Chapter 10

Robin searched through her closet for just one decent outfit to wear on her date with Patrick but she hadn't had any luck so far. She was about to tell Patrick to forget it when she heard a knock on her door. "Come in."

Maxie burst through the door with Emma by her side and a garment bag in her hand. "Hey cuz – your fairy godmother and her assistant are here to save the day." Emma had texted Maxie the moment she had found out that her parents were going on a date to ask her to help her mom out.

"What do you mean?" Robin still hadn't notice the bag Maxie was carrying.

"I mean that I have the perfect dress for your date tonight." Maxie laid the bag on the bed and zipped it open, revealing a beautiful 50's style black dress with a pleated bodice, adorable cap sleeves and a swing skirt.

Robin picked up the dress and held it up to her body. She walked over to the mirror and smiled. "Maxie, it's perfect!"

"Of course it is." Maxie pulled out a pair of black satin pumps. "I went with a lower heel because I assume that you weren't wearing any high heels and I don't want you spraining your ankle while Patrick is twirling you across the dance floor."

Robin bit her lip and tears came to her eyes. It was all so normal, so simple, that she was having a hard time believing it was true. "Thank you so much."

Maxie could see the change in Robin and took charge. "Emma, go check on your dad and make sure he has everything ready for tonight and then pack your bag so I can drop you off at Uncle Mac's on my way home." Emma was spending the night with Mac tonight so her parents could have some time alone together.

"Okay Maxie." Emma happily skipped out of the room.

Maxie walked over to her cousin and put her arm around Robin. "What is it?"

"I just, I have wanted this for so long. Dinner out with my husband, sorry, Patrick and time with my daughter and I still can't believe it is happening." Robin set the dress back on the bed and sat down at her dressing table.

"And?" Maxie knew there was more to Robin's mood then disbelief.

"I don't know, I just want this so bad." Robin allowed her tears to finally spill over. "I want to be with Patrick and Emma as a family. I want to forget the last two years and just be us again."

Maxie didn't see the problem. "Then do it."

Robin took a tissue and began wiping away the tears. "What?"

"You said you want to be a family again – then be a family again." Maxie saw Robin's shocked expression so she quickly explained what she meant. "I'm not saying that you have to jump into bed with him tonight but I do think that you need to adjust your expectations. Don't think about the past or the future when you go out tonight – just concentrate on the here and now."

"That is easier said than done." Robin wiped away her tears.

Maxie knelt down next to Robin and took her hand. "Robin, you are one of the most amazing women I have ever met. You have survived so much to get back here to your family. You, better than anyone, you know how short life can be – please don't waste a moment of it."

"Maxie…"

"Let me ask you a question – if Patrick got hit by a bus tomorrow, what would you regret?" Maxie stared Robin straight in the eyes.

"What do you mean?"

"Well, would you regret giving the love of your life a second chance or would you regret running away because you were scared of losing it all again?" Maxie gently stroked Robin's cheek. "That man loves you and you love him. Love is a gift – don't be afraid to embrace it."

Robin turned away from Maxie and got off the chair. Slowly she made her way to the bed and picked up the dress. She smiled at it and then looked back at her cousin. "I was thinking of wearing my hair down – what do you think?"


Patrick and Robin were hand in hand as they got off the elevator and stepped into the MetroCourt restaurant. The ride over had been filled with talk about Emma's week at school and her plans for the weekend. It had been pleasant and easy and that was exactly what Patrick had wanted - to keep the evening as low pressure as he could.

They walked up to the hostess station. "Reservation for Drake."

The hostess was about to seat them when a woman's voice called out to them. "Robin!"

Robin cringed and turned around to see Carly barreling towards her. "Carly, I…"

Robin was cutoff as Carly grabbed Robin and pulled her into a tight hug. Robin looked at Patrick in surprise as he laughed at the sight before him. Carly finally let Robin go and smiled at her. "Thank you."

Robin's confusion was evident. "Carly…"

"You told me when you left that I would be on my hands and knees thanking you for what you were doing and you were right." Carly found herself getting emotional. "I am so sorry that I doubted you."

"You're not only one sorry about that." Patrick wrapped his arms around Robin and hugged her close.

"I cannot thank you enough for saving Jason's life." Carly looked at the hostess. "Whatever they want is on the house and send over a bottle of our best champagne."

"Carly, that really isn't necessary." Robin was still in shock over what was happening.

"Yes, it is." Carly smiled at the couple. "You two have a great evening."

"Thank you Carly." Robin was sincerely touched by the gesture.

The hostess started leading them to their table when she heard Carly call her name once more. "Robin, I almost forgot – Jax called and said that he and his mother will not be helping Jerry out of his latest mess."

Robin leaned back into Patrick's arms, relaxing a little bit more. "Really?"

"Yes, Jax said that he had enough and Jerry needed to face the consequences of his actions." Carly smiled at them one last time. "Now go and have a great evening on me and I will tell Sonny you said hello."

"Please do and tell him, actually, I want to tell both of you congratulations on your marriage. I really hope you two are happy together." Robin wanted to move on from the past and that included her feud with Carly.

It was Carly's turn to be touched – she could tell Robin was being sincere. "Thank you."

Patrick helped Robin into her chair and then sat down across from her. "Well, if that is a sign of the evening to come – we are going to have a great night."

Robin reached over, took his hand and smiled. "I think so too."