Regina sat in the kitchen with Maggie. "I hurt him. I'm a horrible person." Tears streamed down her face.

Maggie comforted her. "Regina, you're not horrible. You could've told him the truth."

"I couldn't."

Maggie's hand put a hand on hers. "I love you, but you're being stupid. That man has turned himself inside out for you. He's sacrificed, he's built a home. Why can't you lean on him? He's begging you to."

"I'm terrified," she admitted. "He wants to get married and have babies."

"Most people would be happy to start a family. That's the natural progression of life. You marry, have babies, fall in love, fight like hell, and love harder. David and I have had our struggles too. I think you're being weird about this."

"We're not normal. I'm not normal," she gasped. "God, I don't know how to give him all of me when I don't even know who that is."

"Oh, girl. Stop. You've had a shitty hand dealt to you. The shittiest. You're letting Jaden win and I'll be damned if I let you continue."

"How could you say that?" Regina was hurt.

"I'm your best friend. Jaden is in prison but you're letting yourself be put in there with him. You have a son, a man who loves you, and people who care about you. Why are you throwing that life away?"

"I'm not throwing it away, I just needed to press pause. He's so good, Mags. He's the best man I've ever known."

"What's the problem?"

"You don't get it. He doesn't get it." She stood to pace and rubbed her face in frustration. Her hands tangled in her hair and she felt the panic rising. "I need to be on my own. I need to do things for myself. I don't need help and he can't stop helping."

"Have you told him that?"

"Of course, I have. It's innate in him. He doesn't even realize when he's doing it. I didn't want to hurt him, Mags. He's so patient it's maddening. I wish he'd yell at me. He has before. When I told him that I couldn't be with him right now, he looked numb. I did that." She was close to sobbing.

"Sit down." Maggie took her arm and made her sit down. "I'm not going to let you do this to yourself. I'm not going to let you do this to Rob. I've seen him hurting long enough."

Regina swallowed. "What?"

"You need a slap and a kick in the gut." Her voice was crisp, her eyes like ice. "You've had therapy about this. Your fears are unprecedented and stupid. Get ahold of yourself. Let me ask you a few questions. Do you love him?"

"Yes, but…"

Maggie put a hand up to stop her. "Yes or no."

"Yes," she whispered.

"Does he support Roland and treat him like the father he is?"

"Maggie…" Her temper started to rise.

"Answer the question."

"Yes."

Maggie nodded. "Is he financially stable?"

"Yes."

"Would he dedicate his life to you and Roland?"

"I…"

Maggie shouted. "Yes or no?!"

"Yes." Regina was feeling foolish.

"Does he love you?"

"Yes."

"Sounds to me like there wasn't a no to any of those questions. He's the perfect man for you and he loves you. You owe him an apology and you need to grovel. You need to crawl."

"I can't believe this." Standing she clutched her belly and wanted to believe this was all a nightmare. "It's not that easy."

Staring at Regina, she assessed her face. "What is it? You're hiding something."

"No, I'm not." Her throat filled with tears. "Oh, God. Mags."

"When I came home yesterday, you were upset. I thought it was because you'd sent him away. He's been with Roland all day. There's more. What is it?"

"I'm pregnant."

"Oh my god. You are so stupid." Standing, Maggie went to her. Took her into her arms and hugged her. Then, she shoved her back and said. "If you think you're not going to tell him, you're wrong. I will tell him in a heartbeat."

"You wouldn't." Regina lifted her chin in defiance.

"The hell I will. You did that to him once. You better not do that to him again. Go." Turning her toward the door, she gave her a shove. "Get your ass in the car and go to him. Tell him you're pregnant and that you're an idiot." When she only stood there, Maggie nudged her. "Go!"

"I can't."

"You can and you will. When you walk out the door, you'll get exactly what you've wanted. A family."

"I need time." Turning, she begged her. "Please. Give me some time."

Maggie stared at her for a few moments before she nodded. "Fine. You have by thanksgiving. If you don't tell him by then, I'll tell him."

"I swear. I will."

…

The house was full of people setting up tables, decorations, and cooking food. Rob sat at the desk in the barn to hide. In the days since his heart was shattered, he'd kept to himself. No longer able to look around a house he'd made for, he packed it up. Shut it down. Soon, he'd put it on the market.

Roland's room was packed, and the boxes now lined his office in the barn. When Regina moved into the house, he'd heard she was likely to move into, he'd make sure she got his things. For now, they settled in the barn. Rob's things were unpacked and put into the cabin.

The first night he stayed there, he went through it with a garbage bag and threw everything in it away. Blankets, towels, soaps, bottles. Anything that reminded him of her, anything that smelled like her. It all went into a bag. He'd given it to Maggie and left it up to her to see it got where it needed to go.

Then, he'd bought new stuff, sprayed the entire cabin with nasty smelling Febreze, and moved in. The place didn't smell like her. He had to be content with that. As he worked, he recalled the day he'd moved out of the house. The day he'd had the horses moved back. To Roland's dismay, Parker was given to a neighbor.

Rob couldn't bring him to the ranch because the barn cats were violent. So, he'd given him away. It gutted him to see Roland cry. It had to be done, he mused. He'd get him that dog he wanted, he promised him. Now, in the days since he moved—a week or so—he worked all hours of the day. It kept his mind off her. Off anything.

When he spent time with Roland, he knew he was a disappointment. He took him to his school turkey day. He took him to the fall festival, where he had to share time with Regina, and he'd taken him to the pizza parlor with Troy. He'd tried hard to be fun and outgoing, but he knew he failed.

Roland didn't seem to notice, thank god. Now, Thanksgiving was upon them and Rob could care less. His heart wasn't in it. His finances were his focus. He'd planned to move his business to his property and had spent the last few days canceling deposits. Shifting around things.

As he'd done before Regina had stumbled back in his life, he focused on the ranch. His solid business plan would be his focus. The jumping ring would be done soon, and it would bring in revenue. In turn, he'd hire more trainers, buy more horses, and have more training schedules. He figured he had enough capital to start that rescue within the next five years.

If all went to plan, he'd have a full run operation that raked in a six-figure income. He'd hire more people, build more barns, expand in another five years. It was all about prioritizing. His attention was fully on the future of Ross ranch. His only focus, he reminded himself.

As promised to Yvonne, he would sell the house and the land, they could start the disabled rider's program. It was a good enough way to make a living, he mused. If all the figures matched up, they'd be in the green for the next decade or more. There would be no mistaking Ross Ranch. It was his pride. He hoped when Roland was old enough, he'd leave it to him.

Satisfied, he turned off his computer and went to muck out stalls. The sweat and the work kept him busy. The horses kept him company. The long hours kept him outside and away from people unless it was necessary. The cold air was good for him.

Mounting a horse, he rode off into the property. As he passed the house, he clenched his jaw when he saw Regina and Maggie getting out of a truck. Looking at her wasn't going to do him any good. He kicked the horse into a gallop to get as far away from her as he could.

…

"When are you going to talk to him?" Maggie eyed her and Regina turned her head as they walked in the house.

"After dinner."

Maggie stopped her at the door. "You're ready. I'll take care of Roland."

"I'm nervous."

"Good. I hope he rakes you over the coals before he forgives you." Squeezing her arm, she pushed her forward.

"Gee thanks."

They entered the house to a house full of people. Jack huddled with his brother, his nephews, and his nieces. Roland and Troy were already running around with nerf guns Rob bought them. A nerf bullet whizzed by her as she carried in her pies.

"Regina." Betty went to her and kissed her cheeks. "I'm so happy." Regina set down the pies and went into her arms.

"I'm scared."

"You'll be fine. I'm gonna be a grandma again. That's a blessing," she said.

"I still haven't told anyone," she confessed.

"Your secret is safe with me." She patted her hand. "Unless it comes to Maggie's promise. We're in agreement. Tell him today, baby. This is your chance to make up for what happened before."

"Yes ma'am."

Regina socialized, she helped in the kitchen, made sure Roland was entertained and kept he eyes out for Rob. He'd yet to make an appearance.

She lost herself in the laughs, the food preparation, and the holiday music. When Rob made his way into the house, he went to his father. Socialized with people. He sat with Roland and Troy while they learned how to play war with a deck of cards.

Engaged with Maggie and Betty, she saw him go into the kitchen and get elected to carve the turkey. Her nerves were in a bundle. She'd been sipping on hot tea all day. A few times, she snuck marshmallows.

When they sat down for dinner, they had to go around the table and say something they were thankful for. It started with Jack. "Thanks for coming, everybody. We're blessed to have a full table. We're all blessed for that."

Betty smiled. "I'm thankful for family, friends, and the future."

They kept going around the table. When they stopped at Rob, she kept her eyes on his. He looked down at the table. "I'm thankful for this land," he began. "For the work, sweat, and blood that goes into it. For the people who work hard to keep it that way." Turning, she looked down at Roland who sat next to him. "I'm most thankful for my son." He sighed. "I hope one day you'll care for this land as I have."

Roland grinned. "Yes sir!"

They moved onto Tuck, Yvonne, other family members. Then it was her turn. Terrified, she said. "I'm thankful for many things. Mostly, I'm thankful that we make mistakes." People frowned and looked at her. "I'm thankful that there is fear and forgiveness. For growth and for choice." Rob's eyes flickered to hers and averted. "To family and friends," she finished.

They ate so much food Regina felt full and a little nauseous. Maggie pulled her aside as they began to serve dessert. "It's time."

"I know. First, can you come upstairs? I have something I want to run by you."

…

Rob was so full he felt like he could fall asleep in his chair. If he wasn't involved in a hand of poker with the guys, he would do just that. He glanced down at his hand. He had a straight and waited for the guys to place their bets. He shoved a fifty in the middle of the table and earned wide eyes around the table.

"What you go there, Rob?"

He smirked. "You'll see in a minute."

Jack and Rob, his cousin, put down a fifty. The rest folded. Jack had two aces. Rob had a small straight. Rob put his cards down and earned groans. "Next time, boys." He took the money and shoved it into his pocket. He stood and walked into the kitchen with his empty dessert plate.

Betty and his cousin, Reese were washing dishes. He set down the plate. "Thanks for dinner, mom." He leaned down and kissed her cheek. "Where's Roland?"

"I sent the boys outside, they kept hitting us with the nerf guns."

"Alright. I'll go find them."

Betty took his hand to stop him. "River is outside with them." She smiled. "Thanks, Robby." When he frowned at her, she glanced behind him.

"Rob?"

His back tensed and he turned to see Regina standing in the doorway. She wore a deep navy dress with matching shoes. Her hair was twisted in a complicated braid at the base of her neck. Her eyes were wary, her hands twisting. Her cheeks were pale. "Could I have a minute?"

Wanting to escape, he looked toward the door. "I was gonna go out with the boys."

"Reese and David are outside," she said. Feeling uneasy, he glanced between her and his mother. "Please."

He swallowed. He can't say not to her, he mused. He hated it. Even hurting as much as he was, he couldn't say no. "Sure." He followed her upstairs. At the top of the stairs, she went into the bedroom. He paused at the doorway and entered.

Regina sat on the bed. He leaned against the wall and crossed his ankles and arms. "What's up?"

"I wanted to give you this," she said extending a manilla envelope.

He glanced down at it. "What is it?"

"Open it, please."

He took it and pulled out a change of name form. Roland's previous name was listed on the top of the form. Looking at the bottom, his heart swelled when he saw the name change. "He has my name."

"Yea," she said smiling. "It came a few days ago."

"Thank you." It was all he could think of to say.

"There's more," she said. Her voice shook and he narrowed his eyes at her.

"What?" Her face was pale, her hands were shaking.

"I owe you an apology," she said. "The biggest."

"You don't owe me anything." He set down the envelope. "I appreciate this."

"Rob, I didn't buy the house."

He met her eyes. "I'm sorry to hear it didn't work out."

"I didn't put in an offer."

"Why not?"

She stood and started to pace. It unnerved him. "I was going to after Christmas. I had it all worked out." She turned. "I turned down the job."

He stopped at that. "You seemed pretty sure that you wanted it. You had a plan," he said giving her words back to her.

"I know, but something you said got me thinking."

"What's that?" He couldn't say why he didn't like seeing her look so nervous.

"It wasn't something I could see myself enjoying. I met with Charles and it would've been a big step down for me. Including pay." She began to pace again. He couldn't keep his eyes off her face. "I declined the job."

"You said."

"I met with Roland's teacher and counselor the other day."

"Why?" His back went up.

"The same boys were picking on him again. They stole his backpack and they threw his tablet in the toilet."

Rob's blood went up. "Why the hell didn't you tell me? I'd have gone down there."

"Rob, wait." She put a hand up. "I went down there. I talked to the principal."

"What good did that do?" He said. "No offense, but you're not very good standing up to her."

She smirked. "I may have been in a bad mood that day, but I let her have it."

His brow rose. "What do you mean?"

"I told her I was tired of hearing about Roland being pushed around. She's having the boy's parents pay us for the tablet."

"Good." He was impressed.

"And I withdrew him from the school." She took a deep breath.

"Excuse me?"

She stopped and he saw the tears in her eyes. "I should've listened to you. I talked to Roland and he wants to go to school at Bradford's."

His heart began to beat hard. "What does that mean?"

"Well, I found a building by Medard's. The lease is relatively affordable, Medard is willing to help me redo the parking lot. The school is close enough that I can pick him up after school and still finish up a full day at the office."

He stood staring at her. She kept pacing. Kept talking. "I got my license; I have a few clients set up after the first of the year. The bank loan will be enough to renovate the office. I need new carpets, new paint, and furniture. Maggie has connections to an artist who can provide watercolors."

Stopping, she turned to face him. "Maybe you can put in a word for me."

"Why are you telling me all this?"

Closing her eyes, she said, "You're not making this easy for me."

"I don't know what the hell you're talking about."

She stepped forward and took his hand. "Robin, I'm telling you this because I want to apologize for hurting you."

"It doesn't matter," he lied.

"Yes, it does." She brought his hand down to rest on her belly. His eyes narrow. His heart beats fast. When she lifted her eyes, she has tears in her eyes. "I've done nothing but hurt you. I don't want to do it anymore. I want what you promised me."

He stared down at his hand. "Regina…"

"I want it, but I'm terrified. That's what I didn't tell you before. I'm scared. So scared that I won't measure up to what you want."

"What is it you think I want?"

"Marriage, family," she took a deep breath. "Babies."

"Why does that scare you? Why are you…" She pressed his hand tighter against her. "Are you pregnant?" He frowned down when she let out a sob. "Are you?" He took her face in his hands, assessed her eyes. His heart lifted and he felt lighter than he had in weeks.

Nodding, she let him pull her to him. Tears misted his eyes. He gripped her so hard he was afraid to hurt her. For the first time ever, he buried his face in her neck and wept.