Chapter 13: Marian
Robin glared at Marian, crossing his arms. "What are you doing here?"
"I wanted to see Roland," she replied, also crossing her arms as she glared back at him. "So, is there something you want to tell me, Daddy?"
He bristled at the tone she used for that last word and the fire burning in her eyes. His first instinct was to protect Sophie but he knew the truth was better than a lie at this point. All Robin could do was control how much information he gave Marian. "Yes, that is my daughter."
"Do I even need to ask who her mother is?" she asked bitterly. "How long have you known about her?"
"I don't have to answer that," he replied, his anger flaring up inside him. "You've come uninvited to my house. The last thing you have the right to do is interrogate me."
She shook her head, pointing at the window as if pointing to Sophie. "I knew it! I always knew you were cheating on me with that woman and now I have proof. You've been raising a daughter with her for who knows how long!"
Robin recognized that. It was her paranoia creeping up again, the same one that had haunted them throughout their relationship. He dropped his arms and calmed down somewhat, deciding to give her that information. "I just found out about Sophie at the beginning of the summer. Honest."
Marian looked him up and down. "Really?"
"Yes," he said. "It's actually a long story…"
"And did you go back to Regina because of her?" she asked, narrowing her eyes again as if trying to solve some puzzle.
He hesitated, unsure how to answer that question. Sophie had brought them together but he had gotten back together with Regina because he loved her. Yet something told him that any answer would anger Marian.
"All you need to know is that Regina and I are together again," he replied at last. "That's it."
"Is she the reason you're so secretive? That you're keeping me from my son?" she asked angrily.
He frowned, shaking his head. "Regina has nothing to do with that. I'm trying to do what's best for Roland. He hasn't seen you since he was a baby. You can't just walk back into his life."
Marian stepped closer. "You didn't do that with Little Regina in there?"
"What happened with my daughter is entirely different," Robin replied, disliking how much hatred she had put in her voice when she said Regina. "She came looking for me. She invited me into her life."
"And Regina was okay with it?" she challenged.
He scowled. "Can you stop saying her name like she's some sort of disease?"
She rolled her eyes. "Sorry. I didn't mean to disrespect the great Regina Mills, who is clearly either a goddess or a saint."
"This. This is why I didn't tell you about my daughter with Regina. Hell, this is why I didn't even want to tell you about Regina at first!" Robin said angrily, motioning wildly with his hands.
"What do you mean by that?" she asked, eyes blazing. It was as if they were trying to warn him to stop.
He didn't back down though, knowing he was in the right. "The jealousy, Marian. I can feel it rolling off you. It's making you act all paranoid. Just like last time."
Red splotches appeared on her cheeks. "I am not paranoid!"
"Then stop blaming Regina for everything," he said. "I'm the one making the final decisions, including the decision to ask you to wait so we can ease Roland into this and the decision not to tell you about my daughter."
She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. After holding it for a bit, she let it out slowly before opening her eyes again. When she spoke, she was calmer. "I'm sorry. You're right. I let the jealousy get the best of me. It's just…I always thought that I had at least given you something Regina couldn't—a child. And now I find out that no, she did that too. It's just…a shock."
"The fact you had Roland is still special," he assured her. "My daughter's existence doesn't change that."
"But she still had your child first. She still beat me," Marian replied sadly.
He sighed. "This isn't a competition."
"Of course not," she replied. "Regina already won."
Robin realized he was fighting a losing battle. Nothing he said there and then would change her mind. He needed to move on as he didn't want to leave Sophie inside alone for much longer and he definitely didn't want Marian there when Will returned with Roland. That wasn't how he wanted his son to reunite with his mother.
"Look, we can spend all day arguing about this but it won't solve anything," he told her. "We need to move forward and focus on Roland."
"You're right," Marian agreed, letting her arms drop to her side. Her eyes grew wider and she asked panicked: "Is he in there now? Is he watching?"
Robin swallowed his annoyance that she only thought of their son now and shook his head. "He's out with Will."
"Oh," she replied, now sounding disappointed. "And I guess you want me gone before he comes back, huh?"
"I think it would be best. I still need to talk to him."
She scowled. "About what? Doesn't he know who I am?"
"He does but you're just a picture to him, Marian," he tried to explain. "I need time to get him to understand that you're really here."
"And how long will that be? Will I ever get to see him or will you just keep pushing me off?" she asked, still angry.
Robin took another calming breath. "It won't be long. I promise."
She held her head high. "End of the month."
"Before then," he promised, going through the plans he already made for how he was going to handle reintroduce his son to his mother in his mind.
"Good," she replied, glancing back at the house. She crossed her arms. "I guess I should go. Little Regina is probably worried about you."
He glanced back at the house, relieved that Sophie wasn't in the window but knowing that Marian had a point. She had to be wondering what was taking him so long. He looked back at Marian. "I'll call you. Please don't come by until then."
"Don't worry. I won't make that mistake again," she muttered. She started to walk backwards, away from him. "If I don't hear from you within a week, though, I will call."
"Understood," he replied. He watched as she returned to her car, climbing into it. Robin stood there, making sure she drove away before he headed back inside his house.
Sophie peeked over the couch, her eyes wide. "Who was that, Daddy? Why were you outside so long? And were you arguing?"
He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. Robin then motioned toward the kitchen with his head. "Come on. I'll make us a snack while we talk."
"Okay," she said, hopping off the couch. She came over to him, still looking solemn and he wrapped his arm around her as they walked into the kitchen together.
Robin set a plate of cookies in front of Sophie before turning to the refrigerator. He glanced at her over his shoulder with a smile. "How about some chocolate milk?" he asked.
She grinned, though her stomach still felt twisted up in knots. "Mom only lets me have that on special occasions."
"Well, you're staying with me," he said, pulling the milk and chocolate syrup out of the refrigerator. "That seems special enough."
"I agree," she replied, bouncing a little as she watched him mix the two ingredients in a glass. Whatever her father had to tell her would definitely go down better with some chocolate milk to drink.
He placed the glass next to her plate of cookies before taking the seat across from her. She frowned. "Aren't you going to have some milk and cookies too?"
"I'm not very hungry," he replied, pushing the plate closer to her. "You enjoy."
She rested her hands on the table as she looked him in the eyes. "Mom does this too. Gives me treats while having conversations she doesn't think I'll like. So what's going on?"
He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck again as he gave her a sheepish grin. "You're a smart kid, you know that?"
"I do," she replied matter-of-factly. "I get it from my parents."
Robin laughed as he nodded. He then grew more serious. "The woman at the door was Marian, Roland's mother."
Sophie bit into a cookie as she thought about it. The woman certainly had the same dark hair and eyes as Roland as well as the same skin tone. Robin hadn't mentioned her before and she frowned. "Where has she been?"
"I'm not entirely sure," he answered, which confused her. How could he not know where Roland's mother was?
He sighed, as if he read her mind. "It's complicated, Sophie. She left me and Roland when he was a baby."
"Why?" she asked, confused. She didn't know how a mother could just leave her child behind. Her mother accidentally left her behind in a store once and nearly tore it apart to find her again, near tears and very panicked by the time she found Sophie only five minutes later. She couldn't imagine her mother being able to walk away for almost five years.
"She wasn't in a good place mentally and wasn't ready to be a mother," he told her. "She needed to do what was best for herself, me and Roland."
She frowned. "And that meant staying away?"
He nodded. "I know you probably don't understand it now but one day you will."
"Okay," she replied, sighing. She had heard that before—you'll understand it when you're older. At what age did one suddenly unlock the answers to all the mysteries of life, she wondered.
She took another cookie as she asked: "Is she ready to be Roland's mother now?"
"She says she is," her father answered. He didn't sound like he believed her even as he said: "So I'm going to give her a chance to do so."
Though he didn't sound too excited about Marian being back, there was a question nagging at her anyway. "Do you want to get back together with her? For Roland?"
"No," he said firmly. He stood, kneeling on one knee before her. "I love your mum, Sophie. I want to be with her. I want all of us to be a family—you, Roland, her and me."
Her nerves calmed down and she smiled as she hugged him. She knew he wouldn't leave her and her mother for Marian but she had already learned that fear can make someone worry about things that might never happen. It was good to get the reassurance that they were going to be a happy family, though she guessed Marian would have to be part of that family as Roland's mother.
Robin pulled away, smiling. "So, what do you say we enjoy the rest of our time together before your brother comes home? We'll do whatever you want."
She brightened, eager to put Marian's interruption behind them and carry on with her day with her father. "Can we play a game, please?"
"Of course, sweetheart," he told her, kissing her forehead. "I don't have many but you can find them in the living room. Pick whichever one you want."
"Okay." She jumped up and headed to the living room, eager to put Marian from her mind and enjoy having her father all to herself.
The house was very quiet without Sophie. Regina was not much of a television-watcher but she had it going for hours just to make some noise in the house. She laid on the couch, drinking wine as she watched some show on cable. It didn't really hold her attention as she missed her little girl. While she was glad Sophie was spending time with her father, Regina couldn't wait for her to come home.
Her phone began to buzz and Regina smiled when Robin's face appeared on the screen. She answered it. "Hello."
"Hello, love," he said, his accent washing over her. "You have some special people who want to wish you goodnight."
She heard the phone jostle before Sophie and Roland's voices came over the speaker. "GOOD NIGHT!"
"Good night," she replied, laughing. "Are you all having fun together?"
"We are," they answered. Roland then yelled out: "But we miss you."
She smiled, her heart melting a bit. "I miss you too."
"Hi, Mom," Sophie said, clearly off speaker now as she wasn't yelling and sounded clearer. "How is everything at home?"
"Quiet," Regina replied, leaning back. "I miss having you around the house."
There was a catch to her daughter's voice when she admitted softly: "I miss having you around too. I'm having fun with Daddy and Roland…but I really want to see you too."
A lump formed in Regina's throat and she croaked out. "Well, how about I come by for dinner tomorrow?"
Sophie gasped and Regina heard her talk to Robin. He answered her and Sophie returned to the phone. "Daddy says he would love to have you come for dinner."
"I'm sure he would," she replied, smiling at the image of the four of them enjoying a family dinner before spending quality time together. "Can I talk to him please?"
Muffled sounds came over the speaker and Regina knew the phone was being passed. It was confirmed when Robin then said: "Hello, love."
"Hello, yourself," she replied, leaning back against the couch. It felt just as good to hear his voice as much as their daughter's. "Are you having fun with the children?"
"I am, but I must say I agree with them. It's more fun when you're around," he said.
She grinned at that. "Well, I believe I've been invited for dinner tomorrow, so you should have a lot of fun then."
"Oh, I'm counting on it," he said, adding a little growl to his voice that made her shiver in anticipation. She couldn't wait for tomorrow to come.
"Someone is feeling bold, especially with the children around," she teased him, lying down on the couch now.
Regina expected him to joke back but he sounded serious when he answered. "I actually sent them into the next room. There's something I want to talk to you about."
She sat back up, concerned now. "Is something wrong? Did something happen today? Are Sophie and Roland okay?"
"Marian came by, uninvited," he said and she could hear the anger in his voice. "Roland was out with Will but Sophie was home and actually opened the door."
Regina's heart lodged in her throat. "So Marian knows about her?"
"Unfortunately."
"I take it she didn't react well."
"She did not," he replied with a sigh. He recounted his conversation with Marian, talked about her anger and her accusations. It made Regina feel queasy and nervous.
Pressing a hand to her stomach, she asked: "What do you want to do now?"
"I don't know," he replied. "I'm still too angry at her to really think straight. I was hoping talking with you would calm me down, but it's not."
"Do you want me to come over now?" she asked, worried that he might not be able to fall asleep because of how riled up he sounded.
He paused before admitting: "That sounds very tempting, sweetheart. But I don't want to inconvenience you."
She grinned, already standing. "It wouldn't be an inconvenience at all. Shall I pack an overnight bag?"
"Oooh, is someone trying to get into my bed?" he teased her.
"Yes," she replied.
He paused before turning serious. "You never need to try, Regina. All you have to do is ask."
"Same goes for you," she replied, heading up to her room. "I'm packing a bag now, Robin, and I'll be there in about a half hour. Okay?"
"Sounds perfect, sweetheart. I'll put the children to bed. Having you there for breakfast will be a nice surprise," he told her. "See you soon."
Regina hung up, placing her phone on her bed. She pulled out her overnight bag, happily packing her things. It was going to be nice to see her daughter when she woke up in the morning and she was always happy to see Roland, but they were just icing on the cake. She was just excited to spend the night with Robin, sleeping in his arms.
Relief swept through Robin as he opened the door to Regina. He practically pulled her into his house, hugging her. "Thank you for coming," he said, mostly into her hair.
"Of course," she replied, holding onto him. "It sounded like you need to talk. And I'll never turn down a chance to spend the night with you."
He smiled, kissing the side of her head. "I feel the same."
They pulled away from each other and he picked up her bag. Robin took her hand, motioning to the stairs with his head. "You wanna head up now or do you want a nightcap?"
"A nightcap sounds good," she replied, leaning closer to him. "Do you have any rules about drinking in bed?"
"I do not," he grinned, leading her into the kitchen. "Whiskey?"
She smiled back at him, pulling two glasses from his cabinet. "It is tradition."
"Yes, it is." He laughed, nodding as he grabbed his bottle of whiskey. Opening it, he poured them generous helpings of the amber liquid.
Robin handed her one of the glasses before holding out his own. "Shall we toast?"
"Why don't we just clink glasses and say cheers?" she suggested, tapping her glass against his. "Cheers!"
"Salut," he replied, smiling as he sipping his whiskey. He then reached out his hand to her. "I believe the plan was to enjoy this nightcap in bed?"
She took his hand, smiling. "It was. Lead the way, good sir. It is your house, after all."
"It's my rental," he replied. "I still need to find a permanent home for Roland and me before we get too comfortable here."
"I'm always willing to help you," she said as they climbed the stairs. "Just say the word and I can have Ruby clear my schedule."
He raised his eyebrow. "Don't you have important mayoral things to do?"
She chuckled. "Not so much in the summer. I really just catch up on paperwork during this time before things get really hectic in the sprint to the end of the year."
"Ahh," he said, smiling as he tugged her hand. "Shall we go to the bedroom?"
Regina didn't move, her eyes glancing at the door he knew led to Sophie's room. She bit her lip and he took her glass, motioning for her to head in there. "I can wait."
She smiled at him, heading into the room. He watched as she brushed back some of Sophie's hair before pressing a kiss to their daughter's forehead. Regina whispered something to her before leaving the room, closing the door behind her again.
He held out her glass to her with a soft smile. "You ready to head to the bedroom now?"
"Not yet," she replied, reaching out for the door handle for Roland's room. "Just give me a few more moments."
She slipped into his son's room and he moved, watching as she pulled the blankets Roland had kicked away back over his small body. His heart skipped a beat as he watched her tuck his son in, treating him like her own. It was one of the many reasons he loved her.
Regina kissed Roland's forehead before leaving the room, closing the door again as well. She took her glass from Robin's hand, smiling at him. "Okay. Now we can go to the bedroom."
He leaned forehead, kissing her forehead. "I love you."
"I love you too," she replied, gazing at him with adoration. She laced her fingers with his as they walked the short distance to his bedroom, entering the room together.
Robin stopped, grimacing when he thought of her overnight bag still by his door. He handed he his glass. "I'll be right back. I forgot your bag."
She sat down on his bed. "You can leave it. We can always get it later."
It was a tempting offer but he shook his head, backing out the door. "I'm afraid once I get you in bed, I won't want either of us to leave it until morning. It's best to get it now."
"Fair point," she said, setting their drinks on the nightstand. "I'll be waiting then."
He nodded, hurrying down the hallway. Taking the stairs two steps at a time, he reached the landing and grabbed her bag. Robin then climbed back upstairs and went as quickly as he could back to his room.
Regina lay on her side on his bed, smiling at him. "That was quick."
"I didn't want to waste too much time," he told her, holding out the bag. "Do you want to change first?"
She sat up, biting her lip. "We probably should. Now that you said it, once we get in bed, I don't plan to get out until morning. Well, after we brush our teeth that is."
They quickly changed into their pajamas before climbing back into bed. He sat with his back pressed against his headboard and she lay curled next to him, an arm draped across his chest. "This is nice," she said.
"It is," he agreed, kissing the top of her head. "My day is definitely ending better than it was in the middle there."
She hummed, looking up at him. "I did come over here so we could talk about Marian."
"I thought you came over here to cuddle with me," he teased her, his stomach knotting at the mention of his former fiancée.
"That too," she replied, "but also to talk about Marian."
He sighed, nodding. "True. Okay. What do you want to know?"
"What do you want to tell me?" she countered, sitting up to look him in the eyes. "I know you were angry. Are you still?"
Robin paused, realizing his anger had mostly dissipated—though he didn't know if it was because of her or the whiskey. Deciding it was a mixture of both, he shook his head. "I'm more annoyed now than angry."
"Well, that's a start," she replied, rubbing his arm. "Maybe talking about it will help even more?"
He nodded, reaching out to her. "I'd like to do that."
She curled against him. "Okay. So, where do you want to start?"
"I don't know," he admitted, thoughts flying around his head. "I can't pick just one place."
"Which one demands the most attention?" she asked him.
He paused, considering her question before answering: "I'm just really worried about Sophie. Marian really didn't take learning about her well."
"Was she angry?"
"Yes," he replied, "and very bitter. She accused me of knowing about Sophie the entire time and always being in touch with you."
Regina lifted her head, frowning. "That sounds like the paranoia Will talked about. How she was always certain you were cheating with me."
He paused, knowing she was right and fighting against his reflex to defend Marian. She had been paranoid that afternoon, spouting off irrational arguments. "You're something of a trigger for her," he finally said.
"Clearly," she replied before sighing. "So how do we move forward?"
"What do you mean?" he asked, somewhat confused.
She started to rub his chest as she answered: "Do you still feel safe having her around Roland?"
He contemplated that, pulling her close as he sorted through his feelings. The encounter with Marian that afternoon had left him on edge and feeling out of sorts. Her anger and bitterness had startled him and he was concerned about her lingering paranoia. Robin didn't know how she would react if Roland talked about Sophie, who was his favorite person in the world at the moment, or if he spoke about Regina, who was his second favorite person. Would she be angry? Would she hurt Roland?
"Robin?" Regina prompted softly.
"I don't," he finally admitted. However…"But she's Roland's mother. He deserves to have a relationship with her. And most of this is my fault."
She gave him a pointed look and he knew she was about to convince him that it wasn't her fault. He, though, knew it was. Robin should've been more honest with her at the start of their relationship, that he couldn't give her his entire heart. Maybe she could've made the decision to walk away. Even though he hurt to think of not having Roland, maybe it would've made Marian happier in the end.
"It's not your fault," Regina said softly. "She has some legitimate issues that can't be solved by loving her more. She needs professional help. And I think you need some legal advice. Maybe you should call Tink."
He paused to think about it. Maybe Marian did need some professional help to process the fact that Robin moved on so she could as well but he didn't think that should keep her from having a relationship with Roland. However, he did agree that he needed legal advice. Especially as Marian had already disregarded the boundaries he had set for her. It probably wouldn't hurt to find out what his options and resources were in case things grew combative with Marian.
"That sounds like a good idea," he said, rubbing her back. "I'll call her in the morning and see how soon she can fit us in."
"Us?" Surprise colored her words and she lifted her head. "You want me there too?"
He nodded. "This also involves Sophie, and she's ours. You should be there as well."
She kissed his cheek. "Thank you."
"No, thank you," he told her, sliding down a bit with her. "You really helped me think things through."
"Glad to hear it." She rested her head on his chest and sighed, closing her eyes. "Now what?"
He glanced over at their unfinished drinks. "Do you want to finish our nightcaps or just go to sleep?"
She hummed. "Sleep sounds good. But I wouldn't want to let good whiskey go to waste."
Laughing, Robin sat up and she did the same. He handed over her glass as he picked his up again. Clinking his glass against hers, he smiled. "To having a plan."
"Plans are always good," she agreed, sipping her whiskey. "And I'm glad that you're feeling better."
"You're in my bed. How can I feel anything but happiness?" he asked her, setting his empty glass down on the nightstand. He leaned forward and kissed her.
She kissed him back and he took her glass blindly, still able to set it down on the nightstand with his own. It freed up her hands so she could grip his shirt, pulling him closer as she parted her lips for him. He deepened the kiss, rolling them over so that she was on her back and he laid partially on top of her.
It wasn't the best day but it certainly had a great ending, he thought as they continued to kiss.
Regina stretched out under the warm blankets covering her before rolling closer to the equally warm body lying next to her. She wrapped her arm around Robin, resting her head on his chest again as she sighed contentedly. Though consciousness pulled at her, she put it off and refused to open her eyes. Not when she was so comfortable lying there with the man she loved.
It was a great way to start her day.
"Daddy?" she heard Sophie ask as the door creaked open. "Are you awake?"
Regina lifted her head, opening her eyes to find her daughter leaning into the room as she gripped the door handle. "Good morning, sweetheart," she said, wincing at how hoarse she sounded.
"Mom?" Sophie asked, her eyes widening in surprise. "When did you get here?"
"Last night, after you were already asleep. I wanted to surprise you and your brother," she explained, opening her arms so her daughter could hug her.
Sophie bounded across the room, climbing onto the bed to hug her. Regina held her close, rocking her gently as Sophie repeated: "I missed you. I'm so glad you're here."
"I'm glad I'm here too," Regina said, pulling back. She smiled as she took Sophie's hands in her own. "What if we surprise your father and brother with breakfast?"
Excited, Sophie nodded and climbed off the bed. Regina pushed back her blankets and followed her, taking her daughter's hand. They headed downstairs, happily entering the kitchen. Regina looked at Sophie. "What should we make?"
"Can we have pancakes, please?" she asked.
"Pancakes sound great," Regina said. "Do you know where your father keeps everything?"
Sophie nodded, much to Regina's relief. "Great! You can help me find what we're going to need, starting with the coffee."
Her daughter pointed out where the mugs were as well as where Robin kept the coffee pods for his Keurig. She started it up as Sophie began to pull out the ingredients they needed for the pancakes, easily knowing her way around the kitchen as well as theirs at home.
Regina placed a red mug under the Keurig's spout and watched as it poured coffee into it. She glanced at the refrigerator. "Does your father have creamer or something?" she asked Sophie.
"Just milk," Robin replied, entering the kitchen. He gave her a sheepish smile. "If I had known you were coming, I would've picked creamer up for you."
"Don't worry about it. Milk will be fine for now," she said, opening the fridge and pulling it out. "I'll start your coffee too."
He wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. "This is my house and you're my guest. I should be serving you," he whispered.
"We're a team, right?" she asked, looking up at him. He smiled down at her as she continued: "Just like you help in my kitchen, I want to help in yours."
"Fair enough," he said, kissing her before letting her go. "But I'm still going to make my own coffee, okay?"
She chuckled, nodding. "Suit yourself. Sophie and I are going to start the pancakes."
"With chocolate chips!" their daughter added, holding up the half-used bag. She beamed at them.
Regina assured her that they would use the chocolate chips as Robin went to make his coffee. As he waited for it to brew, Regina and Sophie began to mix the batter for the pancakes. They were like a well-oiled machine, measuring and adding ingredients without having to say much between them. It felt like any lazy morning they had shared before, though now with the added bonus of Robin's presence.
"Can you set the table?" she asked him, spreading some butter over the griddle they would use to make the pancakes.
As she flipped her first batch, she heard someone on the stairs and knew that Roland was awake. She glanced over at the entrance, watching as he appeared. He rubbed one eye as he yawned. "Is breakfast almost ready?"
"It is, sweetheart," Regina replied, grinning as she waited for him to figure out she was there.
Roland slowly lowered his hand and opened his eyes. He blinked a couple times before beaming at her. "REGINA!"
She crouched down in time to catch him. He wrapped his arms around her neck and legs around her middle, clinging to her. "You're here," he said, resting his head on her shoulder.
"I am," she replied. "I thought it would be fun to surprise you all for breakfast."
"You definitely surprised me," he said, pulling away to look at her with a bright smile. "I like it when you visit."
She kissed his cheek. "I like it when I visit too."
"He also likes it when you cook," Robin said, holding out a plate of pancakes. "I'm sure you're hungry. Right, my boy?"
Roland perked up even more. "Pancakes! Yum!"
"Let me put you down so you can enjoy them," Regina said, setting Roland down on the floor.
As he took his seat at the table, she returned to the stove to make the next batch. Sophie hovered nearby and she ran her hand through her daughter's hair. "Why don't you to go sit at the table? I've got everything covered here."
"Okay, Mom," she said, going to sit down next to her brother at the table. Robin set a glass of orange juice before her and she thanked him.
He returned to Regina's side. "Do you need any help?" he asked.
"I'm good," she assured him, sliding some pancakes onto another plate. "But you can bring that to Sophie."
"Will do," he said, taking the plate and walking away.
After a few more batches, Regina turned off the stove and carried the rest of the pancakes over to the table. She sat down and sipped her coffee, watching as Robin piled some on his plate. Once she got some of her own, she placed a couple more on Roland's plate. "Enjoy, sweetheart," she told him.
"Thank you, Regina," he said, digging into the pancakes with gusto. She chuckled, turning to her own meal.
Her eyes caught Robin's and he smiled, his blue eyes sparkling with happiness. She felt the same and a feeling of rightness settled over her. Robin and Roland were now part of hers and Sophie's family and she loved being able to spend quality time with them.
She loved her family and would protect them, no matter what.
A/N: Woo-hoo! Two updates in the same week! I'm starting OQ Update Month with a bang!
I hope everyone enjoyed Marian and Robin's argument. I had that floating around my brain for a long time.
Soon Marian and Regina will meet. And that's going to be…interesting.
Have a great weekend everyone!
-Mac