CHAPTER 7

Regina woke Thanksgiving morning at seven o'clock to bake her famous apple crumb pie. She ended up making two; one for desert and one for Robin and Roland to take home with them. David said Mary was making a chocolate overload cake and Regina didn't know exactly what that was but it sounded pretty amazing. She was also bringing parmesan mashed potatoes and anything with cheese was sure to be a hit. Once the pies were in the oven she started prepping for dinner. She liked to do as much as she could early on so she didn't have as much to do later when her guests arrived. She prepared the stuffing for the turkey, and once the pies were finished she made herself a quick omelet for breakfast. Around 10 o'clock her phone went off and it was a text from Emma "Hello best friend in the whole world! How are you this fine Thanksgiving morning?" Clearly her friend was up to something so when Regina text back and asked her what the hell was going on - Emma asked if she could bring a date to dinner and that they'd stop and get extra food. Regina hated when Emma did stuff like this but how could she say no? It was only one extra person. Her best friend replied that they would come early and help; which Regina was grateful for. She set the dining room table next; every year she made cute homemade place cards with little turkeys showing everyone where to sit and she was secretly glad her table was completely full this year. Around eleven o'clock she stuffed the turkey and put the bird in the oven and gathered pots, pans and other ingredients for the two casseroles she would make when Emma and her date arrived. Her phone rang as she was organizing a few things on the counter; it was Robin "Hello gorgeous. How is your morning going," he asked. She took a few minutes to chat with him and when he asked what time he should show up with Roland and Henry she told him around one o'clock. As soon as she hung up with her boyfriend the doorbell rang and Emma showed up with her date for the holiday – Killian Jones.

Regina laughed and shook her head as he kissed her cheek "Thank you for having me," he said as they all headed for the kitchen.

"I have one question," Regina said as she glared at Killian.

"Regina, go easy on him," Emma replied.

"Are you sticking around? I don't want you breaking her heart and leaving town again," Regina said seriously.

He placed the bags on the counter "I got a job at the marina and I just rented an apartment this morning. I'm not going anywhere," he said seriously.

"Good. Then, make yourself useful and start cutting up veggies and pealing those sweet potatoes. We have two casseroles to make," she said. Regina decided she better put an apron on. Things were about to get serious in her kitchen. They worked quickly and eventually the veggies were in the oven and she was putting the sweet potato casserole together when the doorbell rang. Emma went to answer it and Regina laughed when she heard the boys run in holding flowers and a bottle of wine. She instructed them where to put everything and was surprised that Robin and Killian knew one another.

Emma gave her a look and Regina just shook her head as the two men immediately hugged and started talking. She opened the oven to put the casserole in and when it was situated she let out a breath and jumped when she felt two arms come around her waist "I'm sorry love. I didn't mean to startle you," he said into her ear "Happy Thanksgiving."

"Hello, how are you feeling," she asked as she ran a hand up his arm.

"Much better," he said as his fingers traveled down her sides.

Goosebumps formed on her arms and she quickly turned around and kissed him quickly "I can tell," she said softly as she wiggled her eyebrows at him.

"Can I do something," he asked as he kissed her cheek and nuzzled his nose against her face.

Her arms encircled his neck "You're still healing. Go into the living room and take Killian with you. We can handle this," she said. He kissed her forehead and the side of her face again and then his mouth took hers.

He pulled her closer and they both jumped when they heard Roland say "Come up for air every once in a while you two."

Robin shook his head and smiled and Regina glared at Roland "I see you and Henry over there. Do not take anything from this kitchen unless it's a piece of fruit," she said. They laughed and ran out of the kitchen. Robin kissed her one more time and then followed them along with Killian. Regina leaned against the counter and said to Emma "I keep meaning to ask; are you on duty today?"

Emma sighed "Technically, yes it's me. So, if I have to leave Killian is going to hitch a ride home with David and Mary. Not many of us on the force and today it's my turn," she explained.

"I'm sure if something comes up David will get involved too," Regina said. "Here's to no drama in our small town today though." An hour later; the doorbell rang again and David and Mary had finally arrived. She came in to join them in the kitchen while he stayed out in the living room with the men. The women managed to get everything ready and a little while later everyone was helping bring all the dishes into the dining room. David carried the turkey and when he put it down he said "Who's carving?"

Regina smiled "I'd like Robin to do it."

Robin was too engrossed in conversation with Killian and everyone was already seated. Finally Roland said "Pop! Regina wants you to carve the bird. Pay attention."

Killian sat in his seat and the only one left was the head of the table in front of the turkey "You want me to do this," Robin asked as he glanced straight into her eyes. She simply nodded and he got to work.

Roland helped his father pass around plates and once everyone had meat Regina told them they should dig in but Mary interrupted "I'm sorry it's just . . . in my family we used to go around the table and talk about what we're thankful for. Would it be okay if we did that," she asked Regina.

"That sounds nice. Sure, why don't you go first," Regina said.

"Well, I'm thankful we have somewhere to be for the holiday. So thank you Regina for inviting us," Mary said.

"I'm thankful for my beautiful wife, my job and my incredible team," David said smiling at Emma and Robin.

"I'm grateful for my son, my best friend," Emma said smiling at Regina "and this food."

"My turn," Killian said. "Thank you for having me Regina and I'm grateful for my new apartment and that you have given me another chance," he said as he turned toward Emma and kissed her quickly.

"Good grief," Henry said. "I'll go. I'm thankful for Apple Crumb Pie," he said smiling at Regina "But, I'm also thankful we have great friends and family to spend the holiday with. Ro, you're turn."

Roland sat for a minute not quite sure what to say and he turned to his father "Pop, I'm thankful we're not alone either and I'm happy . . . that for the first time in a long while you're smiling again."

Robin smiled "Thank you son. That means a lot to me. I'll go. I'm with Henry I can't wait for pie," he teased. "But in all seriousness; I'm thankful for all of you and for this wonderful meal you beautiful ladies prepared and . . . Regina thank you for being you. You're wonderful," Robin said seriously as he smiled at her.

She smiled back "It's your turn," Emma said to Regina.

"Alright; I also like all of you am thankful for friends, family and this wonderful meal. I have a job I love," she said smiling at Roland. "Robin, I'm so thankful you and Roland are in my life," she said. "You make me very happy; happier than I've been in a long time. Now, can we please eat? I'm starving," she said. Everyone started passing around plates and piling food. After a few minutes; no one was talking.

David moaned "Wow, this is probably the best meal of the year."

"No doubt mate," Killian agreed as he shoveled sweet potato casserole into his mouth. Robin smiled at Regina down the table and she bit her lip. Roland and Henry were laughing and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. Regina truly was thankful for having so many people sitting at her table this year.

Halfway through dinner David's phone rang "Work," he said.

Emma groaned and started shoveling food into her mouth "Slow down. What are you doing," Regina said.

"I know I'm going to have to leave. I need to finish," Emma replied.

Henry was laughing "Mom, you'll get heartburn."

"Maybe, you won't have to go," Mary said.

"I'll make you a plate and you can come back. Emma you'll choke," Regina said.

Emma downed her water and stood from the table. She kissed Killian quickly and then David came back into the room "Accident on Elm," he said. "Sorry."

"It's alright. I'm on it. I'll be back," she said as she kissed Henry and then high-tailed it out of the house.

"Well, that sucks," Roland said.

"I agree," Killian replied.

"Language; Roland Hood," Robin said.

"Thankfully mom is off for Christmas," Henry said.

"What about you Pop?"

"I'm not sure yet Ro," Robin replied but he was pretty sure he knew the answer to that question. He was most likely working. Once everyone was stuffed; the men cleaned up while Mary, Regina and the boys hung out at the table.

Henry's phone rang and he glanced at Regina "Can I please take this," he asked.

"Go ahead," she said. He stood and Roland made kissing noises at him "Stop teasing. One day that will be a girl calling you."

"Not yet. Well, I mean there is this one girl," he said softly.

"There's no hurry. You decide when you're ready," Regina said.

Mary headed into the kitchen to help and insisted Regina stay seated "You did most of the work."

Robin came out holding his side and plopped into a chair next to his girlfriend "You're up," he told Roland. His son took off into the kitchen and he let out a breath "I'm hurting," he admitted.

She made a face and reached for his hand "Why don't you stay here the night? The boys can too. There's plenty of room. I'll let Emma know. You're in pain Robin. I'll rub your back," she said.

He leaned forward in his seat and looked over at her "A backrub? My God when's the last time I had one of those," he wondered aloud.

She laughed "I don't know but you should stay. Let me help."

He smiled and kissed her quickly and then Henry came back into the dining room "I'll clear the rest of this," he said.

Regina couldn't help but notice his face was beat red "Henry is it cool if we stay here tonight? I'm not feeling too hot," Robin admitted.

"Sure, do you want me to tell Roland?"

"Yes, please that would be great," he replied.

"I should go with Henry and check on things in the kitchen," Regina said as she stood.

"I'm sitting on the sofa," Robin said.

Once they turned to go into the other room a loud crash was heard and the boys were yelling "Oh! You're in trouble!"

Robin and Regina headed into the kitchen and Killian was on the floor picking up pieces of broken glass "I'm so sorry. It slipped out of my hand," he said.

Henry came with the broom "You should go hang out with Robin in the other room. What a mess," he said as he started cleaning up the pieces.

Killian smiled "Maybe, I should listen to the lad," he said as he stood and headed out of the kitchen.

Regina leaned against the counter and let out a breath "Be glad Pop isn't helping. He's just as clumsy and would probably break two plates," Roland said as he winked at her. He helped Mary with the rest of the dishes and David left the room to call Emma to see if she was alright. Regina and Henry got the food and coffee ready for desert and set the table once again.

Then, twenty minutes later; Emma was running back into the house "Did I miss desert," Regina heard her yell. Then, she was coming into the kitchen "They didn't even really need me," she explained when Henry looked over at her.

"Was anyone hurt," Regina asked.

"No, thank goodness," she replied.

"You're boyfriend broke a dish. Hence, the reason all the other blokes except for me and Henry were kicked out of the kitchen," Roland teased.

Emma made a face "Killian broke a dish?"

"Yup," Henry replied.

"Are you mad," Emma asked.

"No, I banished him though," Regina said. Emma apologized softly and then joined the rest of the men in the living room.

Henry came into the dining room carrying both pies and she glared at him "Why are there two pies," he asked.

"One is for Robin. Put one on the table and the other one back in the kitchen please," she said seriously.

"Wait, Robin gets a whole pie," he said shocked. "What the hell?"

"Language and yes because he's my boyfriend now; wouldn't you want Violet to have a whole pie," she whispered. "Now, do as I say. You'll get over it." Henry turned red again and Roland started laughing hysterically. Regina called everyone back into the dining room for desert. Once everyone was seated Mary sliced her cake and Regina did the same with her pie.

Everyone moaned over the deserts and when the cake was half gone, the pie devoured and the coffee pot empty Henry knew now was the perfect time to put his Godmother on the spot "Hey mom, did you know Aunt Regina made Robin a whole pie. Just for him," he said out loud.

Roland started laughing again and Emma turned toward Regina "What the hell?"

"That's what I said," Henry replied.

Regina smiled at Robin and he bit his lip "Just in case you missed the memo; there is a man in my life now."

Emma stared at her friend with wide-eyes "So, you have to make him a whole pie," she exclaimed.

"Get over it," Regina said as she took Roland's plate who was still hysterically laughing.

Henry was clearing getting annoyed with his friend "Cut it out or I'll tell everyone about Alice," he said.

Roland shot Henry a dirty look "Shut up."

"Who's Alice," Robin asked.

"Nobody; shut up Henry or I'll tell everyone about you and Violet in the bathroom," he said standing up.

"Who the hell is Violet," Emma asked.

"Just a friend - shut up Hood," Henry said angrily.

"Wait Alice from class," Regina asked as she sat down.

"No," Roland answered too quickly.

"What the hell did you and Violet do in the bathroom," Emma asked seriously.

"Oh' my God; nothing mom – Roland you're dead," he said as he also stood from the table.

"Gotta catch me first – slow poke," Roland said as he high-tailed it outside. Everyone was quiet and Emma sat back in her seat dumbfounded.

Robin cleared his throat "Wonderful. Our sons are already kissing girls. I'm assuming you didn't know about this," he said to Emma.

"No, of course not," she replied.

Regina sipped her water and cleared her throat "Um, I kind of knew about Violet but I only just found out and I knew Roland was talking to someone but I didn't know it was Alice Hatter from class," she admitted.

Killian stood "I'll go make sure they haven't killed each other," he said as he headed outside.

"So, what do I do? Do I ask Henry about Violet," Emma asked looking at Regina.

She shrugged "I just teach English. I'm out of here," she said as she stood and began clearing the table.

"I can talk to Henry," Robin offered.

"If you want; I would appreciate it. I have to head to the station. I'll go outside and check on them." Once she was gone; David and Robin shared a laugh and Mary joined Regina in the kitchen to help finish cleaning.

David stood and stretched "I hope you understand you'll be on for Christmas as long as you're cleared."

"What about New Year's," he asked.

"I'll put you on back-up," David replied. "But, we just have to see how things go. Last year was pretty terrible if you remember?"

"That's fair. I mean; since there's a lady I'd like to kiss at midnight," Robin said smiling. "But I can understand we'll probably need all hands on deck." Mary came out of the kitchen about twenty minutes later and announced they should leave. They were driving Killian home and once everyone said their goodbyes Regina collapsed on the couch next to Robin "Is there anything left to do," he asked.

"No. Everything is finished. Are the boys still outside?"

"Yes, I imagine they'll be in soon. It's cold out there."

Sure enough; a few minutes later they came inside and closed the door "Roland and I have been talking and we were wondering if we could bring the television down from upstairs," Henry said.

"Since, we're sleeping here tonight; we need something to do," Roland added.

"We'll bring it down and set it up," Henry said.

"Sit down. Both of you," she said. "If I say yes; you need to answer a few questions for me."

"Oh' crap," Roland said as he plopped next to her.

"Okay, you'll go first," Regina said as she turned toward him. "The truth about you and Alice Hatter – go."

Roland groaned and ran a hand through his hair "We kissed a few times and I like her but her father is very strict. I mean; I've asked her to a movie but she's afraid he'll hit the roof. So, we're trying to figure out what to do next. Please tell me that's enough," he asked.

Regina smiled "For now yes, thank you. But be careful. Alright Henry what about you and Violet," she asked.

He sat down on the other sofa and he was hesitant at first but finally said bluntly "We made out in the bathroom."

She let out a breath "If you get caught; you could get detention so if I were you – I'd stay out of the bathroom with Violet. Do you hear me," she said.

"Yes, now can we bring the television down," he asked.

"Go ahead," she said.

The boys ran upstairs and Robin moved over and sat next to Regina and placed an arm around her shoulder "Wow, that was impressive," he said.

"I try. I am a teacher after all. So, we could all watch a movie together if you're up to it," she said.

"That's fine and I haven't forgotten about that back rub you promised me," he teased.

"Don't worry. You'll get it," she said.

"You did a wonderful job today," he said as he ran his fingers through her hair and kissed the top of her head "We are so grateful to you."

"You are very welcome and I feel the same way," she said. She snuggled against his chest and a few minutes later the boys came down with the t.v. They worked together and in a matter of minutes it was all set up and they were searching for a movie to watch. Regina went upstairs to change her clothes and she told Robin to get comfortable on her recliner. When she was out of earshot Henry said to Roland "I'm screwed she's going to tell my mom about the thing with Violet."

"Language," Robin said.

"What's it matter really? She's cool," Roland said.

"I know but my mom is probably freaking out," Henry replied.

"Give your mother time Henry. She has to get used to the idea of you growing up," Robin said.

"Yeah' I suppose I don't want her to worry. It's not like I'm ready for sex or anything we just like each other," he said.

"MATE! Please shut up. Don't bring up sex," Roland begged. "Jesus, my Pop . . . ugh!"

"LANGUAGE," Robin said rather loudly. "Henry, I'm sure you're mom doesn't think that."

"Can we please stop talking about this before Regina comes back down? She's still my teacher for Pete's Sake! It's bad enough she knows about my friendship with Alice. Now, I feel like I can't sit next to her anymore in class," Roland said.

"How's it going with that . . . I mean with Aunt Regina being your teacher," Henry said.

"I already told you. She's a great teacher and if she makes you happy Pop I'm all for it," Roland said glancing over at his father.

"But . . ." Henry said.

Roland shrugged "I don't want Alice to get into trouble with her father," he admitted. Regina had been hiding on the stairs and she decided now would be the perfect time make her presence known.

Henry made an 'oh shit' face just like his mother when he saw her and said "Are you ready to start the movie."

"Let's do it," she said as she sat in between the boys and pulled a blanket over all of them. They watched Ant Man and it was her first time seeing it and she really enjoyed it. Robin watched them from the recliner and about halfway through the movie Henry lay with his head on Regina and he could tell Roland might want to do the same. He watched as she lifted her arm and motioned for his son to come closer and he went willingly. Robin's heart skipped a beat at the sight of them. Roland snuggled against her and Robin was in shock. His son was usually pretty shy with people but with Regina he wasn't at all. He'd taken a liking to her rather quickly. Like father; like son apparently. She caught Robin staring and she glanced over and winked at him. He smiled and sent a wink back at her and then tried to concentrate on the movie. Once Ant Man was over Henry asked if they could make turkey sandwiches and oddly enough both Robin and Regina were already hungry again. Regina glanced at her phone and it was only eight o'clock "I'll take one," she said.

"Pop," Roland said "You want?"

"Sure, why not," he said. The boys went into the kitchen and Robin joined her on the sofa "This was fun."

She smiled "It was. Do you think I should go supervise," she asked.

"It's your kitchen love," he teased.

"I'll let them be. Are you feeling alright?"

"Yes, just tired I suppose. What about you?"

"The same," she replied.

"After we eat I think I'll take a shower and turn in."

"I'm sure the boys will watch something else," she said. "So, I'll join you."

"I'd like that. We haven't had much time together since I got hurt," he said as he nuzzled her neck.

"You're still healing Officer Hood so knock it off," she whispered.

He groaned "Don't remind me." A few minutes later the boys came out carrying plates and everyone began to eat "You better have cleaned up," Robin said.

"We did. No worries," Henry replied.

"How is it? I put turkey, stuffing, mayo and cranberry sauce on there," Roland said.

"It's really good actually," Regina said.

"It's Roland's specialty," Robin explained. "He makes the best turkey sandwiches."

"I plan to sneak apple pie when you go to bed," Henry said winking at Regina.

"I don't want to hear that you have stomach ache's either of you," she said. "When you're finished eating I want you to get blankets and pillows for you and Roland in the closet."

"You getting tired Pop," Roland asked.

"Yeah, I'm heading up to bed soon," Robin said "As soon as we're finished eating.

The sandwiches were delicious and a few minutes later Regina noticed Robin was rubbing his side "Why don't you go ahead? I'll get the boys settled," she said. He stood and fist bumped Henry and then Roland and went upstairs. Regina ended up showing Roland where the extra blankets and pillows were and they worked together to set up an area on the floor for Henry and he took the couch "Watch what you want but try not to stay up too late."

"We won't," Roland said.

Henry stood and gave her a hug "Happy Thanksgiving," he said. She kissed the top of his head and then she looked at Roland and opened her arms. He smiled and then hugged her and then she went up the stairs to join Robin.

When she entered her room; he was already lying down and he sat up "Everything alright?"

"Yes, they are all set and already watching something. I just told them not to stay up too late," she said. "How are you?"

"Tired," he admitted.

"You should rest," she said.

"But I want attention," he replied.

She laughed "Take that shirt off and turn over. I promised you a backrub." He did as she asked as she straddled his back "Is it alright if I sit like this," she asked.

"Yes, do your magic," he said into the pillow. She giggled and began to rub his back.

Robin moaned and she laughed "I only just started. Hopefully, this will put you to sleep. You need to rest," she said seriously. She worked her hands over his shoulders, down his arms, and then moved to his lower back. He groaned as she worked her fingers into his spine "Does that hurt?"

"No, please keep going," he said. Regina did her best and continued to move her fingers up and down his back, caressing and massaging. Eventually, she could tell his breathing evened out and when she whispered his name; he didn't answer her. Regina carefully stood from the bed; turned out the lights and then crawled under the covers with him. She was exhausted and sleep came very easily for her. It had definitely been a Happy Thanksgiving.