CHAPTER 28
Regina's parents were scheduled to arrive from the airport around five o'clock the next evening. Robin was working a mid-shift and wouldn't be home until seven but she still wanted to cook a nice dinner for all of them. She came home from work early and slaved for at least two hours. She made a cherry pie; her father's favorite and a turkey dinner with the works. Regina set the table in the dining room and at five the doorbell rang and they had arrived. She put them in one of the guest rooms; far away from the master suite and then finally they were seated for dinner. Cora asked "Where's Robin?"
Regina smiled "He's working but he'll be home around seven."
"Which job is he working at?"
"The diner," Regina replied.
"Oh' so he's still working there and the center … and bartending?"
Regina shifted in her chair "Yes, mother. Robin works very hard."
"Does he enjoy all of his positions Regina," Henry asked.
"Yes, actually daddy; he loves working at the center with all the children. They look up to him and he enjoys working for Granny. He's very dedicated to her. He became friends with Jefferson and he loves working at the bar on the weekends."
"You're alright with this . . . with him serving drinks to women and rowdy crowds," Cora asked.
"Mother, he's doing his job when he's there. What exactly are you implying?"
"Oh' nothing dear . . ."
"Cora, it sounds as if Robin is a very dedicated man. Why don't we stop judging him? We haven't even met him yet."
"Thank you daddy," Regina replied.
"Well, if he's working so much when do you have time together? Is he paying enough attention to you? Is he helping you pay the bills around here? This is a big house after all," Cora retaliated.
"Mother, of course he helps me and we spend plenty of time together."
"You need a man who can support you . . ."
"Robin supports me. He's wonderful and not everything has to be about money," Regina said angrily.
"Alright, let's try to calm down," Henry said.
Cora cleared her throat and glared at Regina "Do you love him?"
Regina didn't hesitate for a second "Yes, and he loves me. So, I'll ask that you attempt to behave yourself."
"I don't know what you mean," Cora said defensively.
"Be nice my dear. If Regina and Robin love one another then we should let them be," Henry said.
"She's my only child. I'm simply looking out for her," Cora said.
"She is sitting right here and I can take care of myself," Regina replied. The subject was changed and they continued to eat. After; Regina and Cora went to the kitchen to clean up and Henry sat at the table reading the newspaper. He hoped his wife would hold her tongue. He really wanted everyone to get along while they were here for this visit.
Henry glanced up when he heard the front door open and then a man who he assumed was Robin entered the dining room "Hello, no don't get up. You must be Mr. Mills? It's a pleasure to finally meet you sir."
"Henry. Please call me Henry and the pleasure is mine Son; sit I'm sure you're tired from your long day. Regina! Robin is home! Bring his plate out!"
"Oh' it's alright I can . . ."
"Nonsense, sit with me. Let's chat while you eat," Henry said.
Robin sat down and a few seconds later Regina came out carrying his plate of food and a glass of water "Wow, this smells delicious. This must have taken hours," he said as he gave her a quick kiss on the mouth.
She smiled "It took a bit but I wanted to. There's cherry pie for desert," she said.
"My favorite; thank you Regina," Henry said.
Robin began to eat and Cora came out of the kitchen; he wiped his hands and stood "It's very nice to meet you Mrs. Mills," he said as he shook her hand.
"Cora. You may call me Cora and it's nice to meet you as well. Regina, has told us . . . well she hasn't told us much. Has she Henry?"
Regina rolled her eyes as Robin sat back down "Sure she has," Henry said. "Why don't you two leave us men alone? I'd like to get to know Robin."
"Alright, do you need anything else," Regina asked Robin.
"No, baby; I'm fine. This is delicious. Thank you." She smiled and followed her mother back into the kitchen "Wow she never ceases to amaze me. This must have taken hours."
"My daughter is a good cook but she tells me you are a better one," Henry said.
Robin laughed "Well, I cook all day long. Basic meals, breakfasts, lunches; that sort of thing; but Regina has made many wonderful meals for me."
"She is a catch my daughter . . . isn't she," Henry said.
"Yes sir. I'm very glad I've met her. I'd like to say we complement each other."
Henry smiled "Good. I say love makes the world go round. I know not many people will agree with that but it's the truth. The two of you should take care of one another. It's important."
Robin smiled and took a sip of his water; it was now or never "Sir, can I ask you something?"
"Yes, what is it?"
"I know you don't know me and we literally just met but I want to assure you that I intend to do right by Regina. I love her."
"Go on . . ."
"I'd like to ask your permission to marry her. I didn't plan to talk to you about this so soon but it seemed to be the perfect time believe it or not. Now, I'd like to let you know that I've been saving for a proper ring."
"Do you think Regina cares about that?"
"No, I don't. But, I want to get her one and I've almost saved enough money for the one I've had my eye on," Robin admitted.
"Do you think Regina will say yes," Henry asked.
"Yes, I do," Robin said smiling.
Henry nodded "Well, then of course I would be honored to call you my son-in-law. I'm keeping this a secret from my wife. I'm sure Regina has spoken to you about her?"
"Yes and whatever you decide to do is fine with me."
"Do you think your son will be alright with this," Henry asked.
Robin laughed "Regina and Roland adore one another. I'm confident my son will approve. You'll meet him tomorrow actually. I'm picking him up in the morning."
"Yes, Regina told me. I'm looking forward to it," Henry admitted.
"Well, at least she prepared you. He'll want to show you his Lego's. He likes building things."
"I'm sure we'll all get along fine," Henry said. A few minutes later; Regina came out carrying the pie and tea. Cora was right on her heels. She took Robin's plate and brought it into the kitchen while Regina sliced the pie and served them. They sat down and conversation flowed nicely. Robin was grateful for that because he knew Regina was nervous about her mother and her bluntness. They talked for quite a while and then Henry yawned "Excuse me. I guess I should head up to bed. Cora do you wish to join me; we should give these two a few minutes alone."
"Of course; thank you for dinner and we will see you two in the morning," Cora said. Regina watched as Henry took his wife's hand and they headed upstairs.
"I'll help you clean up," Robin said as he stood from the table. They went into the kitchen and worked quickly to clean the rest of the mess. He turned around at one point and leaned against the counter "Things seem to be going well so far."
"Yes, you and my father seemed to be getting along. What did you two talk about," she asked.
He crossed his arms and Regina couldn't help but notice the way Robin shifted nervously from foot to foot "You know . . ."
She smiled "Robin, you can tell me."
He took her hand and they sat at the kitchen island "I wanted to assure your father that my feelings for you are real. I . . ."
"Tell me," she whispered.
"I asked for his permission to marry you," he said softly.
Regina laughed and bit her lip "Did you really?"
"Yes and well . . . I didn't plan on doing it tonight but I don't know. It just came out."
"What did he say?"
"He asked if I thought you'd say yes and when I told him you would . . . he gave his blessing. But he's not telling your mother."
Regina laughed "That doesn't surprise me."
"He admitted she could be difficult."
"He's right about that." Robin placed a finger on her cheek "What is it," she asked.
"I love you so much. I can't wait to tell everyone," he admitted.
"About us being engaged?"
"Yes, but like I said I'm going to do this right. I almost have enough," he said sighing.
"You are very stubborn Robin Locksley," Regina said.
"Yes, but you love me," he replied as he kissed her mouth. "We have a long day tomorrow. We should get some rest." She nodded and they headed upstairs. Tomorrow was going to be an interesting day with Roland and her parents.
The next morning; Robin woke up early. He took a shower, got dressed and then kissed Regina on the forehead. He didn't want to wake her. He headed down to the kitchen and was surprised to find Cora already awake and making coffee "Good morning," he said.
"Good morning Robin. Is Regina still asleep?"
He took a travel mug down from the cabinet "Yes, she seemed tired. I'm going to pick up Roland. I should be back in a few hours," he said as he fixed his coffee. "Did you and Henry sleep alright," he asked.
"Yes, thank you." There was an uncomfortable silence and then Cora said "Are you in love with my daughter?"
He smiled and bit his lip "Yes, and just to make things clear – I intend to do right by her."
"Oh' what does that mean exactly," Cora asked.
"Mother, are you harassing him already," Regina asked as she walked into the kitchen.
"I was just asking Robin what his intentions were toward you," Cora replied.
"There's no need to ask that. Aren't you going to be late," Regina asked as she turned toward Robin.
He kissed her quickly "I'll be back in a few hours. I love you," he whispered against her lips.
She smiled "I love you. Drive safe." Robin nodded at Cora and she smiled at him. Regina heard the front door slam and faced her mother "Don't do that to him. Leave Robin alone," she said angrily.
"I didn't do anything."
"But, you were about to. Can't you see? We're in love and I don't care that he's a cook at the diner or that he bartends a few nights a month to make extra money. I love that he takes pride in his work and that people genuinely love and care about him. He is a good man. No, he's a wonderful man and I love him and I'm going to spend the rest of my life with him. So, please soak that into your brain mother. There is no one else for me. Robin is it."
Henry must have heard them arguing "It's too early for quarrels. What's going on," he asked as he came into the kitchen.
"Nothing, I just want mother to realize that I don't care about money where Robin is concerned. I love him and that's that. I'm going upstairs to make sure Roland's room is ready for him. Excuse me."
Henry watched his daughter walk out "Cora Mills . . ."
"Oh' Henry - be quiet."
"They love each other. Let them be," he said.
"Do you really think that man is good enough for our only child?"
"Yes, she loves him and I can tell you he most definitely loves her – we should let them be. When we were young; we wouldn't let anyone tell us what to do. Don't you remember?"
Cora smiled "Of course I do."
"Well, then let Regina and Robin live their lives in peace. Let's support them," he said.
Cora nodded "Alright, I'll try. I suppose you're right."
"Now then, let's help our daughter by cooking her a nice breakfast," Henry said. They got to work and he hoped he'd gotten through to his wife. As he watched her he was sure she was coming to her senses. Or at least he hoped.
Robin picked up Roland and then took him for a few munchkins so that he could get himself a coffee. He sent Regina a text that they were about a half hour away and explained to Roland the rest of the way home that Regina's parents were visiting and that he must be on his best behavior. He understood and all he really cared about was seeing Regina again and playing outside. They'd planned to visit the park this afternoon and he hoped at least Henry would want to join them. Robin still wasn't too sure about Cora at this point. Once they arrived at the house Roland ran straight into the kitchen where Regina and Cora were talking "Regina," he yelled as he hugged her. She picked him up and he snuggled close to her "I missed you," he said.
"I missed you too," she replied.
That's when Roland noticed Cora "Hi," he said as Regina put him down.
"Hello, Roland my name is Cora. I'm Regina's mother," she said. Cora was surprised when Roland took her hand and shook it.
Henry and Robin then entered the kitchen and Regina introduced them; "Roland you may call me Grandpa Henry," he said as he squatted on the floor.
"Henry, do you think that is wise," Cora asked.
"Of course it is," he said as he looked up at Robin and ruffled Roland's hair.
"Alright, let's go up to your room Roland and then maybe we can talk Grandpa Henry into going with us to the park?"
"I would love that. I'll get ready," Henry said.
The men left the room and Regina turned toward Cora "You should come too."
"I don't think so. I'll stay here."
"Whatever you wish," Regina replied.
A few minutes later; the men were standing in the foyer and Roland tugged on Henry's shirt "What is it?"
"Is Grandma Cora going to come to the park with us?"
Henry laughed "Well, why don't you go ask her?"
Roland having basically no fear of people walked straight up to Regina's mother and said "Grandma Cora - are you coming to the park with us?" Everyone stood and waited for her response. Robin was wobbling back and forth from foot to foot nervously and Henry glanced over at his wife practically begging her with his eyes.
She cleared her throat and said "Alright; I'll get ready." Roland yelled and everyone exchanged smiles as they got ready to go out.
Robin kissed Regina on the forehead "See, nothing to worry about," he said.
She smiled "Let's hope," she replied. But for now it was time for all of them to get to know one another and go to the park.
