"Holidays and Grief"

Robin wanted Henry's first Halloween to be perfect.

He knew that his son was too young to remember it – he was barely three months old now. This was all for him and Regina reminded him not to put too much pressure on himself, which was likely something he would have to say to her once Christmas rolled around. But he had looked forward to sharing his favorite holiday with his children and so Robin was going to start as soon as possible.

Though he would agree that maybe Henry didn't need five different costumes for Halloween. But Robin hadn't been able to choose in the store so he figured it wouldn't hurt and they would find a reason for Henry to wear them all at some point.

Which was true for Henry's two-month pictures. Regina decided that they should do a Halloween theme for them to honor Robin's favorite holiday and they dressed Henry in the little vampire costume they had found. Henry slept through most of the pictures but when he was awake, he seemed very fascinated by the cape and the Halloween decorations.

Robin considered that a win.

Mary Margaret and David also had a woodland creature theme for their annual Halloween party, now also adjusted for children. Regina figured it was just an excuse for her friend to wear her Snow White costume again (which was proven true) but Robin was more focused on them going as bears. He worked with Regina and they ended up winning a family prize thanks to their adorable Baby Bear.

He then dressed Henry up in the bumblebee costume and brought the baby to his workplace. Everyone crowded around Robin and Henry, cooing over how adorable he looked in his costume. A picture of Henry in his costume soon joined the other pictures on their bulletin board, right next to the one of him in his Sherwood onesie.

By the time Halloween rolled around, there were then two costumes Robin hadn't used yet – pumpkin and dragon. He laid them on the dresser in the nursery, looking between them. The pumpkin costume was very traditional but the dragon one was a fun costume. So which way did he want to go for Henry's first time trick or treating?

"Can I make a suggestion?" Regina asked, wrapping her arms around him from behind and resting her chin on his shoulder.

"Of course," he said. While Halloween was his holiday, he still wanted her feedback just as he hoped she would want his when Christmas rolled around.

She pointed to the pumpkin costume. "I think I want to use that for his three-month pictures. Make him the centerpiece of a cornucopia rather than dressing him as a pilgrim or a turkey."

"I think that would be a great idea," he replied, holding up the dragon costume. "So Henry will go trick or treating as a dragon."

"He's going to be the cutest dragon ever," she said, kissing his cheek. "And we're going to enjoy his haul."

Robin chuckled. "Yes, we are."

She then patted his chest. "So, Henry is asleep. What do you say to a cuddle on the couch with two glasses of wine?"

"I say hell yeah," he said, setting the costumes down. "Lead the way, milady."

Regina took his hand and led him out of the nursery. They walked downstairs together and into the living room. She released his hand, kissing his cheek. "Why don't you light a fire and I'll go get the wine?"

"Sounds good to me," he said. They parted ways and he went to the fireplace as Queen left her bed, walking over to him. He chuckled, scratching behind her ear. "Come to help Daddy?"

Her Majesty let out a little bark before sitting by his side, watching as he lit the fire. Once it was going, he placed the cover back on it and stood. Robin looked down at Queen, motioning for her to follow him. "Come on, girl."

Queen jumped up onto her favorite armchair, curling up on it. Robin chuckled as he pulled down the blanket he and Regina kept on the couch in the colder months, unfolding it and shaking it out as Regina returned with two glasses of wine. "Here we go," she said, handing him one.

"Thank you," he said, motioning to the couch. "Make yourself comfortable."

She nodded, sitting down and then pulling her legs up to tuck them under her body. He sat next to her, also pulling his legs up until he was lounging on the couch with her. Robin covered them with the blanket before tapping his glass against hers. "Cheers."

"Cheers," she said, sipping her wine. "I love quiet nights like this."

"Me too," he replied, setting his glass down so he could wrap both his arms around her. "I think we're going to appreciate the quiet even more soon."

She chuckled. "Henry is barely three months old. We have time before he starts making noises and talking all the time."

"That is true," he agreed, resting his cheek against her hair. "I guess I shouldn't speed up time, huh?"

"Please don't," she said. "I want to enjoy this time with Henry, even if we're exhausted most of the time. It's all about him and being his parents."

Joy spread through him as he kissed the top of her head. "I love being Henry's dad and sharing everything with him for the first time."

"I know," she said, chuckling. "You've made it very clear about Halloween."

"Like you're going to be any different about Christmas?" he asked her, teasing her.

She paused before chuckling as well. "That's true. I'm going to make this one of the best Christmases ever, though not just because of Henry."

Regina grew quiet as she turned away from him, a faraway look in her eyes. He continued to hold her, knowing she was thinking of her father. This would be their first Christmas without the older Henry and he knew the older man's absence was going to be acutely felt by all of them at some point in the next three months. Robin himself still sent pictures of Henry in his costumes to the group chat that included his mother and grandparents as well as Cora, Granny and Henry. No one had turned off Henry's phone service and surrendered his number back to the company. For now, it almost felt like Henry could still see the pictures of his namesake and grandson.

Henry would've loved them.

"It's okay to be sad," Robin reminded her softly. "And we're allowed to be happy. Your father would've wanted that for us."

"I know," she said, resting her head on his shoulder. "I just miss him. And then on top of that, I'm worried about my mother. I don't think she's coping with her grief as well as she wants us to believe."

He sighed, thinking of how Cora had been acting lately. "I know. I agree with you."

"So does Granny and Ruby," she replied. "The only one who doesn't is Mother. And she refuses to even talk about it let alone deny it."

"Doesn't mean she isn't in denial," he said, thinking back to the talk they had with Archie after a concerning incident with Cora.

They had had a small gathering to introduce their friends to Henry. Cora hadn't been herself that day – she usually was a social butterfly and often flitted around a room to talk with everyone. Instead, she had been withdrawn and they often had to go looking for her. Often they found her somewhere doing some sort of chore – folding clean laundry Regina had left for after the party, cleaning the upstairs bathroom, even doing the dishes before the party was over. Each time, someone would try to guide her back to the party and away from whatever distraction she had found for herself.

Concerned, Regina and Robin invited Archie over to see if they could get some insight from him. He spoke to them about the grief process, including the five stages of grief. Archie warned them that people didn't experience the stages in the same order and could experienced the same stage over and over again. At one point, he explained that grief was like a ball in a box with a button. Sometimes the ball was big and constantly hitting that button so the person was constantly experiencing grief. Other times, the ball was smaller and only hit the button every so often. He explained the ball generally shrunk over time but that it could grow again without warning. It was a process that would likely last them the rest of their lives but that the first year would likely be the toughest.

Archie was helping both Regina and Robin process their grief over her father's death especially as it was coupled with the joyous event of Henry's birth. But they weren't sure if anyone was helping Cora, which did not surprise Archie. He noted that doctors often made the worst patients and it was true of psychologists as well. That Cora could feel that she knew how to help herself and therefore wasn't talking to anyone. Archie encouraged them to be there for Cora and to create a safe space where she could hopefully open up about her feelings. He wasn't overly concerned about her behavior at the party but asked them to inform him if her behavior grew more troubling or was possibly harmful.

"As I said when we met with Archie, I will follow your lead," Robin reminded her now, rubbing her arm. "I will give you and your mother whatever support is needed."

She leaned closer, kissing his cheek. "Thank you. I think for now we just need to support my mother but not push her or gang up on her."

He nodded. "I know. I remember what Archie said. We just need to be there for each other and make sure we're coping in ways that aren't ultimately dangerous. Right now, your mother's coping mechanism may not be particularly healthy but it's relatively harmless."

"I understand it," she agreed. "There are some days I want to lock myself in our room and cry. But I don't because Henry needs me."

"You can always let me know if you need a good cry and I can take care of Henry. I don't want you to bottle up and hide your emotions like I did," he replied, thinking of the night he had broken down in their yard while she had held him.

She let out a soft chuckle before nodding. "I will. Thank you. And I want you to do the same with me, okay?"

He nodded. "Okay."

"Good," she said, giving him a quick kiss. "Now, can we change the subject? I would like to relax before bed."

"Same," he replied, setting his glass down. He ran his fingers through her hair as his gaze locked on her lips. "I think I know a good way to relax."

Regina bit her lip. "I think I do too."

Once she set her own glass down, Robin wrapped his arms around her and kissed her. She returned it eagerly as they laid on the couch, exchanging long kisses. Regina pressed herself against him and he felt his cock twitch. It had been weeks since the last time they had sex but there wasn't enough time to themselves with Henry now home. Soon he would be old enough for them to start trusting him with a babysitter for a few hours and they could get away for some time to themselves. For now, though, he was more than content for stolen moments like this with his wife. Bonding with Henry and caring for him was more important than his own physical needs as far as Robin was concerned.

And he knew that Regina felt the same way.

They had waited this long to be parents and could wait even longer to have sex again as long as they had their son.

Regina was confused when the doorbell rang Halloween morning. It was a weekday so most of the children who would go trick or treating were in school. Some of the younger children would come out earlier than the main rush of trick or treaters but even then that was in the afternoon and not the morning. Laying Henry down in his bassinet, she went to go see who was at the door.

"Mother!" Regina exclaimed, surprised to see Cora standing on her porch with a bag hanging from her arm. "I wasn't expecting you."

"I know," Cora said. "But it's Henry's first Halloween and I didn't want to miss this for the world."

She entered the house and Regina closed the door, still surprised. "Well, Robin will be home soon so we can take him out trick or treating. You are more than welcome to come with us."

Cora stopped, turning to face Regina with a frown. "You are taking him out? He's very little, Regina."

"We know," Regina replied, feeling like she was a child being scolded. "We cleared it with his doctor. His costume is very warm and we're going to have him out during the day when the younger kids trick or treat. He'll be home by night."

"I think it's best if you leave Henry home," Cora said. She set down her bag. "Your father picked out the cutest outfit. We can dress him in that and watch the children come trick or treating while he stays safely inside."

She pulled out a little onesie that said Cutest Pumpkin with a smiling pumpkin under it. Cora beamed. "Isn't it adorable? Your father was so excited to see Henry in it," she said.

Regina swallowed past the lump forming in her throat as she imagined her father picking up onesies for her son to wear throughout his first year of life. She nodded. "It's very adorable," she agreed.

"Your father had great taste," Cora said, sighing as she set the onesie down. "I'll put him on it him once he's awake."

Once she lovingly smoothed it out, she straightened up and looked at Regina again. "Have you eaten? You know what, don't answer. You probably haven't so I'll just go make us something for lunch," she said, motioning to the kitchen.

Before Regina could even respond, her mother had disappeared into the next room. Regina took a deep breath before going over to the onesie. She looked it over, coming up with a compromise she hoped her mother would accept. They would still dress Henry up in his cute dragon costume and take him out for a short time, just like she and Robin agreed. And once they got home, they would change him into this onesie to honor her father. It seemed like the best of both worlds.

Robin would agree with no problems.

It was her mother she was worried about. But Regina felt confident she could get Cora to agree in the end.

And if not…Well, she and Robin were Henry's parents and had the final say.

"Watch out, Storybrooke, a ferocious dragon is about to be on the loose!" Robin declared, holding up Henry in his dragon costume. Henry yawned widely as Robin nodded, playing along. "See how he's ready to attack the town?"

"I do," Regina replied, grinning. "Storybrooke should watch out!"

He chuckled as he nodded. "Henry the ferocious dragon is on the loose!"

Someone huffed and Robin tried not to roll his eyes, knowing it was Cora. He was surprised to find her there when he got home and even more surprised when his wife had dragged him to their bedroom, insisting she had to talk with him. Regina had then told him about Cora's objection to them taking Henry trick or treating and her insistence on Henry wearing a onesie his grandfather had bought before his death. While Robin was okay with Henry wearing the onesie for most of the day, he was adamant about taking his son trick or treating for a little bit.

Thankfully, Regina agreed with him and was doing her best to keep her mother at bay.

"Mother," Regina said, frowning as she shot Cora a glare. "Do you have something you want to say?"

"I've already said it," Cora replied. "But you two are disregarding it."

Regina sighed. "We explained ourselves, Mother. Based on our own doctor's advice, we feel comfortable taking Henry out for a little while."

"And this costume is pretty warm," Robin added, carrying Henry closer to her. "It's essentially pajamas."

Cora hummed, reaching out to feel the costume. She did so before pulling her hand back. "I still think he's too small to go out. He won't remember this anyway," she told Robin.

"I told you," Regina said, stepping closer again. "This is for me and Robin, not Henry."

"Fine," Cora replied in a tone that indicated it was anything but that. "I just hope he doesn't catch a cold."

Anger coursed through Robin, feeling as if Cora was insinuating that he would put his son in harm's way for his own selfish needs. "He's going to be fine," he insisted. "It's just going to be an hour outside."

He turned to Regina. "I'll be waiting by the door."

"Mother, Henry is our son and we've made our decision based on what his doctor said as well as other advice we got," Regina said as he walked away. "We believe Henry will be fine outside for a little while in the warm sunshine. It's not like we're taking him to a party and surrounding him with sick children He'll be fine and you need to respect our decision."

"Let's discuss this in the kitchen," Cora insisted as Robin placed Henry in his stroller. He tucked a blanket around his son just to be on the safe side though he doubted that Henry would need it.

Henry laid there as he gummed his fingers with his eyes fixed on Robin. It made Robin's heart skip a beat as a wave of love rushed over him. Once again, he realized how small his son was and how much Henry relied on him to keep him safe, healthy, happy and loved in this world. Henry was his main priority and Robin never wanted to put him in danger. Nor did he want to put his own wants over his son's needs.

Robin never wanted to be his father.

But was he being selfish now? Maybe Cora was right and he was putting his own desires over Henry's welfare. Henry was too little to appreciate trick or treating. They could always wait to take him out in a year when he was more alert and had started to receive his vaccinations. Maybe it was best to stay in and just take a lot of pictures of him in his costume instead.

"You okay?" Regina asked softly, placing her hand his back as she leaned closer to him. "You look upset. Is it something my mother said?"

"Kinda," Robin replied, not wanting to lie. "Do you think I'm being selfish and putting my wants over Henry's safety?"

She shook her head. "Not at all. Everyone else has told us that it's okay to take Henry out for a little while. Mother is just being a little…dramatic. Don't let her get to you."

He kept his gaze on Henry, who now kicked his legs as he continued to lay in the stroller. Worry still filled him. "I'm not being my father?" he asked.

"You are not," she assured him, kissing his cheek. "Your father wouldn't have cared about taking you out for Halloween, let alone getting about five different costumes to make sure it was the perfect holiday. It's very clear you love Henry and want nothing but the best for him. He'll be perfectly fine for an hour."

"Are you sure?" he asked, reaching out to adjust the blanket around his son. "I don't want him to get sick."

Regina reached up and gently turned his head toward her, forcing him to look at her rather than Henry. She smiled softly as she said: "He won't. Everyone has told us he'll be okay. Don't let my mother's lone objection make you question everything. You are not your father. Okay?"

Seeing the love and trust in her eyes calmed Robin down. He took a deep breath and nodded. "Okay."

"Good," she said, giving him a quick kiss. "Now, let's take our dragon and go terrorize some villagers."

Laughing, Robin pushed the stroller toward the door as Regina opened. He stepped out into the warm October sun and took a deep breath. Now that he was outside, he knew that they were making the right decision. Henry would be nice and warm. There was no way he would get sick from just a short walk around the neighborhood.

Still, he felt a little guilty and made a note to talk to his grandfather soon for a little more reassurance. In moments like this, Robin really missed his father-in-law. Henry had always had a way of chasing away his fears and doubts. Sometimes, Robin went outside by himself and had conversations with Henry just to unload his feelings. Even though the older man couldn't respond anymore, it still felt good to talk everything out. But this time he needed someone to answer him.

Grandpa Roland would certainly do that and more.

Feeling a weight lifted off his shoulder, Robin turned his attention to Henry's first Halloween as they approached a group of young trick or treaters. One of the moms also pushed a stroller, making him feel even better. Wanting to celebrate with his son was not a bad thing and so Robin finally let himself enjoy sharing his favorite holiday with Henry.

"How many people fit at your dining room table?"

The question from her mother caught Regina off guard as she changed Henry's diaper. She paused, figuring Cora was out shopping and wanted to pick something up for them. It was likely retail therapy. While it wasn't the therapy the family wanted Cora to get, at least it was better than nothing.

"Four normally, eight when we have the full table open," Regina replied, securing Henry's diaper before pulling out a clean onesie for him to wear.

"Oh, good," Cora said. "We should all fit."

Regina snapped Henry's onesie closed before picking up her phone, growing even more confused. "Who should all fit?"

"The family," her mother replied. "For Thanksgiving."

"Wait, wait," Regina said, starting to put the pieces together but not ready to accept the picture they created. "Why are we talking about Thanksgiving at my house? You always host."

Her mother hummed. "I know, but you have Henry to think about this year. He's still too young to go anywhere else so it's best for him to stay home. We can all go to your house instead and he can stay nice and warm inside."

Regina sighed, not wanting to have this argument again with her mother. "It's perfectly safe to bring Henry to your house, Mother. He'd mostly be in the car and then your house surrounded by family. No harm there."

"But you still need to carry him from your house to the car and then the car to my house," Cora replied. "And then reverse that to go home when it's darker and colder. Especially as I doubt you would want to spend the night like usual."

"We honestly haven't talked about it," Regina said, realizing she and Robin hadn't. She decided that needed to change.

As if summoned, Robin appeared in the doorway. He leaned against it, arms folded loosely as he watched her. She remembered her mother was on speakerphone and wondered if he had heard her as well.

"Well, now you don't have to because we'll just come to you," Cora insisted.

"You can't just plan to have Thanksgiving at our house without asking us," Regina said. glancing up at her husband again. "Robin and I need to talk about this."

Robin walked closer to her as Cora asked: "Talk about what? I figured this was something you were considering."

"Well, you figured wrong," Regina replied, her eyes meeting Robin's. "We need to talk this over."

"Alright," Cora said, sighing. "But don't take too long, okay?"

Regina tried not to roll her eyes as she said: "Okay, Mother. Look, I have to go now. Henry needs me."

"Okay, sweetheart," Cora replied. "Talk to you soon. Give my love to Robin and Henry."

"I will," Regina said. "Bye, Mother. Love you."

The call ended and she sighed, swaying with Henry as she met Robin's eyes. "Well?"

He motioned to the door. "Why don't I make us some tea and we can discuss it over a good cuppa?"

"Sounds good," she said, chuckling. She loved these moments where her husband reminded her just how British he still truly was.

They headed downstairs and Regina laid Henry in his bassinet. He yawned before closing his eyes, easily falling asleep. She chuckled, pressing a kiss to his forehead. "Sweet dreams, sweetheart," she told him.

She entered the kitchen and sat at the table, watching as Robin made them both cups of tea. He handed one to her before sitting down and sighing. "So your mother wants us to host Thanksgiving this year," he said.

"Yes," she replied, sipping her tea. "I'm really surprised."

"Honestly, I'm not," he said, also sipping his tea.

She frowned, confused by her husband's words. "You're not? Why?"

He sighed as he set down his cup. "It's something Grandma Ellie said when I was talking with them earlier this month, after everything that had happened at Halloween. She said that your mother struck her as a very proud woman – and she didn't mean that as an insult."

"I know," Regina said, nodding. "My mother does have her pride."

"Well, Grandma Ellie suggested that she might be using Henry as her reason rather than telling us the real reason," he continued.

Swirling her spoon around her tea, Regina asked: "What is the real reason?"

Robin held her gaze as he said: "I think you know."

"I do," she replied, realizing the truth deep down. "She misses my father."

"Archie did warn the first holidays without him were going to be the hardest," he reminded her. "Your father also loved the holidays. His absence is going to be really felt, especially if Thanksgiving is at her house and his chair is empty."

She nodded, feeling a lump in her throat as she thought of the table at her parents' house. In her mind, she pictured everyone gathered around it but her father's chair at the head of the table empty. Tears pricked her eyes at the thought – she couldn't imagine how her mother lived with it every day.

Regina swallowed as she nodded. "That's probably going to be tough on all of us but her most of all. Do you think we should have Thanksgiving here?"

"I think it's something we should consider," he replied. "So let's talk it out."

"Okay," she said, knowing that was fair. "Do you want to start?"

He set down his cup as he nodded. "I can. I think it might be a good idea for this year. We wouldn't have to worry about packing up Henry. And he's never really been out of the house for more than two hours."

"That is true," she agreed, trying to think of the longest Henry had been out of the house. Nothing seemed more than an hour or ninety minutes at the most. And she already felt like she packed for a trip every time she took him out. It would be easier to have all his stuff just upstairs.

"And I'm sure your mother and Granny will come to help us with the food," he continued. "The burden won't fall entirely on us."

She nodded, knowing everyone would work together to get the dinner ready. "Okay, so what are the cons?"

"Well, we could be setting a precedent," he said. "And we could end up hosting Thanksgiving every year."

"That is also true," she agreed, not sure she wanted to host the holiday just yet. And especially during Henry's toddler years. Perhaps when he was older and it was no longer easy for her mother and Granny to make the meal, but that still felt like a few years away.

He nodded. "And we could be putting off the inevitable and making it harder for your mother to process her grief."

"Another true statement," she said. "We could end up allowing her to put off really facing it head on. So what do we do?"

"I'm not sure," he replied. "Do you want to talk this over with Archie? See what he says?"

She bit her lip before taking another sip of her tea. Regina didn't want to keep bothering their friend with questions about her mother – and especially when it came to their holiday plans. He didn't need to be pulled that deep into their family issues.

Another idea came to her as she set her cup down. "I think we should talk with Granny first," she said.

"That's a good idea," he agreed, nodding. "She'll be able to give us some more perspective and advice to help us make the decision."

"I'll call her later," she replied, hoping her grandaunt could help. "And then we can talk some more about it."

Robin reached out and took her hand. "Everything is going to work out for the best. We just have to have faith."

She nodded. "I know. And I will."

"Good," he said, kissing her hand. "And you won't be alone. I'll be right here to support you."

"I know," she replied, grateful to have him by her side. "You're my rock."

He smiled. "And you're mine."

Regina didn't know what the holiday season would look like but she knew that as long as she had Robin, she could face anything.

They ended up hosting Thanksgiving.

Granny shared their concerns but felt that it would be best if Cora had a change of scenery for at least this holiday. "But if she tries to push more onto you, then I think we'll need to have a tough conversation with her," Granny said.

Regina and Robin agreed and then called Cora to say they would host Thanksgiving that year, praying they didn't come to regret their decision.

Cora showed up early on Thanksgiving morning, surprising Robin who had taken Henry's morning feeding. She had insisted that Regina was going to need her help and kept ignoring him whenever Robin said he would be helping prepare dinner as well. Instead, she mentioned that he would be in the living room and watching football while she, Regina and Granny took care of dinner and Henry.

That surprised Robin, who never knew his mother-in-law to believe in old-fashioned, so-called "traditional" roles for men and women. It concerned him as well so he didn't say anything to her but did intercept Regina when she woke up, pulling her aside to tell her about the conversation. She was just as surprised and concerned as him but she did not want confront her mother just yet. Instead, she told Robin to stick to their plan and she would handle her mother if she tried to throw him out of the kitchen.

Breakfast went smoothly and Robin took Queen out on a quick walk. When he returned, he changed into a lightweight shirt before heading into the kitchen where Cora and Regina were busy preparing the turkey. He rubbed his hands together to ask what he could do to help and Cora insisted they were fine. Regina shot her mother a look before putting Robin in charge of putting in the stuffing while she and Cora held the turkey open.

Granny showed up not long after that, surprised that Cora had gotten there so early. She arrived just as the turkey was ready to be sewn up and she did that easily enough, closing the turkey with the stuffing inside. Robin transferred the turkey to the pan and helped Regina get into the oven so it could start to cook.

With the turkey in the oven, they agreed to have an early lunch since they would be eating dinner early. Robin pulled out the cold cuts they had bought the day before as well as the salads while Regina cut up a tomato and some lettuce before grabbing the roles. They all made sandwiches and enjoyed them until Henry started to cry. Granny jumped up, eager to spend time with him, and raced out to take care of him.

"I think someone wants to join us for lunch," Granny said, carrying a fussy Henry into the kitchen. "Is there a bottle for him?"

"We have one in the refrigerator," Robin replied, standing from his chair. "I'll heat it up for you."

Granny thanked him, bouncing Henry to keep him calm. Soon Robin handed off the bottle to her and Henry was happily eating with the rest of them as Granny sat at the table again.

"I swear this little boy grows more handsome each time I see him," she said, smiling down at Henry. "You two are very lucky."

Pride and joy swelled through Robin as he nodded, reaching out to rub Henry's foot. "Yes, we are."

Regina nodded, her eyes lighting up. "I can't imagine our lives without him."

"Children are a blessing," Cora agreed. "This little boy came just when we needed him the most."

"Yes, he did," Granny said. "You're the best gift ever, Henry."

Henry continued to enjoy his bottle, greedily filling his tiny stomach as if he hadn't just had a bottle only a few hours earlier. Robin chuckled, certain his son was enjoying the attention lavished on him. But he likely was enjoying being held and fed much more.

"I think we don't need to go around the table to say what we're most grateful for this year," Robin said. "It is clearly him."

Granny nodded. "I think I have to agree."

They finished their lunches before Robin and Regina cleaned up the table. Granny burped Henry before continuing to rock him, smiling. "Do you want me to put him back in his bassinet or someplace else?"

"Why don't you take him, Robin?" Cora suggested. "I think we can handle the next part on our own so you should just go put your feet up and enjoy the game."

"The next part is preparing the table," Regina said, jumping in so Robin didn't have to respond. "And I definitely need Robin for that. Why don't you continue to hold him, Granny? Henry seems fine in your arms."

Granny nodded. "Why don't we go sit down and rest for a bit, Cora? I think Robin and Regina have things handled in here."

Cora looked hesitant, turning to her daughter. "Are you sure you don't want me to start the sides?"

"It's too soon," Regina assured her mother. "You go rest and we can make them later."

"Come on, Cora," Granny said gently, turning so she could see Henry's face. "Don't you want to spend time with this adorable boy?"

Henry looked right into his grandmother's eyes and Robin watched her melt as she nodded. "Of course I do."

They left the dining room and Regina stepped closer to Robin, leaning forward until her head was resting on his chest. "Please remind me that we're doing the right thing," she told him.

"We're doing the right thing," he assured her, kissing the top of her head. "Everything is going to work out."

"And can you tell me that I can't kill my mother?" she asked him.

He rubbed her back. "It's not going to come to that."

"It feels like it will."

"I know," he told her, rocking her now. "But hopefully your mother is realizing that she would rather be in control and so this will be the last Thanksgiving we have to hold for a long time."

She pulled back, nodding. "From your lips to her ears."

He chuckled before letting her go. "So, shall we set the table now?"

"Yeah," she replied. "Can you get our good tablecloth from the linen closet, please?"

"Sure," he said, giving her a quick kiss. "I'll be right back."

Robin left the dining room and walked past the living room on his way to the stairs. He peeked in, finding Queen asleep on her chair. Cora and Granny sat close together with Henry now asleep in his grandmother's arms. She smiled softly as she rocked him, looking more peaceful than he had seen all day. Henry certainly had that affect on people.

Assured all was well for now, Robin headed upstairs. He quickly located their good tablecloth in their linen closet and headed back downstairs to help Regina with the table. Robin was almost at the bottom of the stairs when he heard voices drifting from the living room. Pausing, he waited to hear what they were saying and if someone needed his help before continuing to the dining room.

"Robin isn't Henry, Cora," Granny said. "You need to stop trying to make him be Henry."

"I'm not doing that," Cora protested.

Robin swore he heard Granny's eyes roll. "Yes, you are. You keep insisting that he should just sit in here and watch football, just like Henry did at Thanksgiving. And you do it no matter how many times he and Regina have said he is going to help."

"Well, I know that he likes the Knights and I don't want him to miss the game," Cora replied, though it sounded like she even didn't believe herself.

"They don't play games in the morning, at least not here on the East Coast," Granny said. "And the Knights in particular aren't playing until eight tonight. We'll be having dessert by then so Robin will be able to catch the game with no problem."

Cora didn't respond and Granny said softly: "I know you miss Henry. We all do. But it's not fair to anyone, least of all Robin, to expect him to fill the gap Henry's passing has created."

"I know," Cora replied. "I just…really miss him. Especially today."

"That's okay," Granny assured her. "You're allowed to miss him. Just say that and we'll understand. And while it's okay to miss him, try to focus more on what you have rather than what you don't."

Cora's voice was soft when she answered. "Okay."

Robin finally stepped down and walked past the living room, going slowly. He saw Cora and Granny still on the couch. Granny now had her arm around Cora, holding her close while Cora rocked Henry. She had her eyes closed as a few tears slid down her cheeks. It made Robin's heart break a little for her but he hoped this was another moment of healing for her. That was all he wanted for her.

For all of them.

He continued into the dining room where Regina had already stacked the good China his grandparents had gifted them for their wedding. She was taking out their good silverware when she saw him, frowning. "What took you so long?" she asked.

"Sorry," he replied. "I got a bit distracted."

"By what?" she asked, taking the tablecloth from him.

He motioned to the living room with his head. "Sounds like Granny has been able to help your mother."

Relief filled her eyes. "Good. Is she going to leave you alone?"

"If you mean is she going to stop forcing me to leave the kitchen and just go watch football? Then yes," he said, quickly summing up the conversation he had overheard.

"I had a feeling that was what she was doing," Regina said quietly once he finished. "But I didn't know how to call her out about it without starting a fight or making matters worse."

He nodded. "Good thing Granny did."

"Yeah," she agreed. She then squared her shoulders and handed him one end of the tablecloth. "Come on, let's get this all set before Mother really does think we can't do this alone."

Together, they laid the tablecloth over their table and set out the good China. Robin then placed the right silverware next to the plates while Regina took out their best wine glasses to complete the look. For the finishing touch, they placed a lovely floral arrangement Regina had ordered to serve as the centerpiece. Stepping back, Robin believed their dining room set had never looked fancier.

He wrapped his arm around Regina. "We've done good."

"Yes, we have," she agreed, resting her head on his shoulder. "We're a great team."

"We are," he replied, kissing the top of her head. "I wouldn't want anyone else as my partner. I am thankful for you."

She pulled back, smiling though she rolled her eyes. "Don't get mushy on me."

"Too late," he replied. "I've been mushy since the day I met you."

"I guess I can't argue that," she said, sighing. She then patted his chest. "Come on. Let's get some rest before we have to start making the side dishes."

She took his hand and they walked into the living room together. Granny moved so they could sit together on the couch and Cora handed Henry over to Regina. He settled on her chest and closed his eyes, content to nap in his mother's arms. The sight melted Robin's heart as he kissed the side of Regina's head, thankful for his family.

Ruby and Belle arrived some time during the afternoon. They spent time with Henry while the others prepared the side dishes and Robin carved the turkey. With the meal ready, they gathered around the dining room table as Henry slept in his bassinet, placed right next to Regina's chair. She kept an eye on her son as everyone passed the food around, eager to enjoy the meal.

Once everyone had served themselves, Robin stood and lifted his glass of wine. "I know this is when Henry would make a toast and hope I'm not being too presumptuous to step into his place," he said.

"Not at all," Cora replied, also picking up her glass. "Thank you."

He nodded before continuing. "I think this past year has proven how much things can change in a year. We sadly had to say goodbye to our beloved patriarch and continue to feel his absence every day. I believe I can speak for everyone when I saw that Henry is greatly missed.

"But on this day about giving thanks, I want to express my gratitude for him," he said, his voice cracking. "He was a great man who loved his family and would do anything for us. No one can ever come close to him and I know I will carry the lessons he taught me for the rest of my life. So, thank you, Henry."

Everyone murmured their thanks to their departed patriarch before sipping their drinks. Regina took her own sip before setting her glass down as Robin came to closer to her chair. He rested his hand on her shoulder as he looked down at their son, who was once again asleep in his bassinet.

"While we had to say goodbye to one Henry, we were able to say hello to another," Robin said, motioning to his son. "He came into our lives and made everything better, even if Regina and I still haven't had a solid eight hours of sleep since his birth."

"I can say I am even more grateful for a good night's rest than I have ever been," Regina agreed, drawing some chuckles from her family. They all knew that for all of their complaining, neither she nor Robin would change anything and that they loved being Henry's parents.

Though she was certain they would love parenting more once they were able to get more than a few hours of sleep at night.

"So I would like to toast our little Henry," Robin said, "and thank him for all the joy and love he's brought into our lives."

"Cheers to Henry," Ruby said, raising her glass. Everyone did the same while Regina clinked her glass against Robin's. They held each other's gaze as they took sips of their drinks.

After swallowing, Robin turned to the others at the table. "I promise I'm almost done and we'll be able to eat our food before it gets cold," he said.

"Yes, please," Ruby said, nodding in an exaggerated way as Belle tried not to laugh next to her.

He chuckled. "I just want to say that I'm thankful for everyone around this table. I believe this year really showed how much stronger we are as a family and how we need each other. I don't think I could've gotten through everything without you. So thank you and cheers!"

"Cheers!" they said, clinking their glasses again.

"And now I'm going to sit down," he said, drawing applause from most at the table. He gave a little bow before sitting down. "Enjoy!"

As everyone else dug into their meals, Regina leaned over and kissed Robin's cheek. "That was a beautiful speech, sweetheart," she told him.

"Thank you," he replied. "I hope I did Henry proud."

She nodded, feeling choked up. "You did. I have no doubt that Daddy is smiling down on us and was toasting right along with us."

He kissed her cheek now. "I'm sure he is."

"Are you two going to whisper to each other all night long or you going to enjoy your meals?" Ruby asked, smirking as she sipped her wine.

"Why not both?" Robin asked, smirking right back at her. She just rolled her eyes as she turned back to her own meal.

Chuckling, Regina cut into her turkey and enjoy the fruits of her hard work. Everything tasted even more delicious to her. She continued to eat as they all fell into easy conversations at the table, relaxing and celebrating together.

Later, Robin did watch the Knights game. Regina started the dishwasher before joining her family in the living room. She sat next to her husband as he held their son, now dressed in his Knights onesie. His eyes were fixed on the TV just like his father, both seemingly absorbed in the game.

It was a perfect scene.

Content, she rested her head on Robin's shoulder. He kissed the top of her head and she closed her eyes as she just floated, the sounds of the game and the conversations of the others washing over her.

Robin wrapped his arm around her and she smiled, feeling warmth and love engulf her. They had made it through their first Thanksgiving without her father and though she knew they would always miss him, she believed things would get better with each new holiday. His spirit would keep watching them and helping them.

She also hoped that things would get easier for her mother and she would be less controlling. Maybe this day and her conversation with Granny was what she needed to start moving forward herself. Hopefully Christmas was much better for all of them.

Time, it seemed, would tell.

A/N: Here's the next chapter! I'm sorry it took so long to write it! I really struggled with it but once I finally found my angle, it just flowed. I had hoped it would be ready for Christmas but the muses had other plans.

I decided to stop this one here at Thanksgiving and cover Henry's first Christmas in another chapter. And I will do my best to make sure it's not updated a year later.

Thanks for being so patient!

-Mac