As Cory continues his trip with the surprise for Tara still bouncing around in his mind, things back in RiverCreek begin to heat up as the special election results begin to take shape, and Lloyd starts preparations for everything in his plan. One evening he invites Tara and Rick over for dinner to welcome Simon home from getting arrangements ready in Canada.

When Tara pulls up, Simon notices that Cory isn't with them, "Lover, I only see two guests for dinner. Where is Cory?"

"I meant to tell you. Cory took off at Tara's request to get a trip to help with his issues. As a way to, you know, ease his mind and get away from the stresses he left here years ago," Lloyd explains, coming up with his arms around Simon.

"You know, that would have been nice to know beforehand. I was looking forward to getting to sit down and see them together," Simon hesitates between his thoughts, "Wait, does that mean he won't be back in time for the wedding?"

Lloyd squeezes lightly and releases Simon from his grip to open the door and welcome their guests, "Well, if it isn't my two favorite RiverCreek rejects. The future Tara Dubois and my favorite mechanic, 'Slick' Rick Mc-G!"

Everyone shares a laugh as they exchange hugs and make their way into the living room. Once they're settled, Simon carries a tray of lemonade and a bottle of Absolut Vodka to accompany the need to drink. Rick doesn't waste time mixing his drink, fifty percent lemonade, and fifty percent alcohol.

"So, what's for dinner?" Rick asks after chugging the first glass.

"We have Hibachi on the way. Various flavors of chicken, veggies, fish, and rice. Simon wants us to become vegetarians, so you and Tara can pig out on the meats. I'm adapting to a fish and veggie diet. I mean, I'm already a fruitcake, so fruits come naturally," Lloyd states as they crack up at his corniness.

Simon takes it upon himself to turn on some easy-going music. The comfort level helps to ease any tension in the room until the food is delivered. Lloyd gets his selection and takes a seat at the head of the kitchen table, where he waits to say grace and begins the next round of conversation.

"Okay, who has Cory Jr. right now? I miss seeing my microsized boy."

"He's with Cory's mother for the evening. She's been worried about him since the first brawl he was in being with you. Then he went crazy and beat the living hell out of my former Assistant Manager. That side of him scares the bejesus out of me. Unlike high school, I knew he could fight, but seeing him brutalize someone and not stop when they're down and out. Who does something like that to another human? What's worse, I told him I was ready to move to the next phase after therapy. Am I crazy?"

Simon reaches out to take Tara's hand, "Listen to me, neither of you is crazy. Cory saw things none of us can ever understand. I've seen that stare in some of my family who served, and they don't stay in the moment, they go back to that trauma, but it lies on us to help hold them close to reality when they go off the rails. Our dear sweet Tara, you're not crazy; you're in love with a broken man. He's a man who loves you more than life itself, I'm sure. Cory will be okay. Do you want to know how I know?"

Tara nods, waiting to hear the rest of Simon's speech.

"Cory will be okay because of the love we all give him. Through understanding and support, the fear will disappear over time. Right now, he isn't the only one on a journey of self-discovery; all of us are on that path along personal trails. Lloyd and I are getting close to getting married. Rick is rebuilding his life and legacy one brick at a time, and you and Cory are learning to find your footing as adults. In life, we're always going to face obstacles, and it's not how we react but how we walk out of the storm that dictates who we are. And you are a strong woman and loving mother whose heart belongs to the strongest man in your world."

What Simon says clicks and Tara begins to smile. Her view of things changes from the negatives with a few positives to swapping the way she thinks about how things have been. All she can see now is how hard Cory has worked around the house with cooking, cleaning, and being there even to give something as simple as a hug and listen.

"You're right; whatever energy you're sending to me has me seeing things more clearly. Cory was busting his ass to make the house a home. Ever since his medication has leveled out his mood, Cory has become a bit more like his old self. He's wonderful with CJ, and watching them interact is something I can't describe. After we complete couples therapy, I think we will take that next step. I want to marry Cory."

Tara feels a dark clouds of doubt beginning to be lifted off her shoulders with a round of applause from her friends.

"That's what I've been waiting to hear since the night you found out you were pregnant with CJ. I feel like I've been there with you through it all," Lloyd says with a smile.

Rick sits there, mixing another concoction, feeling left out, "I guess that leaves me alone in the dark yet again."

Stunned for a moment, Lloyd sits there with a concerned look on his face, "Now hang on one cotton-picking minute. You've turned your life around, too, and I'm proud of that. You saved the Dubois Garage. You and me, buddy boy, have stuck it out through some of the worst times when I came out and was given hell for being gay when it wasn't okay for people like Simon and me to be accepted in society."

Rick doesn't hesitate to give his point of view since he's teetering between tipsy and drunk.

"Yeah, being gay is one thing, but I'm a black man in a mostly white community. Look at the shit I've done. Being in prison and disowned by my parents haven't been bad enough. Before Kayla died, she told me that she cheated on me with Tara!"

There's a collective gasp with all eyes on Tara as Rick continues, "Yeah, after she and I had unbelievable sex on Tara's bed, they messed around after I split. So yeah, I knew about it, and it's like I'm never good enough for anyone. From colleges turning me down left and right, I lost my girl, I killed the former secret love of Lloyd's life, and my best friend abandoned me. So why am I not good enough for any of you? Is it because I'm black, or is it because I'm always the guy who's there to help pick up the pieces and deliver the goods, like the day I brought Cory home from the airport."

"Okay. Let's hit the pause button right here, right now! First thing first, Rick, you are more than you think. You're mine and Cory's brother, thanks to another mother. You are wanted and loved by everyone here and those who aren't. You'll make amends with your folks; I know that you will get there even if it takes more time. Secondly, Tara, you, and Kayla hooked up? I'm honestly not that shocked since Kayla hooked up with Katrina Millstone."

Rick and Tara are speechless at the revelation that Kayla was bisexual. Tara remembers talking to her about taking control and how Kayla did that night, but she had no idea that Kayla withheld her past of messing around with another girl.

"That hussy! She told me she hadn't done anything with any other girls!" Tara cries out in a heightened tone.

"For real, I mean, I thought it was hot when she first told me about you two, but I had no idea with Katrina. But then again, it makes sense given that Katrina now works for the postal service in San Fransico. But, switching subjects, how can we be sure that we can all be as close as we once were?"

Lloyd smacks his hands on the table to pull the attention on him, "Rick! Get your head out of your ass. You have a booming small business and everything to look forward to in the near future. You're going to be fully released and off parole soon," Lloyd continues with force in his voice, "You're going to find that special someone again and be happy. But unfortunately, everything we've endured can't be fixed overnight. But, look at what I've done for RiverCreek. All of my promises have come true. In an uncertain economic downturn, I've managed to get taxes cut and start bringing in new business to this micro-community. In addition, I have tax incentives for small businesses like Rocco's opening a new location downtown with catering contracts for the schools and City Hall. You're coming home because one of the conditions I had for the owners is the have you run it all. Rick, the cuts and contracts you have are good for twenty years. You're both going to benefit from the hard work I've put in, so you're welcome! Now, can we stop sulking and get back to having fun?"

Silence fills the kitchen, and nothing is said until they gather in the living room.

"Look, I know tensions and emotions are riding high tonight, but we need to discuss these things as an extended family. I love every one of you, but we all have our issues. Rick, I can't walk on eggshells for you anymore. I love you like a brother, and I owe you a debt I can't ever repay, but you need to get over your skin color and think that the world is against you," Lloyd pauses to make eye contact with Rick, "If you think that's what's holding you back then you're blind. What's holding you back is still feeling like you can't move on from Kayla. She's gone, and I miss her too, but Kayla would want you to heal that hole in your heart and move on."

Rick reaches out for Lloyd's shoulder as tears collect in his eyes, "It still hurts to think about what she went through when Frankie ran her over. I hate to admit it, but you're right, and I will, but I can't do it alone."

Rick and Lloyd embrace as the tears stream down Rick's cheeks. The pain buried away rises to the surface, and Rick doesn't hold back. Simon picks up a box of tissues and takes some out to hand over, "Thank you," Rick says in a stuttery voice.

"Tara, may I speak to you in private?" Simon whispers in her ear.

Agreeing to follow Simon into the foyer, Tara isn't sure what he wants.

"They need that moment. Lloyd has felt Rick's suffering for a while and tonight is about speaking up to address things that don't need to be hidden. What Lloyd said is true. You're going to be offered the chance to run things your way here. He's signed deals with construction companies to tear down old buildings and outdated structures. There's going to be a new sports arena built where the armory is now. The high school is getting upgraded and an up-to-date new building. RiverCreek is about to shift into the twenty-first century and become the beacon of hope for Minnesota. Granted, it still can't compete with St. Paul or Minneapolis, but we can hold our own. Um, I think Lloyd said there will be a return of the Coast Guard and barge stations since the two rivers meet at the edge of town. You and Cory aren't going to have to worry about anything other than finding a place to live. It may be too early, but welcome home."

Tara isn't sure what to say at first as she stutters and struggles to find the right words.

"It's going to be something moving back to RiverCreek. I don't know how Cory will feel about it since he wanted to escape there for so long. I mean, I know everything has changed, but yeah, I want to be closer to my mom and Mrs. Dubois."

The wave of emotions begins to slow down and subside. Tara and Simon join Rick and Lloyd in the living room, where they break out the board games and have some fun to escape the miserable first half of the evening. However, it's not until the third round of Parchezzi that laughs and nit-picking being to take control.

"Rick! Don't you dare slipt your dice and bump me off the board again!" Tara cries out.

"I'm sorry, actually, no, I'm not. One-two-three-four and five! Time to go back to start," Rick taunts, waving over to Tara.

The dirty look she gives Rick is one that playfully leaves Lloyd hiding his face behind a throw pillow, "Oh, you two are so mean to each other!"

The other three share a laugh as Rick hits the floor, holding his ribs.

"It's time to cut you off from the liquor," Simon slurs waving his hand in the air, "I think he's a tad drunk-ti-fied. Although I don't subjicate that drunk-ti-fie is a real word, then again, subjicate is either. So okay, I'm drunk, and that means Rick is sloshed."

The living room erupts in laughter as Tara excuses herself, "You're killing me, guys! I need to pee, so excuse me."

"Way more info than I needed to know," Lloyd shares with his face turning red.

"Show us your titties!" Rick screams after Tara rounds the corner, which causes more laughter mixed with coughing to occur.

Taking his turn to roll, Simon splits his dice and does to Rick what he did to Tara, but Simon also knocks one of Lloyd's pieces off the board, "HA-HA, I beat your ass again!"

Lloyd drops his mouth and mockingly slaps his hand at Simon, "You're such a bitch! You can sleep in the doghouse tonight," he taunts, pointing to the couch.

"You're a monster! So I've been away preparing for our wedding, and you want to put me on the couch our first night together? And here I thought you loved me!"

Rick can't help but lie on the floor, laughing and coughing to the point his face turns red. Afraid he'll not be able to breathe, Lloyd and Simon go and help Rick back into his seat.

"Take it easy, tiger; we don't want you to die on our floor," Simon states, gently patting Rick on the back.

Huffing and puffing, Rick places a hand over his sternum while trying to slow his breathing, "Oh lord, oh help me, oh, I'm going to die!"

The engaged couple laughs, but the biggest surprise is when Tara pops from around the corner with her shirt and bra pulled up, bouncing on her toes.

"Do these turn you on, big boy?" Tara calls out as Rick stops laughing, instantly feeling his manhood grow.

Tara stands there, giving them an eyeful at her toned body.

"Lloyd, sweetheart, are you sure she had a kid? Because I don't see a single flaw on her body," Simon says.

"Yeah, she had a baby, but I had no idea that her body still looked like that. I can see why Cory would be attracted to her. Tara, I am so jealous of your silky smooth skin and how thin you are, you lucky little duck," Lloyd mentions with his eyes locked on her body.

Rick sits there struggling against the urge to take Tara for the night to release every ounce of the pent-up frustration from the lack of sex. He's speechless with his mouth dropped and hands on the table.

"Hey, Rick dared me. Don't any of you ever mention this to Cory, or I'll kill you!" Tara threatens while she adjusts her shirt and bra back into place.

"Your secret is safe with us, but I believe your body's sudden appearance helped Rick to sober up a bit," Simon says with a pat on Rick's back.

All they hear from Rick is a slight stutter until Simon lightly taps him on the back of the head, "I-I-I-I-I, WOW!"

His reaction gives them one last laugh as they resume the game until Simon takes the win, "Oh yeah! I won again!"

After the games are cleaned up and put away, the night continues with a romantic comedy flick. During the over-the-top sex scene, Rick excuses himself to call a taxi to get away from the urge to make a move on Tara.

"Hey, you all, I need to get going. Tara, thanks for the ride, but to be honest, if I don't leave, I'm going to do something either you or I will regret and fuck up things even more."

At first, Tara feels awkward and bad that she's pushed Rick to the point of being uncomfortable and tries to smooth things out.

"I am so sorry for making you feel bad about going through with the dare. Too much alcohol and kidding around make us stupid. Rick, if I could help with it, I would. But, again, I am so sorry."

"Nah, don't sweat it, girl. I'm a big boy, but when the urge hits, I need to handle it in my way. Cory is a blessed man, and you are way more beautiful than I ever imagined. You're like a sister, so I won't even try. So tonight stays with us, and fellas, it was a pleasure being here. Thank you for the hospitality. As usual, we made some strides to repair our lives," Rick stops with a finger in the air as he calls for a taxi, "Yeah, someone is around the corner, excellent, thank you."

Cuddled on the chair, Lloyd and Simon watch Rick walk out the door. They hit play on the movie when the front door shuts, and Tara sits there curled up, feeling guilty until she crashes.

Rick shuts the rear door out in the taxi, "Where to, sir?" The driver asks.

"Take me to the Doll Room Gentlemen's Club. I hear they have some new girls, and I could use a lap dance," Rick tells the taxi driver and pull away.

The night ends, and Rick goes to a motel at the edge of RiverCreek with one of the exotic dancers. After the sun comes up, Tara rolls off the couch, landing on the hardwood floor.

"Ow," She cries.

"Yeah, the floor isn't too forgiving like that," Lloyd mentions walking into the living room.

Still dizzy, Tara is helped to her, "I can't believe I fell asleep. Thank you for covering me up. I hope CJ isn't going to be too mad at me for being gone all night."

"That kid loves you, so I'm sure he's okay. Would you like to go out for breakfast with us? It's our treat for one unforgettable night."

Unsure of how to take the comment about an unforgettable night, Tara rubs her hand against the back of her head, "Yeah, about last night. I went too far, didn't I?"

"It could have been worse. You could've had sex with Rick and had his baby this time. Or, you could've done it, and Cory surprised you by coming home and catching you in bed. It was a prank gone bad, but like Rick said, it happened here, so it stays here. Come on, let's get some breakfast at Bob Evans and live for today."

Tara follows Lloyd to the foyer, where they escort Tara to her Sportage, and she follows them to the restaurant, where they enjoy each other's company. Then, with breakfast and the awkward situation behind them, Tara drives to Lorraine's and finds that CJ is preoccupied with a puzzle on the kitchen table.

"Lorraine, I am so sorry that I didn't come to pick him up last night. We got to drinking and playing games, and I lost track of time. I hope CJ wasn't too bad for you."

"Lord have mercy, it's fine. We made a couple of frozen pizzas and watched some TV. Your mother came over to spend time with him. Don't worry about leaving him ever. I don't get that much time with CJ, so I will take every opportunity I can take. You're a good mom, and sometimes you need a break. No one will understand that more than someone who's raised kids. As long as you were safe and had fun without getting in trouble is all that matters," Lorraine explains, then takes a sip of coffee.

Tara sits at the kitchen table and spends time with Lorraine and CJ putting the puzzle together. She takes a break when she feels her phone buzz in her back pocket and walks away to check it.

The weather down here is crazy! I had to pull off the interstate to hide in a church from a tornado, but I'm okay, and my car wasn't scratched. – Hard Core

OMG! That's scary. Thank God you're okay. I spent last night over at Lloyd's and Simon's. When you get home, we need to talk. We had some breakthroughs last night, and my fears can be put to bed soon – Tara Rose

Absolutely we will sit down and talk. I'm working on something for you anyways. IF, and I mean big, IF I can manage to get it done, I think you'll love me even more – Hard Core

Cory, I will love you no matter what. You could cheat me, and I would hate you for a minute, but we have a son together, and part of me will always love you. Even if you wanted to be with another woman, I would love you because the best parts of you are inside our son, and nothing will ever change that. – Tara Rose

That's something you never need to worry about, especially after I met Jordan. That guy is a horn dog and a half! I will be home in the next few days, so be prepared for changes and for me to dedicate my life to you. I love you – Hard Core

Awe. I love you too, and I can't wait to hold you and kiss you and do other naughty things to you. – Tara Rose

After texting Cory, Tara returns to the kitchen table to spend almost three hours helping CJ and Lorraine finish the puzzle. Once they're finished, they exchange hugs, and CJ gives his grandma a kiss when he's buckled into his booster seat, and Tara heads home, where she relaxes with CJ as they spend the day on the couch enjoying movies and Spaghetti for dinner.