Author's Notes:
Special Thanks to my illustrator and contributing author ale_nena for the beautiful cover art and contributing ideas to this chapter.
Setting: Misthaven non-magical modern AU. The society and political system will be based on a combination of modern countries, with a probable bias toward the American system as I am an American. However, all characters are fictional and resemblance to real people or events is purely coincidence.
* 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 *
Regina woke up at a reasonable-ish hour the next morning and took a few minutes to just lounge in bed before getting up.
Other than the previous night's party, they hadn't really planned anything, though she knew her parents and Zelena and Blake were planning to stay until Wednesday.
As she put on a pair of shorts and a simple sleeveless top, she couldn't resist hoping that maybe if she dropped the right comments about wanting to spend time on the beach, she and Robin could sneak away again, and this time not get caught.
In the hall she bumped into Zelena on her way to the bathroom.
"Regina? Oh, perfect that I ran into you!" the taller woman said holding up two a hangers one with a black nightgown and one pink, "Which of these do you like better?"
Glancing at them, Regina shrugged, "Well they're both very nice. Why?"
"Blake made arrangements for us to have dinner tonight on the other side of the island and we might stay the night at a hotel."
"Tonight? Why? I thought you wanted to come here?" Regina asked.
"I'm very glad to be here but this is a small house and Blake and I have been working opposite schedules for months now so we'd like one night were we don't have to worry about making noise. So which-"
"Zelena!" she cut her sister off, "No offense, but I'd really rather not pick your sex clothes!"
Zelena lowered the hangers and made a face, "You're just jealous that your boyfriend didn't care enough come!"
"Yeah, you caught me, I'm super jealous," Regina rolled her eyes, "Are you finished in the bathroom?"
Letting out a huff, Zelena made a 'be my guest' motion before continuing on to her room.
Shutting the bathroom door behind her, Regina ironed the waves out of her hair, a much easier task now that it was short. Satisfied with the result, she dabbed on some tinted lip gloss but decided to forgo full makeup.
Once she was done she padded her way downstairs. In the kitchen her father was standing at the counter, whistling to himself as he made up plate.
Glancing over at her he smiled, "Good morning."
"Morning," Regina said as she prepared herself a cup of coffee, "You seem cheerful."
He shrugged, "Just glad to be back here again. I missed this house. Did you remember it from when you were a little girl?"
"Vaguely," she said as she served herself some eggs and sat down next to him at the table, "I remember the beach. I remember playing here. I remember grandpa."
"Do you?" Henry asked.
"Just patchy memories," she said, "He was always so nice."
Henry smiled sadly, "He was a good grandfather to you."
Glancing up, she caught his tone of voice, "What does that mean?"
"Nothing," Henry sipped his coffee, "Just that he was a good grandfather."
"He was good father too, right?" she asked.
Sighing Henry sat down his coffee cup, "He did what he thought was best for me."
"Well wait a minute-"
"Regina, don't!" he cut her off, "My father did what he thought was best at the time, and he was a good grandfather to you. You have good memories of him and I'm glad, so don't worry about anything other than that."
She wasn't very satisfied with that answer but, before she could argue, her mother walked into the room.
Regina hadn't thought about it before, but was now a little surprised that she only just appeared. She'd never been one for sleeping late.
"Good morning, Dear," Henry greeted.
"Good morning," she said and then turned to nod to Regina. With that she walked over to make herself a plate and then sat down on the other side of the table, barely glancing at Henry.
Seeing that, Regina frowned. She hoped they hadn't gotten into another fight. Things had been peaceful recently with her parents getting along relatively well, so she hoped that wasn't about to change.
The three ate in silence for a moment before Henry set down his fork, "So was thinking that perhaps we could go sailing today?"
Both women looked at him in surprise.
"Sailing?" Cora asked.
"Yes," he said, "It's been ages since we took the boat out. Not since Regina was about 4, I think."
Cora set down her coffee cup and dabbed her lips with a napkin, "I have some work I need get done today."
"But you're on vacation," Henry said, looking genuinely surprised by her refusal.
"Maybe, but I need to prepared for when I get back. With Blake and I both gone, work will pile up between the political offices," she said coldly, rising from her chair and setting her dishes by the sink. With that she turned and left the room without another word.
Clearing her throat, Regina leaned over to press his hand over her father's, "I'd love to go out on the boat with you."
Looking up at her, smiled softly and patted her hand, "We'll go after we finish breakfast."
* 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 *
Regina did feel a little thrill inside when Robin pulled one of the towncars up to the front door to pick up her and her father.
Glancing over at Henry, the look on his face told her that she hadn't hid it as well as she'd tried to.
It was a quick drive to the marina, during which time Henry seemed to regain his cheerful mood from earlier in the morning.
The three walked down to the boat and climbed on board.
"Daddy, do you need any help?" Regina offered, as Henry began puttering around getting the deck ready.
"No, Sweetheart, I've been sailing since before you were born!" he teased, looking up toward where Robin was sitting at the stern, "Go relax...don't pretend you don't want to!"
She was a little surprised, even-though he'd known about her and Robin for a while now, they didn't really talk about, particularly as Henry really did not approve of her situation with James. That had been one of the first times they'd genuinely argued since last year over the donation from Rum Gold, and finally they'd just had to agreed not to talk about it.
Leaving him to finish getting ready to head out, she walked to the back of the boat and sat down on the padded bench next to Robin.
Pushing her sunglasses up her head, she gave him a smile. Returning it he reached over into her lap to take her hand.
"Hi," she teased.
"Hi."
"It's nice today," she glanced out at the clam water.
"Yeah," he nodded, "And your dad seems to be in a good mood."
"Yeah," she followed his gaze over at Henry, who was whistling as he worked, "He's cheerful even for him! It's actually weirding me out a bit."
"Why?"
"I don't know," she shrugged, "Curiosity I guess. My mother was acting weird this morning too. Makes me wonder if something happened that I don't know about."
"Hmm," Robin hummed thoughtfully.
She turned to him, "What?"
"Nothing."
"Oh, great! Now you're hiding something too!" she teased, poking him in the ribs, "Come on! What?"
"Well I was just thinking that maybe it isn't what you think," he said cryptically.
"What does that mean?"
"Well...maybe they simply had a good night."
She wrinkled her face in confusion. Seeing the expression, he look at her pointedly, "It was their anniversary…"
She blinked catching his meaning, "Oh...ew! Robin!"
He chuckled as she swatted his arm.
"Come on! My parents? You've met them, right? Argh!" she shook her head glancing over after father as she started up the engine and quickly looking away, "Thanks for putting that in my head!"
"Sorry," he laughed.
"You should be! Between you and Zelena…"
"What about Zelena?"
"This morning she asked me for a second opinion on lingerie and informed me that she and Blake have...plans," she shuddered, "For tonight."
Robin laughed loudly, "Wow."
"I know, I mean if you're right...maybe there's something in the water here? It's like everyone's in the mood."
"Almost everyone," he muttered.
Looking over at him, she frowned, "You're talking about last night? It's not that I wasn't in the mood. It just didn't work out."
"Yeah, I know. It was a very long night, though," he said ruefully, recalling retreating to the shower the night before and jerking himself until he came so hard his knees nearly buckled. Then, of course, the let down of spending the night listening to Drake snoring in the next bed rather than drifting off to sleep with the memory of Regina's touch.
"Sorry," she reached over and rubbed his knee as Henry steered the boat out of the marina toward open water, "Maybe we can sneak away later tonight?"
"Yeah," he agreed, "Maybe."
They sat silently for a moment, the hum of the engine and water splashing against the hull making it difficult to hold a conversation.
Glancing up at Henry, Robin shifted so that he could slip his arm around her back. With a smile, she slid closer to him on the bench, resting her head against his shoulder. Looking subtly at her father, Regina could tell he saw them but didn't particularly care.
It was nice being able to make small displays of affection, the kind most couples didn't even think about, without having to worry about who was watching.
They travelled in silence for about 20 minutes until her father slowed down the engine, bringing the boat to a stop before shutting it off entirely.
Stepping away from the helm, he came over to join them, "Just need a rest for a moment."
Opening the cooler Robin had helped carry on board, he took out three bottles of water, passing them out, "Don't get dehydrated. It's hot today."
"Thanks, Daddy," she accepted one of the bottles, passing another to Robin.
Henry sat back with a sigh, "Nice weather today."
"Yes," Regina nodded, "It was a good idea to come here."
"Yes, I missed it."
"I didn't know your family had a beach house," Robin commented.
"My mother and father bought it when they first married," Henry told him, adding impishly, "I bought this boat, though."
Regina laughed.
"Your mother and I first got together on this island," he said wistfully.
"Yes, Daddy, you told us."
Henry sighed, so Robin jumped in, "How did you meet?"
"It was during my father's second term. She was an intern in his administration."
"Really?" he asked, sounding surprised.
"Oh yes," Henry chuckled, "She was a beautiful, ambitious young mother who had absolutely no time for me."
Robin's brow wrinkled, so Regina explained, "Daddy adopted Zelena when he and Mother got married."
"Oh."
"Yes," Henry acknowledged, "I fell in love with your mother and your sister both...all it took was convincing them to let me join their family."
"How'd you do that?"
Henry shrugged enigmatically, "I can be persuasive when I need to."
With that he set down his water and pushed himself up from the bench, "Well, it's almost 1. Are you hungry?"
"I am a little," Regina nodded.
"We'd better start heading back then. We can have lunch in town."
As Henry started the engine back up, Regina reached over to entwine her fingers with Robin's. This was one of the few opportunities they'd ever gotten to be totally out in the open, and she was going to savor it for as long as she could.
* 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 *
After steering the boat back into its berth at the marina, the three climbed off. Regina and Henry waited near the gate while Robin pulled the car around.
"Daddy, you okay?"
"Me?" Henry questioned, "Yes, why do you ask?"
"I don't know," she answered, "You just seem very reflective today."
"I suppose I am," he acknowledged, "Memories."
She nodded.
"What about you?" he turned to her, "Is everything alright with you?"
"Yes, Daddy, I'm fine."
"Hm."
"What?"
Nodding toward the parking lot, Henry asked, "How are things between the two of you?"
She tensed, sensing this might turn into another discussion of the James situation, "We're fine, Daddy."
"Hm."
"What?" she asked, trying not to get too exasperated.
"Just be careful, Regina."
"Daddy, we've talked about this-"
"Regina...you've gotten everything you wanted in life without having to think about it," surprised by this turn in conversation, she remained quiet, "When you get accustomed to that it's easy to get complacent and expect the same when it comes to other people."
"What?"
"If you aren't careful, without even realizing it, it's easy to just assume what you want is what someone else wants and to not actually ask or even consider that they might feel otherwise."
She frowned, slightly hurt at hearing that was what he thought of her.
"I know this because it's how I grew up too," he assured her, "I'm not trying to criticize you. I'm trying to warn you not to make the mistakes I did."
Surprised, she looked over at him, "What are you talking about?"
"Nothing you need to know the details of," he sighed, "I'm just saying be careful."
Before she could question him further, Robin arrived in the town car and opened the door for the two of them. Watching her father as he climbed inside, Regina glanced up at Robin briefly before getting in behind him.
* 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 *
Cora stared at the latest batch of emails on her screen. As predicted, there were several of them. The subject headlines all blurred together in her mind, though.
It was all the same inane, bureaucratic stuff. Most of which didn't actually require her attention, the office staff were just too calculating to do anything without her go ahead. All wanting to cover their own ass and have a paper trail proving they were only following orders.
Sighing in disgust, she snapped her laptop closed and sat back from the desk. Rubbing the back of her neck, she look out the large transom window at the ceiling of the office.
The sky was clear and blue out with only the occasional wispy cloud drifting overhead.
Maybe she should have just gone out sailing after all! Of course, that would have meant spending the whole day with Henry after what she did the night before. He'd likely want to talk about it and that wasn't something she was looking forward to. Though, with Regina there, she'd have had an excuse to put off the conversation.
Oh well, it was too late now. They'd already been gone for hours.
Shoving herself up, she walked down the stairs and retrieved her hat and sunglasses from the hall closet.
Drake was sitting in the living room reading something on his tablet when he caught sight of her, "Mrs. Mills! Is everything alright?"
"I think I'd like to have lunch in town," she told him as she put on her hat, "That's not a problem is it?"
"No, Ma'am, Locksley went with Mr and Ms Mills, and the DisPater security team are with them, but I can accompany you into town," he answered.
"Great," she nodded, leading the way out to the driveway and waiting for Drake to unlock the second town car for her.
She sat quietly in the backseat, watching the island go by as Drake drove. At one point her fingers did itch to pick up her phone, but she thought better of it.
After finding a space for the town car in front of her favorite restaurant on Calypso, she and Drake walked inside.
"Oh, Mrs. Mills!" the hostess immediately greeted her by name, though she was certain the last time she'd been on the island was before the woman was born, "Welcome! Joining us for lunch?"
"Yes, I think so," she said nonchalantly.
"How many?"
"Just myself."
"Okay, right this way," the girl said, showing her to a table on the air conditioned patio, "Here you are. Right next to the ocean vista."
The view of the beach was indeed beautiful and picturesque. Nodding in approval, Cora thanked her and took a seat.
"A drink?"
"Glass of wine, please," she set her hat on the table and relaxed until a waiter returned with her wine and a menu. She perused it for a while before setting on the salmon and arugula salad.
The waiter had just taken back her menu and walked away, when she caught a clicking sound behind her, followed by a honeyed voice, "My, my...what a coincidence."
Stiffening, she took a second before turning in her seat. Gold was standing behind her, leaning heavily on his cane in a blue blazer, linen trousers, and a large wicker hat.
"Gold," she said neutrally, "I didn't know you summer on the island."
"Likewise," he answered, sliding into the seat across from her with more grace than made sense for someone who walked with a limp, "We so rarely see you here I'd all but forgotten your husband owned a house on Calypso."
Not missing the 'your husband owns' and sensing it to be intentional, Cora smiled sweetly, "Well it has been a while. You certainly look right at home, though. Decided not to go for the full sailor suit?"
The slight man only chuckled in response, "No need to be rude, Cora. We're just two old friends having lunch together."
Before she could protest that they were neither of those things, the waiter returned to fill her wine glass and Gold immediately jumped in and ordered a whiskey with a twist for himself.
She glared at him, but he ignored it, instead moving his cane to the other side of the chair to prop against the window sill, "So you're here for a long weekend? Good for you."
"What do you what?" she cut him off.
"Excuse me?"
"My assistant told me you showed up at my book signing. Now you're here."
"Merely a coincidence."
"That we're on the island maybe, but you invited yourself over to my table for a reason. What is it?"
He sat with an unreadable expression as the waiter set his drink down in front of him. Waiting until they were alone again, Gold picked up the glass and answered with a sip, "Merely wanted to see that it was really you. I confess when I walked in and saw you, I was quite surprised."
"And why would that be?" she asked with a sigh.
"You're taking a long weekend now. I'd have thought this was a very busy time for you. Election season is only, what? Four months away, give or take?"
"What do you care about that?" she scoffed, "The primary season starts next year, but you won't have to involve yourself until midsummer. After the Federalist Party picks whatever stuffed shirt they're going to run, and he comes to you with his hand out for a campaign donation."
"You mean like you'll be doing to your capitol city insiders and rich liberal friends?" he shot back, raising one eyebrow and taking another sip of his whiskey.
She laughed, "You really are fully playing the part aren't you? Ever since you went into the private sector and switched teams, you dutifully play the part. Tell me are you going to give an impassioned speech at the convention next year about the importance of a 'family values' government while haking the merchandise you make in Agraban sweatshops?"
"I don't know. Is part of your campaign strategy to give an 'intimate' one-on-one interview on prime-time television and talk about how you care about the common man from inside your castle?" he shot back.
She quirked her lips a little.
Finishing the last of his drink, Gold set it down on the table, brushing his long hair out of his eyes, "Anyhow, at least I'll be able to give the party chairman good news next time I speak to him."
"Good news?"
"That whoever our candidate is, they won't actually have to go up against the legendary Cora Mills in the general election because that whisper campaign she started about running wasn't actually serious. Probably just an effort to boost sales of her new book."
"Excuse me?!" she demanded in a hushed whisper.
"It's alright, Cora," Gold shrugged, "I don't blame you for not wasting your time. We both know Misthaven isn't ready to be lead by a woman."
"Maybe your party isn't, but you don't represent the whole country."
"Well, maybe I'm wrong, but if a woman were to make it...she'd have to be a serious politician and you never really were that, were you?"
"What the hell are you talking about, Gold? Of the two of us, I'm the one who's actually held political office!" she said angrily, "Writing checks doesn't mean you know a thing about governing!"
"No, but I know you," he answered, giving her a heated look, "Once upon a time you were ready to walk away from it all."
Cora drew a breath, "That's bullshit! You flatter yourself, Gold!"
"Oh aye?" he laughed out loud, playing up his Dunbroch accent. It was a tactic she remembered from when they first me. Gold was a dual-citizen and had been living in Misthaven for over three decades, he intentionally used his childhood borgue to hold over the heads of politicians the reminder that Dunbroch was the only southern land that held out against the influence of Misthaven even through war, annexation of all the others, and democratization of the whole region.
Cora gritting her teeth at it being used on her.
"With both know your memory is the one that's selective on this, Cora," he said confidently, "Or perhaps wishful."
She had to grip the underside of the table to keep from launch out of her seat at the word. Taking a deep breath she answered steadily, "I assure you I'm very serious about the Presidency. I intend to run and I intend to win."
"We'll see," he answered skeptically picking up his cane and using it to stand. After getting his balance he leaned over the table into her space, "It doesn't appear that way from where I'm standing."
With that he left, leaving Cora sitting alone and fuming.
* 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 *
"I double checked with the DisPater team. They're staying in a hotel tonight, so it'll just be the three in the house tonight. Everyone's in," Drake said, putting his phone away as he and Robin walked down the stairs to their shared room, "I'm going to shower."
Robin nodded absently, sitting down on the bed and kicking off his shoes. He'd just gotten comfortable, when his phone buzzed in his pocket.
There was a single text from Regina reading, "Meet me on the beach."
He typed back a text asking why, but got no response so he shoved himself up from the bed. Typing out a text to Drake saying that Ms. Mills had asked for security to accompany her on an evening jog and he'd gone since Drake was showering, Robin slid back on his shoes and left the room.
He climbed up the stairs to the main floor and quietly went out the back door directly down to the beach.
The sun was setting over the water when a pair of hands covered his eyes.
"Got the jump on you, Mr. Security?" Regina teased.
He laughed, pulling away from her, "What's going on? You okay?"
"I'm fine," she smiled, grabbing his hand, "There's something I want to show you."
He let him lead her down the beach until they were nearly out of view of the house.
"Regina, it's nearly dark. I don't think the lighthouse is a good idea right now," he said warily.
"We're not going to the lighthouse," she answered,"Just trust me!"
She lead him up one of the sand dunes to the edge of an elevated rock walkway. Laid out on one of the bigger rocks was a blanket and wine with two glasses.
"You went out here and did this by yourself?" he demanded.
"You're welcome," she said dryly.
"No!" he backtracked, "Love, this is really sweet, but you can't take risks like this! You know threats still come in on occasion.'
"You do all the time," she said, turning away to open the wine before he could argue that it was his job.
With a sigh he sat down on the blanket next to her and accepted a glass. She clinked hers against his and took a sip.
"Happy anniversary."
"Happy anniversary," he drank as well,allowing her to cuddle in next to him. They drank in silence for a moment until he said quietly, "I got you something, actually."
"You did?" she asked, surprised.
Reaching into his pocket, he took out the tiny white cardboard box he'd been carrying around, glad he thought to take it when he left the room earlier.
Lifting the lid, Regina pulled out the necklace inside and stared at it questions. It was a glass orb with polished pebbles inside.
"The stones are from our lake," he told her, slipping the chain over her head, "Back in Sherwood? I saw it at a souvenir stand on the way to Donald's."
Lifting it she blinked back tears, "Robin I...I love it...I don't know what to say."
He cut her off with a kiss. Pulling away, she wiped her eyes and said with a laugh, "Alright, well now I feel even worse about teasing you last night."
"Yeah, you should!" he answered ruefully.
She glanced away with a smile.
"What?" he nudged her, "What's that look?"
"Did you...miss me?" she said softly.
He stared at her for a moment and said roughly, "What do you think?"
"Mmm," she hummed as he leaned over and kissed her, "Sorry for teasing you."
"You don't seem that sorry."
Blushing she admitted, "I know, I do feel bad but also...I like it."
His eyebrows shot up, "Oh yeah?"
She nodded.
Leaning in, he kissed her neck, hands creeping under her shirt, "Well you want to know something else?"
"Hm?" her eyes slid closed.
"I couldn't wait," he whispered in her ear, "You were too sexy."
She moaned, heat growing between her legs as she wrapped her arms around his back. His hands found her breasts and he nipped at her ear.
He pulled back slightly, glancing up at the walkway above them.
"It's okay," she assured him, "It's dark. No one can see us down here."
His breath caught, the smoldering tension between them ramping up instantly. Diving back into her lips, he moved his hands under her backside to scoot her body down the blanket, legs framing his sides.
She bit her lip to stay quiet as he lifted her shirt and yanked down the side of her bra to bite her nipple.
Breathing heavily, she ground herself into him, feeling how hard he was through his jeans.
"Robin!" she gasped, lead lolling back.
He pulled back from her, hair mussed from her running her hands through it and eyes wide and deep with arousal. The image struck something primal, causing her to tense at the stab of desire that went through her lower belly.
Robin's hands quickly flew to the button on her shorts and pulled them, along with her underwear, down her legs. She sat up as he tossed them a side, lifting herself over to straddle his lap and unzip his pants. With his help, she moved his clothes aside until his cock sprung free.
She didn't even have to say anything, he was already reaching for his wallet. As he tore open the condom, she stroked up and down his length. He was so hard and already leaking into her hand.
Brushing her hand aside to put on the condom and wrapped his arms around her back to steady her as she balanced on his shoulders and lowered herself onto him.
"Ohh!" he moaned, throwing his head back and exposing his throat in a way that as too tempting to resist.
Leaning forward, she bit down on the skin under his jaw.
Growling, he shook his head out of her grip, and thrust his hips up hard.
She gasped.
"Too much?" he breathed.
"No," she shook her head breathlessly, "Keep going...keep going!"
He didn't need to be asked twice. Gripping her waist, he guided both their movements, fucking into her with abandon.
Holding on, Regina let out shaky moans, trying not to attract attention. As far as she could see there was no one around, but just in case...it felt too good to really keep quiet, though. Throwing her head back, she rocked her pelvis, meeting each of his thrusts equally.
She knew they would finish together this time, she could feel it.
Legs shaking, she cried out, riding him through her orgasm, her inner muscles milking him over the edge with her. Wrapped up in ecstatic pleasure, both lost track of how much noise they were making or anything besides each other.
Regina drifted back to consciousness first, becoming aware of the sound of waves breaking against the shore and the cool, salty breeze against her skin.
Lifting her head to meet Robin's eyes, she smiled and liked dry lips.
Keeping their bodies joined together for the moment, he tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and stoked the lobe with his thumb.
"I love you."
"I love you," she whispered back against his lips, resting her forehead against his and just basking in this still moment together.
* 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 * 0 *
Back at the house, Cora sat quietly on the upstairs balcony, wrapping a sweater around herself to keep out the wind.
Dinner that evening had been a quiet affair and she'd done little more than pick at her plate. After, she excused herself as quickly as possible and retreated outside to think.
The quiet was interrupted, however, but the door sliding open and light flooding the wooden deck as Henry stepped out.
"There you are," he said, "What are you doing out here in the dark?"
"Just getting some air," Cora answered noncommittally.
"Oh, that's nice," Henry said, moving to sit in the chair next to her, "So did you have a good day?"
Glancing over at him in surprise, she asked, "What do you mean?"
He looked confused, "I just meant did you have a nice day?"
She frowned, recalling the conversation with Gold where he implied she was getting sloppy.
"It was fine."
"Okay," he answered cautiously, "Well are you coming to bed soon?"
"What?" she asked, "Why are you asking me that?"
"Well…" he said slowly, "...I thought maybe after last night…"
What he was hinting at was clear and she'd been expecting it, but along with it came unpleasant memories. Gold saying that she'd never seemed serious...having to set her career back when she found out she was pregnant for a second time…
"You thought what?!" she demanded abruptly, "That it would change things? Make up for all these years?"
"I...well…" he hesitated.
Pushing herself up from the chair she said, "We aren't in our 20s anymore, Henry. One night of love making isn't going to fix all our problems."
Sliding the balcony door open and closed, Cora disappeared into the house leaving Henry sitting alone.
He sat in stunned silence for a moment. Looking out over the railing, he started at the beach below.
Through the dark he saw two figures walking toward the house. Even from a distance he recognized Regina, and, of course, it was obvious who would be with her.
Letting out a regretful sigh, he sunk back into the chair, not wanting to have to go back inside just yet.