A/N – Thanks for the reviews!

Chapter 21 – Welcome Home

Robin got out of bed and put her slippers on and then nurse led her around to get her moving.

"Wanna race?" Nikolas said coming up behind her.

She laughed. "Just give me a few days and I'll give you a run for your money."

He chuckled. "Are you hungry?"

"Actually, I am."

"Good."

He poked his head through the doorway and motioned to someone.

A cart was wheeled into the room that has a lit candle on it and two covered plates.

"I can't believe you did all of this."

Nikolas smiled. "It was no trouble at all and it was worth it to see that smile on your face."

Alfred entered the room carrying a bucket with a bottle in it.

"Sparkling cider?"

"Please..."

She took the napkin off the table and put it into her lap and watched him pour. He took the cover off their plates and she feasts her eyes on a plate of lasagna and a salad.

"It was one of your favorites."

She smiled. "It looks really good."

"Will there be anything else sir?"

"No thank you, Alfred."

Alfred turned to Robin and winked. "It was lovely seeing you again."

She smiled and then tracked him as he left.

Nikolas lifted a glass and she followed his lead. "A toast, to new memories and living life to the fullest."

Robin tipped her glass and then they took a sip and sat the glasses down.

"Dig in," Nikolas said.

She grabbed her fork and took a bite.

"This is so delicious."

Nikolas smiled. He enjoyed watching her eat like she had never had something so good before. If Patrick was willing to let her go, he wouldn't mind picking up the pieces. Robin is an extraordinary woman.

They ate and talked and had a really good time.

"Am I interrupting?" Anna asked as she strode into the room.

"Hi, mom, Nikolas and I were just finishing up dinner."

He stood. "Anna, it's nice to see you."

She smiled.

Nikolas walked into the hallway and then motioned to Alfred who came back to retrieve the cart.

"Well, it was lovely having dinner with you. I'll pick you up tomorrow morning."

She smiled and thanked him once again.

"Milady," he said holding out his arm.

She slipped her arm around it and then he helped her back into the bed before kissing her on the cheek and leaving.

Anna noticed how giddy Robin is and couldn't help but smile. "Do I detect a little crush?"

"Maybe."

Anna laughed. It is good to see Robin excited about something.

"Are you really okay with me moving into his house?"

"No, but I will learn to live with it."

Robin chuckled.

"Are you laughing at me?"

"Yes. It was such a mom thing to say."

They giggled as Robert moved towards them carrying a bag.

"What is going on in here?"

"We're just chatting," Anna said.

"Well, enough chatting, I brought one of your favorite desserts."

Robin's eyes grew big. Robert pulled out a container of ice cream and three spoons and they took a few bites.

"This is so good," Robin said savoring every bite.

They finished and she relaxed. "I'm not going to be able to move for a week."

Anna laughed.

The family talked for a while as Anna and Robert told their favorite stories about Robin as they laughed and bonded. It was a really good day for Robin.

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Patrick entered Liz's room. He didn't even know how he was going to tell her what happened.

She studied him closely, noting that he had cried at some point which gave her pause.

"Oh my God, did something happen to Robin?"

He shook his head.

"Then what is it? Is Emma hurt?"

"No."

He sat on the bed and Liz held out her arms. Needing to feel her energy, he quickly moved against her savoring her touch. He is exhausted and Maxie was the last straw.

She held him for a minute and then said softly, "Baby, please tell me what's wrong."

He retreated as he wiped his eyes.

Patrick took a deep breath. "They found out who ran you down." His voice cracked as he struggled to not fall apart.

Liz opened her mouth wide. "Who?"

He couldn't even look at her and say it. "It was Maxie."

Liz was dumbfounded. "What?"

"The police came to the house after we finished packing and took her away. I followed them to the police station and I went in and spoke with her."

Liz took his hand.

"She swore that she didn't do it on purpose and that you were in the middle of the road."

Liz nodded.

"But, I was so mad and yelled at her for not calling for help. She left you there for dead, and I don't know if I can ever forgive her for that."

Liz was trying to process it all. Realizing how much Maxie had done, she began to cry. While she knows that Maxie hates her, she is shocked that the younger woman had left her there like that.

"Liz, say something."

She wiped the tears away. "I don't even know what to say. This whole situation is just so horrible. Emma adores Maxie."

"You're not mad at her?"

Liz's lip trembled, "Of course I'm furious, but I just can't think about this right now. I just want to go home and I don't have enough energy to hate her right now."

"Well then, I'll hate her for both of us."

He kissed her and then left, needing some time alone. It was hard looking at Liz and not thinking about the fact that Maxie is the reason she is suffering.

Liz watched him leave as tears fell down her face. She wished she had the strength to be there for him the way he needed her to be. Hearing a beep, she glanced at a machine and noticed that her blood pressure is a little high so she tried to calm herself. Shutting her eyes, she tried to push thoughts of Maxie out of her mind and concentrate on her breathing. She'll deal with Maxie later.

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Patrick got himself together and went to Robin's room.

"Hi, how's the patient?"

She opened her eyes. "I'm fine."

She watched him as he read the chart and had noticed that his eyes are red.

"Is there something wrong?"

"Nope, you're doing just fine."

"That's not what I meant."

"It's nothing for you to worry about."

She grabbed his arm. "Please Patrick…"

He sighed and told her about Maxie leaving Robin in shock.

"I knew she was hiding something but I never thought it was something that big."

"Yes, she's full of surprises."

"Does Liz know?"

He nodded. "She's actually taking it better than me."

"I'm sure she's in a bit of shock too."

"True, but I think she just wants to get out of here and doesn't want to relapse."

She tried to change the subject. "Well, thank you for fixing me."

He smiled. "My pleasure. Are you excited to go live in the Scooby Doo castle?"

"Scooby doo…?"

"Look, if you're going to get up to speed there are certain things you need to brush up on."

Robin laughed. "And just who is this Scooby Doo?"

"I'm going to let your daughter tell you that. She happens to be an expert."

"I will look forward to that."

"You get some rest. Tomorrow is a big day."

She smiled as she watched him leave and couldn't wait until tomorrow.