Chapter 4: The Locksley-Mills Clan

Sophie lounged on the couch, her blanket tucked around her. A pillow propped her up and her injured wrist rested on a second one. She was having a Disney movie marathon, her tradition whenever she wasn't feeling well. When she was well into Robin Hood, the doorbell rang. Lifting her head, she called out: "Mom?"

Regina emerged from the back of the house, a basket filled with clean laundry on her hip. She had taken off despite the Summer Festival happening that weekend, caring for Sophie and her injury. No matter how busy she got as mayor, Regina was always a mother first and would put everything on hold for Sophie.

Sophie liked these days and not just because she had her mother to herself. It was because she got to see her mother as a normal mother. Regina wore jeans and a red t-shirt while doing chores. Today, it was doing laundry and so she smelled like fabric softener.

Putting down the basket, Regina asked: "What's wrong?"

Before Sophie could answer, the doorbell rang again. She watched her mother tighten her ponytail before going to answer the door.

"Hello, Ms. Regina," she heard Roland say. "Can I see Sophie?"

His request was followed by her mother's laugh. "You must be Roland. Of course you may. She's in the living room."

After a few low mutterings between her parents, Robin and Roland came into the living room. Roland let go of their father's hand and ran toward Sophie. "Are you feeling better?"

"Yes, I am," she said, pausing her movie.

Roland held up a bag. "I got you a present to help you feel better and because Papa says he's your Papa too so you're my sister."

"I am," she said, feeling Robin's hand on her hair. "I've never been a big sister before. I hope I don't get it wrong."

"That's okay. I've never been a little brother before. But I'm gonna be the best brother ever! I'll even share my toys."

Robin chuckled as he crouched down next to his children. "Roland, are you going to give Sophie her present?"

"Oh, yeah!" Roland handed her the bag and watched as she pulled a book out. He bounced up and down, excited. "Ms. Belle said you'd love it."

"I do," Sophie said. "I've wanted to read it for a long time now."

He beamed as Robin handed her a bag as well. "I know I still owe you a fair amount of birthday and Christmas gifts…I'd offer you a pony, but your mother probably put you on a horse before you could walk."

"Well, not that early," Sophie said. "But I do have a horse. Grandmother gave her to me."

His jaw tensed up, which did not go unnoticed by her, but it only lasted a few moments. He smiled and motioned to the bag. "Open it."

Sophie reached into a bag and pulled out a crème colored stuffed horse. "It looks like Applesauce. He's my horse," she said before throwing her arms around him. "Thank you, Daddy."

He held her close, kissing her cheek. "I love hearing that," he whispered.

"I love saying it," she whispered back. She let go of him, though she wanted to hold onto him forever, and settled back down on the couch.

Roland leaned closer. "Can I sit with you?"

Sophie nodded, scooting over so Roland could sit with her. He climbed onto the couch and curled next to her, resting his head on her shoulder. "I like having a sister."

"I like having a brother," she replied, resting her head on his.

Robin kissed both of them, smiling. "I'm going to talk with your mother, Sophie. If you two need anything, give a shout, okay?"

She nodded as did Roland. He gave them kisses again, lingering longer on Sophie's. She relished the contact with her father and closed her eyes to cherish the moment. When he stepped away, she pushed down the disappointment flooding her.

Instead, she put on a smile and turned to Roland. "Do you like Robin Hood?"

"It's my favorite movie," he told her, eyes lighting up.

She laughed, pressing play to resume the movie. Picking up her bucket of snacks, she held it out to Roland. "Pretzel?"

Robin found Regina pouring lemonade for her guests. He leaned against her refrigerator, smiling as he crossed his arms. "Need any help?"

"No, I'm fine." She handed him a glass. "Why aren't you spoiling our daughter?"

He chuckled. "I'm letting Sophie and Roland bond as brother and sister."

"He's okay with it?" Regina asked. "He's not upset?"

"No. He's really excited to have a sister. I think it's because he already idolizes her."

"He seems to be a sweet kid," Regina said.

Robin nodded. "Thank you. You'll have to be careful around him. He's quite the charmer."

"Wonder where he got that from?" she teased him.

This felt both strange and familiar. Both them together, smiling and teach each other. Robin pushed it down, not wanting to focus on it yet.

Regina picked up her tray. "I'll take this to the kids. You have a seat and I'll be right back."

He pulled out one of her kitchen chairs, taking in the modern kitchen done in blacks and whites. The house was a nice-sized colonial and had been her mother's, if he remembered the address correctly. Cora must've signed over the house to Regina at some point—probably to provide a future for her and Sophie.

But never did she think to include me on that future. Or give Regina and me a chance to figure out if we did have a future. He balled his hands into fists, taking several deep breaths to calm down before Regina returned.

"Robin? Is something wrong?" He opened his eyes to see her settling into the chair next to him. She toyed with the condensation running down her glass.

He forced a smile and shook his head. "I'm fine. How are the kids?"

"They're good. Both absorbed in the adventures of Robin Hood." Regina paused before asking: "Thinking about my mother again?"

"Is it that obvious?" he asked with a sigh.

She nodded. "You realized I still live in her house."

"I'm sure it's your house now."

"It is," she confirmed. "Mother signed it over to me for my thirtieth birthday. She continued to live here to help with Sophie, of course."

He nodded, cursing the woman for spending the time with his daughter she had stolen from him. But he took a calming breath. "So, what do we do now?"

"I spoke with Mal and she's going to put me in touch with a family lawyer," Regina replied.

"Do I need one?" Robin asked. Regina seemed open to working things out but may she had changed her mind overnight.

She shrugged. "If you want. I just need some advice…I never put your name on her birth certificate."

"We need to establish my paternity," Robin said, realizing what she meant. He felt a pang of guilt for assuming the worst, for assuming she wasn't trying to help him. "I'll do whatever it takes."

"Good. The lawyer Mal recommended is out on vacation but I'll let you know when she returns," Regina said.

Robin nodded before pulling out his phone. "I think I should probably get as much of Sophie's information as I can. Let's start with her birth."

"Her birthday is May 16th and she was born at four nineteen in the morning after fifteen hours of labor. Would you like me to recount everyone one of them?"

He held up his hand. "I've experienced a woman in labor. I think I'm good. Let's move on to her middle name. Does she have one? Is it Regina? Because Sophie Regina has a nice ring to it."

"Emma said the same but I didn't give Sophie my name as her middle one."

"Does she have one?" At Regina's nod, he pressed on: "Then what is it?"

Regina hesitated. "You're not going to like it."

"Why wouldn't I…?" His face fell. "You didn't."

"I did. Sophie Cora Mills."

Robin let out a breath, trying to release his anger with it. "Of course you did."

"Robin, I explained…"

"It's okay, Regina. You had every right to name her whatever you wanted."

Regina nodded before pulling out her phone. "We, uh, never exchanged numbers. We probably should."

The spent the next half hour exchanging important numbers, including all of Sophie's doctors. Regina gave him a rundown of their daughter's medical history, which was relatively short and included only an allergy to penicillin. "Makes finding the right antibiotic hard, but Whale knows which ones now," Regina explained.

"Roland's allergic to peanuts," Robin offered. "You should know since we'll all be spending time together."

Regina's eyes widened and he frowned. "Did you think I was going to avoid you the rest of Sophie's childhood? The rest of her life?"

"Well, no," she said, but the way she avoided his eyes told him otherwise. "I just didn't think you'd also be bringing Roland around, that you'd be okay with him being around me. That Sophie would spend most of her time with you and him at your place."

Robin's frown deepened. "I have no reason not to trust you with him, Regina."

"Even after keeping Sophie from you for ten years?"

"That wasn't your fault. Not completely," he said. "And you need to stop apologizing. I forgive you. Your mother…well, you know that. And I hope that you can forgive me for the role I played in all of this."

She took a deep breath. "I do forgive you. But I don't think I'll be getting over the guilt anytime soon."

"Neither will I. But let's not focus on that. Instead, let's focus on our beautiful girl." His fingers twitched closer to hers on the table and he almost had her hand in his when…

"Ms. Regina?" Roland appeared in the doorway, holding two empty glasses.

Regina stood, approaching Roland with a smile. She leaned down to look him in the eyes. "What do you need, Roland?"

"Sophie and I would like more lemonade, please," he replied.

"Of course." Regina took the cups and poured more lemonade for their children.

Robin pulled his son close. "You having fun with your sister?"

"Uh huh!" Roland nodded his head. "I wish she wasn't hurt so we could play though."

"I know. But there will be plenty of time for that." Robin kissed his son's brow.

Regina held out the two full cups. "Can you handle these or do you need help?"

"I can carry them," Roland said, though Robin could see uncertainty in his eyes.

He leaned forward. "Are you sure? I can help you."

Roland jutted his chin out, a determined look in his brown eyes. "I got it."

"Okay, but you let me know if you need help." Regina handed him the cups. "Be careful, okay?"

"I will." He beamed at her. "Thank you, Ms. Regina.

The adults watched as he took small and careful steps out of the kitchen and back to the living room. Regina still had a soft small on her face. "He's a sweet, polite boy."

"Thank you. I'm doing my best," Robin replied.

Regina took her seat again. "I understand. It's not easy being a single parent."

"Well, you don't have to be a single parent to Sophie anymore."

She gave him a look. "Co-parenting doesn't mean I'm still not a single parent. We're not getting married."

"Of course." A pang hurt his heart but he kept his mood light, leaning back in his seat with a grin. "So, Madame Mayor, I am a new resident in town. Tell me what I need to know."

"Well, what exactly do you need to know?" she asked.

He shrugged. "Let's start with education. I do have a kindergartener to enroll."

"True," Regina replied. "Well, your options are Storybrooke Academy, Storybrooke Academy or Storybrooke Academy."

"Hmm…Tell me more about this Storybrooke Academy."

"Excellent choice," Regina replied before laughing. "It's a great school—a private school education at a public school price."

Robin nodded "Sounds nice. Sophie goes there?"

"Of course. I went there and now she does. Besides, how would it look if the mayor sent her daughter to a school outside of town?"

"Good point," he chuckled.

Regina stood, checking her watch. "I need to go help Sophie get ready for her appointment. Do you need to drop Roland off anywhere?"

"No, he wants to come," Robin said. "I told him it was boring but he doesn't want to leave Sophie's side."

"He's sweet," she said. "Alright, I'll go get both kids ready."

She left the kitchen and he rested his head in his hands. This could've been his life—children playing together while Regina and he had some quality time together. Even if it was just to have a completely domestic conversation, like about schools or the kids' schedule. As long as they were together…

Regina appeared in the doorway, smiling. "Come with me. Bring your phone."

He did as she said, following her into the living room. She pressed a finger to her lips, motioning to the couch and the heart melting sight on it.

Sophie and Roland were curled together under the blanket, asleep. Their heads were facing each other, dark hairs spread out over the pillow they shared. It struck him how much they looked alike despite the fact they bore very little resemblance to him, their shared parent.

He took a picture of them—his first of both his children. Beside him, Regina sighed. "I hate to wake them."

"I know," he replied. "But Sophie does have an appointment."

She nodded, approaching their daughter and giving her a gentle shake. After a few seconds, Sophie blinked her eyes open. "What's wrong?"

"Time to see Dr. Whale and get the results of your MRI."

Sophie nodded, sitting up. Her eyes met Robin's and he smiled. "Hey there, sweet girl."

"Hi, Daddy," she mumbled. "Are you leaving?"

He shook his head. "I'm going to your appointment, just like you asked. So why don't you get dressed and we can leave?"

She nodded, standing. After a moment's pause, she threw her arms around him. He held her close, closing his eyes as another wave of love washed over him.

"Okay, Sophie," Regina said, softly. "I'll help you get dressed."

Sophie followed her mother upstairs as Robin sat next to Roland. He shook his son. "Time to wake up."

Roland's eyes opened and he frowned. "Where's Sophie?"

"She's getting dressed. And we need to get your shoes on. Where did you leave them?" Robin search around the couch.

Roland pointed to the door. "I left them by there."

"Right," Robin groaned, standing up. "Wait here."

By the time he got Roland's shoes on, Sophie and Regina were ready. He took out his keys, ushering the children to his car as she grabbed her purse. Once again, he was struck by the domesticity of the situation…and how this could've been his.

Damn you, Cora Mills. And damn myself for letting you play me.

Regina had agreed to let Robin drive since he had the booster seat for Roland. She watched the boy in the rearview mirror, his little legs swinging back and forth as he watched Storybrooke go by. Robin was raising a polite and kind child and she felt pulled toward Roland already. It was a dangerous feeling because while she didn't know why his mother wasn't around anymore, she knew she would never fill that role for him.

"Ms. Regina?" Roland asked. "You're in charge of the town, right?"

She smiled. "Yes, Roland, I guess as mayor I'm in charge of Storybrooke."

"So does that make you a queen?"

"Well, not really." She glanced back at him. "Being mayor is very different from being a queen."

"Oh." Roland looked disappointed. "So Sophie isn't really a princess?"

Regina frowned. "Why do you ask that?"

"Because the boys called her princess," he explained.

Sophie sighed, looking away from the window. "They were making fun of me, Roland, because Mom's the mayor."

Anger flooded Regina at the thought of Sophie being bullied and it was followed by guilt that it was because of her. "I'm sorry, sweetie," she told Sophie.

"It's not your fault," Robin told her. "It's on those boys and their parents. No one should be teased and made to feel bad. Especially about being a princess. Princesses are amazing."

Regina smiled at Robin's speech. It was just like him. "Every girl is a princess," she said, knowing Sophie would recognize the reference. And judging by her smile, she got it.

"Sophie's Wonder Woman," Robin said, smiling at his daughter while stopped at a red light.

"She's a princess," Sophie and Regina said at the same time. While Sophie loved all types of books, comics were their special thing.

Roland frowned. "I wanna know more about Wonder Woman."

"Oh, I'm sure Ms. Regina will be happy to tell you all about her," Robin said, winking at her.

She rolled her eyes as they parked. Robin hopped out to help Sophie while she got Roland out of his booster seat. He looked at her with wide brown eyes. "Will you tell me about Wonder Woman, Ms. Regina? Please?"

"Of course, Roland." She took his hand, letting Robin and Sophie spend time together. She swung Roland's arm, getting a laugh from the boy. "What do you want to know?"

He bounced as they walked into the hospital. "Everything!"

"Everything? That might take forever!" She wasn't watching where she was going, focused on the little boy, and collided with someone else. Her head snapped up. "I'm sorry."

"That's okay, Mayor Mills. I'm unharmed." Dr. Archie Hopper smiled at her, umbrella resting against his leg. He glanced down and smiled at Roland. "And who is your new friend?"

Regina felt Roland hide behind her legs as she introduced him. "He's Sophie's half-brother," she explained.

Archie tilted his head. "So the man I saw Sophie with a few seconds ago…?"

"Is her father," Regina confirmed. "He just came back into our lives."

"And how do you feel about that?" He slipped easily into therapist mode and Regina bit back a laugh.

She took a deep breath. "I feel a lot of things about it," she confessed.

"Of course," he said. "Why don't you make an appointment and we can talk? Sophie too."

"Thank you," Regina said softly. "Excuse me."

Archie stepped aside, bowing his head to her. "Have a good day, Regina. You too, Roland."

The two entered the waiting room, finding Robin and Sophie easily. Roland let go of her hand to rush over to his father and sister. He climbed into Robin's lap as Sophie showed him her locket.

Regina hung back, knowing from Robin's look that he recognized it. He had saved all summer to buy it for her before they parted for what they had thought was a brief separation. She had worn it until she realized he wasn't coming for her. Then it had gone into her jewelry box until Sophie discovered it. She claimed it for her own and Regina was glad to give her something of her father's—even if she didn't know it was his.

He gave her a look as she sat down next to Sophie. It did not go unnoticed by their daughter, who frowned. "What's wrong?" she asked.

"Nothing," Robin was quick to answer.

Regina sighed. "It's the locket. I wasn't truthful when I told you I didn't know where I got it."

Sophie looked over at Robin, figuring it out. "You gave it to her."

"I did." He kissed her head. "But I'm glad she gave it to you."

"Me too." She leaned her head against him as Roland rested his head on Robin's other shoulder.

Regina had heard other woman talk about thing that had "made their ovaries ache" but thought they were being dramatic—especially Emma whenever she talked about Storybrooke's harbormaster, Killian Jones. But now, watching Robin with his children, she understood the phrase. She felt a deep pull inside her, a yearning to have another child with Robin. But that was a secret desire she knew would never get fulfilled. Instead, she would have to be satisfied with more moments like this with Robin, Sophie and Roland.

Sophie didn't need a cast. Dr. Whale gave her a special brace to wear for at least a week. "Just rest it and it will heal," he told her.

"So it's not the entire summer," Regina said. "You'll feel better in no time."

"But I'll have it for the Summer Festival. This was to be my first ball." Sophie sulked.

Dr. Whale stood in front of her, crossing his arms. "Did I say you couldn't go to the ball?"

"No," Sophie replied, perking up. "So I can go? And have my first father-daughter dance?"

Whale shrugged. "If Dad stays around, yes."

"I'm in the room," Robin said from his chair, arms crossed. He glared at Whale. "And I'm not going anywhere."

"Okay. Testy." Whale held up his hands, walking away.

Robin stood, approaching Sophie. She leaned into him, resting against his shoulder again. He ran a hand through her hair. "So, what's this about a ball?"

"It's tradition. The Summer Festival ends with a ball that serves as a way to raise money for Storybrooke. Children who are ten and older are allowed to go for the first few hours. I've been looking forward to this for years," she said.

He smiled. "Well, do I need to get a tuxedo? I want to look my best for my first father-daughter dance as well."

"Tuxedos are nice but not necessary. Most men wear black suits to the ball," Regina told him. "If you have one, you should be fine."

She helped Sophie down from the examination table and the girl leaned against her. Regina smiled at Robin and Roland. "Shall we go grab lunch? My treat."

"Lunch sounds great." Robin held out his hand and Sophie took it, smiling up at him.

He gave her hand a squeeze, walking out with Roland on the other side. For a long time, Sophie had wondered what it would feel like to have a traditional family. To have two parents and a sibling. Maybe even a dog. She didn't have the dog yet, but she now had her father and a brother. And so far, it was everything she had imagined.

(Maybe she could convince him to get a dog as all attempts on her mother were fruitless. She could enlist Roland's help as well).

Roland skipped along next to them. "Is there such a thing as a brother-sister dance?" he asked.

"Not that I know of," Sophie replied. "Why?"

"Because I want to share a dance with you too!"

She smiled and shrugged. "We can have our own dance at home. How's that?"

"Okay. But I wanted to dance at the ball."

Regina caught up with them and she placed a hand on Roland's back. "Well, you'd have to wait a few years. I'm afraid you're still too young."

The boy pouted and Sophie understood. She had hated watching her mother and aunts dress up year after year, unable to go to such a sophisticated party. But she did have fun with the other children at the giant sleepover hosted at the rec center. "You have your own party to go to Roland," she said. "And it's lots of fun."

"Really?" he asked.

Regina nodded. "You get to play games with the other children, watch movies, eat pizza and popcorn, and get to sleep on a basketball court."

"Cool!" Roland looked up at his father with pleading eyes. "Can I go to that?"

Robin chuckled. "Of course. After all, I have a very beautiful young lady to escort to her first ball."

Sophie beamed at her father's compliment. He let go of her hand to wrap his arm around her, pulling her closer. She leaned against him, heart beating faster from her joy.

"What about Ms. Regina? Aren't you going to take her too?" Roland asked.

Robin frowned. "I'm sure Ms. Regina has a date already. Right?"

"Actually, you stole mine," Regina replied with a smile. "So I guess I'm going solo."

Sophie smiled. "We can all go together. You, me and Daddy."

"That sounds like a plan," Robin said, kissing her head as her mother agreed. Sophie was filled with joy at the thought of going to her first ball with her family.

It was beyond her dreams.

They went to a place called Granny's Diner. Regina insisted it was the best place to eat. "And it's the center of town life. If you want to know anything that's happening in Storybrooke, come here. You'll find out everything within minutes," she said, opening the door.

People called out greetings to their mayor and her daughter as she led them to a booth. Regina appeared to be well-liked and popular as mayor, which made him feel proud of her. He had always known she could rule the world one day and it seemed she was well on her way to do that.

It was also a bit intimidating. Everyone knew and loved Regina and Sophie. He was no doubt being judged, with everyone wondering if he was worthy to be around the two. For some reason, it seemed worse than when he met Marian's father.

Maybe because the stakes are higher.

An older woman with curly white hair and a friendly smile came over to their booth. "Good afternoon, Madame Mayor. And to you, Little Miss Sophie."

"Hello, Granny," Sophie replied, smiling. "How are you?"

"I'm well. Though I'm hoping you'll introduce me to your two handsome dining companions," Granny said, winking.

Regina laid her hand on Robin's arm. "This is Robin Locksley and his son Roland."

"They're my dad and brother," Sophie added.

Granny tilted her head, studying them. Robin held his breath, waiting to see if he would pass his first test. When she smiled, he let it out.

"It's nice to meet you two. Welcome to my humble establishment. Everything on the menu is good but I am biased." She winked at him. "So take your time and I'll be back in a few minutes to take your orders."

She walked off and Robin let out a sigh of relief. Regina noticed and smiled. "You know the saying 'It takes a village'? Yeah, all of Storybrooke had a hand in Sophie's upbringing."

"And Henry's and Lily's," Sophie added.

Robin smiled. "It sounds like the town raises all the children. Roland will be in good hands."

He ran his hand through his son's hair, glad he chose a great town to finally settle the two of them down in. And that he had friends here already. They weren't going to have to go through this alone now.

Once their meals were ordered, Sophie asked to show Roland the games in the small arcade Granny had set up in the back of the diner. Regina gave them some quarters and told them to stay where they could be seen from the booth.

Robin studied Regina, still surprised that her date to the ball was just Sophie. It didn't seem right. Were the men in this town that blind that they weren't climbing over each other to get to Regina? He knew he would be…if he hadn't blown that chance years ago.

"Robin? Is something wrong? You're staring," Regina said, interrupting his thoughts.

He grew sheepish. "Sorry. I guess…You really didn't have a date to the ball?"

"I did. Sophie."

"Regina, you know what I meant."

She sighed. "Just ask me, Robin. Don't play these games. They aren't your style."

"Fine." He took a deep breath. "Do you have a boyfriend?"

"No. Do you have a girlfriend?"

He shook his head. "Honestly, I haven't been in one place long enough for one since Marian left."

"So neither of us have significant others we have to try and get along with for Sophie's sake. Makes things easier," Regina said.

Robin nodded, but it still didn't seem possible. Dating as a single parent was hard, but Regina had a town full of babysitters. And there had to be a man who would make her happy and be a good stepfather to Sophie. (Not that he wanted anyone else to have a fatherly role in Sophie's life now that he was in it, but he always had a bit of a possessive streak he wasn't proud of). So why hadn't she found him?

Perhaps she hasn't been able to move on from you the same way you've been unable to move on from her, a treacherous voice whispered.

Robin pushed that hope down as he realized he was staring at Regina, who gave him an odd look. He cleared his throat. "Sorry. I guess I'm surprised. You're quite a catch. And I know from experience."

"You're flattering me," she said.

"Can you blame? You're the one who controls whether or not I see my daughter." When she opened her mouth, no doubt to protest that she wouldn't keep Sophie from him now, he held up his hand. "I was joking, Regina."

"So you don't think I'm a catch?" There was twinkle in her eye that told him she was teasing him.

But he responded with sincerity. "Of course I do. I was a fool to let you go."

"I was a fool as well," she replied, sincere as well. She laid her hand on top of his.

Their eyes met and Robin swallowed. All his feelings bubbled up, wanting to be expressed. He wanted to tell her that he never stopped loving her and to beg her to give him another chance. That he would never let her go again if she did. "Regina, I…"

"Okay, I have three burgers and an order of chicken nuggets but I only see two people," Granny said, approaching the table. "Want to call the children?"

Regina nodded, sliding out of the booth. Granny set the plates down and frowned as she looked at him. "You look like they just cancelled Christmas. What's wrong?"

"What?" He looked up then shook his head. "Oh, no. Just thinking about the logistics of setting up my headquarters here in Storybrooke. That can make anyone look cross."

Granny tilted her head. "I'll let it slide for now. But I saw how you were looking at our esteemed mayor. If I were you, I'd go for it."

"I blew that chance a long time ago."

"Not necessarily so. You'll never know unless you chance it."

Regina returned to the table with their children in tow and everyone sat down to eat their meal. Granny came back, this time carrying milkshakes. "On the house, to celebrate this new little family," she said.

"Thank you, Granny," Regina said. "You're the best."

Picking up his vanilla shake, Robin raised it high. "Then to the combined Locksley-Mills clan. We may not be a traditional family but we are our own kind of family."

"Here, here." Regina raised her glass as well. Sophie and Roland followed their parents' examples and they clinked glasses.

As they drank their milkshakes, Robin tried to ignore how right this felt. How they could be an official family. This was his lot in life and he knew it was more than he deserved. So he would be happy with it.

A/N: Woot! Chapter 4 is out! I know it took a while and I thank you for your patience. I don't think Chapter 5 will be out before the New Year, so…happy holidays if this is my only fic you read!

This was a bit more Robin and Regina heavy, but we'll get more Sophie next chapter. And this won't be as slow of a burn as "The Nanny." I promise.

Thanks again for all your support!

-Mac