Chapter Thirty: Too Good To Be True
The rest of the week was much better for Regina. Her smile returned, she had more energy; Robin even convinced her to run with him in Central Park on the weekends. The month of January went by faster than it had in nearly 15 years.
With the end of the month approaching, it also meant her birthday was near. She never cared much for celebrating, but this year brought happiness and excitement. She wondered what kind of romantic surprises Robin had in store and couldn't wait for the adorable creativity that was bound to occur between her sons.
February 1st fell on a Saturday which meant everyone would be available the entire day to spend it with her. That's what she was most excited about. Robin had been busy with the start of the spring semester at Columbia and Regina was swamped at the office. Other than evening meals, the family hadn't spent much time together since the picnic with Daniel.
After work Friday night, she was pleased to find a pizza party waiting for her, hosted by her three favorite men. Henry put together a playlist of all her favorite songs while Roland created handmade party hats for each of them and a special crown for the birthday girl. Robin was divvying up the slices amongst the family who ate together on a blanket in the living room.
She hugged, tickled, and laughed with her children, feeling more alive than ever before. He watched her being the silliest he'd ever seen and, although he didn't think it was possible, he fell even more in love with her. Regina surprisingly suggested they play freeze dance and took the handheld remote for the speaker to control the game. They played for fun, no one getting out if they messed up. And it truly was fun.
Robin's cell phone rang from its place on the charger in the kitchen. He kissed her cheek and insisted they continue without him as he took the call in the master bedroom. She lifted Roland into her arms and spun him around like Superman, attacking Lex Luther-played by Henry- in a group hug. She kissed each boy before going to check on her lover.
She stopped when she noticed he was on the balcony, pacing back and forth as he listened intently to whoever was on the other line. She took a few steps forward, but remained hidden from his view so she could hear.
"Yes, tomorrow," he said, pausing so the other person could speak. He nodded, "It's all been arranged?"
Regina smiled, realizing he was discussing some sort of birthday surprise. She should have walked away, but her curiosity was at its peak; she already knew this much so why stop there?
"I do hope so. The children seem to believe she will be thrilled," he laughed, rubbing the hair on his chin. "Eleven is perfect. Thank you again."
Regina left the room before he could spot her as he hung up. She returned to the game just in time for him to rejoin the party. Throughout the rest of the evening she observed him. She couldn't help wondering what sort of tricks he had up his sleeve. But whatever it was, she knew it would be perfect.
Robin awoke around ten the next morning to the sounds of their sons tip toeing around the common area. He smiled, knowing they were already preparing for the surprise for their mother. He rubbed his eyes and yawned, stretching his arms over his head before rolling over and wrapping them around his partner. She hummed through a smile, still somewhat asleep as she pulled him closer to her for warmth. He placed gentle kisses on her bare back, still exposed from the way he pleasured her the night before.
He'd told her to strip and get comfortable on the mattress; treating her to a full body massage that led to a massage of another kind. He'd done virtually everything to satisfy only her that night; using his fingers, his mouth, the vibrator he found buried deep in her closet while he was hiding her Christmas gift. She didn't know he found it until he revealed it to her, but she was grateful he did. Needless to say, sleep came easy to her that night.
His erection pressed into her backside at the thought of her muffled sounds and tightened muscles from the way he pampered her only a few hours before. Sometimes he wondered how it was possible to be so infinitely attracted to her, but somehow it was and he had trouble controlling himself. He moaned into her neck as he placed love bites along her jaw and whispered, "Happy birthday, my sweet."
She smiled and tilted her hips back for a better feel of him against her. Her eyes finally fluttered open as she whispered, her voice still groggy from sleep, "Is that your knee or are you just happy to see me?"
"I'm always happy to see you, my darling," he replied, surprised when she opened her legs so he could slip between them. He sighed, knowing how badly he wanted her, but not wanting to alert the kids. She reached down and pressed her palm into his tip, rubbing it over her bundle of nerves. "My love. This day is supposed to be about you."
"It is," she replied. "And I want you."
"How badly do you want me?" He whispered, glancing over his shoulder to make sure the door was locked. She was rarely so sexually driven in the morning, but he couldn't deny her request. It was her birthday after all.
They were both dripping with desire, ready to make love in the late hours of that Saturday morning. She smirked when she ran her middle finger along her sex and reached back so he could get a taste. He moaned with delight to which she asked rhetorically, "Does that answer your question?"
"Happy birthday, mom!" Both boys shouted from the living room as she finally emerged at ten to eleven. Her hair was disheveled in that post-sex mess of Spanish curls, glasses on her face, and robe securely tied over her naked body.
"Thank you, my loves," they hugged her and she kissed each of them.
"We're taking you out for lunch. Just me and Henry," Roland beamed.
"Well, I'd better get in the shower then," Regina pinched his dimple and walked toward the bathroom. She met Robin as he came down the hall, already dressed for the day. "Where are you running off to?"
"I'm meeting my mistress. It won't take long," he joked and she rolled her eyes with a smile. He put his hand on her cheek and kissed her deeply and lovingly. "I need to do a few last minute things while you're with the boys. I'll see you when you get back."
Regina went into the bathroom and closed the door behind her while Robin walked to the common area. He picked up his wallet from the side table and reached inside, holding out his credit card. Henry shook his head, "I've been saving for this. I can get it."
"Take it just to be safe. If she sees something she likes in a window somewhere or you want to take her for ice cream, then you'll be able to. Just make sure you're not back here before three."
The teen nodded and took the card from Robin, "Thanks for doing this. She's gonna be really happy."
"I'm just hoping its not too soon for this," he admitted, rubbing at the nape of his neck nervously.
"What would really change?" The boy asked and Robin considered it for a moment. It was a good question. This was a life changing moment, but what would really be different?
"I suppose nothing," he laughed and put his hand on Henry's shoulder and ruffled Roland's hair, "Wish me luck."
"Good luck!" The little boy smiled as his father left the apartment.
When Regina was ready, they walked down to Granny's Diner for lunch. She felt so wonderful spending time with her sons. Roland insisted on snuggling in the booth beside her and Henry sat across, admiring how much this time spent together really meant to her. After the teen paid the bill and left a decent tip for Ruby, who gave them exceptional service once he mentioned it was his mother's birthday, they walked across 81st Street to go window shopping.
She noticed a few pieces of jewelry and some shoes she liked, but didn't say anything about them. If she wanted them that badly, she would have bought them. But when a yoga tote by EvilRegal caught her eye, she just couldn't resist. It looked like a designer purse with a space at the bottom to fit her yoga mat while the pocket on the outside could hold her water bottle. It was black with the white feather logo in the center. She'd been looking for something like it for so long and EvilRegal was her favorite brand.
Henry noticed her pick it up and look through the inside before holding it up in the mirror to see how it looked slung over her shoulder. He smiled, "I think it looks great. And it's perfect for you."
"What do you think Roland?" She asked, curious to see what the little boy's response would be.
"Wingardium Leviosa!" He said with a giggle. Henry seemed to get it and laughed, but it took Regina a bit longer before she understood. The feather. In Harry Potter, the children learn a spell to suspend a feather into a state of levitation. She took that answer to mean he liked it.
"I think I deserve to treat myself. It is my birthday," she chuckled, but her son shook his head and took it from her. He placed it on the checkout counter for the cashier to ring up. "Henry, that is much too expensive. I can't let you buy it for me."
"Don't worry. I'm not," he laughed as he swiped Robin's credit card. She watched the transaction and rolled her eyes. Of course he'd tell them to buy her something nice. That's the kind of man he was. She took her new bag and carried it back to Enchanted Plaza.
The family met in the lobby a little after three where Robin took his credit card back and escorted them to the elevator. The boys said they wanted to take the stairs and kissed their parents before racing up the stairwell.
"Alone at last," Regina smirked and Robin smiled, leaning close so they could share a tender kiss. He pulled out a blindfold from his back pocket and she raised her eyebrow, "I always imagined our elevator sex would involve bondage."
He laughed, quite loudly as the elevator signaled its arrival. The doors opened and they stepped inside as he said, "Another time, my love. I have something else in mind for today."
He tied it around her head comfortably, careful not to catch her hair in the knot. It was a dark black scarf he'd found in one of her drawers so he knew she was unable to see through it or peek. He pushed the button so they could ride up to their designated floor.
Ding!
"I hope it isn't a party. I really don't want to clean up after everyone tonight," she muttered and he chuckled as he guided her down the hallway.
"You'll see soon enough," he replied as they approached the door. He put the key in and turned it, pushing the door open and helping her step inside. She held her arm out to drop her purse on the side table, but it fell to the ground with a thud. The table was gone. What was this man up to?
Robin closed the door before he leaned into her and whispered, "Are you ready?"
She nodded, biting her lip in anticipation as he removed the blindfold. She blinked her eyes to adjust to the light, slowly focusing on her surroundings. Her heart stopped when she saw him in the middle of the empty room, on one knee, with a small velvet box in his hand. She covered her mouth as she gasped.
No. He wouldn't propose. It hasn't even been a year. Oh my God, what if he does?! She thought, her mind racing and her heart pounding.
He held out his hand for her to step closer, to which she obliged. He took her hand in his and grasped it affectionately, rubbing his thumb over her knuckles as he spoke, "If you told me a year ago that I would be kneeling in this room before a breathtaking, intelligent, compassionate woman, I would have never believed it. But, here I am. And here you are."
"Here we are," she laughed as her eyes filled with tears. He smiled and kissed her hand before continuing.
"In these recent months, you have become a mother to my son and an incredibly supportive lover to me. You have given me the strength to have confidence and respect for myself, something I never imagined I would accomplish, because you have shown me what it truly means to be strong. You are an exceptional and inspiring woman, Regina Mills, and I am lucky you are such an influential part of my life. And with that being said, there is something I have been wanting to ask you for quite some time now."
Robin released her hand from his grip so he could open the velvet ring box, revealing its contents. Regina looked confused; there was no ring. He took out the object and held it up to her with a knowing smirk, "Would you do me the honor of moving in with me?"
Regina let the tears fall then, her laughter filling the room. She pushed his chest, causing him to lose his balance slightly. He chuckled and stood up as she shook her head, "You fucker!"
His laughter grew at her choice of language and pulled her into a hug, kissing her temple and swaying back and forth. "I'm sorry I fooled you, darling. But it is a serious question. This is the key to this apartment. To our apartment."
She leaned back, looking into his eyes. The common area had the same layout as her place, but she assumed it looked bigger because the furniture was gone. Now that she was getting a better look, it registered that this was a completely different apartment.
"I didn't just talk to Gold about storing the canvas for Christmas," he began. "On Thanksgiving, I asked him if we could upsize when your lease expires next week. And because we're staying in the building and the rent to this place is only a bit less than the sum of our monthly payments now, he agreed I could terminate mine and we could move in by the end of the month."
"Oh my God. Robin..." She was stunned. He was completely serious.
"Welcome home, my sweet," he smiled.
Overcome with joy, she wrapped her arms around his neck and crashed her lips into his. She was laughing as she cried, so many emotions consuming her in that moment. She parted their lips and hugged him tight, "We have a home."
Robin prepared an elegant meal for a picnic in their living room which they decided to eat before taking in the rest of the apartment. They both ate quickly; Regina wanting to explore their new home and Robin anxious to see her reaction.
The kitchen was much wider and even had a Lazy Susan, which reminded Regina of her childhood kitchen and she had wanted one since then. There was enough space to separate the living room to include an actual, stationary dining room table instead of the folding one she'd used all these years. The hallway wasn't as narrow and there were a lot more doors than she was used to.
The bathroom was in the same place with the exact same sizing and setup as the ones on the third floor. The closet at the end of the hall still included a washer and dryer. However, instead of the two bedroom that they were both accustomed to, this was a four bedroom. Their room, Henry's room, Roland's room, and a spare room for whatever they wanted; perhaps a shared office, an exercise room, or a guest room for when his parents visited.
They ventured into the master bedroom, which looked almost identical with only few exceptions: the closet was much bigger so it could fit enough for two people and there was an additional door near the sliding glass of the entrance to the balcony.
"No. It can't be..." Regina trailed off, not wanting to believe what she knew was hidden behind that extra door.
He smiled excitedly and said, "Open it and find out."
She did and nearly screamed with enthusiasm at the gorgeous tile floors and elegant marble countertops. The shower was enclosed in fogged glass, with enough space to fit a threesome (a thought which consumed Regina's mind immediately). Beside it was the most incredible feature and she nearly lost control when she saw it.
"I knew this would be your favorite part," Robin said, crossing his arms with delight as she admired the jacuzzi bathtub overlooking the same view as the balcony. She realized they were much higher up.
"What floor are we on?" She asked and sighed when she realized the bath had color changing LED lights built into it like a hot tub.
"The top," he replied before continuing in a more flirtatious and suggestive tone, "We don't have to worry about curtains all the way up here."
"Is that so?" She replied, her sultry voice sending chills down his spine as they wrapped their arms around one another. He nodded and leaned in, kissing her gently at first. Their passion grew as their mouths opened in search of the other's tongue. It was not lustful. It was tender and affectionate. It was loving.
"Are you happy with it?" He asked when they paused for air, brushing the loose strands of hair from her cheeks.
"More than I know how to express," she replied with the brightest smile he'd ever seen.
Robin led her back to the living room where he'd set up a blanket and some pillows. It was starting to get dark outside so he arranged special lights that glistened against the ceiling like stars. His Bluetooth speakers on the kitchen counter connected to a playlist he'd put together of some of the best love songs of all time.
He took her by the hand and danced with her under the makeshift stars, their bodies swaying slowly to each song that played. Their eyes met as often as their lips, no words spoken as some of the greatest voices in history resonated from the speakers: Tony Bennett, Barbra Streisand, Frank Sinatra, Michael Bublé.
You're just too good to be true
Can't take my eyes off of you
You'd be like heaven to touch
I want to hold you so much
At long last love has arrived
And I thank God I'm alive
You're just too good to be true
Can't take my eyes off of you
The unique sound of Frankie Valli's soft voice filled the room as one of Robin's favorite songs began. He smiled and whispered, "Do you know this is one of the few songs that can move me to tears?"
"Really?" She looked surprise, never having seen him cry over anything like music before. He nodded and pulled her closer to him.
"I never understood the lyrics. I never felt the way he describes in the song, but I would cry because I wanted to. I yearned to serenade someone the way he does here."
Pardon the way that I stare
There's nothing else to compare
The sight of you leaves me weak
There are no words left to speak
But if you feel like I feel
Please let me know that it's real
You're just too good to be true
Can't take my eyes off of you
"What about now?" She asked, pressing her cheek into his. She felt him smile and returned one herself. He didn't speak again. Instead, she heard him whispering the lyrics of the chorus in her ear.
I love you, baby, and if it's quite alright
I need you, baby, to warm the lonely nights
I love you, baby. Trust in me when I say,
Oh pretty baby, don't bring me down I pray
Oh pretty baby, now that I found you, stay
And let me love you, baby, let me love you
"Now I cry because I finally understand what he's saying; I finally found you."
The song repeated the previous verses while they swayed in silence. Their hands explored the other's body for comfort and closeness. The strong sound of the instrumental returned and when Frankie sang the chorus again, a spark ignited in them.
I love you, baby
Their lips met in heated passion, desperate to show their love for one another.
And if it's quite alright, I need you, baby
The few clothes they still had on in the heat of the apartment were stripped from their bodies.
To warm the lonely nights. I love you, baby.
They knelt down on the blanket, wrapped in the warmth of their lover's arms.
Trust in me when I say
"You're so beautiful, Regina."
Oh pretty baby, don't let me down, I pray
He gently helped her to her back, resting her head comfortably on a pillow. Their lips locked once again as the sweat dripped from their flesh.
Oh pretty baby, now that I found you, stay
Limbs moved passionately, bodies grazed desirably, breath released desperately.
And let me love you, baby, let me love you...
Robin slipped into her, both wet with arousal for one another, and stared into her eyes as he whispered the final line of the song, "You're just too good to be true."
It was the last song on the short playlist so the room grew silent; the only sounds coming from the couple making love on the floor. Their bodies rolled to new positions, taking their time as they reveled in the other's touch. They were pressed so close to one another: chests squeezed together, legs entwined, arms encircling in a tight embrace, and hips thrusting continuously.
"I love you," she whispered, gazing into his blue eyes.
"Happy birthday, my Queen," he replied, his speed increasing only slightly to help push them forward to their peak.
Their moans were more like breaths, allowing the moment to be truly about love and trust and togetherness rather than pleasure. She smiled softly, resting her palm at the nape of his neck, "You're everything I ever wished for."
She wrapped her legs around his hips, forcing him deeper into her pelvic bone. Perhaps it was the sudden change of position or the various emotions they were experiencing, but without warning, they climaxed together through a heated kiss.
When they were finished, Robin rolled to the side and wrapped the blanket around their exposed bodies. He held her close, arms still tight around one another as their noses touched. She ran her fingers through his hair while his outlined her jaw, eyes fixed in a loving gaze of ocean blue combining with caramel brown.
"We're home," Regina repeated, still in disbelief that they officially shared an apartment together.
"This is where we live," Robin began to correct, "Our home is anywhere as long as we're together."