A special day for our favourite trio...

The Earl of Locksley Inn- Thanksgiving

Regina arrived in Sherwood early, leaving everyone else to come later with Robin and Emma. As she walked through the small forest village that hadn't even existed eight months ago, she stopped, looking in awe at the ever-changing scene. The clinic, fairly modest in proportion on the outside, yet huge on the inside, was bathed in soft morning sunlight as a small group milled around outside. There appeared to be a few more houses then there'd been only a month ago, when she last walked here, plus a small ceremonial fountain and pond. Finally, she reached the Earl of Locksley Inn, named after her lover, at the insistence of the people themselves.

She chuckled to herself, remembering how Robin truly hated the title, or even being referred to as nobility. Yet in this little village, he was venerated above all others. So very different to herself. She'd married into monarchy, and in her past had used her magic to induce fear to command respect. Yet Robin, without any magic whatsoever, had merely used leadership, bravery and kindness to gain the love of these people. And now, as she and Emma prepared for what they agreed two days ago, she looked up at the timbered beams of the large coaching inn, wondering whether she would ever be truly worthy of him. Emma clearly was, but her?

Stepping inside, she saw Alan-a-Dale, wiping down the counter tops, lifting his head and smiling when he saw her. "Oh, hi Regina - they're in the kitchen! I've been told it's women-only territory today, and, in Maria's own words, all us men-folk are to 'sod off, if you would be most kind!' So, I'll leave you to it!"

Regina chuckled. "Well I'd best get in there! See you later, Alan…" she walked around the back of the pub counter, and through the large kitchen swing-door.

Looking inside for the first time, she was surprised to see the high-tech, steel surfaces and shiny appliances. It looked like something from a cookery programme and Regina loved it. At one end stood Maria and Caroline Locksley, deep in conversation with Lavinia Whitehand. Caroline spotted the brunette, and instantly smiled back, walking over to her.

"Gina - lovely to see you again!" she placing her hands on Regina's arms, and kissing her cheek. "You're early. Fancy a Buck's Fizz?"

"Alcohol at this time of the morning? I am pregnant, Carrie!"

"Non-alcoholic!" yelled Livvy from nearby. "We don't touch the hard stuff till after noon. Well, Carrie and I don't. Can't speak for Maria though…" she cackled, raising her eyebrows at the woman in question.

"Oy, I heard that! My reputation as an alcy is completely undeserved! Can't go letting myself get trollied, with my big brother coming now, can I? He'd say I'm letting the side down!"

"Trollied?" asked Regina.

"She means inebriated! You have to excuse my cousin, Gina," said Carline, still giggling. "She's picked up far too much British slang in her time away! I'll translate for you, as we go…" This earning a gentle slap on the arm from Maria, who moved across to kiss Regina's cheek.

"That's quite enough from you, Noble Cuz!" said the younger Locksley. "I'll have you know mine's 'proper' English! The language of Shakespeare, Keats and Wordsworth. Not that forest slang version you speak, these days!" she grinned as she said it, and it was clear to Regina, as she saw them link arms, that the two cousins were very close.

"See what I have to put up, Gina?"

"Hey, don't get me involved in your family squabbles!" She chuckled. "I've already got one little Locksley at home whose an argumentative so-and-so, and his father's no better! I'm not coming between two more of you!"

"Wise choice," Maria agreed. "So, how are you feeling? You're looking beautifully parturient, by the way?" She said, straight-faced and enjoying the slightly confused look on her cousin. "That means 'about to have a baby' Carrie. English, you know?"

Regina now laughed aloud. "Thank you…I think. Maria Locksley, you're as bad as your brother!"

"How dare you?" She replied, still grinning, clearly not in the least bit offended. "How could you compare me to Robin? The old boy's far worse!" She was enjoying the banter.

"Hey, that old boy, happens to be the father of my children! And this one!" she proudly rubbed her swollen abdomen. "And Emma's."

"Yeah, I'm surprised he still has the energy!" Maria smirked.

"More than enough energy, thank you," she then decided it was her turn to shock. "Your brother is not only a truly excellent lover, but…" she couldn't wait to see the look on her face!. "The fact he's also hung like a donkey is an added bonus!"

The ever-elegant Caroline almost sprayed her drink over the pair, as she collapsed into helpless laughter. Maria, on the other hand, had her eyes almost bulging out of her head.

"OH, MY, GOD! I CANNOT BELIEVE YOU JUST SAID THAT! I REALLY WISH YOU HADN'T JUST SAID THAT!" She brought her hands to her mouth, aghast. "That's my brother you're talking about! I'll never be able to look him in the face ever again!"

"Well you started it, madam - making derogatory remarks about our man!" She gave her an evil grin. "Now you two, to business. Tell me how you want me to help you?"

~oOo~

For the next two hours, Regina and the women worked smoothly around the kitchen, chopping and preparing everything. Carrie made sure Regina sat on a stool regularly, and the happy banter between them flowed, becoming ever more rude and risqué as they continued. They compared notes on various characters in Storybrooke and Sherwood, cackling as various bitchy comments were made. Regina hadn't had so much fun in ages and she felt like she was in the company of two very naughty little sisters. Maria seemed to have a wealth of stories and rude jokes, and the brunette marvelled at the similarities between her and Robin.

A little later, as the two enormous roasts lay in their separate ovens, Maria proposed a toast to Regina.

"To new friends! Gina, once you and Emma have had those babies, you are so coming out on a girls' nights with us! Rob can do the child minding!"

"To new friends," Regina nodded as they all clinked glasses. "Definitely. Emma and I will have carried them nine months, so it'll be high time for him to do the heavy lifting!"

~oOo~

Robin and Emma showed up at the inn at midday as agreed. Expecting to be seated in the dining area, Emma was more than surprised to be led upstairs to a very ornate dining room overlooking the lawns at the front. It was delightful decorated, and looked even more ornate than the bedroom she'd conceived in seven months ago. On the long oval table there were place settings already marked with place names. Robin's was at one end, and Maria's at the opposite. Emma counted around seventeen guest settings.

"I thought you said it was just family and none of the men were coming?" As she walked around, she read the small name cards. To Robin's left was Regina, placed next to Emma. Going around she saw the names to her left. Henry, Violet, Victor, Caroline, Rumplestiltskin, Belle, David, Snow, Neal, Maria's Guest, Maria, Roland, Honour and finally Margot.

"I did. John's being very secretive about where he's going. Will, Tuck and the boys are all doing something. I discussed it with Maria, though she's being bit coy about who her 'guest' is! Carrie's now engaged to Victor Whale, and Henry asked us to include all the grandparents."

"Thanks for including my mum and dad. I really appreciate it, considering how they reacted…" She leaned up to peck him on the lips. "Well...you know?"

"They were just trying to protect you, Emma. And Snow's apologized to me, on several occasions."

~oOo~

Half an hour later, nearly everyone arrived, and Regina walked in to greet them, kissing Robin and Emma's cheeks before meeting the rest of the guests. Carrie whispered something to Robin, who followed her into the kitchen. "Rob, can you help carry the birds up? The trays are really heavy! Regina offered, but I don't want her carrying anything like this in her condition."

"No problem..." He focused his mind and the two large cooked roasts magically appeared, on their silver trays, on the top of a long side serving table. He smiled as he heard the excited gasps and applause from upstairs. The large roast goose and roast turkey looked magnificent, and they were swiftly followed by bowls and trays of all manner of vegetables and salads, leaving a spread truly fit for royalty.

Snow and David looked on in astonishment at the groaning food table, the silverware, bone china plates and crystal glasses. "This is astonishing! Did you do all this yourself, Regina?" she asked the woman who normally took charge of these things.

"Nothing to do with me this time. This was all Caroline and Maria's work, so you have them to thank. I merely chopped a few vegetables."

"She did a lot more than that, Mrs. Nolan!" Carrie interrupted. "Your daughter-in-law was also most excellent company. We're going to hire her again!" she smiled at Regina.

"Well, dearies..." Rumple stood, admiring the spread. "As you've gone to all this trouble…" He waved his hands with a flourish, and a second, smaller laid table appeared, covered with ice buckets, glasses and bottles of champagne, wine, beers and soft drinks. Belle smiled across at her husband as Maria walked over to him.

"Champagne and booze magic? I'm definitely staying close to you two!" she winked at Belle, before giving Rumple a small kiss on the cheek, making the Dark One almost blush. The others laughed.

Maria, Robin and Carrie took charge of serving the meats, passing plates across and inviting everyone to help themselves. There was more than enough for everyone. Normally Snow, Regina or David were called upon to make a short speech before a formal meal. However, when Snow nudged her husband to start, he declined. "No, I think this time, it should be our host, the Earl of Locksley himself, who should make a speech. It's his pub, after all!"

Various cheers of agreement rang around the table. So, Robin decided to just stand up and take the plunge:

"Well, ladies and gentlemen, I may have provided the facilities, but I assure you these ladies did all the work!" there were various harrumphs and cheers at that. "But I guess I would like to say a few words. As you know, I was brought back here, by Zeus, just over seven months ago. Since then, I've been reunited with my three wonderful children, even if they are five years older!" He winked at Margot, who sat silently, watching. Her mother was still in San Francisco with her new boyfriend over the holiday, so the young redhead had moved into Mifflin Street a week earlier. She loved it and had no problem with her mum being away. "I've also been reunited with my dear cousin and my little sister, both of whom I thought I'd lost forever." There was definitely a little emotional hitch in his voice as he looked at Maria and Caroline, their eyes also reddening. "If you've already met Maria…I must apologise!" Various chuckles went around the table, as she poked her tongue out at her brother. "She is a Locksley, after all!" He winked at her.

"And I'm sure you all know our lovely cousin Caroline here, by now? So I would like to propose a toast to their engagement!" The group all raised their glasses, clinking and cheering at the pair. Victor felt a little uncomfortable, not used to being shown approval by this group.

As the pair received good wishes from all around, the large room door opened as Maria's mystery guest appeared. "Sorry I'm late!" he said, in a deep British accent.

Charles Sage, Merlin's son, stood before them, feeling slightly awkward. "I had to say hi to Dad and Anna first. We don't really do Thanksgiving, so they're doing it with Blue and the girls!" Although Charles still seemed slightly nervous as he moved closer, Robin, Regina, Emma and Rumple all felt an enormous pull of very strong magic, a mixture of dark and light, that seemed to emanate from him. "Thanks for inviting me!"

"Well you're having your first one with me, you lucky boy!" joked Maria, firmly patting the seat next to her and giving him a peck on the cheek as he sat down. Realising there was something possibly going on between them, most of the women in the room felt a twinge of envy towards Robin's sister. Charles Sage was an incredibly handsome man! And even Snow white couldn't resist giving him a flirty smile and wink, unnoticed by David.

"You're very welcome, Charlie!" said Robin, "I'm pleased you could join us. Now, where was I? Oh yes; I'm delighted to see Rumple and Belle with us, especially with my handsome godson over there! Without Rumple's support, Sherwood wouldn't even exist, so we have much to thank him for! So, please raise a glass to my good friends, Rumple, Belle and Gideon!" Although Emma and Regina gave each other a quizzical look, Everyone around the table, including Honour and Robyn, raised a glass to toast them.

Rumple himself gave an embarrassed smile, not used to being praised without an ulterior motive. He raised a silent toast and nod to the archer as he continued. "Snow, David, I'm delighted you could join us with Neal. He's quite the handsome devil these days. Neal, I understand your magic came in too, this week?"

Neal Nolan, usually a shy child, smiled up at him. "Yeah, It did - look?" Emma's seven-year-old brother twirled his fingers, making Honour's little blue unicorn doll, resting by her plate, come magically to life. It reared on its tiny hind legs, brayed silently, then disappeared into a puff of smoke, to be replaced by the same doll it had been before he started.

Emma laughed loudly. "Nice one, bro!" she approved, though Snow gave her son a warning glance.

"No magic, or unicorns, at the table please, Neal?" his mother gently chided.

Robin continued to work round the table, giving his thanks to all for coming to his first ever Thanksgiving. 'Well that's enough from me. Let's eat!" That brought the biggest cheer as they all tucked in. Conversation then flowed easily for the next hour as they feasted.

~oOo~

All agreed the lunch was delicious, and both Emma and Regina went back for more. "I've never had goose before!" Whispered Regina to Robin, "Mother always said it was 'something for the peasants, not royalty'. Personally, I thought that was delicious; much more moist and succulent, than turkey!"

"Goose was my dad's favourite too. Though, for me, it was always my mum's apple pie! It was just perfection. Sadly, the recipe died with her…" Regina smiled at him, knowing that Carrie had something rather special planned. Sure enough, when the time came, Carrie gave her a knowing glance, nodding and leaning over to whisper something to Rumple.

The Dark One nodded, appearing to ask a question, then grinned.

Moments later, all the dirty plates and glasses on the table disapparated, earning a loud "Ooooh!" from Honour, as the Dark One twirled his fingers again, giving a small giggle, which made Margot chuckle. "Hands away from the table, please dearies?" Rumple instructed, before a clean tablecloth appeared, followed by smaller plates and pudding bowls. Another whisper between him and Caroline, and a very large three-foot in diameter pie appeared in the centre, followed by three large yellow jugs and a large pot of ice-cream.

"Cor - ice cream! Brilliant!" yelled Neal. Robin looked closer. The pie appeared to be pastry covered and on top, a thick coat of…caramel?

"Carrie, surely that's not…not…Locksley Pie?" He gasped.

"Uh-huh!" the tall blonde replied, smugly. "Your mother once gave me the recipe. Mind you, I had to beg her for it!"

"Locksley Pie?" called Maria. "Well why didn't you say? For god's sake, stop talking and start serving!"

Caroline chuckled, getting up and starting to slice it. "You'll get yours soon enough, Maria Locksley! But no seconds for you, or Robin, till everybody's had their firsts! I remember you two with this – you were like little pigs at a trough!" That earned a laugh from everyone else and wry, pink faces from the Locksley siblings as Victor appeared at her side, helping by bowling out the ice cream to the children, while she carefully worked her way through the famed 'pie'. As she did, the smells of baked apple, nutmeg, caramel and something else worked its way across the nostrils of the adults, who all decided they wanted to try some. The yellow jugs appeared to be custard, generous helpings of which were scooped onto each bowl.

As Regina took her own bowl, enjoying the aroma, she looked down at the thick apple under the caramel and pastry. "It just seems to be apple pie with caramel on top? What's all the great fuss about?" she was interrupted by the blonde to her immediate left.

"Hmmmm! Jeezuz H. Christ! That's lovely! Gina, you so gotta try this!" Emma moaned, the noises sounding almost sexual. "Or just give me yours, if you don't want it?" Honour giggled at the silly behaviour of her blonde mother, as she snuffled her ice cream.

"Behave, you!" said Regina, before trying it for herself. The smooth nutmeg and caramel that floated over her tongue was simply divine, and she had to admit she couldn't remember the last time she tasted a dessert anything like as good. "Carrie, this is heaven!" she heard groans of agreement from all around the table, even from Rumpelstiltskin. "You just have to give me the recipe!"

"Uh-huh, sorry Regina, no can do! It's a family secret! Only people bearing the Locksley name can know. Their mum's strict orders!" she said, pointing at the two siblings who were already standing, heading to give themselves a second helping.

Emma had already got up. "Hey, I'm feeding for two! I have priority!" she tried to use her doe eyes on Caroline.

"That's very true! And Emma, you are carrying a Locksley after all, so I guess you have priority!" she chuckled. "Regina, would you like seconds too?" In truth, there was plenty to go around, Caroline having made plenty knowing how piggish Robin and Maria would be over the old family dish. Nonetheless, she was delighted at just how much everyone seemed to adore her 'pie'.

Emma scooped a second large slice and a mass of custard. "I want to have babies with this pie!" she groaned to Maria, earning an "Emma - behave!" from her mother and a "Best cool the custard down first – could hurt!" from Maria, making her fall about laughing.

That evening, as Robin settled Honour and Margot in bed with a story, Emma and Regina lay back on the sofa, both completely exhausted. The Thanksgiving lunch had been an enormous success. After lunch, Robin had persuaded most of the adults to join him on a walk in the forest to wear off the three slices of pie he'd worked his way through. Much as Emma loved the idea, the huge meal and the pregnancy weight had made her too lethargic. Plus, some of the children were fading, and Gideon was getting restless. Rumple took it on himself to use magic to clear up the kitchen and put everything away. So, once the former Outlaw returned with the adults in tow, everyone decided to head home. Hugs and kisses were exchanged, and everyone left happy and sated after what all regarded as a brilliant day.

Later that evening...

"Gina, I'm never eating again." Complained Emma, messaging her swollen stomach. "Why didn't you stop me going for that third slice?"

"Because you, Emma Swan-Mills, are old enough to know better! Don't blame me if your gluttony has no bounds! I didn't eat half what you had, and I'm completely loaded. Carrie is an extremely good cook." she smiled, contended. "Fun wasn't it?"

"Definitely. I like Maria, she's bloody hilarious! Filthy sense of humour, mind…"

Regina grinned. "Yes. She reminds me of her brother!"

"What? Robin's never that rude!"

"Oh, but he can be. I remember once listening when he and the men were talking around a campfire. He's also a surprisingly good mimic! He does impressions. He got Gold's annoying giggle completely. And your strut…"

"What? I do not strut! And how come I'm the last to know he does impressions? Has he been taking the piss out of me behind my back?"

Regina guffawed. "Not at all! He does little impressions of all of us, though he usually has quite a few drinks inside him before he does anything. Remember, he's hardly been drinking while we've been pregnant. He said it wasn't fair for him to, when we couldn't. I know as a fact he does an impression of me! My voice, too, apparently..."

"Really? I've got to see that! Still, before he comes back, you remember what we talked about? Are you still sure you want to do this?"

Regina's face became serious. "I am. But the question is…are you? I know it was your idea, but we both need to be fully committed. I won't do it, if you won't! So, are you absolutely sure you want this?"

The blonde leaned across, taking her hand. "I am. I've hardly thought about anything else these last two days, and if I'm honest, I'm a little nervous. What if he says no?"

"That's highly unlikely. Even more so, bearing in mind what you overheard him saying to Henry. But that's also the reason it needs to be just between the three of us. In case anyone has doubts."

"So, we do it soon, as we agreed? Or do we wait until after the babies? Personally, I don't like the uncertainty and, to be honest, I get a bit wound up when people like Annabelle Sage come on to him!"

That surprised Regina. Annoyance at anyone showing affection towards Robin? "She doesn't really, she just flirts with everyone! Emma, you know Robin isn't that kind of man. I'm surprised at you – that's the sort of comment I would've made! Robin would never lead us along - it's not in his nature. He's a very attractive man, so some women are always going to flirt with him. I remember feeling annoyed when I first saw Carrie with him, before I realized she was his cousin. But I trust him implicitly. The question is, do you?"

"I do. It's probably just the hormones talking. Making me feel a bit insecure…" she edged across the sofa to wrap an arm around Regina, who moved into her automatically. With the size of them both now, even simply standing up was becoming more arduous. "I understand. I'm sure it'll be fine…"

"Fine about what?" said a voice from the hallway, as Roland stepped in. "You talking about dad?"

The pair looked up at him and Regina still couldn't believe how much he'd grown. With his wild, dark hair and beautiful rich brown eyes, he looked so much like Marian, or as much as they could remember her. But the grin, those adorable dimples and his manner were all Robin. She glared back at him, just about managing to hide a smile. "How long have you been listening in, young man?"

"Oh, just a minute. I couldn't hear much but, what's happening? What's wrong with dad?"

Regina sighed loudly. They had agreed that Roland should be the first to know. He was his son, after all. Emma decided to lead. "Sit down please, Roland."

The young man stiffened. It was rare for Emma to use his full name.

"We've been meaning to talk to you; well, to ask you something! It's important, but I first need to know you can keep a secret?"

"Me? I'm not your mum you know! Of course I can. Is it about dad?" The reference to Emma's mother was clearly influenced by Regina's bedtime stories.

"Roland, you're growing up too fast. And I know you've only had your dad back a few months. Well, since he moved in here, everyone's been really happy, yeah?"

"It's been brilliant. Sometimes I still can't believe he's back for good. He is though, isn't he? He's not going to be moving out or anything daft? I couldn't take that, and I know Honny couldn't."

"He's here for good, Roland," Regina moved closer to pat the boy's knee. "Do you seriously think I could let the man who died to save me, leave here? No chance! I'll chain him to the front door if I have too…" That brought a big grin from the boy. "But Emma and I want to change what he means to us all. As you know, Emma and I are both expecting your siblings in a few weeks. We know Emma's carrying your sister, and we don't want to know what mine will be yet but, either way, you'll have either two sisters or a brother and sister, soon. Now your father and Emma have got much closer over the last few months, so we thought…"

"That you want to ask dad to marry you?" he interrupted her. "Like Rory and Phil did to Mulan?"

Emma's sighed. Bright kid! No pulling the wool over his eyes! "And what do you think about that?"

"Are you kidding me? I think it would be brilliant! Henry would then really be my brother, so yes, do it!"

Regina chuckled. "Thanks for your words of encouragement, Roland, and I'll take that as you giving your permission? But we haven't spoken to your father yet, and there's no guarantee he will say yes."

"Don't be daft! He'd love to marry both of you. Can't you tell from all the goo-goo eyes he keeps making? He's like a puppy dog around you two. Just think, we'll all be a real, proper family at last!"

That last comment stung them, Emma feeling it was undeserved. After Robin's death and getting the boy back, Emma and Regina had tried so hard to include him, even more so once Honour was born. "I thought we were a family already?" said Emma.

Roland could see the hurt in her eyes. "Yeah. Sorry ma, I didn't mean it like that! My mouth just ran away with me, as usual. I just meant…well…I hardly remember my birth mum. Then, when I thought she came back it was your bloody sister – no offence mum, but I'll always hate her, no matter what you say! Then dad got killed, and I had nobody. You came to get me, but I still had no dad. Now finally, I get a dad and two mums! That's brilliant. Some people might stop calling me a little bastard now!"

Regina was horrified. "WHO called you that? Roland, who would dare call you that horrible name?"

"You'd be surprised. Also, since I've been living here, we get called all sorts of other stuff because you're two women. I won't tell you what, because it'd just upset you, like it did me. But it happens, and I can handle it."

"You shouldn't have to!" Emma was now equally annoyed. She'd already experienced homophobia since she got together with Regina. There were a number of formerly civil people in Storybrooke, who now seemed to cut her dead. Some wouldn't even look at her, and she wasn't sure whether it was due to her being married to another woman. "Roland, what makes you think we'd make things worse? We could have stopped it! How come you trust Henry or Doctor Hopper, but not me or your mother?" Regina felt stung by his lack of faith.

"Because you have magic! You would have gone in all angry and threatening, and everybody would have been scared. You would have felt better, but what then? Once you'd gone, it would have got worse because they're frightened of you! Henry told me how to handle it and it's a lot better now. Archie said he'd deal with it through Doctor Grimes at the school, without mentioning me."

"Does your father know about this?"

"No chance. I thought about telling him after he killed Mr. Spencer! When dad rescued Margot from that tree, the two boys who did it nearly pooped themselves when he got angry! But that won't help me when everyone's gone home now, will it? So I'll handle it myself, as usual."

"I still say you should have told us! We can always speak to their parents…"

But the boy wasn't to be moved. "No. I'll handle it. But I do want you to marry dad. Honny would love it! So when are you going to ask him? I know as a fact he won't ask you, cos you're already married, so it has to come from you!"

Regina chuckled. "It's silly, but it is more common for a man to ask a woman to marry him, but you're right, we are the married couple, after all. I thought we might do it tomorrow night, after we've spoken to Henry. He should know too, although I know he'll be happy about it."

"Yeah, he talked to me about it." That also surprised the pair. "He thinks it'd be cool too. He really likes dad, though he also told me he wouldn't like to be called Henry Locksley-Swan-Mills. Said it was a mouthful, and he'd preferred to be just Henry Locksley, like me! We'd be brothers!"

"Henry said that? I know he didn't want to become 'Swan-Mills' but why 'Locksley'? Why not just stay as 'Mills'?"

"He said something about it being useful when he goes to other realms. Something about travelling for a while. He also wants to go to England, like I did, and on to Avalon and some other places after university..."

Regina and Emma gave each other an uncomfortable stare. They knew Henry had itchy feet and the day would come when he wanted to travel and see the world. It seems that day was fast approaching!

"So, when are you going to propose?" He seemed as keen as mustard. "I could get Honny and Margot out of your hair tomorrow night? As it's Friday, John and the guys are having a barbeque, so we could stay with them? I'll tell Henry and we'll all be out of your way…"

"Woah kid, hold on!" Emma felt they were being rushed.

"He's right though, Emma. We could have dinner here, and do it tomorrow night. If you're ready for this?"

The following morning, Regina asked Robin whether he could forego the evening barbeque with the men in favour of a quiet evening in with them. He was happy to oblige, though surprised to learn that Henry would collect Honour, Roland and Margot and take them to the forest with him and Violet.

"Well I must admit, a quiet evening in with just the two of you would be nice. I'd be happy to cook, or I could bring back take-away?"

"Chinese!" yelled Emma, "No offence Rob, but you're cooking isn't up to Gina's standard, and neither of us fancy doing anything in the kitchen!"

So it was agreed, and after a day supervising more building in Sherwood, that evening Robin brought home two large bags of take away from Mrs. Choi.

As he walked through the door with the hot food, he was pleasantly surprised to find both women entering the hallway, wearing elegant evening dresses, both silk and knee length, but one in black and one in white. They were clearly designed for maternity. Soft, flowing and flattering their pregnancy curves beautifully. He marvelled at the fact that, even when over seven months pregnant, they both looked utterly stunning, especially when they stood together.

"You both look wonderful! If I'd known, I would've dressed a little more suitably myself. Perhaps you could give me a couple of minutes to freshen up and change?"

"No time for that..." Emma seized one of the boxes. "I'm starving! Let's just get it on the table and eat?"

Robin laughed at her urgency. He decided instead to use his magic, transforming his forest shirt, jeans and casual gear into a tailored two-piece dark navy suit with crisp white shirt and bow tie, remembering to apply a little cologne underneath. It wasn't a shower, but it was quick.

"Lovely!" Regina rose on her toes, pulling him down to kiss him on the lips. "I always love you in a suit!" she breathed, "…and out of it!" making him stiffen, as he felt her soft curves pressed against him. As she turned away to the dining table, where Emma had already laid the boxes out, she heard him whisper.

"Tease!"

~oOo~

Half an hour later, all three were comfortably replete from dinner. Although delightful company, Robin couldn't help noticing both women seemed to be on edge most of the evening. Something was clearly bothering them, but knowing he wouldn't get any answer if he just asked straight out, he decided to wait, changing the subject.

"That's two enormous meals in two days - I'm getting big! I think I'm looking more pregnant than you two!" That earned polite smiles from both women, who still didn't say anything. He watched Emma digging her thumbnail into her index finger, the usual sign she was stressed. Regina seemed to watch her, waiting for her to say something while dragging her teeth on her lower lip, her own sign of stress. He decided now was as good a time as ever.

"Well miladies, something is clearly wrong, and you're both troubled this evening! Are you going to tell me now? Or do I have to guess?"

They stayed silent, Emma looking at Regina to say something until, finding the silence no longer bearable, "It's nothing, Rob. It's just been a long day…" earning a glare from the brunette.

"Well, whilst I don't have your superpower for this sort of thing, Emma, I know deflection when I hear it! There obviously is something! Would you rather I not be here at the moment? Perhaps you need to be left alone?"

"NO!" both women replied, almost simultaneously, before sharing a look. Regina decided she'd had enough. "Look...Robin…sorry…yes, we do have something we want to say to you!" She slowly rose from the chair, moving across towards the sofa. "Emma, perhaps we should be doing this together?"

The way she said it, and the nervousness on her face, made Robin shudder. Do they want me to leave? Do they want me to move out? Is this, whatever it is, between us all, over?

Emma had now joined her, standing side-by-side. "Robin, perhaps you could stand there, just in front of us? And perhaps close your eyes…for a moment?"

Well I wasn't expecting that! He nodded silently, noticing how nervous they now seemed, before closing his eyes. He heard a small shuffling noise, followed by the gently clunk of a knee being bent, as he waited patiently. "Okay, you can open them now!" said Emma.

He opened them, to find Regina and Emma kneeling in front of him, side-by-side, each with their right leg raised, as though preparing to exercise, Emma's right hand coiled around Regina's left, looking up at him.

"Robin, sorry we've been a bit…quiet…this evening. There's nothing wrong. We're just both a bit anxious. The last seven and a half months since you came back from the dead have been the most…astonishing…months of my life! After you died. No, after you gave your life to save Gina's, she and I reached the lowest point of our lives. The word depression doesn't even begin to cover it! But slowly, we came to rely on each other. We became close and our friendship eventually turned to love, and finally, marriage. I love Regina with all my heart Robin, and I never imagined having those feelings for anyone else. When you came back, I felt threatened, despite all the reassurances you gave me about my marriage. But you did get between us, but not in the way I could ever have imagined! What started off as sex, for me, turned into something deeper. You've now given me another child, and after that pregnancy scare, I'm desperate to bring her into the world. Our world. And then, as usual, it took me forever to realise it! When you came back from the Dark Realm, rescuing all those children, and I thought you'd died, that's when I knew it - that I'd fallen in love with Regina's true love, Robin Hood! I love you, Robin of Locksley. I love you and want you, and Gina, to be a part of my life. Forever!" Emma's voice wobbled.

Her wife held her hand, taking over. "Robin, you already know my own feelings. I fell in love with you before you died. Henry taught me how to love, but you taught me how to be loved! You even gave me Honour. Me, the Evil Queen, who took a potion to make herself barren! Merlin told me only true love could reverse that. I tried to kill myself before I knew the gift you bestowed on me. How shameful is that? Emma was the only one who could pull me back from the brink and I fell in love with her. Robin, I have no doubt that she is also my true love! Me, Regina Mills, besotted and totally in love with both a saviour and a thief? There is nothing I wouldn't do for either of you. Like Emma, I also love you, and I want you to be part of my life; our lives; forever!"

As she spoke, her right hand revealed a small box, which he hadn't noticed till now. She flicked it open to reveal a ring. A simple, but wide, gold band with a deep blue sapphire set deep into it. Elegant, but not ostentatious. Just like him. She gently eased the ring from its mounting, offering it to him.

"Robin, Emma and I have been married almost two years. We've agreed, and we want to open up our marriage. To you! We want you to be our husband. Robin, will you marry us?"

Emma looked up into deep blue eyes and saw a single tear slowly start rolling down his cheek. He dropped to his knees in front of them, rolling his eyes when his knee loudly clicked, before taking their unlinked hands in his own.

"I've truly fallen in love with both of you, so deeply. I would love nothing more than to be joined in marriage with you, forever. I will!"

Emma sighed with relief, even though she'd been pretty certain he'd say yes. He rolled his long arms around the pair of them, as they curled into him. He leant his head to face Emma's, whispering "I love you," before latching his lips onto hers in a brief, yet open kiss. Pulling back with a smile, he then repeated the same to Regina before giving her the same kiss. She then automatically pulled back, twisting her head to capture Emma's lips with her own.

"We really need to figure out a way to do that more smoothly, like the Briars have," said Robin, earning a snigger from his new fiancées. Fiancées?

"I like the idea of practicing, meantime..." The three spent the next few minutes kissing cheeks and lips, each holding the other two close. They even played with all three of them trying to connect their lips, even tongues, together at the same time, before realizing it wasn't too easy. "I guess that's why Rory, Phil and Mulan have that funny 'I kiss your lips while she kisses my cheek' thing all worked out?" Emma whispered against their mouths.

He beamed back. "We'll get there. We've all the time in the world!"

~oOo~

That night, the couple and their fiancé, looking forward to a rare lie-in the following morning, took their time making love in the most unhurried and relaxed manner. Prior to that, they'd shared a warm bath, Emma lying against Robin's chest, after which and he took the time to slowly massage each of them in turn. Wary of harming the babies or accidentally inducing early, he'd suggested they use him by them by being on top, one either end, and setting their own pace. Although he sometimes found breathing a little awkward, the sheer joy of hearing them peak, Regina impaling herself on him while Emma rode his mouth, made it all worthwhile. Somehow, he managed to hold off his own release until after they had switched ends and repeated. He couldn't see what they were doing to each other, only listening to their loving whispers and moans as they achieved their orgasms.

But if it was anything like what affect they were having on him, it was all worth it. There wasn't a happier man in all the realms!

~oOo~