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Regina waddled into the house after a day of gardening. With all the free time he now had, she needed a place to put her energy. Sitting idly didn't suit her and she'd done that enough in a cell and in a hospital bed. She wanted to be up and moving around. Up and living her life now that she was free from the past. She'd picked up a few books at the library and read about different types of flowers, shrubs, and trees. Granny's bed and breakfast lawn had always caught her eye when she drove by.

So, she wanted that same or similar vision in the front yard of the house. The flowerbeds were raked out and lined with white stones, thanks to Robin and the boys. They really helped in that area. A weekend project that included a lot of giggles, music, and late-night pizza on the porch.

Since the morning, she'd spent a good amount of time planting seeds and hammering in stakes with funny fairy and gnome faces on them for decoration. They made her smile and knew the boys got a kick out of the animals with funny bodies and long tails.

She filled the beds with annuals and perennials, foxgloves, and rhododendrons, pansies, posies, hydrangeas, and sunflowers, colorful combinations to offset the simple white house. Hedges would be put in soon and the lush green would bring the cover to the flowers and fill in the empty spaces.

An apple tree was planted in the ground and covered to the ball root. Another project Robin helped her with, and they'd enjoyed picking out the perfect tree. It was lush and the fruit was starting to ripen. In less than a month, she'd be able to pick her first apples. She'd make turnovers, pies, and caramel covered treats for the boys. She'd make applesauce with cinnamon and think of creative ways to expand on her baking.

Around the tree, a perfect circle of bricks protected the tree in dark greys and reds. Grasses and wildflowers lined the bricks and the red mulch was a bold and bright contrast to the lawn. Behind the tree, she envisioned where the pond would go. Soon, she'd see that project to completion. For now, she was content with the progress she'd made. They'd made. Satisfied, she dusted off her hands and dress and called it a day.

Then, she'd sat on the porch with a glass of lemonade to get out of the sun and hydrate. The sun was brutal in the last month, the sweat down her back proved the hard work she'd put in. As he'd worked, she'd hummed and rested a hand on her belly, felt the baby kicking in time to the beat.

The house was quiet, as it always was in the middle of the day when her boys were in school, she put away her gardening tools in the mudroom, she put the pitcher of lemonade in the fridge, and made her way up the stairs, slowly, to the nursery. Her balance wasn't what it used to be but she was enjoying the euphoric feeling of making a living.

In the last month since laying eyes on the room, she'd come in the room to add clothes or continue painting the frames for the new décor she'd purchased. The woodsy room was filled with different animals in bright colors. The neutral colors were a good starting point, but she'd wanted bright and bold.

The frames were painted in reds, pinks, and yellows. The clothes were in frilly whites, pastels, and bright and bold pinks and oranges. The walls were filled with shelves and knickknacks she'd found around town. It made her smile to come into the room. As she entered the room, she adjusted the blinds to let in the sun.

She picked up a rag to wipe the day's dust away, she fiddled with things that didn't need fiddling. But she was nesting as expectant mothers do. She picked up a pink teddy bear and sat in the rocking chair for a rest. Picking up a book, she turned the page and started where she'd left off.

Robin and David muscled a heavy and gorgeous armoire into the back of a truck. The wood had just been varnished after a restoration. Robin had seen it online and knew Regina would love it for the bedroom. It was carved with designs he knew she favored, a rich cherry wood that would match the bed frame, and a mirror in the shape of a shell that she'd go dewy-eyed over.

The dresser he had was destroyed and the glass broken on a long-ago day. It held too many bad memories. He'd tossed it on principle and thought with Marian's initials carved in it, it wouldn't be a good starting point for them.

David grunted, "This is a heavy bastard, she better like it."

"She will. I guarantee it. I already have the perfect spot for it," he said between his teeth.

Sweat soaked his shirt, beaded on his skin, and pooled down his back as they secured the armoire in place with ropes and pullies. "That should do her," he said.

David peeled the shirt from his body and used it to wide the sweat from his face. "It's hotter than hell out here. Let's get this sucker moved."

"I appreciate the help, man." Robin sat in the truck and was grateful when David amped up the AC. The air blasting his face felt great after the work they'd put in.

For the first few minutes, the car was silent with companionable intent. Then, Robin said, "I'm asking her tonight."

David glanced his way, "You ready?"

"I think so. I have it all planned out. I just hope there aren't any surprises. With Regina, you never know," he chuckled.

"I hear that. Maggie has been on me ever since she saw your nursery about the baby. We've been trying. Hell, I'm not complaining about the sex, it's the frequency and the technicality, I can't stand."

Robin slanted him a look, "Technicality?"

David turned onto the freeway and sighed, "She's got this calendar thing that tells you when the best time is. Hell if I know what it means. I swear she flaps that around on me and gives me times and dates. It kills the spontaneity and makes me feel like it's another chore of hers."

With sympathy, he patted him on the shoulder, "I can't relate, but I'll assume you'll work it out. Now, change the subject. I don't want to talk about your sex life."

"Hell, if I do. So, the boys ready for the big night? You get the supplies?"

Robin rubbed the sweat from his palms, "Yea, it's all ready. I'll stop by and grab it after work she doesn't know about this long lunch. I'm planning on making dinner. Regina isn't big on meat these days. So, I'm settling for Maggie's pasta and a good rosemary bread. I've got the boys all prepped and ready to go."

"I'm happy for you man. With all, she's been through and all you've dealt with, you deserve to settle in. The baby will make five and you'll live out in that house by the water in bliss. She'll say yes and I bet you'll get tears."

"I suspect, I will. Thanks, man. I owe you."

"You owe me to make that woman happy and show her that a man can be gentle, caring, and treat her like she deserves. You deserve to have a woman like her. She's ballsy, quick, and has a sense of humor that matches yours. I think I owe her for taking you off my hands."

Laughing, Robin punched his shoulder, "I'll be sure to tell her that. She'll get a kick out of it."

To say that Regina loved the armoire was an understatement. As she stood in front of it with a grin on her face, he was happy she liked it. "I can't believe you did this," she said.

He kissed her cheek, "We needed one and I knew you'd like it. Plus, it matches the bedframe. Are you hungry?"

"What?"

Distracted by the bed, he turned her shoulders, "I'm gonna make dinner. You hungry?"

"I'm eight months pregnant, Robin. I'm always hungry," she said.

"Good." He kissed her. "I'll get started and you'll help the boys with their homework. Deal?"

"Alright."

It was set and he knew he'd pull it off based on the mood she was in and the way the night was going. He'd hustled and moved the armoire in with David's help. Then, he'd winked at him as he left. The boys were keeping Regina occupied and he knew she wouldn't come downstairs unless she had to."

As he went down the stairs, he glanced back as Henry smiled over her shoulder. The pasta was already put together, thanks to Maggie. He slid the dish in the oven and put the warmer on.

In the garage, he took out the two gift bags full of supplies and got to work. On the table, he placed a red tablecloth, white dishes, utensils, and a display of candles in the center. The table was set for two. A bouquet of her favorite flowers was set next to her chair and a box of dark chocolate set beside it.

He lit the candles and the aroma of lavender, jasmine, and vanilla filled the air. The pasta smell mixed in wasn't an assault to the senses. It provided a nice contrast and had his belly grumbling with hunger. On the island, he put another red tablecloth and set the serving dishes in the center. Pink and white rose petals were sprawled around it for visual effect, Maggie had assured him.

To him, it didn't matter what the place looked like. Maggie had put him in his place and told him that if he was going to ask her to marry him, he'd do it right. He'd pull out all the stops because she deserved nothing less. So, he was doing it and he was going to do it the right way.

When the kitchen was set, he walked outside to the porch swing, their favorite spot to sit at night, and got to work. He dug out a few stakes with lights atop them and shoved them into the ground in the shape of a heart. The base of the heart stopped just in front of the swing. In the middle of the heart, he spread more pink, white, and red rose petals in disarray to fill the space.

He took a string of twinkly white lights, he'd loathed, and strung them over the posts of the swing. He twined them up the leg, over the top, and down the other side. It wasn't Christmas, he grumbled. He felt ridiculous doing this, but he did it anyway. When they were twined and set, he plugged them in to test. When he went inside, he flipped the switch and watched them light up.

Not bad, he thought. Not what he thought. He could get used to them being there, he decided. Thanks again, Maggie.

Inside his pocket, he pulled out the box and lifted the lid. The small cut diamond in bold red winked back at him. An heirloom from the Locksley family, he'd kept. It didn't occur to him until recently, he'd never given it to Marian. But he wanted to give it to Regina. It belongs to her, he mused. It would look right. It would be right on her hand and it would represent all the feelings he couldn't even express to her.

Love, commitment, admiration, respect. Those were all easy to express vocally but he had so many emotions inside him when he looked at her. This ring would circle and solidify them when he put it on her finger.

Nerves danced in his throat when he turned off the switch and closed himself into the kitchen. He timed it would take him another ten, fifteen minutes to warm the bread, open her favorite wine to sip, and settle himself.

Henry and Roland glanced at the lock and stifled yawns as they finished up the math homework they'd already done two weeks before. "I'm tired," Roland said.

"You're almost done Three more," she said.

Henry pushed his paper at her, "I'm done."

As she looked the paper over, he stood and walked to the window. Glancing out of the curtain, he couldn't see the ground. So, he knew she wouldn't either. "So?" he asked when he sat back down.

"Good job," she smiled. "It's nearly dinner time. Why don't you go wash up?"

"I'm not hungry," he said. "We had pizza and chips, remember?"

"That was hours ago. You don't want anything?"

Henry shook his head, "No."

"Alright, Roland?" She stood and held a hand out.

"I'm not hungry either," he said. With a big yawn, he laid down, "I'm tired."

Regina crossed her arms and watched the boys as they put their homework away, Roland's eyes closed. Henry picked up a comic book and settled on the bed. "More for me, I guess."

Neither looked back at her as she left the room and closed the door.

The smell of the pasta and bread traveled up the stairs and her stomach clutched. She took a step towards the stairs and stopped when Robin came bounding up. "That smells like Maggie's pasta."

Robin smiled, "It is. The boys ready?" He faked surprise when she told him they weren't hungry. "I guess they ate too much pizza. Come on," he took her hand.

When they reached the bottom of the steps, he turned him and kissed her. "You smell good."

"Very funny," she said. "I was outside today. I never showered."

His hands rested around her waist and buried his nose in her hair, "Mmm. It suits you."

"Robin, I'm hungry," she chastised.

With a laugh, he pulled back. "Okay."

He took her hand and she stopped short when they reached the entrance to the kitchen. Regina's mouth gaped open and tears filled her eyes. "Oh." Closing her mouth, she took a step and took in the room. The flowers, the food, the setting. It was gorgeous and so not something she was used to. "I can't remember the last time anyone ever did this for me," she admitted.

Robin led her toward the table and into her seat. "It's about time I did," he said simply. He filled their plates and set them in front of her while she buried her nose in flowers.

"What is this for?"

"What?" he pretended not to notice her speculative glances. "I wanted to do something nice for you. Is that alright?"

"First the armoire, now a fancy dinner. You're sweet, Robin. Thank you," she leaned over to steal a kiss.

They ate, he flirted, she blushed, they laughed and indulged in conversation. He asked her how her day went, they talked about the shop and lingered over wine. He watched her sample the chocolate and the wine. Stole kisses in between and felt like he was the luckiest guy in the world.

When he was ready, he stood, "Let's sit outside."

"Good idea," she said joining him. He took a wrap from the peg by the door she favored wearing outdoors and draped it over her shoulders.

Opening the door, he led her through it and flipped the switch. Regina gasped quietly behind him and he smiled. "You're pulling out all the stops, aren't you?"

"Yes, I am," he said as he took her hand and they settled on the swing. He rested an arm around her and set the bench to swing slowly keeping the heel of his foot on the ground to keep them from going too fast.

The warm air had faded to cool, the salt from the water was in the air, the sky had gone dark but the faint line of the moon in the sky. Snuggling closer to him, she kissed his cheek. "Thanks for dinner," she murmured.

Turning his head, he locked eyes with hers illuminated by the small white lights. He saw the appeal of them now, he mused. The soft glow of her face, not flooded by light, but instead a hint. The line of her cheekbone, the shape of her mouth, the length of the stem of her neck against the shadows. "You're beautiful."

"You flatter me."

"It's not flattery if it's true," he pointed out.

"Mmm," she dismissed him. He couldn't help but smile to himself knowing that her insecurities were her own. He'd do his best to make her feel beautiful despite the scars she carried. To him, he didn't see scars, he saw armor. Survival. He saw a strength.

"You know," he began. "The boys have been asking for a dog. All this space, a big yard, the water, it could be fun to have a dog romping through the house."

"Roland asks me about three times a week. I like dogs, Robin. But with the baby coming, isn't that a lot all at once?"

He linked his fingers with hers, "It could be, but it could also be a way to give them responsibility. They'd feed it, clean up after it, train it, and keep an eye on it. Give them something to focus on when they get on each other's nerves."

Regina chuckled, "Which is often."

"Boys have a short temper, but they simmer quickly. A puppy is sloppy, funny, and entertaining."

She turned her head to look at him, "You sound more convincing then they do. Are you angling for me to agree to a dog?"

He disarmed her with a grin, "Maybe."

Pursing her lips, she watched those dimples shine in the light, "That won't work," she said stubbornly.

"What won't?"

"That smile," she said hotly.

"No?" he leaned closer and pressed his lips to hers. "What will?"

Laughing, she tried to lean back, "A puppy?"

"A couple of them," he said and watched the horror fill her eyes.

"Robin. That's just…"

"Perfect," he finished.

"It seems I'm outnumbered. Aren't I?"

He rested his hand on her belly, "For now you're the only female and we males are the core of this family." He watched her eyes flash at the term. He knew deep down she yearned for a family. To have it, to keep it. She wanted it and he wanted to give it to her. He aimed to.

When she said nothing, he pressed on to take that look out of her eyes. "If you want, we'll get a couple of sisters and we'll be outnumbered."

A smile spread on her pretty face, "I guess that would be alright. If they chew on my shoes or dig in my flower beds, your ass is mine," she warned.

"You got it." To seal it, he scooted closer and changed the angle of his arm. He turned her a bit toward him and rested his fingers on her cheek. "I love you," he said. He swallowed a lump in his throat at the nerves. Pressed it down and meant to stay down.

"I love you, too," she smiled.

He scanned her face, the scar above her lip, the eyes that held him and stunned him, disarmed him when he least expected it. Her face had been in his mind for so long, he couldn't close his eyes and not see her there. "It's been a hell of a year," he stared.

Fatigue filled her eyes and he shook his head, "I didn't say that, so you'd think about it," he said. "It's a fact that it's been hell. So much happened, Regina. The past isn't ever gonna go away. You'll carry those scars with you," he said.

Nodding, she shifted, "I know, but I don't want to think about it. I try not to."

"I know. Sometimes I look at you and I know you're working yourself harder than I want you to because it's a way for you to chase away those demons. To stop thinking and do until you're too tired to do anything else."

Opening her mouth to argue, he pressed a finger to her lips to stop her. "I know you don't like it, but I watch you. I worry, and I notice things." When her eyes turned wary, he kissed her lightly. To soothe.

"I watch you staring out the window at nothing and trying not to think about him. What he did to you, Regina. That's over and I know you can't forget it. I watch you sleep sometimes and know you have nightmares. You try to hide them from me when you get up in the middle of the night. You got to the nursery."

Turning her head, she crossed her arms, "I don't want to wake you and the nursery makes me feel better."

Taking her hand, he squeezed, "I know that. I wish that you'd unburden yourself to me sometimes. I know that you can't and that you're working on it. I'm patient, Regina. When you feel comfortable, I know you will."

"I…yes. I will," he said.

"Until then, I want something." This was it and he was already sweating.

"What?" Their eyes met.

"I want you," he said.

"You have me, I'm sleeping in your bed and living in your house. How else do you want me?" she smirked.

"I want all of you, I want you to marry me," he said.

He watched the smirk fall and her face pale. Her mouth dropped open and her arms fell limply to her lap. "What?" It was hardly a whisper.

"I know how you feel about marriage, but I want you to be my wife, Regina. We belong together and I want to raise our family. I want all of you," he said and covered her mouth with his.

The kiss spun out until she slipped into a dreamy peaceful place. Then he lifted his lips and murmured, "Marry me."

He kissed her again. Took it deeper and longer but kept it sweet. When he lifted his head, he locked eyes with hers. "I'll do the best I can to never hurt you, I'll take care of you and Henry. This baby is ours, this family. You're my family, Regina."

Tears spilled down her cheeks in silent streams, her hands clutched his shirt, her lips trembled. "I know. Family," she said.

"Will you marry me, Regina?" He pulled out the box and lifted the lid. Watched her eyes dart to his hand and hold. Her breath trembled out and rushed in before she started crying. Soft sobs that jolted his heart.

Her eyes met his and she laughed through the tears, "Yes, I'll marry you. I love you."

He kissed her deeper and longer and poured himself into her before releasing her and putting the ring on her finger. "Your fingers are swollen, he told her. It fits, I'll resize it later. You're it for me," he said.

When they were in a long intimate embrace, her heart soared when she heard the back door open and whoops and hollers filled the air. Turning, she smiled to see Henry and Roland jumping up and down. "We're gonna be brothers," Roland shouted.

Robin said, "You already are," and brought Regina in for one last kiss.