Chapter 16: One Special Night
"Papa, why do I have to dress up to see Doctor Hopper?" Roland asked, tugging on the polo shirt Robin had put on him that morning. He looked like he wanted to tear it off and while Robin understood his son's discomfort, he still hoped Roland kept it on long enough for them to get through their session.
Robin knelt in front of Roland, gently removing his hand from his shirt. "There's going to be a special guest today and I want you to look your best."
"Who?" Roland asked, frowning. "Is it Regina or Sophie? I don't think I need to dress up for them."
He chuckled, knowing his son had a point and marveling at how quickly the Mills' women became enmeshed in their lives. Robin shook his head. "It's neither of them. We'll explain it to you once we get to Doctor Hopper's office, okay?"
"Okay," Roland replied, trusting him as they headed out to the car. Robin helped him into his booster seat and got him all buckled in before heading to the driver's seat.
As he started up the car, he glanced back at his son. Roland looked nervous and Robin frowned. "Roland? Are you okay?"
"I'm just confused," he said.
"I know," Robin replied, pulling away from the curb. "But I promise everything will make more sense once we get to the office, okay?"
Roland nodded, trusting him completely. As he headed to the main part of Storybrooke, Robin hoped that everything went well and that Marian didn't let them both down that day. She didn't have a particularly good track record, which was why Robin didn't want to tell Roland anything more until they got to Dr. Hopper's office.
It was a short drive and Robin quickly found a parking spot near the office. He helped Roland from the car and ushered him into the office, his heart hammering in his chest the entire time. Robin wished he could just jump an hour into the future to see how it went – if his son was able to meet his mother or if Marian had failed them yet again.
Dr. Hopper greeted them as they climbed the stairs to his office. "How are we doing today?" he asked.
"Good," Roland replied, "though I don't know why I have to dress up today."
"I told him we would explain everything once we got here," Robin told Archie, hoping the therapist would be able to help.
Dr. Hopper nodded. "Why don't you two come in and get comfortable so we can do just that?"
Robin released Roland's hand, letting his son enter the room and pet Pongo. He lingered behind, to ask Dr. Hopper an important question. "Have you heard from her?"
"I have," Dr. Hopper replied. "She called a little while ago to confirm my address and asked about parking. She said she would be here at the agreed upon time."
"Good," Robin said, relieved. "I was afraid she wouldn't come."
Dr. Hopper nodded. "I understand but I think this is important to her and she's committed to going through with this."
"For now," Robin replied, unable to help himself. He then paused before asking: "Do you think I should trust her more?"
"I think she needs to earn your trust and it's understandable that you're suspicious," the therapist replied. "You're just trying to protect yourself and Roland."
Robin nodded, feeling a bit better. "She's hurt us both before and this time it would be worse because Roland will remember it."
Dr. Hopper chuckled. "You don't have to convince me of anything, Robin. I understand why you feel this way."
"Thank you," Robin said. He looked inside the room. "Should we go and talk with Roland now?"
"Yes, let's," Dr. Hopper replied, motioning for Robin to enter the room first.
Robin settled next to his son on the couch while Dr. Hopper took his usual seat. He did drag it a bit closer to the couch and smiled at Roland. "So, are you ready to find out who the special guest is today?"
"Yes," Roland said. "Who is it?"
Dr. Hopper nodded at Robin, who pulled his son onto his lap. "Remember how I told you that your mama had to go away when you were a baby?"
Roland nodded solemnly. "Yes, she loved me but needed to get help to be a better mama."
"Right," he replied. "Well, your mama is back and she wants to see you again."
"And she's the special guest?" Roland asked, looking a bit hesitant.
Robin nodded. "Yes. We thought it would be best if you and she met here in Doctor Hopper's office so he could help you both with this meeting."
"Oh," Roland said, looking pensive. For the first time, Robin couldn't read his son's eyes and that unnerved him.
Dr. Hopper leaned forward. "How do you feel about that, Roland?"
Roland shrugged. "I guess I'm excited."
That didn't sound very promising though and Robin glanced at Dr. Hopper, who was frowning. "You don't sound excited," he said.
"I don't know how to feel," Roland admitted. "I know she's my mom but I don't really know her."
"That's okay. That's why you're meeting her here with me and your papa. We can help you figure it out," Dr. Hopper assured him.
Robin rubbed his back. "If you feel uncomfortable at any point, just let one of us know. We'll step in and make sure you feel comfortable again. Okay?"
"Okay," Roland said, sounding a bit more confident.
Dr. Hopper stood. "I'm going to go see if she's arrived. I'll be right back."
As he walked away, Robin turned to Roland. "I promise you I will be right here. You'll be fine."
"Okay, Papa," Roland said, climbing onto his lap. He leaned against him, looking up with wide eyes. "I love you."
"I love you, too," Robin told him, kissing his forehead. He hoped his son knew that no matter what happened that day, he would always love him.
Dr. Hopper stepped back into the room. "Okay, Roland, your mother is here. Are you ready to meet her?"
Roland nodded and Dr. Hopper motioned for Marian to enter. She walked in, clutching a stuffed Teddy bear with an apprehensive look. Once she entered the room, she stopped and looked over Roland. Her eyes filled with tears and she pressed her hand to her mouth. "You look so beautiful," she told him.
"You look like the pictures Papa has," Roland replied, tilting his head as he studied her.
She laughed, looking relieved. "I have a gift for you. Can I come to you?"
"Okay," Roland said, sliding off Robin's lap so he could sit on the edge of the couch. He watched her as she approached, kneeling to be eye level with him.
Marian held out the Teddy bear she held. "Here you go."
He took the bear and hugged it. "Thank you, Mama."
"You're very welcome," she said, tears filling her eyes.
Roland tilted his head. "Why are you crying? Are you sad?"
She shook her head. "I'm very happy. These are tears of joy."
"Oh," he replied. "I didn't know you could cry because you were so happy."
Everyone laughed and Dr. Hopper said: "You can cry for a lot of reasons. It's just the body releasing emotions."
"Cool," Roland said, making them all laugh again. He then looked at Marian. "Where have you been, Mama?"
Her smile dimmed a bit and she stammered a bit as she answer. "Well, I've been a lot of places, baby."
"Why?" he asked, looking up at her with big, doe-like eyes.
"It took me a long time to find myself," she replied. "And to find what I needed to be a good mom to you."
"Did you find it?" he asked.
She took a deep breath before answering: "I'm not sure, baby, but I think so. And so I'm here to start being a mama to you."
He looked hesitant, glancing up at Robin before looking back at Marian. "Can I stay with Papa though?"
"Of course," she replied, looking a bit disappointed. "I'm not going to take you away from him. We're going to work together and don't necessarily have to live together to do that."
"Like how Sophie lives with Regina but Papa and I visit her?" he asked, twisting Robin's stomach into a knot. He prayed Marian remembered both his and Dr. Hopper's warning about how much Roland loved his sister and how she was going to have to at least play nice for his sake.
Marian hesitated for a moment before nodded. "Right, just like how it works with your sister."
Robin let out the breath he was holding. It wasn't the best response as she didn't mention Regina at all and he couldn't miss the bitterness in her voice. But it was a start, he figured.
"Cool," Roland said, nodding.
"So, Roland, what do you want to tell your mother about your life here in Storybrooke?" Dr. Hopper asked him, gently giving him something to talk to start bonding with Marian.
Roland's eyes lit up and he nodded, looking up at Marian. "There's lots I want to tell you! Like the park! The park is really fun."
"I'm sure it is," she said. "Do you like the swings or the slide?"
"The swings," he replied. "I love to fly though I can't go as high as Sophie yet. She can go really high."
Marian's smile tensed up and Robin saw her eyes dim a bit. "I'm sure she can. But you will be able to go that high one day."
Roland beamed. "That's what Regina said too."
"Well, I guess that means it must be true," Marian said through gritted teeth. She didn't even try to hide her bitterness this time.
Roland recoiled a bit and Robin cleared his throat. He gave Marian a pointed look before sliding off the couch to sit next to their son. "Hey, buddy, why don't you tell Mama about how you are learning to ride a bicycle?"
"Ooh, yes," she said, sounding eager to discuss any topic that didn't involve Regina or Sophie. "Please do."
"Papa got me the bike for my birthday! He and Uncle Will have been teaching me how to ride it and I'm getting really good. Soon I'll be able to ride it without the training wheels, right, Papa?" he asked, looking up at Robin with bright eyes.
Robin chuckled, ruffling his hair. "You're doing great but I think you're going to need the training wheels for a bit longer, okay, bud?"
"Okay," he said, sounding a bit disappointed. He then turned back to his mother. "But I can go really fast even with the training wheels."
She chuckled. "You sound like a little speed demon."
"He is," Robin replied. "I blame Will."
"Why don't you tell me more? Has your father taught you how to shoot an arrow yet?" she asked Roland.
Roland shook his head before going on about everything he had learned so far hanging around Robin's camps. As his son talked, Robin tried to relax but he could not calm his nerves. While it was going well except for that one hiccup, he still was on guard where Marian was concerned. He just couldn't trust her yet but he still did hope she would be able to earn it back.
For Roland's sake.
"Thanks again for taking her," Regina told Mal as they waited for Sophie to come down with her bag and sleeping bag.
"You're welcome," Mal replied. "But don't you think you and lover boy are moving too fast?"
Regina sighed, feeling annoyed. "Could you please call him Robin?"
Mal pressed her lips together. "Why? Isn't the woman he was supposed to marry back in town?"
"Marian? Yes," Regina replied. "Roland met with her yesterday so they could start rebuilding their relationship. Why?"
"Well, he moved pretty quickly with you once you two reconnected," Mal pointed out. "What's to say history won't repeat itself?"
Regina crossed her arms. "Because the history that came before it was entirely different. Robin and I were kept apart, Marian left him."
Mal rolled her eyes. "You have a funny way of saying that he left you."
"Because he didn't leave me," Regina insisted. "Mother essentially sent him away."
"Po-tay-to, po-tah-to," Mal replied. "He never made an attempt to speak with you directly and just swanned off while you raised his child alone."
Regina frowned. For the first time, she worried about sending Sophie with Mal. "Maybe I should see if Emma can watch Sophie instead," she said.
"Oh, come on," Mal replied. "I'm not going to say anything to her about her father. I promise."
"Fine," Regina said with a sigh, knowing she was going to have to trust her friend. "But we need to have a serious talk about your attitude when it comes to Robin."
Mal pressed her lips together before tersely replying: "We do need to discuss Robin."
Sophie came down the stairs at that moment, her bag in one hand and her sleeping bag in the other. "I'm ready," she announced.
"Have fun, sweetheart," Regina said, forcing a smile to her face as she pulled Sophie in for a hug. "Your father and I will see you tomorrow."
"Tell Daddy I love him," Sophie replied. "And I love you, Mom."
Regina kissed the top of her head. "I love you too. And I feel confident telling you that your father feels the same."
Sophie pulled away and Mal reached out, wrapping her arm around her. "You ready for a fun night at my place?"
"Yes," Sophie replied. "Lily and I have a lot planned for tonight."
"Well, I hope you remembered to plan for some sleep," Regina joked.
Mal chuckled. "Me too. I do not want to deal with two cranky girls at the breakfast table tomorrow morning."
"Don't worry, Aunt Mal. I'll probably conk out eventually. I can't say the same for Lily," Sophie replied.
"Of course," Mal sighed. "The one I can't send home."
Regina chuckled, waving as they headed toward the door. "Good luck."
They left and she closed the door behind them, letting out a sigh of relief. She trusted Mal would keep her promise and keep any snarky comments about Robin to herself. But they would have to discuss her attitude toward him soon.
But for now, she was going to focus on her date night with Robin. She took a deep breath and headed in the kitchen to start the lasagna so it would be ready for when he arrived.
Then she went to get ready for his arrival as well.
Robin parked his car and grabbed the bouquet of yellow roses he had picked up earlier that day. He then also took the overnight bag he had packed before approaching Regina's front door, knocking on it. A few moments later, it opened to reveal a smiling Regina. "Hey, you," she greeted.
"Hello, love," he replied, holding out the flowers to her. "For you."
She took them before stepping aside so he could enter. As he passed, she stopped him and gave him a quick kiss. "Thank you."
"You're welcome," he replied, watching as she closed the door with one hand. "I've been looking forward to tonight all week."
"Me too," she said, motioning for him to follow her into the kitchen. He did so, studying her as they entered the other room.
Regina wore a sleeveless blue dress that clung to her curves, giving him a great view of her ass as he walked behind her. His eyes then traveled down to her legs, which looked wonderful as she walked about in her black heels. She had also left her hair down in more natural waves, which made him want to run his fingers through them.
Later, he reminded himself. You have all night with her.
He smiled at that thought.
She placed the flowers in water before setting the vase on the counter. "Dinner should be ready shortly. Would you like to have some wine while we wait?" she asked.
"I would love some," he said, opening the cabinet nearest him and taking out two glasses. "What are we having?"
"Up to you," she replied. "White or red?"
He thought it over before saying: "Red sounds good."
She smirked, pulling a bottle from the cabinet. "I thought you would say that."
"Oh, am I getting predictable?" he asked, gently gripping her hips as he stood behind her. He kissed her neck.
"I wouldn't say predictable. I would say that we're getting to know each other well," she replied, uncorking the bottle and pouring the wine into the two glasses.
He hummed, smiling. "I like the way you put it."
"Thank you," she said, handing him a glass and holding up her own. "To us?"
"To us," he agreed, clinking his glass against hers. They took sips before he pulled her against him. "I'm tempted to skip dinner and go straight to dessert."
She rolled her eyes. "Now who's the impatient one?"
"Do you blame me?" he asked, drinking in her beauty. He was one lucky bastard.
"Not really," she replied. "I'm also tempted to go straight to dessert…but I did make a lasagna."
He let out a soft groan, already tasting her lasagna. "I guess I'm just gonna have to wait a bit longer for dessert then."
"I guess so," she replied, pressing her forehead to his. "But I promise you that it will be worth the wait."
"I know," he whispered, kissing her nose. They stood like that for a few moments and he closed his eyes, committing the moment to his memory.
Her oven beeped and they jumped apart, the magic moment broken. She gave him a sheepish grin. "Dinner's ready."
"Do you need me to put anything out?" he asked her, following as she approached the oven.
She shook her head, taking the lasagna out and setting it aside to cool. "Everything should be set. We just need to serve and eat."
"Sounds good to me," he said. "Do you want me to carry the dish to the table for you?"
"I have it under control. And technically you're the guest," she reminded him, shooing him toward the table.
He chuckled, taking his seat as she followed with the lasagna. She set it down and took her own seat, picking up a spoon and holding it out to him. "Guests first."
"Oh no," he replied, holding up his hands. "Ladies first."
She rolled her eyes but scooped some lasagna onto her plate before handing the spoon to Robin. "Help yourself."
"Thank you," he said, scooping a good helping onto his plate. He then held up his glass. "To the chef."
She raised her glass high, smiling as well. "I'll definitely drink to her."
He chuckled before they both took sips. Robin dug into the lasagna and took a bite, letting out a soft groan. "I love your lasagna."
"I know," she said, smiling as she took a sip of her wine. "That's why I made it."
"So, how was your day?" he asked her, pausing to take a sip of his own wine.
She shrugged. "It was pretty good. I spent most of it getting Sophie and me ready for tonight."
"Getting her ready was probably harder than getting yourself ready," he replied. "You're already beautiful."
A pink tint came to her cheeks. "You're definitely getting laid tonight, Locksley. You don't have to try so hard."
"I don't compliment you because I expect sex, Regina," he told her sincerely. "You know that."
Her gaze and smile softened. "I do."
"Good," he said, helping himself to more lasagna.
She set down her wine glass and leaned forward, pressing her lips together. "I know we promised no talk about the children but…"
"We didn't a chance to talk much last night," he finished, knowing where she was going. "You want to know how Roland is."
"Yes," she replied. "I mean, you didn't cancel on me so I take it went well enough but…I'm still curious."
He smiled, happy that she wanted to know about Roland. "It did go well. Or at least as well as I expected. I'm not sure about Marian."
Regina frowned. "Did she say something?"
"No," he replied. "I could just see it in her eyes. She looked disappointed."
"What do you think she expected?" she asked.
He shrugged. "My best guess is that she thought Roland would immediately bond with her. But that was unrealistic."
"She's also a parent," Regina reminded him. "Didn't you hope Sophie would take to you right away?"
"Well, yes," he replied. "But she did because she was looking for me. Roland never got to the point where he started to search for his mother."
Regina nodded. "That's true. But I'm saying that it's only natural. Hopefully, though, Marian lowers her expectations for the next time. There will be a next time, right?"
"Yes," he replied. "At least we have a scheduled time. It's up to her to show up."
"Do you think she will?" she asked.
He shrugged, wanting to believe that Marian was serious about sticking around but not able to trust her just yet. "I hope so for Roland's sake."
She reached out and took his hand. "I hope so for both of your sakes. I know it will be painful for both of you if she leaves again."
"Yeah," he admitted. "Mostly because I'm going to hate to see Roland be so upset."
"Well, I hope it all works out for you and Marian stays," Regina told him. "But if she doesn't, I'll be right here for the both of you."
He smiled, his heart warming at her words. "Thank you."
They returned to their meals and Robin finished his lasagna. "One last thing about Roland – he is very excited to see you tomorrow."
"I am too," she replied, smiling at the thought of his son.
Robin loved how much she already loved Roland and knew that even if Marian flaked on them again, Roland would always have Regina.
That was very comforting.
"Here," he said, standing and reaching for her plate. "Let me clean up."
"You're the guest," she reminded him, placing her hand on his arm. "You shouldn't have to clean up."
He shook his head. "I'm hardly a guest here. And you cooked, so it's only fair that I clean."
She sighed and he knew he had her there. Regina leaned back in her chair, smirking. "I suppose I should get some rest. I'm going to need my energy for tonight."
"Yes, you will," he agreed, his mind starting to imagine all the naughty fun they were going to have that night. He leaned down, giving her a quick kiss before heading to the sink.
She followed him, her heels clicking against the floor. "But we also have some dessert to enjoy too."
"Dessert?" he asked, looking over his shoulder to find her leaning against the island with a smirk. He grinned. "Dare I ask?"
"Do you recall our first date?" she asked, sipping her wine as she kept her eyes on him.
He nodded, washing off the plates. "Of course. How can I forget the beginning of the rest of my life?"
A warm breeze blew off the ocean as night fell around the tiny town. Robin and Regina strolled along the boardwalk, hand-in-hand, as they listened to the waves rolling on to the beach. Seagulls cried overhead but overall, it was a very peaceful evening.
"Did you enjoy your meal?" Robin asked, concerned that Regina wasn't enjoying their date. It was their very first one, meaning it determined if they became something more or just stayed friends.
Or if she wanted nothing to do with him ever again.
She nodded, smiling. "It was delicious. How did you find that place?"
"I got some recommendations from some of the people at camp," he admitted. "Most of them recommended that place."
"I can see why," she replied. "I don't think I've shrimp as amazing as that all summer longer."
He grinned. "It was very good, wasn't it?"
She nodded, wrapping her arm around his middle. "We should definitely go back there before the summer ends."
"We should," he agreed, relieved. She wanted to spend more time with him and that was a good sign. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and sighed happily.
"So, what else do you have planned?" she asked, resting her head on his shoulder.
He smiled, enjoying having her so close to him. "Well, I also got a recommendation for an amazing dessert place."
"Did you?" she asked, raising her head and smiling at him. "And where is it?"
"Not far," he replied, pointing ahead of them on the boardwalk. "We should be there soon."
She glanced out toward the ocean and then back at him. "Will we be able to eat outside?"
"I don't know," he said. "We'll see when we get there. Will that be a dealbreaker for you?"
"No," she replied. "While I would love to eat and watch the night fall, I don't really want to get bitten."
He sighed, thinking of all the mosquito bites had already acquired that summer. "Yeah, neither do I."
They approached the dessert place and he peeked through the window, spotting several empty tables inside. He glanced around and saw a few tables outside but they appeared to be closed for the night. "I think they are encouraging everyone to eat inside," he told her.
"That's fine," she replied, taking his hand now. "Let's go."
Robin opened the door and they stepped inside, the smell of vanilla and sugar beckoning them. His stomach let out a little growl and he patted it, smiling at her. "Glad I saved room," he joked with her.
"Me too," she replied, patting her own stomach. She glanced over the menu board and licked her lips. "Everything sounds delicious."
"I agree," he said, looking over the menu as well. One thing stood out to him though he hesitated. "Do you think it's too early for apple turnovers?"
Regina's eyes lit up and she shook her head. "I think it's always a good time for apple turnovers."
"Then I think we know what we want," he said, giving her hand a squeeze before they approached the counter.
After they placed their orders, they found a table to wait for their dessert. Regina took Robin's hands and laced their fingers together. "I had a great time tonight," she said.
"I'm glad," he replied. "I was worried if I blew this, you wouldn't want to talk to me again."
She raised an eyebrow. "Do you know how badly you would've had to blow it for that to happen, Robin?"
"What do you mean?" he asked, not sure what he meant.
"I already like you," she told him. "Like, a lot. We've spent a lot of time together already as well. Even if everything else had been horrible, I still would've had a good time because I got to be with you."
His heart soared and he knew he had a silly grin on his face. "Really?"
She nodded. "You can relax, Robin. You don't have to impress me with seafood and dessert – though it's been a bonus. You've already done that by being yourself."
"And is that enough?" he asked, pleased with her answer but still unsure of himself. He hadn't had much luck in the romance department and worried that he just hadn't put enough into the relationships to make them work.
"Of course it's enough," she told him. "I'm not going to fall in love with what you do for me. I'm going to fall for you."
A server interrupted them, setting two plates and then two cups down in front of them. She smiled. "Enjoy, you two!"
They thanked her and Robin picked up his cup of coffee. He held it out. "To a wonderful night?"
"To a very wonderful night," she said, picking up her cup and tapping it against her. "With a very wonderful man."
Robin's heart soared as they both sipped their coffees. They then cut into their apple turnovers, trying the flaky dessert. Apple and cinnamon mixed in his mouth and he let out a soft moan. "Delicious."
"Agreed," she said, licking her lips. "This might be the best apple turnover I've ever had."
"Do couples have special desserts?" he asked. "You know, like their song?"
She shrugged, chewing the second bite she had taken. "I'm not sure. Why?"
"Because I thought maybe apple turnovers could be our thing," he said, feeling sheepish now. Perhaps it was too soon to suggest such a thing.
"Maybe," she replied, smiling. "I think we can come back to that. But we definitely have a song."
He tilted his head. "We do?"
She nodded. "What was playing when we kissed the other week?"
"At Last," he replied, the song burned into his memory. He chuckled, feeling foolish that he hadn't thought of it right away. "Yes, that is our song."
"I say we're off to a great start then, don't you?" she asked, taking another bite of her apple turnover.
He chuckled, nodding. "Yes. I'd say the same thing."
As they finished their dessert and coffee, Robin found he was dreading parting from her for the night. He reminded himself that he would see her the very next day and it would only be a few hours. If everything continued to go well, he believed that they would never be parted again and he would one day spend the rest of his life with her.
Even though he had only known her a couple months, he had never been more certain of anything in his life.
Robin and Regina cuddled on the couch as music played softly in the living room. They had dimmed the lights and lit a few candles, transforming the ambiance of the room. He played with her hair as he glanced at the crumb-filled plates and empty mugs of coffee – a recreation of their very first dessert together. It stirred up good memories and he smiled at how confident his younger self had been that he had found The One.
He had been right – though it had taken them a long time to finally build that future together.
"I guess we can have an official dessert," she said and he knew she had been thinking about their first date as well.
Robin chuckled, kissing the top of her head. "Yes, I suppose we do."
"We should go back to that restaurant one day," she said. "Maybe next summer – if it's still there, that is."
"That sounds perfect," he replied, kissing the top of her head as joy filled him. He loved hearing her talk about long-term plans with him and their children. It reassured him that they were going to make it this time.
She shifted in his arms, getting more comfortable as they laid together. "I can't believe the summer is almost over. It feels like it's gone so fast."
"It's certainly been an eventful summer," he agreed. When it started, he never thought he would be reunited with Regina and meet the daughter he didn't know he had.
It certainly was the best summer he had had in a long time.
She let out a soft chuckle. "That is an understatement."
"I wouldn't change a thing though," he said, kissing the top of her head.
"Good," she said, looking up at him with a smile. "Neither would I."
He kissed her and she responded eagerly, pressing herself against him. Robin adjusted them as they continued kissing, never breaking as they laid in a more comfortable position on the couch. She let out a soft moan and he took his chance to deepen the kiss, getting himself lost in her.
She hooked her leg around his as he trailed kisses along her jaw and down her neck. Robin found a familiar pressure point and closed his lips around it, sucking. "Oh god," she moaned.
That was a beautiful sound.
Regina ran her fingers through his hair before gently tugging on it. He lifted his head and looked into her eyes. "Maybe we should move to the bedroom," she suggested.
"That's probably a good idea," he said before glancing at the coffee table. "Do you want me to clean first?"
"Yes," she replied, kissing his nose. "That'll give me time to change into my surprise for you."
That intrigued him and he tried to imagine what she would purchase for herself. For some reason, he saw something red and lacy caressing her every curve. He felt his cock twitch at the imagination and swallow. "Sounds good," he finally said.
He stood and helped her up from the couch. She rose on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek. "See you soon," she said.
She walked away, swinging her hips in a way that made his cock twitch again. He bit back a groan as he gathered up their plates and glasses. Robin entered the kitchen, ready to clean them and to get upstairs to enjoy his night with Regina.
It was going to be perfect.
The doorbell echoed throughout the house and Regina looked up from the batch of cookies she was checking on. "Robin? Can you get that? It's probably one of the children," she said.
"Got it," he replied. She saw him jogging past the doorway to get to the front door. Her heart skipped a beat as she realized how domestic the moment was – just knowing she could ask him to answer the door rather than rushing to do so herself.
It was nice.
"Hi, Papa!" Roland said. "Did you have a good night with Regina?"
"I did," Robin replied brightly. "Did you have fun with Uncle Will?"
Regina wiped her hands and left the kitchen as Roland assured his father he had had fun the night before. She saw Roland bouncing on Robin's hip as he and Will both smiled at the boy's excitement. Roland rattled off everything he and his uncle had done, growing more and more excited.
"Well, it certainly sounds like you had a lot of fun," Regina said, coming to stand next to Robin.
Roland's eyes widened when he saw her and he leapt from his father's arms into hers. "Hi, Regina! I missed you," he said.
"I missed you too," she replied, finding her house and life seemed a little bit duller without Roland in it. She kissed the top of his head. "I'm so glad we're spending the day together."
The doorbell rang again and Will motioned to the door. She nodded and opened it. A few moments later, she heard Sophie let out a happy exclamation. "Hi, Uncle Will!"
"Hello, Sophie," he said, pulling her in for a hug. "Did you have a good night with your friends?"
She nodded before going over to hug her father. Robin held her close, kissing the top of her head as Regina glanced toward the door. When Will closed it, she frowned. "Sophie, sweetie, who drove you home?" she asked.
"Aunt Emma," Sophie replied. "She said she would've stopped in but Henry had baseball practice. She said she'll call you later."
- "And did your Aunt Mal send any messages for me?" Regina asked, her stomach twisting in knots as she sensed something was off. Henry hadn't been part of the sleepover so that meant Mal had specifically called Emma so she could avoid seeing Robin.
Sophie frowned, shaking her head. "Why?"
"Just wondering," Regina lied, annoyed with Mal now. Her grudge against Robin was ridiculous and Regina believed a long talk was overdue.
But that would be for later. Now, she was just going to spend some quality time with her family.
"Well, I'll leave you four alone to have a lovely afternoon," Will said, giving Sophie another hug before getting a high five from Roland. He then kissed Regina's cheek. "See you soon."
"You need to come for dinner soon," she told him. "Maybe we can have a good old-fashioned family barbecue to end the summer."
Robin grinned as he clapped Will on the back. "I think that sounds like a great idea."
Will nodded, grinning. "You have the barbecue, I'll bring some beer and my appetite."
"Then we'll find a good date and let everyone know," Regina replied, eager to host her first party with Robin.
"I look forward to it," Will said, heading for the door. "Talk to you soon."
Once he left, Regina bounced Roland and looked at Sophie. "So, who is in the mood for some freshly baked cookies?"
"Me!" Sophie, Robin and Roland all raised their hands, making her laugh. She nodded and motioned for them to head into the kitchen. Roland bounced against her hip as Robin and Sophie followed close behind her, ready to enjoy the treats she had made.
They gathered around the table, munching on chocolate chip cookies and washing them down with some cold milk. Sophie and Roland took turns telling Robin and Regina about their nights. Every so often, Regina would catch Robin's eye and he would give her a soft, loving smile. It made her heart skip a beat and her stomach do flips. She was so lucky and nothing could ruin her high.
At least, not for today.
A/N: Robin and Regina finally got have some adult fun without the children around! And they're going to find more time to have some more, though they love spending time with their children as a family as well. If you want to read about their fun night together, please go to AO3 or Wattpad.
Marian and Roland have met. Will she be patient enough to let a relationship grow organically? Will she ever get over her jealousy of Regina? Time will tell.
What will happen with Mal over her distrust and dislike of Robin? Things are going to come to a head real soon…
Have a great week!
-Mac