Sins of the Father
Regina turned onto her block, her windows open to let in the warm breeze. Though the calendar had turned to October, the warm weather had stuck around. People were talking about an Indian summer and she was hoping it didn't affect the apple trees. She was not going to be denied all her apple related treats.
Neither was Robin.
She spotted her husband out on their lawn as she pulled into their driveway, parking right next to his green SUV. He was setting up plastic headstones and two skeletons already tied to their porch blew in the breeze. Regina spotted orange lights set up along the railings and the door.
When they bought the house the year before, John had happily sent over all of Robin's beloved Halloween decorations. However, Robin had also gone out and gotten more now that he had a whole yard to decorate. She made sure he didn't spend a small fortune but otherwise let him, knowing she would go just as crazy when it came to Christmas.
Regina grabbed her bag and walked onto the lawn. Queen ran down from where she had been lying on the porch, jumping up to greet Regina. She crouched down to pet the dog. "Are you keeping Daddy company while he goes crazy decorating our house?"
"Yes, she is," Robin replied. "She's just been lying on the porch watching me. Only moved once to bark at a passing dog, but otherwise she's been fine."
"Good girl," she cooed before standing up. Regina leaned over and kissed Robin. "Do you need any help?"
He shook his head. "I think I'm good out here. I'll probably need some help with the rest of the indoor decorations."
"Indoor decorations?" She frowned as he hadn't hung anything inside the year before She imagined their house turned into a haunted house and doubted she could live like that for an entire month.
"Relax," he said, no doubt sensing her hesitation. "It's just some things for the windows—spider webs, fake spiders, and some lights."
She relaxed, nodding. "Okay. I think I can handle that. Let me just go inside and change, okay?"
"Of course, take your time. I have a few things left to finish." He smiled at her.
"Okay. Come on, Queen." Regina motioned for the dog to follow her and Queen happily trotted by her side into the house.
She quickly changed into a t-shirt and jeans, deciding to be comfortable while decorating. As she put her hair up in a ponytail, Regina watched as Queen pulled down her leash from its knob by the door. She took it in her mouth and sat at the door, looking at Regina expectantly.
Chuckling, Regina picked up the pink harness as she opened the door. Queen carried her leash down the steps and walked right up to Robin, sitting at his feet. Regina dangled the harness over the side of the porch. "I think someone is going to need this."
He sighed, jogging over to take the harness. "Thank you. We'll be right back."
"Take your time," she replied. "I'll get dinner started. You in the mood for anything in particular?"
"I've been dying for that Thai peanut sauce you found online the other day. It looked so good." He clicked the harness into place and then the leash as Queen sat at his feet.
Regina smiled, remembering how he begged her to make it as a midnight snack. She hadn't had all the ingredients needed so it was a no go, but she went out the next day and picked them up. Leaning closer, she nodded. "I have some spaghetti squash we can use."
"Sounds perfect." He rose up on his toes to kiss her. "See you in a little bit."
"Be careful," she called out before heading back into the house to gather the ingredients for dinner.
As she entered the kitchen, a red blinking light caught her attention. She pressed the play button on their phone, letting the voicemails play as she bustled around the room.
"Hi, Mr. and Mrs. Locksley, this is Cleo Fox from the Avalon Adoption Agency. We've received your application and I'd like to set up an in person meeting to discuss the next steps. Please call me back at…"
She would have to go back to get the phone number as blood rushed to her head, pounding in her ears. An in-person meeting, next steps…all words that meant it was really happening. She and Robin were truly on their way to becoming parents. While she knew it would take time, she was still that much closer to having a child.
Regina pressed play again, jotting down the phone number so she could call in the morning. Her hand shook as she looked over the paper, tears starting to form in her eyes. This was the key to her dreams coming true. She pressed it to her chest, imagining she was holding a warm and squirming baby instead.
The door opened and she heard Queen's nails clicking on the floor, the dull clack of her leash following them. Robin called out her name but the sounds didn't stop until Regina opened her eyes to find Queen at her feet. The dog raised up on her hind legs as she waved her front ones in a begging position, her pink leash still trailing behind her.
"Oh no," Regina said, crossing her arms. "You know you don't get a treat until after Daddy has taken off your harness and leash. Go."
She pointed toward the front door and Queen whined before heading back to Robin. Regina stood in the doorway, watching as her husband unclicked the leash and then took off the dog's harness. He scratched behind her ear. "Go back to Mommy."
Queen turned around and raced back to the kitchen, begging at Regina's feet again. Chuckling, Regina took out a treat and gave it to the dog. "Good girl," she cooed.
"You're a softie," Robin told her, wrapping his arm around her. He kissed the side of her head.
She hummed, resting her hand on his arm. "You're just as big a softie as me. Don't deny it."
"Wasn't going to." He kissed her neck. "Everything okay, lovely? I know we weren't gone long, but you haven't started dinner."
Regina's stomach churned as she nodded, picking up the paper with Cleo Fox's information written on it. "We had a message on the phone."
His arms tightened around her as he read it. "An in-person interview? Lovely, this is great news."
"I know," she said, turning in his arms. She rested her hands on his chest. "Yet I still can't help but worry."
"About what?"
She let out a little laugh. "Everything. What if they decide that I work too much? Or that we haven't been married long enough? That your job is too dangerous…"
"I'm a glorified gardener," he deadpanned.
"Those are Marian's words," she reminded him. "You are so much more than that. You're also up trees, working with dangerous equipment, sharp tools…"
He laid his hand against her cheek, forcing her to look him in the eyes. They shone with love and reassurance. "We are very safe, Regina, you know that. And I mostly work out of the office now anyway."
"But still…" she started protest.
"Shh," he said, pressing his finger to her lips. "I know you're scared that someone is going to yank the rug out from under us but that's not going to happen. You just need to stay positive, okay?"
She nodded, knowing he was right. "I know, I know. It's just…we're so close, Robin. I can almost feel our child in my arms."
"And soon he or she will be there." He held her close, rocking her. "Now, can we make dinner? I'm starving and we still have decorations to hang."
Regina straightened her black dress, smoothing down the skirt as she exited her car. She clutched her purse close, pleased to see Robin's car was already in the parking lot as it meant she wouldn't have to wait by herself. Taking a deep breath, she pulled open the door and stepped inside the Avalon Adoption Agency.
It was brightly light and the walls were painted a yellow color. Pictures and posters of children hung in the waiting room, all promising her the family she had wanted for years. She smiled as she checked in with the receptionist sitting behind a white desk with a fern resting on top of it. The woman jotted down her name and motioned to where Robin was sitting, waiting for her.
He grinned as she approached. "We're here and that much closer. Everyone at work wishes us luck."
"The same at my work," she replied, pulling out her phone. "And Mary Margaret sent us this."
On the screen was a picture of their friend holding her baby son, their godson, and giving them a thumbs' up. Robin chuckled. "Now we'll definitely have good luck."
"Mr. and Mrs. Locksley?" A woman about their age stepped out of an office. She had blonde hair that fell in soft waves around her face and wore a floral pattern shirt paired with dark pants and boots. Holding a file, she smiled at them. "You can come in now."
Robin took Regina's hand and they stepped into the woman's office. It was a standard office, with white walls and gray carpeting. She had a wooden desk with a sleek black computer on one end and a pile of files on the other. A black metal filing cabinet sat in the corner, under a poster proclaiming the benefits of adopting. There was a tree by the window, green leaves leaning to catch the last of the afternoon sun.
"Please, have a seat." The woman motioned to two gray armchairs placed in front of her desk as she took her seat behind it. "I'm Cleo Fox and I'll be handling your adoption process with our agency."
"Pleased to meet you," Robin said, releasing Regina's hand as they sat down.
Cleo smiled at them. "I must say, I was quite pleased with your application. You both have good, steady jobs and own a house. On paper, that's all good. But a questionnaire can only tell us so much. That's why we have these in person interviews."
"Of course," Regina sighed, clasping her hands on her lap. "What do you want to know?"
"Well, we'll start with why you two want to adopt," Cleo suggested.
Robin glanced over at Regina, who took a deep breath. "I can't have children naturally. I have a medical condition that prevents that."
Cleo nodded. "That's a very common reason why couples come in to adopt children. I imagine you would want a baby over an older child?"
"We would prefer a baby, yes, but we're not going to say no to an older child who might need our love," Regina replied, giving Robin a small smile.
"That's good to know. Now, how is your support system here in Avalon?" Cleo asked. "I'm guessing most of your family is back in England, Robin?"
He nodded. "But they are being supportive in their own ways…well, most of them. My grandparents and my mother have already promised to do whatever we need them to do and I'm sure they'll want to come out once we've adopted."
"My parents live in Lake Nostros as does my great-aunt. We also have a lot of friends who live in the area who have already told us that they would be more than happy to help us if we need it," Regina added.
Cleo nodded, jotting that all down before picking up some papers. "Sounds great. Now, I have some forms I'll need you to sign. These are releases, allowing us to do background and credit checks on you."
Robin and Regina each took them, accepting pens from her as well. He read them over, chuckling. "Sometimes I wish they made everyone who became parents go through all of this," he said.
"Believe me, I wish they did sometimes too," Cleo replied. "I worked as a social worker before getting this job, when I just couldn't take it anymore."
Not wanting to even think of the horrors the woman had seen, Regina focused on the paperwork instead. "How long will all of this take?"
"It shouldn't be too long. We have a crack team who do these investigations for us. We'll probably have the results in a week and then we'll proceed from there."
Regina nodded. "What are the next steps?"
"We'll do a home study, to see your house and your neighborhood as well as to get a feel for you in your natural environment," Cleo explained. "We'll also need to talk to some of your family and friends."
"Then what?" Regina pressed, wanting to understand everything.
Cleo smiled. "Then we start looking for a match and go from there. The next steps are going to depend on the birth mother."
Robin handed over his paperwork, frowning. "We'll get to meet the birth mother?"
"If she's okay with it, then yes," Cleo replied. "Many like to meet the couple so they know their child is going to a good home."
Handing her own paperwork, Regina nodded. "I can understand and respect that. I guess it also wouldn't hurt to possibly get a medical history from her so we can understand everything."
"My wife is very practical and I love her for it," Robin said, though Regina could detect some teasing in his voice.
Cleo laughed. "I'm sure we'll get as many of your questions as possible answered before the adoption."
"Do you need anything else?" Robin asked.
She shook her head. "I'll get these checks started and should be back in touch with you shortly. Thank you for coming in."
"Thank you," Regina said, holding out her hand. "This may be our only chance to be parents and you're giving it to us."
"It's what I do," Cleo replied, standing as she shook Regina's hand. "If you two have any questions, do not hesitate to call. Otherwise, I'll talk to you when the results are in."
They thanked her once again before Robin guided Regina out of the room. He paused at her car, kissing her cheek. "I'll see you at home?"
She nodded, smiling at him. "We're getting closer, Robin."
"I know, lovely," he replied, walking backward toward his car. "We're almost there."
Regina felt nervous all week long. She kept checking her phone and would rush home every day to check the answering machine. Each day that passed without word from Cleo added another stone to her stomach.
"You know it takes time to do these checks," Mary Margaret told Regina, handing her a teacup. "And everything is going to be fine. You and Robin are squeaky clean."
Biting her lip to keep from repeating her joke about her husband being a serial killer, Regina replied: "I know, I know. But I still worry. This is my shot at motherhood. I don't want it to disappear for any reason."
Mary Margaret nodded. "I know. But it's not going to disappear. You and Robin are going to be parents and Neal will have a little playmate."
"Yes, he will." Regina glanced over at the baby, asleep in the carrier. His little foot twitched as he dreamed on.
"You and Robin are going to be great parents," Mary Margaret continued. "You two are the best with Neal. He adores you."
Regina took a sip of her tea. "He adores anyone who will bounce him and coo over him."
"Fair enough," her friend conceded. "But still. You two are naturals. Any child will be blessed to be placed with you."
"You are the best." Regina reached out and took Mary Margaret's hand. "Thank you for letting me vent to you."
Before Mary Margaret could respond, the phone rang. Both women looked at it and she squeezed Regina's hand. "Do you want to get that?"
"I probably should." Regina sat frozen, paralyzed by her nerves and staring at the machine as the call went to voicemail.
"Mr. and Mrs. Locksley, this is Cleo Fox at Avalon Adoption Agency…."
Jolted by the voice, Regina finally grabbed the phone. "Hello?"
"Mrs. Locksley? Hi," Cleo said. "I'm calling because I was wondering if you and Mr. Locksley can come in tomorrow to meet with me."
"Is something wrong?" Regina asked, pressing her hand to her stomach as she stared at Mary Margaret. Her friend frowned.
Cleo hesitated before replying: "It's something I think would be best discussed in person. Are you available?"
"Yes, of course. We'll be there. Umm, is the afternoon is good?"
"Afternoon is fine. Three o'clock?" Cleo offered.
Regina confirmed the time, jotting it down in her planner so she could remind Robin. Once she hung up, she slumped back down in her chair as Mary Margaret watched her with concerned eyes. "The adoption agency wants to see you?"
"Yes," she replied, still staring at the phone. "It's not good, Mary Margaret."
"You don't know that."
She shook her head. "It was evident in her tone and her reluctance to discuss it over the phone. Something's wrong."
"I'm sure it's nothing major," Mary Margaret replied. "Probably just something you and Robin need to clear up or sign before they can move forward."
"I don't think so," Regina said, reaching out to play with Neal's foot. "But I hope so. This might be Robin's and my only shot at becoming parents."
Mary Margaret placed her hand on Regina's arm. "You need to stay positive. You and Robin will become parents. We all believe in you."
Regina nodded, taking Neal out of his carrier as he began to fuss. She rocked him, enjoying his warmth and sweet baby smell. Mary Margaret said nothing and she was grateful, needing this small amount of comfort even if the baby didn't know he was giving it. Regina closed her eyes and imagined she was holding her own, praying it wouldn't remain a dream forever.
Regina's heart beat so fast, she worried it would pop out of her chest and bounce away. She sat in front of Cleo, trying not to look as nervous as she felt. The fact the woman wasn't smiling like she had at their other meeting only made things worse.
"Thank you both from coming down here today," Cleo said. "I'm afraid something has come up during the background check."
Her heart stopped at those words and she reached out for Robin's hand. Regina's life flashed before her eyes as she tried to find one thing she may have overlooked, one thing she neglected to disclose, one thing that could keep her from finally becoming a mother.
Cleo held out a piece of paper to Robin. "Mr. Locksley, we found a case where you were arrested for larceny back in the UK. You didn't mention this on your application."
Regina watched as her husband took the paper and looked it over, his brows furrowing. That had to be a good sign, she believed. It meant he was just as confused as she was. This was a misunderstanding they could easily clear up and move forward with their plans to adopt.
"I don't understand," he said, voice shaky. "This shouldn't come up at all. I was a minor."
Regina's heart broke.
Everything after that felt like a dream. She was just walking through, observing and not feeling. Cleo told Robin he could dispute the findings and bring in paperwork showing the case was dismissed or sealed. Then they would proceed from there. He thanked her and ushered Regina out of the office. She was numb as they climbed back into the car and drove home.
Once they got home, her anger finally awakened. She whirled on her husband the moment the door closed. "Larceny?"
"It happened a long time ago," Robin explained. "It really shouldn't matter."
She wanted to wrap her hands around his throat and shake him until his common sense shook loose from wherever it was locked up. "We're adopting a child, Robin. Everything matters!"
He sighed, nodding as he pointed to the couch. "You're right. Sit down and I'll tell you."
They sat on opposite ends, facing each other. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees as he leaned his chin on his clasped hands. "I told you about Will's family, how they were all career criminals. When he was ten, they decided it was time he started training to join the family business. They asked him to steal a few things from a local store and told him if they didn't, he shouldn't bother coming home. Will came to me, terrified, and asked for help."
"Let me guess, you decided to help him shoplift rather than go to an adult," she said, frowning.
"We were ten," he said, defending himself. "Was it stupid? Yes. Were we caught? Yes. Were we terrified? Yes."
Regina glanced down at the paper in his hands, fiddling with her own. "I'm surprised your father has never mentioned this. Seems like something he would throw in your face."
"I don't think he saw this as my failure. He believed everyone saw it as a failure on his part, a failure as a father. He wasn't very involved in this. Mum and my grandparents took care of everything."
"Were you convicted?" she asked. Cleo had only said he was arrested for larceny, not that he was charged or was given a punishment. Surely he would've told her if he had to serve any time for this.
He shook his head. "They tried to get the owner to drop the charges given our ages but he wanted us to be made examples of. So they compromised. I was given a reprimand and sent to a class warning me away from a life of crime. After that, I was told it wouldn't appear and that seemed confirmed when I applied for citizenship here in the States. My lawyer checked. So it never occurred to me to disclose it now."
"You should've told me," Regina said, her anger rising. "We could've handled it together. We're a team, Robin."
"I know."
She stood, crossing her arms. "Really? Because you're not acting like it."
"Because I didn't tell you one little thing from my childhood?" He jumped up now, staring her down with fire in his eyes.
She shook her head, feeling the fire in her ready to consume her. "It's not very little, Robin. It could keep us from adopting. We might never be parents."
"Don't say that," he said, pleadingly. "I'll get this cleared up."
"It's still larceny, Robin. That's pretty serious." She glared at him.
He sighed. "It was just shoplifting. England, though, doesn't differentiate the way Americans do. Everything just falls into larceny."
Regina bit her lip, her mind still trying to process everything. Larceny. Shoplifting. Reprimand. Sealed. Erased. Failure to disclose. No child. She shook her head. "Even still, even if it was minor, you didn't disclose it. You didn't even tell me."
"I told you—it never occurred to me. It was buried!" His face was turning red and even his eyes were darkening.
"Not deep enough!" she shouted, gesturing wildly. "If we don't get a child, it will be your fault!"
She felt a dull pounding between her eyes and she pinched her nose. "I'm just going to go straight to bed."
"I'm going to stay down here," he said, voice scratchy. He sat back down on the couch, rubbing his face as his form was bathed in the eerie orange glow of his Halloween decorations. It seemed to add to the already tense atmosphere.
"That's a good idea," Regina agreed. "I'll leave your pajamas by the linen closet for you."
He lowered his hands, looking up at her aghast. "What? Are you saying…?"
"I'm saying you should sleep somewhere else tonight. Either the guest room or if you want to go the whole nine yards, the couch. Just not with me." Her hands shook as she said that. In the time they had been together, she had never banished him from their bed.
Robin shrank back, his eyes growing watery. "Regina, please…"
"Just not tonight," she said, trembling and growing weak at the knees. "Twenty-four hours, Robin."
He nodded, understanding her. "Twenty-four hours."
Regina turned and headed upstairs, stopping in the bathroom to down some aspirin. She also washed her face, feeling like she had just sobbed her eyes out though she hadn't shed a single tear. Fatigued settled in her bones and she thought she looked haggard. A good night's rest was needed but she doubted she would get it.
After changing into her pajamas, she climbed into bed and clutched her pillow close. She faced Robin's empty side and her heart constricted, the feeling of betrayal filling her once again. The tears spilled after that and she muffled her sobs into the pillow.
Something made the bed dip and Regina soon felt Queen sniffing her. Lifting her head from the pillow, she saw the dog lay down next to her and look at her with wide brown eyes. Regina rubbed her head. "You going to stay with me, girl?"
Queen came closer, cuddling against Regina. "I'm glad I have you. Especially since Daddy is being a twat."
Everything in her had told her this wasn't going to be easy. She knew the universe would figure out a way to move the finish line once again. Regina just didn't expect it would be because of Robin. He was her rock, the one constant and never failing part of her life. This felt like a punch in the gut.
She knew there was probably lots she didn't know about Robin's past. There were things about her past she hadn't told him. However, she didn't care if this was supposed to be buried so deep, they'd first find Jimmy Hoffa before this conviction. Robin should've told her. Then she could've been prepared.
Queen nuzzled her and she kissed the dog's head. She then buried her face in her fur and cried as night fell over the house.
"I brought lunch!" Will said, overly chipper as he barreled into Robin's office. A bag hung from his arm as he grinned. "I found a place that makes fish and chips almost like they do back home. You have got to try it."
Robin shook his head, still feeling awful. "I'm not hungry. Thanks anyway, Will. You enjoy it."
Will's smile dimmed and he sighed. He turned to the door and yelled: "Plan B!"
"I was afraid it would come to this," Tuck said, entering the office and closing the door.
Robin leaned back, scowling at the apparently planned ambush. "So this isn't just a friendly lunch?"
"We're worried, Robin. You look like you hardly got any sleep and you're not focused. What's wrong?" Tuck asked, sitting down. "Did something happen at the adoption agency?"
"Unfortunately," Robin replied, looking at Will. "Do you remember when we were ten?"
Will nodded but looked confused. "A lot happened when we were ten, though. What could've come up at the…oh no."
"The arrest?" Tuck asked, eyebrow raised. "I thought that wasn't supposed to show up on background checks."
"I thought the same but it did. And now it could keep us from adopting a child," Robin said.
Tuck frowned. "Because you were caught shoplifting?"
"Because I didn't disclose it. I didn't think I had to."
"You didn't have to when you became a citizen. I was there for that," Tuck replied, leaning forward. "Why would it then come up for the adoption agency?"
Robin shrugged. "I don't know."
"You're going to contest it, yeah? You and Regina told them that it shouldn't have come up," Will said.
"I did," Robin said, rubbing the back of his neck. He grew sheepish, knowing they would disapprove of his next sentence. "I never told Regina about that little misadventure though."
Tuck and Will stared at him, making him feel like the horrible husband he knew he had been. He swallowed. "I know. I'm the biggest wanker ever."
"Now, now, your father is still alive," Will replied.
"I might be giving him a run for his money," Robin said, leaning forward as he dug his hands into his hair.
Tuck leaned closer. "You've been with Regina for over two years. How did you marry her without telling her about the arrest?"
"I was ten," he argued. "It didn't seem like anything more than a youthful misadventure."
"And if we're honest, it wasn't. Yet it still seemed like something you would tell your wife, especially before filling out any paperwork that requires a background check. Just to be safe," Tuck said.
Robin rubbed his face. "I told you. I'm the biggest wanker ever. I know I fucked up. And I fucked up bad."
"That might be a bit of an exaggeration," Will interjected.
"She banned me from our bed for the night," he replied. "She didn't say I had to sleep on the couch, but I did it. It seemed appropriate for what I had done."
Will let out a low whistle but still shook his head. "Okay. You fucked up. But it's not as bad as you think."
"I agree with Will," Tuck said. "Get all the paperwork together, go back to that adoption agency and fight to prove that you didn't falsify anything."
Robin groaned. "I can do all of that and I am. But still…Regina had her dreams of a family crushed years ago. I came along and I revived them. Now, because of one stupid and careless decision, I could be the one to crush them once and for all. Even if she forgives me, how do I live with myself if I end up being the reason we can't become parents?"
Tears pricked his eyes and he turned away, trying to regain his composure. He had voiced the one thought that had kept him up most of the night as he laid on their couch, staring at the ceiling. While he planned to contest the results of the background check, there was still a chance it wouldn't go in their favor. Then there was a chance that things would never be the same between him and Regina. If he lost her, he didn't know how he would go on.
"Okay, okay," Tuck said softly. "I can see where you're going. You're not going to lose Regina. She doesn't love you just because you can make her a mother."
"I know. But it doesn't mean that she won't come to resent me and then leave me," Robin replied, looking at his friends.
Will frowned. "You sound like you're giving up. That's not my friend. He would fight like hell for him and for the woman he loves. That's what you're going to do."
"Exactly," Tuck said. "Call your grandparents, call your lawyer, call whoever you need to and maybe pick up flowers for Regina on your way home."
"Or wine," Will suggested.
Robin chuckled, though he still felt like the worst husband ever. But as Will went to heat up their fish and chips, Robin made a vow to do everything in his power to make sure he and Regina became parents.
He had to make everything right again.
Robin watched his fax, waiting for it to come to life. He had managed to talk to someone back in England who had access to the paperwork regarding his case, despite how long ago it was. Despite the late hour there, she had recognized he was in distress and had agreed to send it to him. Leaning against the desk, he tapped his fingers as he continued to keep vigil.
He heard the door open and his heart stopped as he heard Tuck greet Regina. Robin glanced over, finding his wife and their dog standing in the front of his office. She talked with Tuck in hushed tones, the two glancing his way every so often. No doubt they were talking about how he was the biggest wanker ever, he figured.
Tuck hugged Regina and then bent down to pet Queen's head before the two headed toward him. He swallowed, taking in his wife's red cowl-necked short sleeved shirt and dark jeans. It was too casual, which meant she hadn't gone too work. She had probably been too upset to do so.
"Regina?" he asked, confused.
"I was in this part of town and thought…oh, screw it. I was going crazy waiting for you at home and decided to come see you," she admitted. She gave Queen's leash a gentle tug. "She refused to let me leave without her."
He nodded, crouching down. Everyone in his office okayed Queen paying a visit occasionally and usually the dog was spoiled by his coworkers. Today, though, she sat right by Regina's legs and didn't even go to him when he tried to pet her. It seemed Queen not only picked up on Regina's distress but that he was the cause of it. She had chosen her side.
"We can talk in my office. I'm just waiting…" The fax machine sprang to life, cutting him off. He jumped up, pulling the papers off it as his heart beat faster.
Robin escorted her to his office, closing the door. She unclasped Queen's leash and the dog trotted over to the bed Robin kept for her. He watched as she took it by her teeth and dragged it next to Regina's chair. Queen climbed onto it and laid down, protecting her mistress.
He stayed standing, staring at his wife. Her makeup barely hid the telltale signs she had been crying and he felt even worse. "I'm sorry, Regina," he said.
Then the dam broke: "I should've told you. I should've exercised caution and put my arrest down. I'm trying to make things right by gathering everything I need to fight this. Hopefully it's enough. If we lose out on the chance at parenthood because of me, I wouldn't blame you for blaming me. Because it would be my fault and I would deserve it. Even if it meant losing you…"
"Stop." She jumped up, pressing her hand over his mouth. "You're not going to lose me. This is only a setback, not a defeat."
That seemed like something a therapist would say and his shoulders sagged as he moved her hand from his mouth. "You spoke to your mother."
"No," she said. "I thought it would be better to talk to someone not so involved. I had lunch with Archie."
"What did he say?" Robin's heart hammered in his chest.
"He reminded me that we are a team and it won't help if I turn you into the bad guy. There is no bad guy, really. We just need to clear this up. If the arrest shouldn't show up, we find out why it did and argue that you told the truth as legally advised. If the US government didn't care when you became a citizen, then the Avalon Adoption Agency shouldn't care when you become a father."
Regina reached out and took his hand. "Besides, I married you for many reasons, not just because you promised me I could be a mother. Let's be honest, I could always just adopt on my own."
"True," he acknowledged, his stomach clenching.
"I married you for a laundry list of reasons I'd be happy to recite to you if you want, but the most important reason is that you've made my life so much happier already. I can't imagine living without you."
A lump formed in his throat and he tried to swallow past it. The love he felt for her swelled his heart. "I can't imagine my life without you. You're the best thing that ever happened to me."
She smiled, wrapping her arms around his neck. "I'll forgive you if you forgive me."
"I don't deserve forgiveness," he said. "And there is nothing you need forgiveness for."
"I think you need to talk to Archie," she replied, giving him a stern look. "And just forgive me. Please."
He sighed, nodding. "Alright. I forgive you for whatever it is you think you need forgiveness for."
"Thank you." She closed the gap between them, kissing him. He melted into it, relieved to have the fight behind them.
He felt Queen paw at his legs and he looked down to find her sitting next to him. She looked up at him and her tail wagged as she waited for him to pet her. Robin chuckled as he crouched down to that. "I see. I'm back in Mommy's good graces, so now you like me again."
"She's been a great comfort," Regina said. "And a very good girl."
"Good." Robin stood, looking at his wife. "Now what?"
She smiled and his heart soared to see it again. Regina then took his hand. "Why don't you show me what you have so far?"
He nodded, leading her around to the other side of his desk. "I got documents from England and am waiting for a call back from the lawyer who helped me with my naturalization paperwork."
"This is Mal's firm," Regina said, picking up his lawyer's business card. "I'll give her a call and see if she can push her colleague into returning your call sooner."
Robin's spirits started to lift and he nodded. "Good. Then we'll go back to Avalon Adoption Agency and plead our case."
"Together." She smiled at him and he nodded, glad they were once again on the same side.
"Mr. and Mrs. Locksley, it's good to see you again," Cleo Fox said as the receptionist ushered them into the room.
Regina looked at Robin, who clutched his folder of information. Mal had come out for dinner the night before and as Lily played with Queen, she had helped them prep for this meeting. Regina felt confident about it though she knew Robin still had some worries it wouldn't go as well as they hoped. He had confessed them in bed the previous night as she had tried to kiss each one away.
It felt strange to be the positive one, having to reassure Robin rather than the other way around.
He cleared his throat. "I have a stack of paperwork here that shows that the arrest that you found should not have appeared on any records, from the courts in England as well as from the lawyer who helped me with my naturalization paperwork. He also provided the background check the FBI did on me, which will also show you that the arrest never popped up."
"I'll definitely review this, thank you." Cleo sat back down, opening the folder and looking over the first piece of paper inside it.
Robin and Regina sat down as well, watching as Cleo went through each paper they provided. He leaned forward when she got to the last page, which was the report she had given them. "We were particularly interested in that report. Regina and I noticed that it was different from the others. It looked like someone typed it up on your letterhead, not like the other reports."
Cleo frowned, pulling that report out to review it again. "You're right. I didn't notice this before. I'll go get the person who ran this report. Wait here, please."
Once she left the room, Regina took Robin's hand. "So far, so good."
"Yeah," he replied. "I'm glad Mal noticed the difference in papers since we didn't."
"She was a bit more clearheaded than we were," she reminded him. She paused. "Do you really think you might know who did the background check?"
Robin took a deep breath before nodding. "I mean, on one hand, it is a bit ridiculous to think that almost my entire class managed to move to the States. But on the other hand, it makes the most sense that he would know about an arrest that otherwise wouldn't show up."
"Well, we're about to find out," Regina said, spotting Cleo approaching the office. She straightened up as the door opened again.
Cleo stepped in with a man about their age. He was tall and thin with a weasel-like face. Black hair was combed and gelled while his brown eyes took in the couple. His lips curled into a sneer as she closed the door.
"Okay," she said, approaching her desk. "John, I need to know where you discovered Mr. Locksley's arrest. It's not on any official reports and Mr. Locksley has provided sufficient documentation to prove it should not have turned up on any check."
John cleared his throat. "It didn't come through any of our official channels. I…I just knew Mr. Locksley had the arrest and thought you should know what kind of man he is. Especially since he's adopting."
Cleo raised her eyebrow. "This arrest is from when Mr. Locksley was ten years old. I doubt it has any reflection on the type of man he is or the kind of father he will be. But still, how did you just know?"
"You don't know Locksley the way I do," John insisted, glaring at Robin. He rolled his eyes in response.
"Wait, you know him?" Cleo asked, frowning as she pointed between Robin and her colleague.
Robin nodded. "John and I grew up in Nottingham together. Went to the same school, were in the same year. However, I was friends with his older brother Richard. He was like the school hero—top athlete, involved in student government, all that. I was honored that he thought I was worthy to spend time with him and he mentored me."
"You and that delinquent Will Scarlet. He in jail?" John asked, arms crossed as he smirked.
Regina wanted to punch it off his face and she squeezed Robin's hand as she replied: "He's here and is living a very respectable life."
"But how long till he gives into his DNA and pulls Robin with him? He always does," John replied. "Birds of a feather."
"I made one mistake while trying to help a friend. I was punished and I learned my lesson. I've moved on and grown up," Robin replied.
John rolled his eyes but Cleo nodded. "Of course. Everything I see points to that not being an issue."
"Why is it that I'm the only one who can see who Robin Locksley really is? Nothing but a common thief," John spat the words out.
Regina jumped up. "What is your real issue with my husband? Surely it can't be one mistake he made as a child."
"I told you. I know the real him. You probably think he's some god come to earth," he mocked.
She recalled the time she called Robin a demigod but swallowed that response down. "I doubt you know the real him. You haven't seen him in years. I'm married to him," she said.
"Is this about Richard?" Robin asked. "Is this because he thought I was worth molding and you were a lost cause?"
"I WAS NOT A LOST CAUSE!" John lunged for him but Cleo caught him. She threw him back, surprising Regina with her strength and agility.
Cleo turned on him. "Go back to your office, John. We're going to have a long talk about this when I'm done with Mr. and Mrs. Locksley."
She shoved John out of the office before slamming the door. Cleo turned around, her shoulders sagging. "I am so, so sorry about that."
"Don't apologize," Robin said, clenching and unclenching his fist. "You got pulled into a petty childhood rivalry and I apologize for that."
"Well, I promise you that I'm going to remove the flags from your file and clear you two to move on to the next step," she replied, sitting down at her desk.
Relief and joy spread through Regina and she looked up at her husband. He, though, was frowning. "Robin? What's wrong?" she asked.
"You're still going to let us adopt? Even after how I behaved here? John Prince almost proved his point," Robin said, voice thick with anger. Regina didn't know if it was directed at John or himself. Perhaps both.
Cleo sighed. "We all lose our temper, but I don't think you did. Maybe you hit below the belt, but that doesn't mean you won't make a wonderful father."
"If taking low blows prohibited you from being a parent, we both know I'd be banned," Regina said, taking his hand and giving it a gentle tug. "Sit down and let's discuss the next steps with Cleo, okay?"
Robin's smile grew as he sank into the chair. He raised her hand to his lips, kissing it. "This is a great day."
"And let's see if we can give you more great days," Cleo said, opening their file and turning to her computer.
Regina put the last dish away as the front door opened and closed. A few minutes later, she heard the telltale sound of Queen's nails on the floor as the dog raced toward the kitchen. She dried her hands and pulled out a snack. "Did you have a good walk with Daddy?"
She stopped as she turned around, taking in her dog. Queen sat in front of her, leash and harness off. However, a single rose was tucked in her collar and the soft petals rested on her head. Regina crouched down, giving Queen the treat as she removed the rose. "What's this?"
"A gift," Robin said, leaning against the entranceway to the kitchen. He held a familiar pink box in his hands as he smiled at her. "To thank my amazing wife for not giving up on me and fighting with me for our future child."
"Robin," she sighed, standing up. She pressed a sweet and gentle kiss to his lips before pointing at the box. "Muffin Man?"
"We made a stop. They were okay with doing everything at the door while Queen lapped at the water they put out for the neighborhood dogs," he explained, setting the box down. "I got us strawberry strudel."
Regina moaned. "You're really thanking me."
He chuckled, handing her one. "Only the best, right?"
"Right," she said, taking a bite of her strudel. She closed her eyes. "I love the Muffin Man."
"And me?" Robin asked.
She opened her eyes, smiling at him. Spotting some strawberry filling at the corner of his mouth, she kissed him and licked it up. "Yes, I love you too."
They finished up their strudels as Queen lay between them, looking disappointed that not a single crumb fell her way. Regina gave her another treat as Robin cleaned up and she scratched behind the dog's ear.
"I think I'm going to head upstairs," she said, standing up. "You might want to come up in about five minutes."
Confused, he tilted his head. "I do?"
She nodded. "And Her Majesty should sleep down here tonight."
"Oh." His eyes widened as he nodded. "Of course. I'll be up in about five minutes then. "
Regina kissed his cheek before hurrying upstairs. She started taking off her shirt before she reached their bedroom, her pants coming off next. Both were shoved in a drawer and she figured she could fold them in the morning. She tossed her underwear in the hamper before shoving her bra in another drawer, from which she also pulled out a purple silk teddy with black lace at the low-cut neckline. Regina slid it over her head before making a stop in the bathroom to check her hair.
She heard the door open and close, smiling as her heart sped up. "Her Majesty is not happy to be sleeping downstairs," Robin said through the crack in the door.
"She'll be fine," Regina replied, throwing open the door. She leaned against it, knee bent and arm over her head. "We don't want an audience for this, do we?"
Robin's hands stilled at his pants' zipper as he visibly swallowed. "No, we definitely do not."
She walked over to him like a huntress stalking her prey. He stood still, surrendering to his fate as she pushed away his hands. "Let me take care of this," she said, voice low and sultry.
"I'm at your mercy," he whispered, nipping at her ear as she undid his zipper. She slid his pants and boxers down, dropping to her knees in the process.
"Sit," she instructed, "and open your legs for me."
He plopped down on the bed, their mattress creaking a bit as he planted his feet on the floor a good distance apart from each other. "Is this good?"
"Perfect." She ran her hand along his thighs. "Just like I wanted."
She kissed the tip of his cock, which was already half-hard. He groaned as he ran her tongue along his shaft and back, his fingers gripping her hair. "You're a goddamn tease, Regina Locksley."
"You love it," she said before taking him into her mouth. He let out a strangled moan, fingers tightening on her hair.
His hand was a warm and strong presence against her head as she started to suck, teasing his tip with her tongue every time she pulled back. She started to taste his salty precum as it began to drip onto her tongue. It thrilled her how quickly she could rile her husband up, manifesting in a pool of heat low in her own core.
Regina wrapped one of her hands around his cock, pumping it as she continued to bob and suck at him. He cursed, the word echoing around the room, before he encouraged her to keep going. "I'm getting close, lovely. Don't stop…please don't stop."
She loved it when he begged.
"Regina, fuck!" he shouted as she hollowed her cheeks. She brought her free hand up to fondle his balls, feeling them tighten as they awaited release. He was close and she swirled her tongue around his cock again, drawing him even closer.
His fingers dug into her scalp and his voice grew breathless. With a cry, he came and spilled himself into her mouth. She swallowed it, lapping every drop he had until his grip on her hair relaxed.
"Christ, Regina," he gasped as she wiped her mouth with a tissue. "You always manage to surprise me."
Pride filled her and she smirked as she rose from the floor. She draped her arms over his shoulders. "Do I?"
He nodded, placing his hands on her hips, drawing her closer. "I know you'll never stop surprising me."
"I hope so." She straddled him, kissing him open-mouthed so he could taste himself. His hands slid under her teddy, palming her ass while they kissed.
Robin broke the kiss, though he kept peppering her jaw line with little ones. "How do you want me to take you tonight?"
"Just like this," she said. "I want to ride you."
"Are you ready?" he asked, his hand sliding up her thigh. He pushed her teddy up until he reached her sex, a finger toying with her clit. Robin frowned. "No, you're not."
"What?" She could feel how wet she was, how it had been coating her inner thighs before he pushed her legs further apart.
He nodded. "You could be so much wetter, so much more debauched. Kneel on the bed."
"Who died and made you the boss?" She slid off him anyway, kneeling on the bed facing him. "Like this?"
Robin shook his head. "Turn around."
She did as he instructed, her breathing quickening in anticipation. "Do you want me on all fours?"
"Yes." His voice was a growl and it sent a good shiver down her spine as she assumed his desired position. If he kept talking like that, she figured she would be more than prepared in no time.
He pulled up her teddy and she felt his half-hard cock press against her ass. She should've known it was all about that. He ran his hand over it, cupping one cheek. "Gorgeous."
She held her breath as his hand then slid from her ass and ghosted over her abdomen before reaching her sex. He cupped her and groaned. "So hot and wet."
"Wet enough?" she asked, licking her lips.
"No," he said, "not yet."
His finger dipped between her folds and ran through her juices until it found her clit. She gripped the blankets tighter as he started to rub lazy circles against the nub. "Do you like that?" he asked.
"Yes," she hissed, feeling the pleasure curling low inside her. "Faster. Harder."
"Are you sure?"
She whined in response and he chuckled, pressing against her clit as he picked up his pace. Regina cried out, pushing her ass against his cock to get closer to him. He slid his other hand under her breasts, holding her up as her own arms began to shake.
He pressed a kiss to her damp hair. She grew aware of the beads of sweat rolling down her face, tasting it on her lips. "More," she pleaded.
"Almost," he promised. "Do you still want to ride me?"
She had wanted to that, she recalled despite the haze rolling through her mind. Now, though, her desires had changed. She dimly registered that it had probably been his intent but she didn't care that she had played into his hand. Not when it was making her feel so good. "Take me like this. Please."
"I would love to." He slid off her teddy, tossing it aside before opening her legs a bit more.
She felt the tip of his cock pressing at her entrance as he kissed her shoulder. Regina gasped as he slid in, inch by inch. She let out a shaky breath once he was inside her, adjusting to the feel of him from this angle.
He kissed her head. "Are you ready for me to start moving?"
"Yes," she moaned. "Hard and fast."
"Someone is being very bossy," he said, nipping at her ear while his arm rested under her neglected breasts.
She whined. "Please."
"That's better," he said. "But I don't think so. Not yet."
"Why not?" she asked, growing frustrated with his tone and the slow pace he had begun as he thrusted in and out of her.
He lifted her up a bit, kissing along her neck. "Because I want you to enjoy this for as long as possible. You deserve this pleasure."
She melted a bit as his hand cupped one of her breasts and she nodded. "You win. For now."
"I'll take it." He continued to massage her breast, the sensation coursing through her and joining with the ones created by his cock as it brushed against her clit. It was nowhere near her g-spot, but she figured that was part of Robin's plan.
He began to tease her nub as his front pressed against her back. She could feel how wet and sticky they both were already but she didn't care. All she wanted was more of whatever he was willing to give her.
"Touch yourself," he commanded in a breathy voice. "I want to see you."
She nodded, sliding her hand down to her sex. Her finger brushed his cock as she found her clit, rubbing herself. "Like this?" she asked.
He hummed. "Just like that."
They continued like that—him teasing her nipples, her teasing her clit and his cock slowly pumping into her—for quite some time. Every nerve in Regina's body felt like it was on fire, waiting for her to be consume by Robin's heat. She trembled against him, her body aching for release from the pleasure coursing through her.
She reached up, fingers finding his damp hair and pulling his head down until their lips met in a kiss. Her fingers were starting to slip from her clit but she did her best to keep up with him as he began to speed up as well.
"Regina," he groaned, adjusting his angle. "I need…I need to…"
"I know. I need it too," she assured him, panting. "Do it."
He began pounding into her, the hard and fast pace she had wanted igniting the heat inside her. She cried out as she continued to touch herself, the dual sensations bringing her closer to her peak. As his cock hit the right spot, she unraveled, babbling as wave after wave crashed over her. Robin held her as she rode out her orgasm, still moving inside her. He came with a shout of his own, spilling into her.
Together, they landed on the bed in a sweaty heap of limbs. Her heart was racing and she tried to get her breathing under control in between peppering kisses along Robin's hairline. "I love you," she murmured.
"I love you too," he replied, eyes closed as he laid his head against her breast. "So much."
She began to drift off to sleep, dimly aware when Robin finally untangled himself and stood up. The loss of his body heat sent goosebumps rising on her skin and she shivered, too tired to climb under their covers. It lasted only a few moments before she felt a warm and damp cloth run over her body. Strong hands pulled out the blankets from under her and tucked her in, kissing her forehead. "Good night, lovely."
"Good night, Robin," she whispered, feeling him then climb in next to her. He wrapped his arm around her and spooned her, his front once against tucked against her back.
He sighed contentedly and she was about to give into sleep when she felt him chuckle, the vibrations rumbling against her back. "What's so funny?" she asked.
"I was just thinking…wouldn't it be funny if we got a kid nine months from now? We could then jokingly tell people he or she was conceived tonight."
If her eyes had been open, she was certain she would've rolled them. "I don't think it's going to work that fast, Robin. Now, get some sleep."
"Okay, okay." He chuckled again. "I guess then I'll just have to keep having sex with you."
"Something tells me that won't be a problem."
"With you? Never." He kissed her shoulder. "You're stuck with me for the long haul."
She smiled, pressing closer to him. "Good. It would be a shame to split such a pair up."
"You mean you and me?"
"I meant our asses. They're both perfect and deserve each other," she shot back.
He laughed again, quickly trying to stifle it. "Maybe it is time we both got some sleep."
They laid together, each fighting fits of giggles every so often until they both calmed down. Right before she drifted off, Regina's smile grew wider. No matter what they would have to face in the morning—most likely a rather put out puppy over anything else—she knew they would get through it.
Together.
A/N: I know this didn't make it in time for March. I actually was a bit stumped about what to write for this part so I'd like to thank the ladies of my OQ group chat on Twitter for helping me brainstorm ideas and come up with this one. Thankfully, I have a prompt for the next part, so I should get that up sooner!
I also want to address this once and for all and then move on with my story. After the last chapter, there were a lot of questions about Regina getting pregnant in this story. While a small percentage of women with Regina's condition can still get pregnant, she will not be one of them. This story is about her relationship with Robin, how he accepts her infertility and how they become parents through adoption.
If you want to read about pregnant Regina, I have a few other stories that feature that—The Land Without Magic, Crown My Heart and The Nanny. However, this story, once again, will not feature Regina being pregnant.
Thank you to everyone who has been supportive of Regina's infertility and the adoption plotlines. I hope those of you who were hoping for a pregnancy still decide to continue reading because you will get to see Regina and Robin as parents.
-Mac