet all the rugrats, too. You kids ever been on horses?

Katie: Horsie! :D

Mike: Not yet.

Lauren: *smiles at the twins* Soon, though, I bet. ;)

Lucy: Maybe someone could take you kiddies down to the Circle L after we're settled in and find you some nice little ponies to ride. They'll find you the gentlest there. :)

Katie: Me ride! :D

Mike: Not yet, cowgirl. You ain't quite up to the horsies. ;)

Katie: Awww! :p

Micky: The twins would be game for that, though. ;)

Lucy: (Ruffles Micky's head) Come on. We'll take you around back to get you settled into your cabins, then go horseback ridin'.

Peter: (Cuddles Jordan) I wish Jordan was big enough to ride. Few more years. :)

Valerie: I might join the kids, though. I love horseback riding, and I haven't done it in ages. :)

Peter: Me, either.

Davy: I'll definately be join' the kiddies. Might even be able to give them a few pointahs. ;)

Lucy: I hope you ride better forwards than you do backwards. ;)

Davy: (As Daphne raises her eyebrows) I was in a 'urry! :p

*Micky snickers.* ;)

Lauren: Mick, I wouldn't laugh. You rode barefoot before. :P ;)

Lucy: That ain't good for your feet. :p

Mike: Don't worry, Lucy, he knows that. ;)

Micky: *shrugs* I still did it.

Lauren: Just keep your shoes ON this time, okay, Mick? ;)

(Everyone gathers their suitcases and bags and heads around back, following a stone path. Three small cabins, looking like log cabins with plumbing, sit on their own paths just off the main one.)

Lucy: Mike, Em, and Katie are gonna stay in the main house. The rest of you will be here. This is where we put guests and my brothers and their families when they visit. Each cabin has a bathroom, TV, and hot and cold running water.

Mike: Aunt Katie finally put in that plumbin' she's been meanin' to add for thirty years? ;)

Lucy: We ain't had the money for thirty years. :p

Peter: We'll take the first one, with the yellow checked curtains. It looks very homey. :)

Lucy: Thank you. Clara and me n' Ma and a couple of my brothers' wives made those curtains. ;)

Mike: Nice to see you found a hobby. ;)

(Lucy swats at her snickering cousin. :p)

Davy: Daph n' I will take the second one.

Daphne: Right. It's under that nice shade tree, and it's the farthest away.

Davy: More "us" time. ;)

Micky: And we'll crash in the last one. ;)

Mike: Literally, I'm sure. ;)

Lauren: Mick will. ;)

Mike: We'll help the gang get settled in, then join you guys.

Lucy: Sure. Meet us in front of the main houses in about (looks at her watch) an hour. And be dressed for horse-back riding! ;)

Mike: Meain' wear shoes, Mick. ;)

Micky: Yeah, yeah. :P ;)

Katie: (Gives Lucy a kiss on her cheek) Bye-bye, Lucy! :)

Lucy: (Smiles) Aw, you must get that from your mama. Your papa still blushes when he kisses Mom, much less a younger woman! ;)

Mike: LUCY! :p

(Emma just laughs. :)) )

Lucy: (Hands Katie over to Emma) She's a cutie, guys. (Grins at the twins) And so are they. ;)

Lauren: Thank you. ;)

Lucy: See you later. (She heads off to the main house)

Mike: Sometimes I wish I was raised by wolves. :p

Davy: You mean you weren't? ;)

(Mike swats at Davy, who chuckles. ;) :p)

Micky: *shakes his head* I could've sworn you were, Mike. ;)

Mike: I turn INTO one. That's just me.

Emma: (Mutters) Not quite. :p

Peter: Why don't we settle in the cabins? I'm sure the twins want to ride horses! :)

Mike: I wanna find out more about this horse-theft deal. I wanna know if anythin' dangerous is goin' on. The last time we were here, we almost lost Pete n' Micky. :p

Micky: I'd prefer to just kick back, play music, and ride horses this time. :P

Mike: Yeah, well, if there's anythin' nasty goin' on, we ain't stickin' around. Especially not with the kiddies here.

Emma: (Sighs) You guys have really looked forward to this vacation, though.

Davy: Yeah, Mike. Some of us want to spend time with our loved ones while we can.

Mike: We'll see what happens. (Nods at the cabin) Let's go.

(The camera follows Mike, Emma, and Katie as they join Micky, Lauren, and the twins in the last cabin. The others go to their cabins. The cabin is a large room. A small living room area with chairs, a table, and the TV is on one side; the beds are on the other. The bedspreads and and curtains are matching purple and blue calico.)

Mike: (Drops the luggage he carries) Here you go. You'll like this place. This is where we stayed the last time we were here.

Lauren: The cabin looks great!

Micky: *nods* Very nice.

Emma: (Sets Katie on the floor) The beds are really soft, and the chairs are great! They're so soft, you could sleep in them. :)

*The twins climb into the chairs.* :D

(Katie joins Shelly, since the chair is big enough for both of them.)

Katie: Ahhh. :)

Shelly: Very comfy! :D

Mike: Don't get too settled in, cowgirl. We're stayin' in the main house.

Katie: Aww! Wanna stay here! :p

Mike: Don't worry, the twins will come up to the main house to see us, and my cousins will be bringin' their kids around, too.

Emma: If you guys need anything (indicates a phone in a corner) just call the main house. Someone will bring it out. :)

Lauren: Okay. Great! :)

Mike: Right. (Nods at the twins) You guys be good, now. Don't be tearin' the place apart. (Looks at Micky) And don't you be blowin' it up, either. :p

Micky: *holds a hand up* I promise I won't blow up nothin'. ;)

*The twins copy Micky, but they're laughing.* ;)

Mike: Hey, kids, check Mick to see if he's crossin' his fingers with his other hand. ;)

*The twins scramble off their chairs and run around Micky. Micky laughs and scoops them up, one in each arm.* ;) :D

Emma: Honey, leave him alone. We're on vacation. No killing each other. ;)

Mike: We've done enough of that to last many lifetimes...this one and our last one. ;) :p

Mike: See you later, guys. We're gonna go help the others settle in.

(They head out.)

Micky: So, what do you guys say we unpack, see what's here, and join the rest of the crew for some fun with horses? ;)

Lauren: Sounds like a plan to me. ;)

*The twins jump on the bed.* ;)

Micky: Hey, wait up! (He makes a running leap and lands solidly in the middle of the bed) ;) :D

Lauren: *sighs* Oh, what the heck. Incoming! *runs to the bed; Micky rolls off and laughs as Lauren jumps and lands in the middle of the bed, laughing* :D ;)

(Cut from the four laughing in the middle of the bed to the group in front of the house. Lauren, Micky, and the twins, now wearing long sleeves and long pants, join the others, Jake, Lucy, and another woman in her 30s.)

Mike: Where ya guys been?

Jake: That hour is long past. :p

Micky: We were making ourselves at home. ;)

Jake: (Puts his arm around the woman) Oh, and this is my wife, Karen. Our kids are at home, bein' looked after by the eldest, but you'll be meetin' them later this week.

Karen: Nice to meet all of ya. I've heard so many stories 'bout how you helped save Mama's ranch. :)

Mike: Nice to see you again too, Karen.

Jake: Why don't we get along, before it's too dark to ride? (Takes Mike's arm) Mike, I gotta talk to you in the truck. (They climb in the first one. Micky loads Lauren, Katie, and the twins behind them. Emma starts to get in next to them, but Jake shakes his head) I gotta talk to him alone, Em.

Emma: (Frowns) Well, ok. (She goes to Valerie, who has Jordan in a baby carrier, and helps them into the next truck)

Katie: (Points in the truck's cab as it starts up) Papa? :-/

Micky: Wonder what all the secrecy's about.

Lauren: I don't know.

Katie: (Points in the truck) Papa n' Jake?

Micky: You know, it occurs to me that we really don't know that much about Mike. Yeah, I know, I lived with him for years, but he doesn't talk much about himself.

Lauren: Hmm. Maybe it's just about family.

Micky: (Gently taps on the windows between the cab and the back) Ok, who's up for a bit of spying? ;)

Lauren: I don't know, Mick... ;)

Katie: Can we? :D

Micky: Lauren, Lauren, Lauren, how are we ever going to help Mike with his problems if we don't know what they are? ;)

Lauren: I guess there's really no other way. We know he won't tell us. ;)

Micky: Should we use the stephascopes or just press our ears and hope they aren't looking back here? ;)

Lauren: Let’s just hope we don't get spotted. ;)

(The entire group - including Katie, though she doesn't really understand what's going on other than it involves her father - press their ears to the window. We follow the camera to inside the truck.)

Mike: ....she left town?

Jake: Yeah, she did, but it didn't work out.

Mike: And she seemed so happy with Chet Wilkins. Last time I talked to her, he was the only thing on her mind.

Jake: Dropped her like a load of horse maneure after they moved to Houston. Found greener pastures, if you know what I mean. :p

Mike: Yeah.

Jake: Thought you'd like to know. After all, you had that thing for her from the time you lived here with us until you went into the Air Force.

Mike: Yeah, but I'm married now. 'Sides, I'll bet she don't look like she used to.

Jake: Mike, she looks BETTER than she used to. Used to be a real soft filly, but I guess city life sorta hardened her.

Mike: Jake, I don't like this. I don't mind visitin' Aunt Kate, but this is too close to home. I promised I'd never go back there, and Mom wouldn't either. (Pause) They ain't comin', are they?

Jake: No. Aunt Bette called Ma and said sorry, but we're too busy with the business to come and see you. Maybe in the next decade. :p

Mike: Bet it was my stepfather's idea.

Jake: Mike, lay offa him, ok?

Mike: I don't like him, and he sure as hell don't like me.

Jake: Robert, knock it off. You're not some kid anymore. You're a grown man with a kid of your own. One of these days, you're gonna have to let some stuff go...and she's one of them.

Mike: (Low growl) Don't call me that, Jakob. You know I hate that name. :p

Jake: Act like a man, instead of a four-year-old whinin' 'cause his auntie ain't givin' him treats, and I'll think about it.

(Mike huffs and says nothing. The camera moves back to the others listening in.)

Micky: (Looks at Lauren) What do you make of that?

Lauren: Well, I'm glad Mike responded the way he did, though Jake had a few points, too. I'm not sure what to think. :-/

Micky: He's right about Mike. He DOES get uptight about his past. (Looks at Lauren) Who do you think this girl is? She must have really meant something to Mike at one time. No wonder he didn't want to talk about it around us...especially Em.

Lauren: Not sure about the girl except what we just heard. *looks at Micky* I just hope Em never hears even what we just heard. :P

Micky: Yeah, or "sparks will fly" will be a MAJOR understatement. :p

Lauren: Yeah. :P

(The trucks finally arrive at a large ranch complex. Horses of all ages and sizes trot around. A young woman in chaps and a plaid flannel shirt brings up two small ponies. One pony is black and white; the other is brown with a black patch on it's nose. Mike holds the woman's eyes for a moment, then looks away.)

Woman: Hi! Welcome to the Circle L Ranch! I'm Joanne Marshall, second-in-command of Circle L. My dad's talkin' to Mrs. Nesmith, so he told me to meet you. Lucy called ahead and said we have two young first-time riders here! :)

Mike: Uh, yeah. (Puts his hands on the twins' heads) Here they are.

(Emma frowns, watching as Mike and the woman exchange glances again. Katie stays next to her father, knowing something weird is going on but not understanding what.)

Joanne: (Smiles at the twins) Hi, kids! Aren't you darling? Where's your parents? :)

*The twins both point at Micky and Lauren.* :D

Joanne: (Nods) Nice to meet you. We'll get the kids all fitted out with the appropriate equipment, then let them on their first ride. (Grins) Would anyone like to join them? I know I'm going to. :D

Mike: I'll just watch.

Emma: Me too. Horses still make me nervous. :p

Daphne: Um, I'd love to ride, but I don't think it's a good idea right now. :p

Davy: I'm ridin', no question. ;)

Micky: I'll go, too. ;)

Peter: And me.

Valerie: Me too. Emma, would you watch Jordan? :)

Emma: (Takes the baby boy in her arms) Of course. He's such a dear little boy, nice and quiet like his father. :)

(Peter blushes. :">)

Lauren: Think I'll just watch. :)

(Cut to a little later. The twins are fitted out with the appropriate headgear and protective equipment as "All the King's Horses" begins. Everyone else goes to choose their horse.)

(Valerie comes out first, in a magnificent red roan. Peter follows her on a pretty golden mare with white forelegs. They trot together, enjoying the southwestern scenery. :) )

*Micky comes out on a black stallion. He IS wearing his shoes.* ;)

(Joanne follows him, and she's followed by the twins. Two hired hands lead their ponies. :) )

(Davy brings up the rear on a large brown stallion with a single white star on his forehead. He trots over to Micky...and passes him. ;) :p)

*Micky makes a face, then makes his stallion trot a little faster. He sticks his tongue out as he passes Davy.* :P ;)

(Davy passes him...and jumps a rock, smirking. ;) )

(Valerie and Peter stop their horses, shaking their head. Peter pats his horse and makes the "my goodness, your hair is longer than mine" comment heard in "Monkees on Tour," which makes Valerie laugh. ;) :)) )

*Micky passes Davy, then jumps to rocks simultaneously.* ;)

(Valerie and Peter exchange looks and sigh...and even their horses seem to. :p)

(Davy makes his horse go faster than Micky. He jumps a low wall. :p ;) )

(Davy sticks his tongue out at Micky...and so does his horse. ;) )

(Peter and Valerie trot together, getting a slow-motion sequence that ends with them bonking heads and their horses just avoiding it. :p ;) )

*Micky jumps a slightly higher rail than Davy did.* :P ;)

(The twins are having a grand time, riding horses, playing "Lone Ranger and Tonto," and watching their father and his best friend show off. ;) :D)

(The others lean against the rail and watch the riders, laughing, cheering, and groaning. Mike's eyes flick to Joanne from time to time.)

(Davy takes his horse, backs him up, and takes a flying leap over a huge fence, ducking around a surprised Peter and a not-amused Valerie. ;) :p)

*Micky stops his stallion in front of the same fence Davy jumped. He pulls a bandana out and ties it over his eyes. The horse starts running again and jumps the fence.* ;)

(When the horse returns to the ranch, it's minus Micky. Davy grins and rides back to the fence as the others join him, including the twins. Micky sits on the ground behind the fence, rubbing his rear. The horse made it over, but he didn't. ;) :P)

(They all return to the ranch, the twins once again following Joanne, as the song ends.)