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.

CLASSICAL CHRISTMAS MUSIC PLAYED SOFTLY, the house smelled of the turkey yet to be taken out of the oven, and Regina's stomach was jittery than she wanted it to be. Robin had spent most of the morning around the house helping Amelia set up for the party.

Christmas morning had snuck up on them and she'd woken to the blinds and drapes open, snow blanketing the yard, and a note from Robin reading:

You looked too peaceful to disturb. Helping mom. Merry Christmas, I love you.

She'd taken advantage of her solitude and dozed as long as she could. She'd taken a bubble bath, spent time giving herself a facial, and tried to calm her nerves. The last few days had been stressful, and she knew Robin suspected she was hiding something. The guilt and the secrets were eating her alive.

Walking out of the bathroom after carefully applying the right amount of makeup and fastening her hair into a chignon to the right of the base of her skull, she sat at the edge of the bed. Applying lotion, she thought of the possibilities of this party. Of meeting his family. It was a far cry from the intimacy of her Christmas memories.

Tugging sheer black tights up her legs, she secured them up her thighs until she clipped them to the bottom of the band of her undergarments around her hips. It was sexy and insured her tights wouldn't fall as the day moved along. The dress she'd chosen had a dress shirt top in a V-neck with an asymmetrical layered skirt and tiny oval gold buttons lined down the front.

Shopping with Amelia, she'd spotted it in a shop and couldn't resist the purchase, thinking Christmas was the perfect time to spend her bonus. The Gold cutout heels matching the buttons made her wince when they rang them up, but now sliding them on her feet, she knew they went perfectly with the dress. In the mirror, she approved of her choice.

The door opened behind her after a brief knock and Robin stood in the doorway frozen with his mouth gaping open. Turning, she rewarded him with a quick twirl and a flirty smile, "So, how do I look?"

"Like I want to mess you up," he said shutting the door.

"No." Raising a hand to ward him off, she shook her head. "This took hours to put together, you'll have to hang on to that until later."

His hand absently rubbed his stomach, "You're killing me." Slowly walking toward her, he smiled with a warm smile. "Every man is going to envy me at this party." He laid his lips softly on hers. "I have something for you, I was going to wait but it's perfect for what you're wearing."

"Oh?"

He skirted the bed and opened the drawer on his side. He pulled out a black box wrapped in a white bow. "Merry Christmas." He lifted the lid to display a tiny gold necklace with her birthstone lodged in an apple. "I'd be honored if you'd wear this today."

Regina couldn't keep the laugh back knowing that it was sweet and funny that he'd chosen an apple. "It's beautiful." Turning around, she let him drape it around her neck and fastened it. "I got you a little something too."

Letting his eyes drop to her legs, he said, "I think this is gift enough."

Rolling her eyes, she went to her purse and pulled out a gift bag. "I hope you like it." Waiting with anticipation, she watched him pull out the engraved picture frame. Inside nestled a picture of him and his dad when he was twelve leaning against his father's car. Amelia had told her it was his favorite picture of them. Engraved, she'd written, "A memory lasts forever."

Also, in the bag was a package of roasted almonds, beef jerky, and a picture of them she'd had put into a key chain framed in the shape of Texas. The picture was from the first official date he'd taken her on. One she'd taken without him being aware of it.

His eyes met hers. Before he could say anything, she said, "This isn't your main gift, but I wanted you to open this in private."

"Regina, this is…how did you get this picture?"

"Your mom told me it was your favorite and I know how important your dad is to you. I thought you could put it on your desk at work." Smiling, she watched him struggling to keep himself together. Tears filling his eyes and he took her into his arms in a hug.

"Thank you," he said breathlessly. "I don't deserve you."

"Don't say that," she said pulling back. Framing his face, she kissed him. "What do you need help with?"

"I think mom needs help in the kitchen. I came in to shower and change. We've got a little less than an hour before everyone shows up."

"Oh, God." Glancing around, she wanted something to distract her, anything that would take the nerves away. "I'll be in the kitchen."

ROBIN STOOD IN FRONT OF THE mirror fiddling with his tie. He'd tied and untied it twice, the first too short, the second too long. Throwing it on the bed, he slumped down and stared at the ceiling. Regina's gift touched him deeply. He hadn't seen that picture in years and now it was surrounded by a frame that would always make him think of her.

He could hear her out there laughing with his mother, working alongside her as if she belonged there. It seemed she'd always belonged. He only hoped when he could muster the courage to ask her to be there permanently, she'd be on board. That vein hadn't been punctured yet, he thought. It wasn't the time, he kept telling himself.

He got up and attempted to tie his tie one last time and though it was a bit short, he didn't care. He'd deal with it later. He slid on his shoes he'd shined, slid on his light blazer, and walked out of the bedroom. Out of habit, he left the door open. When he turned the corner, Elvis was crooning about a winter wonderland.

Regina was helping his mother pull the turkey and ham out of the oven. It was placed on the Christmas platter painted in a snow-covered pine trees she'd had since before he came to live with them. The ham stayed in the silver pan it came out of and placed atop the red covered serving table. "Smells amazing."

"You look handsome, Robby." His mother handed him the stack of plates and flatware. "Set the table."

"Yes ma'am." He took them into the dining room already draped and cleaned off. He set plates at each setting, twelve that he counted. Napkins in white were already at each chair. In the kitchen, he repeated the process with another table set up for the children. The rectangle table was long and would fit up to sixteen kids, but he knew better than to place that many plates on the table.

His mother was particular, instead of glassware, the plates were tougher paper decorated in snowmen. The silverware was plastic and the cups were plastic. They knew too well how easily kids could break glass and the china in the dining room was her pride and joy. Robin wouldn't risk her feelings being hurt. He'd learned that the hard way.

"Armed and ready." As if his timing couldn't be perfect, the doorbell rang. "I'll get it."

At the door, he opened it to find August and who he could only guess was Julia, his soon to be wife. "August, how are ya?" They embraced in a hug.

"Man, it's been ages. I'm good, this is Julia. Julia, Robin."

He turned to the woman, kissed her cheek as he hugged her. "Welcome to this crazy family. Come inside." He led them into the kitchen, held out his hand for Regina. "This is Regina Mills, Regina this is August and Julia."

Introductions were had, teasing about each other's women were exchanged, and spiked eggnog was sipped. He watched Regina pour wine, cider, eggnog, and tea. Their eyes met often as people started to arrive. Slowly the house filled with people, conversation, laughter, and warmth. He made sure to check on her often to ensure she wasn't too overwhelmed.

Being announced as his girlfriend, his family had taken it upon themselves to tell childhood stories, ask about her life. He didn't mind a bit. Regina seemed to smile and navigate his family better than he was sure she thought she could. He found his mother in the den hiding from the festivities.

"Why are you hiding out here?" He watched his mother's eyes full of tears dart to his.

"I just needed some quiet. Your father is sad he couldn't be here. It's the first time he's not here for Christmas. It just about breaks my heart. Robby, what if…"

"Shh, don't go there," he said pulling her into his arms. "Don't think about this. Not today. I've had enough dark thoughts to last me a lifetime."

He soothed her worries, dried her tears, but under it, they felt the same. They shared the deep connection they knew would soon disappear. His father was a ticking time bomb. It wasn't easy to swallow, and he'd tried to honor his parents. But it was only a matter of time before he'd have to say goodbye. To bury his father.

Just the thought took his breath away, his hunger, and his joy. "We'll see him tomorrow. I promised to sneak him some leftovers and some of his bourbon. Come on, it kills me to see you wallowing in here."

"Amelia Locksley does not wallow." Her cheeks turned pink; her eyes heated. "I'll be there in a minute. You go check on your girl. They'll eat her alive after too long."

"Yes ma'am." He glanced back once more and, in the moment, watched his mother look longingly at the portrait of his father. She looked lost and lonely. Maybe a little afraid. He recognized the feeling and the look he'd witnessed in himself just hours ago. Lost, afraid, and unsure of what comes next. He was grateful he wasn't in this alone.

As promised, Regina met each of the family members Robin had pointed out in his family book. Uncle Tommy was fun to listen to. As advertised, he said whatever was on his mind. She found it refreshing and entertaining. There was a part of her that was glad none of it was aimed at her, she was sure she'd change her mind if that were the case.

Ruby and Dorothy were nice women and she enjoyed the anecdotal stories about Robin in his teens. Ruby dressed a bit provocative for her liking, but it wasn't her place to judge. Dorothy seemed quiet and a little more conservative. They complimented each other, she mused.

Shawn and Beth were cousins of Robin's. Shawn was a realtor, Beth worked in finance. She'd tried to keep up with the conversation, but they seemed to have a shorthand, inside stories, and ease. Quietly, she people watched not feeling obliged to chime in. As she moved from the dining room to the kitchen, she smiled at the man she remembered as Marco.

Marco was a man of all trades, owned a toy shop, and fixed gadgets. His wife, Gloria did his secretarial tasks and sold wood carvings on the side. They married almost twenty years ago and adopted little Pino. Pino was a little boy with red hair, freckles, and the sweetest smile. They made an amazing trio.

Her heart was soft toward him reminding her of Roland. They even were into the same comic books. Regina had sat with him for fifteen minutes and listened to him about the latest toys he got that morning. When she glanced up, Robin jerked his head to the side motioning her. He walked into the bedroom and shut the door.

As she walked in that direction, Amelia interrupted her progress. "Regina, would you mind filling drinks? I'm going to put those pies in the oven to warm."

"Of course," she smiled. As she poured the last glass of wine, she tried again to make it to the bedroom only to be interrupted.

"Regina, right?" Two men giving her the same intrigued stare everyone else seemed to give her. She was starting to feel like an exhibit.

"Yes, nice to meet you."

"Leroy," he smiled. "This is Angus." They shared small talk, she learned so much about his family from tidbits.

After being stopped four more times from various people, she finally slipped into the bedroom. For her sanity, she turned the lock and let out a breath. Robin rested on the bed with a pillow under his head, his tie was on the dresser, his shoes on the floor. "Sorry, it took me a while to get over here."

At the edge of the bed, she toed off her shoes and rubbed her aching feet. "I saw my mother grab you." He nudged her back and took her feet into his lap. He picked up her foot massage where she left off. Sighing, she laid back.

"That's not what kept me, it was Leroy and Angus, a large woman I can't remember her name. Dorothy roped me into a fun discussion on your high school fashion choices." She raised her head and watched his lips curve into a smirk. "Pino needed a bathroom break and to continue his three-hour-long story about his comic books, what he got for Christmas, his favorite snack, and how he wishes he could meet Santa."

"You fit right in. They love you; I knew they would." He let her feet go, took her hand, and pulled her to him.

"You're right. They do and while I wished to be in the quiet, more than once, I had a great time. Listen to that." Pausing, they could hear talking, laughing, music, noise. "It's how it should be. So, why are you in here?"

"It's too loud. I'm too tired and it's not the same without my dad here." His voice was thick, she glanced at his face. His eyes were closed, his face tired.

"If it hadn't been for Maggie, I wouldn't have had Christmas after I lost my dad. She forced me to go to her house. I wasn't ready but it was a little easier being around them. They took my mind off things for a while."

"I was distracted for a bit. It was good seeing everyone. August is my favorite cousin. So, it was nice being around him. When he left, I tried to stay in there, but I've lost touch."

"I like him. He's funny and he loves Julia. They seem so solid." She wrapped her arm around his torso and rested her head on his chest.

"They do. He was always this free spirit. He's grown up, I guess. I like her. He asked me to be his best man."

"Really?" That brought a smile to her face.

"Yea, I can't remember the last wedding I was at. I guess I'll find out."

"That's great. You can't stop making plans, Robin."

"I know."

They lay in silence, wrapped around each other, enjoying the silence. Regina felt like she could slip into sleep. The day had been enjoyable, fun, and exhausting. "What's next?"

"Hmm?" His voice was sleepy.

"Christmas. Do you eat and hang out? Are there any other plans?"

"Fireworks at midnight," he said turning on his side.

She snuggled closer, "Does that mean we can nap?"

He put an arm around her, buried his face in her shoulder, and she closed her eyes. As his breathing went from shallow to deep, she tried to sleep. The noise in the other room was too distracting. There were bursts of laughter, some clanging, and shouts. Children giggled and the house still smelled like food.

Twenty minutes later, she lay awake as Robin slept. The smell of pie filled her senses, the kids squealed at the announcement. A knock at the door didn't bring Robin out of his sleep. Closing her eyes, she wished for sleep. Thought she was awake, every muscle in her body was relaxed.

"Robin?" She heard a voice through the door. "You better not be getting laid at a party." The voice sounded foreign to her.

Nudging Robin's shoulder, she watched his eyes open. Heard the voice yell something about getting laid again. Robin shouted, "I'll be right there."

"Who is that?"

He sat up, rubbed the sleep out of his face, "Joey. A friend of the family. Damn, I was enjoying that nap." He kissed her nose, "You didn't sleep, did you?"

She shook her head, rested her face onto the pillow. "You go ahead."

"You sure?" He leaned down kissed her cheek. "I won't belong."

When he left the room, she laid in the spot he kept warm. Turned off her mind, she tried not to hear the noise in the house. Soon fatigue took over, she climbed under the covers, closed her eyes, and soon fell into a dark deep sleep.