A/N: Thanks to Pugmom and Jackie for their much appreciated and valuable help with this story. Thanks to everyone who read it and especially everyone who left feedback.

This is the last part. I figured I'd better post before today's episode. I do not want to be compared to that amazingness!

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Eleven

"You didn't have to do this."

Robin looks up at Patrick and takes pleasure in the happiness that sparkles in his dark, mesmerizing eyes as he looks at the dinner she ordered set up on the balcony of her room. He had come to pick her up, thinking they'd go walking around until they found somewhere that struck their fancy; instead she took his hand and led him out here. Where a table a deux is set up, complete with fairy lights and romantic music.

"I did. You've been wonderful to me today." She put her hand on the waist band on his suit pants and looks up at him. "You've been wonderful all week. I wanted to thank you."

The light in Patrick's eyes dims and he brushes back some strands of her hair that were fanned out on her cheek. "I wasn't so wonderful before this trip."

"And you've already apologized for that and I accepted." Robin cuts him off and flattens her hand against his stomach. She could feel his heartbeat speeding up and she relishes the effect she has on him. It was only fair; he'd always had that effect on her. "Let's go eat."

Tonight there is no wine or champagne, only sparkling water. She wants him to know that every word she says is made with a clear head. A small insecure part of her wonders if he's changed his mind from last night, but she only needs to look into his eyes to know that he hasn't. She has been practicing all afternoon and evening what she wants to say, but when he looks at her like that the words stick in her throat. Not from fear, but because she is overwhelmed by the depth of her love for him.

"Do you want to tell me what happened this afternoon?" Patrick asks, his fork hovering over the cold, fresh shrimp she has ordered for the first course.

Robin sighs and looks out into the night for a moment before turning back to face Patrick. She opens her mouth to speak and then pauses. She tilts her head and grins. "He was upset, and rightfully so, that I brought the man I'm in love with here with me." She holds her breath and watches him process what she has said. "I know that you' may not be ready to hear that, but I couldn't agree to what you said last night without being completely honest with you. That way if it's too much for you…." Robin trailed off and took a deep breath. For the first time in a long time she feels light, as if a burden has been lifted off her shoulders.

This was not what she had planned to say, but she was at peace with it. He might very run in the other direction now, but she knew they couldn't build a foundation for that "us" he was talking about with half-truths. She might have to face the pain of never really having him, but it wouldn't be because she gave in to her fears.

"I don't know what to say. I know what you want me to say…"

"Just tell me what you're thinking, not what you think I want to hear."

Patrick blows out a breath and rubs the back of his neck, his eyes firmly fixed on his plate. After a long moment he looks up. His dark eyes are red rimmed. "I think, I know that I've never felt this way about any woman before. I know that when you're not around I look for you, I miss you, I think about you." He licks his bottom lip and leans forward.

"Robin, I'm falling for you." His voice breaks and he closes his eyes and grins ruefully. "But…love, I'm not there or not ready or just too stupid to know the best thing that's ever happened to me." He opens his eyes. "I meant what I said about sticking this out and I really, really hope you can be patient with me. Because more than anything I want to be the man you deserve."

Robin reaches across the table and he slips his hand inside hers. "You are already the man that I deserve, the man that I want and I will love you whether you love me back or not. That's just how I love. I'm not walking away either." She looks down at their enjoined hands. "Not unless you ask me to."

"I know that's a lie. Remember when you came crashing into my OR?" Patrick grins and licks his lips. "I haven't been able to get rid of you since. Come dance with me." He stands up and guides her around the table and pulls her to him. "Keep crashing into me and we'll be just fine."

"Crash." Robin whispers and leans up. Patrick leans down and their lips meet as they sway to the music.

The End

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