"Trial Run"
Regina shrank into her coat, causing her scarf to ride up until it covered her nose and mouth and her hat to come down to almost cover her eyes. She shoved her gloved hands into her pockets but it was to no avail. The late November cold sank into her bones and made her feel like she would never be warm again as the wind nipped at what little skin she had exposed to the element.
They had only been out of the car thirty seconds.
She took Robin's arm as they navigated the icy sidewalk and moved closer, hoping to share some body warmth with him. "It's so cold," she said, her voice muffled by her scarf.
"I know, lovely," he said. "But we're almost to the front door. Just a few more seconds and then we'll be in the nice warm house."
They stepped up to the red door with an evergreen wreath hung on it and Robin rang the doorbell. He wrapped his arm around her, holding her close as they waited for someone to answer the door. Even though she knew only seconds had passed, Regina was certain she was going to be an icicle by the time that happened.
Hope swelled inside her as the door opened, revealing Anastasia. She was dressed in a soft but warm red sweater dress and her blond hair was down, falling over her shoulders. Ana's face lit up when she saw Robin and Regina and she ushered them into the house before they froze.
"Thank you so much for braving the cold to come," Ana said, taking their coats. "Will and I are so glad to have you to celebrate a rather late Thanksgiving. And maybe an early Christmas as we still may not want to take Penny out in such cold weather for too long."
"Understandable. I can barely take Queen out in this weather. I can't imagine taking a newborn out in it," Robin replied, holding out a bag. "Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas, then."
Ana took the bag, grinning. "Thank you. I'll go put these under the tree for now. Will and Penny are in the kitchen."
"It's Penny now?" Regina asked, wandering toward the room at the back of the house. "I thought you weren't going to give her a nickname?"
"I'm still against it. Ana, though, says that Penelope is just too long to say," Will replied, standing in the kitchen as he rocked a small bundle in pink.
Regina tip-toed closer, not wanting to disturb the slumbering infant. Penelope Anastasia Scarlet was cocooned in blankets and her father's arms, her pink lips smacking together as she slumbered. Her tiny body was clad in a long-sleeved pink sleeper and her few wisps of brown hair were still wet from her bath. Though her eyes were closed, Regina knew they were a beautiful shade of blue—just like her mother's.
"She's beautiful, Will," Robin said quietly, wrapping his arm around Regina's waist.
"I know. She gets that from her mum, certainly not me," Will replied, staring down at his daughter with eyes full of love.
Regina gave him a gentle shove. "Don't knock yourself, Will. You're handsome. I'm sure she got some of it from you too."
"Of course she does," Ana replied, entering the kitchen. She rested her hands on his shoulders as she rose on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek.
She then turned to Robin and Regina. "A few others will be stopping by soon but why don't you help yourself to some of the hors d'oeuvres I've placed out?"
"Do you need any help?" Regina asked, not wanting to just sit by the side while Ana finished setting up for the party. It didn't seem right, even if she was a guest.
Ana shook her head. "The only thing I need to do now is convince Will to put Penny down."
"Why?" he asked. "She's so comfortable here."
She rolled her eyes as she walked away. "Fine. But you're going to have to eat eventually."
Robin chuckled, letting Regina go as he got closer to Will. "See, mate? I told you you would be a good father."
Will nodded, a look passing between the two men that spoke volumes to Regina. She knew enough about Will's family to understand that he would've had many concerns and doubts before becoming a father. No doubt he had confided them in Robin, who had assured him of the truth they all knew—he would be a great father.
"Actually, Robin, could I bother you to go outside and grab some beers? We've been keeping them out there to stay cold," Ana asked, sound apologetic. "You don't really have to go out. You just have to open the door and lean out."
Robin nodded, heading over to the door. "Do you need me to bring anything else in or will just the beer do?"
"Just the beer," Ana replied. "Thank you, Robin."
A gust of cold air burst through the room when he opened the door and Will turned his back, holding Penelope closer. Regina leaned in, also helping to block the girl from the cold as she rubbed one of her little feet. "She really is beautiful, Will."
"Do you want to hold her?" he asked, looking a bit hesitant about his offer and like he really wanted her to say no.
She raised her eyebrow, making sure it wasn't just a polite offer. "You're willingly letting her go?"
"It's hard, I'll admit, but I wouldn't trust her with anyone else but her godmother." He grinned at her, holding out the sleeping infant to transfer her into Regina's arms. It seemed he was serious.
The baby girl was warm and wiggly, even in sleep, as she laid there. Regina held her close, bouncing her gently as she smiled down at Penelope. "You're a little angel," she whispered to the girl.
Robin's strong arms wrapped around her and he rested his chin on her shoulder, looking down at their goddaughter. "An angel holding an angel," he whispered.
"Mush," she shot back.
"You love me for it," he replied, kissing the side of her head. "And just think, in a year, you could be holding our child."
Her heart skipped a beat as she imagined it before a pang of sorrow took over. It had been several months since Cleo had cleared them for adoption but so far, no birth mother had picked them to adopt their child. They had come close and had met a few, but still nothing had come from it. Regina tried to keep her spirits up, but it was starting to become daunting to always be so close and yet so far.
"It's going to happen," Robin whispered, as if reading her mind. "Don't give up hope."
She nodded, fighting the lump in her throat. "I know, I know."
He let her go as the doorbell rang, echoing around Ana and Will's rather cozy cottage. "Why don't you take Penelope into the next room so she doesn't keep getting chilled by us opening and closing the door?" he suggested.
"You're such a good dad and she isn't even yours," Regina teased, turning to kiss Robin. "I'll go do that. You can let Ana or Will know."
She walked away, rocking Penelope as Robin chuckled. As she took a seat on Ana's couch, Regina couldn't help but continue to smile. Robin was right—soon she would be rocking their own child. She just had to have hope.
There were pros and cons to living on an entirely different continent with an ocean between him and his family. For starters, George Locksley and his cold, mean-spirited attitude was an entire ocean away. However, Robin did miss the rest of his family and sometimes envied how close they were whenever he returned to England. There were times where he missed being able to just pop over to his grandparents' house as easily as he and Regina could with her parents'. And while he loved Ruby as the sister he never had, he sometimes envied that she and Regina were so close and could spend time together when he couldn't with his own cousins. Video chats and phone calls just weren't the same.
Robin got a surprising call a couple weeks before Christmas as he and Regina lounged on their couch while watching The Preacher's Wife. She hit pause on their remote, freezing Whitney Huston and Courtney B. Vance, as he picked up his phone. "It's my cousin Anne," he said, frowning.
"You should answer it," Regina replied, resting her hand on his arm in support.
He knew she was right yet he could only stare at the phone as it rang. A chill ran through him and his heart sped up as dread filled his stomach. While there could be several reasons why his cousin might call him, he feared it was going to be bad news regarding their grandparents. Robin didn't think he could handle that, especially so close to Christmas.
Regina sighed, reaching over to hit answer. "Hello, Anne?"
"Regina? Hi!" Anne replied, sounding peppy. It sent relief coursing through Robin as he knew it meant the news couldn't be bad as she asked: "Is Robin there too?"
"Yes," he said, recovering his voice. "Hi, Anne."
"Hi, Robin. Am I interrupting something? It's not too early there, is it?" she asked, sounding concerned.
"No, not at all. Is everything okay?" he asked, still nervous that something was wrong and she was just hiding it behind a cheerful voice.
"Everything is fine," his cousin assured him. "I've been informed that I'll need to come to your neck of the woods soon for work and when I told my family, the girls started to beg to come along so they could see their Uncle Robin and Aunt Regina."
Robin smiled and he glanced over at Regina, finding the same goofy grin on her face. "We would love to see Lucy and Daisy," he said.
"How soon is soon?" Regina asked, taking his hand. He could hear the excitement in her voice.
Anne paused for a few seconds before responding: "Next week?"
Robin glanced over at Regina, noticing how her eyes had widened. "That's really soon."
"I know but I just found out about it. And I can tell the girls that we can plan something for the new year, that it's too soon and a bit too close to Christmas. Don't worry…" Anne rambled.
"It's fine," Regina said, interrupting his cousin. "We would love to have Lucy and Daisy come out next week. We can do some fun Christmas stuff with them."
Robin grinned, knowing his Christmas crazy wife would no doubt be able to keep both girls very busy while they were with them. "I second everything Regina just said," he told his cousin.
They heard her breathe out a sigh of relief. "Oh, thank you! I'll let the girls know and we can work out some more details later. Does this time work tomorrow?"
"Yes, it does," he told her. "We'll talk to you then. Give everyone our love."
Anne promised she would before ending the call. Robin sighed, leaning back against the couch. His wife leaned against him and he wrapped his arm around her, kissing the top of her head. "Penny for your thoughts?"
"I guess we can wait to put up the Christmas tree until Daisy and Lucy get here," she said, staring at the corner by the window where they always set up their tree. "Do you want to decorate outside before they get here though or after?"
"Before. I want to give them some Christmas cheer from the moment they come here," he said, grinning widely. "What else do you want to do with them?"
"A lot," Regina said. "My mind is all jumbled up with everything I want to do…I should call my mother."
Her sudden declaration caused her to stand and Robin fell over on the couch, frowning up at her. "Why?"
"I want her to get us tickets to The Nutcracker at the Avalon Ballet," Regina said, moving to grab the phone. "I think the girls would really like it."
She disappeared into the kitchen before Robin could even right himself. He sighed as Queen jumped onto the couch, curling up on the spot Regina had just abandoned and resting her head on his lap. Robin scratched behind her ear. "Get ready, girl. I have a feeling we're in a for a whirlwind Christmas season."
Robin and Regina stood in Avalon International Airport, eagerly watching the escalators leading down from customs to the baggage claim area for the international flights. The flight from London was confirmed to have landed and she knew that clearing customs could take some time—especially since Anne, Lucy and Daisy weren't citizens. At least Anne was their mother, so there wouldn't be any questions about her traveling with minors.
A large group of people appeared on the escalators and she craned her neck, trying to spot any familiar form. She ended up spotting Daisy first. The little girl was now six years old, a few inches taller than Regina remembered, but still with her baby face and long blonde hair in pigtails. She wore a bright purple backpack with Rapunzel on it, which matched the shirt she was wearing. Daisy had paused at the top of escalator, waiting for her mother and sister to catch up. She took her mother's hand and all three stepped on some steps, letting it take them to the bottom.
Lucy stood on Anne's other side, also holding her hand. She was a few inches taller than her sister and wore a blue shirt with Elsa on it, which Regina figured matched the backpack she wore. Her hair was braided and a blue ribbon was tied in a bow at the very end, which was resting against the girl's shoulder. Blue eyes scanned the airport and Regina smiled, giving a little wave.
"Aunt Regina!" the girls called out. "Uncle Robin!"
Anne had to tug their hands to keep them from running the rest of the way, no doubt warning them about how danger the escalator could be. Once they reached the bottom, she let the girls go and they ran over to Robin and Regina. Lucy careened right into her uncle while Daisy wrapped her arms around Regina's middle.
"I've missed you, Aunt Regina!" she said, looking up at Regina with her big bright blue eyes. "Mum says we get to stay all week with you and Uncle Robin."
Regina run a hand over one of Daisy's pigtails, nodding. "We have some really fun things planned for you and your sister. Including decorating our Christmas tree."
Lucy gasped as she pulled away from Robin, looking up at Regina with a big smile. "Really? You'll let us help you decorate your tree?"
"And can we bake Christmas cookies and drink hot cocoa?" Daisy asked, looking excited as well.
Anne laughed. "Why don't we get your bags? I'm sure Uncle Robin and Aunt Regina will be very happy to tell you their plans over dinner. I know I heard both your tummies growling as we got off the plane."
Lucy and Daisy giggled as Robin placed his hand on Anne's shoulder. "Come on, I'll help you get your bags."
They walked off toward the conveyor belt and Regina crouched down so she was eye level with the girls. "Don't worry, you two. We'll have lots of fun together, I promise. We are even taking you to see The Nutcracker."
"The ballet?" Lucy asked, bouncing up and down. "We're going to the ballet? Will we wear fancy dresses?"
"If you want," Regina replied, chuckling.
They cheered as Robin and Anne returned. He had two small pieces of luggage with him—one purple, one blue—and she rolled a big black one behind her. "Well, this is where I leave you," she said.
"Oh," Regina replied, confused and slightly disappointed. "You're not staying the night?"
Anne shook her head. "There was a change of plans. My company is sending a car to pick me up here and take me to Portland. I'm needed first thing in the morning at our office there. But I should then be finished a day early, so I can come spend it with you here—if that's okay?"
"Of course it's okay," Regina said, wondering why Anne even felt the need to ask. "You get to Portland safely."
"I will," Anne promised. She then hugged her girls, making them promise to be good for Robin and Regina. Once both had received kisses and one more hug, she picked up her bag and waved goodbye before heading to find her ride to Portland.
Robin picked up the girls' luggage again. "Alright, you two, let's head home and get some dinner in you. How does that sound?"
They cheered, letting Regina put their coats on and then wrap their scarves around their necks. Once their hats were on, she took each by the hand and they all headed out to Robin's car together.
Queen took to the girls instantly the moment they walked into Robin and Regina's house. She sniffed them before sitting at their feet, paw raised in the air as her ears perked up. Lucy looked up at Regina, confused. "What is she doing?"
"She wants you to shake her paw," Regina explained, smiling. "It's how she says hello."
Daisy giggled, taking Queen's paw. "Nice to meet you, Queen."
Queen then raised her paw again, letting Lucy take it and shake it as well. The girls followed her into the living room, sitting on the couch while Queen curled up between them so they could pet her.
"She is absolutely spoiled," Regina said, crossing her arms as she watched the scene before her.
Robin hummed, wrapping his arms around her and resting his chin on her shoulder. "True. But she's also absolutely happy."
"Yeah," she replied, leaning against him. She let out a content sigh. "I am too."
"Good." He kissed her shoulder. "Now, what are we making for dinner?"
She smiled, turning in his arms. "My famous lasagna. I thought I would treat the girls."
Robin's eyes lit up and he held her closer. "I think you're treating all of us with that."
"Then I'm sure you won't mind helping me make it," she said, pulling away but taking his hand. "Come on."
She glanced back at the living room, smiling as Queen flopped onto her back and the girls began to rub her stomach. Regina was certain this was going to be the best week ever and was going to do everything in her power to ensure it.
Robin opened up the sofa bed in their guest bedroom and Regina put on fresh sheets while Lucy and Daisy brushed their teeth. Smoothing out the blankets, Regina looked up as the girls left the bedroom and smiled. "Are you all set?"
"Can you brush my hair, Aunt Regina?" Daisy asked, holding out her brush. "Mum always does before I go to bed."
"Of course, sweetheart. Come, have a seat." Regina took the brush before sitting on the bed, patting the spot next to her.
Daisy hopped up onto the bed and turned so that her hair was facing Regina. "Please be gentle," she asked.
"I'll do my best," Regina replied, pressing the brush to the long blonde hair and hitting knots within seconds. She did her best not to tug on them, treating Daisy's straight hair more like her own curly one.
She heard Daisy whimper a few times and she whispered apologies each time. After what seemed like several agonizing minutes, the brush went through her hair as if it were water. Regina leaned forward. "Do you want me to braid it or leave it down?"
"You can leave it down, please," Daisy said, turning around to kiss her cheek. "Thank you, Aunt Regina."
"Wow. She didn't even cry once! Impressive," Lucy said, nodding her approval as she slipped under the covers.
Daisy crawled under the covers as well, holding her Teddy bear close to her. "Good night, Aunt Regina, Uncle Robin."
"Good night, you two," Robin said, kissing their foreheads. "We'll see you in the morning, okay?"
They nodded as Regina kissed them goodnight, their eyes already closing. Queen jumped onto the bed, curling up between their small bodies and giving Regina a look like "Don't worry, I got them."
Robin guided Regina out of the room, turning off the lights and closing the door slightly. He wrapped his arm around her waist. "Well, that was easy," he said.
"Because they were exhausted from jetlag," she replied, heading back downstairs. "Wait until they are hopped up on sugar."
He chuckled and when they hit the landing, he turned her to face him again. Robin rested his hands on her hips. "It'll be good practice. That's what we agreed, right?"
She nodded but remained serious. "I know. I just don't want us to be lulled into a false sense of security because everything was so easy tonight."
"Understood," he replied, leading her to the couch. "But I don't think we have to worry about that. We'll handle whatever comes."
They cuddled on the couch and Robin wrapped them up in a blanket. She snuggled closer to him, sighing happily. "I'm glad they're here."
"Me too." He kissed the side of her head. "And we're going to be awesome parents to them while they are with us. You'll see."
Regina's kitchen was an absolute mess. Flour covered nearly every counter and there were dark smudges along a few other surfaces, all showing little fingerprints. Dirty bowls, spoons and measuring cups sat in her sink while some burnt dough needed to be scraped off her stove, though she wasn't sure how that got there.
Normally, she would've been annoyed to see such a mess but not at that moment. There were two content little girls sitting at her kitchen table, happily icing a whole batch of Christmas cookies while Queen sat under the table—just waiting for some morsel to fall her way. Lucy had flour streaks in her hair and Daisy had managed to get an equal amount of icing on her as on the cookies. Baths were definitely in their future but for now, Regina let them enjoy getting messy.
After all, children were messy and she was going to have to get used to that when she became a mother.
"It smells delicious in here," Robin said, entering the kitchen with a smile. It dimmed a bit as his eyes grew wide, taking in the entire kitchen. "Woah."
Daisy chuckled, holding up her frosting covered hands. "We made Christmas cookies, Uncle Robin."
"I see," he replied. "Though I'm not sure how much frosting you got on the cookies rather than yourself, Daisy."
She giggled as Lucy looked over the table, frowning. "Are all the cookies done?"
Regina stepped closer to her, also surveying the table. "It looks like it. Now it's time for baths."
"Do we have to?" Daisy asked, almost whining.
"Yes," Regina and Robin said in unison. She moved closer to the girls. "Come on. We'll let Uncle Robin clean up this mess."
Robin made an indignant noise as Regina took the girls' sticky hands. She winked at him as she passed, hearing him sigh as he moved toward the sink. He then addressed the dog: "You're going to stay in case I drop something, aren't you, girl?"
Once they got to the bathroom, Regina had the girls strip while she ran them a bath. The girls giggled and Lucy asked: "How did you get frosting there?"
Regina glanced back to see some red frosting streaked along Daisy's bare chest. The girl frowned as she stared at it. "I don't know."
"It doesn't matter," Regina told them. "You're getting in a bath and we'll wash everything off. So in the water."
They put up no fight and climbed into the warm water willingly. Daisy splashed her sister, who returned it as they giggled. Regina let them play, relishing the distraction as she first washed Daisy's hair. She then moved onto Lucy, soaping her hair and then washing out the suds again.
"Now you two can wash up your bodies and get all the flour, sugar and frosting off," Regina said, handing them each soaped up facecloths. "I'll be watching to make sure you get every nook and cranny."
"Yes, Aunt Regina," they said, eagerly washing themselves as she leaned back and supervised them.
So far, parenting the two of them was pretty easy. It meant that Regina was just waiting for the shoe to drop but she did her best to make sure to enjoy herself before that happened.
Both girls held out their facecloths to her. "Done!" Lucy proclaimed as Daisy nodded beside her.
"Good job," Regina praised them. She stood, wincing as she heard her knees crack, and pulled out two towels. "Time to dry off and go see how your uncle is faring in the kitchen."
She wrapped them in the fluffy towels and guided them back to their bedroom. Opening their suitcases, she picked out new clothes for them to wear. Daisy, though, shook her head. "Can't we wear our pajamas?"
"But it's not even dinner time," Regina said, frowning.
"Are we going out for dinner?" Lucy asked, confused. When Regina shook her head, she then pressed: "So why can't we lounge around in our pajamas?"
Daisy clasped her hands together, looking up at Regina with big wide blue eyes. "Please, Aunt Regina? Please?"
Regina had been with Robin for three years and married for a year and half. She thought she had developed immunity against the Locksley charm, able to withstand it and hold firm no matter how much was thrown her way. However, staring into two set of wide blue eyes with Locksley dimples on full blast, she realized she wasn't immune at all. Robin had just learned how to use his charm to his advantage and lure her into a false sense of security. She absolutely melted. "Okay. You can wear your pajamas."
They cheered and reached for their pajamas, happily pulling on pants and shirts with their favorite Disney princesses on them—once again, Rapunzel for Lucy and Elsa for Daisy. Regina gathered up their clothing, deciding to run them through the laundry that night so she didn't send anything too dirty back to England with them.
"Aunt Regina, are you going to change into your pajamas too?" Daisy asked, plopping down so Regina could brush her hair.
Regina worked through the knots in Daisy's hair as she pondered the answer to the question. There were no plans to leave the house for the rest of the night. In fact, she and Robin had decided to put up their tree with the girls. They certainly didn't need to be in regular clothes for that, she realized. So, she answered: "Yes, I think I will. And we'll let Uncle Robin know too. I'm sure he'll change into pajamas as well."
"Yay! Pajama party!" Lucy cheered, starting to jump on the couch. Her wet hair sent water droplets flying all about, spraying Regina and Daisy.
They recoiled and let out indignant cries before Regina turned back to Lucy. "No jumping on the couch, young lady."
"But Aunt Regina…" Lucy stopped bouncing but still stood on the couch, pouting.
Regina remained firm, shaking her head. "You will sit or lie on that couch, but you will not stand or jump on it. Got it?"
Huffing, Lucy collapsed onto the couch and sat crossed-legged. "Fine."
"Thank you," Regina said, finishing with Daisy's hair. She then held out the brush. "Let me do your hair as well."
"Can you braid it?" Lucy asked, taking her sister's spot by Regina.
"Of course, I can," she said, pulling out some ponytail holders. "One or two plaits?"
"One is fine."
Daisy inched closer. "Can you braid my hair too, Aunt Regina?"
Regina smiled, nodding. "Once I'm done with your sister's. And then I'll do mine so we can all match. How does that sound?"
"It sounds like a proper pajama party to me," Lucy said as Daisy nodded. And as she brushed the girl's hair, Regina had to agree.
A fire crackled in the hearth and Christmas music filled their living room. It smelled like pine, which caused Regina to make the same joke she always did—that Robin had overdone his cologne. He still laughed anyway, feeling it was a tradition and knowing how much she loved his scent.
Their tree was set up in the corner by the bay window so it could be seen from the street at night. Boxes of decorations lay strewn around the living room and Queen had already decided that the garland was a comfortable bed as she was curled up on it, sound asleep. Daisy and Lucy were dressed in their pajamas, like he and Regina were, and they were happily sorting through the ornaments as Regina searched for their angel.
"Aha!" she said, pulling it out of a box. She smoothed down its white gown and fixed its feathery wings. "There. She's ready for the tree."
"You're going to put her on now?" Lucy asked, frowning.
Robin nodded, moving to stand next to Regina. "She lights up so we need to connect her to the lights, meaning she has to go on before the ornaments."
"Here you go," Regina said, handing him the angel. "Be careful."
Daisy tugged on his shirt. "Can I put the angel on? Please?"
He shook his head. "I'm sorry, sweetheart. This angel is old and very delicate. We have to be very careful when putting her on the tree so it's best if I do it."
"Okay," Daisy said, disappointed.
"Here." Regina held out an ornament shaped like a house that was given to them for their first Christmas in the house. "You can put this on once Uncle Robin has the angel on the tree."
Happy again, Daisy took the ornament and went to find the perfect spot for it. Lucy moved closer to Regina. "Is there one I can hang up?"
"Of course." Regina reached back into the box and pulled out a bulb ornament decorated with a beach scene. They had gotten that at the resort where they spent their honeymoon and Robin hid the smirk as he remembered that glorious week.
Robin got the angel on the top of the tree and connected her to the lights. He lit everything up and heard the girls all say "ooh" in unison. Turning, he beamed at them. "You may commence putting on ornaments."
Daisy and Lucy cheered and hurried to claim their branch for their ornament. Robin moved out of their way, heading over to where Regina continued to pull out more baubles from a box. She wore his old Knights jersey with a pair of blue flannel pants under it and her braid dangled over her shoulder as she searched for their favorite ornaments. The glow of the fire enhanced her beauty and Robin's heart skipped a beat as he once again thanked every higher power possible that she was his.
He walked over to her, wrapping his arm around her waist and pulling her against him. She laughed, resting her hand on his chest. "What is this for?"
"I love you," he said, rubbing her nose with his.
She smiled, giving him a quick kiss. "I love you too."
"Are you two always this mushy?" Daisy asked, crinkling her nose.
Robin chuckled, pulling away from Regina and picking Daisy up. He held her close as he replied: "Pretty much. Your aunt brings it out in me."
"Don't listen to him," Regina replied, smirking. "He's a romantic at heart and brings it out in me. I'm pretty sure it's a Locksley thing."
She winked at him and he chuckled, hoisting Daisy to get a better grip on her. "Come on, let's put some more ornaments on this tree. It's looking a little sad."
"Well, we can definitely rectify that," Regina said, pulling out a ceramic Boykin terrier ornament from a box. "Who wants to put Queen's ornament on for her?"
Lucy's hand shot straight up as her eyes widened. "I do! I do!"
As Regina handed her the ornament, Robin pulled out a bulb from the box nearest him. It was one he had picked up on a whim during their weekend in Seattle and he handed it to Daisy. "Do you want to put this one on?"
She nodded and happily took it as he set her down. Daisy ran over to the tree as Robin pulled out a couple of their more delicate ornaments. He hung them high on the tree as the girls focused on the lower branches and Regina took the middle. They had a good system and soon laughter joined the music still playing in the background as the tree slowly but surely got decorated.
They finished by chasing Queen off the garland, wrapping two strands around the tree. A third went up the railing while the fourth was laid over the hearth as they hung up the stockings. Robin then lowered the lights, allowing the fireplace and the Christmas lights to illuminate the room while Regina made hot chocolate. She carried out four mugs placed around a plate of their Christmas cookies, which they enjoyed as they watched a marathon of Christmas classics—Frosty the Snowman, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, How the Grinch Stole Christmas and A Charlie Brown Christmas.
By the time they got to Linus reciting the passage from the Gospel of Luke, Robin was the only one still awake. Daisy was curled up on Robin's lap while Lucy used Regina's as a pillow. Regina's head rested on Robin's shoulder while Queen slept curled up next to Regina, behind Lucy's bent legs. Robin figured he should carry the girls to bed and wake his wife so she could go to bed as well but he was too comfortable with them all on the couch. As Charlie Brown and his friends sang around the Christmas tree in the glow of the Locksleys' tree, Robin figured a few more moments wouldn't hurt anyone.
"That's my doll, Daisy! I told you not to touch her!" Lucy's voice echoed throughout the house.
Daisy's voice was just as loud as she yelled: "Mum says you have to share and let me play with her too!"
"That's at home. We're at Uncle Robin's and Aunt Regina's!"
"It still applies! So, let me play with her or I'll call Mum and tell her you're not sharing!"
"No one likes a tattle tale!"
Regina sighed as she set down her briefcase, closing the door from the driveway behind her. Queen danced around her feet, rising on her back paws while kneading Regina's legs with her front ones—begging for attention. Regina crouched down, scratching behind the dog's ear as she listened to the girls argue.
"I thought I heard you come in," Robin said, coming out of the kitchen with a smile. He gave her a kiss hello.
She then motioned to the living room where the girls were still fighting over the doll. "How long have they been at it?"
"Most of the day," he admitted with a sigh. "They even fought over lunch even though their grilled cheese sandwiches had the same amount of cheese."
Regina sighed as well. "I guess this was bound to happen. I'll go try and play referee."
"Good luck," he said. "Nothing I've done so far has worked. I've tried pleading, cajoling, bribing…"
"Have you tried a good old-fashioned timeout?" she asked, raising her eyebrow.
He rubbed the back of his neck. "Not yet. I guess I just haven't had the heart to do it yet."
She hummed, shaking her head. "Sure, make me the bad guy. Is this going to be how it is when we have children?"
"No," he rushed to assure her. "No, we'll be a team when it comes to discipline. I'll come with you now and we'll be a united front."
"Then let's head in there before they kill each other," she said, taking his hand.
They walked into the living room, finding it strewn with doll clothes and a few other toys the girls had brought with them. However, they both were tugging on a poor doll dressed in a beautiful purple dress with braided blonde hair as they shouted at each other.
Robin let out a high-pitched whistle and the girls stopped, though they each retained their tight grip on the doll. So Regina marched over to them and held out her hand. "Give me the doll, please."
"But Aunt Regina…" Lucy started to protest.
"No," Regina replied, cutting her off. "Give me the doll and then you two are going to sit in opposite corners for five minutes."
They stared at her in horror and Daisy asked: "Are you punishing the both of us?"
"We're giving you time to cool down and the four of us are going to talk about this," Robin said, giving them pointed looks.
The girls nodded and Lucy placed the doll in Regina's hand. She pulled the doll close as Robin took Lucy's hand and led her to one side of the room. Holding out her hand to Daisy, she took the girl to the other side and sat her down in the chair. "Five minutes."
Daisy looked up at her with tears in her eyes. "I'm sorry I was fighting, Aunt Regina. Please don't make me sit here."
Regina almost caved at the girl's sorrowful look but resisted when she felt Robin take her hand, giving her strength. She shook her head. "Five minutes, just like your sister."
Sniffing, Daisy turned to face the wall. Robin pulled Regina into the kitchen and took the doll from her hands. "You go get changed. That should eat up the five minutes and then we'll talk to them."
"Good plan," she said before kissing his cheek. "And thanks. It's nice to know we'll be partners when it comes to discipline."
Regina past the living room, checking to be sure both girls were in their proper corners, and then headed upstairs. Queen bounded after her, happily jumping onto the bed as she watched Regina change out of her suit. She pulled on a soft red cashmere sweater and slid on some dark blue jeans before pulling her hair into a ponytail. Turning to the dog, she presented herself. "How do I look?"
Queen's tail wagged faster and Regina chuckled, scratching her behind her ear. "I'll take that as a stamp of approval."
She headed back downstairs, meeting up with Robin at the bottom. They gave each other a nod before taking hands again to head into the living room. "Time's up," he announced.
They both turned in their chairs and stared up at the two adults with wide, tear-filled eyes. "Now what?" Lucy asked in a shaky voice.
"We talk," Robin said, holding out a hand to each girl. "Come on, let's go to the kitchen."
Regina followed as he led them to the kitchen table. He placed Lucy in one chair and Daisy in another before he and Regina sat across from them. The doll they had been fighting over lay between them and both girls eyed it apprehensively.
"Now, who's dolly is this?" Robin asked, looking at both girls.
Lucy raised her hand. "She's mine. I got her for Christmas a couple years ago and Daisy has been trying to steal her since then."
"That's not true!" Daisy argued. "She was a gift to the both of us from Grandpa Roland and so Mum said we had to share."
"Liar!"
"I'm not lying! You're lying!"
Robin made a noise, interrupting their squabbling. "Do you want to go back into your corners for another time out?"
"No." They snapped to attention and clasped their hands together as they stared at Robin and Regina.
He nodded. "Good. Now, I will sort out ownership of the doll. If Lucy does own her, you need to ask permission to play with her, Daisy."
"Okay, Uncle Robin," she said as Lucy smiled smugly.
Regina gave the older girl a pointed look. "You have to let her play with the doll, though, Lucy. And you can't just suddenly take her back if you've already given permission. You have to share. Got it?"
Glum, Lucy nodded. "Yes, Aunt Regina."
"Okay," Robin said, clapping his hand. "I'm going to hold onto the doll for now. You two go off and play with something else—nicely—while your aunt and I make dinner."
They nodded before sliding of their chairs. Daisy paused and hugged Regina. "I'm sorry for fighting with Lucy, Aunt Regina."
Regina ran her hand over Daisy's hair. "Thank you for that apology, Daisy, but I think you know who you really have to apologize to."
Daisy sighed. "Okay, Aunt Regina."
"Well, that wasn't too bad," Robin said as they watched the girls trudge to the living room as Daisy apologized to her sister.
Regina nodded, wrapping her arm around him. "You did very good. I'm sorry I snapped at you and accused you of not being a disciplinarian to our future child."
He kissed her forehead. "You're forgiven. To be honest, I didn't know I had it in me until I took the doll. Then I swear my grandmother possessed my body and was the one talking."
"I almost caved," she admitted sheepishly. "I sometimes forget how strong the Locksley charm is."
At the moment, she was secretly grateful they couldn't have a biological child. The Locksley charm mixed with Mills' stubbornness now seemed like a deadly combination and Regina doubted they would've ever been able to discipline such a child.
He chuckled, giving her a squeeze. "Good thing I'm immune to it, being a Locksley myself."
"Oh, please. You nearly melt at their big blue eyes and sweet smiles whenever they turn them on you. If we have a daughter, you will be wrapped around her little finger," Regina said with a roll of her eyes.
"Probably," he admitted with a shrug. "But I think I just proved that I could overcome it and still discipline her."
She nodded. "True. Now, come on. I'm starving and I'd hate to see those two when hunger sets in."
Regina pulled her gloves back on as Robin pulled into line to leave his car with the valet outside the Avalon Ballet Company's theater. She glanced into the back seat where Lucy and Daisy were sitting quietly. "You two ready for The Nutcracker?"
"Yes," they said. Lucy smiled widely. "I feel so grown up going to the ballet."
"Me too," Daisy agreed.
Regina smiled back at them. "Well, I'm sure you two are going to love it. This was always my favorite ballet growing up."
"Here's the valet. We'll help you, girls," Robin said, opening his door as he greeted the young man who was going to park the car.
Unbuckling herself, Regina grabbed the clutch she had brought for the night and stepped out of the car. She opened the back door behind her, holding out her hand and Lucy took it as she climbed out of the car. Glancing over, Regina watched as Robin undid the booster seat Daisy sat in before lifting her out. They closed the doors at the same time and Robin hurried around with Daisy before the valet drove off to the parking lot.
The four of them headed toward the entrance of the theater, where Regina easily spotted her parents waiting for them. She waved her clutch at them since it was in her free hand. They waved back and smiled as the group approached them.
Henry crouched down to look both girls in the eyes. "Hello, Lucy. Hello, Daisy. You two have certainly grown since the last time we saw each other."
"Thank you, Mr. Mills," Lucy replied as Daisy blushed.
"Please, call me Mr. Henry," he said. "Both of you."
Cora hugged Regina and Robin before motioning to the door. "Why don't we head inside and get warmed up? I'll treat everyone to some drinks before the show starts."
They walked up the stairs and a doorman held the door open for them. He winked at the girls. "Enjoy the show!"
The lobby was brightly lit by a crystal chandelier and warm, filled with people in nice outfits who stood in small groups as their conversations created a low buzz in the room. Red carpets covered the floors and ran up the grand staircase that led to the mezzanine and balconies. It was surrounded by the curtain covered entrances to the orchestra section, which was where they would be sitting. Evergreen decorations lined various parts of the lobby and a wreath hung on the wall at the top of the stairs. It was very festive.
Henry paid for them all to check their coats and Regina helped Daisy out of hers as Lucy handed hers to the coat check person. Both girls were dressed in identical red velvet dresses with cap sleeves and white bibs around their neckline. It matched the white satin ribbons wrapped around their middles, tied in big bows in back. Tulle puffed out their skirts and Regina had wrestled them into white tights to keep the material from scratching their legs. Shiny black Mary Janes covered their feet. Daisy's hair was pulled into pigtails and Regina had clipped red bows into them while she had French braided Lucy's hair, tying it off with a red ribbon to match her sister.
Regina had chosen a red dress as well to match the girls. She had been tempted to wear her favorite red dress—the sleek, halter-style one that still drove Robin mad with desire—but deemed it a bit too racy for the ballet. Instead, she picked a more modest one with a satin tea length skirt and long lacy sleeves. Robin's arrow necklace rested against the lace-covered bodice and she toyed with the ruby bracelet he had given her a couple years prior. She had decided not to straighten out her curls and pinned them up, letting a couple fall to frame her face. Once Robin had seen their dresses, he had gone upstairs and changed his blue tie into a red one to match them.
"I think we missed the memo about the color scheme," Henry told Cora, smiling at the foursome. He wore a simple black suit with a black tie while her mother wore a black evening gown with a cowl neck.
Robin chuckled as he wrapped his free arm around Regina. "I think you two complement us well, Henry."
"I think your dress is really pretty, Dr. Mills," Daisy said, looking up at Cora in awe. "You look like a movie star."
Cora smiled warmly at the girl, crouching down to tuck two fingers under Daisy's cheek. "You look like a princess."
As Daisy grew shy and hid behind Regina's leg, Cora stood. "Now, I believed I promised everyone drinks. So why don't we go get those?"
Both girls took Regina's hands as they followed her parents to the bar. Lucy gasped and looked up at her. "They aren't giving us alcohol, right?"
Regina chuckled before shaking her head. "Of course not. We can get you Shirley Temples if you want."
"Those sound good," Daisy said as Lucy nodded.
Cora smiled as she ordered two Shirley Temples, two glasses of merlot and a brandy for Henry. She then looked over at Robin. "Do you want a whiskey or beer?"
"No thank you. I've got some pretty precious cargo to get back home later," he said, picking up a giggling Daisy and placing her on his hip. "I'll just take a club soda with lime please."
Henry helped hand out the drinks as Cora paid for them. They moved off to the side so others could reach the bar, Regina holding tightly to Lucy's hand as Robin carried Daisy, who happily sipped at her Shirley Temple.
"What a beautiful family," a woman standing nearby said, smiling at them. "It's so nice to see a family appreciating the arts like this."
"Thank you," Cora replied, smiling as she glanced over at Regina. The message in her eyes was clear—it would take too long to explain that Lucy and Daisy weren't hers and Robin's. But they were family anyway, Regina reasoned, so the woman was right about that.
Regina wrapped her arm around Lucy and held her close. "This is a great night out so far. I hope you two are having fun."
"We are, Aunt Regina," Lucy said as Daisy nodded, snuggling closer to Robin as her sister snuggled closer to Regina. "Thank you so much."
"You're very welcome." Regina leaned down, kissing the top of her head. Ushers were starting to encourage people to find their seats and she knew they didn't want to miss anything. She also knew there was going to be a long line at the ladies' room. She glanced over at the girls, noticing their drinks were almost finished.
Regina placed her empty wine glass on the tray of a passing server before crouching down to look Lucy in the eyes. "You and your sister need to finish up your drinks so we can hit the bathroom before the show starts, okay?"
Both nodded, taking the last few sips of their Shirley Temples. Regina took their empty cups and placed them on another tray. She then held out her hands to them. "Hold my hand and we'll go find the ladies' room."
They each took a hand and she kept them close to her as she wound her way through the crowd as people started to head inside the theater to find their seats. She knew her way to the ladies' room easily enough after spending many years enjoying the ballet, slipping behind the grand staircase and into the marble room marked "women."
Regina glanced down at Lucy. "Do you think you'll be okay while I help your sister?"
"Yes," Lucy said, almost rolling her eyes. "I can handle stockings, Aunt Regina."
"Okay," Regina said, straightening up as two stalls thankfully opened next to each other. She led Lucy to one. "I'll be right next door if you need me."
Lucy slipped inside and Regina had Daisy enter the other one after the girl promised she could handle her stockings to at least go to the bathroom. Once the toilet flushed, the door opened to reveal Daisy with her white stockings around her ankles. She looked up at Regina with a sheepish grin. "Can you help me pull them back up?"
"Of course, sweetheart," she said. "How are you doing Lucy?"
"Okay," Lucy replied in a tone that implied she was anything but that.
Regina sighed as she smoothed out Daisy's skirt before knocking on the door to Lucy's stall. "Can I come in?"
She heard the lock slid open and Lucy opened the door, revealing her stockings were bunched up by her knees. Her eyes were watery. "I got them most of the way up but they seem to be stuck."
"Don't worry, this is easy to fix." Regina crouched down, pulling her stockings up the rest of the way as Daisy watched on. She smiled. "There. All done."
"Thanks, Aunt Regina." Lucy hugged her as Regina tried not to cringe, thinking about how the girls hadn't washed their hands yet.
Straightening up, she told the girls to stay right outside the stall door so she could see their feet while she used the bathroom. Regina tried to go as quickly as possible but she had her own fight with her stockings that delayed her. Yet she saw four Mary Janes under the door at all times and could hear the girls talking softly to each other.
Once she was set, Regina opened the door and smiled at the girls. "Okay, let's go wash our hands and then we'll go meet up with everyone."
She got the girls to the sinks, helping Daisy wash hers as Lucy soaped up in the sink next to them. An older woman also washing her hands smiled at Regina. "I remember those days, trying to wrangle the children and keep everything in order. Looks like you've got the hang of it," she told Regina with a wink.
"I guess so," Regina replied, proud of herself. She moved the girls to the hand dryer, the three of them drying their hands under the warm air before they headed back out into the lobby. Regina held their hands tightly as she spotted Robin waiting for them and walked toward him, even more confident in her ability to be a mother once the time came for her.
The remaining two days of Lucy and Daisy's visit were filled with their ups and downs. Grandpa Roland confirmed that the doll had indeed been a gift to both girls to teach them about sharing. Robin took Daisy with him when he walked Queen that evening, giving Regina and Lucy privacy as they discussed sharing and honesty. Daisy had been delighted to hold Queen's leash as they strolled around the neighborhood, admiring the Christmas decorations. She held her head high and Robin knew that her little chest was puffed out under her coat.
When they got back, a chastened Lucy apologized to her sister and promised to share the doll with her. Daisy accepted and held out the pastry she had picked up from the Muffin Man for her sister, which Lucky took eagerly. All was well.
At least until dinner that was. Both girls were starting to miss the food they ate at home and grew less interested in the different dishes Regina made for them. So he gave her Grandma Ellie's recipe for shepherd's pie and she happily made it for the girls. They were thrilled to see it but the light in their eyes dimmed after a few bites. While both finished their meals, it was clear from their glum expressions that it hadn't been the pick-me-up Regina had intended it to be.
Robin sent the girls to play with Queen as he helped Regina clean up. He kissed her cheek as she stood at the sink. "It tasted delicious," he told her.
She shook her head. "They hated it."
"They didn't hate it," he insisted. "Otherwise they would've tried feeding it to Her Majesty. Meat tastes different here, you know that. So it just didn't taste how they expected it."
He could see the war raging in her mind reflected in her eyes. She knew he was right yet still only saw their disappointed faces. Robin gently gripped her arms, behind his knees to look in her eyes. "You are doing everything to make these girls feel at home and they do. This is out of your control so don't focus on it. Please."
"I'll try," she said, "but there must be something I can make them."
"Even with how homesick they are, none of us can resist your lasagna or your pies. I'm sure some muffins might perk them up as well." He wiggled his eyebrows.
She gave him a gentle push. "I made you enough pumpkin spice muffins to feed a small army, Robin Locksley. And it's no longer pumpkin spice season. You've conceded that."
He chuckled, knowing his wife saw right through him and loving her for that. "True. But I also can't say no to your chocolate mint muffins."
"I think I've loaded those two girls up on enough sugar this trip," she replied, opening her cookie tin to pull out more of the cookies they had made. She then grinned at him over her shoulder. "But you might get those muffins in your stocking if you're good."
God, he loved her.
Daisy appeared in the doorway as they heated up hot chocolate for the four of them. "Aunt Regina, Uncle Robin, can we watch The Nutcracker movie again? Please?" she asked.
He and Regina exchanged a look, trying to hold back their laughter. The girls had loved the ballet and had been thrilled to learn there were several movie versions of the story. Regina had found an animated version they loved and had watched constantly since the ballet. It seemed they were due for another viewing for the day.
"We'll be right in, sweetheart," Regina said at last. "And then we can all watch the movie."
Daisy cheered and headed back to the living room, no doubt to tell her sister the good news. Robin chuckled before leaning closer to Regina. "Five bucks says they're out cold within the first half hour."
"That's too good a bet to take," she said, sprinkling cinnamon onto the whipped cream floating in the hot chocolate. She then motioned for him to take the tray. "Let's go get this started."
He chuckled, following her into the living room. As Regina went through their Netflix account to play The Nutcracker movie yet again, he handed out the mugs to the girls. "Now be careful. That's very hot chocolate," he warned them.
"We know, Uncle Robin," Lucy told him, giving him a duh look.
Regina started the movie and settled in beside him, picking up her own mug of hot chocolate. Daisy curled up next to her while Lucy snuggled closer to Robin, Queen laying at their feet as she waited for one of them to drop a cookie for her to snack on. The familiar music started and they were soon transported into the world of The Nutcracker.
An hour later, the girls were sound asleep on the couch. They both laid facing the middle, their feet reaching toward the armrests. Queen laid in the middle of them, serving as a pillow for the girls as Her Majesty also took a nap. Robin had covered them both with blankets from upstairs as Regina had stopped the movie.
He dimmed the lights and put on some soft Christmas music, holding out his hand to her. "May I have this dance, Mrs. Locksley?"
"You may, Mr. Locksley," she said, taking his hand and letting him pull her close to him. He wrapped his arm around her waist and held her hand close to his heart.
They swayed to the Christmas music by their tree, letting the multicolored strands of lights illuminate them as they dance. Regina rested her head against his shoulder. "I've loved being a mother, even for just a week," she said.
"I know," he replied, kissing her forehead. "I've enjoyed being a father."
He glanced over at the girls again, smiling at their sleeping forms. In a few years, he knew it would be their own child sleeping on the couch while cuddling with the dog as the lights on the Christmas tree served as a nightlight. And he would once again dance with Regina, the two no doubt exhausted but very happy.
On the girls' last day with them, Robin and Regina celebrated Christmas early. They placed presents to the girls under the tree and they all sat around it in their pajamas as Daisy and Lucy happily tore open their gifts. It had taken all their willpower to not spoil the girls, but Robin and Regina had managed to keep themselves to one toy per girl and one outfit. They also placed some candy and a few knick-knacks in small stockings for the girls.
"There is one more present and this one is for the both of you," Regina said, holding out a small rectangular gift to them. "I think you'll like it."
Lucy took it and she pulled at one end of the wrapping paper while Daisy worked at the other. They quickly got the paper off and both gasped, eyes going wide. "It's The Nutcracker!" Daisy exclaimed, happily. "Our favorite!"
"We know," Regina said with a bright smile. "We wanted you to have it so you can watch whenever you want when you go home."
"Thank you, Aunt Regina and Uncle Robin!" Lucy threw her arms around him while Daisy hugged Regina. They all sat there for a few minutes, cuddling a bit as Queen started to play with the scraps of wrapping paper.
Regina rocked Daisy as she smiled at Lucy and Robin. "Shall I go make us some pancakes for breakfast?"
The girls cheered and Regina shifted Daisy into Robin's lap. As she stood, he held the two girls closer and said in a stage whisper: "You know what's really fun?"
"What?" they asked excitedly.
"Cleaning up!" Robin told them, causing Regina to bite the inside of her cheek to hide her laughter as she headed to the kitchen to start breakfast.
Anne arrived in time for their "Christmas" dinner. Lucy and Daisy happily greeted their mother as soon as she stepped through the door, clinging to her and trying to tell her all about their week at the same time. Robin stepped in, gently prying each girl from her mother. "Give your mum a chance to catch her breath," he told them. "You can tell her everything over dinner."
"I hope you're in the mood for a Christmas ham," Regina said, greeting Anne. "We're celebrating Christmas early."
"Christmas ham sounds wonderful. Did you happen to make Yorkshire pudding too?" she asked, handing Regina her coat.
Regina chuckled as she hung it up. "Yes. Robin insisted it wouldn't be a proper Christmas dinner without it."
"She even used Grandma Ellie's recipe," Robin said, sounding almost like one of the kids. "Regina's comes the closest to hers if you ask me."
Anne gave Regina an amused look and a fond smile. "Well, then, I can't wait to have it."
Daisy tugged on her mother's hand. "Come see all the presents Aunt Regina and Uncle Robin got for us!"
"It sounds like you two were spoiled by your aunt and uncle," Anne replied, giving the two adults another look before disappearing into the living room.
Robin wrapped his arm around Regina. "Looks like our time as parents is over for now."
"Yeah," she replied with a bittersweet sigh. While she was going to miss the girls, she certainly was looking forward to some peace and quiet. Still, there was one question on her mind: "Do you think we did a good job?"
"I think you did a great job. The girls are happy, they're still in one piece and you somehow solved the issue of the doll," Anne answered, stepping out of the living room. "I'm actually quite jealous of how well this apparently went."
Robin chuckled. "I'm sure you would've figured out some way to end the War of the Doll. But thanks for the compliment."
"It means the world to us that you trust us to care for Lucy and Daisy and that you think we did a good job," Regina answered, warmth spreading through her. "They are welcome back any time."
"You might regret that. I'm going to take you up on that offer," Anne said laughingly. "Now, when's dinner? I'm famished!"
Robin called for the girls and they all headed into the kitchen, where the table was set for a proper Christmas dinner. They sat around it, sharing a meal and stories as a family at Christmas time. Regina sipped at her wine as she looked over everyone, feeling content and warm. Motherhood was coming, she knew, and she found herself with more patience as she was certain it would be worth the wait.
A/N: Merry Christmas in February! Thank you all for being very patient for this. I hope you all enjoyed this little holiday trip!
Thanks to the anon on Curious Cat who requested to see Daisy again! I brought Lucy along for the ride as well and had a lot of fun writing these two little girls. I also enjoyed writing Robin and Regina as parents—definitely practice for me in this story as well. 😉
Next time, Emma Swan enters the picture. It's time to kick the adoption storyline into high gear.
Thanks again to all my readers!
-Mac