Surprise...
As promised (and 84 years later), here is the final chapter to bring this story to an end. I wanted to give you a glimpse into how everything resolved since David and Regina still had some things to work out after the main story wrapped with the last chapter.
Thanks so much for everyone who has read, commented and stuck with this story. It's funny to me that it started out as a one shot (that I wasn't particularly satisfied with) and I didn't plan for it to go anywhere until all of your wonderful comments requesting more. It got me thinking about a storyline, and suddenly it came to life.
I hope this epilogue is a gratifying conclusion for those of you who were invested. I am always shocked that you continued reading despite my ridiculous hiatuses. In a perfect world, my chosen profession would be writing, but even as a hobby it is fulfilling thanks to your support and feedback. I don't think I'll ever wrap my head around the fact that people seem to enjoy my stories as much as I enjoy writing them.
Thanks again and I'd love to hear your thoughts on this last chapter.
-HG
5 years later...
"No," Regina demanded with a breathy grin and thread her fingers through his hair, tilting his head back with a playfully rough tug to make him look at her, "It's still early, she's fine."
"Mm, but Regina-" David groaned under his breath at the way she pushed her nakedness more firmly into his lap, still slick from their first morning round before she'd ended up on top of him. He splayed his fingers over her ass indulgently, aware his attempt to leave the bed was futile from the way his member stirred once more at the brushing of her wet heat against it.
"I'm not letting you leave this room yet," Regina purred near his ear, ghosting her lips over it gently before trailing kisses down his neck. He felt her lips curl into a smirk when she rocked her hips again and slid her sex against his length with more intention, causing his growing hardness to twitch against her.
The morning sun peeked through the drawn curtains as Regina raised her head to look at him once more and smirked at his torn expression, "How many years have we been doing this? And you still haven't learned your lesson. She's fine, she can wait."
"But," he argued playfully with no real intention of stopping her, letting out a slow breath as his head fell back against the headboard in defeat, "Oh god," he muttered almost incoherently as he watched her raise her hips and grip his hardness, positioning the tip of it against her slippery core. He hadn't wanted to leave this bed, anyways.
"But what?" she couldn't help but tease as she watched the way his blue eyes darkened, letting a humming moan of satisfaction escape her when she sank down on him slowly, "You're mmm-mine right now."
"Is that right?" David growled under his breath as his gaze traveled back up from watching her take him to find the catlike grin she gave. "You're impossible," he grit out playfully through a clenched jaw as his fingertips dug into her hips and pushed down firmly, making her breath catch when she stretched around his full size.
"So I've been told," the brunette taunted as she ran her hands up to his shoulders, bracing her palms against them for leverage. She began to grind on him slowly, keeping him buried within her as she leaned to pepper slow kisses from his stubbled jaw to his chin.
"Mhm, just like the other women in my life," he replied with a grunt at the way she circled her hips, reveling in how snugly he fit in her, "I wonder what the common denominator could be?"
"You?" Regina smirked when she tilted her head down to lock eyes with his and increased the pace of her rocking as she knew, despite her teasing, they had to make their second round a quick one.
David groaned quietly and shifted himself down the bed, bending his knees so he had more leverage to drive his hips into the apex of her thighs, "I guess I am partially responsible, but you have to take some accountability."
Regina's lips began to part in defiance, but a moan escaped her before words could when he pushed his hips up and she dug her nails into his shoulders in response, "H-how do you mean?" she asked, voice shaky from the heat coiling in her abdomen as he handled her expertly. His hands gripped her left thigh and right hip firmly, assisting the rhythm that had his cock withdrawing just enough to make her clit brush his root with each downward grind.
"What do I mean?" he watched her intently, his breath growing labored as he focused on not coming before she did from the way she began to ride him without mercy. His lips curled with sheer enjoyment when her breath hitched in a telltale sign she was approaching orgasm as well. Oh, how he loved watching her get there. "I don't know, Regina. Maybe that you're p-partially responsible-mmm-because our daughters act just like you."
"Mmmm, or maybe it's because you spoil them-mmm-ahh," she tried to counter his point, but her focus was stolen by her building pleasure. She moved her hands from his shoulders to the mattress and slid them up under their pillows, extending her arms so that she could brace herself over him.
Her hard nipples grazed his chest when she dropped her forehead against his and choked on a moan. "I'm soclose," she rasped, forgetting their banter entirely as her body began to sing and her rhythm faltered. Talking ceased, replaced only by their panting moans and the wet sound of her dripping sex sheathing his.
"God," David growled out loud when Regina dropped her gaze to where they were joined, watching her watchthem as she flexed and curled, keeping him rooted deeply. "Yes, you feel so good," he groaned encouragement as her muscles strained and her movements grew frantic.
"Mmmmmmph!" she let out a strangled moan that ended as a sharp whimper and her brow creased with pleasure. She met his darkened gaze for a brief, heated moment before her eyes fluttered and her head fell forward into his neck. Her lips parted, panting hotly against his skin as she gripped the edge of the mattress and rode him harder and fasterand desperately until she erupted, releasing a muffled cry as her body went rigid.
"Yesss, Regina, fuck!" he exclaimed hoarsely, voice faltering from the white hot pleasure of her clenching and spasming around his cock. She was completely gone, whimpering and moaning into his neck as she collapsed into him, hips still twisting and jerking. He groaned deeply at how intensely she came, moving both hands to grip her ass and guide her hips, rocking them through the waves of her orgasm as she emitted sounds that made his own release soon follow.
Regina sucked in a breath of air when she raised her face from his neck after a few moments of recovery, slowly regaining her senses as tremors radiated through her limbs and their movements slowed to a halt. She let her body sink further onto his, their chests pressed together and hearts thundering as she laid her head against his shoulder. His fingers found her hair and they remained silent, enjoying the sated feeling as they caught their breath.
A loud, frustrated jabber sounded from the baby monitor shortly after, bringing back reality and making Regina smile in amusement. She heard and felt David's chuckle, the deep and familiar sound vibrating his chest and causing another wave of warmth to rush through her.
"Now, dear wife, may I go rescue our daughter from that lonesome crib?"
"Hm...like I said, after all of the years we've been doing this parenting thing, you still run to the crib at the first sign they're awake," Regina teased and pressed a kiss to his shoulder, "This is why we could barely get any of them to sleep in their own rooms."
"To be fair, Henry was our first and we were clueless," he replied and she hummed a laugh as his hands roamed her back soothingly, "And you were just as bad as me when we first brought Elena home."
"I suppose, but just like with Henry, I wanted to bond with her. Violet came from us, she felt our love before we even met her," Regina murmured and tilted her head to meet his gaze as she half-heartedly defended herself, knowing she didn't really need to explain.
"I know," David smiled knowingly as he reached to trace his fingers along the curve of her neck, "I just like teasing you. You like to think you're the strict parent, but you're just as soft as I am."
"I think Henry might beg to differ with you," she joked and leaned in to press a chaste kiss against his lips. "He did just call me the Evil Queen because I won't let his first vehicle be a motorcycle."
"Yeah, well, he's a disgruntled teenager who will grow up and thank you for that one day," David chuckled and raised an brow at the urgent 'out out' that came from their youngest through the baby monitor, "It's like she senses it anytime we get a moment alone."
"We've created monsters," Regina nodded with a playful sigh of resolve as she began to push herself up into a sitting position on him. "We do have an eventful weekend ahead. You tackle the smallest monster and I'll work on getting the other two up?"
He gave a happy nod and tapped her bottom playfully, "May the odds be in our favor."
"We'll reconvene in the hall if I need reinforcements?" her brow arched in jest, "I will be dealing with waking up a grumpy teenager and a four year old."
David let out another laugh before he mustered his best serious expression, playing along as if they were headed into a most dangerous battle, "Just give the signal if you need back up."
Regina smiled as she watched brown eyes blink sleepily in the mirror while she combed out dark, tangled hair. This time of the year always made her reminisce over the way Elena's gentle spirit made it's unexpected entrance into their lives. They hadn't been actively seeking her adoption as they had with Henry's, but when the circumstances brought her to them, they'd known instantly it was meant to be. She'd never been one to hold much stock in the idea of fate, but she knew it played a factor in how their middle child had arrived and fit seamlessly into their little family.
Their life had completely unraveled when they split and they'd worked hard after their reconciliation to piece it back together, rebuilding their foundation by going to therapy and working on their root issues. David returned home and was granted a divorce from Mary Margaret within the same year, alleviating a lot of the strain and allowing them to move forward. They learned to communicate as the people they'd become instead of the kids they'd been when their journey began. Both of them had been dedicated to not only repairing their marriage, but mending their relationship with Henry and healing their family as a whole.
It was around a year later they received a jarring reminder of what they'd nearly given up, of how profoundly they'd lost sight of one another and the future plans they had before things fell apart. Plans made carefully and out of love, like the one they'd put into motion a few years prior to their separation when they applied for a second adoption opportunity. Their application had been placed years down the agency's list, following couples who were still waiting for their first child, with no guarantee that they'd even get another chance. Nothing came of it in the years following and they'd lost hope, accepting that it wasn't likely to happen and forgetting the dream all together during the disintegration of their marriage.
But then one simple phone call four years ago made them all the more grateful for not giving up. They'd still been riding the high of being happily remarried when the contact came from the agency about a baby girl who'd been given up at birth. After a moment of shock, they recognized the opportunity as further validation that what they'd worked through had been more than worth it. The fact that their daughter had made her way to them, despite everything that happened in between, solidified Regina's belief in fate.
The process was easier than anticipated thanks to being legally remarried and the couple's therapy they'd completed, adequately squelching any concern the agency might've had over their separation. It all happened rather swiftly, but their marriage was strong and Henry was happy and neither Regina nor David held any doubts about expanding their family. Even if they had been apprehensive, she knew the uncertainty would've evaporated the moment she first held the tiny, dark haired beauty who'd immediately tucked herself into Regina's chest after being placed in her arms.
She found herself in wonder of the memory during moments like this when her heart ached with love for the child that was so entirely her own. Though she was soon pulled from her wistfulness when Elena's head nodded forward, causing Regina to laugh softly and wrap an arm around the girl sitting in her lap in front of the bedroom vanity, "It's time to wake up, sweetheart. Grandma and Grandpa will be arriving soon for your big weekend."
Elena's eyes fluttered back open and she blinked at her in the mirror while Regina worked the brush through dark waves. The sleepiness gradually left the child's demeanor as she processed the thought. "Do you think they're bringing me presents?"
"When have your grandparents ever visited and not brought you a gift? Let alone on your fourth birthday," she suggested and stifled a grin at the way Elena's eyes lit up, suddenly fully awake at the idea.
Regina's chest grew warm with adoration, relishing in watching her children grow and develop their own identity. Each of them had a different personality, but they were equally appreciated and loved. Elena's disposition was gentle, quiet and insightful. She thought carefully before speaking and sounded mature for her four years, but found joy in the smallest of things in the way an old soul would.
"I need to get in the bath and get dressed. Then we can make sure Daddy, Henry and Violet are awake," Elena looked up at her in the mirror with sudden urgency and determination, always the one to think ahead.
David often commented how Elena had inherited Regina's disciplined tendencies and she bit back a smile at the glimpse of it now. She could see a lot of her younger self in Elena's reserved nature and occasional shyness, but felt reassured in her parenting when she witnessed confidence in her darling girl. Cora had always demeaned her for being timid during her childhood, which left Regina riddled with insecurities and unsure of how to stand up for herself. If she did anything of importance as a mother, it would be encouraging Elena's true nature - to make sure the girl knew that it was a strength instead of a weakness and feel self-assured to stand up for herself when needed.
"Daddy is going to make sure your sister is ready and I'm going to wake up your brother while you're in the bath," Regina reassured, "That way we'll all be ready when your Grandparents arrive and can visit with them before we prepare for your party tomorrow. So you don't need to worry about anything but getting yourself ready, okay? You're the birthday girl this weekend, after all."
Elena nodded and flashed a satisfied smile as she made eye contact with Regina in the mirror, "Thanks, Mommy."
"Of course."
"Mommy?"
"Yes?"
"Do you have a Daddy and Mommy, too? Like Grandma and Grandpa are Daddy's?"
"Yes, I do," Regina carefully answered the inquisitive eyes watching her.
"Why don't they ever come see us?" she asked with genuine curiosity, like she'd only just considered it and thought to ask. Regina was happy for the fact that Ruth and Robert were such involved grandparents that her children didn't feel any loss over the absence of her own parents.
"Remember when I showed you the picture of me as a little girl with your Grandpa Henry and explained that he passed away a long time ago?"
"Oh, yeah," she frowned, "Did your Mommy pass away, too?"
Regina's heart ached as she watched her daughter, putting down the hairbrush to consider her answer. She thought of herself at that age while she gazed back at those innocent brown eyes and felt a hint of sadness. Cora had spared her nothing of the harsh realities of life, but it hurt Regina to even think that someday her children would find out not everyone was kind. She wanted to protect them from it as long as she could, while her own mother had been the one to teach her that lesson firsthand.
Cora had justified her cruelness by claiming she was preparing her for the real world. She bullied and taunted and lost her temper on Regina regularly, from as early as she could remember. It had angered Cora further that instead of toughening her up, Regina became more terrified and timid. She'd been unable to speak up for herself for years as a result, leaving her vulnerable to predators like Leo who sensed he could scare her into silence and do as he pleased.
She swallowed the knot rising in her throat and blinked away her blurred vision when Elena turned sideways on her lap to look up in concern, "Mommy?"
"Sorry, sweetheart," she smiled, remembering her daughter's question, "No. Your grandmother Cora is still alive, but she lives so far away that she isn't able to visit," Regina nodded, giving her an answer that she could understand for now.
Once her girls were old enough, she planned to explain how she'd cut off contact with Cora and the reasons behind it, just as she had with Henry. Regina was grateful that her son understood and agreed with her decision, even admitting that he'd overheard things Cora said to her when she thought he wasn't around. She knew then that she'd done the right thing by removing her mother from their lives. The woman would never change and ending their relationship was long overdue, especially when her son had already begun to pick up on his grandmother's behavior.
Elena seemed to accept the answer and gave a slow nod, but Regina could see her wheels still turning with another question. "Did you have a Grandma too?"
"Yes, I did," Regina smiled and realized her daughter might be old enough to appreciate her namesake now that she was pondering the concept of multiple generations, "Your Grandpa Henry's mother was my grandmother. She was from a place called Spain, and guess what her name was?"
"What?"
"Elena," she answered and smiled warmly at the thought of the gentle woman. She'd been the only one in Regina's life to show her kindness after her father passed. That was until Cora stopped those visits out of spite and her grandmother passed just a few years later. "We named you after her because she was very important to me."
Elena smiled thoughtfully as she processed the idea before making another connection, "Was Henry named after Grandpa Henry?"
"Yes. Very good, clever girl," she praised with smile, "And Violet is named after your Grandma Ruth," she added, seeing a hint of confusion on her daughter's face that prompted her to explain, "Grandma Ruth's first name is actually Violet, but she goes by her middle name, Ruth."
They hadn't intended to use all family names for their children, but it started when David suggested it for Henry, knowing how much Regina missed her father. When Elena arrived, Regina mentioned to David how she'd always thought she'd like to honor her grandmother if she ever had a daughter and he'd immediately liked the name. With Violet, it was Regina who'd insisted on paying tribute to Ruth, as the woman had been the only true mother she'd known.
"If we get a puppy, we should name it Robert, so Grandpa doesn't feel left out," Elena looked up at her with a most sincere expression, leaving Regina unsure of whether she wanted to choke back laughter or tears.
"That's very kind of you," she exhaled a quiet laugh and kissed the top of her daughter's head, warmed by her empathy and amused by her persistence. Elena and Henry had been begging for a family dog for a year now and never missed an opportunity to casually insert it into any conversation. "I'm sure your Grandpa would be honored."
"Look, I'm going to level with you. I think we can make a deal here," David stifled a smirk as ornery blue eyes stared back at him intently, "You eat your breakfast now and I'll sneak you extra cake icing later. Deal?"
"No-no-no!" Violet batted at the spoon when he attempted to give her another bite of oatmeal, her dark brows furrowing dramatically before she let out a playful giggle, clearly pleased by her own theatrics. He couldn't help but laugh and let out a sigh as he surveyed the mess she'd made, spotting oatmeal on the floor and even a speck on the kitchen wall behind her high chair from one particularly well-aimed swat.
"If we don't get you fed and this mess cleaned up before your Mom and Elena come downstairs, we're in for it," he warned playfully, watching her stubbornly lean back in her high chair away from the spoon and offer up a cute smile. "My god, you are your mother's clone," he mumbled in amusement, "You know, she gives me that same exact grin when she's trying to get her way. I've seen it for years. You're not fooling me with that trick."
"Out!" Violet demanded when she seemed to realize her charm wasn't working and pushed at the tray on her high chair impatiently, causing David to chuckle at how she grunted with the effort.
Their youngest was Regina made over, aside from the blue eyes she'd inherited from him that were slightly deeper than his own. Her dark hair was growing long enough to begin curling into ringlets at the ends and her eyes were big and expressive, framed by thick lashes and brows shaped like her mother's. It made it damn near impossible not to cave when she gave that devilish little chubby-cheeked grin in an attempt to cheese her way out of trouble.
She was spirited and stubborn and he was already dreading her teenage years, having an inkling she would fully make up for her easygoing older siblings. Elena was just over a year old when they found out Regina was pregnant, leaving their hands full with a two year old and a newborn by the time Violet came. It had been quite the adjustment going from one to three children in such a short amount of time, but they had cherished every moment.
They'd been terrified during Regina's first trimester with Violet, but he'd remained outwardly calm and encouraging for his wife's sake. She'd given up on carrying a baby years ago and for it to finally happen in her late thirties had only added to her concern that something would go wrong, or that she might miscarry. They'd waited until well into her second trimester to announce the big news to their family and only then did Regina allow herself to relax and become truly excited.
Any remaining worry they had about the health of their youngest child vanished the moment she came out, screaming at the top of her very healthy-sounding lungs, and they joked now that she hadn't quieted since. He grinned at the thought as he wiped Violet's face while she jabbered, hearing her give him another 'no-no-no' and jerk away from his attempts just because she could.
Her head-strong and mischievous nature livened up and rounded out their family dynamic perfectly. They'd already been so content and her unexpected arrival only made things better. Watching his wife carrying their baby had been thrilling, not because having a biological child meant more to him, but because he'd known how desperately Regina had always wanted the experience.
"Knock knock!"
David heard his mother's voice in the foyer and turned back to see his parents walking in, "Hey, how was the drive?" he smiled as he stood and granted his daughter's demand for freedom when he lifted her from the high chair.
"Not bad at all, even if your father does drive at a glacial pace," Ruth joked and set down her bags, eyes glued on the baby that began to squeal in his arms at the sight of them.
"I had to make sure all of my granddaughter's presents got to her in one piece," Robert defended himself with a smirk, carrying an arm full of Elena's birthday gifts over to place on the counter.
"Hello, you precious thing," Ruth beamed as she took Violet from David, kissing the baby's head and cooing at her when the tiny brunette immediately leaned in and tucked her head against her grandmother's shoulder affectionately. "And hello, my boy," she smiled warmly when she looked back to David.
"I know, I'm old news compared to your grandkids," David teased, even though he was entirely grateful for the connection his parents and children had, and leaned in to kiss his mother's cheek, "Hi Mom, thanks for coming."
"And do I get no thanks?" Robert's mouth dropped in feigned offense before pulling his son into a brief hug.
David chuckled, "Of course you do, Dad."
"Where's the rest of your brood?" Ruth asked with a glance around the house as Robert stepped behind her and began playing peek-a-boo with Violet.
"Last time I checked, Henry had finally shuffled out of bed to the shower and Regina was helping Elena through an outfit crisis," David grinned and grabbed a dish towel from the counter to begin cleaning up the high chair and surrounding area, "And as you can see, Violet and I were experiencing a crisis of our own."
Robert chuckled at the mess, causing Violet to giggle at him and duck into Ruth's shoulder to hide, as if reminding him of their game to distract from the incriminating scene.
"It's okay, sweetheart," Ruth addressed her granddaughter with a conspiratory grin and patted her back gently, "We know you'd never do such a thing."
"Grandma! Grandpa!" Elena exclaimed as she jumped down the last step and ran across the foyer, immediately being scooped up by Robert when she reached the kitchen.
"There she is! Happy birthday, Darling One," Robert gave her a gentle squeeze as she hugged his neck, "Your Grandma and I have missed you."
"We certainly have," Ruth agreed warmly when Robert leaned Elena towards her so that she could kiss her cheek since her own arms were still full with Violet, "Why, she's practically grown up on us, Robert!"
"How old are you today? Fourteen?" Robert's brows furrowed in pretend confusion at Elena.
"Yes, I do believe that's right," Ruth nodded in agreement, making Elena giggle and shake her head.
"I'm four years old," the girl corrected politely but with a proud grin as she held four fingers up to them.
"Well, you just look so beautiful and grown up!" Ruth doted in a grandmotherly fashion and Elena beamed from the attention.
"Yeah, say, is that a new outfit?" Robert inquired and Elena nodded excitedly, prompting he and Ruth to share a quick grin, "You look lovely, Darling."
"Alright Robert, switch with me so that I can hug my granddaughter properly," Ruth nudged him and he nodded, getting Elena situated on the counter to make the exchange.
"Come here, Ornery One," he grinned as he turned to take Violet from his wife.
Regina's chest tightened with emotion at the sight that greeted her when she came into the kitchen. Robert bounced Violet in his arms, making faces that had the baby on the verge of doing an adorable belly laugh. Ruth doted on Elena who sat on the kitchen counter in front of her, chatting away in an animated manner that her grandmother's attention always brought out in her.
Her children were so lucky to have them. Regina, herself, was lucky to have them. They'd made her their own and were truer parents than hers had ever been. They'd taught her what it meant to be a family and raised a good man with whom she'd created her own.
"And there's my Little One," Robert announced and she gave him a warm smile at his old nickname for her as she stepped further into the kitchen.
"You made it," Regina greeted happily and crossed the room to give them each a hug, "I'm so glad you came in."
"Are you kidding? We couldn't miss our granddaughter's big weekend," Ruth gave Elena a wink that made the girl's eyes sparkle in return.
"Ah, look, the Teenage One," David's father teased with a tone of mock warning when Henry trudged down the stairs next.
"Hey grandpa, hey grandma!" Henry smiled before his attention was captured by something through the foyer window and he dashed for the front door, "Uncle Jamie just pulled in! On his motorcycle!"
Regina sighed at that and caught David's gaze, rolling her eyes playfully in reference to the earlier conversation about their newly licensed driver, "Well, that certainly isn't going to help us any."
David laughed and nodded in agreement, "When does Uncle Jamie ever help the situation?"
Regina stood at the kitchen sink, drying the last serving dish she'd used for dinner as she listened to the cheerful noise echoing throughout her home. They'd spent most of the day visiting with David's parents and catching up on his brother's most recent tales of adventure. Ruth helped her prep food for Elena's party and assisted with cooking dinner, making Robert and David keep the kids entertained - Jamie included.
After dinner, Robert and Ruth announced they'd brought gifts for Elena to open early, and of course, even had one for Henry and Violet, never showing up for a visit with their grandkids empty handed. The kids tore them open in a frenzy and spent the evening on a high over their new possessions. Regina had watched in amusement before deciding to tidy up the kitchen while her hellions were distracted.
"Is it over yet?" David groaned playfully as he stepped up behind her at the sink and wrapped arms around her waist.
Regina hummed in amusement and shook her head, turning to give him a quick peck on the cheek, "I'm afraid not. We still have a long weekend of fun ahead of us."
"Hm, at least my parents will keep the kids occupied for the most part," he nodded, watching her dry her hands with the dish towel, "I took the trash out and cleaned up the living room. Since when do grandparents do birthday eve gifts? I swear, I picked up a hundred new toys in there."
"And that's just the first round," she laughed softly and hung the dish towel on its hook before turning to loop her arms around his waist, "Elena's so happy, though."
"So am I," David said without hesitation, thumbing the slope of her hips where he held her body to his. "I know, I know - that was cheesy."
"I don't mind, sometimes. It's kind of charming," Regina teased, chest warm with contentment, "I am, too. Happy."
"It's hard to believe there was a time we almost screwed this up," his expression grew slightly serious at the thought, "Every birthday and anniversary, hell, even the ordinary days remind me. And the thought of what if - if we hadn't fixed this - it makes me not take any of it for granted."
"I know," Regina murmured, reaching to cup his jaw with her hand and caress her thumb over his evening stubble. There was so much love and devotion in his eyes that she struggled to find words to express her own feelings, leaning on the depth of their shared gaze to convey what she failed to say. "I think about it, too."
David hummed and pressed his forehead to hers, tightening his hold of her as he sighed contentedly, "I love you."
"I love you," she smiled and watched him return it as she inhaled the familiar scent of his aftershave and brushed her lips against his.
They stood in silence for a moment, enjoying the presence of one another amidst the chaos of their happy home. David chuckled when they heard Henry and Jamie come in the front door, the two of them plotting in hushed tones how to convince Regina to let Henry test drive the motorcycle. Violet's giggles echoed from the hall where Robert entertained her by zooming laps around the first floor, mixing with Elena and Ruth's voices as they created an elaborate backstory for the doll family they played with in the living room.
It was perfect, chaos and all.
"They seem pretty occupied," David grinned after a moment and slid his hands from her hips to her bottom suggestively, "You think we could sneak upstairs?"
Regina's eyes darted between the foyer and David in contemplation before she smirked at him, "We'll have to make a run for it."
David's mischievous smile widened ridiculously and he let go of her hips to grab her hand, pulling her towards the back entry of the kitchen to the hall in the start of their great escape. Regina swallowed a laugh when he suddenly pressed them into the corner in hiding, dodging their first threat when Robert came out of the study with their youngest in tow who squealed happily at their game of airplane.
They appeared successful in going unnoticed when his father failed to look their way and continued into the living room. David peered around the corner to find the foyer empty and looked back at her with boyish excitement that caused her to stifle a giggle, "Now is our chance!" he whispered.
Regina followed him as they darted through the foyer to the stairs, sneaking off like they had so many times before during visits at his parents' home. It was playful and fun and they'd made it midway up the staircase before freezing at the sound of Robert and Ruth's voices meeting in the hall below.
"Oh no! Pedestrian on the runway!" Robert exclaimed and made crashing noises, followed by the sound of their youngest child giggling.
"Henry and Elena are finding a movie for us. Should we park the plane for the evening?" Ruth played along and Violet jabbered in response, causing the older couple to laugh. "Do you know where David and Regina went?" they heard his mother inquire.
Regina and David held their breath, grinning madly at one another as they quietly crept up the remaining steps. They were still out of sight and as long as they cleared the stairs before his parents crossed into the foyer then their mission would be successful.
However, their effort to be inconspicuous soon proved unnecessary.
"Last time I saw them they were sneaking down this hall," Robert answered casually, humor lacing his tone, "So my guess is they're upstairs."
Regina's jaw dropped in amusement and embarrassment, watching David erupt with silent laughter that they'd been caught and hadn't known it. She remained rooted at the top of the stairs, unsure if they should continue to bed or go downstairs to save face, but David shook his head with a reassuring grin and scooped her up from the floor, making the decision for them. She couldn't help but smile wickedly at his persistence as she looped her arms around his neck, her cheeks flushing pink when they heard Ruth chuckle and reply.
"I'm not surprised. Those two never could leave each other alone."