CHAPTER 21 – HE PUT A RING ON IT

Friday night Regina, Robin, Killian and Emma went over to Mary and David's for dinner; everyone brought a dish and Mary made rolls, salad and a cake. The women were in the kitchen getting everything ready and Regina knew it was time to show off her ring – she had been trying to hide it up until this point. She leaned against the counter "I'd like to show you both something," she said clearing her throat. They both looked over at her and she held up her hand.

Emma's eyes grew wide and she walked over and roughly took her hand "Are you kidding me?"

Regina smiled "No, he asked me the other night and I said yes." They were all screaming and hugging and then Regina shushed them. "That's not all. There's a reason I asked if we could all come over tonight." Emma stepped back and Regina took Mary's hand and placed it on her belly "You're going to be an aunt." It didn't register at first and then finally Regina lifted her shirt and showed Mary her little bump. She squealed and actually started crying and hugged Regina nearly knocking her over. A few seconds later the men were all in the kitchen asking what the fuss was about and when David realized what was happening he hugged both Robin and Regina with tears in his eyes.

A few minutes later; they gathered in the dining room and began to eat "We are all so blessed," David said.

"We are," Robin replied.

"Gina, who else knows besides us?"

She shook her head at David "Just all of you but we'll have to tell Roland soon. Two more weeks and I'm past the three month period."

"This is incredible," he said smiling at Mary.

"It's a miracle," she added. "Our babies are going to be best friends." Tears were running down her cheeks and David handed her a napkin. They got through the rest of dinner with no more tears and the men agreed they would clean up.

When they were gone Emma grabbed Regina's hand "I want to see this again. Did Robin pick this out himself?"

"Yes."

"It's beautiful; how did he propose?"

"The other night he got very emotional after . . ."

"Gina, you can say it – after sex."

She laughed "Yes, and I could not deny him. I know he is going to take care of us."

"Did he cry?"

Regina looked over her shoulder to make sure no one was around "Yes." They all sighed and a few minutes later Robin was placing a glass of water in front of her and kissing the top of her head.

He sat down and Mary and Emma were staring at him "Is everything alright," he asked.

Regina laughed "Yes, stop staring," she said. "I was just telling them about the proposal."

"Oh' I see. Yes, well I just needed her to say yes."

"Are you going to set a date," Emma asked.

"We haven't discussed that. I think we'll wait until after the baby comes," Regina said.

Robin cleared his throat "Yes, I think that might be a good idea. I just wanted her to wear my ring," he said winking at Emma and Mary. Killian carried out the cake and Mary began slicing pieces of it. Robin said he'd share one with Regina and when it was placed in front of her she bit her lip "Looks good doesn't it," he teased.

He put a bit on the fork and fed it to her "Wow, that's good," she said.

"I can't wait for you to eat a giant burger with me," Emma said.

"I'd pay money to see that," Killian added.

After desert Mary stood and David rubbed her back "Are you in pain?"

"No, just tired. I think I need to lay down."

"I'll see to her," Emma said as she put down her fork. Mary said goodnight to everyone and apologized but it was obvious she was exhausted. Regina went to help David in the kitchen and just then Robin's phone went off. He excused himself and went on the back porch and Killian watched as his friend became agitated after just a few seconds of talking to whomever was on the phone.

About five minutes later; he came inside and sat on the sofa "What's up?"

Robin ran a hand through his hair "Roland told Marian that he thinks that there is a baby in Gina's belly. His exact words; Marian just called to ask me if it was true. I explained that we were waiting to let them know because we wanted to get through the first trimester but she's pretty freaked out."

"Whoa . . ."

"Yes and not to sound harsh but she needs to get over it." Regina and David came back into the room laughing and Robin sent a look at Killian asking him not to say anything. Emma came back in also and Robin stood "Are we ready love?"

Regina smiled "Sure. Thank you for dinner," she said kissing David on each cheek and hugging him.

"Want to meet for drinks one night this week," he asked the men.

"I'm in," Killian replied.

"Yes, most definitely," Robin added. They all said their goodnights and once outside he opened the door for Regina.

They got in and he started the car "Everything alright," she asked taking his hand.

"Yes my love. I'm just tired." She nodded and he cleared his throat – he would tell her about the phone call when they got home. He didn't want to spoil her good mood after a wonderful night with her friends.

Two weeks went by quickly and with the doctor's confidence they were finally able to start telling people about the pregnancy. Regina was nervous when she called her parents but they were ecstatic and she promised to try and visit soon. Marian and Jeff decided they wanted to be present when Roland was told officially even though he already knew. So, one Saturday night Regina and Robin went to their house for dinner. She hoped it wouldn't be awkward but Regina felt they had to accept Marian's wishes regarding this. She made a cake for the occasion and Robin was carrying it as they headed up the walkway "Are you alright," she asked as they stopped in front of the door.

"Yes, baby this is just strange."

"I agree. We'll leave whenever you want Robin." She rubbed his back and he kissed her and she smiled "I mean it. Say the word and we're out of here." He nodded and rang the doorbell. Once inside Regina helped Marian in the kitchen while Roland, Robin and Jeff watched television in the living room. A few minutes later they were seated at the dining room table. Regina's mouth watered; Marian had outdone herself; making dinner; chicken, rice, vegetables and corn bread. Robin couldn't help but laugh when Regina kept asking him to fill her plate.

Suddenly, Roland sent Robin a dirty look and looked right at his father "Papa it's not funny. Gina has to feed the baby too," he said pointing at her belly.

Everyone stopped what they were doing and forks were put down; Robin cleared his throat "Right you are Roland. I'm sorry Regina. I shouldn't have laughed."

Marian sipped her wine and addressed her son "Speaking of the new baby is there anything you want to ask Papa or Gina?"

"No, but I hope it's a boy because then I can teach him how to build with Lego's."

"There's nothing you want to know," Robin said.

"No, Papa. I'm excited to meet the new baby," he said as he took a bite of his cornbread. They all exchanged looks and then Robin shrugged and everyone continued to eat. Conversation flowed nicely through the rest of dinner and before she knew it Regina was helping Marian clean up in the kitchen while the men again sat in the living room together "Well, I guess Roland really knows how to break the ice," Marian said.

"Yes, he's very smart and he put Robin in his place – that's for sure." They both laughed and continued to clean up and then Regina took the cake out of the fridge "Marian, I don't want things to be strange between us," she said as she leaned against the counter.

"It's fine. I'm happy for Robin. He's a great father and the two of you are wonderful together."

"But . . ."

"Despite everything I'll always love Robin but we weren't compatible and part of me still wishes we were. I know that sounds crazy. Does that make sense?"

Regina nodded "I think so. Compatibility is a very important piece of any relationship. Part of me will always love Daniel even though he treated me the way he did. I think I always knew I deserved better than him but I was hesitant to let him go. Then, when he was gone . . . I just couldn't open myself up to anyone. I didn't want to."

"This is a strange conversation," Marian said.

Regina laughed "It sure is. Let's have cake." They walked out to the dining room and Marian poured the coffee as Regina began slicing the cake she made. Roland sat next to her and told her the baby could have a bite of his. She laughed and kissed the top of his head as Robin smiled. Regina let Roland feed her one bite and then she ate her whole piece. Jeff excused himself when his phone rang and left the room. Regina couldn't help but notice Marian's face and thankfully Robin was too busy cleaning Roland's shirt to notice. She knew that look – something was going on. Marian nodded toward the kitchen and Regina joined her "Be right back," she told Robin.

Marian looked like she was on the verge of tears "I'm sorry. I shouldn't get so emotional."

Regina said nothing as she hugged Robin's ex-wife and that's when he walked into the kitchen and found them "Is everything alright?"

Marian wiped her face "Can we have a minute?"

"Yes, Jeff is off his call and was asking where you two were."

"Stall," Regina said seriously.

"Will do," he replied.

"Quick, what's going on? The short version," Regina said. Marian felt bad unloading on Regina and told her so. She felt she was being punished for cheating on Robin years ago because now she surmised that Jeff was doing the same to her. She had proof. Texts, missed calls, and late nights at the office. Regina didn't know what to say so she just listened. At one point Maria leaned against the counter and said "I deserve this."

"No, you made a mistake but you don't deserve this. Can I do anything?"

"No, Regina I'm sorry. This was supposed to be about Roland and your baby."

"It's okay but what are you going to do?"

"I don't know," Marian admitted.

"We should go back out there."

"Regina, thank you so much; I mean it." Marian hugged her and whispered "I really am happy for you."

"Thank you." They went back out to the dining room and finished cleaning. It gave Marian a few extra minutes to compose herself. When the two women came out to the living room Roland was sitting next to Robin on the sofa and Jeff in his chair – Marian sat on his lap and he began rubbing her back. Regina sat next to Roland and he scooted closer to her and patted her belly. She could tell he was getting sleepy "Are you tired," she asked him.

"A little," he admitted.

"I'll read your story tonight c'mon," Jeff said as he pushed Marian off him. Roland kissed everyone goodnight including Regina's belly and ran upstairs with his step-father.

Robin turned toward Marian "Is something wrong?"

"Regina will explain later – not now."

"Did he hurt you," Robin asked.

"No, not physically he wouldn't do that."

"Robin, we can't talk about it here," Regina added.

"Should we go before he comes back down?"

"No, wait," Marian said.

"Thank you again for dinner again. It was delicious," Regina said changing the subject.

"Your welcome; it went well for the most part." They made small talk for a few minutes until Jeff came back downstairs.

"He went to sleep quickly," he said as he kissed Marian's forehead.

"That's good."

Robin stood "We were just waiting for you. We're heading out." Regina hugged Marian again and whispered "Call me if you need anything."

They were out the door and in the car when Robin finally said "Okay, what the hell is going on?"

"I just need a minute to process everything," she said as he started driving back toward the apartment complex.

Regina cleared her throat "Okay, I'm just going to say it – Marian thinks Jeff might be cheating on her."

Robin stared straight ahead and wasn't really reacting "That's an interesting turn of events."

"Yes," she replied. They drove the rest of the way home in silence and she couldn't help but feel sorry for his ex-wife. She knew it was an awkward situation but if everyone was going to get along then maybe if wouldn't be wrong to offer Marian some comfort and perhaps even friendship. But, Robin on the other hand wasn't saying anything about it and Regina knew why – this was what she did to him years ago.

A few days later; Regina left work early. She couldn't concentrate and she was hungry. It was the first time she'd left early since she'd found out she was pregnant. She drove past the main office of the apartment complex and not many cars were there but Robin's was. She parked the car, re-applied her lipstick and fixed her hair. Regina walked into the office and Beverly was the only one working and she motioned for her to go back. Robin was on the phone and his back was toward the door. She stepped inside, closed and locked it. He turned around and smiled at her and glanced up at the clock. She sat down in the chair across from him and crossed her legs. He raised an eyebrow at her and licked his lips. A minute later when he was finally off the phone he kissed her quickly and sat on the edge of his desk "Hello, this is a surprise."

She smiled "I missed you and I couldn't concentrate. I felt like leaving a little bit early."

"Well, this is a first. I love that you're here. Maybe, we can catch an early dinner?"

She stood and hugged him "I have a better idea," she said.

She kissed his neck and he laughed "Milady, have you come here to seduce me?"

"What if I have," she whispered into his ear. He moved her out of the way and closed the blinds and in one swift motion she was in his arms.

He roughly kissed her and she gasped as he ripped open her shirt "I've been thinking about you all bloody day," he said. He undid her bra and had her half naked in seconds. She kissed him and unbuttoned his shirt. Piece by piece their clothes were tossed to the floor until finally Robin pulled her over to the small sofa and she straddled his lap. She settled on top of his shaft and he held her on either side of her waist "Are you alright," he asked as he ran a hand over her backside. She smiled and leaned down for a heated kiss. She rode him. Their mouths never leaving one another; Robin took a single finger and placed it in her ass and she moaned "I know you love that don't you," he whispered. He could tell she loved when he talked to her and so he continued "I want you to ride me. Ride me hard Regina," he begged as she began to move faster on top of him "Take what you want. I'm all yours," he said. He felt her body tighten and she began to moan – loudly.

He kissed her and when she cried out "Yes . . . Yes . . . My God Robin," he spilled inside her. She collapsed against his chest and it took a few minutes for them to gain composure. He was running his fingers over her back "God, you are so sexy," he said. "I want you again."

She laughed "I need a minute or two but I think I can handle it. Can you?"

"Oh' Milady, you're on," he said as he grabbed the side of her face and kissed her. Robin was right pregnancy did look and feel good on her. She'd have to leave work early more often.

STAY TUNED ...