Chapter 9: Not Too Late for Happy Endings

Robin put Roland to bed, kissing his son goodnight. "I'll see you in the morning, okay?"

"Okay," Roland said. He hugged his Teddy bear closer. "Papa, if you don't have to go to work tomorrow, do I still have to go to school?"

"Yes, you do," he replied, sitting on the edge of Roland's bed. "It's the Christmas party. You don't want to miss that, do you?"

Roland looked conflicted as he thought about it. "But you're not often home. I want to spend time with you before you have to go to work again."

It touched Robin that his son wanted to be with him and he leaned forward to kiss his forehead. "We'll have all of next week together, my boy. We can spend all the time you want together. How does that sound?"

"Good," Roland declared. He grew thoughtful again before asking: "Can we also spend time with Regina and Henry? I like being around them."

Robin's smile faltered and he took a deep breath, hating to disappoint his son. "I think they're going to busy. Maybe we can see if they're free in the New Year."

"Okay, Papa," Roland said, disappointed. He rolled over. "Good night."

"Good night, Roland. I love you." Robin kissed his son's cheek again before leaving the room, closing the door behind him.

He returned downstairs to work out a budget in order to make his savings last. As he reached the bottom step, though, a knock interrupted the silence in his house. Not expecting anyone, he checked out the window to see who it was. Surprise filled him when he saw Regina standing on his doorstep, her form bathed in the pale light of his porch light.

Robin opened the door and she looked up at him nervously. She held up her phone. "I got your messages. Sorry I didn't return them sooner. It's been a busy day."

"I can imagine," he said, amazed she was apologizing to him and wondering what she was doing there. He stepped aside. "Do you want to come in?"

She nodded, entering the house and letting him shut out the cold weather. Regina looked up the stairs. "Is Roland in bed?"

"I just put him down," he said, motioning to the kitchen. "We can talk in here."

"I wanted to check on you after last night. How are you?" she asked.

He paused, wondering how to answer that question. The last thing she needed was his problems. But glancing at the mess of papers on the table, he decided to tell the truth anyway. There had been enough lies. "I got fired today."

Regina's eyes widened and the color drained from her face. She looked sick at the thought and he knew she was blaming herself for what had happened. "I'm so sorry," she gasped. "This is all my fault. I shouldn't have asked you to lie. You don't deserve to be punished for my stupidity."

"Hey, hey, don't beat yourself up," he said, rubbing her arms. "Prince John and Keith have been looking for a reason to fire me. It was bound to happen."

"That doesn't make it right. And I hate that I finally gave them the reason to fire you," she said.

He sighed, running his hand through his hair. "I hate that I ruined the deal for you, Regina. I am so sorry about that and understand if you want your money back."

She frowned, shaking her head. "That's not why I came here and you didn't ruin the deal for me."

"I should've told you about my less than stellar past," he said, not believing her. Of course she wouldn't take the money back now that she knew he had no income coming in. And she was just too kind to blame him out loud.

Regina crossed her arms as she leaned in. "Robin, do you honestly think I chose you on whim?"

"Didn't you?" he asked, recalling her story about Gold giving her his headshot and her liking how real he looked compared to the others.

"Partly," she acknowledged, "but I did also run a background check on you."

The implications of that sunk into Robin and he looked at her with wide eyes. "You knew?"

She nodded. "I knew you were arrested and served time. And I also knew you had cleaned yourself and your life up. You've kept your nose clean ever since getting out of jail and have been a productive member of society. It was clear that everyone but management at the store respected you and I heard all about the good works you've done around town. That's what mattered to me."

Warmth spread though him at her words and he felt himself blush. "I try to be the best man I can be. For Roland's sake."

"I know," she said, reaching out and placing her hand on his arm. "And you are a good man, Robin Locksley. I'm sorry I pulled you into my deception."

He shook his head, hoping to get her to stop blaming herself. "I agreed to it. I knew what I was getting myself into and I really thought it was going to work."

"Me too," she said.

"I'm sorry it didn't," he said, covering her hand with his as he looked into her eyes. "You deserved to make that deal."

She grinned. "I still might make it. Zelena and I crashed the board meeting today and made one last pitch. They seemed very interested in what we had to say, especially after all the crazy things Leopold made us do this month."

"Yeah, he did put you through a lot," Robin agreed, glad to hear all wasn't lost for her. "I hope you get it."

"Thank you. And I'm sorry I didn't defend you better last night. It was unfair for Leopold and Victoria to say all of that to you," she told him.

He grinned at her, trying to reassure her. "There was a lot happening last night and you defended me as best as you could. You have nothing to be sorry for."

She leaned in and he wrapped his arms around her, hugging her. It felt good to have her in his arms again and he rested his cheek against her head. "I am so glad I got to meet you, Regina."

"I'm glad I got to meet you too," she said, pulling away. She looked up at him, uncertainty in her eyes. "It wasn't an act. Not at the end. I really care for you, Robin. In fact, I might even love you."

His heart skipped a beat at her confession and he smiled. It hadn't been his imagination or just wishful thinking. All the loving looks and caresses had been real. There was a chance for them to have a real relationship. He just had to take it.

"It wasn't an act for me either," he told her. "I think I love you too. I would love a chance to find out."

Her smile was blinding and she held onto him tighter. "I'd be happy to give you that chance."

Robin cupped her head, leaning in to give her a real proper kiss—not something meant just for show. She met him eagerly, the two holding each other as they kissed in his kitchen. He ran his fingers through her hair as he nibbled on her lower lip. She opened up for him, allowing him to deepen the kiss. It felt so right to kiss her and he felt so much lighter knowing he'd get a chance to kiss her as much as they both wanted for the foreseeable future.

They broke the kiss due to a need for air and he pressed his forehead to hers. She smiled. "I hope it's not too late to ask you to spend Christmas with us."

"It's not," he assured her. "And you're going to make Roland's day. He was hoping to see you and Henry again. You've also captured my son's heart, it seemed."

"Only fair. He took mine as well," she told him, still smiling.

She then turned her head and her smile fell away as she looked at his statements. Robin's heart sank as he had forgotten about those and didn't want her to feel guilty. "I'll find another job. Don't worry about me."

"There's always one for you at Fantastical Finds," she offered. "I would love to have you work for us."

It was a tempting offer and he wanted to take it. After all, the rest of her family worked there—it would just be another way he fit in should he be able to join them for real this time. But something pulled at him. When he tapped into it, he discovered a truth about himself.

"I would love to continue working at the grocery store. I loved interacting with all my neighbors and helping people, even if it was just getting them something off the shelves. I feel I could do so much good there," he said.

She nodded, taking his hand. "Then you should fight to get your job back, just like I fought to keep the deal with Blanchard Electronics alive."

He liked her idea but there was some problem. "And how would I do that?"

"Richard Lionheart was Zelena's prom date," she replied, surprising him. She held up her phone. "We've known the family for years. I can make a call and get you a meeting. You would have to do the rest."

Hope and excitement filled Robin as he hugged her. "You are an angel, Regina Mills. Thank you so much."

"It's the least I can do," she said. "Look, I have to get home to tuck Henry in but I'll text you after I talk with Richard. Call me tomorrow?"

Robin nodded, giving her a kiss again. "I will. I promise."

"Good." She gave him a kiss as well, apparently as eager as he was to do it over and over. "Good night, Robin."

"Good night, Regina," he said. He escorted her to the door and after a few more kisses, he watched her get in her car and drive away.

Closing the door, he returned to the kitchen and cleaned up his financial statements. As he did so, he found one of his headshots. He slid into a chair, looking at it. Robin had just taken a chance on Regina and he was going to get a chance to get his job back. Maybe it was time to take another chance as well.

He picked up his phone and hit Belle's number. It rang a few times and when she picked up, he greeted her before asking: "Do you still have the contact information for that agent you were talking about?"

Regina finished up one last email, eager to head out. They were closing the offices early ahead of the Christmas holiday and she was looking forward to spending time with her son. She was also eager to hear how Robin's meeting with Richard went, though she would find out that night. They had a real date then, some time to themselves while Roland and Henry spent time with each other at her parents. She was excited to see where her relationship with Robin would go and was glad they were spending the holidays together.

She hit send and she started to power down her computer when someone knocked on the door. Regina looked up. "Come in."

Tink opened the door, looking nervous. "Sorry to interrupt, Regina, but Mal Draco is here to see you. She says it's about Blanchard Electronics."

Regina's heart sped up as she straightened up. "Send her in. You don't have to wait for us, Tink. Go home and enjoy your holidays."

"Thank you, Regina," Tink said. She motioned for Mal to enter and the blonde woman walked into Regina's office. Tink wished Regina a Merry Christmas before closing the door, leaving her and Mal alone.

"Please, have a seat," Regina offered, motioning to one of the chairs in front of her desk.

Mal did so, looking serious. "On behalf of the board, I want to extend our apologies for everything Leopold put you through. While we also wanted a family-oriented business to take over, we didn't know he would put so much emphasis on it."

"Apology accepted," Regina said, sitting back down as well. She clasped her hands together. "They were events I would've gone to anyway with my son."

"But your focus should've been on him, not Leopold," Mal acknowledged. "We also apologize for how Leopold made you feel as a single mother. He may be the CEO but those aren't the values Blanchard Enterprise embraces."

Regina nodded, finding that getting an apology really meant a lot to her. She smiled. "Thank you."

"We were also very impressed with your presentation," Mal continued. "Your data was well researched and your projections were very attainable. It was clear that growth will happen with your company and that our employees will be treated very well. We've decided to sell Blanchard Electronics to Fantastical Finds."

That was music to Regina's ears—the best present she had gotten that Christmas. Well, second best after Robin and Roland. She stood, happiness coursing through her as she shook Mal's hand. "Thank you so much. You won't regret this."

Mal smiled. "I know we won't. Our lawyers will be in contact after the New Year to hammer out the details but it's pretty much a done deal. And while I don't know who will end up on your board, I do hope I get a chance to work with you."

"I hope so too," Regina replied, feeling she and the lawyer could become very good partners if not friends. "Merry Christmas to you and your daughter."

"And Merry Christmas to you and your son," Mal said. "I'll let you get back home to him."

Mal left and Regina felt as she was going to take off like one of Santa's reindeer. She picked up her phone and called Zelena's extension. "Good, you're still here," she said when her sister picked up. "Come into my office. I have some good news and I want you to be there when I tell Mother and Daddy."

"Did we get Blanchard Electronics?" Zelena asked, hope in her voice.

"We did," Regina confirmed. Her sister let out a shout of joy. "Come on over so we can tell them and then go home."

"I'll be right there." Zelena hung up and Regina knew she was going to run down the hall to her office. She sat down, pleased with herself—she had gotten Blanchard Electronics and a relationship with Robin.

Merry Christmas to her.

Robin checked his tie in the men's bathroom at Lionheart Food's corporate office in downtown Storybrooke. Regina had managed to get him an appointment with Richard Lionheart, which he appreciated. She had also helped him prepare over the weekend while Roland and Henry decorated cookies together. It had been good to spend time together without having to worry about hiding anything from their sons, who they sat down and told they were dating. Both boys were more than happy to hear that, hugging their parents. It had been a good weekend.

It was going to be a good Monday too, he told himself as he left the bathroom. He approached Richard Lionheart's assistant with a smile. "Good morning. I have a meeting at ten."

"Robin Locksley?" the dark-haired woman asked. She wore a red dress and had red stripes in her hair. It was no surprise when Robin found her nameplate read Ruby.

He nodded and she motioned to one of the chairs nearby as she stood. "Have a seat and I'll let Mr. Lionheart know."

Robin thanked her and took a seat as she walked off. He barely got comfortable when she returned. She smiled as she asked him to follow her. Robin did so and she led him into a large office with windows overlooking Storybrooke Harbor. Richard Lionheart's desk was at the other end of the room, surrounded by bookcases loaded with books. Several photographs and awards hung on the wall as well as framed newspaper articles.

"Ahh, Robin Locksley," Richard Lionheart said, standing from behind his desk. He wasn't much older than Robin though there was more gray than black in his hair. His gray eyes were kind as they looked over Robin, holding out his hand to him. Robin shook it.

Richard dismissed Ruby and motioned to a chair. "Have a seat. I wanted to meet you even before Regina Mills called to ask me to."

That surprised Robin but he wasn't sure if it was good or not. "Really? Why?"

"Because of these." Richard pulled out a binder and placed it on his desk. He tapped it with his fingers. "Every call to our hotline is logged and transcribed for our records. Most binders cover one week, two at most. This one is just from the past five days. Most of them are complaints about you losing your job."

Robin stared at it in amazement. He knew the customers loved him and he figured they would've been disappointed that he no longer worked there but he never would've thought they'd call Lionheart Foods to complain. "Wow," he said, dazed.

"Wow indeed," Richard said, nodding. He then pulled out a folder and Robin realized it was his personnel file. "I did some research of my own this past weekend. And based on what I've seen, you should've been promoted to manager a long time ago."

"I had applied a few times but never made it to an interview. Prin…John didn't really like me," Robin replied.

Richard sighed. "Sounds like John. He's always been insecure and has always surrounded himself with people who will tell him what he wants to hear while pushing away those who might be better than him. And don't worry. I know you all call him Prince John. It's a long running joke in our family."

It took all of Robin's self-control not to laugh at that, though he did allow himself to smile before he let it fall. "I'm sure you know Prince John and Keith had cause to fire me."

"Not really," Richard said, shaking his head. "It's not a crime to pretend to be someone's fiancé for them. And Leopold isn't being viewed very favorably for how he handled that whole situation. So it's rather inconsequential if you ask me."

Relief flooded through Robin but there was still one other thing. "They also accused me of stealing money we donated to help the children in the shelter. I never touched it."

"I know," Richard said, growing even more serious. "I'm afraid you were considered the perfect patsy given your past. We've noticed the store's books weren't adding up and launched an independent audit that has revealed my brother has been embezzling. I don't know to what extent Keith has been helping him, but he's also benefitted financially. The two no doubt realized we were closing in on them and I think they stole the donation money so that when the embezzlement came to light, they could accuse you."

"That sounds complicated and full of a lot of holes. How would a stock boy have access to the books?" Robin asked, confused.

Richard nodded. "My brother was never really known for being smart. Anyway, our store is going to be short some management come the New Year when we have John and Keith arrested. I think it's about time you became a manager. What do you say?"

Surprise filled Robin and his mouth fell open before he recovered himself. "I'd be honored, sir. I love working at Lionheart Foods."

"Good. For a moment, I thought you were going to say that Fantastical Finds had snapped you up." Richard chuckled as he stood. "Our HR department is already closed for the holiday but if you come in next week, we can get everything settled so you can start right after the New Year. For now, enjoy some time with your son—don't worry, we'll go back and pay you for it."

Robin's day kept getting better and better. He not only had a job again, but he had gotten a promotion and a paid vacation to spend time with Roland—as well as Regina and Henry. Standing, he shook Richard's hand. "Thank you so much."

"I look forward to working with you, Robin," Richard said. "And Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas to you." Robin left the room, saying goodbye to Ruby as he passed her desk. It was amazing how things could change in only a few days. He headed for his car, needing to make a few last-minute purchases.

This was definitely going to be a Christmas season he would never forget.