Summary:Robin joins the 21st Century with his new phone; Roland gets his first night alone with his dad for four years, and finally forgives his mother.Emma and Killian try to figure out what to do with their little Robin problem. The Queen of Arendelle arrives in town, and Marian and Regina are forgiven by Roland.
Emma gets a welcome surprise at the Sheriff Station.
The Swan-Jones House
"I'm not kidding!" she said, turning the key in the front door, Killian close behind her, carrying their sleeping daughter. When Emma boarded the Jolly, along with Robin, earlier that evening, it was to find a fractious Hope starting to get over-tired. So, her parents had quickly said their goodbyes to Robin and Roland and headed home. "Zeus has turned him into some kind of superman!"
"Superman? The guy in the blue tights off the TV? Able to leap tall buildings with a single bound? Able to stop a speeding train, catch bullets in his teeth, that sort of thing? Come off it, Swan, I hardly think-"
"I'm telling you - I saw it! I thought he was just winding me up when he told me, and I poked fun at him. Then he went and proved it!"
Killian was incredulous. "You're seriously saying Hood can read minds? And he can see through things, like one of those machines in the hospital?"
"Just before you docked, I asked about Zeus and what kind of 'powers' he'd given him. It seems that, as well as the usual magical stuff, he can also see through walls and things. Then he said he could read minds, and that's when I laughed at him! I said it was impossible, but he told me to think of anybody we both knew, imagine them standing in front of me, wearing a colour, and holding up a number…."
"Sounds like one of those party tricks."
"That's what I thought! So, I thought of a few things but couldn't make up my mind. I kept flipping, thinking about different numbers and people, and changing them. As I was doing it, he kept yelling things like "Purple, Rumpelstiltskin, holding a two…A yellow Henry...holding up one hundred…forty four…seven…ten…your mother in red, holding a one… and then he said, "Make your bloody mind up, Emma!" He actually said what I was thinking! How weird is that?"
"If it's true – bloody weird!"
"I know, right? He has to go back to Merlin to learn how to control it. Apparently, it's really hard to turn off, and he said it gets a bit 'noisy' in his head. So, he's basically reading people's minds without wanting to!"
"Sounds more like a curse! And the seeing-through things – is that true too?"
"Yeah – that was really embarrassing! He can do that, too!"
Killian wanted her to elaborate, but decided to save it for later. "I was talking to him this morning, before young Roland turned up. He seemed…lost. Hardly surprising, seeing his whole world's just turned upside down. He was talking about leaving Storybrooke, but doesn't want to separate the boy from his mother. Then there's Zelena's child. He still needs to see her, and the ginger bitch is going to be trouble. I feel sorry for him. Perhaps you and I could help…"
"Me, how? I hardly know the guy!"
"Perhaps you should get to know him. You're a magic user too, so you should be able to empathise with his predicament. And let's face it Swan, we kind of owe him!" she frowned at that. "Don't scowl. He was prepared to risk his own life, joining you in the Underworld, when you tried to save me. And in a way, it was thanks to us he lost Marian the second time! Which led to him getting raped by the witch, to sire a child under false pretences. Then he gets murdered by Hades, who, let's face it, wouldn't have even come here if it hadn't been for-"
"OK, enough already! I get it! We screwed up his life! Thanks for the guilt trip!"
"Swan, he's a decent guy who stood by us. He sacrificed himself, for a woman who's now with his own wife. He's still got kids, and he's starting again. You've got the experience of coming into magic, so perhaps you could help him? We kind of owe him, Emma!"
"I guess but…what are you suggesting? Let them move in here till he gets on his feet? He's Robin Hood, for Christ's sake. He lived in the forest with the men. He's independent and was even talking about magicking himself a house! Besides…I'm best friends with Regina. How's she going to feel if I spend time with him?"
He frowned. "I can't believe you just said that! Is Regina so important to you that…no…on second thoughts, don't answer that! I'll help him instead. I'll start by taking him out Thursday night to the poker game at the Cabin. Who knows, maybe introduce him to some of the single ladies in the town? Get to know some new people. Can't hurt, can it?"
The Jolly Roger – The following morning
Robin had woken before sunrise, to feel a smaller body pressed tightly into his side. Smiling at the sight of his beautiful eight-year-old son looking peaceful and content as he slept, he pressed a small kiss on the top of his head before carefully extricating himself, clambering out of the bed. They were in the Captain's quarters, and it had been the first night spent with Roland for over four years. Tiptoeing quietly into the galley, he prepared to make a pot of strong tea on the little gas stove.
Seeing the phone Belle had given him, he turned it on as instructed. It started vibrating as various text messages arrived. Grateful for Merlin's technology induction yesterday, he opened the relevant app to read them.
He'd only returned from the dead two days ago, only owned a phone since yesterday, but word had clearly spread of the outlaw's return. As did the knowledge of his new phone number! He assumed it was Belle, who had already put some names and numbers into his directory, while Merlin was teaching him. He started reading:
Belle French: Robin, you have my number. This is the best way to call me if you need me!
John L: I heard you got a phone. Save my number! Elsa's in town today. I want you to meet her. Call me?
Merlin: Hope you slept after yesterday. Call me when you can.
Killian Jones: A phone already? I'm meeting your mates for cards and drinks on Thursday. Come join me. Call.
There was at least a good two dozen more messages from names he recognized. Mostly the former Merry Men, reintroducing themselves, all wanting to meet and spend time with him, and he smiled at the attention and best wishes. Belle had clearly put the word out he'd returned! When did she become the centre of attention?
He spent the best part of the next thirty minutes replying to all of them individually, thanking them and promising that, once his affairs were in order, he'd be in touch. However, there were two names he didn't see among the greeters and well-wishers. Two names which Belle had put into his directory. Two names that meant so much to him.
As he finished a reply to Will, a voice came from the doorway:
"Papa? Are you going away again?" Roland stood in the doorway in his pyjamas, looking nervous.
"What? Oh, Rolly my love, good morning! I wasn't expecting you awake so soon - you want some breakfast? Pancakes?"
He ignored the question. "Are you going to be going away again? Leaving me?"
The anxious look broke his heart. "Oh, no, no, no Roland! Absolutely not! I told you yesterday, I'm here to stay." He stood, walking to his son to embrace him. "To stay for you, and your sister. Emma told me Robyn gets back to town with her mother at the weekend. Then we need to find a way we can all be together. But I'm here with you from now on. I promise!"
"I don't want to go back, Papa! Not to them! I don't want to live there – not without you!"
Robin rested his head on the top of the boy's mop. "I understand, but she is your mamma, Rolly! She's your mother, and she loves you."
"She hit me! Really hard! And Gina locked me in my bedroom. They ganged up on me!"
"I know, and your mamma is so very sorry that happened. She lost her temper, after you swore at Regina. She knows what she did was wrong, and she wants to apologise to you. I think you should let her. That's what a grown-up would do. She is your mum, as much as I'm your dad. As for Regina, well, she probably did what she thought best till you calmed down. I doubt either of them realised that you're claustrophobic."
"Closta - what?"
"Claustrophobic. It's a word that means that you have a problem in crowded or small spaces. Or feeling trapped! You remember how you were in those caves we went into when we hid from the ogres? You grew up living in the outdoors, under canvas, so you find it a little difficult when you feel you can't get out of somewhere, don't you?" Roland nodded. "It's nothing wrong, and you may well grow out of it in the future. It's nothing to worry about though."
"Please don't make me go back there, papa. I'll run away again. They don't like us!"
Robin moved back, gently gripping the boy's shoulders. "Now Roland…look at me! I know as an absolute fact that your mamma, and Regina, both love you very much! Yesterday, they were very shocked when I came back. And when you're shocked you sometimes say, and do, silly things. Now Regina slapped my face too!" That brought an annoyed frown from Roland, but Robin shook his head. "But she didn't know what she was doing. She was shocked that I was alive again, and she was telling me off for doing something so silly to get myself killed! She then cried right after, and I know your mamma cried over you! She is so upset that she slapped you, and she really wants to say sorry! So, you must be a big man now and listen and accept her apology. I'm sure she'd never do it again…"
"But they hate you, papa! I heard you all shouting!"
"They don't hate me, Roland. In fact, we made up and hugged after I left you this morning. I've forgiven them. In fact, next weekend, I'm going out to dinner with them. We're going to figure out how all three of us can spend time with you. I'll be very late so; do you want to go stay with Pip next Saturday night?"
Roland finally gave him a small smile. "I'd like that. Mu and Philip made him a treehouse! He sometimes sleeps in it, outside..."
"Then that's settled. Now, about what we discussed. How about we see mamma and Regina at Granny's later? We were going to see Uncle Will and Uncle John there anyway. I just got a message from John saying his new girlfriend's going to be there later, too."
"That's Queen Elsa, papa! I met her, she's really nice!"
Mifflin Street – an hour later
It had been a second troubled night. Both shattered from their previous night's problems with Roland, they went to bed early. Marian had been initially keen to make love but, after a half-hearted attempt to get each other in the mood, it was clear neither had the inclination, or the willpower, to continue, mainly due to being just too tired.
Instead they'd settled for a cuddle. As they lay together, both drifting in and out of sleep, Regina's mind kept going back to Robin, picturing him earlier, powering across the field on Chester. However, this time, there was something different. Not only was he not wearing that riding helmet, but he was also completely topless. His well-defined, but not over-muscled torso, wore a light sheen of perspiration, flattening the dark hairs against his chest and giving him an aggressive, animal quality. As he slowed, pulling hard on the reins, Robin's biceps seemed to swell as he finally brought the horse to a stop. As she stared, he slowly turned his head to face her, sapphire-blue eyes boring into hers with an intensity that always made her shudder.
He dismounted easily, his gaze never leaving her. Stepping closer, his body seeming to glow, almost vibrating with energy. Now only feet away, he gave her a grin, his eyes twinkling. God, he's handsome! Although the intensity of his gaze never wavered, there was a gentleness in them as he finally stopped. Then she saw the lion tattoo, recalling the very first time she'd saw it. Fitting for a man with the heart of a lion and the soul of an angel. Robin. Her Robin. Her angel.
He leaned down, closer, uninvited, sliding his hands into her hair to hold her head in his hands. "Milady," he breathed, before lowering his lips onto hers. She opened her mouth wider, inviting his tongue in immediately as her arms curled around the naked waist, sliding against the warm, damp skin. This was bliss. Firm, assured hands moved from her head as arms curled around her shoulders pulling her in tightly as their lips remained locked. She shuddered as she felt his erection, now hard against her stomach. As lips finally parted, he growled, "I need to have you, now!" before plunging his lips to her throat, sucking hard on her sweet spot, making her feel like putty.
She groaned, aloud. "Yes please…god, please!"
"What?" came a voice, making Regina open her eyes, only to find herself lying on her back, in bed, Marian beside her! "What was that?"
It took a moment to compose herself, realising she'd been stroking herself under her teddy. Feeling embarrassed, she slowly eased her damp hand away, before finally looking up at her wife.
"Sorry darling, what did you say?" As she tried to hide her awkwardness, she noticed that Marian had, even under the dim sidelight, a red face, and seemed to be hot and looking guilty.
"You were moaning and you woke me up. You were asking for something?"
"No. Erm…it must have been a dream. Sorry I woke you. Try and go back to sleep…"
"Too late. I think I'll go have a shower..." Marian eased her long legs out of the bed. "It's quite hot, and I'm feeling sticky. I'll try not to wake you up…"
Regina was sure Marian had showered before bed? "Okay...I'll have one after you."
Now, around seven o' clock in the morning, after repeatedly waking in the middle of the night, Regina shuffled down the stairs to the kitchen, to make coffee. While the kettle boiled, she turned her phone on, and in a matter of seconds, a familiar tone sounded for incoming text messages. The first from Emma:
'I've spoken to Robin. We may have a problem with Zelena once she's back. Call me?'
"Oh great. It starts!" she grumbled. When he'd asked about little Robyn, she'd avoided the subject by telling him that Zelena, and his daughter, were travelling back from California at the weekend. The little almost five-year-old redhead had learned that her father was a hero, had spent time at the mansion and grown to love her big brother. But she knew nothing about the circumstances surrounding her birth, or Regina's past with the former outlaw!
Regina read the next message, smiling when she realised who'd sent it. Henry.
'Hi mum. Just to let you know I'm back in Cambridge, and coming home Friday. When can I call? I'm heading out with Grace and Vi, so perhaps late Thursday night, after ten, before I drive back?'
Her smile widened. Henry had been staying at a friend's party somewhere near New York for the weekend, and they hadn't spoke for over a week. She texted back:
'That's a lovely surprise, my prince. You've no idea how much I've missed you. I'm home after seven. Have you told Emma? How long will you be staying?
It took a matter of moments before he replied, Henry clearly still awake:
'I just texted her. I've missed you guys too. Home for rest of the break. Six weeks. I'll Whatsapp around 10, OK?'
She gave him a reply, with two kiss emojis (god she was getting way too sentimental) and worked through the other texts. Several were just bookings for the riding school, plus one from Mayor Philip inviting her to an event at the Town Hall, then finally, one from a number she didn't recognise, but the first words taking her by surprise:
'Hello Regina, it's Robin. Look who's just joined the 21st century with his own cell phone? Belle gave me yours and Marian's numbers so, here's mine. Roland had a settled night, and we're going to be at Granny's after nine. I talked to him this morning, and he's willing to meet you both. Let me know if you can come? If not, I'll be in touch.'
Could this day get any better? Roland was holding out an olive branch and Henry was coming home!
"Someone looks happy?" said Marian, shuffling into the kitchen in her dressing gown. "Good news?"
"Take a look…" Regina showed her the text messages.
The exhausted woman seemed to pick up before her eyes, when she scanned Robin's message. "Rolly will talk to me? Gina, that's brilliant! Mind you, the way I look right now, I'll probably scare him half to death! I hardly slept a wink last night…"
"And there's me thinking I was the only drama queen around here!" she leaned over, kissing her wife's forehead. "Good morning, darling. You go back to bed for another half hour, if you like? I'll bring some tea up?"
"Thanks, but I'm up now. Henry's coming home? Wonderful - we both get our boys back for the weekend! Our family, all together!"
Granny's Diner – later that morning
They walked into the diner just after nine thirty, to find, like yesterday, a small cluster of people gathered around Robin as he sat at the long table. Her outlaw was always popular in the little town. However, this time, there were some new figures. To Robin's left sat John, and on John's left, his fiancée, Queen Elsa of Arendelle. As was royal custom in their realms, Regina walked across to meet the other monarch first, though proffered her hand instead of curtsying.
"Morning, Your Majesty! Nice to see you back here again."
Elsa stood and turned, shaking her hand. "Good morning too, Your Majesty. Though I'm no longer Queen of Arendelle. I abdicated."
"Oh, that's a surprise. Problem?"
"No, definitely not. Anna's now taken the crown, which is what I always wanted. She and Kristoff finally faced the inevitable, and got married. And she just found out she's pregnant! They'll make the perfect royal family."
"Well…if you're happy. And what about you? What are you going to do next?"
"I've never been happier," she beamed, as a large hand latched onto hers. "John and I are getting married next year! We have plans…" A small cheer went around the table as John, at least a foot taller than his fiancée, stood, a bashful smile on his broad features.
"Wonderful!" said Marian, stepping up beside Regina, "my big brother's finally settling down! Come here, you big lump..." she walked into John's arms to receive a hug from her old friend.
"And congratulations to you two, too!" said Elsa. "John told me you'd got married. Though I don't recall getting an invitation?" she gave them a smirk.
"Sorry…we've been a bit remiss," said Regina, a guilty look on her face. "Hardly anyone did. It was a spur of the moment thing, because we didn't want to wait," she hitched her arm through Marian's, smiling up at her. "But we're going to be having a more formal wedding here, early in the spring, to which you'll all be invited!"
"I'm looking forward to it, ladies. You make a beautiful couple. You're just...so well suited!"
"Thanks," said Marian, "I have to say, I've never been happier…" as the words left her, her eyes caught those of the man at the end of the table, and the boy beside him. Neither of whom appeared to be smiling. "Never been happier since…since I lost Robin." She tried to recover, seeing the look of sadness in his eyes, which Regina also picked up on.
"Good for you! You're finally both getting your happy ending…" Elsa hadn't picked up on the awkward moment, but several of the other diners had.
A brief silence was punctuated by Roland, standing up from the table. "Sorry Will, can I get past? I need the bathroom." The man next to him stood, letting him out. As he slipped out between them, Roland didn't even bother looking up at his mother, or Regina. And that simple slight hurt both women more than he would ever know.
"Rolly?" called Marian, as he walked straight past them, ignoring her.
"Back in a minute," he replied, curtly. Her eyes fell on Robin, who was now also standing.
"Guys, this was lovely, but…if you'll excuse us? Roland and I need to have a chat with Marian and Regina. We'll sit over there…" he pointed to a table the furthest away from everyone.
Settling around the new table, waiting the boy to return, Marian sat directly opposite Robin, Regina to her left. There was an awkward silence, till Dorothy came and they ordered drinks. Unsure how to start, Robin was relieved when Roland reappeared, moving around the table to sit beside him, opposite Regina. His face was serious, waiting for one of the women to start.
"Roland," Marian moved her hand across the table in front of him, waiting for him to take it. He didn't, instead just looking down at the limb, making her feel worse. "I'm…I'm truly sorry that I slapped you! I apologise. I shouldn't have lost my temper like that, and it was very wrong of me!" Under the table, Regina rested a hand on her wife's knee, squeezing it to comfort her while waiting for the boy's response as he continued staring at the hand. "I'm sorry I hurt you. Could you find it in your heart to forgive me?"
Roland still said nothing, but his eyes did finally lift to meet hers, before moving across to meet Regina's "You locked me in the bedroom. Papa told me I'm clostro...claustrophobic!"
Regina, surprised, looked across to the boy's father, raising a brow.
"He has been since he was two!" Robin confirmed. "He was once trapped in a dungeon. And a cave another time..."
She looked back down at the boy. Could she feel more guilty? "I'm…I had no idea, Roland! I'm truly sorry!"
"I didn't know that either…" said Marian, now understanding why he'd escaped from the bedroom. And the house.
"How could you? He lost you when he was still a baby. The men knew, though it's one of the reasons Tuck hung back with him when we went on raids."
"I'm truly sorry I locked you in your bedroom, Roland! You were having an argument with your mother, and you also lost your temper. I thought it best at the time, but I was clearly in the wrong. I won't do it again..."
"Roland?" his father turned, placing a hand on his shoulder. "We spoke about this, this morning, didn't we? About how you need to be grown up about this?"
The boy nodded, sighing. "Sorry I called you a bitch! It was nasty, and I shouldn't have. Papa told me off for swearing at you like that."
Her eyes watering, Marian gave Robin a grateful nod. "I forgive you too. You were very upset with me and I don't blame you. I acted badly. And just so you know, I don't hate your papa at all. In fact, I love him very much! And so does Regina. How could I not love him? Without him, I'd never have had you! He gave me the best gift I've ever had!" Robin smiled at that.
Roland considered what he should say. "Well…then I suppose I forgive you for hitting me. And Regina, for locking me up…"
Marian wiped away a rogue tear. "Thank you, that means everything to me! Are you too big now to give your mamma a hug?" He stood, moving around the table, as she did too, gathering him into her arms to squeeze him tightly, holding back her tears, before whispering. "I'm so sorry. I love you Roland. I always have, and I always will!"
Regina and Robin exchanged a sad smile, the former mouthing a silent 'thank you' back at him, as mother and son separated. Regina then stood and asked Roland for a hug too, as Marian sat. Finally, when everyone was sat down again, Marian reached a hand across. But this time, Roland took it.
"Would you come home tonight to be with us? Please?"
Roland looked up at his father. "No, that's not my home. My home's with papa now." His tone was determined. "Mamma, you've got Gina, but papa doesn't have anyone, anymore. Except me!"
Upset by his words, the women looked up at Robin to see if he would say something. His arm came around the boy's shoulders. "Rolly, my boy, we need to figure out how you can spend time with your mother and Regina, and me! You remember how Henry used to spend time with Regina and Emma? Well, Mamma needs time with you too. So, we have to figure that out something like that for you."
"But I'm still living with you, Papa! I'm not losing you again. Wherever you go, I go! I'll spend days with them, but I'm staying with you!"
As Marian was about to lose it, Regina squeezed her hand, stepping in, "How about us having your father stay with us too, when you come to stay? At least until you feel comfortable and trust us again?"
"You'd let Papa stay at your house?" He didn't see the odd expression on his father's face as they nodded. "Yes, I'll come stay, if he's there. But only if I'm allowed to keep my windows open? And you never, ever, ever, lock me in again?"
"I promise!" said Regina, smiling broadly as they'd made a major breakthrough. She also hadn't spotted the look on Robin's face. He wasn't so sure. Staying at their love nest? But he said nothing, seeing as Roland was at least smiling and talking to them. He didn't want to ruin the moment.
As they finished their drinks, preparing to leave, Will Scarlett came back to the table. "Oi mate, we're heading off! Thursday night at Aesop's for the party, yeah?"
"Sure," said Robin. "Give Anastasia my love, and I'll see you after I drop off Roland with Tuck…"
"With Tuck?" said Marian, "Robin, you don't need a childminder! Roland could stay with us and you could come back later?"
"I guess so. Roland, you could stay with your mothers Thursday night, if i got there later?"
"No Papa! I want to go to the barbecue! Neal's back and he's going to be there. Pip said!"
"Neal?" interrupted Regina, confused. "Neal Nolan? Snow and Charming are back from their trip?"
"They get back today," said Ruby, dropping the tab on the table in front of Robin. "Snow texted me last night. Hard to believe they've been gone three weeks."
Though disappointed that Roland was digging his heels in about staying with them, Marian realised she'd hardly socialised recently. "So, what's this 'party' then, Will, and why wasn't I invited? Is it an all-boys drinking session, or what?"
"Nope, just something Anastasia and me put together last night, to celebrate John and Elsa! Ana's organising some music and dancing too. We hadn't told them yet. Of course you and Regina are invited! It's just…well, you two don't seem to get out much since you tied the knot, do ye? But you're welcome to join us..."
"I'd love to!" said Marian before Regina could say anything. "I haven't had a dance since the Briar's wedding! What do you say, Gina?"
She half-smiled, resigned to her fate. "I'd say it looks like we're going dancing..."
The Sheriff's Office
It had been a boring morning. Emma had been on shift for three hours and in all that time the phone only rang twice. Mrs McKendrick had reported her red setter missing, only to ring back ten minutes later, to say that it had been found again by a kindly neighbour. Emma had briefly chatted with Mulan, who'd just ended her shift as she herself came on. After a marginally more interesting night, the seasoned warrior had arrested a couple of drunks having a fight outside the Rabbit Hole, and were now languishing in their cells, one fast asleep. Too drunk, they hadn't even resisted arrest as Mulan bundled them into the car.
"So, you haven't charged them yet or filed a report? What do you want me to do with them?"
"Just let them out when they sobered up. The older guy, Marvin or Marlon or something – he was too drunk to talk. But from what Guy, the owner said, he'd been drinking there most of the afternoon too, and was pretty down because his mother had died. The other guy said something stupid to him and he lost it and threw a punch. If he wasn't so drunk it might have been worse. I'm just grateful neither of them threw up in the patrol car! I rang Judge Dennie to tell him first thing, and he was okay with me just releasing him without charge." Dennis Cooper, Storybrooke's district judge, was a kindly soul who hated unnecessary admin. "So when he wakes up, just give him a little lecture and send him on his way…"
An hour later, the man, suitable embarrassed, received a short dressing-down from Emma. After that, she went back to what she's been doing earlier. Leaning back in her chair, legs on the desk, throwing scrunched up newspaper balls into the small bin by the far wall. She hardly noticed she was being watched by someone in the doorway. At least till he spoke.
"Another hectic day of law enforcement, Emma?"
"What?" the last paper ball missed the bin completely and she almost fell off the chair. "DAD? You're back?" She jumped up onto her feet, walking around to him, immediately moving in to hug him as he chuckled. "I've missed you! You've been gone weeks!"
"Hello, honey!" David pulled her in tighter, one hand cupping the back of her head, as usual. "Three weeks. We needed it..." he kissed the top of her head.
"Why did you all go off like that? You didn't even call me after you left! I know mum was pissed off with me, but…three weeks, dad? Anything could've happened and I had no idea where you were!"
"I know. Your mum was more than pissed off. She was hurt…"
"Yeah, but you weren't! And it wasn't even my fault, it was Regina's! She's the one who didn't invite her to the wedding. Why couldn't you call me?" she knew she was starting to sound like a spoilt little girl, but, she had a point!
"You have a phone too, Emma!" David stepped back to look at her. She was positively sulking! "Can you remember the last time you called me, or your mum, when you didn't need something? Just to ask how we were? It's always the other way around, isn't it? I guess we were both feeling a little taken for granted, so we thought we'd wait and see how long it took before anyone even noticed we were gone! Still, we're back now…"
"So where did you go – and where are mum and Neal?"
"I dropped them both home so your mum could unpack and freshen up. We went down to Boston, saw Henry and stayed there for a couple of days, drove to Philadelphia, then ditched the car and took a flight to Orlando, stayed down there a week and slowly worked our way back, stopping off to see friends in Martha's Vineyard. It was great…"
"Orlando? You guys went all the way down to Florida? Jeez dad, you've never been further than New York! And Henry? He never even told me he saw you!"
He rested his hands on her shoulders. "Well, perhaps in future you'll make more of an effort to keep in touch with your parents, rather than letting us do the chasing?" Despite the gentle chastisement, he pulled his daughter into a hug once again. "I missed you too, sweetheart. How's my little granddaughter?"
"A teething, burbling, insomniac! And she's missed her 'Bumpa' too! So, for abandoning your daughter for three weeks, you're going to be doing triple amounts of babysitting to make up for it…"
"I'm sure you'll have no argument from your mother on that score! Now…" he saw the numerous screwed up paper balls by the bin. "…despite your frenetic morning, what else has been happening around here while we've been gone…"
"Oh, nothing much. No evil warlocks or demons running amok. Oh...and Merlin came to town and brought Robin Hood back to life…"
"Robin Hood? You can't be serious?"
"Dad, you have no idea!"
