It's almost over! I think you'll love this short chapter!

CHAPTER 29

The visit with Cora and Henry had gone way better than Regina had expected. Robin was right – Roland had gotten through to them and melted their hearts. It had turned into a very busy weekend but once they were over the hurdle of meeting; things had gone very smoothly. Henry had been emotional when Robin told everyone it was time to drive Roland home; he loved the idea of being a Grandpa and it warmed Regina's heart that her father would accept her future step-son with open arms into the family. Even Cora held on tightly to Roland and then kissed his cheek and snuggled closely to him; before finally letting him go and saying they would see him soon. Her parents left on Tuesday and before they could blink Saturday night was here again and Robin was bartending and all of her friends were gathered at "The Rabbit Hole". It was packed – the most crowded she'd ever seen it and despite how busy it was she couldn't help but notice how happy Robin was. He was laughing with his regulars and he and Jefferson were having a good old time. Every time he pocketed money he was beaming. Regina wondered if he'd finally had enough money to buy her ring. It seemed lately that was all he could think about – making enough to get her the one he wanted. She was happy for him but at the same time she wished he would realize that she didn't care about that. She was just excited that eventually she would become his wife. Tonight; Emma and Mary were the designated drivers and she decided she would have a third glass of wine. Everyone was laughing and the men were playing pool while the ladies watched; it was turning out to be a fun evening. She glanced over at the bar and noticed that Jefferson nodded at Robin and slapped him on the back. Regina was shocked when her boyfriend actually stood on the top of the bar and called for everyone's attention. Emma gave her the "Oh' Shit what the fuck is going on here" look and she shrugged. Everyone quieted down and Robin began to speak "I would like to ask my beautiful girlfriend Regina to come over here and join me." Regina stood and everyone was whistling "Okay boys knock it off – she's mine," he said. Once she was standing next to the bar everyone moved closer so they could hear "I met Regina in this bar; so it's only fitting that I do this here with all of our friends present." Robin placed his hand in his back pocket and pulled out a small box; everyone was screaming and she placed her hands over her mouth. He carefully got down on his knee on top of the bar and opened the box; she let out a breath and bit her lip – it was beautiful. A diamond rose in the middle surrounded by a string of smaller stones; gold and God . . . it was perfect. Her eyes were already watering and he began to speak "I love you. I will love you for the rest of my life. Will you marry me? Will you be my wife Regina?" You could hear a pin drop and as she looked around the room; even the men were smiling and hugging one another.

She finally stuck out her hand and said "Yes, I'll marry you." The room exploded and Robin placed the ring on her finger and jumped down from the bar. She flew into his arms and he picked her up and twirled her around. The tears were rolling down her cheeks now and when he placed her back on the floor he kissed her. Jefferson screamed that everyone was getting a free drink on the house in honor of their engagement and once again the room erupted. Their friends hugged and congratulated them but then; with one last kiss he whispered that he had to go back to work. She nodded; hugged him one more time and let him go.

Regina and her friends sat down at their table and Jefferson brought over their drinks; he hugged and kissed her and then went back to work as well. After a few minutes; everyone was calm. The men were playing darts and the women were sitting around "Let me see that," Emma said as she grabbed Regina's hand.

"It's beautiful," Mary added.

"Thank you," Regina said.

"Robin is such a romantic. God, that was beautiful," Ruby replied.

"It was perfect," Emma said.

"Does that mean we can start planning the wedding now," Mary asked as she bounced in her seat and drank her coke.

"Give them time to enjoy being engaged – good grief," Emma said.

"Have you at least thought about what time of year you want to get married," Ruby asked.

Regina shrugged "Not really. We haven't talked about it much; to be honest."

"I'm sure he'll be fine with whatever you want," Mary said.

"Actually, I was thinking it might be nice to get married at the Marina," Regina said.

"Oh' that sounds nice," Emma replied. "Plus hello I have an in with a guy that works there," Emma said laughing.

"That's definitely a good thing," Ruby said.

"I think a spring wedding would be nice," Mary said "Especially if you're doing it at the Marina." Regina listened as her friends chatted and she glanced up at Robin. He was watching her and she bit her lip and smiled back at him. She wondered how the hell she got so lucky. He was everything she'd always wanted in a man; loving, fun, smart and extremely handsome. Soon, he would be her husband. She felt like the happiest person in the entire universe. After another hour or so people were getting ready to leave and like she'd done so many times before – she decided to wait for him. Everyone else left and she took her favorite spot at the bar. Jefferson brought her a glass of water and she thanked him. The bar was emptying and about ten minutes later Robin yelled for last call. Several stragglers went up to get their last drink of the night as Robin and Jefferson began to clean up. Regina looked down at her ring and still couldn't believe how beautiful it was. He'd been determined to buy her a nice one and even though she didn't expect it – she loved him even more for wanting to do things the "right" way for her.

She was startled when her fiancée' grabbed her hand "Penny for your thoughts," he whispered as he kissed her new ring.

Regina smiled "Just admiring this," she said nodding toward her ring.

"Do you like?"

She laughed "Are you kidding. Robin, it's gorgeous."

"Just like you," he added as he kissed her quickly on the mouth. "We'll be about a half an hour or so," he said.

"It's alright," she said as she leaned up for one more kiss. She watched him like she used to when they first started dating and he was breathtaking. There were so many reasons she was attracted to him and loved him and Regina couldn't wait to be his wife. She wondered if they should speed things along and get married sooner rather than later but it seemed her friends were excited to plan a wedding in the spring at the marina. As long as Robin approved; she loved the idea and her mind was already reeling. She didn't want to have a huge wedding; just close friends and family. She wondered how she was going to choose a wedding party with so many friends but she wanted all of them to stand with her when she married Robin. Thirty minutes later; they were finished and with a final congratulations from Jefferson the happy couple was out the door and on their way home.

Once in the car he noticed she was somewhat quiet "Alright baby," he asked.

"Yes, just tired," she admitted.

"Me too; so what were you and the ladies talking about," he asked.

She smiled "Were we that obvious. The wedding of course; I hadn't thought too much about it but they seem enthusiastic to start planning."

"Oh what are you thinking?"

"You want to know," she asked.

"Of course," he replied.

He grabbed her hand and squeezed "Well, I'm thinking at the Marina in the spring actually. That's still several months away and we can plan something small in time," she said softly.

"I like the idea," he said.

"Really, are you sure?"

"Yes, I think we can plan something by then," he replied. They pulled in front of the house and headed inside. Once the alarm was reset they headed up to bed "I'm exhausted," Robin admitted as he began to strip off his clothes "I should shower though." She let him start his shower but then couldn't resist and joined him. Once they were clean and dry; they collapsed into bed naked and he pulled her into his arms "Goodnight my beautiful fiancée," he said drowsily. Regina smiled and snuggled closely to him; it had been an amazing night and she couldn't wait to start planning the rest of their lives together.