The words to say
The road to take
To find a way back to your heart
What can I do
To get to you
And find a way back to your heart

("Back to Your Heart," Backstreet Boys)

Chapter 24: Matchmaking

We got back to Charming's loft but we didn't have as much time as we wanted as we had to load up Mal's things into the car. Most were for Lily and it was a tight fit but Robin made it work. Charming held a sleepy Emma until it was time for us to leave, reluctantly handing her over to Robin with a kiss.

"We'll be back soon," I promised him. "We need to talk about what Gold told us."

He nodded. "I know. Maybe this weekend?"

"I'll give you a call and let you know if that works," I told him, giving him a hug. "Stay safe."

"You too," he replied. He then pulled back, waving at us. "Good luck!"

I climbed in the car and looked in the backseat, where Mal sat between Emma and Lily. She had the scarf I had enchanted around her neck and Lily wore a little bib I had doused with potion as well. "Well, here we go," I said.

Maleficent swallowed, looking nervous. "Are you sure this will work? That we'll be able to leave?"

"I am," I said, confident in my potion. "Everything is going to be fine."

Turning back, I took a deep breath and prayed that pride didn't come before the fall this time. I knew my potion would work but I also knew I had to be prepared for the off chance it didn't.

Robin approached the town line and glanced over at me. "Here we go."

"Just keep driving," I told him, my heart hammering in my chest.

He nodded and we passed over the town line. I took a deep breath, counted to ten and then let it out before looking into the backseat. Mal and Lily both sat there still. "Maleficent?" I asked.

"Yes?" she replied, lifting her head from her daughter's car seat. Her eyes were clear and she was alert.

I smiled, relieved. "Just checking."

"Thank you," she said, giving me a small smile. "So, how much longer do I have to spend in this contraption?"

"Not much longer," Robin assured her. "We'll be home in about twenty minutes."

I nodded. "Just relax. You and Lily are safe now."

Mal smiled, leaning back. "Safe. I like the sound of that. Thank you."

Pleased, I turned around and leaned back in my seat. Robin reached out and took my hand, giving it a squeeze. We had done it. And if we could save Mal, it gave me more hope that we could ultimately save everyone.

"And this will be your room," I said, showing Mal into our guest room. "We set up the crib in here but if you want, I'm sure we can fit it in the nursery so Lily is with Emma and Rachel."

Mal stared at it before shaking her head. "You've already done so much for us. I don't know how I can ever repay you."

"Help us stop Zelena," I replied. "That's all we want to do."

She nodded, laying Lily down in the crib. "I will help you stop Zelena however I can. Including giving you those lessons I promised."

I perked up at that, intrigued to learn magic from a powerful sorceress like Maleficent. "I look forward to that."

"Me too," she replied, smiling at me.

"Well, I'll let you get settled in. If you need anything, we're downstairs. Otherwise, I'm going to start dinner now, so it should be ready in about a half hour or so," I told her.

She thanked me again and I left her alone, heading back downstairs. I found Robin in the kitchen, already starting to make some hamburgers for us. "Thank you," I said, kissing his cheek.

"You're welcome," he replied. "What do you want with them?"

"Can we have French fries?" Roland asked. He sat at the table, doing his homework.

I smiled at him, taking the bag out of the freezer. "I think French fries are the perfect call. And maybe some salad too."

"We do need to be healthy," Robin reminded our son. "And maybe Mama will cut you up some carrots to enjoy before dinner if you ask her nicely."

Roland looked up at me and clasped his hands together. "May I please have some carrots, Mama?"

"You may," I said, opening the fridge and pulling out the bag of baby carrots we had. "Do you want some dressing with it?"

"Ranch, please," he replied.

I poured some dressing into a little cup and set it on the plate with a handful of carrots. Carrying it over to the table, I set it down next to him. "How's the homework going?"

"Okay," he said. "Math is a little confusing, though."

"Do you want me to help you?" I asked, sitting down next to him.

He nodded, pushing the book toward me. "We're adding and subtracting really big numbers and I'm confused."

"Okay, sweetheart, let me see if I can make this less confusing for you," I said, going to his first problem. "Let's work this out together."

I went over the problem with him, walking him through all the different steps. After a few more problems, he seemed to get it and I sat back, watching him do a few more on his own. "Good job," I praised.

"Thanks, Mama!" he said, beaming at me before snacking on a carrot.

"You're welcome, sweetheart," I told him, kissing his head. "Why don't you put your books away and then finish your carrots? Dinner should be ready soon."

He nodded, clearing away his books and heading into the living room. I stood and approached the stove. "How is it going?"

"So far so good," he replied. "I hope Maleficent likes hamburgers."

"Charming said they had tried several types of food in this world and liked them, so I think we're good," I assured him.

He nodded. "Why don't you let Mal know dinner is almost ready then?"

"No need, I am here," Mal said, stepped into our kitchen. "Is there anything I can do to help?"

"You're our guest," I insisted. "Just have a seat and relax. Robin and I have everything under control."

Mal stayed where she was, frowning. "I want to help. You've been so kind already. Please let me repay it."

Understanding how she felt, I nodded and opened a cabinet. "The dishes are in here. You can help set the table."

"Thank you," Mal said softly, reaching up to grab some plates. "Is there any way you like to set your table?"

"Not particularly. But Roland can always help you," I said, motioning to my son as he sat eating carrots at the table. He looked up and nodded happily.

She nodded before heading to the table. Roland greeted her and immediately started telling her where we all sat at dinner. I smiled as returned to Robin's side, holding out a plate for the hamburgers. "Looks good," I said.

"Thank you," he replied. "Can you cut up some lettuce and tomatoes, please?"

"Of course. I still need to make a salad as well," I replied, heading to the refrigerator. I opened the door and pulled out everything I needed, carrying them to the counter to start cutting it all up.

Maleficent stepped closer to me. "You don't use magic to do that?"

I shook my head. "I try to limit how much magic I use."

"You do? Why?" she asked.

"A few reasons. I'm still learning it and so I don't want to accidentally destroy anything or hurt anyone. I also don't want to become dependent on it," I replied. I looked up and smiled at her. "I like to do somethings with my own two hands."

She nodded. "I supposed I can appreciate that. I probably relied too much on magic before that witch trapped me."

I realized I didn't know the full story of how Maleficent ended up trapped under the library and made a note to ask her later. For now, I handed her the plate of toppings. "Can you put this on the table for me, please?"

"Of course," she said, walking away as I turned back to finish making the salad.

"Is there anything I can do?" Mal said, approaching me again. I felt her hovering.

I shook my head, picking up the salad bowl. "You can just sit down and relax. We've got everything under control."

"Dinner is ready," Robin added, giving her a reassuring smile. "Sit down. Eat. Enjoy. Relax."

She looked between the two of us before nodding. "Alright. You win. I'll sit."

"It's dinner, not a battle," I told her, carrying the salad bowl to the table before taking my own seat.

"I just don't want to be a burden," Mal insisted. "I won't be some charity case."

I frowned, shaking my head. "You're not. You're our friend and our guest, welcome to stay until you can get settled on your own."

She looked pensive. "I'm not used to people doing things for me without expecting something in return. I've never really had someone I could call a friend."

"Well, now you do," I assured her, taking her hand and giving it a comforting squeeze. She smiled softly, nodding in agreement.

The air around me crackled and I pulled my hand back, ready to catch whichever child was about to appear in my arms. With a puff of white smoke, Rachel landed in my arms. She smiled when she saw me. "Mama!"

"Hello, sweetheart," I said, kissing her cheek. "Do you want to join us for dinner?"

Yes, she told me. Rachel hungry.

"Alright. Once Papa and Emma come down, we'll get you something to eat," I told her. I turned her to sit on my lap, looking at Mal. "Have you met our youngest, Rachel?"

Maleficent smiled fondly, shaking her head. "Not yet. She's very beautiful, Regina. Your whole family is."

"Thank you," I said, pride filling me. "Robin and I are very blessed and we are a very happy family."

"Yes, we are," he agreed, walking in with a squirming Emma. He glanced down at Rachel and sighed. "I figured that's where she went."

I nodded, trying to keep Rachel from grabbing the food off the table. "She's hungry and impatient."

"Alright, I'll get her and Emma their food. Chicken for Rachel and pasta for Emma?" he asked, settling our toddler into her highchair.

"That sounds good," I replied, handing him Rachel so he could put her in her highchair. "And maybe some vegetables for both too."

He nodded, gently bopping Rachel's nose. "You want some mashed peas, sweetheart?"

She let out a little laugh. "Mama!"

"I'll take that as yes," he said with a sigh. "Papa will be right back with your dinner. Yours too, Emma."

He disappeared into the kitchen as Emma reached over and took her sister's hand. She and Rachel locked eyes, falling silent and I knew they were having a conversation. I was tempted to touch one of them to listen in but decided not to. They could have their secrets for now.

Maleficent studied them and frowned. "What are they doing?"

"Talking," I replied. "They have a telepathic link with each other. And with me too."

That surprised her. "You can communicate with them telepathically?"

I paused, considering my answer. "Well, they communicate with me that way. I usually talk to them out loud."

"Do you think Lily could do that with me?" she asked me, sounding hopeful and excited.

"It's possible," I told her. "Lily is still a little too young. Both Emma and Rachel were a bit older when they started to talk with me. I'd say about three months."

She nodded. "I'll look for that. I have no doubt that Lily will have magic."

"Me too," I replied. "She's probably going to be just as powerful as you one day."

"I'm sure she will be," Mal said, her chest puffing out in pride at the sorceress her daughter could be.

Robin returned and placed bowls in front of both girls. "Alright, you two can continue your conversation later. Now it's time to eat," he told them.

"Can he talk with them too?" Maleficent asked, pointing up at Robin.

"He can talk to them," I replied, "but he can't hear them."

Robin nodded as he took his seat. "But I know that when they're holding hands, it usually means they are talking to each other using their special link."

"It's because of their magic. Like how they poof all around the place too," Roland added in between bites of his hamburger.

"Poof?" Mal asked, looking at me amused.

He nodded. "Like what Rachel did earlier. She just appeared in Mama's lap with a poof."

"Oh," Mal said. "So do they…poof…around a lot?"

"Only when they are in their room and want to be with Mama or Papa," Roland replied.

Mal nodded before turning to me. "How old were they when they started doing that?"

"Emma's always done it but we finally got her when she was already a few months old," I replied, brushing her hand. I then reached over and did the same to Rachel's. "Rachel was probably about five weeks old when she started to show magical abilities."

"That's about how old Lily is now," Mal mused. "Do you think she may start doing the same?"

"She might. We'll just have to keep an eye on her," I told her.

Mal smiled, reaching over to take my hand. "Thank you."

I gave her hand a squeeze. "You're welcome. We're going to help you in any way you need and that includes with Lily."

"We may not be parenting experts but we do have some experience we can share with you," Robin added.

"You are not alone," I reminded her.

Mal nodded. "I know that. Thank you."

We all turned back to our meals and I ate my hamburger while keeping an eye on Emma and Rachel as they ate their dinner. I also glanced over at Maleficent, who seemed okay with the hamburger after taking a few bites. It would take time to help her adjust but I believed together, we would help each other grow.

After all, that's what friends did.

I dried my hair as I left the bathroom and entered the bedroom. Robin was already in bed, reading a book as he waited for me. Tossing my towel aside, I climbed in next to him and pressed myself against him. "What are you reading?"

"A book of stories about me," he said, closing it so I could see the title – The Adventures of Robin Hood.

"What do you think?" I asked, curious about what he thought of our understanding of him.

"It's an…interesting…read," he replied, crinkling his nose. "Who is this King Richard? Or Prince John?"

I chuckled. "Both were kings of England, which is where the legend of Robin Hood began in this world."

"And was Prince John really as bad as this book makes him out to be?" he asked.

"King John certainly was," I replied. "He was so bad even his nobles rebelled. They pretty much imprisoned him in his castle and wouldn't let him out until he signed a document that greatly reduced the amount of power he had."

Robin raised his eyebrow. "Really? A king agreed to that?"

"Well, he didn't have much of a choice, but yes," I replied.

He closed the book and set it aside. "That's interesting. Tell me more."

I laughed, shaking my head. "You're going to have to go to the library for that. I studied chemistry, not European history."

"I don't think we've ever been to the library here," he said, frowning.

"You know what? I think you're right," I replied, amazed when I realized that. "We need to rectify that and get you and Roland library cards."

He nodded. "Yeah. And I'm sure the girls are old enough to enjoy some of their programs."

"We've been pretty busy," I said, feeling guilty. "I know it's important to free our friends but we do need to focus on our family too."

"Yeah," he replied. "I think we should do that this weekend. Just focus on Roland and the girls."

I smiled, nodding. "That sounds like a great idea."

"I tend to have them from time to time," he teased me. He then bit his lip, his eyes darkening as he looked me over. "I'm also having another great idea right now."

Something fluttered in my stomach and I could feel a wetness grow between my legs. While my body agreed, my mind didn't just yet. "Don't you think our house is a bit crowded right now?" I asked.

"It's not much different from when we lived in the palace," he replied, gently laying me on my back before hovering over me.

"That was still different and you know it," I told him. "The walls were a lot thicker and we really only had to worry about Roland."

He studied me. "If you don't want this, you can always just say no, Regina. I will always respect your wishes."

My heart melted and I reached up, gently cupping his cheek. "I know, Robin. And I do want this. I also want to be able to look Mal in the eyes tomorrow morning."

"We don't know she will be able to hear us," he replied. "But maybe you can cast a spell to keep sounds from leaving the room?"

"You want me to soundproof the room?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

He nodded. "Can you?"

I sat up, gently pushing him back until he was sitting on his haunches. "Let me check the book."

"Okay," he said, rubbing my back as I reached over and opened my nightstand. I pulled out the small book of spells I had first brought with me from the Enchanted Forest and he frowned. "You're not going to check the big book?"

I shook my head. "Not yet. I'm sure a simple spell like that can be found in this one. So if I don't have to drag that thing out, I'd prefer not to."

He nodded and I opened the book, browsing it until I found what I was looking for. Smiling, I placed my finger on the page. "Got it. This should work."

"I'll let you work your magic," he said, moving out of my way.

Raising my arm, I recited the incantation written on the page and felt magic pulsate out from my hand. When I finished, the pulsating stopped and I lowered my arm. "I think that did it," I told him.

"Good," he replied, gently pushing me back down as he hovered over me. He grinned. "Let's have some fun."

It seemed Maleficent hadn't heard us the night before – she smiled and made eye contact with us as usual over breakfast. She took care of Lily while Robin and I wrangled our children – him getting Roland out to the bus while I chased a rebellious Emma down to change her with a grumpy Rachel clinging to me.

Eventually, Robin was able to coax Rachel from my arms and I managed to get Emma into her clothes for the day – even if she was grumpy with me for the rest of the morning. We got them fed and then bundled them up to put them in the car – we were already behind and had our lives to return to.

And for the next few days, our lives went on relatively normally. Robin worked his shifts at the rec center while I went to the center, even bringing Maleficent with me at one point. Harold was a bit intimidated to meet her but after a couple hours, no longer saw her as the character he had watched in a movie but as a talented witch who could help us. She also seemed to enjoy getting out more and socializing with people.

We also introduced her to our friends and slowly integrated her into our social circle. I helped her with Lily, going with her to her first few doctor's appointments and helping to pick up items for her. Mal's and my friendship continued to grow and I knew she would be an ally to the end.

I told her about our conversation with the Dark One and she frowned. "So you have to get the prince and princess to kiss? I don't think it should be so hard. He's still in love with her and she keeps making eyes at him when she doesn't think anyone's looking."

"Well, that's good to know," I said, filing that tidbit away. "But it has to be a kiss of True Love. From what Charming said, it likely won't work because Snow doesn't remember him. He's apparently dealt with this before."

"They've been cursed before?" Mal asked, surprised.

I paused before saying: "It's a bit complicated than that. Either way, Charming has some experience with this and I trust his opinion."

She nodded. "Makes sense. So does this mean you need to get Mary Margaret to remember she is Snow White?"

"That's one option," I said. "But I think our better option is to try to get Mary Margaret to fall in love with Charming and then hope True Love's Kiss still does its job."

"That would work too," she replied. "How are you going to do that?"

I sighed. "That seems to be the sixty-four-thousand-dollar question."

"Why that number?" Mal asked, confused. "It's oddly specific."

"Oh, it's a game show. That's the grand prize," I told her.

She raised an eyebrow. "You just give away money here?"

"Well, the contestants still have to work at it – think of having to answer a riddle from a goblin or something before getting a treasure," I explained to her.

Mal tilted her head, clearly amused though she was trying not to smile. "Do you think goblins know riddles and guard treasures?"

I blew out, a little annoyed that she was teasing me. "I don't know. It always seemed like some creature was doing just that in the stories I was told as a child."

She laughed, nodding. "I suppose so. I don't know about here but in our land, most stories were created to make people wary of such creatures. Most are ultimately dangerous but usually not for the reasons we were made to believe."

"But does my original point still stand?" I asked her. "Or do I need to find another analogy?"

"No, no," she insisted. "I get your point. So, you accomplish some feat and get treasure and people…watch it?"

I nodded. "Pretty much. Game shows are pretty popular."

"Interesting," Mal said, before shaking her head. "Sorry, I think I got us off the topic. We were discussing how to get the princess and prince back together."

"Right," I replied, remembering that was what we were discussing. "Any ideas?"

She shrugged. "Can we just lock them up some place small and see what happens?"

I shook my head. "That may have worked for me and Robin but I can't see either of them making a move in such a situation."

"I wish I knew you and Robin early in your relationship," Mal said, smirking. "That must've been fun."

"It was interesting," I replied. "I'll have to tell you the full story soon."

Mal nodded. "But that still leaves us with no plan for dealing with the royal couple."

"No, I think I just have to give Charming a crash course on Land Without Magic courting customs," I said. "And then hope the spark happens again."

"Good luck," she replied, taking a sip of her tea. She then glanced at me. "And a love potion is out of the question?"

I shot her a slightly annoyed look. "Yes."

She held up her hands. "Just checking. It would make everything easier."

"But possibly prevent True Love's Kiss from working," I pointed out.

"Right," she agreed. "And that's important."

Robin entered the room at that point, carrying Rachel as she nibbled on a biscuit. "What's important?"

"True Love's Kiss," I replied, reaching up and grabbing his shirt. I gave it a little tug and he chuckled, leaning down to oblige me with a quick kiss. Rachel leaned forward as well and I took her from her father's arms, bouncing her on my lap.

He straightened up. "So why are we discussing True Love's Kiss?" he asked.

"We're trying to figure out how to get the prince and princess to share it," Mal explained. "So far a love potion and locking them in the closet have been ruled out."

"Good to know," he replied, giving me a look as he sat down. I just shrugged in response and he moved on. "So what hasn't been ruled out?"

"Me teaching Charming about modern courting methods," I replied.

He frowned. "Like what?"

"Dating," I said. "I'll have to help him plan to ask her out and plan a good first date for them."

"A date," he replied slowly. "I don't think we ever went on a date."

I reached out and took his hand. "We had a very unconventional courtship and most of it was in the Enchanted Forest. By the time we got here, we had Roland, a baby on the way and then we got Emma. We had no time to date."

A thoughtful look came to his eyes. "So explain these dates to me."

"Me too," Mal said, leaning forward. "We can tell you what may be confusing or suggest other ways to explain to someone from the Enchanted Forest."

I nodded, knowing she had a point. Taking a deep breath, I tried to figure out where to start. "Alright, so when two people in our culture like each other, they spend time together to learn more about each other. This is called a date…"

"Any questions?" I asked, sipping my coffee as I sat across from Charming in his kitchen.

He sighed, running his hand through his hair. "I really need to court my wife again?"

"Yes," I replied, "because right now, she isn't your wife. She's Mary Margaret Blanchard, shy schoolteacher with no love life."

"Right, right," he replied with a sigh. "So, I just go up and ask her if she wants to go out on a date?"

I paused and Robin frowned. "Maybe you should try flirting first? How did you do it last time?"

"I caught her in a trap and she threw a rock at me," Charming replied.

"Okay," I said, a bit stunned as I realized I never asked Snow how her romance with Charming had started. But I would do that once the curse was broken. For now, I needed to focus on breaking the curse. "That's out of the question."

He nodded. "I figured as much. So what do we do instead?"

"I think we should start with coffee," I replied. "And some light flirting. See how she reacts to that."

"I have been flirting with her. Or at least I hope I've been flirting with her. Either way, she tends to blush and get really shy," he told me.

That didn't surprise me. Zelena's curse had taken Snow's courage and strength, making her more a shy wallflower than the princess who had led her people against a tyrant. "Well, I think asking her to coffee may help. And you may have to be a bit more blunt with her," I told him.

"What do you mean?" he asked.

"I think you're going to have to tell her straight out that you like her," I replied. "And that you would like to have more dates with her, if she's willing."

Charming nodded before asking: "And what if she's not?"

"Then we cross that bridge if we get to it," I replied. But I trusted that Snow was still deep inside Mary Margaret and that her love for Charming would come out in the end.

It just had to.

He leaned against the counter, nodding. "Okay. So I ask her out for coffee and express my interest. Then what?"

"We'll then plan a nice romantic evening for you two," I said, "but let's not get ahead of ourselves, okay?"

"Okay," he agreed. He looked up at his ceiling. "Should I ask her now?"

Robin shook his head. "I think it might weird her out if you just randomly went upstairs and asked her for coffee. You should wait for a natural moment."

I nodded. "I know we all want to break the curse but this is something that's just going to have to progress at its own timeline."

"Great," he groaned. "At this rate, Emma will be all grown up by the time I can get her mother back."

"I'm sure things will work out. She fell for you once. She'll fall for you again," I assured him.

Beside me, Robin nodded in agreement. "You two share a love that can even transcend a curse. I know it will all work out."

"Thank you," Charming said. "Both of you. I don't know what I would do if I didn't have you two."

"We'll do whatever it takes," I assured him, reaching out and giving his hand a squeeze.

He gave me a smile when we heard a commotion outside. We all looked toward the door and my heart sped up as I worried Zelena was coming for us. Robin clearly had the same worry as he moved closer to me, ready to defend me if someone came through Charming's front door.

Charming moved out of the kitchen, heading to the door. He peered through the peephole before I saw his shoulders slump in relief. Looking back at us, he explained: "It's Snow. Looks like she's struggling with her groceries. I'm going to go out and help her."

"Good," I said, giving him a thumb's up. "This might be your opening."

"Right," he replied, eyes lighting up. "Wish me luck."

We watched him exit the apartment, closing the door behind him. I turned to Robin, nervous but excited. "Do you think it'll work?"

"I think so," he replied. "I do think she's already attracted to him even if she doesn't know why and will happily go get coffee with her."

"Good. Me too," I said, praying everything worked out in our favor.

He rubbed the back of my hand with his thumb. "So, Regina, would you like to have dinner together after this?"

I tilted my head, not sure what he meant by that. "Of course. Once we pick up the kids, we can have dinner together at home. Do you want something in particular?"

"No, Regina," he said before sighing. He leaned closer. "I'm trying to ask you out on a date."

"Oh," I said, surprised and slightly embarrassed that I didn't realize it. "You are?"

He nodded, giving my hand a squeeze. "I love our children but when was the last time we had a meal that was just the two of us?"

I thought about it, even going back to the Enchanted Forest. But as I thought about it, I realized something. "I don't think we ever had a meal where it was just the two of us."

"Oh," he replied, looking pensive. He then chuckled. "You know what, I think you're right. So we're overdue for this, if you ask me."

"I suppose so," I replied, grinning at him. I leaned closer, curious now. "So what did you have in mind?"

He grinned. "There's a lovely Italian place everyone at work is always raving about. I thought we could try there."

"That sounds great," I replied before looking down at my outfit. I was wearing a nice shirt but I worried the jeans would be too casual. "Am I appropriately attired?"

"We can always swing by the house and change," he assured me. "What do you say?"

I smiled, leaning closer to him. "I think you've got yourself a date."

He kissed the tip of my nose as the door opened again. We parted, looking toward it. Charming strode in with a big grin on his face. As he closed the door, he announced: "I have a coffee date tomorrow!"

"That's great!" I replied, pleased our plan was starting to work.

Charming nodded as he approached us. He took a deep breath before asking me: "Can you teach me how to go on a date?"

I laughed, nodding. "I'll tell you as much as I can but the rest will be up to you, okay?"

"I'll be glad for whatever you can do," he replied gratefully.

"Then let's begin," I said, motioning to the table. We needed Charming to romance his wife yet again and I was going to everything I could to help him.

We would break the curse soon.

I stood in our bedroom at home, smoothing down the skirt of a red dress I had bought but hadn't had a chance to wear yet. Most of my baby weight was finally gone and I almost looked like I did before I had Rachel. While I knew Robin didn't care how I looked, it still pleased me to see my curves were back.

After slipping into my favorite heels, I grabbed my purse and headed downstairs. Robin waited for me at the bottom, dressed in a crisp suit with a red tie to match my dress. He smiled as he caught sight of me. "I am the luckiest man in Maine."

"And I'm the luckiest woman in Maine," I told him, wrapping my arms around his neck. "We're well matched then."

He chuckled, closing the gap between us and capturing my lips with his. We kissed for a few moments before I pulled away, patting his chest. "Let's go or we'll miss dinner," I told him.

"Right," he replied, placing his hand on my lower back. We headed toward the door but I paused at the living room, looking in on Mal and Lily.

Biting my lip, I then stepped closer to them. "You'll be okay?"

She nodded, rocking her daughter. "You and Robin go out and enjoy yourselves. We'll be fine."

"Alright," I said. "Our children are with our friends Steve and Karen. Their phone number can be found on our fridge if you need any help."

"Thank you. Now go and don't worry about us," Mal insisted, shooing me out of the room.

Robin took my hand as I returned to his side. "You ready, milady?"

"Oh, yes," I told him. "Let's go enjoy our date night."

We left the house and I felt giddy. It was going to be a great night – just me, Robin and a romantic candlelight dinner.

It was going to be a perfect night.

A/N: It lives!

I was struggling so much with the next chapter that I totally forgot I never posted this chapter! So I've rectified that and the next chapter is finally agreeing with me, so I think an update will definitely be coming sooner rather than later.

Also, if you want the smut part, please head to AO3 or Wattpad for it.

Thanks to everyone who submitted personal prompts for me for Prompt Party. I've selected some to do and I hope to get to the rest sometime later. I can't wait for Prompt Party!

I hope you have a great weekend!

-Mac