CHAPTER 27

Robin walked through the door at 2AM. He was exhausted. He took the money he made and added it to the stash in the family room he kept hidden in an envelope behind one of his books. He'd only saved $500 so far and it depressed him. Granted it had only been a few weeks since he started saving for Regina's ring but he was hoping he'd be able to make more by now. He made a cup of tea and sat at the kitchen island. He was tired but feeling very wired. He heard a noise from upstairs and a few seconds later his angel appeared in the doorway "Hi beautiful," he said.

"Are you coming to bed?"

"Yes, I'm just finishing my sleepy time tea," he said.

She smiled and sat next to him "How did you make out tonight?"

"It was decent," he replied.

"You're being too hard on yourself with this whole ring thing Robin," she said.

"No I'm not."

She wrapped her arms around him and leaned her head on his shoulder "I fell in love with you for the man you are. I don't need a ring."

"You will have one Regina. It's what I want," he said.

"You've been working so hard and long hours. You should cut yourself some slack. You'll get sick and run down and I don't want that," she said.

He kissed her forehead "Alright, I'll slow down. I promise. I am starting to feel drained. I won't work as many hours at the diner."

"That's a start," she said.

"I guess I'm ready to sleep now. I'm exhausted," he admitted. Regina took his hand and then walked upstairs. He stripped down to his boxers and he got into bed. She turned out the light and snuggled against his chest and he wrapped his arm around her "Thank you for not being too hard on me," he said.

She laced her fingers with his "Robin, I understand that you want to make money. I get it but I don't want you to feel you have to do that . . . flirt to get extra cash. I will wait for as long as I have to for that ring. I don't care. All that matters is that I'm with you. Okay?"

He kissed her forehead "Yes, babe. I love you," he said softly.

"I love you more." It didn't take long. Robin drifted off to sleep and Regina didn't want to wake him so she stayed in his arms until she also fell into a deep slumber.

Robin woke up around 6AM and he was freezing. He got up slowly and went to the bathroom and then got dressed into warmer clothes. He snuggled back under the covers but he was shaking. Regina stirred next to him and she whispered "Is anything wrong?"

"I'm freezing. Is it cold in here," he asked.

"No, I'm fine," she replied. She felt his forehead and gasped "Robin you're burning up!" She got out of bed and went to the bathroom to get the thermometer and then turned on the light. Regina put it under his tongue "Babe you're shaking," she said. "I'll be right back. I'm going to get you a glass of water. You need to stay hydrated." Robin nodded and watched as she darted out of the room. He was sick. That much was obvious. She'd jinxed him. She told him a few hours ago if he didn't slow down he'd catch something. The thermometer beeped and he took it out and looked at it - 102. He placed it down on the end table and a few seconds later she came in carrying a glass of water "What was it," she asked.

"102. I'm clearly ill," he replied. "Please don't say you told me so."

She handed him the glass of water and he drank it down and then snuggled back under the covers "I'm going to catch a few more hours in the room next door," she said.

"I don't blame you babe. I don't want you to get sick," he said.

She kissed his forehead "Rest. I'll make you chicken soup, tea and we'll watch Netflix all day. But I think we should sleep some more."

"You were right. I shouldn't have worked so many hours," he whispered as he kissed the top of her hand.

"Nothing you can do about it now. Go back to sleep," she said. Regina turned off the light and went to the guest room. She got into bed and sighed – men why didn't they ever listen?

Robin slept until noon. The only reason he woke up was because he had to go to the bathroom. He felt horrible. He carefully took a shower and then slowly got dressed and then made his way down to the family room. Regina was watching television and stood when he came in the room "Hey, how are you feeling?"

He sat down and she put a blanket over his lap "Not too great. I managed to take a shower. I suppose I should eat something."

"I'll heat you up some soup and make tea," she said.

"I'm going to call Killian and see if he can cover my shift at the center tomorrow," Robin replied.

"That is a very good idea," Regina said as she stood and kissed his forehead. "It feels like you still have a fever but after you eat I'll take your temperature again." She went to the kitchen and Robin decided to text Killian instead. He responded right away and said he'd handle his shift at the center and to feel better. He was relieved. He went into the kitchen and Regina scolded him "What are you doing? I can bring it out to you."

"No, I'll sit here and eat," he said. She put his soup in a bowl and placed it in front of him. Then, prepared his tea and poured her a cup as well "Killian will work for me tomorrow. I sent him a text."

"Oh' that's good. Do you want me to stay home with you?"

"No, baby I think I'll probably just sleep," Robin replied. She sat across from him and he could tell she wanted to say something "What is it my love?"

"It's just . . . are you going to listen to me now? Are you going to slow down?"

"Yes, I promise," he said as he sipped his tea and ate his soup.

"Good." Robin finished eating and then slowly stood and went back to the family room. He lay down on the sofa and Regina cleaned up and then went to get the thermometer upstairs. She came back down and took his temperature and he still had a fever so she gave him aspirin and then put on a movie for them to watch. He fell asleep halfway through and she decided to let him rest and read something. Her bookshelf was full of stories; romance, Stephen King, Classics; Hamlet, Shakespeare but she didn't realize Robin had books as well. She was sorting through them when an envelope fell on the floor. Curiosity got the better of her and she looked inside; her eyes grew wide when she realized it was about $500 in cash. She put it away and jumped when Robin said "You found my stash."

"You really should put this in a safer place," she said.

"Who would look there for money," he said as he sat up on the sofa.

Regina put it back and then joined him "Robin, that's a lot of money you saved so far."

"It's not enough for a proper ring," he said softly.

"You're an idiot if you think I care about having a flashy engagement ring. All I want is to be your wife. I want us to be together I don't care about diamonds and gold."

"Then, I'm an idiot," he said as he laid his head back on the sofa.

She rolled her eyes "I love you but you're starting to piss me off."

He smiled "I'm sick. Please don't fight with me. I like the sound of that . . . you being my wife."

"So do I," she admitted. "You look so tired. Why don't you lay on me," she suggested.

He did as she asked "Thank you baby for taking care of me," he said.

"I always will. Now, rest and go back to sleep." Regina ran her hands through his hair and thought about what it would be like to be Robin's wife. She bit her lip and smiled – she really was looking forward to it. She wondered when they should get married. The idea of planning a wedding exhausted her. Plus, they should be engaged for a bit before they start planning. But, why; what was the point? Maybe, they should just do it? She glanced down at Robin and jumped when she realized he was staring at her "I thought you were asleep?"

He smiled "I could hear you thinking," he teased.

"It's nothing," she said.

"Regina what is it? You can tell me anything," he said. Robin sat up on the sofa and she faced him.

She cleared her throat "I was just thinking how long our engagement will be? Do we want to wait a year or two? It's just . . . I hope you don't think I'm crazy but I think I'd like to get married sooner," she admitted.

"Oh," he said quietly.

"Oh, what does that mean?"

"Well, I feel the same way as you but I think we should at least wait so that we can plan something nice. Don't you? I've never even met your parents," he said.

Regina bit her lip "You are right about that," she said. "It's silly we shouldn't rush into anything."

"It's not silly. I can't wait for you to be my wife."

She smiled "Really?"

"Yes, really; I mean we're practically married already. We're living together."

"I suppose you're right," she said.

"We'll figure it out."

She ran her fingers through his hair "You should rest."

He lay back down and placed his head in her lap "My beautiful wife; I can't wait," he said softly as he drifted back to sleep. Regina smiled – she couldn't wait either.

Robin took three full days off work. He wasn't messing around. He knew he needed to get better and he wanted to be alright for Roland's visit this weekend. Even though there wasn't anything planned he still wanted to play with his son at the center and go to the park. Granny understood and basically told him "I told you so" when he'd called and told her he was poorly with a fever.

She told him to take all the time he needed to heal properly. He'd done just that. He worked a double shift at the diner on Thursday because someone called in sick. He felt much better and by the time he got home Regina was waiting for him with Chinese take-out "This is a surprise," he said as he walked into the kitchen. She smiled and he kissed her quickly "What's the occasion," he asked.

She began taking cartons out of the bags and setting up the island "I knew you worked all day and you probably wouldn't want to cook. Since you're feeling better I thought I'd treat us to Chinese. I got all your favorites," she said.

"Wow it smells amazing. Thank you this is great babe. Do you mind if I shower quickly first?"

"No, go right ahead. I'll set everything up." He kissed her forehead and raced upstairs to shower and get changed. He could sense something was going on with her and he wondered what it was. He took the fastest shower of his life because he was starving. A few minutes later; he walked into the kitchen and two glasses of wine along with all the food was laid out and ready for them "If you're all set we can eat," she said as she sat down on one of the stools.

He joined her "Wow this looks great."

"Yes, I want you to enjoy this," she said.

They started eating and Robin couldn't help himself "Regina, I can't help but wonder if something is going on."

She smiled and placed a strand of hair behind her ear "You are very perceptive. I'll give you that."

"So, talk to me," he said.

"Well, my mother called today."

"Oh . . ."

"Yes, and she informed me that she and my father are flying up – this weekend."

"Oh . . ."

"I know Roland is coming but this house is certainly big enough for all of us and I hope you're alright with this. My mother just tells me what her plans are and she doesn't know how to ask."

Robin smiled "It's funny how I just said recently that I haven't met you're parents yet. I think this is great. It's about time."

"You don't know my mother," Regina said. "She's a bit overbearing. When I told her we were dating and living together she had a lot to say and I don't want to make you nervous but she can be . . . difficult."

He continued to eat "We'll deal with it. I'm confident it will all work out. Plus, it doesn't really matter what she thinks. I only care about you and how you feel about me."

"Well, just know that I'm warning you. If things get out of hand I wouldn't blame you for getting angry or frustrated or needing to leave the room . . ."

"Regina my love please try not worry. I'm sure it will be fine."

"Alright, I'll try to be positive." They chatted about other things and Robin cleaned up while Regina sat and enjoyed her glass of wine. She was nervous about her parents coming but at the same time they had no choice but to accept Robin and Roland into the family. She loved them and they were getting married. Even though it wasn't official yet if her mother started any drama . . . she'd tell them that Robin was the man she was going to spend the rest of her life with. He was standing against the counter with his arms crossed and Regina didn't realize he was calling her name "I'm so sorry. What did you say?"

He smiled "You're distracted. I asked when your parents are arriving."

"Tomorrow night," she explained.

"Oh . . . Well, I'm picking up Roland on Saturday morning so you'll have plenty of time with them."

"Lovely . . ."

Robin laughed "I think you need to relax. I wonder if I can help with that," he said as he took a few steps toward her.

Regina stood "What exactly do you have in mind?"

He wrapped his arms around her "Why don't you go upstairs and draw yourself a bath and I'll be up shortly. Maybe, I can join you?"

She smiled "Perhaps. That sounds lovely." He kissed her quickly on the mouth and she headed upstairs. Robin leaned against the counter again. He was putting on a charade for Regina. He was nervous to meet her parents but at the same time; they needed to know his intentions. He would talk to her father when they arrived and ask for his blessing even though he had every intention of marrying her no matter what he said. He hoped that her father would grant his permission and blessing to marry his daughter. He wanted things to go smoothly; not only for himself but to put Regina at ease as well. After locking up and setting the alarm; he headed upstairs. He entered their master suite and noticed her clothes on the bed. He stripped all his clothes off and walked into the bathroom. She was leaning back with her eyes closed; she smiled and simply said "Well, get in." She scooted back for him and Robin got in the tub and sat across from her. She winked at him and then leaned back once again and closed her eyes. He grabbed her feet and began to rub them "You spoil me," she whispered.

"It pleases me. I like doing things for you," he admitted.

"How did I get so lucky?"

He smiled "I ask myself that question every single day."

"Robin . . ."

"It's true. I can tell you're worried. Why don't you explain to me why," he said.

Regina cleared her throat and looked up at him "My mother . . . to put it bluntly . . ."

"She won't think I'm good enough for you," he finished.

"I don't care what she thinks," Regina said angrily.

"I know that babe but you still want them to accept me and that's understandable. If they don't . . . well that's too bad."

"My father well he's different from my mother. Opposites attract and I've always said that about them. But, she may be cruel and I don't want her to hurt you or Roland."

"She won't. Besides, everyone who meets Roland falls in love with him. Maybe, he'll get through to your mother," Robin said smiling.

Regina laughed "You never know."

"Why don't you sit in front of me," he suggested as he motioned for her to come closer. "I want to hold you." Regina turned around and placed her back against his chest and he wrapped his arms around her "How is that," he asked as he kissed the top of her head.

"Very nice," she admitted. They sat quietly and Robin couldn't believe how relaxed he was – he almost fell asleep. Regina shifted in his arms "Are you asleep," she asked softly a few minutes later.

"Almost; I'm sorry I guess I'm more tired than I realized," he admitted.

"Well, you did work a double shift," she reminded him.

"You're right. I should get some rest. Will you lay down with me," he asked.

"Of course," she said smiling. They got dressed into pajamas and Robin was the first to lie down in bed. A few minutes later; Regina joined him and she cradled his head on her chest and began to run her fingers through his hair. He sighed and gripped her hand "What is it," she whispered.

"Nothing; I love you . . . so much," he said.

She smiled "I love you Robin. You make me very happy."

"Good. I only want you to be happy." She could tell he was falling asleep. They lay like that for a while and eventually he turned over and she rubbed his back. She whispered goodnight into his ear and he moaned and whispered again that he loved her. Regina was up for a while thinking about her parents and the visit. She hoped Robin was right and that everything would be okay but she couldn't help but feel that every time something important happened in her life – her mother brought her down a notch. She drifted off into a fitful sleep; hoping for the best but expecting the worst.