Chapter 9

It had been three days since they'd had visitors, and Robert and Anna were both ready to come out of hiding. They had talked about everything they needed to. Robert had realized the anger was caused by both fear and the anger about his personal life as well as what he had to do for years. It could still upset him but now that he has put it into words and just admitted there was a problem, it was easier to deal with. They had spent one night talking about what could have been, what they would have named their baby, how great a big sister Robin would have been. It had hurt to think about it all, but at the same time it helped them both grieve, Anna had never really had the chance to do that. The miscarriage was just one of the many things she remembered, then had to move past.

They weren't complaining about their time alone together, they just wanted to know they could leave if they wanted to. It felt like several weeks had passed since they had both been here, even though it had only been a little over a week. By now something has to have been done about the men Alcazar had brought into town. "I want to go walking on the docks, go have a coffee at Kelly's, oh there's that little tea house I use to love. I just want to be allowed to go where I want," Anna said as they walked back towards the cottage.

"I want to go buy you some flowers, then take you out for a nice romantic evening." Then Robert pulled a wildflower out from behind his back, "This will have to do for now, and I'll try not to burn lunch."

Anna smiled as she took the flower and smelled it. "I'll take a slightly overcooked lunch, for now. Soon enough we can go out."

They both saw movement at the same time and ducked around the side of the cottage. There was someone right by the front door. No one had been out to see them since Sean Robin and Patrick had left so it was unlikely this was someone that had followed them out here. Neither one of them had a weapon with them, they were inside the cottage. "Mom. Dad. Where are you?"

They look at each other and smile, "Should we sneak up on her?" Robert asked a big grin on his face.

"No." Anna smacked his arm, "Let's just go say hi," Anna told him.

"You never let me have any fun," Robert said with a laugh.

Robin looked over to where she heard the laughter to see her parents come around the corner. "There you two are. I have news I think you'll be happy about."

"Well let's go inside, we were just coming back from a walk," Anna told her as she opened the door. "Do you want lunch?"

Once they were all inside Robin started talking, "I'm not sure what has happened but no one has seen Alcazar or any of his associates in almost four days. I talked to Sonny before coming out here to see you and he said that Alcazar won't be a problem any longer. So I believe that means you two can come out of hiding."

"We were just talking about that, wanting to just go out and do anything other than hanging out here," Robert told her.

"There is one thing though, there's this other guy that I've seen a few times. He hasn't approached me, or anything it's just I've noticed him watching me. Sean chatted him up a bit at Jake's and when he mentioned being my godfather, he noticed that seemed to interest the guy," Robin explained. "Sean wasn't sure if it's me or the fact I'm your daughter that he was interested in. I saw him again earlier today when I went by Kelly's, to see Georgie."

"That is interesting, Sean had mentioned seeing this guy at Jake's. If we see him around maybe we'll just have to go up and say hi," Robert suggested.

"Your dad was going to make me lunch, but if we can leave why don't we head into town? I think you should head to the bank, I can go check out of my hotel," Anna started.

"Do that tomorrow, I'll meet you there after I've been to the bank and checked out of the Quartermains."

"What's so important about you going to the bank dad?"

"That's right we never did tell you why Sean was here. I got some back pay, 11 years worth and it's just been sitting around gaining interest, so I have a cheque for 2.6 million that really needs to be deposited so it can start gaining interest again," Robert told her. "Sean tracked it down for me. Financing our fresh start is the least the WSB can do after what we all went through."

It took a moment for Robin to process what he had just said, "Mom that's why you said no one would have to leave for work. This is exciting, you're both going to be here. So are you two going to get a place together?"

"Yes," they had talked about this and decided there was no reason to wait to move in together. "We can stay here for now but we want to find our own place fairly soon," Anna told her.

"Katherine doesn't mind?" Robin asked.

"I had a nice long talk with her last night actually, Kate said once we have our own place we can still come out here to get away, she likes that someone is using it while she's away. She asked about you too, so I got to brag about how amazing you are," Anna said with a smile.

"I can just imagine how much fun you had going on about me," Robin smiled she loved having them back in her life.

"Are you taking your car or are you jumping in with one of us Luv?" Robert asked he was ready to leave.

"I'll ride back with Robin if that's alright?" Robin nodded. "You can pick me up at seven," Anna answered.

"Seven it is, I'm going to get out of here then. Leave you to your girl talk." Robert gave Anna a kiss then said goodbye to them both and left.

After he was gone Robin turned to Anna, "You know when dad first showed up here, I felt so hurt, so angry, I walked in and there he was. I didn't want to hear what he had to say, I didn't care. I said some hurtful thing to him, I even told him I hated him. Now I'm so happy he's back in my life, back in yours. I'm going to regret telling you this but I'm excited about having you both living here again, to have my mom and dad here when I need them," Robin admitted with a smile.

"I'm glad you've let him back in, he was so happy when you said you love him," Anna told her. "He truly believed he'd never hear that from you again."

"I just had to get past my own pain, once I did I could see he was trying, I could tell he still loved me. Thanks for telling me he was worth having in my life," Robin told her.

"You should have just hit him a bunch of times, it worked for me," Anna told her with a laugh. "He would have just figured it was the Devane in you."

Robin started laughing, "Let's get out of here I'm not sure I need this kind of advice. Next, you'll be telling me how to deal with Patrick."

"I would never kick him in the head, I'd be worried about hurting him."

"Oh but it's OK to do to dad?" Robin asked with a grin.

"It keeps him on his toes," Anna said with a wink. "Robert also told me he had expected me to be furious and wasn't really surprised by my reaction."

Robin smiled and shook her head. "What's happening at seven?" Robin asked.

"He's picking me up to take me on a romantic date," Anna explained. Robin smiled again and with that, they left the cottage.

...

When Robert got to the Quartermain's he found Edward and Monica in the sitting room, he went in and thanked them for their hospitality and told them he was moving out. He explained that he has an opportunity that he has to go after. Edward was hoping to get a hot business tip out of him but Robert just smiles and told him it wasn't really that kind of opportunity. Then he went up to his room to change and pack.

"So did I hear correctly you're moving out? That must have been a very prosperous business trip." Tracy said when she saw Robert coming down the stairs.

"Yes I am moving out, I'm quitting at the Haunted Star as well, my time away was time very well spent. I have much more important things that require my time now," Robert told her.

"HA, what is so important? You were working for me so you had an excuse to stay here and be around Robin. So what's more important than that?" Tracy asked.

"The whole package, getting it all back. I don't need an excuse to be here any longer, I have a reason. If you'll excuse me I have somewhere to be." Then Robert stepped around her and left.

...

As promised Robert had flowers when he got to Anna's hotel room, he was wearing a tailored dark blue suit. When Anna answered the door she smiled at the handsome man standing there. "You clean up well. Hi," she said, then Robert leaned in and kissed her cheek, and handed her the flowers.

He was so happy, they were really getting another chance, he had dreamed of this for so long and now it was a reality. "Red, eh? You look amazing," Robert told her with a little grin. She had a form-fitting strapless dress on that hung just past her knees. "I have reservations for us at Oliver's, it's apparently a quiet little place with great food and perfect ambiance for a romantic evening"

"That sounds like just the kind of night we wanted." Anna put the flowers in water, "Shall we?" she smiled at him then they left arm in arm.

They were talking happily when the elevator doors opened and they saw Sonny in the lobby. When Robert lead them over to him Anna wasn't sure what he was going to do. "Excuse me, I think we owe you our thanks," he said.

Sonny was a little surprised that they had come over, he'd had a few little run-ins with Robert and it was clear Robert didn't approve of his line of work. "I'm not sure I know what you mean Robert." He looked at Anna, "Hello Anna you look lovely this evening."

"Thank you."

"Robin told us you warned her about Alcazar. I know I haven't said this before but thank you for being there for Robin. You helped her through a very hard time." Robert held out his hand and Sonny shook it.

"We helped each other. She is an amazing woman, always has been. Says a lot about the people that raised her," Sonny told them both. "Looks like you two are on your way somewhere don't let me keep you. Have a good evening."

...

Anna felt like she was in a dream, two weeks ago she never would have believed they'd be doing this. It was a beautiful little restaurant, with low light and soft music playing. "Who told you about this place?" she asked.

"Mac, I told him I needed somewhere nice that's wasn't the Metro Court, I thought our first night out together should be just us," Robert told her then smiled. "Am I being greedy wanting you all to myself?"

"Not at all, we're out together in public, we just don't need to make small talk with every other person that passes our table. Besides I want you all to myself too." Then she leaned over and kissed him. They talked a little bit about where they wanted to live, the idea of actually making plans together was exciting for both of them. "There should be a fireplace, I want to snuggle up with you and watch a fire once it gets cold out," Anna told him.

"I'd like that too," Robert agreed. They had finished eating so he asked, "Is there somewhere I can take a beautiful woman dancing in this town anymore, I want to hold you in my arms?"

"I don't know about that, why don't you take me for a walk, we can always dance in my hotel room later."

Robert smiled and agreed, as they got up to leave Monica came over to them with a smile, she and Alan were at another table but hadn't wanted to disturb them. "Well hello Anna, Robert, it's nice to see you two out together." They greeted her then Monica looked at Robert, "Is this the opportunity you couldn't let pass you by Robert?" she asked.

They both smiled at her, "Yes. We've spent a lot of time talking and we both want the same thing," Robert told her.

"We're actually planning on moving back here, we want to be together and be close to Robin as well," Anna added.

"Oh that's wonderful, I'm happy for you both. Anna we'll have to get together and talk soon. I should get back to Alan and let you get back to your evening goodnight." They said goodbye then left.

The park had changed some since they had lived here but it was still nice, the walkways were well lit in most places so you could feel safe walking at night. They walked holding hands happy just being together, they were home finally. Robert and Anna had been walking for about ten minutes when they noticed they were being followed. They were sure it was the man that Robin had noticed watching her. They didn't change their pace they just kept walking, there should be a large fountain they can stop at just a little ways ahead. Sure enough, it was still there just off the path and if you sat on the far side you were mostly hidden. When the man following them got to the fountain he was surprised to find just Anna sitting on the edge of the fountain. "Hello, it's a nice night isn't it?" she said with a smile.

The man hadn't expected her to be sitting there so he started to back away, but backed right into Robert. "The lady asked you a question, nice out tonight isn't it?"

"Ah, yeah it is."

"Why are you following us?" he asked.

"I'm just walking in the park."

"Why are you watching our daughter?" Robert demanded. Anna had stood up and they were now on either side of him.

"I don't know what you're talking about," he told them. The look on his face told them something different.

"I know that's not true. I hope we don't see you again or hear that our daughter has either," Anna told him.

"Um, I'm just gonna be on my way." The man turned and hurried away, when he thought he was out of earshot he pulled out his phone. "I've seen them... No, they noticed me... They knew I was following them and told me to stay away from them and their daughter... I don't know... My cover is blown here they are going to be watching for me... Fine, I'll be on the next flight out." The man hung up then hurried out of the park.

"I wonder who he was talking to?" Anna asked from where they had watched him.

"I don't know, but I'm sure there'll be someone here to replace him soon enough." They walked back out onto the path. "Well, that concludes the entertainment portion of the evening, where to next?" Robert asked.

"Let's go throw some money around, feeling lucky?"

"Very, Haunted Star it is," Robert said then took her hand again as they walked away.

...

Robin was out with friends for a much-needed girls night, she was sitting with Kelly, Laney, Emily, and Elizabeth at one of the tables in the Haunted Star. Robin didn't go out that often but had decided she was overdue for a night out with friends. They had all tried their luck but decided to have a few more drinks before trying again. The five friends were laughing and have a good time when Kelly looked up, "Oh that's so not far." Kelly said watching Robert and Anna walk in together, they walked arm in arm Anna looked radiant. In his suit Robert looked incredible, she hadn't really noticed how handsome he was before. "Robin you've got the brains and that's the gene pool you came from. You'll never age and if you do you'll still be hot." They all looked to see who Kelly was looking at.

"Wow, they look amazing," Liz said spotting Anna and Robert.

"Kelly's right, you shouldn't worry about aging at all Robin," Emily told her.

"You know for an older guy your dad's..."

"Oh please, Laney don't say it," Robin pleaded.

"He's handsome," Emily cut in.

"Sexy, I was going to say sexy." Laney said with a big smile, "and so is your mom."

"I will second that," Liz said with a laugh.

While they waited for their drinks Robert turned to Anna, put his hands on her hips and whispered in her ear, Anna smiled and playfully hit his shoulder. "Are they're here together, as in on a date?" Kelly wondered as she watched them.

"Yeah, mom said they were going out tonight," Robin answered.

"He looks like he's still in good shape, I bet he'd still be fun in bed," Kelly said.

Laney smiled bigger and nodded in agreement. "I bet he'd know how to please a woman."

"Oh, my god. Please, can we not talk about my dad like that. Please," Robin said then covered her face with her hands. "This is worse than mom's form of torture."

"Come on girls you're talking about Robin's parents here. Her very attractive parents, but still Robin is right here and we should keep these comments to ourselves."

"Thank you, Emily," Robin said looking up at her friends again. "Or at least wait until I've walked away from the table." They all giggled a little. "I'm going to go say hi." As Robin walked away from her friends she had to smile, as awkward as that had just been, she knew they had all been complementing her parents. "Well hello, you two, having a nice night out?"

"We are. We saw you when we came in but didn't want to interrupt," Anna told her.

"I'm glad you didn't, we've all had a few drinks and well let's just say they were admiring the gene pool I came from," Robin told them.

Anna looked at Robert and smiled, "Tell them he's all mine."

"Oh don't worry mom you're hot too, I had to get away for a minute I don't even want to know what they're saying right now." Robert and Anna both looked over at Robin's friends and smiled at them. "How was dinner?" she asked.

"It was wonderful, we went to Oliver's, then went for a walk in the park. Scared away that guy you've been seeing around town, then came here," Anna told her.

"We're sure he'll be replaced soon, but he called his boss and was told to leave town tonight," Robert added.

Robin had to smile at them, "Even just a walk in the park turns into an adventure for you two." They talked a little longer, then when Robin thought it was safe she said, "Well hopefully they've had enough time to get it all out of their systems. I'll let you get back to your evening, have fun."

"Wait here one second, I want to have a little fun with her friends," Anna said to Robert then followed Robin back to her waiting friends. Something told her that Robin's roommate's, Laney and Kelly were the two to talk to. She leaned down between them, "I have no complaints at all, he's in great shape and don't even get me started about what happens in the bedroom, well any room." Then she smiled at Emily and Elizabeth and walked back to Robert. There was some giggling and some oohs and aahs, Anna couldn't help but smile as she walked away.

Seeing her mischievous smile, Robert smiled and put his hands on her waist and pulled her close. "You've had your fun now let's go spend some money." He kissed her then they went over to the roulette wheel.

"Your mom is awesome. How long have they been back together?" Kelly asked, watching them.

"Not that long, but I think they've been working on getting back together since the first night mom saw him. They needed to deal with a lot of pain and anger, and because of who they are, the only people they would completely open up to is each other," Robin told them.

"At least now they should be too busy to bother you that much," Laney offered.

"That is true, all though they haven't really been that bad. They both know they can be annoying and have promised to work on that, especially now that they'll be living here," said Robin.

When they had played for a while and won a little Robert and Anna went to the bar to have another drink, "I hear you won't be working with us anymore Robert," said the bartender.

"No, I won't, I'll be finding something else to do, but for right now I'm just taking some time off," Robert told him.

"I'm having a wonderful time but I think I'm about ready to head back to the hotel, I hear there'll be naked dancing there tonight," Anna said just for Robert to hear.

"I like that idea," Robert told her. "Did you say naked dancing?"

"Yup, you and me naked."

"Let's just finish these. It's nice being here as a customer for a change, and there is still lots of time for dancing," Robert said with a smile just for her. "Robin's friends keep looking over at us, what did you say?"

Anna leaned in nice and close, "I just told them how lucky I am, and that you're amazing in bed."

As she talked he moved his hands to her hips and pulled her closer, he kissed her neck then whispered, "You're right we should go, I want to be alone with you too. You're pretty amazing yourself."

"Good, let's get out of here." She gave him a quick kiss then they turned to leave.

They walked past Robin and her friends as they left, "Goodnight ladies," Robert said then flashed them a little smile.

They all smiled and said goodnight back. "Oh, my," Kelly covered her mouth, "I just noticed something. Do you know who he reminds me of?" she asked. "He knew we were talking about him, he knows women check him out and it sounds like he has the skills to back it all up."

"Yes, my dad and Patrick are alike in many ways," Robin said. "Don't worry mom has pointed that out to me already, even before she met Patrick. I've noticed it more and more as well. The one big difference is my dad understands love and what it means to be committed to one woman."

"And that lucky woman is your mom," Emily added. They all agreed, then went back to chatting about other things, and enjoying their evening.

...

Once they got back to Anna's hotel room Robert put on some soft music, "I think I promised you a dance," he held out his hand to her when she came to him, he held her close and they moved to the music. "I love you, Anna Devane."

"And I love you. Robert this has been an amazing night, thank you."

"It's the least I can do to show you how much you mean to me. I cherish every minute with you."

"Help me out of this dress, will you?" Anna said as she took off his tie and started unbuttoning his shirt.

"I thought you'd never ask," Robert slowly unzipped her dress, as she pushed his jacket and shirt off his shoulders. He lowered his arms letting them fall to the floor. Then he pulled her dress down her body letting it fall to the floor as well. He picked her up and Anna wrapped her legs around him and he carried her to the bed. He put her down then removed his pants before joining her on the bed. They made love passionately, there was still tenderness, but there was desire and a hunger as well. Needing to touch, pleasure and ravish each other. Afterwards, they lay spent in each other's arms, "Well Devane after tonight I think we are officially a couple again, enough people saw us that anyone that would care will know soon enough. How do you feel about that?"

"I couldn't be happier," Anna said. "I want everyone to know we're together and that's how it's going to stay."

"So if we aren't getting married what do we call each other, you're more then my girlfriend, besides I think I'm a little old to be a boyfriend."

"You're my husband, and I'm your wife. I don't need the ceremony to tell me that's what we are to each other, we've shared that bond since the first time we said I do," Anna confirmed. "Like you said we never fell out of love we were forced apart by circumstance."

"I like that. So wife what do you think about starting to look for our own place tomorrow?" Robert asked.

"I'd like that very much, now stop talking and hold me, I'm ready to get some sleep." Robert kissed her then did as she asked, holding her close they fell asleep peacefully.