ATTENTION: THE AUTHOR IS POSTING THE LAST CHAPTER ON MAY 5. TO THANK ALL THOSE WHO HAVE READ HER STORY, SHE IS ALLOWING THE ENTIRE STORY TO BE PUBLISHED UNTIL MAY 22.

THIS BOOK OR ANY PORTION THEREOF MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED IN ANY FORM WITHOUT PERMISSION. THE SCANNING, UPLOADING, AND DISTRIBUTION OF THIS BOOK VIA THE INTERNET OR VIA ANY OTHER MEANS WITHOUT THE PERMISSION OF THE PUBLISHER IS ILLEGAL AND PUNISHABLE BY LAW.

REGINA OPENED HER SLEEPY EYES and glanced at the clock. She was still wrapped in her blankets and felt Robin's solid warm body behind her. He slept, his breathing deep and even, his body was still. It was unclear how he'd ended up sleeping over. A graduality of events seemed to have escalated and before either could think it through, they'd fallen asleep. Discussion averted.

Closing her eyes, she replayed the night in her mind. He'd helped her forget, she'd taken charge in bed and she rarely ever did that. It had been exhilarating, he seemed to know that she needed the control. She liked it and liked that he didn't dominate when he was prone to. All the anxiety and irritation had disappeared until there was nothing in her mind.

They'd refueled on food and tea, worked in bed, and ended the night with another healthy bout of sex, which she initiated, she remembered. She'd gotten used to him making the advance, it had been her turn, she told herself. They'd been discussing the speech, he gave ideas, she changed or adjusted.

Then, when they put the speech aside deciding it was solid, they'd sat together. Talked about Robin wanting to go visit his parents in London. Talked about Maggie and David spending Sunday night with her. It had even surprised her when she invited him to join. When he teased her with a maybe, she'd felt like having him around would make this year a lot better than last.

Feeling bold, she'd kissed him, initiated sex, and had been pleasantly surprised that he let her lead. He didn't try to change the dynamic and that made her feel in control. It made this zing between them even. In her mind, she needed to push him at times, and loved that he let her.

It was foolish to think it was anything else, she thought. It would be easy to read into the way he'd looked at her, the way he'd kissed her, the way he'd held her. All the things she wanted in those moments seem to create fear in her. Fear of losing what she had, of leaving this hurt and scarred. Her gut was telling her one thing and her heart was telling her another. To her mind, they didn't play on the same field or the same sport.

Taking a deep breath, she snuggled deeper into the bed and into her pillow. The slight shift of her body roused Robin enough for him to wrap his arm around her. Reaching up, she went with instinct and linked her fingers in his as she scooted into his warmth. She felt his lips touch her shoulder as she drifted off.

When she woke again, she smelt coffee and heard the rumble of the TV in the other room. Glancing behind her, the space where Robin slept was empty. Having hi in her bed had been something new too. After emptying her bladder, brushing her teeth, and sliding a robe on, she opened the bedroom door to find Robin in the kitchen.

He'd pulled his pants on, she noted. The TV was on the news and he was busy frying bacon. He turned his head as she walked toward him, "Morning." He set the fork down and pulled her to him, laid his mouth over hers, "Coffee's fresh. I hope you don't mind but I rummaged through your fridge. Brunch is almost ready," he smiled.

"What woman would complain about a man cooking her breakfast?" She moved around him to pour herself a full hot mug of coffee, added creamer, and took a sip. "How long have you been up?"

Adding dripping bacon to a plate lined with paper towels, he put it aside and turned off the burner. "About an hour, I guess. I didn't have the heart to wake you," he smiled. "You looked peaceful and you've been tired. I thought you could use the rest." He leaned forward caging her against the counter with his hands.

Lifting her chin, he leaned down for a warm kiss and pressed his lips to her forehead.

"Thanks," she smiled. She watched him move around her kitchen with ease, opening and closing drawers to find what he needed. At home, she noted. He didn't seem the least bit put off by the fact that this was the first time he'd been here. Nor did he seem to be sorry about using the food in her fridge.

Scrambled eggs were in a pan, he'd hash browned potatoes, sausage links and bacon on plates, and a green pepper mixture. The last time she'd made that much food, her father had been alive. The smell brought back memories, her eyes watered. "What?" His concern touched her.

"Nothing," she took her mug around the counter to sit on a stool. "It's been a long time since I've had a big breakfast like this." Feeling like sharing her thoughts with him, she rested on an elbow, "My father used to wake up early and make breakfast before I got up. Memories," she shrugged.

He stopped what he was doing, turned to look her in the eye, and walked around to her. Turning with him, he wrapped her close, "Good or bad memories? Did I overstep?"

"No," she said shaking her head. "That's not why I said it. I like it, and I don't usually make this much food."

"I didn't know what you liked, so I made it all." He kissed the tip of her nose. "I'll pick up some groceries to make up for it."

Her stomach fluttered, "Getting used to having a man in my kitchen is dangerous."

"Yea," he asked playfully? "I'll risk it."

"You're playing with fire, Locksley. I hate cooking and more I hate cleaning up after cooking. So, if you're offering to do both, I may have to keep you."

Laughing, he leaned in and laid his mouth on hers in a long, long kiss. "Hmm," he hummed as if he was considering it. Her chest tightened at the serious look on his face. "You'll have to taste the food first and observe my cleaning skills. Then, we'll see my marks and you can decide on salary," he seemingly joked.

As she pulled him into another drowning kiss, her stomach knotted. He may be joking, but she thought it was entirely possible that she could keep him and have no qualms about it. When his hands snuck under her robe and caressed, she thought she could get used to that too. Wanting him was automatic. When did it stop, she wondered? Would she ever stop wanting him?

"The food is going to get cold," she said breathless when he clamped his mouth on her neck.

"It'll keep," he said as he lifted her out of the chair and began to walk her back into the bedroom.

Wrapping her legs around him, she decided to indulge him and bit down on his neck Grunting, he hurried his steps and they tumbled on the bed, her under him. They laughed before he brought his mouth down on hers in scorching kisses until she could no longer think.

"I want you to keep me," he said against her lips. Then, dived in again and took the kiss deep and rough. He reached down and slid his fingers along her aching center, her hips bucked uncontrollably, and his fingers sunk into her. Took her up and over and released her.

What? She couldn't catch her breath or gather any cognoscente thought. Her brain was stuck between the sexual fog and the declaration. "I know it was a joke, but I want it." His hands were quick to tug the tie of her robe open, rolled them over so he could pull the robe off her body.

He sat up to cover his mouth to her breast. She gasped, clutched his head to keep him in place. "I want you," he said when he lifted his head. There was something in his eyes that made her swallow and the back of her throat burn. It terrified her that he was thinking the same thing she was. It terrified her that he didn't want what she did. "I want you so much I can't breathe."

For a moment, he watched her with hooded eyes and waited for her to respond. A million different things went through her mind, a million that she wanted to say, could say, and should say. Nothing could come close to what she managed, "Take me."

He rolled her over, shoved his pants down his hips, and entered her. Regina lost herself in him and nothing mattered more to her in that moment.

ROBIN STOOD WITH DAVID in the kitchen with cups of cocoa in front of them. Regina and Maggie were spread out on the couch separating ornaments into sections. Why the hell it had to be organized was beyond him. You just pick a spot on the tree and hand it, he thought. That was pretty much his experience.

As the women worked, David turned to him, "So, you and Regina are getting pretty serious."

"Uh…" Glancing her way, he didn't know how to answer that. "I guess."

"You look terrified of the idea," David laughed. Patting him on the back, he picked up his mug and drank.

The uneasiness in his belly and the itch between his shoulders kept him from the sweet drink, "A little," he admitted. "Not so much that it's serious but that I can't figure where she's at."

"With Regina, you never know. She tends to keep things to herself."

Robin knew that and had discovered that early. "I know, which is my worry." Feeling steadier, he took a drink.

David turned to him, "Look, I've known her for years. You obviously have something going. You spent the night," he said.

The itch between his shoulders was back, "Yea." It entered his mind that he'd not only spent the night once, but had ended up going home to shower, change, and he'd stayed a second night. Glancing around the kitchen, there was evidence of their breakfast.

"That's something," he said. "I figure she wouldn't invite you in her bed if she wasn't silently considering what it is. So, you have some time to figure it out."

Robin sighed, watched Regina start moving toward the tree to shape it. Under his breath, he said, "I'm in love with her."

David's eyes widened and his mouth dropped open slightly, "You're sure?"

"Yea," he said drinking the rest of his cocoa to wet his dry mouth. "I'm sure. Took some time to come around to it. If I tell her, she'll bolt."

David agreed, "You're not wrong."

"She needs more time to come to it on her own," he said.

"What are you gonna do about it?"

That, Robin thought, was what he'd been trying to figure out. "I don't know," he admitted. "I'm still sore in that area."

David nodded, "I get that but she's not her. Don't forget that in your mind."

Robin turned, "I know that she's not her. That's not even in my mind. I'm just not sure what I intend to do about it. I wasn't looking for this."

"We're never looking for it," David said. "It hit me in the face but look at what I have. I wouldn't trade it."

Robin turned back to watch Regina with a smile on her face, joy in her eyes, moving around the tree. He could be happy with her and that scared him more. It scared him that he could want it and she not feel the same. "I'll have to think about it. Let's go help with the tree."

The women instructed them on what went where, the guys were designated to the top because of their height. As they decorated, Christmas music played jolly in the room, and he felt content. When she turned, he leaned in and touched his lips to hers. An intimate but deliberate statement to do in front of her best friends.

Regina handed him the angel, "You can do the honors this year." He glanced down at the angel, up to her bright eyes, and lifted his hand to put the angel on top the tree. Pulling her in, he laid his mouth on hers for a longer kiss. When he lifted his head, her lips curved. Pointing, she said, "You've got those over there."

They continued to decorate the tree, drank cocoa, all sat down to watch a movie. When Regina snuggled into him, he wrapped an arm around her, glanced at David. They exchanged a knowing look. Robin agreed, he was a goner. He was so in love with her and it was going to tough if she didn't feel the same. For now, he slid his hand in hers and linked their fingers.

Being a part of her holiday tradition was the first step. Spending the weekend with her had been another step, he thought. Sex was iffy as far as steps went. As the movie went on, he tried to figure out where he wanted to go. Sooner or later, he'd have to tell her. Then, they'd see what was what.

THE FLORIST SET THE FLOWERS in the centerpieces set out on the tables. Regina walked around with a clipboard making sure each and every detail was seen to. When the florist was done, she gave the woman a tip and moved on to the main food table. Setting out the table cloth, she placed dish holders with fall themes.

A few smaller centerpieces were placed in strategic manner to ensure no flowers would cover any food. When the table was set, Robin walked in with boxes in his arms. "Where do you want these?"

The boxes were labeled GIFTS for Mueller and his team. "There's a closer over here, the hotel manager gave me a key. I figure we'd put them in there." She opened the door for him, and he set them down. When he scanned the room, she asked, "What do you think?"

"I think we throw a great party," he grinned. "Damn, you could make this a career, Gold was right."

"I don't know about that, but it does look good," she agreed. "I think we're set for tomorrow. We have a tentative guest list," she began. She'd looked at the list all morning and wanted to tell Robin what she'd seen. She wasn't sure how he'd react.

"Two hundred, right?"

"Yea, Robin…"

He turned to meet her eyes, "What's wrong?"

"I saw it this morning and I figured I'd show you. That you'd want to know," she said.

"Know what?"

"Greta Nash is on the guest list, Robin. Her brother bought her a ticket."

She watched his jaw harden, his eyes retreat, and his body tense. "Figures."

"I'm sorry," she said with a small voice hating how upset he looked.

He averted his eyes, "It's not your fault. Thanks for telling me."

"Sure."

"I'll go grab the rest of the boxes," he said and walked out.

When he came back in, she made sure to be busy doing something else. She thought he could use the time to himself. Picking up all the trash and tossing it into the bins, she rolled them to the back of the room. With the room complete, she closed and locked the closet when Robin set down the rest of the boxes.

She looked around the room for anything she left behind and closed the outside door. He followed behind her helping her with each task. His face was serious and he didn't say a word. She wished she could make him feel better. To clear his mind of worry, but she wasn't sure she could do that. Wasn't sure how to.

When she locked the door, she got in the passenger seat of his car, he climbed in after. As he drove out, she kept silent. Didn't know what to say or how to get back to normal. So, she turned her head to look out the window.

His voice was terse, "You hungry?"

She nearly flinched, "Sure." She tried to go along with what he wanted. To not rock the boat.

"Granny's?"

"Okay."

Settling into a booth with their meal, she took small bites, the silence was killing her. She wanted to talk to him. To soothe his worries and to see him smile. But he sat there with a serious face, took bites of his meal, drank his tea.

When she'd had enough of the silence, she pulled her phone out and started answering e-mails. Gold was inquiring about the Mixer, Maggie needed help on a case, and she sat straight when she saw an e-mail from Katherine Nolan.

Swallowing, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "What?"

Her eyes flashed open and she met his eyes, "Hmm?"

"Your face," he said confusing her. "I can see it all over you. You're worried about me. I'm sorry. I just needed time to process."

"I know," she said. "I was giving it to you."

"Thanks, so what's on your phone that put that look on your face?"

Putting her phone on the table, she sighed, "I got an e-mail from Katherine and I'm scared to open it."

"Give it to me," he suggested.

Handing it over, he began to read. Her nerves jumped under her skin, her belly knotted. His face gave nothing away.

When he looked up, he said, "Read it."

"I…I'm scared," she said.

"Read it," he repeated and handed the phone back.

Looking down at her phone, she read, and tears gathered in her eyes.

Regina,

I first want to say that I'm sorry. I went to social services because I was scared. I feared losing Roland. He means a lot to me and he constantly asks for you. It brakes my heart that I put you through this. What I did, I did out of fear. I got your note from David. That you would put my feelings above your heart speaks volumes. You love him and I nearly ruined that. I've arranged it so that you can see Roland for Christmas.

At your convenience, I can drop him off the day before and pick him up the day after. I hope you'll forgive me, and I hope that we can move past this. I respect and value you, Regina. I always have. You're my friend and I love you. Call me and we'll work it out. The parade is in a couple of weeks, I'd love for us to go together.

Katherine.

Her cheeks were wet, she expelled the breath she'd been holding. Suddenly her heart was full, her chest tightened. All the tension and stress she'd been carried around seemed to simply drain out of her. A sob escaped her lips, she took a napkin to wipe her face.

Robin slid out of his side of the book, slid in next to her, and wrapped his arms around her. It was just what she needed, she thought. Resting her head on his chest, she let the tears fall. "I can't believe it."

"It's what you wanted, right?"

"Kind of," she said. "It's not exactly what I had in mind, but I'm happy with it. Oh, I'm happy."

"Good," he said squeezing her.

Lifting her head, she said, "I wish I could make you feel better. That you didn't have to worry about her showing up tomorrow. I'm sorry, Robin."

"It is what it is," he said. "I'm not going to let her get to me."

"She already has," she said. "I don't like seeing you so upset."

He wiped her tears with the pad of his thumbs, "I'll get over it. I just need a little time to brood. Okay?"

"Yea," she pressed her lips to his. Hugging him, she thought this was perfect. This moment was perfect.