Chapter Twenty-Seven: Escucha a Tu Alma
Once Thanksgiving was over, the thrill of Christmas in New York City arrived: Black Friday Sales were like no other, decorative wreaths hung from every street lamp, buildings were strewn with holiday lights. But what truly marked the holiday season was the famous tree that stood in Rockefeller Center.
Tourists from all over the world traveled for a glimpse of the tree, sparkling above the ice skaters and frequent passersby. Even city dwellers found it to be a breathtaking sight, especially during evening walks or doing last minute shopping under the night sky. The tree was special to her this year because Roland had told her he'd never gone to see it up close before. And that, according to Regina, just wouldn't do.
They bundled in their winter clothes, wearing layers upon layers to stay warm, and made their way to visit the famous holiday landmark in Times Square. Robin's brother, John, joined them for the day, not wanting to miss his nephew's reaction. He'd also agreed, at Regina's polite request, to take the family's picture in front of it so she could actually send Christmas cards this year.
Henry always refused her the pleasure of sending Christmas cards. He'd done it when he was small and his mother really gave him no other choice. But he begged her to stop as he got older. Now that they had Roland, though, he was all for the exciting little things that used to mean the world to his mom. He understood why they were so special now and that fact alone brought her the upmost joy.
They arrived just as the sun was almost set so they could watch the tree being lit for the evening. It was terribly crowded, as anticipated, but the family found the perfect spot. Robin hoisted his son onto his shoulders just in time as the lights were turned on and the chaos of Rockefeller Plaza came to a halt. Everyone gazed up as they witnessed magic right before their eyes. The little boy gasped, never having seen anything so spectacular in his young life.
Henry wrapped his arm around his mother as she pressed her back into Robin's front. She touched Roland's foot gently and rested her head lovingly into her son's; a part of her touching each person she held so dear to her heart. John took advantage of the picturesque moment and pointed Regina's fancy Nikon camera in their direction. He caught them from the front, capturing each of their reactions to their view. Then he proceeded to move behind them, their silhouettes standing close together as they stared at the beauty before them.
He'd taken a few more posed shots. One of the family after they turned to face him with the tree in the background and each person smiling from ear to ear. Another of silly faces, at Roland's request. Then finally, they created a totem pole: Roland, Henry, Regina, then Robin, their chins resting lightly atop the head in front of them. Regina took one of just Robin and Roland, then insisted John join them; she'd frame that one as a present for their parents. John took the camera again, telling Regina and Henry to pose together; she'd frame that one for Cora. Then Henry and Roland. Then Robin and Regina.
The couple stood side by side, her arms wrapped around his middle and his over her shoulders. John took the photo, but then shook his head, "You can't take pictures by the tree without a bit of snogging!"
Regina's cheeks were pink with embarrassment, but chuckled when she noticed Robin looked the same. Their arms remained where they were previously placed as they turned to face one another. She stood up on the tips of her toes as he leaned down and their lips met in a tender kiss. They parted with a laugh upon hearing the sounds of disgust from their sons, but continued to look at one another. The perfect candid shot that John was able to capture with ease.
They spent the following weekend decorating the apartment, filling it with the Christmas spirit. After choosing their tree together, Robin and Henry hurled it up to the apartment and placed it in the corner of the living room nearest the window. Regina provided warm cups of cocoa topped with cinnamon before separating the branches and stringing them with lights. They worked together to hang ornaments from both Regina's and Robin's collections.
When it came to choosing the star, Henry requested they use the one from his mother's collection of holiday decorations. He explained that he made it with his father when he was little and it was very special to him. It was an unusual looking ornament; pieces of stained glass bound together (Daniel's handy work, no doubt) with the random placement of googly eyes and various superhero stickers (Henry's special touch). No one in the room objected, Roland even suggested Henry be the one to put it on top.
"I know you wanted to, buddy, it's okay. How about I lift you up and if you promise to be very careful, you can do it?"
"I promise," the little boy shouted.
Regina took out her camera, not wanting to miss the moment between the new brothers. The teenager lifted the child into his arms, his tiny bottom resting on his shoulder as he reached forward and placed the star with careful precision. They were both grinning happily as she snapped the shot; she'd keep that one for herself.
Regina and Robin prepared his apartment for his parents. They'd cleaned and decorated together while the boys remained wrapped in blankets watching Elf on the couch in Apartment 13. When their work was complete, Robin poured a glass of wine for them to share as they sat together on the sofa admiring their handy work.
"What are your parents like?" She asked, indulging in the first sip.
"Josephine is rather outgoing and very helpful. She'll probably offer to help you prepare the meal or, at the very least, insist on doing the dishes. Richard, on the other hand, is soft spoken, but incredibly intelligent when he does socialize. All in all, they're good people," he smiled at the thought of his mother and father, excited for them to finally meet Regina and Henry. "What about your mother?"
"Cora is," she paused to find the right way to put it. "She's what I would call a protective observer. Polite and sophisticated, of course, but always noticing things most people don't bother to pay attention to. But she means well."
"What about your father? What was he like?"
Regina thought for a minute. She was surprised she rarely spoke of her father in Robin's presence. Aside from the few stories she'd chosen to tell, she never really discussed his demeanor. She decided to open herself up to the memory of him, feeling surprisingly at ease as she did so.
"He was gentle. Always gentle. I never once heard him raise his voice to me or my mother, which I imagine was quite the challenge," she chuckled, knowing how stubborn they could be. "He was a nurturer. While mom was the disciplinarian, dad was the teacher. I love my parents equally, but I found it came easier with him. He was always compassionate and honest and sincere in everything he did."
Robin listened intently, sipping from the glass as she continued, "I remember him humming to himself a lot. He seemed really content with who he was. And he would always make sure I knew how special I was. He used to say, 'Tu corazón y tu cerebro son importantes. Pero siempre escucha a tu alma porque es pura.' It means, 'Your heart and your brain are important. But always listen to your soul, for it is pure.'"
"And what does your soul tell you now?"
"That it finally found its mate."
The week before Christmas was incredibly hectic. Cora was expected to fly in on Tuesday so of course she planned a dinner at her penthouse on Wednesday specifically so she could meet Robin and Roland before the holiday. Thursday, Richard and Josephine would be arriving so Regina knew she had to prepare a special evening to introduce herself and Henry. That left Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to follow immediately; yet another meal for her to make for Friday, but luckily her mother had volunteered her penthouse for Saturday. Needless to say, Regina couldn't wait until Sunday.
In the midst of working full days the entire week, taking care of her family, staying up late to wrap gifts- different paper for presents from Santa, and having to plan and prepare meals for a bigger group of people, she felt like she could collapse. When Wednesday afternoon rolled around, she was half asleep at her desk and growing increasingly irritable when there was a knock on her office door. She didn't look up from the file she was reading when she said, "Enter at your own risk."
When there was no response she assumed whoever it was had decided against the risk. That was until a Starbucks cup appeared atop the exact place she had been reading; the hand on the lid immediately recognizable. She didn't look up until she heard the sound of his voice saying, "Enter at your own risk?"
"Robin Locksley, you are my savior," she smiled and placed her hand over his on the cup, eyes the color of cocoa beans peering over the top of her wide-rimmed spectacles. She never left the house in her glasses, but her eyes were so tired that morning that she'd found it impossible to get her contacts in. As the day went on, she wished she would have at least brought them with her so she could look sharp for dinner with her mother rather than tired and old-which was more how she felt than how she actually looked.
"Savior? Well then, I'm glad I took the risk," he chimed with a cunning smile, leaning over the desk to meet her in a quick peck. "One of those days, huh?"
Robin sat on a chair across from her desk as she sipped her coffee. She nodded, "If Tamara doesn't quit by the end of the day, she deserves a promotion. I'll leave it at that."
He laughed, his smile bright and contagious as it filled the room with energy; it was invigorating, more so than her coffee. She sighed, resting her chin in her palm as she admired him. She knew Robin was always looking at her, cherishing everything about her; she could feel it. She did the same, but in her own way and she wondered if he ever felt it too. His teeth disappeared behind his lips as his smile faded to a smirk, dimples still peeking out from under his beard. His deep blue eyes made her feel like she could fly as they stared back at her.
"Is there something on my face?" He asked, touching his beard to remove the nonexistent thing. She shook her head and he raised his brow, "Then what are you staring at?"
"Your dimples," she stated matter-of-factly, pushing her glasses up and leaning back as she sipped her coffee. A thought sparked in her mind as she revealed a devilish smirk, "They're not the only ones you have, you know. I spotted a pair just above your ass. I can't decide which ones I like better."
Robin stood from his chair and walked around to her side of the desk, leaning back against the edge, "Is that so?"
Regina nodded and kicked her feet up onto the top of her wooden work station, crossing them at the ankles and doing the same with her arms across her chest. She peered through the glass walls of the room that looked out to the rest of the law firm, everyone hard at work and not flirting with their partners. "I've been thinking about putting up some curtains, just along this side."
"Why would you need curtains?" He asked, rubbing the palm of his hand against the black, nylon fabric of her tights.
"Privacy," she chimed, her sultry voice catching him off guard. His fingers gripped just below her knee as he swallowed hard. She breathed out a laugh and placed her delicate hand over his, "Down boy."
"I know what I'm getting you for Christmas," he teased and the couple laughed together, both secretly wishing those curtains were already up.
Before they could go any further, Regina insisted she get back to work. She stood up and walked him to the door before he turned, "I almost forgot!"
Robin reached into the front pocket of his dark denim jeans that always hugged his legs in all the right places. He pulled out a small container with two lids: one marked with an 'R' and the other with an 'L.' He placed it in her hand and she smiled happily when he said, "I figured you'd want to put them in before dinner."
She didn't even have to ask him to bring her contacts to the office. He just knew; because he knew her. And she was so grateful to him for it. As if the gesture lit a fire in her core, she pushed Robin against the door and kissed him passionately.
Her tongue found his with ease and teased it, like a game of tag that children often played in the schoolyard. He moaned when her hands slipped into his back pockets, her firm grasp on his backside sending electricity through his veins. He felt the blood rushing to one muscle in particular and gently separated their lips. They caught their breath, Robin focusing on calming his erection while Regina wished it would stay. He sighed as he pushed a strand of hair out of her face, "Finish your work before I steal you away from here."
"Take me, thief," she breathed against his lips. He groaned, wanting so desperately to push the clutter onto the floor and ravish her in full view of the entire firm. But he couldn't. She was well respected and he had his honor to uphold.
"The boys and I will meet you here at five. It would be sooner, but it seems I'm in dire need of a cold shower," he admitted and Regina's laugh echoed in his ears.
"I love you," she said, leaning up to kiss his cheek gently. And after she heard his heartfelt response, he took his leave.
The afternoon portion of her day seemed to go by a lot quicker than the morning did. She put her contacts in, had her coffee; things felt brighter for Regina. So much so, that she was actually looking forward to dinner at Cora's penthouse.
The second her clock read five o'clock, she gathered her belongings and raced to the elevator. As promised, Robin was waiting in the lobby of the building with their two very bundled children. He held the Tupperware container with the homemade applesauce Regina worked so hard on Sunday evening and a bottle of red wine. The family proceeded toward the revolving doors when a voice called out from behind them, "Ms. Mills?"
Regina turned and saw it was the doorman who spoke. She nodded and he said, "Your mother arranged a company car for you and your family. It's the black Suburban just out front."
"Thank you, Owen," she said politely, but rolled her eyes when she turned. The kids were excited to be escorted in style to Cora's home, but Regina didn't share the same excitement. It seemed pretentious to take advantage of the perks of being partner at the firm for your own personal use. But that was Cora.
They arrived in front of the penthouse and her mother wasted no time, opening door before they'd even stepped foot on the pavement. Henry ran forward, hugging his grandmother tight. Roland hid behind the teenager, always shy during initial introductions to new people. He stepped aside, allowing the small boy to be seen by Cora who said, "You must be Roland. Henry has told me quite a bit about you."
"He has?" The child's eyes lit up with excitement, happy to be important to the person he admired so greatly.
"Oh yes," she bent down to his level with a smile spread across her face, "Although he failed to mention how handsome you are."
Roland blushed and said with a giggle, "That's 'cause he's jealous he's not as handsome as me."
Henry growled playfully at the boy and the two went running into the house. Cora stood, her posture perfect, as the couple approached her, "Regina, my dear. You're looking well."
The women embraced, her mother lingering for a moment longer than she anticipated. She didn't realize how nervous she'd been about the evening, but it hit her when Robin stepped forward to introduce himself.
"Mrs. Mills, it is a pleasure to finally meet you," he said and Cora extended her hand for a shake, but he surprised her when he took it and kissed the top of it instead. She raised her eyebrow at her daughter as he continued, "Regina has told me so much about you."
"Don't listen to a word she says about me," Cora mused and gently removed her hand from his grasp. "But I must say, Robin, the feeling is mutual. Please, come in. No need to freeze to death when we've only just met."
The couple entered as she shut the door, shuddering as the last bit of cold disappeared from their bodies. He held out the bottle of wine, "For you."
"Pinot Noir," she stated, impressed. "How ever did you know?"
"Lucky guess, I suppose," he smiled as the woman entered the kitchen. Regina placed her hand on his forearm atop the fabric of his sport jacket, acknowledging the tattoo they both knew was hiding beneath it.
The meal went exceptionally well. There was never a lull in the conversation, but Regina didn't expect there to be. Robin and Cora were similar when it came to socializing; both extremely intelligent and equally as charming. Occasionally, she would turn her attention to the children, inviting them into the conversation to discuss school and friends. Henry talked about Grace and what he'd gotten her for Christmas with the money he saved from working.
The food was exquisite, but Regina knew that wasn't her mother's handy work. She must have hired a caterer or a chef for the evening because Cora Mills was not a cook. Come to think of it, she'd never seen anyone in the kitchen as a child except her father. But the applesauce, as always, was a success. She made it every year during the winter holidays for various potlucks and it was surprisingly simple.
Out of habit, the children stood to clear their own plates and Cora waved her hand in dismissal, "No, no, no. You're guests today, darlings. Leave this mess for me to clean and excuse yourselves to the living room."
Regina chuckled. She wasn't sure her mother would know how to wash a dish. She'd probably leave it for the housekeeper that she claimed she didn't have. She loved her mother, but she was so grateful that her father raised her; she couldn't imagine being so dependent on outside help for simple household tasks.
"Regina, dear," she turned her head as her mother's voice grabbed her attention, "Could you bring the dessert to the sitting room?"
She simply nodded and stood, but felt her stomach churn when Cora added, "Would you mind joining me in the kitchen? I could use an extra hand preparing the coffee and tea."
"I'm happy to help," Robin replied and Regina imagined how many times his mother would say that to her in less than 24 hours. As they went toward the kitchen, she lifted the cookie plate from the buffet table and joined her sons in the living room; her nerves evident in the way the cookies shook from the vibrations of her trembling hands.
"My daughter told you to invite your parents for Saturday, correct?"
"Yes, of course. They were happy to accept. Thank you for thinking of them," he replied, filling the coffee pot with water.
"It's my pleasure. I'd like to think of them as family now," she paused to let the silence create the tension she needed for her inquisition. "Is that something you believe I should be presuming?"
"I believe you will presume whatever it is you'd like, regardless of my opinion," he shot back, but his tone was polite. He wanted to show her that he wasn't afraid of her. Her reputation was not important to him; Regina was all that mattered.
"Robin, has my daughter spoken to you much about my husband?"
Confused by the sudden change in subject, he nodded and said, "She spoke very highly of him. And I know they loved each other very much."
"Oh yes. Henry was a man who loved deeply, with his entire soul; something Regina seems to have inherited," she stated and was pleased to see that Robin agreed, nodding his head, but allowing her to continue speaking, "My daughter loves you, more than any other woman is capable of expressing. I'm sure you're aware of this and I also know that you feel quite the same way. I can see it in your eyes; my husband looked at me with the same honesty and admiration. So I don't want you to feel like you have to prove your affections for Regina to me because I'm well aware of them. What I am wondering is, where do you see these feelings taking you in the future?"
In other words, what are my intentions with your daughter? Robin thought to himself, smirking at the memory of how Regina described her mother: Cora Mills, The Protective Observer.
"Your daughter and I have yet to discuss any details regarding our future together, but we know what we have is most definitely long-term. For now, we are content with just the knowledge that there are plans to be made," he replied confidently.
"But if you were to discuss it, what would be the consensus?"
"Mrs. Mills," Robin sighed, hoping his answer to her question would suffice. "I'm going to spend the rest of my life with your daughter. Of that much I am 100 percent certain. How we spend the rest of our lives, however, is undecided."
He was relieved to see Cora smile then and resume her task of preparing the beverages. He released a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding in and then got to work assisting her.
Regina walked down the hallway of the third floor after work Thursday evening anxious to meet Robin's parents. They'd survived Cora so she didn't imagine it could be much worse than that, but she couldn't help it; she was nervous. She wanted to impress them, but even more so she sought their acceptance. And that, in and of itself, worried her the most.
She opened the door to Apartment 13, overjoyed by what she found. Robin was in the kitchen with his mother, preparing what Regina would need to cook their meal, while the boys attempted to teach his very confused father how to play video games. All eyes were on her the moment the door closed behind her.
"Regina!" Josephine exclaimed and came rushing toward her, not a single hint of hesitation when she wrapped the brunette in a warm, welcoming embrace. "It's so wonderful to finally meet you, dear. Robin and Roland have told us so much about you, we feel as if we've known you all along."
Richard appeared beside them, patiently waiting for his wife to finish. Relief washed over Regina as she returned the gesture, smiling softly at the feeling of joy that emanated from the woman holding her. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Locksley."
"Oh please! No need for formalities with us, love. We're family," she finally released her grasp and allowed her husband to step forward.
"Robin should learn to use more precise language," Richard commented as he leaned in and kissed Regina's cheek softly.
"Why is that?" She asked, curious as to where he was going with the unexpected criticism of his son.
"He described a woman when he should have been describing an angel," he chimed and there was no way she could keep her cheeks from burning with embarrassment.
"Careful, Robbie. It seems your father is aiming to woo your girlfriend," Josephine quipped with a laugh and the two returned to what they were doing.
"I'm surprised he hasn't already stolen her heart with that bit," Robin chuckled as Regina turned the corner, their lips meeting instantly the minute they were near. "Hello, my love."
"They're delightful," she whispered with a smile, earning her another kiss from her beloved. She spoke up more clearly so the rest of the room could hear, "I'm just going to excuse myself to freshen up."
"Take your time, dear. We're here for nearly two weeks so don't hurry yourself on our account," his mother said and sipped her glass of wine.
Regina entered the master bedroom, closing the door and cracking open the sliding glass that led to the balcony. She breathed in the fresh air, hair raising on her arms as the chill of December embraced her flesh. She turned when she heard the click of a lock coming from behind her and teased, "How good of you to join me, Robbie."
He shook his head at the sound of his nickname and sighed, "I was hoping she wouldn't call me that in front of you."
"Why? I think it's sweet," she chimed.
"I'm a learned doctor, Ms. Mills. Not a schoolboy," he inched toward her and she hummed when their bodies were finally pressed together.
"I've already met the doctor. Why can't I meet the schoolboy?" She asked, her intentions clear causing Robin to moan and pull her closer.
"My parents are home. What if they catch us?" He smirked, playing along with her.
They kissed passionately, the heat of their bodies meeting the cool breeze from the balcony. Her hands were in his hair, his were firm around her waist.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
"How long do you think you lovebirds will be? Shall I start cooking?" Josephine's voice was loud as it resonated from the opposite side of the bedroom door. The couple jumped, startled by the sudden interruption.
"We'll be there in a minute, mum. Don't go burning the place down," Robin yelled back and the faint sound of her giggles were heard as she retreated back to the common area.
"Thank God they're staying at my place," he sighed and she chuckled as she kissed along his beard.
The family sat around the table, passing dishes back and forth as they all indulged in seconds. They were at ease; it was familiar. Regina reveled in the feeling of love and acceptance as it filled the room.
"This is delicious, Regina. Absolutely spectacular," Josephine complimented.
"Delectable. Truly marvelous," Richard added.
"I'm glad you think so," she replied with a smile of gratitude.
"Robbie tells us you're a lawyer," his mother started and Regina nodded.
"Yes, my curiosity peaked when he mentioned you practice Intellectual Property. That's copyright infringement, correct?" His father asked.
"Not strictly, but it's part of it. Most of my time is spent helping my clients with their contracts with publishers or various venues," she smirked when she noticed the children had gotten up from the table, bored with her legal jargon. "I do what I can to help them avoid copyright issues, but I do go to court every now and then when there is an infringement case."
"You represent authors?" Richard continued to question, listening intently to each of her answers.
"Authors, composers, painters; artists of any kind really. And inventors," she sipped her wine.
"Fascinating," the man said with a great sense of intrigue.
"What drew you to the field?" His mother pushed her plate forward and crossed her arms.
"My mother practiced Intellectual Property so I always knew a lot about it. And Henry's father was an artist."
"I was wondering about that. Does the boy still have contact with his father?" Josephine asked, not realizing the sadness on Regina's face.
"That's none of our business, Josie," Richard glanced in her direction, but the brunette shook her head in disagreement.
"It is absolutely your business. I'm a big part of your son's life. You have every right to wonder about me and my past," she reassured before continuing, "Daniel passed when Henry was three."
"Oh I'm sorry, dear. Were you married?"
"Not yet, but it was part of our plan."
"He was bloody brilliant. He has a piece in the Met just across the way," Robin interjected, hoping to lighten the mood. She placed her hand on his knee under the table, squeezing to show her gratitude for his comment.
"The Metropolitan? Impressive," Richard nodded and the conversation ended with that.
Robin cleared the table while Regina busied herself at the sink. His parents were chatting with the boys on the couch, relaxing after a long day of traveling. He placed his chin on her shoulder and whispered, "I'm sorry I never mentioned much about Daniel to them. I didn't feel it was my place."
"And that's yet another reason why I love you," she replied, leaning back to peck his lips. Robin spotted the time on the oven clock and turned suddenly.
"Bath time, my boy! Say goodnight," he clapped his hands together as he approached his family. Roland gave his hugs and kisses before racing his father down the hall. Henry politely excused himself, using the few minutes he had to call Grace from his bedroom.
"I think it's about time we turn in as well, my dear," Josephine yawned from the couch. "It's been a terribly long day."
"I'll walk with you," Regina offered as she wiped her hands on her apron, but they both shook their heads in refusal.
"Not necessary, love. We know the way. And you have plenty to do here," she replied. The couple stepped closer, facing her from the opposite side of the island. "We'd like to thank you, Regina."
"Of course. You're always welcome here," she said with a smile, but again they shook their heads.
"Not for supper, dear," Josephine smiled and was surprised when Richard decided to speak.
"Everything you're doing, and have already done, for Robin. He was crushed when Marian left and terrified to be a single father. You've helped him regain a lot of his confidence and he just seems so much happier with you."
"And Henry," the older woman added.
"And we can never thank you enough for keeping our grandson safe," he cleared his throat when he felt his emotions taking hold of him.
"You're a hero in our eyes," she said while her husband composed himself.
Regina shook her head and said, "It's like I told Henry, I'm just a mother."
Josephine placed her hand over the brunette's and replied, "You're much more than that."
The couple took their leave and Regina remained still at the counter, tears filling her eyes as her father's words echoed in her ears: Tu corazón y tu cerebro son importantes. Pero siempre escucha a tu alma porque es pura.
"Mommy! Daddy! Wake up! Santa came!" Roland jumped up and down on their bed, his weight piercing into their calves, knees, thighs. He plopped down beside his father, kneeing him right in the crotch. Robin groaned in pain, rolling over and biting into Regina's shoulder as he covered his penis. Henry, who was off to the side recording the moment on Snapchat, stopped the video and came to the side of the mattress.
"Okay, kid. They're up. Apologize to your dad and we'll wait for them by the tree," he lifted him off the bed and guided his feet to the ground.
"I'm sorry I hurt you, dad. I didn't mean it," he frowned, realizing what he'd done.
"I know, son," was all he could manage as he writhed in pain. The kids left and Henry made sure to close the door behind them. Robin breathed heavily and rolled onto his back, "I need you to check that I didn't lose a testicle somewhere in this bed."
Regina released a laugh, a mixture of sympathy and amusement, as she shimmied under the comforter, disappearing from sight. "Babe, you need to move your hands."
"I can't. I'll die," he said dramatically.
"You're not going to die," she chuckled.
"You don't understand the pain of a knee to the family jewels."
Regina pulled the blanket back to look him in the eyes, "Childbirth."
It was all she had to say for him to give in and remove his hands. She crawled down and slowly pulled on the elastic of his Calvin Klein boxer briefs. He lifted his hips as she gradually inched them down to his knees.
"Good news: no missing testicle," Robin gave an enthusiastic thumbs up, filled with sarcasm. She shook her head and asked, "Where does it hurt?"
"Our favorite spot," he frowned and she gasped in fake terror. She leaned her head down and kissed him softly on the place where his tip meets his shaft. He winced at first as he felt himself growing at her touch, but sighed when the pain began to leave his body, "Much better."
Regina crawled back up his body and carefully rested her weight on him as their noses touched, "Merry Christmas, Darling."
He was surprised by her voice; he'd never heard her sing before. It wasn't much, but enough to catch the deep, sultry alto sound with just a hint of rasp, reminding him of an old jazz singer.
He wrapped his arms around her and rolled them over as he stole her into a tender kiss. When he was hovering above her their lips parted and he replied, "Happy Christmas, my love."
The couple walked into the living room in flannel robes; Robin's a forest green and Regina's a crimson red. They sat snuggled together on the couch after making their coffee and watched their children tear through the paper.
Santa was exceptionally good to them this year, supplying Roland with a bicycle so they could teach him how to ride in Central Park and Henry with the new Amazon Kindle, already fully loaded with his favorite books. Stocking stuffers for the kids were some of their favorite chocolate treats and certain necessities like socks and underwear (Robin bought them each their first set of Calvin Kleins). Henry received a gift card to the Kindle bookstore and Roland got his own copy of The Runaways, a comic the teen introduced to him.
Santa's gift to Robin was a brown, leather messenger bag so it would be easier than the briefcase to carry with him to the university everyday. The same design as his tattoo was stitched to the bottom left corner and when he lifted the top, he noticed the words 'All You Need Is Love' embroidered on the inside. He looked at Regina and smiled knowingly, she winked in response.
Saint Nick was particularly nice to Regina... And a bit naughty, if she said so herself. She opened the box slightly, recognizing the wrapping from Victoria's Secret, and lifted her brow when she noticed it was empty except for a card. She opened it and read the note: Check your closet. I'll see you tonight, Mrs. Claus. - Kris Kringle. Inside the card was a gift card for a much needed spa day.
They moved on to the rest of the gifts: the boys received small things they'd wished for like books and movies and Legos for their empire (still standing in Roland's room). All four of them were given Nerf guns from Regina for a battle in the Park. Finally, their parents revealed their big gift to their children. Robin went to the bedroom to get it while Regina covered their eyes. When he returned, she removed her hands and they both screamed: it was a PlayStation4. They both wanted it so the couple shared the cost to get it for them.
When the kids started setting up their new gaming system, Robin and Regina exchanged the rest of their gifts to one another. She'd given him an archery set and a one year membership to the only shooting arena she could find on the island of Manhattan. She thought he was going to take her right there on the couch in front of their sons. He presented her with a sterling silver watch; so maybe she'd make it to work on time. It made her smile and she wore it immediately.
"Alright, there is one more gift," Robin said and signaled for Roland to join him. "This one is from me and Roland for you and Henry, but we have to go and get it."
The teenager sat beside his mother and the Locksleys exited the apartment. She took his hand, wondering what it could possibly be. Her son looked at her with a bright smile, "This is the best Christmas ever, mom. Thank you."
"Of course, Mijo," she kissed his forehead.
"CLOSE YOUR EYES!" Roland swung the door open and dashed to the couch to cover their eyes with his tiny hands. They heard grumbling and the sound of furniture moving, then the careful sliding of something large against the hardwood floor.
"Okay, you can open them," Robin said, short of breath. And they did. It was a big rectangle covered in a tarp. They both looked confused, but he was quick to explain, "Roland and I thought long and hard about the perfect gift for our new family. It took a valiant effort, but we succeeded in obtaining it. I must applaud my son for keeping the secret all this time. But without further ado- Roland, drum roll please-"
The boy drummed his hands against his thighs as his father lifted the sheet. Regina covered her mouth and began crying immediately. Henry pulled her against him and released quiet sobs of his own as he stared at the sight before him.
"It's not the actual one, but I spoke with a woman there who happened to be a former student of mine. She arranged for us to have this."
It was a replica of Daniel's piece from the Met: Modern Fairytale.
"Daddy, why are they sad?" Roland frowned.
"We're not sad, kiddo," Henry opened his arms for the boy and hugged him tight. "We're just really touched."
Regina struggled to her feet and collapsed into her lover's chest as he whispered, "I wanted you to have a piece of him; to see the beauty in you and your son through his eyes... And now mine since I've had the pleasure to love you both."
"Thank you," was all she could manage as she trembled in his arms.
A/N: I'd like to give a special shoutout to all of the Spanish speaking Oncers who follow me on Instagram and were so helpful in correcting my use of their beautiful language. I am trying to learn and they have all been so patient with me in their explanations. You all deserve this acknowledgment and please know how grateful I am to each of you for your assistance. ¡Besos!