Chapter 12

Sean had called Robert to say their plane would be in at 12:40 Friday afternoon. He said not to worry about picking them up they would get a car to drop them off. Since Robin and Patrick both had the day off Robin had convinced him to join her at her parent's. They have been getting closer and Robin wanted to make sure her Aunt Tiff got to meet her man, even if they still wouldn't admit to being in a relationship. The four of them sat talking while they waited for Sean and Tiffany to arrive. When the doorbell rang both Anna and Robin jumped up to answer the door. Robert stood but hung back a little, Patrick stayed back with Robert. Anna opened the door smiling, she hugged both of them, then Robin greeted them. They were all so happy, saying hello and that it had been too long. Then Tiffany spotted Robert.

"Robert Xavier Scorpio who do you think you are? You told my husband to lie to me. I can't believe the two of you would keep something like that from me." Tiffany was yelling walking towards him. "You hid from us all for all those years, you broke all of our hearts. Do you have any idea what we all went through when we thought you and Anna had died?" Tiffany was right in his face now. "Then after all that time you just waltzed back into Port Charles, oh by the way I'm alive. When Robin called me I couldn't believe what I was hearing. You had better not try and pull that crap again, or I will hunt you down and kill you myself." Tiffany paused, "Come here, oh you still look great, I love you even if you did break our hearts." Then she kissed him and they hugged each other.

"I've missed you so much Tiffany, I love you too."

Patrick watched in disbelieve this woman was a tornado in heels, started off calm, blow like crazy then calmed right back down. When she looked in his direction he had no idea what to expect. She looked him up and down then smiled, "Well hello tall dark and sexy. Please tell me you're Robin's boyfriend."

"Yes, I am. Dr. Patrick Drake, nice to meet you."

"A doctor as well," she said still studying him. "Drake? Handsome you aren't related to Noah Drake are you?"

"Yes I am, he's my father actually."

"I met him when we both first came Port Charles," Tiffany told him.

Robin had been watching everything since Tiffany entered the room. She'd known Tiffany wouldn't be that hard on Robert. When she looked Patrick up and down Robin couldn't help but smile. She was a little shocked by his answer, "Mom did you hear that he finally said he's my boyfriend," Robin said just for Anna to hear, Anna smiled back at her.

While Anna and Robin were giving Sean and Tiffany the tour of the house and showing them their room, Robert and Patrick stayed in the living room. "Are you finally ready to commit to a real relationship with Robin?" Robert asked. "You know she heard you say you're her boyfriend."

"Yes sir, she has helped me so much lately and I realized I need to take this chance and see what happens" Patrick admitted. "I've got to admit I was a little afraid to say the wrong thing to Tiffany too though."

"Good man." Robert was happy for them. "Tiffany's a pussycat, I knew she was mad at me and that wasn't nearly as bad as what I thought I'd get. I guess I'll have to thank Sean for taking most of her anger, I can't imagine what she was like when she first found out I was alive and that Sean had known for a few years already. Come on Patty Cake grab a couple of those bags we'll take them upstairs for them."

Patrick did as he was told and they both started up the stairs. "How long are they staying? Isn't this a lot for a weekend?"

"You do not know Tiffany Hill, there is never enough," Robert told him as they go to the top of the stairs.

"And don't you forget that either," Tiffany answered from just inside the doorway to the bedroom they'd be staying in. "You can set those bags down over here, Patrick." Tiffany watched him as he walked past her and bent to put them down, "Nice, very nice." She smiled and fanned herself as she admired his form.

"Hi hon, I'm still in the room," Sean said jokingly then smiled.

"You're an incurable flirt, I can admire the scenery," Tiffany told him with a smile.

"He is nice to look at isn't he?" Anna joined in.

"Mom, Aunt Tiff that's my guy you're checking out."

"Yes, and we are all very lucky to have such attractive men in our lives," Anna told her.

"You hang on to him hon because they just get better with age," Tiffany told Robin.

"Oh yes they do," Anna agreed with a smile.

"So I have lots of good things to look forward to," Robin said with a grin. Anna and Tiffany looked at each other and smiled then nodded at Robin with playful glints in their eyes. The three of them all laughed and continued to talk amongst themselves.

Patrick looked over at Robert and Sean, neither of them even seemed fazed by the conversation the ladies were having. Was this just one more thing he would get use to? When they both left the room Patrick followed them. "Um, what was that all about?" he asked when they got back to the living room.

"What do you mean?" Sean asked.

"They were talking about us like we weren't even in the room."

"I heard that our wives still think we're sexy and that we don't disappoint in the bedroom, what's wrong with that?" Robert asked.

"Exactly there's nothing wrong with it. You can't tell me it's news to you that women check you out, Tiffany just isn't shy about it. She's known Robin since she was a child and just wants her to be happy," Sean told him.

"Those three women upstairs are all very close, and right now they are talking about us. As long as they're happy and no one's yelling we're OK. If they are up there venting then at least one of us has messed up, and we will all end up paying for it," Robert explained.

Patrick thought about what they had just told him, these two understood their wives and let them have their fun. Then he realized that he had been approved of by Tiffany. "So as long as they come down smiling we're not in trouble?" Patrick asked sounding a little concerned.

"Why, what have you done that we should worry?" Sean asked, then he smiled. "I thought Robert here is the one that might mess this up for us."

"Hey Anna is very happy, I've been a very good boy," Robert told them acting a little offended.

"Very good?"

"There's been no complaints, we might be older but she still drives me wild," Robert admitted.

"Should I be hearing this, I am dating your daughter?" Patrick asked.

"Well I hope 30 years from now you still find her just as desirable as you do today, and that you still want to satisfy her every need," Robert told him. "Anna is still the most beautiful woman I have ever seen, and she knows I only want her."

"Tiff and I haven't hit 30 years yet but I agree with Robert completely, don't let that part of the relationship fad. You heard Tiffany I love to flirt, do you think she's worried about me straying? Of course not, she is everything to me and she knows it," Sean told him.

"Thank you this is all great advice, but I don't think I should be talking about my sex life," Patrick said.

"Gees man we don't want details but don't be ashamed of it either," Sean told him. "You telling us you're keeping her happy is just another way for us to know she's in good hands."

"Robin's incredible, and I've never felt like this before. She can be so stubborn and irritating, but she pushes me to do better, to be better. When she's working on her research she is so driven to find the answers, it's inspiring. Robin doesn't take my crap either, she's tiny but she can put me in my place when I get to full of myself. I want to prove I can be the man she deserves," Patrick told them.

"You, my friend just described that perfect mix of Devane and Scorpio that makes Robin so special," said Sean. "I can tell she has feelings for you and I've only spent a few hours with you two together."

Patrick smiled he hadn't really talked to other guys about real relationships like this before. These men cherished the women in their lives, that was what his parents had. It broke his father when his mother died, but Robert lost Anna twice, they didn't give up and now they're getting another chance at happiness. Maybe love was worth the risks after all.

Upstairs the conversation continued to be about their men. Robin had shared with them that she wanted to have a real relationship with Patrick and thought he was becoming more open to the idea even if the idea still scared both of them.

They had settled in on the bed and were now talking about Robert and Anna's reunion. "How did it happen so fast, if you had been that angry with him?" Tiffany asked.

"Nothing had changed, we never stopped loving each other. I was busy beating on him when Robin fires my gun into the air, Robert pulled me into his arm to protect me, and that spark was there just like it always had been," Anna explained. "That night we started talking, first the three of us then just Robert and I, he explained what had happened to keep him away from us. We actually admitted to each other we still loved each other that first night."

"So when did you agree to give this another shot?" Tiffany asked.

"I'm not sure it was something we agreed on. It had been a few weeks that we had both been here, one night he wanted to talk to me privately, so we went for a drive. Robert wanted to warn me about the man I'm sure he already knew was my mark, but once we were alone it was like everything else didn't matter. We just sat together, he told me about Alcazar then we talked a little more. I could tell he wanted to keep talking, we both did, just so we didn't have to leave, he even asked me about my twin Alex. Then we looked into each other's eyes, and he kissed me it was so gentle so tender." Tiffany and Robin oohed and aahed smiling happily. "We talked a little more, kissed a lot more. On the way back we agreed not to block each other out, no matter what we both wanted our friendship back if nothing else."

"That was the night by the lake right?" Robin asked.

"Yeah," Anna smiled.

"So how did you end up at Kate's cottage?" Tiffany asked she wanted to know the whole story.

"Robert arranged that. He wanted a place we could both go if we needed to be alone. Robert has had to deal with a lot of emotional baggage and I was helping him. We could talk about everything, we still trust each other with our deepest secrets. We both told each other things no one else will ever know. I was getting to talk about my baggage as well," Anna admitted. "After we had both bared our souls to each other and neither of us walked away, I just knew I needed him in my life completely not just as my friend. There's still going to be tough times and we both know that. There are still things we're helping each other work on as well, like the fear of losing each other again."

"Now you're getting to the juicy stuff, so when did you two finally get on with it?" Tiffany grinned wanting to know more.

"The morning after you bared your soul to dad, right?" Robin said. She looked at Tiffany, "Mom kind of snapped at me on the phone and I'm pretty sure it was because I interrupted them."

"I didn't look to see who was calling and it was bad timing. We had already spent a few nights in the same bed, because of these bad dreams he was having. That morning I think we both just knew we were ready to take the next step. Yes, I was annoyed when my phone wouldn't stop ringing because there was no doubt about what was about to happen, yeah OK you interrupted. It was after I got off the phone that we,"Anna smiled, "got physical, at least you waited a little while before calling back."

"A little while? Mom, that was over two hours later," Robin told her with a big smile.

"Oh." she smiled. "Well he did take his time and was very, um, giving," Anna said and blushed just a little.

Robin covered her face. "Oh my," Tiffany said and fanned herself. "And since then?"

"It's good, we kept talking about the issues we needed to, and we couldn't be happier."

They decided it was time to head back downstairs, they were all giggling when they came into the living room. Patrick leaned closer to Sean, "So we're not in trouble right?"

Sean smiled "No we're good." Then louder so everyone could hear, "So where is Robert taking us all for dinner tonight?"

"What if we go to the Metro Court, there's a good chance we'll see some other old friends of yours there," Robin suggested. They all agree to that, it was still early so they get comfortable and start chatting. They were all just enjoying being together. Patrick felt welcomed as a part of this group of friends, again they were happily teasing each other and him as well.

After a while, Tiffany asked, "Patrick do you know how lucky you are to have this very special woman in your life?"

"I am starting to understand that very thing," Patrick said and smiled over at Robin.

"Good, you might think that these two are a couple of tough as nails no-nonsense spies. Well, they are, but they are also a couple of hopeless romantics where Anna and I are concerned. Robin deserves to be cherished like I know we are."

"Aunt Tiff we're taking things one day at a time right now." While they were upstairs Robin had explained about the infected needle and that Patrick was now waiting to take the next test. "We're happy."

"I'll be honest this is all new to me, my career always came first and yes I would fit the perfect description of a player, never wanting more than a physical relationship. I never thought I could want just one woman in my life," Patrick admitted.

"That was me before I met Tiffany. I didn't know how much I could love one woman or understand that the love two people share can change everything. That when two people were fully committed to each other they would do anything for the other," Sean admitted. "Falling in love with Tiffany changed me, I finally understood true love. I made a horrible mistake once that destroyed..." Sean stopped he know Robin had no idea about his part in why her parents ended their first marriage. There were looks exchanged between the four people that knew what he had done. Anna moved closer to Robin and took her hand. Sean took a deep breath then continued. "I destroyed the future of a young couple. I didn't want to lose my best agents so I made a deal with the devil that would ensure the end of their marriage. I didn't understand how much they truly loved each other."

"YOU DID WHAT!" Robin yelled. Anna put her arm around her shoulder.

"I'm so sorry Robin. If I could change it I would, I tore apart your family before you were even born. I truly am sorry, please believe that." Then Sean put his head down.

Robin was shocked, "Mom, dad, you knew. How long have you known about this?" she asked. Robert came and sat on Robin's other side.

"Since Sean was shot saving your life. He told us while he was still in the hospital," Anna told her.

"Robin please don't be mad at him, we can't change it now," Robert added. "We've both forgiven him."

Robin thought about what they had all just told her. She couldn't believe what he had just admitted, and who was the devil? Then it hit her "Who'd you make a deal with?" she asked bitterly. "It was Faison was it."

Sean didn't look up, "Yes he forced Anna to take one more mission, and I made sure Robert found the double agent."

Robin wanted to scream at him but know it wouldn't help anyone. "Dad, you were with Kate then, did finding out about this have anything to do with the end of that relationship?" Robin asked.

"I couldn't take that last step to fully commit to her, Kate knew that and that was the main reason for our split. Although it was shortly after Sean told us about this that Kate broke off the engagement the first time. She saw what we were still both denying."

"Kate was just one of the people that accused us of still being in love with each other. I think everyone we were in relationships with at some point accused us of that," Anna told her. "Sean was actually the one that told us that the most, he knew it had never changed between us."

"Really everyone, even Uncle Duke?"

"Oh yes, Duke definitely thought that he said it more then once," Anna admitted.

Robin sat quietly trying to process everything she had just heard. Patrick was starting to understanding what had just happened. Watching the three of them he realized Robin hadn't been kidding about always coming first with her parents. They clearly loved each other, and Robin was the product of that love, she was their pride and joy. Could he have that with Robin? As much as the idea of settling down scared him, Patrick realized he could picture that very thing with Robin.

Tiffany was sitting with Sean, he still had his head down, she took his hand so he knew she was there for him. Finally, Robin stood up, they had all been quite so when she crossed the room Sean looked up. She stopped in front of him, "I love you, Uncle Sean."

He stood up and hugged her, "Oh sweety I love you too, I truly am sorry. What I cost you all has to be the biggest regret of my life."

Then Robin turned to her parents, "If so many people were telling you that you both still loved each other why did it take so long for you to get back together?" she asked with a grin on her face.

Robert and Anna looked at each other and laughed. They both knew there had been times they wanted it to happen, the temptation had been there. There had been conversions that if one of them hadn't been in a relationship at the time, could have made things very different. They knew they had both wanted to try again at different times, but neither of them wanted to break up a relationship either. "Timing," Robert simply said.

"Really you two were in love but the timing was never right, how could that be?" Patrick asked.

"Well first off, neither of us would actually admit to being in love with the other," Anna told him. "Not to each other, not even to ourselves. Even though we said I love you to each other all the time, we were best friends."

"If circumstances were different, we may very well have found our way back sooner," Robert glanced at Anna and smiled. "There had been many conversations that had to be cut short because of the topic and where it could lead but we'd stop because one of us was involved with someone else at the time."

Robin had no idea about any of this, she wondered how much sooner they could have been together as a family. "Why did you wait?"

"We were never really single at the same time until after Duke past away and Robert and Kate broke up," Anna told them, then smiled. "It didn't take that long once we were though."

Robin turned to Patrick, "That's right it was only a few month. Mom and dad had the worst fight I can ever remember them having, they weren't even talking to each other. I could tell they were both hurting because of it but they are both so stubborn, neither of them would apologize. I'd had enough so I sent them both Valintine's cards telling them to make up before a big dance recital of mine. I don't know what happened that night but they were together shortly after that," Robin added.

"So you wanted them together?" Patrick asked.

"Of course I did," Robin's face lit up. "You have no idea how happy I was the day they got married."

"So that's what you want, the big love, a wedding and happily ever after?" Patrick said before realizing just what he was saying.

Robin was a little shocked by the question. "I guess I do, when I know it's right I want to get married, as for happily ever after, that's what everyone hopes for isn't it."

Anna leaned in closer to Robert, "What were the three of you talking about? Unless I'm mistaken that young man is thinking about their relationship a little differently."

"Sean and I let him know that when the right one comes along you can't let her get away. That she needs to know she is the most important person to you and to keep her happy," Robert said then kissed her.

"You are very smart men," then she snuggled up closer to him. Robin and Patrick had excused themselves saying they wanted to look around the yard. Sean and Tiffany were still sitting together on the loveseat. "I think you two may have given Patrick the kick in the ass he needed to really think about their future," Anna said after they left.

"They love each other even if they don't want to admit it," Tiffany said smiling.

...

They had just sat down at their table at the Metro Court when Bobbie and Noah walked in. "Are you kidding me what are you two doing here? When was I going to find out?" Bobbie asked with a big smile for her old friends.

Sean and Tiffany got up and hugged her, "Robin actually suggested coming here for this very reason, she said there was a good chance of seeing some old friends," Tiffany told her.

"Tiffany Hill, is that you?" Noah said.

"You know it is. Hello Noah." Then she hugged him and introduced him to Sean.

Once they had all greeted each other, Sean asked them to join them, "Oh we couldn't, we wouldn't want to intrude," Noah tried to insist.

"You wouldn't be and we insist," Robert told him. "Please Bobbie, I would really like it if you'd joined us." She smiled at him, she knew he was reaching out to her. Anna had mentioned that Robert regretted the coldness and distance he had maintained during the outbreak.

"We'd love to Robert," Bobbie said with a smile. Now a party of eight they sat eating and having a great time. They were telling stories and getting caught up with what they had all been doing. They were all in high spirits enjoying spending time together. No one noticed the man at the bar. He only stayed a little while but once he had seen them he decided to get out of there. It wouldn't be good if any of them were to recognize him.

When they returned to Anna and Robert's Tiffany pulled Robert away so she could talk to him alone. "I know a little about what happened to you, and this afternoon I heard about how you and Anna reconnecting. I am so happy for you both. What I want to know is how you are doing. Anna said there are things you're helping each other with."

"Anna has made all the difference, without her help I'd still be struggling, I'm a work in progress but it's getting better," Robert told her. "She has helped by telling both Robin and Mac things I could never have told them. I know she doesn't give them a lot of details but at least they understand what I'm trying to do. They have all let me back into their lives. Tiffany I truly believed I had lost them all forever."

"Oh Robert, I'm so happy you're back. You know Sean and I will always be there for you and Anna. Come on let's go get a drink." Tiffany said with a smile. They hugged then went and joined Sean and Anna. Robert was amazed that after he had hurt so many people they were still willing to welcome him back into their lives.

...

Early the next day Robert was surprised when Patrick showed up by himself and asked to talk to him. They went to the room that was now the office so they could be alone. "Have a seat, what can I do for you?" Robert asked.

"I've been thinking a lot about what you and Sean said yesterday. I want you to know Robin is very important to me," Patrick started.

"OK, I think there's more to this conversation so go on," Robert encouraged.

"I watch my dad self-destruct after my mom died. He loved her so much, I never wanted to go through that kind of pain. Now I've seen you and Anna, and the love you two share and the pain it has caused you both. I want to know is it worth it?" Patrick asked.

"Is it worth risking your heart to commit to the person you don't want to live without?" Robert wanted to make sure he knew what Patrick was asking. Patrick nodded then waited for Robert to continue. "Yes, it's worth it all. Anna and I both said that if we had to only be friends that would be fine because we both needed to have the other one in our life."

"Robin told me about the conversation the three of you had in the Markum Islands and she said it was obvious that you both still loved each other. So why would you want to just be friends?"

"Because of the pain of losing each other twice before," Robert answered. "Anna and I told each other we loved each other the first night we saw each other, but that didn't stop us from fighting with each other when she first got here. That didn't take away the pain the years apart caused. Arguing is just one of the ways we communicate, so it was a way to work through some of that pain, just yelling at each other."

"Were you ever actually mad at each other?" Patrick asked.

"Anna was mad at me at first, and I had been mad a few years before but had realized I had no right to be. I had to explained why I had to stay away then give her time to think about it. When we were completely alone we could really talk. We could just let everything else go and say what was needed. It was during those times when I knew I had to be with her," Robert paused. "When she got called out of town we had time to think and the only thing that was holding us back was the fear of losing each other again. When she got back we talked about what we had both gone through during those years we were apart. Those were very emotional conversations but we helped each other get through them."

"How long after that did it take before you knew you could take the risk to be together?"

"I have some anger issues, and I was having dreams about losing Anna again. The dreams were making my anger worse, the night before we said I got called out of town on business Anna came to me and helped me through the night. I feel that was when we were back together, that was before we had the big talks," admitted Robert.

"So you know the risks and just how much it will hurt if it ends and you're still willing to take the chance of being together?"

"I would die for Anna. All I want to do is make her happy, keep her safe, protect her from any more pain, she has been through so much already. Yeah, it could all get taken away again, but I need her, she makes my life worthwhile. I love that woman beyond explanation. Of course it worth the risk to be together."

"I think I might be falling in love your daughter, that alone scares me, but I need her," Patrick told him. "I want to be the man she needs as well."

"Take the chance, the risk is worth it, the joy is worth the pain. Make her happy you both deserve that." Robert stood up so Patrick did as well, Robert walked over and shook his hand. "You're a good man Patrick Drake, treat her right." Robert and Patrick left the office together they talked on the way to the door then Patrick left.

When Robert came back into the living room Anna asked, "What was that all about?"

"I think that young man could be our son-in-law some day," Robert said with a smile, he joined her on the couch and kissed her cheek.

...

Jonathan de Salva was ready to make his first move against Corinthos, his men would be arriving in Port Charles in two days. "Are you sure Scorpio and Devane are going to be too busy to get involved, apparently their daughter is a close friend of Corinthos?" Jim Conners asked.

"Yes I'm sure, my man is already there it won't be long before he starts making trouble for them. They'll be too busy to worry about a turf war even if their daughter's friend is in danger," de Salve insured him.

"How can you be so sure?" Pauly Munro asked.

"I told you, the guy I sent to Port Charles has a history with them as well. Scorpio put him away twice and Devane, well they got to spend a lot of time together, he should have killed her back then. He's been waiting for his chance to get back at them both," de Salve explained.

His men seemed to accept this and went back to talk about their first wave of attack in Port Charles. The coffee warehouse will be the first target, they will take out the legitimate business first so he can't hide his criminal activity so easily. If they have to take down his empire one brick at a time that's what they'll do.

...

They were all enjoying their visit, it was great just to spent time together again. Saturday afternoon Tiffany and Anna meet Bobbie and Monica for lunch, then the ladies made a few other stops shopping and just enjoying an overdue girl's day. While they were out Anna couldn't seem to shake the feeling someone was following them though. Whenever she looked around she couldn't see anyone. Even while they ate she was sure someone was there watching them but she didn't notice anyone that seemed out of place.

They were on their way back to the house when Tiffany asked, "Are you alright, it seems like you couldn't relax today. You were looking around like you expected to see someone there all afternoon."

"I just had an odd feeling like we were being watched. Sorry I hope I didn't spoil the afternoon," said Anna.

"I've been with Sean long enough to just accept that sometimes the spy part of him has a feeling that can't be ignored. The same thing was happening with you today," Tiffany said then smiled.

When Anna and Tiffany got back Robert and Sean happily greeted them by telling them that they were having dinner guest tonight. Robert smiled while telling them Robin had called to tell him they were going to BBQ, Mac Georgie Robin and Patrick would all be coming over. Robin had also insisted that she and Georgie would take care of the side dishes, while the men got to argue over who got to do the grilling. Tiffany and Anna were so excited it had been far too long since they had spent this kind of time together.

"Robert, can I talk to you alone before anyone gets here?" Anna asked.

"Of course Luv."

They were heading for the stairs when Tiffany said, "Hey you two, remember we don't have two hours before your guest start showing up." She gave Sean a mischievous little smile.

He smiled, "You have been a very good boy," Sean called after them, then they laughed at themselves.

Once they were in their room Robert took her in his arms. "What happened while you two were out?"

Anna relaxed into him, he could always tell when something was bothering her. "I couldn't shake the feeling we were being followed, I'd look around but no one was there. It kept happening too, where ever we went I was sure we were being watched," Anna told him. "It didn't feel like my fear just getting the better of me either."

"It could be whoever had sent someone before has finally decided to check in on us again. We'll just have to keep an eye out for them. If someone is interested in us they'll have to expose themselves sooner or later we just need to stay on our toes." Then he kissed her, Anna relaxed more, she knew he was probably right.

"I still have no idea who it could be, and I hate how it makes me feel having someone out there looking for us," Anna said. "I just want to be left alone."

"I know sweetheart, you would think we'd have earned the right to grow old in peace," Robert said hoping to get a laugh out of her.

"Are you calling me old Scorpio?" she asked then she smiled.

"Never, but I want to spend the rest of my life with you so at some point that might happen," He kissed her again.

She pulled him closer and the passion in their kiss grew, oh how she needed this man, he always seemed to be able to keep her from worrying too much. Then Anna pulled away from the kiss, "We better get back downstairs, Tiffany's right we don't have time for this right now."

Robert smiled, "I like to make sure you're satisfied."

"I know, and you won't hear any complaints from me about that." She gave him a playful little smile, then lead him out of their room.

When they got downstairs Robert said, "It should be a nice evening let's set up to eat outside. Sean, want to give me a hand?"

"Sure old buddy, point me in the right direction and I'll carry whatever you need."

Once they were outside Robert told Sean about Anna's feeling of being followed and how unsettling it was for her. "I think whoever sent the guy before has sent someone back here. I have no idea who would want to come after us now, Sean. Why can't we just be left alone?"

"I can't answer that. Are you going to tell Mac about this when he gets here?" Sean asked.

"I probably should just in case something does happen," Robert agreed. They finished setting up then went back inside.

It wasn't long before Robin and Patrick arrived. When they had all greeted each other Robin said, "I was talking to Maxie just before I left work and she is going to come over after she's done."

"That's good I don't get to see her enough," Anna said.

"That was what she said too, and the fact that both of her godparents are here she wants to make sure she gets here to visit with everyone," Robin told them.

When Mac and Georgie arrived they visited for a little while then Mac said, "Come on men I was informed on the way over that the women are going to have a good old hen party in the kitchen while we're out back with the grill, so let's grab some beers and get out there."

"I like the way you think," Sean said and the men all went outside. Both groups were having a great time laughing talking and telling stories. Just as Georgie was about to take the first dish outside the doorbell rang, Anna went to answer it. "You're just in time we're about ready to eat," she smiles at the young woman standing in front of her.

"Yeah. Hi Aunt Anna." Then they hugged each other. "It's so great that you and Uncle Robert are living here now. Can I help with anything?"

"Robin is the director in the kitchen let's go see what she needs." They walked to the kitchen together.

When they entered the kitchen Tiffany gave Maxie a big hug, "Oh my look at you, all grown up."

"It's so great to see you, Tiffany. Hi Robs, what can I do?"

"Grab those plates and the cutlery, and I think that's it." Robin looked around they had all picked up something and were ready to join the men outside. There was a table set up to put all the food on, and when they set it all down the guys look at everything they have brought out and complement the ladies.

"Maxie you made it, you look great. How did I get so lucky to have two such beautiful goddaughters," Sean said then hugged her.

"I hope everyone's hungry because we have lots of food, so dig in everyone," Robert said.

They all did just that. There was a lively conversation all through supper, with lots of laughs. When they were done Patrick offered to clean up, Robin got up to help him. Once they were inside Patrick turned to her, "Your family is great. I really enjoy spending time with them, Sean and Tiffany included. Maybe one day I'll be a part of it as well." Robin almost dropped the dish in her hand, had her really just said that? Robin just stared at him not knowing what to say. "I mean it. I've never thought about settling down or marriage before, but I've never met anyone like you before either. Robin, I think we could be happy for a very long time if we stay together."

It took a moment, then Robin was able to move again, she walked over to him. Was he saying what she thought he was, could they have a future, she said: "I know we both agreed to no commitment, but I know we could be happy." In their own strange way, they were admitting they really cared and wanted a relationship. He took her in his arms they kissed passionately.

Robert and Anna walked in carrying the last of the dishes, "Hey what's going on in here?" Robert said.

Patrick and Robin look over and smiled when they saw both her parents smiling at them. "You know that's not how dishes get done," Anna joked.

"No but it's more fun then dishes," Robin told them with a smile.

They put down the dishes in their hands, "Come on dad let's leave these two alone." Anna took Robert's hand and they left the kitchen. Both of them were still smiling, they liked Patrick and knew Robin loved him.

...

It had been a great day and Anna was very happy. Standing looking out their bedroom window, she was smiling a dreamy look in her eyes. Robert had watched her for a little while when he entered the room, then he walked over to her and put his arms around her. "Penny for your thoughts."

Anna leaned back into him. "I'm so happy, did you see Robin and Patrick after supper? Whatever's happening they seem happy, it could be they're getting more serious about their relationship."

"I think you might be right."

"Having our friends and family here, everyone was in such good moods. Tonight was amazing, I had really missed days like this."

"It really was a great day," he agreed and kissed her neck.

"It's been a long time since I've had that much fun. Being with people I love made it so much better," Anna told him.

"I know what you mean. Now let's get some sleep Luv." They got ready for bed, once they are both in bed they quickly fall asleep in each other's arms.

...

"ROBERT! NOOO!" Anna shot up in bed, she was drench in perspiration.

"I'm right here Luv." Robert sat up beside her and put his arms around her. She leaned against him and started to cry. "It's OK Luv I've got you, I'm right here." He rubbed her back then she looked up at him, he brushed her hair off her face. Anna reached up and touched his face she looked a little confused, then put her head back on his shoulder. "Luv I'm here."

"You're really here." She smiled but she still wasn't sure what was going on.

"Of course I am. It was just a dream you're at home with me," he told her.

After a little bit, she started talking. "We were on the boat again, I dreamt about the explosion a few times after I got my memory back but it was the actual memory. This was different, I was right there reaching for your hand, then I heard the blast. You were at the center of it and you were engulfed in flames. You didn't get thrown overboard you were just gone."

"It was just a dream, I'm right here, I'm OK."

Anna looked up at him again, "You are."

"You're drenched Luv, come have a shower with me," he suggested.

"OK," Anna let Robert lead her to the shower. Anna was still in a kind of a daze, her dream had scared her more then she would like to admit. He took off their clothes then they got into the shower. As the water washed over her, Anna seemed to finally wake up fully. She looked up at Robert and smiled.

"Feeling better Luv?" he asked.

"Yes, thank you. It felt like I was still dreaming or something," she told him.

Robert shuts off the shower and wraps a towel around Anna then one around himself. "Do you want to go back to bed?"

"I want you to make love to me."

Robert kissed her and pulled her closer to him. Anna wrapped her arms around him. They let their towels fall to the floor, Robert picked her up and she wrapped her legs around him. He carried her back into their room and lowered her onto the bed. He took his time, trailing kissing over her body. His hand roamed over her needing to touch her. Anna responded to his touch, moaning with pleasure. The sound of her pleasure driving Robert, he wants her to feel alive, he quickens the pace. Anna's fingertips dug into his lower back, pulling him closer, she cries out his name in ecstasy, Robert joined her in release. Then lay spend in each other's arms.

"Well maybe our guests didn't hear that," Robert whispered in her ear. Anna giggled and covered her face remembering they weren't alone in the house. She had only been thinking about what he was doing. "If they didn't hear you scream my name in your sleep, they might have slept through that too," he teased. "Don't worry, I'm pretty sure they do this too."

Anna laughed, "I love you so much, Robert."

"I love you too Anna, are you ready to try and sleep some more?"

Anna cuddles closer to him, "Hold me in your arms and I should be able to fall asleep again." Robert did what she asked and they drift off to sleep together.

...

Robert and Anna were in the kitchen when Sean and Tiffany came down the next morning, Robert was cooking and Anna was reading the paper. "Good morning, the coffee's ready, and breakfast will be ready soon," Robert told them.

Tiffany went and sat at the table with Anna, Sean went to get them coffee. After Sean had given Tiffany her coffee he went to talk to Robert, Tiffany watched him then leaned closer to Anna, "Do you think he'll give Sean some pointers, I'm not sure when the last I cried out like that was."

Anna looked up to see her friend smiling at her, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Tiffany!" then they both laughed. "I may have forgotten that we weren't alone," Anna told her then they started to laugh again.

When Anna and Tiffany started laughing he looked at Robert and smiled. "Can I ask why she screamed out your name the first time, the second time doesn't need any explanation."

Robert smiled back at him then said, "Anna had a nightmare about the boat explosion. Sometimes when she's really happy a fear that this will all be taking away consumes her. This was the first nightmare she's had though."

"You'd had some though, right?" Sean asked.

"Yeah, Anna helped me though, mostly just by being there. I haven't had one in over a month. Sean, we're both fighting the fear that we are going to be torn apart again," Robert told him.

"Robert that's not going to happen this time," Sean told him.

"That's what I keep telling myself, Anna does too. I think it's just going to take time to get past this," Robert agreed. "Want to grab those plates breakfast's ready."

Sean put his hand on Robert back, "Hey we're here for you two no matter what, you need anything don't hesitate to call us."

Robert looked over at him "Thanks, Sean."

...

At her parent's the night before Robin had agreed to meet Maxie and Georgie at the Metro Court for brunch, they were already waiting for her when she arrived. As she entered a man walked right into her, he didn't stop or apologize he just walked away. Robin had turned to say something but he was already far enough away that she didn't want to yell after him. As she turned back again and started walking Robin couldn't shake the feeling that she had seen him before, she just didn't know where or when.

"Hi Robs, I saw that. How rude can a person be, he didn't even pause when he walked into you." Maxie said.

"Have you seen that guy before?" Robin asked. "I feel like I have but I'm not sure where."

"I don't think so, no," Maxie answered.

"Maybe he just looks like someone I once knew," Robin said. Once she had sat down they all started talking. Maxie and Georgie were both excited for Robin when she told them about the conversation they had the night before.