Chapter 4
Regina sits up and only then notices that the three huge candles out of five she bought about a week ago for special occasion are lighted on the wardrobe. But they cannot give so much light…Maybe one of them fell off and something caught on fire? She gets quickly up and wants to check them out, but as she stands up and makes two steps ahead, she is surprised by what's lying on the floor at bottom of the bed. Smaller paraffin candles outline letters which form two words *FOLLOW US*. The candle-words are set in the middle of a heart formed by red rose petals.
She looks at the bed and sees that Robin is not there. He must have done this. But why? Emotions start to fill her mind with questions. Looking back at the petal heart she feels that whatever he's doing. It's gonna be good. Since she's wearing just her underwear, she dresses her bathrobe and follows the candles. The path is made of constant line of red rose petals and around each candle is like half of bucket of them. I hope they were not my roses. This candle-rose line leads her to the living room. There on the coffee table is a crystal vase stuffed with about hundred long stem roses and candles with petals are all over the furniture lightening the room with a beautiful warm yellow light.
From behind the roses steps out Robin, one rose in his hand, wearing a suit. As handsome as he is always, now he looks even better. His captivating appearance and alluring smile shut up all the questions she still had in her mind. Regina is overwhelmed, doesn't know what to think. It sure looks like a dream coming true she had before Marian's return, but now? What does it mean? The candle light reflects in her tear-filled eyes and makes them sparkle. No, it can't be.
"What is this?" She asks still astonished but smiling, vaguely motions her hand around her. "And where did you get a suit? I feel underdressed for the occasion. What IS the occasion by the way?"
Robin smiles and starts walking towards her. "No, you look gorgeous like always. I just wanted to suit up, so that I can counter you a bit." When he is close enough, he handles her the rose. She takes it, closes her eyes and sniffs it, then looks back at him with question marks in her again dry eyes.
"Regina, I want you to know, that you can always count on me. For the rest of my life I will love you from the bottom of my heart."
"I know you…" she starts talking, but he doesn't let her finish.
"No, wait. Let me finish." He takes her hands in his and looks amorously into her eyes. "I do truly love you. I want you to be mine. And not just like a lover. I believe we belong together. For better or for worse. When I look at Roland, I see that he loves you and I know that you love him as well. That's all a father could hope for. I've actually planned this event for today before Marian came to Storybrooke.
On hearing her name Regina shivers.
"I was thinking constantly about this for the last two days, whether I should postpone it or not. But then I realized, why should I do that? Even after she came, my feelings for you didn't change. They are only growing every day after spending more and more time with you." He swallows. "I'm sorry. I've planned this a bit differently, well at least the speech, but I had to adjust it a little bit." She can feel his pulse rising in the tips of his fingers in her palms. "Regina, I know that I am a married man. At least for the moment. But I will divorce Marian as soon as possible. I already talked to Mr. Gold about it on my way from Granny's yesterday. He promised to prepare the paperwork right after his honeymoon is over. I know that I could be telling you every day how much I love you until I'm free again, but I don't want that."
Regina frowns.
"I mean. I will tell you how much I love you every day till the rest of my life, however I want you to always remember it even when I won't be by your side to remind you of this simple fact. I want you to have some guarantee. Not just my word, but also a material reminder." He pulls something out of his pocket and kneels on one knee.
Her eyes widen. "Regina, will you marry me?"He asks while he's looking into her eyes and opens a red velvet box with beautiful antique engagement ring inside.
Is this really happening or it's all just a cruel dream? Could I be finally happy with a man rightfully beside me? What if something happens again? What if my feeling from Marian is right and she'll do something? Dozens of similar questions pop up in her head. For a while she's quiet, watching kneeling Robin. Regina! Man up! But do I deserve this? She looks into his eyes, deep into his soul and experiences sudden flash of strong emotion she's never felt before. Yes, she was in love, but not like this. At that moment it's like their souls become one. Her hand fires up to her chest, tries to protect this connection. She's made up her mind.
" Oh, Robin. It's crystal clear to me. When I hear your voice all the darkness in me disappears. When I look into your eyes I feel protected, I feel loved. And I don't want to lose you. I love you and Roland from the bottom of my heart." She smiles. "So yes, I will!"
Robin takes her hand she's offering and puts the ring on her ring finger. She throws herself at him, he loses his balance, but quickly restores it and holds her tightly, she sits on his knee and they kiss, long and deep, soon Robin can't hold himself back and urgently pulls the strap of the bathrobe, she straightens her arms, makes it fall down. Regina breaks of their kiss, hastily unbuttons his jacket, vest and shirt, leaving the tie on its place and pulls all three pieces down his hands. Robin is still kneeling on one knee and she sitting on his other thigh, so Regina continues opening his belt and unbuttoning his pants. Robin tries to open her bra at the back, but it's stuck. He struggles for a while with it, but then gives up and tears the bra opening. Since she doesn't complain, he rips her panties to shreds. Looks back into her eyes, she bites her lower lip, Robin tugs her closer, her chest roughly hits his, she looks at him and kisses him, he keeps on holding her back with one hand, the other is in her hair. She inserts her hands under his loosened pants on his lower back and sticks her thumbs under his underwear. Robin strengthens his grip and moves Regina couple inches up, what allows her to move her legs freely, she wraps them around Robin's waist. He kneels with the second leg as well, his pants fall to the floor, stopping at his knees. Regina moves her hands, helping Robin to undress the underwear. Then he holding her tightly lays her gently on the carpet covered with the petals. For a while he romantically stares into her eyes which reflect the candles' flames, then he starts to circle her lips with his thumb, stops over her scar, his eyes meet the scar. "Oh Regina. I love you."
And that feels so good! She smiles "I love you."
He kisses the scar, her mouth and continues to caress her whole body with his lips….
Regina wakes up on the warm touches and kisses on her face. She smiles, opens her eyes and sees Roland's face about to kiss her again. When he sees she's up, he smiles widely, sits back on the mattress and says "Can you give me breakfast? I'm hungry."
"Why don't you wake your daddy as well and we'll go together to the kitchen?" she asks.
"He's not here."
"What?" Regina freaks out and sits swiftly up, automatically holding the blanket over her chest with one hand and looks around. There's not sign of candles, no petals no nothing. She glances at Robin's side of the bed and sees a note: 'Good morning honey. I went for a run, didn't want to wake you up, you looked too sweet. :-* ' Holding the note she notices the ring on her finger. So it is true. We are engages for real. She smiles.
"Is it from him? What does it say?" Roland abruptly asks.
"Yes it is. He's saying that he'll come soon." She moves, wants to get up. Just before she uncovers herself she realizes, that she feels the wrinkles of the sheet too much pressing against her skin. Nope. Still naked. "Ehm, Roland, could you please pass me my bathrobe? It should be on the chair by the window."
"Yup." Roland jumps off the bed and goes there. "It's not here. But why do you need a bathrobe? You can come downstairs just in your PJs.
Regina think."The thing is, I don't have PJs on my Roland."
"Why?" he returns and stands before Regina.
"Because… because I was too hot at night. So I undressed my PJs."
Roland listens with interest, then bends and starts looking under the bed. "No, you didn't put your PJs here."
"I…" Regina.. Think! He's a little boy. He has no idea. Make up a story! "You know honey, that I was so hot that I stood up, went to my drawer, folded my pyjamas and put them back there.
He curiously looks at her, but it looks like it was a sufficient reply. "So what should I bring you?"
"Oh honey, can you please look in the bathroom, whether there's my bathrobe?"
Roland smiles and jumps his way to the bathroom. Regina uses this moment, fires off the bed, rapidly puts on some pants. She hears Roland returning from the bathroom, so she quickly dresses the first thing that comes under her hand, her white blouse. She's finishing buttoning when Roland walks in.
"It wasn't there." He sadly announces.
"It doesn't matter Roland. I already put on something else. I'll find it somewhere." Living room I suppose.
"Can we go now?"
"Of course. Come." Smiles at him and offers her hand, but Roland raises both his arms, he wants to be carried. "Do you want me to carry you downstairs?"
He smiles and nods as an answer.
"How could I say no to this cute dimple-face." She melts just by looking at him. "Come here." She takes Roland into her arms and walks with him downstairs to the kitchen, wondering where did all the petals and candles disappear. She peeks into the living room and all there's left is the vase with roses. She smiles. "Let's have breakfast then." She sits him on the counter next to the sink and kisses his cheek. "Do you want pancakes?
"Yay, yes! With apple jam please!" He excitedly answers.
"Okay." She touches his nose and starts preparing the breakfast. "Here's your cocoa in the meantime."
"Thank you, Regina." He takes the cup, moves his hanging legs and sips the cocoa.
The back door flies open and Robin jogs in with immense satisfying smile. "Good morning sweethearts." He kisses Roland's forehead, comes to Regina, with his right hand takes away the spatula she just used to move the last pancake on a plate, puts it on a counter, places his left hand around her waist and draws her closer. Just for a brief moment looks lovingly into her eyes and gives her one sweet kiss on the lips. With the right hand he takes her left and kisses the engagement ring on it not losing the eye contact with her. Beautiful radiant smile sets on her face, forming fine stunning lines around her eyes. Robin knows that he made the right choice. "Good morning my beloved betrothed." He smiles and still holding her hand starts taking something from behind his back with his left. "One rose for the fairest of them all even in the morning after night like we've had." He gives her one beautiful long stem white rose with pink edges of the petals.
Regina takes the rose with her free hand. "Thank you." She looks at the rose, deeply inhales. "Aaand thank you." She smiles and eloquently looks at Robin. He just can't help it and has to kiss her again.
"Ehm, can we have that breakfast now?" Roland impatiently asks.
They start laughing and break off their kiss. Of course they managed to forget that he's there. "Sure we can sweetie. It's ready." Regina replies and quickly places the breakfast on a tray. Roland jumps off the counter and runs to the dining room. Robin picks the tray up and follows Roland. Regina comes a minute later with a simple tall glass vase with the rose Robin gave her.
They eat slowly their breakfast, they laugh a lot, Robin and Regina exchange couple of amorous looks, they even almost manage to forget the events of last two days. Though not the last night events.
Happy Roland, Robin's presence and the ring on her finger fill Regina's heart with unspeakable joy. However it wouldn't be Regina, if she wasn't thinking also about how this happiness can terminate again. This is like a dream. I wonder how long it will last. That woman is still out there and I'm sure she's planning something.
Robin senses that Regina is thinking about something bad, so he puts his hand under the table on her thigh, slowly rubbing it. The warmth of his touch is melting her worries. She smiles at him. "By the way thank you, Robin, for the cleaning. When did you have time to do that? Did you sleep at all?"
"No problem, and not really. I couldn't sleep. I mean, I slept about 3 hours, but when the clock struck 8, I had to get up. I'm not used to sleep when the sun is out and there's work to do."
Is he even real? She cheerfully shakes her head. "I love you."
"And I love you."Robin kisses Regina's hand.
Roland is watching them, his face glowing with happiness and peace, his eyes and dimples always reveal what does he feel.
They hear the front door open. "Hello!" Henry starts shouting immediately after he opens the door. "I'm sorry I'm late. I had to clean up my room before I could come." He walks in the dining room. "Oh, I see I'm not that late." And he starts laughing.
"Good morning Henry." Robin with a grin. "Hiiiii." Roland with the last bite in his mouth.
"Good morning son. Well, we're a bit late with breakfast, but we've just finished."
"You've finished? That means you're not going to finish these delicious pancakes?" Henry doubtfully asks.
"No, I'm done. Why?"
Henry takes her fork and smiles. "Can I eat it up then?"
"Be my guest. Are you hungry? Shall I make more for you?" Regina stands up and starts loading the tray.
"No I'm not. I just feel like having a little treat in the morning."
"Okay then. You can eat it, but please sit down." She points to her chair. Henry sits down and with a rocket speed finishes her breakfast.
"Are you sure you are not hungry?"
"No, mom, I'm stuffed now. But thanks. So what's the plan for today?" Henry asks Robin.
Robin realizes, that he doesn't have any except that movie in the evening. He glances at Regina, and quickly ponders what could make all of them happy at the same time. Horses! "We are taking some lunch with us, then we're going to the stables, we'll take horses and we'll go to the woods. And I can teach you a trick or two with the crossbow…."
"Ehm." Regina coughs.
"If you're mom approves. And in the evening we'll relax with a good movie and pizza."
"Awesome! Mom! Please! I want to learn shooting with the crossbow! You'll be there, nothing can happen to me."
"I don't…" Regina looks at Henry, sees how excited he is, and Robin with that mischievous but irresistible smile… "Okay then. Looks like you'd do it behind my back anyway." She laughs.
"Deal then! Henry, go change your clothes to something warmer and more comfortable and I'll change Roland. We'll meet up in the living room when we're ready."
"Aye aye sir." Henry salutes with a smile.
Regina takes the last plate and sets it on the tray. When she reaches for the tray Robin stands up quickly and takes the tray. "Let me help you." And kisses her. "Roland, go with Henry up and brush your teeth. Then call me and I'll help you get dressed. Ok?"
Roland nods, jumps off the chair and with Henry runs upstairs.
Robin places the tray next to the sink with one hand and with the other opens the dishwasher. Regina is cleaning up the milk, juice and other things she used for breakfast and Robin is loading the dishwasher. "You're not mad about those horses, are you?"
"Horses? No. The crossbow is another story." And she slams the fridge's door.
Robin shuts the dishwasher, comes to Regina, who is sitting on a bar stool, hugs her from behind and rests his head on her shoulder. "Regina, Henry is a young man, he's big enough to shoot from a crossbow. You don't have to be scared that something could happen to him, when we'll both be there. It's better when he learns it with supervision then alone. Don't you think?"
Regina sighs. "I think you might be right. It's just that he is still a little boy for me. It's hard for me to accept how big he's grown."
"I know honey. Maybe when you'll see what he can already do, it'll be easier." Robin kisses her earlobe and wanders with his hand under her shirt. "Hmm running freely today ladies."
"Robin!" Regina starts blushing. "Stop it. The boys can rush in any moment." She takes his hand out, swiftly turns around, alluringly smiles, quickly kisses him and wants to start the dishwasher.
Robin manages to spank her butt and realizes that not only she is not wearing her bra, but neither knickers. "My, my, Regina. We're you in a hurry in the morning, or are you doing this to me on purpose?" He grabs her hand, pulls her closer and tries to kiss her. She's resisting for a while with the kids in mind, but then gives up and lets Robin do his magic.
"Mom! I'm done. And Roland just finished his teeth as well. He could use that help with the clothes now. I don't know what to dress him." Henry is shouting while running down the stairs. When he gets to the kitchen he sees Regina's head in the dishwasher, her back copies her heavy breathing and Robin on the bar stool pressing his lips together. "Mom. Did you hear me?"
Regina presses the button, closes the dishwasher and it starts rumbling. "Sure, Yeah. We're on our way." She glances at him just for a second, avoids his eye contacts and starts washing her hands. "You can go and play a game or something till we're done.
Even in such a short moment Henry notices her pale obviously kissed lips and grins. "Oh, a game you're saying? Were YOU playing something in here?" And he looks at Robin.
Robin starts laughing.
"Henry!" embarrassed Regina rolls her eyes at Robin. He raises his hands in the air, as if saying 'I haven't done anything wrong'. "I'm not going to explain myself to you. Go to the living room."
"Mom. I apologize for my bad choice of words. But seeing your glowing happy eyes I couldn't help it." He goes to her and hugs her. "I'm glad you're happy mom. I love you."
"I love you too Henry." Regina kisses his cheek. "And now, please wait for us, we'll be back in a minute."
"Sure." Henry goes to the living room a turns on a game on PS3.
Regina still a bit embarrassed shakes her head. "This can't happen again. Can you imagine that he'd just came in without shouting from the stairs? What he could've seen?"
Robin kindly smiles and comes closer to Regina, holds her in his arms. "I think that all he would've seen is, two people who love each other expressing their feelings. Nothing more. He's big."
*bang* Something hit the floor.
"Henry?" Regina fires to the living room and shouts in that direction. "Is something wrong?" Robin is at her heel.
"No! It's okay! Just the remote control fell under the sofa." Henry answers with his head under the sofa.
Robin and Regina stop at the sill. "Okay. We're going up then."
"Okay!" Henry replies.
They make a step towards the staircase when Henry speaks. "Mom? Can you tell me what is this?" Henry walks toward them, the remote in one hand and with the other he's giving something small to Regina.
Robin realizes what it is sooner and closes his eyes, expects turbulent reaction from Regina. She realizes it's a part of her bra opening which Robin tore the night before. She takes it and closes it in her hand, avoids Henry's eyes again. "Uhm.." She looks at him, across his face spreads a huge smile. Of course he knows what it is. "Thank you. Please continue playing." She turns on her heel and embarrassed rushes upstairs.
Robin wants to follow her, but Henry stops him. "Hey Robin. I don't know what exactly you've done, but it worked. She's really happy now. Thanks." Henry smiles.
Robin strokes his hair. "You're welcome. You know that I'd do anything for her."
"Yeah I know. And I'm glad. Nice gift, by the way, those roses. They're beautiful." Henry says and goes back playing his game.
First two weeks after the discussion with Marian and the engagement were beautiful and easy-going weeks. Roland spent all the time with them and they had a great time. All four of them. Like a real family. When Henry found out about the engagement, he was happy for them and excited to attend his first wedding, even more when it's gonna be his mom, who'll be the bride. Regina made him promise, to not to tell anyone. She didn't want Marian to find out just yet. They haven't seen her the whole time, but maybe it's because they didn't go to Granny's at all and were avoiding the streets around it as well. And they were also more relaxed because of that, almost forgot that she's there. Roland hasn't asked even once where she is. He must've been really hurt by her behavior.
On that day they had lunch and then were chilling out in the living room, watching Maya the Bee, because of Roland. Since it was third Sunday after Marian's return and Henry spent all the time at Regina's, he decided to stay this afternoon with Emma.
Robin, Regina and Roland were sitting in the sofa, Roland in Regina's lap, Robin's arm was around Regina's shoulders.
"These movies are funny, but I think we've been spending too much time watching TV and indoors in general." Robin says.
"You think?" Regina turns her head towards him. "I've spent so many years here with the TV, that I don't even see it as something unusual.
"I'm not saying that it's bad, but in my opinion we should be more outdoors, at least as long as the weather is nice. What do you think?"
"Sure. Why not?" She thinks for a while. "Hmm, and what would you say that we get ourselves a dog? That would keep us out for sure." She smiles.
"Yes! I want a doggie! Daddy, please!" excited Roland turns to Robin.
"Ehm, I didn't mean anything like that but actually I think it's a good idea." Robin admits after seeing Roland's happy face.
"Yes! I'll have a dog!" Roland laughs and claps his hands.
"Okay then. We should visit pet shelter first. Let's say tomorrow afternoon?"Regina is still smiling as she's stroking Roland's back and sees how cheerful he is.
"Fine by me. Roland?" Robin answers.
"Can't we go today? Please!" He begs.
Regina replies with a sweet voice "It's closed today, honey. It's Sunday. But I'm sure you can wait till tomorrow. At least we can get ready for the dog until then."
"Oh, come on. Please! Are the dogs there alone today? Someone must be there." Roland rambles on.
"You've waited already for so long, what difference does couple of hours make?" Robin steps in.
"Fine. But promise we'll go tomorrow?" Roland gives up.
Gosh, he is so easily manipulatable. "I do. I promise honey." Regina answers and smiles.
Roland hugs her. "Thank you Regina."
Suddenly the doorbell rings. Regina turns to Robin. "Who's that?"
"No idea."Robin answers.
"Henry?" Roland hopefully guesses.
"No, sweetie, Henry is with Emma. I'll go open." Regina answers and tries to move Roland from her lap.
"No! Don't go! Stay here please. I'm comfy seated. Can you go papa?" Roland doesn't move even a bit.
"Do I have a choice?" Robin asks. "I'm glad that you two have bonded, but don't forget I'm here as well." He continues with puppy face.
"Never!" Roland smiles at him.
"How could we honey?"Regina puts on an innocent face.
The doorbell rings urgently again. Robin kisses Regina and runs to the front door. "I'm coming!" He shouts.
Regina squeezes Roland tightly and kisses his head from behind. He turns, confused look on his face, as if saying 'What was that for?' Then he smiles and quickly kisses Regina, turns back, leans against her chest and continues watching the movie. She wraps her arms around him. "Do you like the movie?" She asks.
"Yes! It's funny. I like Willy, how clumsy he is." He laughs.
"But you should also pay attention how bad they are behaving sometimes and get themselves into trouble afterwards."
"I know. To be a good boy. I have to behave well, right?" Roland asks.
"Yes honey. However not only kids should be good, also we, grown ups, should behave well."
"Ehm." Robin clears his throat. "We have a visitor."
"Who?" Regina asks but doesn't move.
"Me." Woman's voice freezes Regina's happiness in a second. She feels how Roland's body stiffs in her arms.
Marian.
