Author's Note: Sorry it has taken a while to update. Work has been very hectic lately. This is the nice version of this chapter. I am working on a rated M version if anyone is interested.

Marian had finally decided to go to bed. Robin hadn't come again and she was beginning to worry. Surely he couldn't be that angry could he? Or maybe he was just still that weak. Stop worrying. If something was wrong Much would have come told you.

Just as she was about to close the shudders to her window she noticed him emerging from the forest. She smiled at him making his heart skip a beat. As soon as he had made it in her room she surprised him by hugging him fiercely. He returned her tight hug reveling in the feel of her and breathing in her lavender scent. Glad just to be with her again.

After several moments they drew apart slightly although Robin kept his arms securely around her. He chuckled slightly. "I must say this was hardly the greeting I was expecting from you"

Marian ducked her head slightly embarrassed "Well, I was worried. It's been almost a week since I have seen you."

"I would have come sooner but my leg kept hurting like the devil anytime I tried to walk more than ten feet. That and Much refused to let me leave"

"I thought you were still angry with me"

When he lay on the forest floor wounded he was sure that he was going to die and the last words spoken between them had been angry, hurtful ones. "You should be angry with me. I shouldn't have said those things. I'm sorry. Forgive me?"

Marian reached up tenderly caressing his cheek. "We have both done and said things to hurt each other. I think it's time we forgive each other and move on"

Robin leaned into her touch. "Can you truly forgive me for leaving you?"

"I should have forgiven you long ago. I'm sorry I didn't. I love you, Robin."

Robin was speechless hearing the words he had thought he would never hear from her. He responded the only way his overwhelmed heart would allow. He let his lips and tongue tell her everything he was feeling. Marian forgot anything that existed outside his arms and melted against him moaning softly.

God above the feel of her pressed against him, her hands weaved through his hair holding him to her as if she'd never let go, the way her tongue was playing with his, her lavender scent which in of itself was intoxicating. Suddenly the fires that Robin kept carefully under control around her burst to life. He dropped one hand to her bottom bringing her into vibrant contact with his hardness while his other hand closed around her breast. She gasped at the contact.

Robin abruptly pulled back leaning his forehead on hers and trying to regain his control. "Sorry. I didn't mean to touch you."

Marian had always known he was the only man she wanted to be with. At this moment following society's rules didn't make sense any longer. She wanted him and she was tired of having to deny herself for propriety's sake. Her mind made up, she raised his chin to make him look at her. He was surprised to see a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. "I want you to touch me. Don't be sorry."

His eyes widened. He couldn't decide whether she had lost her mind or if he was just hearing things. "I really must have been eating too many forest mushrooms this time because you could not have just said that."

She kissed him softly. "I did say that. There has been too much wasted time between us. I love you and want to be with you in every sense."

He had always wanted that but there was so much to consider. "What about your father? If he finds out he will kill me"

"He isn't here and will not be back until tomorrow so we needn't worry about him. We also needn't worry about me getting with child. Djaq gave me something that will prevent that."

That took care of two of his worries "Marian, are you sure?"

"I've never been more sure of anything." She tried to relieve his doubt and the slight tension by teasing him "I'm beginning to get the impression you don't want me"

"Marian, I have never wanted anything more than I want you but I don't want you to regret this tomorrow"

"I would only regret it if we were not together. Please Robin."

He smiled at her "As my lady wishes" He picked her up and carried her to the bed and proceeded to make both their wishes a reality.

They were awoken by the sunlight streaming through the open window the next morning. Marian was curled against Robin's side her head resting on his shoulder and her arm wrapped over his waist. Robin was lazily caressing her back just enjoying the peace of the moment and thinking how great it would be if they were married and he could wake up with her like this every morning.

Marian finally broke the silence. "It is tomorrow and I do not regret a thing except perhaps we should have thought to close the window then we would not have had the sun waking us so early"

Robin looked down at her a smirk on his face. "Perhaps but since the sun has woken us so early we now have time to usher in the morning properly before I have to leave."

Marian smiled at him "That sounds like a good plan"

"Of course it is. I only have good plans." He kissed her before she could rebuke him and all thought fled except that of loving each other.

Afterwards they lay on their sides holding to each other and hating the thought of parting. Finally Robin sighed sadly. "I should go before your father gets back"

Marian hugged him tightly. "I wish you didn't have to"

Robin pulled back his eyes and voice filled with fierce emotion. "If it was my choice we would never be apart."

"I know." She kissed him softly then started pushing out of her bed. "Now off with you before I get caught with an outlaw in my bed"

After they had both dressed they walked over to the window holding hands. Once there they turned to face each other. He kissed her tenderly. "I love you"

"I love you too, Robin. Go on. We both have things to do."

He started to climb out the window but she stopped him.

"Robin."

He turned back to look at her "Yes, love?"

"Be careful"

"Always." He kissed her quickly then was gone vanished back into the forest.