Well, they say acknowledging you have a problem is the first step towards to recovery. Perhaps Robbie is finally turning the corner. Or, I might have just written this so the Robson fans don't kill me in my sleep.

Chapter 26

Robbie paced his apartment. He didn't understand what had gone wrong. He told her he loved her. He apologized for taking so long to tell her. Why did she get so angry with him?

His mobile buzzed and he lunged for it hoping it was Laura. It was James. "Hi James."

"So, how did it go sir?"

"It was a complete cock-up. She got angry with me and practically threw me out of her house."

On the other end of the call, James stared at his phone in disbelief. "Tell me what happened."

"I told her that I love her and that I knew if I had told her earlier she wouldn't be with that guy."

James shook his head, "Oh sir, you didn't."

"Of course I did. That's what you told me to do."

James sighed, "Sir, I told you to tell her that you love her and that you plan to prove that to her. I didn't tell you to throw down an ultimatum."

Robbie screamed into the phone, "I didn't issue an ultimatum."

James took a deep breath. "Sir, I know you don't think you did but trust me. That's how Dr. Hobson took it. She took it that because you declared your love she should just drop everything and fall into your arms. That's not going to work sir."

"Well, why not James? "

"Because she found someone else sir. You are going to have to win her back. Had you declared your love that night you were supposed to have dinner she would have fallen into your arms without a doubt. But, that didn't happen sir."

Robbie groaned, "It's not like I planned it James'"

"I know sir. But, declaring your love isn't enough anymore. Now, you need to show her."

"I don't know how to do that James."

"Yes you do sir. I would wager that there isn't a person on this planet that knows Laura Hobson better than you. Use that knowledge sir."

Robbie just stood in his apartment clenching the phone. "I never had to do this with Val."

"Circumstances were different then sir. You probably did all of these things naturally with Val. Now, you're just out of practice. You need to sleep sir. Tomorrow we can talk about all the things you know about Laura that you can use to your advantage."

"Ta James, I do need some rest. I'll see you tomorrow." Robbie ended the call.

He opened a bottle of beer and took a few sips. He tried to think of things he knew about Laura. However, his mind kept wandering to that night and what might have happened. He finished his drink and decided that James was right. He needed rest.

He got ready for bed. The last thing he saw before he turned out the lights was Val's face from the frame on his nightstand. "Oh lass, I've made a real mess of things." He closed his eyes and slept.

He knocked on her door. He had a bottle in one hand and flowers in the other. He bounced on his toes excited to see her.

Laura opened the door and smiled when she saw Robbie. He was casually dressed and smiling back at her. She motioned him in. He handed her the flowers. "I thought you might like these."

She took the flowers and smiled, "Tulips, they're my favorite. How did you know?"

"I am a detective Laura , I know a few things."

She raised her eyebrow at him. "Well, thank you they're lovely." She walked towards the kitchen and he followed her.

Robbie took a deep breath, "Something smells amazing, what's for dinner?"

"Lasagna and garlic bread."

Robbie looked at her and laughed, "You made lasagna."

"And garlic bread. What's your point?"

"You once told me that you only cook two things. I know that one of those is eggs. And, something tells me lasagna wasn't the other thing."

She gave him a look that could peel paint then laughed. "Fine, I bought the lasagna at Waitrose but I did make the garlic bread."

"It's ok. Laura, I'm not here for your cooking."

She looked at him shyly, "So, why are you here Robbie?"

He set the bottle on the counter and moved closer to her. He brushed his fingers across her cheek. "You asked." He leaned down and lightly kissed her lips. "So, now you've added garlic bread to your repertoire. I love garlic bread."

Slightly breathless, she opened her eyes, "I know it's your weakness."

"No, love, you're my weakness. I just rather like garlic bread. Mind if I open the wine."

Laura shook her head. "No, dinner will be ready in about ten minutes. Do you know where everything is?"

"Yeah, I think I can handle it." He pointed to the flowers, "You should put those in water."

Still glued to the same spot in the middle of her kitchen, she nodded. "Yes, that seems like a good idea."

Robbie smiled as he walked off to open the wine. He came back with two glasses and handed one to her. "I think we need a toast."

She took the glass. "What would you like to toast?"

"Oh, that's an easy one. To old friends and becoming more than friends." He touched his glass to hers and took a sip of wine.

She took a deep breath, "Is that's what's happening here?"

He put his glass on the counter and took hers from her. He took her hand and kissed the inside of her wrist. "Oh I hope so. You see Laura I've realized recently that I am deeply in love with you. And, when you invited me to dinner I knew that this was the perfect time to tell you. I don't know if you feel the same. But, I couldn't bear another day without you knowing that. I don't need to hear anything in return, take your time. But, I'm not going anywhere."

Tears slid down her face. She had waited so long to hear those words. She looked up at him. "It's always been you Robbie, always."

He pulled her to him and kissed her. She wrapped her arms around his neck and deepened the kiss. Robbie's head was swimming, he had dreamed of this moment for years but the reality was so much better than the dream.

Laura was lost in the moment. She was certain that at any moment she would wake up. This moment had haunted her dreams for years. She never imagined that it would be so much better than the dream.

Robbie's hands roamed her sides touching her like had wanted to for so long. She moved her hands to unbutton his shirt. As she slid her hands inside her shirt, Robbie moaned. "Oh God Laura."

She looked up at him, "I want you Robbie, please."

He nodded. She turned into the kitchen and turned off the oven. She came back to him, took his hand and led him to the stairs.

Robbie awoke with a start. He was covered in sweat and breathing hard. As his breathing slowed, he finally knew what he had to do. He rolled over and hoped the dream would return.