Chapter 9: Moving On

Christmas wasn't what he expected.

It started shortly after the Winter Masquerade, when he received a phone call at work from Will. "They're here," he said tersely.

Robin frowned. "Who's there? Cora and Zelena? If so, you can throw them out immediately. Make sure they go nowhere near Regina."

"It's not them, relax," Will replied. "I meant your parents. They arrived early as a surprise."

He jumped up, eyes wide. "What? Shit. I'll see if I can leave right now and I'll be there as soon as I can. Marco should be around."

Robin hurried to his door and stuck his head out of the door. "Johanna? How does my afternoon look?"

"It's wide open," she replied, frowning. "Why? Do you need me to schedule something?"

"No. I need you to call Marco for me. I need to go home."

Johanna's frown deepened. "Is something wrong? Did something happen to Roland?"

"Everyone's fine," Robin assured her. "My parents decided to come early for Christmas."

"I'll call Marco then," she replied, picking up the phone.

Robin thanked her before heading back inside to grab his things. He blew out of the office, bidding Johanna a good night before climbing onto the elevator. As long as traffic wasn't too bad, he should make it home in no time.

Will met him at the kitchen door. "I've put them in their room but they're asking for you."

"Have they seen Roland?" Robin asked, setting down his briefcase.

"Not yet," Will replied. "Mary Margaret and Regina have him in the gym for a combined health and science lesson. I'm not sure what."

He nodded. "Let's not interrupt them, then. I'll go talk to my parents now. Thanks, Will."

"You're welcome. I'll start preparing their favorites for dinner. I hope Regina likes British cuisine." Will headed toward the refrigerator, searching for the needed ingredients.

Robin nodded, heading upstairs. His parents weren't very demanding people except for one thing: When they came to visit him, they wanted as much of his time as possible. No work, no social outings without them, just twenty-four seven devoted to them.

For the most part, Robin tried not to begrudge them that. If Roland moved far away and only came home for a few visits, he'd want to spend all of his time with his son as well. But at the same time, Robin liked to believe he would understand that Roland would have his own life that he couldn't just drop because his father came for a visit. Why couldn't his parents understand that as well?

His mother Jane saw him first and her smile widened. She rushed him with her arms open. "Robin! There you are! What took you so long?"

"I thought you were coming in next Tuesday," he replied, returning her hug. "So I cleared my schedule from then on."

"We were going to come then but we found cheaper airline tickets for now. And we wanted to spend more time with you," his father, Andrew, replied.

"This isn't going to be an inconvenience, right?" Jane asked.

He sighed. "No. But I have at least one meeting this week I can't reschedule. You'll have to be okay with me going in for that."

They nodded, though he saw some hesitance in their eyes. Jane put on a bright smile. "As long as we can spend time with our darling grandson. Where is Roland?"

"Gran! Gramps!" Roland darted past Robin and latched onto his grandmother. It was a sight to see grandparents with their grandson. His father still had blond hair and his mother's was fading into a white that made her look more beautiful each time Robin saw her. Their blue eyes took in Roland, a stark comparison with his dark hair and dark eyes.

Regina jogged up, smiling when she saw his parents. She leaned closer to him. "I thought they were coming next week," she said through clenched teeth.

"So did I," he replied, teeth also clenched. "They changed their minds and came earlier."

"Regina! Come meet my other grandparents." Roland grabbed her hand and tugged her closer to the two.

She smiled as she approached Jane and Andrew. "So nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you," Jane replied, polite but cool. "And you are?"

"Mum, this is the nanny I told you I hired—Regina Mills," Robin said, stepping in. "Regina, these are my parents."

Jane and Andrew nodded, shaking her hand as they exchanged names. Roland bounced beside Robin, beaming. "She's the best!"

"Well, then, I guess it's an honor to meet you," Andrew said.

Regina nodded. "Thank you. And I hope you don't mind if I borrow Roland for a bit. We were in the gym and so someone needs a bath."

"Do I have to?" Roland asked, whining.

She gave him a stern look and Robin fought the urge to smile. He gave Roland a little push. "You know you do. So go with Regina. Gran and Gramps will be here when you get out."

"Okay," Roland said, taking Regina's hand. He turned to his grandparents. "Don't go too far."

Jane smiled. "We won't, Roland. Promise."

Once they were gone, Andrew cleared his throat. "So, that's the new nanny. I didn't expect her to be so…"

"Young?" Robin supplied, remembering Vivienne's reaction to Regina.

"Beautiful."

"Andrew!" Jane elbowed her husband. "Behave."

He held up his hands. "I'm just stating a fact. Regina is a beautiful woman. Just like you."

"Charmer," she muttered before turning back to her son. "Roland does seem to be fond of her."

Robin nodded. "We all are."

"Oh?" She raised an eyebrow, studying her son. "Then I'm eager to get to know her better too."

Though he smiled, Robin tensed up. He wasn't sure what his parents were going to figure out before the holidays were up, but he hoped they didn't do anything to make Regina uncomfortable.

Regina pulled on her coat and stepped out onto the back deck. Night had fallen and it was almost freezing, but she needed some fresh air. Ever since she had come to terms with her feelings for Robin, being so close to him sometimes became overwhelming. With his parents in town, she had more opportunities to slip away and get herself under control.

Since the ball, Robin had been hovering around her to make sure she was fine after her mother's reappearance in her life. It only made her love him more and reminded her why she couldn't have him. She was too much of a mess. It wasn't fair to him or Roland.

Perhaps she was meant to remain single forever.

"Okay, I don't usually do this," she told the universe. "But if there's any chance that Robin and I won't end in disaster, please give me a sign."

She stared at the sky, waiting. After a few seconds, a white snowflake floated down and landed on her nose. More followed, landing on her and the deck as she smiled. It was the first snow of the season and even though she was in her mid-thirties, Regina stuck out her tongue to catch the flakes.

"Regina?" Roland asked, tiny voice coming from behind her.

Turning around, she saw him standing in the doorway. He was wearing the winter gear she had purchased for him—puffy black insulated jacket over his clothes, dark green knit hat covering his curls, black gloves warming his fingers and sturdy black boots on his feet. Brown eyes watched her, fear flickering in them as he hovered between the deck and the house.

She smiled as she knelt down next to him. "Do you want to come out, Roland?"

"I want to play in the snow," he replied, "but is it safe?"

"The deck is part of the house, right?"

"Right."

"And the house is safe, right?"

"Right."

"So that means the deck is safe, don't you think?"

Roland thought about it before nodding. "I guess so. Will you hold my hand?"

"Of course," she replied, holding out her hand. "And if you want to go right back in, that's perfectly fine. Okay?"

"Okay." He took a tentative step outside, his left foot still in the house. Taking a deep breath, he put both feet on the deck. Roland stood there, as if waiting for something to happen to him.

When nothing happened after a few minutes, he held out his hand and watched as snowflakes landed on his glove. They melted within seconds but he laughed. "This is fun!"

"Do you want to have some more fun?" she asked him. He nodded and she pulled him closer. "Try to catch the snowflakes on your tongue."

His eyes widened in wonder. "Do they taste like anything?"

"You'll have to try," she told him.

Roland stuck out his tongue, letting a few flakes land on it. He pulled it in and made a face. "It doesn't take like anything. It's just cold."

"Well, maybe it tastes better while further up." Robin crouched down on the other side of his son, also dressed in his winter gear. He took Roland's free hand. "Do you want to go on my shoulders and see?"

"Yes!" Roland held up his arms as his father lifted him onto his broad shoulders. Once he was certain his son was situated, Robin stood.

Regina stood as well, inching closer to him despite herself. But she laid a hand on Roland's legs as the boy tilted his head back, catching snowflakes on his tongue. "How do those taste?" she asked.

He shrugged. "The same. Just cold."

Robin and Regina laughed. "Well, can we just enjoy watching the snow fall for a little bit?" he asked his son.

"Uh huh," Roland replied, smiling at Regina. "You'll stay with us?"

"Please?" Robin added, giving her his own puppy dog eyes.

Weak against a double dose of Locksley charm, she nodded. "Of course. I'll stay out here however long you want, Roland."

Robin leaned closer to her, his body heat washing over her and warming her. Or maybe that was coming from inside of her, spreading from her feelings for Robin. The feelings she was trying to squash, despite staying so close to him.

She was sabotaging herself, she was certain of it.

Later, though, Regina reconsidered everything as she stood with Robin at the kitchen island, sipping the hot chocolate Will had made. Roland sat with his grandparents as he told them about the snow. His eyes were bright and he was bouncing between Andrew and Jane, the words tumbling out of him.

Robin leaned closer to her, taking her hand in his. "Thank you."

"For what?" she asked, confused.

"You got Roland to go outside."

She shrugged. "He got himself to go outside."

"Because he trusts you," Robin stressed. "I don't think he would've gone outside if it was me or Will. Not tonight."

Before she could once again protest that she didn't do anything, he leaned closer and sent her head spinning with his pine scent. "Just take the compliment, please," he whispered.

"Fine," she sighed. "Thank you, Robin. I'm glad he's starting to make strides. I'm sure Dr. Hopper will be too."

Robin nodded. "I know I probably shouldn't expect him to start traveling again, but this has to be a step in the right direction."

"It is." She took his hand and squeezed. "You'll see."

They lapsed into silence, watching Roland with his grandparents. Robin's hand was warm and he began running his thumb over the back of hers. She knew she should pull away, but it felt right to stand there like that.

Maybe that was her sign from the universe.

Regina went home for Christmas.

It wasn't what Robin had wanted; he and Roland had wanted her to spend Christmas with them. They also wanted to spend it with Henry and Emma, who were slowly becoming family to them.

However, his parents didn't feel the same way. When he mentioned that he was going to extend the invitation, they had fallen silent and exchanged looks. Robin had sighed and asked: "What's wrong?"

"It's clear Regina means a lot to Roland and you," his mother replied, "but she isn't family, like Will. We think it should just be family. Us, Will and of course Paul and Vivienne."

Robin tried to think of anything that would change his parents' mind, but he realized he couldn't. He doubted they would accept that he was in love with her but hadn't acted on those feelings but he might as a reason to consider Regina part of the family. And insisting it was his house so he could invite whoever he wanted had never flown with his parents. So he sighed and nodded. "Regina gets the day off anyway. I'm sure she'll be glad to not to have to wrangle us for a day."

"See, that's the spirit." Andrew clapped his son on the back. "And besides, no doubt Regina will be spending next Christmas with us."

Jane raised her eyebrow. "She will? Because she will have been here longer? We'll have gotten to know her better?"

Andrew sighed, patting her hand. "Because by this time next year, Robin may finally act on his feelings for her."

"What?" Robin's voice was as high as his mother's.

Looking between his wife and son, Andrew let out a low chuckle. "I'm impressed. I picked up on something before you, Jane. And Robin, you've never been very discreet. You wear your heart on your sleeve, much like everyone else in our family."

Robin's mouth fell open but no words tumbled out. He couldn't deny it. So there was only one thing to say: "You can't tell her."

"Of course not," Andrew replied. "That's something you have to do. When you're ready."

Jane let out a little laugh. "I can't believe I didn't see it. Well, not that it matters and it shouldn't because it's your life, but I approve, Robin."

"Thanks, Mum." Robin stood, sighing. "I guess I should go talk to Regina about Christmas. I'll be back in a little bit."

He exited the kitchen and headed toward Roland's playroom. As he walked down the hallway, he collided with Regina as she stepped out of the laundry room. His arms wrapped around her waist and she latched onto his shirt to stabilize her balance. Wide brown eyes met his. "Sorry, Robin."

"No, no, it's fine," he replied, breathless. They were so close and all he had to do was close the last few inches and finally feel those lips on his…

Clearing his throat, Robin backed up. "Anyway, I was looking for you. I wanted to talk to you about Christmas."

"Oh, good," Regina replied. "I wanted to talk to you about that. Emma called and said Daddy didn't handle his last treatment so well. We'll be spending Christmas at home."

Disappointment flooded him even though he knew he was coming to tell her she wasn't invited to Christmas. "Of course, whatever Henry needs. Tell him I hope he feels better."

"I will. I just now have to tell Roland."

"Don't worry, I'll do it," Robin said, placing his hand on her shoulder. "You go pack. And happy Christmas."

"Merry Christmas, Robin." She hesitated and he wondered if there was anything she wanted to say. Instead, though, she leaned forward and kissed his cheek before hurrying away.

He smiled, biting his lower lip as a familiar goofy feeling filled him. Will emerged from another room, stopping to look at Robin. He groaned and shook his head. "You're in deep, mate. You know that, right?"

"I do," he said, moving forward. Patting Will's shoulder, he sighed. "I've admitted it to myself, Will."

"Good. Have you told her?"

Robin shook his head. "Not yet. I will in time."

"You better," Will said. "And pray it's not too late."

Christmas was quiet in the Mills' apartment. Henry was still weak from his latest treatments and barely had the strength to open his presents. He did smile when he opened a DVD set on football from Robin, one of the many gifts Will had hauled with him when he dropped Regina off on Christmas Eve. "You'll have to thank that employer of yours for me," he said before coughing.

Regina patted his back, smiling. "I'll be sure to thank him, Daddy. Now why don't you get some rest while Emma and I make dinner?"

He nodded, letting Emma help him to his room. Regina picked up a little bag with her name on it, a note tucked inside. She pulled it out and found Robin's familiar scrawl on it: I helped your father pick out his ornament to you this year and got one from me as well. Robin.

She glanced at their tree, looking at the small porcelain mask ornament hanging on the boughs—to celebrate her first ball. It now seemed even more special to know that Robin had played a role in picking it out. And she was curious to know what he had gotten for her himself. Pushing the tissue paper aside, she pulled out an ornament with a small picture frame. Inside was a picture of her and Roland. Regina smiled as she wiped a few tears away, touched by Robin's thoughtful gift.

"Aww, that's so sweet," Emma said, leaning over the couch. "Robin give that to you?"

"He did," Regina replied, putting it on their tree. She picked up two large yet flat presents, one bearing her name and the other Emma's. "And there are a few more, including one for you."

Emma plopped down next to her on the couch and took her present. "This is too sweet."

"I know," Regina replied, tearing the paper off her gift. She gasped when she saw her white mask from the ball encased in glass, next to a picture of her from that night. It was a full body shot of her in her white dress, standing on stage as she held Robin's hand.

Glancing over, she saw Emma had something similar—her red mask was encased next to a picture of her on the dancefloor, laughing at something no doubt said by Killian Jones. Emma smiled. "These are absolutely gorgeous. I'm going to go put mine in our room."

"Okay. I have one more present from Robin to open," Regina replied. "And then we can start dinner. Maybe this year, we won't have burnt chicken."

"Very funny!" Emma called from her bedroom.

Regina chuckled as she unwrapped a smaller present to reveal a brown box. Lifting the lid, she found another note. She took it out and her heart stopped when she saw a black velvet box inside. Robin didn't buy her jewelry, did he?

She opened the letter, once again written by him: This is from me and Roland, to thank you for all you've done for us the past few months. And before you protest, yes, I have spent this much on Will. I hope you like them. Robin.

Opening the box, she found two diamond studs resting inside. They would match her diamond necklace perfectly but she doubted she would ever wear them. Maybe she could convince Robin to take them back without insulting him too much.

"Those are exquisite," Emma said, standing behind Regina. "Robin has some good taste."

"I can't accept these."

Emma knelt down next to her. "It's fine, Regina."

"No." Regina snapped the box closed. "It's Leopold all over again."

Grabbing her shoulders, Emma forced Regina to meet her eyes. "Look, we've always been straight with each other, right? And when one needs tough love, the other has given it. So now I'm giving you tough love.

"You can't keep giving Leopold such a hold over your life. Because that's what you do every time you question someone's kindness or close yourself off to someone for fear of getting too close. He already ruined one career you loved and destroyed a relationship. Don't let him do that again.

"Robin has no ulterior motives behind giving you those earrings except that he wants to do something nice for you. Because he likes you…you know what? He may not think it's obvious and you might be turning a blind eye to it, but he loves you. And he doesn't want anything more from you than your happiness."

Regina hesitated. "You think so?"

"I do," Emma said. "So accept those earrings for what they are—a gift given out of kindness. Wear them and banish Leopold once and for all. Be happy, Regina. You deserve it."

Throwing her arms around her friends, Regina hugged Emma tightly. "Thank you. You always know what I need to hear, even if I don't want to."

"What are friends for?" Emma pulled away, smiling. "Merry Christmas, Regina."

Soon, the holidays were over and a new year was upon them. For the first time in many years, Robin didn't have anyone to kiss at midnight. No matter how often they joked about it, he was not going to kiss Will. Instead, as his parents kissed, he planted a soft kiss on Roland's forehead, but the boy was out cold. He had barely made it to ten that night.

Killian had invited Emma out on a date, so Regina had gone home to spend the night with her father. Henry was still feeling weak and was unable to leave his apartment, except to go to the hospital. Not that Robin believed he would've finally worked up the courage to kiss her at midnight. It wasn't right yet.

Regina returned after the New Year, his parents left and the Locksley household fell back into a normal rhythm. The only change was that Roland was starting to spend more and more time outside, though he still refused to leave the property. He didn't yet consider the outside world safe.

But Robin had a lot of property, so Roland never had to feel cramped. Robin watched as his son romped around in the snow, dragging Regina with him as he built snowmen and made snow angels. His laughter could be heard even through the glass.

"Why don't you go out to join them?" Will asked, standing at the stove as he prepared dinner.

"It's tempting," Robin admitted before turning away from the window. "But John called, said he's on his way over to discuss something with me. So I'm afraid I'll have to pass for today."

Will frowned. "What does John want to discuss? Something to do with the missing money?"

"I don't know. He was very vague on the phone." Robin put his mug down as he saw Regina take Roland's hand, guiding him back to the house. He grabbed a nearby towel as the door slid open.

"Papa!" Roland let Regina pull of his boots before he ran toward his father. Robin scooped him up, wrapping him in the towel and holding him close. The boy laughed. "I built a snowman!"

Robin laughed. "I saw you. Did you have fun playing with Regina?"

"I did," Roland said. "Next time, can we play together?"

"Of course, my boy." He kissed Roland's head, relishing the moment.

A quick knock ended it before the door opened. A tall, rotund man with long black hair tied back in a neat ponytail entered the kitchen with a smile. He set down his briefcase as he took off his long black coat, revealing a navy blue suit underneath. "A welcoming party for me? You shouldn't have."

"Uncle John!" Roland squirmed out of his father's grasp and ran toward the man, hugging him.

John laughed. "At least someone is happy to see me."

"I'm happy, though a bit confused." Robin held out his hand, shaking it. He then motioned to Regina. "Allow me to introduce Regina Mills."

She held out her hand for John to shake. "Pleased to meet you. I've heard your name mentioned a few times."

"Don't believe anything those two have told you," he replied, pointing to Robin and Will. "And I've heard a lot about you. I half expected to see a halo and wings when I walked in."

Regina laughed. "Robin tends to exaggerate; so don't believe everything you hear."

"Well, now that everyone's met, I have to say I'm curious, John. What brought you here today?" Robin asked.

John nodded. "Can I speak with you? Alone?"

"I'll take Roland to his room and get him out of his wet things." She smiled as she passed John, taking Roland's hand. "Nice to meet you."

"You too," he replied, watching as she disappeared upstairs with Roland. He then turned to Robin. "I came because the NTSB has released its final report on the crash that killed Marian. I wanted to give it to you myself."

Robin felt chilled. His stomach had been in knots all week, knowing he was approaching the one-year anniversary of Marian's death. Dr. Hopper had given him some pointers on how to help Roland and himself with it, but Robin had forgotten it took the National Transportation and Safety Board a year to release full findings on accidents. He was going to have to really relive that awful day all over again.

He nodded. "Let's go to my office."

Regina changed Roland into warm, dry clothes before gathering his wet ones to throw in the washer. She gathered a few other dirty items, tossing them into a basket before as she addressed Roland. "Why don't you play in here until dinner?"

He didn't respond and when she turned around, she found him asleep on his bed. Roland was lying on his stomach with one leg hanging off the bed. She moved it back onto the mattress and covered him with a blanket, deciding to let him get in a little nap before they ate.

She did a few loads of laundry and went to put fresh towels in the bathrooms. As she came out of hers, she saw two doors at the end of the corridor, where the floor bended toward Robin's end. Regina had never seen those doors opened before and curiosity propelled her forward.

A soft tune came from the first room, which was painted all white. A white dresser and changing table sat along a wall which had several pictures hanging along it, all of Robin, Marian and Roland. There was a white rocking chair with a crocheted blanket draped over it. A white Teddy bear sat on the cushion. In the middle of the room sat a white crib under the mobile the music was coming from. Robin stood over the crib, resting his hands on the railing.

He looked up, eyes full of pain. She stepped closer, despite feeling like she was intruding on something private. "Robin? Are you okay?"

"This used to be Roland's room," he said, voice cracking. "We got him a big boy bed and moved him down the hall for Christmas. Marian then turned this room back into a nursery, finishing just before she left."

Dread filled Regina, settling in her stomach as nausea. "Robin, was Marian…?"

He shook his head. "Since we were both only children, we wanted Roland to have siblings. We thought the timing was right and had only just started to try again."

"Oh, Robin." She laid her hand on his arm. "It's still awful."

After a few moments of silence, he pushed away from the crib and walked into the next room. She followed, finding a bedroom done in the same beiges as the rest of the house. A blue dress was laid out on a chair and makeup lined the vanity in the room. Robin sat down on the bed and sighed. "This was our bedroom. After she died, I couldn't sleep here anymore and moved back into my old room."

"That's understandable," she replied, sitting down. "I know the anniversary is coming up but you seemed to have been handling it well. What changed, if you don't mind me asking?"

He held up a report. "The NTSB's findings. That's why John was here. Do you know what happened?"

"I know it was a plane crash," she replied, softly. "I saw it on the news and I remember Jefferson going to the funeral. We didn't discuss it beyond that."

Robin nodded. "Marian was invited to be the keynote speaker at an education symposium in San Diego. She was so happy and I was proud. We decided to pull Roland from preschool for a walk and go out to Cali together. I could meet up with my West Coast division and then we'd take Roland to Disneyland."

"Sounds nice. What happened?"

"Roland got sick. Marian debated going but it was a great honor. I told her to go and I would take care of Roland." His voice broke and he turned away.

Regina waited until he regained his composure, sitting beside him quietly. He turned back to her. "Sorry. Anyway, Marian went out but decided to only stay for the symposium. However, a big storm was brewing in the Midwest and it was iffy about her coming home right away. I was in constant contact with her and the pilot of my private jet. Marian wanted to fly out and the pilot assured us he could put in for a safer but longer flight plan that would take him around the storm.

"The forecasts, though, were getting worse. I tried to convince Marian and Sam, the pilot, to stay put. All my executives in San Diego did the same, including Zelena. And she liked Marian as about as much as she likes you. Her assistant, Walsh, later told me he had tried to book the best suite at the best hotel but Marian refused to take it. She was determined to get home."

"Her baby was sick," Regina said, softly.

He nodded. "So the pilot took off but had misjudged the size of the storm. His flight plan ended up taking them too close. He realized he couldn't keep going so he requested an emergency landing. It was granted and he was attempting one. But too much ice built up, causing the mechanical error that ultimately caused the crash."

The report fell from his limp hands and she picked it up. She thumbed through it as she asked: "Was that the NTSB's final determination? Mechanical failure?"

"It was the primary cause," he said. "They also cited the weather and pilot error. And I wonder what I could've done."

"It wasn't your fault," she told him.

"So many people have told me that. But it was a plane I owned flown by a pilot I trusted."

Regina took his face in her hands, forcing him to look at her. "I know we want someone to blame in the face of tragedy. And you are similar to me in that we both tend to blame ourselves first. But there is no one really to blame here. Marian made her decision with all the information she had available, the pilot did his best to get her home safely but Mother Nature was against them."

"I should've forbade her from flying," Robin said.

"Would it have worked?"

Letting out a watery chuckle, he shook his head. "When Marian made up her mind, she stuck to it. You remind me of her in that aspect."

She smiled, patting his knee before standing. "I'll leave you alone now."

"Please don't," Robin pleaded, grabbing her hand. "I don't want to be alone."

"Okay." Regina settled back on the bed.

Robin leaned toward her, resting his head on her shoulder. She wrapped her arms around him as hot tears landed on her neck. His body shook with his silent sobs. Regina rubbed his back, holding him as his grief poured out.

They sat together until Will called them for dinner. Robin sat up, his face splotchy and eyes red. "You go ahead with Roland. I want to splash cold water on my face."

She nodded. "Take your time, Robin. Will can keep your food warm."

"Thank you," he told her and she knew it was for just more than her last statement. She nodded again in response and slipped out of the room.

Robin could drive and had an American license. He just never adjusted to driving on the other side of the road which had led to a few unfortunate incidents, along with his youthful penchant for speeding. So Will insisted on buying a limo and driving Robin wherever he wanted to go, to avoid any further problems. As his company grew, he was able to hire Marco, who did most of the driving for him. It gave Robin time to relax or get some extra work done without having to worry.

After he married Marian, she insisted on doing most of the driving—especially once Roland was born. She was uncomfortable strapping his car seat into the limo and so would drive the SUV Robin bought her. It sat in his garage now, unused. Perhaps he should sell it and see if Regina wanted a car of her own.

He himself still owned a Camaro he had bought as a treat when his company made its first million. It had been awhile but he drove it now, wanting some privacy as he headed toward Storybrooke Cemetery, Marian's final resting place.

Robin parked in the small lot by the chapel and grabbed the bouquet of lilies from his front seat. He hadn't been back since the burial so Johanna had called for the location of Marian's grave and had written it down for him. Clutching the paper in his hand, he set off to find his wife's final resting place again.

The cemetery was quiet and peaceful, covered in snow, though patches of grass could be seen here or there. Gravel crunched under his boots as he followed the path further in, passing large monuments and beautiful statues. A marble angel loomed ahead of him, hands clasped and knees bent in prayer. He remembered it, remembered choosing the spot to bury Marian by it because he knew she would've found the statue beautiful.

Locating her row, Robin found Marian's tombstone. He had spared no expense for her, ordering a large black granite headstone. Her picture had been engraved with a laser on it and located right next to her name—Marian Vivienne Locksley. Under her name, the years she had graced the earth (1980-2015) were engraved and then it read: "Beloved Educator, Friend, Daughter, Wife and Mother."

Placing the lilies in the metal holder by the headstone, Robin crouched down. "Sorry it's taken me so long to come back," he started.

"I won't lie. The past year has been very difficult without you. I'm sure you know Roland and I handled your loss poorly. I'm ashamed that I neglected our boy and left him in the wrong hands. I like to think you used Will and Mary Margaret to get your message across.

"And then she walked into our lives. I'm sure you've seen it, but Regina has really changed us for the better. Roland is going outside again and I…I don't feel as alone as I used to. She understands our pain, has suffered pain of her own."

Robin paused and then continued: "I've found myself head-over-heels in love with her, Marian. I know we once discussed that should the worst happen, we wanted the other to move on. I never expected the worst to happen, Marian. And so I want you to give me a sign that you'll be okay with moving on, that it's okay to act on my feelings for Regina. Please?

"I'll always love you, Marian," he said, rising to his feet. "Thank you for everything you gave me. And I promise to not wait another year to come visit you."

He sighed before walking back to his car. Once he pulled out of the cemetery, he flipped on the radio. A woman sang about saying goodbye to her loved one and letting him move on to find love again. Robin raised his eyebrow. "A little too on the nose, Marian," he muttered but he smiled.

She had given him her permission.

"Okay. Yes, I'll let him know. Thanks for giving us the head's up," Will was saying as Robin entered the kitchen.

Robin poured himself a glass of water, turning to Will once he was off the phone. "Who was that?"

"Emma," Will said, putting the phone down. "She figured Regina would neglect to tell us about something important—her birthday."

Dread and panic filled Robin. Had her birthday passed and they had done nothing for it. "When is it? Or was it?"

"Relax, we haven't missed it. It's Monday, the first," Will told him.

Robin let out the breath he was holding. "Monday, eh? Doesn't give us much time, but I think we can pull something off. Don't you?"

"Absolutely," Will replied.

Smiling, Robin took a sip of his water. Tonight, he would remember Marian with Roland. In the morning, the Locksley men would put their heads together with Will and come up with the best birthday celebration ever for Regina.

A/N: Here we go, OQ fans! The next chapter of "The Nanny" is here! I know most of you are probably ready to combust as there has yet to be an OQ kiss. But I promise you all that you will really, really like the next chapter.

After all, it will be Valentine's Day.

See everyone on the fourteenth!

-Mac