Family Reunion

Regina gripped her passport as she stood on line at customs, wishing Robin was there with her. He, though, held dual citizenship and so was standing on the citizen line. She knew she had nothing to worry about—she wasn't trying to sneak anything into the country—but it was still unnerving to go through customs anywhere.

"Next," a custom agent barked, his accent familiar and yet foreign at the same time.

She stepped up, handing him her passport. He scanned it. "Regina Mary Mills, from Maine. What brings you to Nottingham?"

"I'm visiting my boyfriend's family," she replied.

He nodded. "Are you bringing any food into the country? I'd hate to have to confiscate your 'Please like me' cake."

"No," Regina replied, shifting on her feet. She wasn't sure if he was being funny or not.

"Okay, then." He handed her passport back. "Enjoy your visit. And good luck with the family."

She thanked him and headed out to the baggage claim. Robin waited for her, his coat in his hand and carryon over his shoulder. He smiled as she approached. "Not bad, right?"

"No," she replied. "But I'll be glad when we go home and we're both on the same line."

Robin chuckled, leading her to the carousel their bags were to come out on. They stood close together, watching the conveyor belt for their luggage. He pulled hers off first as it passed by and then grabbed his as well. "At least they were close together."

"An airport miracle," Regina replied, taking her luggage to wheel out. "So where's the car rental?"

"This way, according to the sign." Robin looked up before leading her down one corridor. They rolled their luggage behind them, each clasping onto their carry-ons as well as their coats. It had started to get warm when they were leaving Maine but Robin had warned her it would most likely still be chilled in England.

He rented them a car, a small sedan, and helped her put her luggage in what he called the "boot." She chuckled. "I don't think I'll get used to the different words here."

"Don't worry, no one is expecting you to be an expert just yet." He closed the boot and turned to her with a smile. "I'm sure we'll have you speaking like a Brit before the two weeks are up."

She chuckled, going to climb into the car. He stopped her, shaking his head. "Other side, love. Remember?"

Glancing in the window, she saw the steering wheel. Regina nodded, heading around for the door her mind told her should be the driver's. She climbed in, buckling herself in as Robin did the same. "Did it take you long to remember which side was which in America?"

"It did," he said, starting the car. "Sometimes it still feels strange to be driving on the other side."

"Are you happy to be home?"

He glanced over at her. "I'm happy to be with you. And to see my grandparents."

"I hope they like me."

"They already do after all those hours on Skype."

She sighed. "There's a difference between talking to someone for like an hour here or there on Skype and staying with them."

Robin took her hand, guiding the car one-handed. "They like you, Regina. And I'm sure this week will only strengthen their feelings for you."

"I hope so. Our future hinges on it."

"What?" He frowned.

She sighed. "You've made it clear you want your grandparents' approval before we really discuss marriage. What if they don't give it? Robin, I really want to be your wife."

"And you will be," he vowed, pulling the car off to the side of the road. Turning to her, Robin took her hands again. "I would love for my grandparents to approve of us. And I do think they will. But if for some reason they don't, it will break my heart but I won't hold that against you. I want to marry you, Regina."

Regina unbuckled her seatbelt in order to kiss him. "You're amazing, Robin Locksley."

"And you'll soon learn the reason why when you get the full blast of Grandpa Roland's charm." He put the car back in drive and continued down the road.

She buckled herself back together, trying to get her nerves under control. It wasn't going to help if she kept being negative. Robin's grandparents were going to love her.

They just had to.

After an hour, Robin pulled onto a long dirt road that led down to a small cottage. It was two stories with smoke rising from the brick chimney. Regina spotted a little flower garden by the stone stairs leading up to the front door. "It's so quaint," she said. "I love it."

"I know the Cape Cod is your dream house," he replied, "but I would have to say this is mine."

Once he parked the car, Regina climbed out and stretched. An older woman appeared in the cottage's door, wiping her hands on a towel. She had white hair pulled into a bun and was wearing a floral top with beige slacks. Her blue eyes sparkled as she descended the steps, dimples her grandson had inherited on display as she smiled. "Robin! Regina! You're here."

"Hello, Mrs. Locksley," Regina said, smiling back at the woman. "It's so good to meet you in person."

"You too, but I will not have that 'Mrs. Locksley' nonsense continue on. You can call me Grandma Ellie just like Robin does," Eleanor Locksley insisted.

Robin chuckled, kissing his grandmother's cheek. "Hello, Grandma. How are you?"

"I'm fine," she replied, patting his cheek. "And so is your grandfather. He's out in town right now but he'll be here soon. He's going to be thrilled to see you.

"But first, bring those bags in and you two can get settled into your room. Or are you hungry? I can make us lunch." Ellie lead them into the cottage, Robin and Regina rolling their luggage behind them.

Robin took Regina's bag from her. He gave her a quick kiss. "I'll put these in our room. Be right back."

Ellie motioned to the table. "Have a seat, Regina. Rest."

"Oh, I'm fine. Can I help you?" Regina asked, hoping to make a good impression.

"No, no. You're a guest. Sit and relax. I'm not going to bite." Ellie gave her a wink.

Robin returned. "Need any help, Grandma Ellie?"

She shooed him away as well. "No, no. You go relax with your lovely girlfriend. I've got everything under control."

He took a seat next to Regina at the table, taking her hand in his. "Are you okay? Is the jetlag starting to hit yet?"

"I think so," she replied before yawning. "Never mind. It definitely is. You have to keep me awake."

Ellie chuckled. "Don't worry. We'll figure out a way to keep you up until a decent hour to go to bed."

The door opened and a golden retriever bounded into the room, not stopping until he had jumped up at Robin. He laughed as he petted the dog. "Hello there, Winston. I see you've missed me as much as I've missed you."

"Oh, he's missed you very much. Just like me." A tall older gentleman entered the kitchen, hanging his tweed hat on a hook before smoothing down his white hair. It matched the white beard around his smiling lips. "Hello, Robin. Regina."

"Grandpa Roland." Robin jumped up, embracing his grandfather as Winston came over to sniff Regina.

She held out her hand to the dog, waiting for him to become familiar with her scent. Winston laid his head on her lap, big brown eyes looking up at her. "Are you letting me be your friend?" she asked him.

"Yes, he is," Roland said, sitting down next to her. "Rub behind his ear and he'll be your pal for life."

Laughing, Regina rubbed behind Winston's ear. His tail began wagging happily and he moved closer to her. "I think I've won over the dog," she said.

"Just like everyone else in this family," Roland Locksley replied, sitting down on the other side of her.

Regina's smile faltered. "Well, not everyone."

"Ahh, right. Well, my son is a tosser. I'm not sure how he ended up being like that. Ellie and I raised him better than that, right, Elle?"

Ellie nodded. "Thank goodness Robin ended up to be the gentleman we had hoped George would be."

Robin blushed and Regina smile brightened, thinking it was sweet. She leaned over and kissed his cheek. "I'm so glad he did."

Plates with sandwiches were placed in front of all of them before Ellie sat down. Winston curled up under the table, no doubt waiting for someone to drop something. Roland ignored his sandwich, looking at Regina. "So, how was your trip here to England? I hope it was a smooth flight."

"It was," she confirmed. "And I managed to catch a nap on the way over, thankfully."

"She should be thankful. The movie they showed us was awful," Robin said.

Regina chuckled, giving him a gentle push. "Anyway, the ride here was lovely too. The English countryside is so beautiful."

"We love it here," Ellie replied. "It's just so peaceful."

Her husband nodded. "But that lake your parents live on looks very nice too. I wouldn't mind visiting it."

"Oh, you should! My parents would love to have you over," she said, taking a bite of her sandwich.

"Ahh, you hear that, Elle? We need to plan another trip to America soon," Roland said.

Ellie smiled. "You let me know when and I'll have my bags packed."

He laughed and turned to Regina. "That's why I love this woman. She's up for anything I say."

Regina smiled back, her hand finding Robin's under the table. She wanted this for them—to be old, married and still absolutely in love with each other after so long together. And she knew he felt the same when he leaned forward to press a kiss to the back of her head.

By the time eight o'clock rolled around, Regina felt like she had been up for two days straight. She fought to keep her eyes open, not wanting to seem rude by falling asleep as Ellie and Roland conversed with them. But as her head lolled onto Robin's shoulder again, she heard the older woman chuckle. "I think they've been up long enough. Time for them to go to bed."

"Ahh, yes. Good night, you two. Sleep tight," Roland said, patting Regina's arm as she stood.

Ellie stood with them. "Do you need me to show you where anything is? Towels, extra linens, blankets?"

"Grandma Ellie, I know where everything is," Robin said, kissing her cheek. "We'll be fine. See you both in the morning."

He took Regina's hand and led her upstairs. She glanced at the doors. "Which one is mine and which one is yours?"

"We're sharing a room, Regina," he told her.

She paused, her mind too groggy to process everything. "What?"

"The house may be old-fashioned but my grandparents aren't. They're okay with us sharing a room."

"Thank god," she breathed, wrapping her arms around her. "I don't know if I could've slept knowing you were so close but still so far."

He chuckled, leading her to one of the rooms. "Me too, lovely. But you could've always kept your door open and let Winston keep you company."

"That does sound tempting." Regina took a look around, finding themselves in a simple room. There was a queen sized four poster bed in front of her, next to a night stand with a lamp on it. She saw Robin had placed their luggage by the closet and she watched as he pulled out his pajamas from his bag. He glanced at her over his shoulder. "I'll get yours as well. You just wait there."

"Waiting on me? I think I like it," she said, leaning against the vanity in the room. Something sharp poked her back and she turned to see what it was. A golden archer atop a trophy was the culprit, the name engraved on the base Robin's.

She picked it up, smiling. "Your grandparents have your archery trophies?"

"Yeah," Robin said, approaching her. "Grandpa Roland was the one who really encouraged me so it seemed right I keep them here. That and it ensures my parents don't throw them out. I don't trust my father."

Regina nodded, setting the trophy down. "I don't blame you."

He held out her pajamas and toiletry bag. "Bathroom is the door directly across from us."

Too tired to do her full routine, Regina only brushed her teeth after changing into her pajamas. She would deal with everything else in the morning when she was more rested. Climbing into bed, she waited for Robin to finish in the bathroom so they could fall asleep at last.

He flipped off the light as he came to bed, wrapping his arms around her. She rested her head on his chest, sighing. "Thank you for bringing me here," she whispered.

"Thank you for coming," he whispered back. "This really does mean the world to me."

"It means the same to me."

Robin pulled her close, cuddling her. They drifted off to sleep together, ready to reset their internal clocks.

When Regina next opened her eyes, sunshine poured in through the window and the clock read 8:30 AM. Her internal clock had adjusted overnight and she was grateful that it happened that quickly. Smiling she rolled over to check on Robin, but it morphed into a frown when she saw his side of the bed empty.

She sat up, tucking some loose strands behind her ears. It wasn't often Robin rose before her and she wondered if he hadn't slept as well as she had. Or was something wrong?

Regina changed and head downstairs, smelling coffee as she grew closer to the kitchens. Ellie greeted her with a smile. "How do you like your coffee, dear?"

"One sugar and do you have skim milk?" she asked.

Ellie nodded. "Have a seat and your coffee will be ready in a bit."

"Is there anything I can do to help? I feel bad having you wait on me."

"Oh, you sound like Robin," she replied, chuckling. "And don't worry. We'll be getting ready for tomorrow's party, so I will definitely be putting you to work later. Relax for now."

Regina smiled, thanking her as Ellie handed her a mug. Glancing down at the mug, her smile dimmed. "Have…Have you seen Robin this morning?"

"Yes. I told Roland to let the poor man sleep, but he pulled your boyfriend out of bed for a good old-fashioned archery contest." She sat down and motioned toward the door. "You can catch them at it if you want."

"You won't mind if I leave you?" Regina clutched her mug, ready to head outside.

Ellie shook her head. "In fact, I'll go out with you. See if they are anywhere near being ready for breakfast."

The two women exited the cottage and Ellie led Regina round to the side of the house. Winston lifted his head, tail wagging against the ground as he laid by the field of battle. Two targets were set up there with Robin and Roland positioned a good distance away. Both had their bows raised, arrows nocked. Regina watched as both let them fly, hitting the dead center of the target at the same time.

Regina's mouth hung open as she watched Robin's muscles flex when he pulled out another bow. With speed and precision, he fired another arrow and hit just under his previous one.

"Looks like city life hasn't dulled your abilities," Ellie called out to her grandson. "And I think you have a fan."

Glancing over, Robin beamed at Regina before striding toward her. He kissed her, trapping his bow between their bodies. "Good morning," he said.

"Morning," she replied. "I see you are having a good time."

Roland approached them, smiling. "Good morning, Regina. All set to English time?"

"Yes, sir," she replied.

He scoffed. "No need to call me, sir. I'm not that old yet. Not until tomorrow."

"And then he'll say the same thing the day after," Ellie said, fondness in her voice.

"You are quite the archer." Regina leaned against Robin, motioning to him with her head. "Did you teach this one?"

"I did." Roland's chest puffed out in pride.

Robin wrapped his arm around her, rubbing her arm. "Maybe Grandpa Roland can teach you how to shoot."

"Maybe. But I think I would rather have you as my instructor…No offense, Grandpa Roland."

"Oh, none taken. I understand." Roland wrapped his arm around his wife. "Come on, Elle. Let's give these two lovebirds some privacy."

He led Ellie back toward the house, whistling for Winston to follow. Before they turned the corner, he paused and looked back at his grandson. "Oh, Robin, I'll be heading into town later. Do you need me to pick up anything from the pharmacy? Condoms, perhaps?"

"Grandpa!" Robin turned red as Regina sputtered into her coffee.

Ellie glared at her husband. "Will you leave those two alone? They don't need your teasing."

"Who's teasing? I'm just making sure my grandson has everything he needs. I'm not that much in a hurry to be a great-grandfather just yet."

"We're already great-grandparents, you old fool!"

"Okay, fine. I'm not in a hurry to be a great-grandfather again just yet. You two should just enjoy your time to yourselves. Plenty of time for children later," Roland told them.

Regina's stomach churned as she curled closer to Robin. Once his grandparents went back inside, she said: "You haven't told them."

"No," he replied, softly. "It's not my secret to tell. And it's not like they aren't going to get great-grandchildren. It just won't be that way."

She smiled, leaning against his shoulder. "And they won't care?"

"Do they seem like the type of people who would?"

Regina shook her head before sighing. "I just want to make a good impression, Robin."

"You are." He squeezed her arms. "They like you, you don't have to worry."

"You keep saying that but my worry won't go away."

Robin kissed her forehead. "Then whenever you need reassurance, just come to me. You'll get a hug, no questions asked."

She smiled. "I love you, Robin Locksley."

"I love you too," he replied, taking her hand. "Come on, let's go see what Grandma Ellie's making for breakfast. I'm starved."

After breakfast, Ellie began preparing for the party the next day. Regina looked at all the ingredients and frowned. "How much food are you preparing?"

"Well, we're expecting about forty people between children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, spouses and significant others," Ellie replied. "So I guess the proper answer is…a lot."

Regina chuckled, tying on the apron Ellie handed her. "So what do you need me to do? Peel potatoes?"

"Hey, that's my job. No stealing." Robin kissed her cheek, taking the peeler from her hand.

"Can you knead dough?" Ellie asked. When Regina nodded, she motioned to the counter and gave her some flour. "Have fun."

As they worked, the three chatted and Regina enjoyed hearing some childhood stories about Robin. Most she had heard from him, but Ellie was such a natural storyteller, she didn't mind hearing them all over again.

"Did he tell you about how he broke his arm?" she asked Regina.

"Yes I did," Robin replied. "I'd rather not relive that again, Grandma Ellie."

She nodded and turned back to Regina. "How about Robin's first driving lesson? Shaved ten years off my life, he did."

"I wasn't that bad! And most of that was Grandpa Roland's fault and you know it!" he protested.

"Okay, I'm curious now. Someone better tell me this story," Regina said, drinking some water as she watched grandmother and grandson. Winston curled at her feet, waiting for some scraps to be dropped.

Ellie smiled. "Robin asked his grandfather to teach him how to drive because, well, his father was definitely even a remote possibility."

Regina nodded, frowning. While he had insisted his relationship with his family had gone downhill after his breakup with Marian, she had come to believe that was only true of his relationship with his mother. Robin's relationship with his father seemed to have been conflicted and strained nearly his whole life.

"Anyway, Grandpa Roland handed me the keys and decided to just let do whatever I wanted," Robin said. "No explanations, just drive."

"Oh no," Regina said, wincing.

He grimaced. "I nearly crashed into a tree."

"Why do most of your stories end with you getting injured somehow?" Regina rushed over to him, running her hands over him as if she could still see all his old wounds.

"I'm fine, Regina. No lasting wounds though a few scars as you know," he replied, kissing her hands. "I was just accident prone when I was younger."

"He was more reckless, he means," Ellie said, hands on her hips. "And his grandfather didn't help. Nor did that Will Scarlet."

Robin smiled, leaning past Regina to address his grandmother: "He says hi, by the way."

"Is he in one piece still?"

"When we left him, he was," Robin replied.

Ellie nodded. "And he's doing well in the States?"

"Very well."

"He loves it there," Regina added. "And we love having him."

"I'm glad he's turned his life around and gotten away from that rotten family of his. You tell Will that I'm proud of him."

Robin nodded. "I'll do that, Grandma Ellie. He'll be happy to hear it."

"And tell him to call me," she instructed as well.

"Do I need to write this all down?" Regina asked, sitting on Robin's lap as she rested her arm on his shoulders.

Ellie chuckled. "I think you'll manage between the two of you. Now, get up! We have food to finish making."

"You're a taskmaster," Robin groaned as Regina stood up. "At least I know this will all be worth it."

"I can't wait to taste it." Regina returned to her kneading as Ellie chuckled.

"Grandma's cooking is the best," Robin told her. "You'll see."

Regina smiled. "I can't wait."

Regina sat up in bed, an old photo album in her hands. She gingerly turned each page, all filled with pictures of the golden-haired, blue-eyed, dimpled doll who grew up to become the man she loved. Robin had shown her pictures of him when he was younger before but they were all taken after he was twelve years-old. So none featured him wearing only a diaper and his grandfather's oversized shoes as he smiled at the camera.

The door opened and Robin stepped in, towel-drying his hair. Another towel was slung low around his waist. She watched an errant drop of water roll down his chest before getting lost in the fine hairs that trailed lower into the towel. Biting her lip, Regina kept the naughty thoughts at bay. They had agreed it would be too awkward to fool around at his grandparents'.

London, though, was fair ground. She just had to wait until then.

He smiled, joining her on the bed. She moved closer to him despite the dampness still clinging to him and breathed in his newly showered smell. "You were a cute kid," she told him.

"And you're wondering what happened, right?" he joked.

"Please, demigod." She paused. "Though I do wonder how this angelic face became a serial killer, luring unsuspecting women to his apartment with promises of mac and cheese only to end their lives…"

Her words were garbled by her laughter as Robin's fingers found her sensitive spots. The album forgotten, she writhed underneath him and twisted every way she could to try to get away from his relentless onslaught.

"Mercy!" she pleaded, trying to push him off. "Mercy, please!"

"Well, since you said 'please.'" Robin's fingers fell away and he hopped off the bed to change.

Regina picked up the photo album, sighing as she took in toddler Robin dressed like a vampire. He was pretending to bite the camera and she laughed, though part of her hurt. It was a pain pulling at her heart and she felt a few tears prick her eyes.

He climbed back into bed, wrapping his arms around her. "Regina? What's wrong?"

"It's just…After my diagnosis, it took several talks with my mother but I made peace with it. And I'm still okay. But looking at these pictures, I want a little boy who looks just like you but I know I can't." She stroked one of the pictures.

Robin took the book from her and held her close, guiding her head to his chest as she sobbed into his pajama shirt. She had made peace with her infertility but she still grieved for the children she couldn't conceive. The dimpled angels with dark curls and brown or blue eyes as well as the blond-haired, blue (or brown) eyed cherubs they could've made. "He would've been so cute," she choked out.

"I know," he said softly. "But at least he won't be stuck with my nose. Dodged a bullet there, if you ask me."

She gave him a little shove, though she smiled. "I'm being serious, Robin."

"So am I. I really don't want to pass this thing on," he replied, tapping his nose.

Regina gave in to the laughter bubbling up in her and she wrapped her arms around his neck. He always knew how to make her feel better. It made her love him even more than she thought possible each time.

He rolled over so that she was on top of him, head pressed against his chest. "We can adopt the cutest kids on the face of the planet," he told her. "Doesn't matter how old they are, their hair color, eye color or skin color. Just as long as they are stinking cute."

"How many would we adopt?"

"As many as you like. We could have our own little league team. I think I would make a good coach."

"What do you know about baseball?"

"More than you would think," he replied, kissing her forehead. "Do you feel better?"

She nodded, curling up on his chest. "Thank you, Robin."

"Anytime, love. I can't wait to have a family of the cutest kids on the planet with you." He reached out and flicked off the lamp, plunging the room into darkness.

As his heart beat steadily under her ear, Regina closed her eyes and pictured their children running about that Cape Cod in Storybrooke she coveted. Robin rubbed her back as she drifted off, joining the domestic scene as she began to dream.

The smell of coffee woke Regina in the morning. Robin's arm tightened around her as she stretched out. "Five more minutes," he moaned.

She chuckled. "You don't have to wake up just yet."

"I know," he replied. "I just don't want you to move for five minutes."

Regina wasn't going to object to that. She let Robin snuggle closer to her, feeling his lips against her shoulder. "I love you," he whispered.

"I love you too." She closed her eyes and cherished being in his warm embrace until she heard the door open a crack. Paws scurried across the floor and bed dipped as Winston jumped up. He sniffed at her and Robin.

Lifting her head, she saw Roland in the doorway. He grinned at her. "You two coming or you having each other for breakfast?"

"Grandpa!" Robin sat straight up, eyes wide as he stared at his grandfather. "You weren't like this when I was dating Marian!"

"That was completely different. So, anyway, what's the answer?" he asked, arms crossed.

Regina pushed the sheets back as Winston scrambled off the bed. "I'm coming. I don't know about the fish over there."

She jerked her thumb in Robin's direction, where he was open and closing his mouth as if trying to say something to his grandfather. Letting out a little laugh, she kissed his cheek and climbed out of bed. "Save me a cup of coffee, please," she asked Roland.

He promised to do so and closed the door, giving them privacy. Robin scrambled out of bed, running his hand through his hair. "I promise you he's normally not like that. He's usually more…I dunno the word but…"

"Robin," Regina said, laying her hand on his arm. "It's okay, love. He's just having fun with you."

Robin blinked a few times before he groaned. "And I fell for it. I always do that."

She chuckled, shaking her head. "I'm going to get dressed and have some breakfast. Are you?"

A few minutes later, they headed downstairs together. He had his arm wrapped around her shoulders while she had hers wrapped around his waist. Winston trotted at their heels. She smiled until they reached the kitchen, feeling tension in the air.

"Ahh, there's my laze-about son. About time you woke up," George Locksley grumped, sitting at the kitchen table with a cup of coffee.

Robin tensed up and she saw the muscles in his jaw flex. "Dad," he greeted.

She took a deep breath and put on the most genuine smile she could muster around George. "Good morning, Mr. Locksley."

"Oh, Robin. You brought her?" Susan Locksley asked, coming out of the bathroom. She eyed Regina with a cold eye.

"Of course, Mum. Regina's my girlfriend. I wanted her to meet the family," Robin explained.

Ellie stood next to her daughter-in-law. "Roland and I wanted her here, as well. Since this is his party, he gets a say in who is invited."

"But this is an insult to Marian!" Susan was horrified.

"How?" Ellie asked. "She's not here. And she hasn't been a part of Robin's life for almost three years now, Susan."

Susan frowned. "She's always a part of his life. Especially now that she's getting a divorce."

Robin sighed as Regina rubbed his back. "Marian is no longer a part of my life, Mum. So let's leave her personal life alone."

"But you still love her!"

"No, I don't," Robin replied, darkly.

Regina glanced down, tucking her hair behind her ear. After everything that had happened in January, Robin had confided in her the reason why he was cutting things off with Marian for good. He had encouraged her to report Marian for breaking HIPPA laws but Regina had decided against it. It seemed the woman's life was in a downward spiral and she didn't need that.

Clearing his throat, Roland handed Regina a cup of coffee. "I'd like for everyone to get along today. Got it?"

They all nodded and Ellie crossed her arms. "Good. Now, Robin and Regina will have some breakfast. George, Susan, you two can start setting up."

"What?" George sat up straighter. "Why us?"

"Because you're here and you've eaten. Now go!" Ellie's eyes flashed in warning.

Regina watched as Robin's parents hurried out of the kitchen, each carrying a few trays of food. She tried to hide her smile as she dug into the eggs Ellie gave her. Beside her, she heard Roland sigh. "Now we can eat in peace. Good Lord, Ells, where did we go wrong with that one?"

"I don't know," Ellie replied, sitting down herself. She turned to Regina. "I assure you our other two children are well-behaved and civil."

"And if George gives you any problems, you let me know," Roland said. "Both of you."

Robin sighed. "I can't believe I was expecting my parents to at least be civil."

Setting down her fork, Regina kissed the side of his head as she ran her fingers through his hair. "That's on them, not you."

"Listen to her, Robin. You've found yourself a wise woman. Wise women should be cherished." Roland raised his mug toward his wife.

Robin nodded, patting her leg. "We'll be fine and have lots of fun. Right?"

"Absolutely," she told him with a smile.

She was having a good time. Roland had been right when he said that his other two children, Robin's Uncle Roger and Aunt Sarah, were downright pleasant and welcoming to her. They also were kind to Robin, clucking over him as if they were his parents. Perhaps they realized they had to make up for their brother's shortcoming in that regard.

There were a lot of Lockleys at the party, actually, and Regina did struggle to remember all their names. No one seemed insulted, though, if asked to repeat their name again. "You could just call all of us Bob. We'll answer to anything really," one cousin (Ryan?) teased her.

In the end, Regina spent most of her time with the younger Locksleys—the children flocked to her. They surrounded her, pulling her to play with them. Mostly, they were fascinated by her accent and asked her to repeat certain words in order to mimic it. She played along, teaching them how to speak "American."

She then spent most of the afternoon chasing after them, playing some form of tag. At one point, Robin was pressed into service by the children and he worked with Regina to try to nab as many of them as possible.

The games ended with Robin and Regina on their backs, panting as the children climbed over them and crowed their victory. She turned her head to meet his eyes, his smile infectious. He took her hand and she closed her eyes, enjoying this feeling.

"Uncle Robin, are you going to marry Regina?" one little girl asked.

She could hear his smile when he answered. "I hope so, Lucy. Why?"

"Because I like her," Lucy replied.

Another girl, who Regina remembered was called Daisy, began to bounce on her knees. "Can I be a flower girl? I'm really good at it."

Robin chuckled as Regina smiled at her. "Of course you can be a flower girl. I'm going to need an expert, right?"

The girl cheered as parents came to round up their children. Robin's cousin Anne stood over them, rocking her daughter. "You two are champs. I don't know if any of us could've kept up with all those children."

"I enjoyed it," Regina said, letting Robin help her up. "I love children."

"I can tell. But come on, it's time to join the adults again." Anne led them over to the tables where the Locksley family members were squeezing in for dinner.

Robin and Regina found seats by his grandparents, ones she strongly suspected were saved by the birthday boy. George and Susan sat a bit further down at the same table and several of the children were crowded around it as well. Daisy squeezed herself between Regina and Robin, resting her arms on the table. "I'm going to eat with you."

"Okay," Regina said, grabbing a plate for the girl. "What do you want?"

She loaded up the plate with everything Daisy pointed out and then set about cutting up the meat for the girl. As she did this, Robin asked Daisy about her school and what she did for fun. Regina slid the plate in front of an enthusiastic Daisy, who was talking about her dance lessons, before making a plate for herself.

"You're a natural, Regina," Aunt Sarah said, bouncing her grandson on her lap. "You and Robin are going to be great parents."

"Too bad Regina's baby making parts are broken," George said matter-of-factly.

Regina's hand went limp and her fork landed on her plate. Everyone at their table went silent, allowing her to hear her heart beating in her chest. How could he say that? What was Robin's family going to think about her now?

"Dad," Robin started, voice tight, "what do you know about that?"

Susan jumped in. "Marian told us. She thought we ought to know that you were dating a woman who couldn't give you babies."

Regina found it difficult to breath and the sound was warped, as if she was underwater. She heard Robin yelling and his parents yelling back, but not what they were saying. All she knew was that she needed to get away.

Pushing away from the table, Regina hopped out of her seat and just ran in the opposite direction of the party. She didn't stop until she collapsed on Ellie and Roland's couch, clutching a pillow closer as she sobbed. Winston's cold nose poked at her and he gave her tear-covered cheek a lick.

"Regina?" she heard Robin call out. "Regina, are you in here?"

His steps grew louder and he sighed, dropping to his knees next to the couch. "Don't cry, love. He's not worth it."

"I know, but it hurts," she sobbed, letting him pull her into his arms. "To have my private hell publically aired, especially when I'm trying to make a good impression on the rest of your family…"

She cried, clutching his shirt. He rubbed her back, rocking her. "You've impressed my family. They are not going to think less of you because of what my father said. In fact, they look ready to kill him."

"Robin? Did you find her? Is she okay?" Ellie entered the living room and sighed when she saw them. She picked up a tissue box from a shelf and held it out to Regina. "Here you go."

Regina gave her a weak smile. "Thank you," she croaked, wiping her eyes with a tissue.

"It's the least I could do since I've raised a complete tosser. I apologize," Ellie said. She motioned to Robin. "Why don't I talk to Regina? Woman to woman?"

He glanced down at Regina, who nodded. "I'll be fine. You go make sure there isn't a homicide the entire family has to cover up."

Once Robin was gone, Ellie sat down next to Regina. "Do you want anything? Tea? Water? Whiskey?"

"I'm fine for now. Thank you." Regina started to pull at her tissue. "Robin knew, in case you were wondering. I told him pretty much at the start. He doesn't care."

"I didn't think he would. And while you didn't have to tell me, I'm glad you and Robin have been honest." She patted Regina's knee.

Regina nodded. "We've been talking about adopting. After we're married, of course."

"So you two have been discussing long term plans."

"I love him and I can't imagine my life without him. When I see my future, he's always in it." She dabbed her eyes.

Ellie took her hand, holding it tight. "Susan turned Marian into the daughter she never had in her mind. George…Frankly, I'm not sure what's going on in my son's mind. I haven't for years. But you, you're the wife Robin needs and deserves. And I know if you two hold on to each other, you'll get through anything and achieve all your dreams."

"Thank you," Regina replied, sniffling. "That means the world to me."

"You clearly mean the world to Robin. Now, go out there and show my idiot son and his wife why." Ellie stood, helping Regina up. They returned outside, arm-in-arm as Winston trotted happily by her side.

Regina went to bed early that night, exhausted, while Robin sat outside and watched the stars. He had wrapped himself in his grandfather's oversized black coat to ward off the chill.

"Brandy?" Grandpa Roland offered, holding out a glass.

"Dipped into the good stuff?" Robin took the proffered glass.

Grandpa Roland chuckled. "I think we all deserve it after that debacle."

Snorting, Robin made a face as he sipped the brandy. "They've been awful to her since we starting dating."

"And I take it Marian isn't a fan either?"

Robin shook his head. "She wants me back and sees Regina as an obstacle."

Grandpa Roland nodded. "I take it you want nothing to do with her?"

"She invaded Regina's privacy, looked at her medical files and revealed something that was Regina's to share. Which Regina already did, so Marian's plan blew up in her face." Robin took another sip.

"So, you knew and you stayed with Regina."

Robin nodded. "We want children. We're just going to have to go about it another way."

"And you're okay with that?"

"For the most part, yes," Robin said. "I won't lie and say it doesn't hurt when I imagine Regina pregnant or what our children would've looked like. But we're solid on becoming parents and I know we'll do it together. And we'll love and cherish our children."

Grandpa Roland nodded. "I take it you want my blessing to marry her?"

"Yes."

"What if I don't give it?" he asked, crossing his arms. "What would you do then?"

"I'd be disappointed but I'd marry her anyway. I love her and want to be with her, Grandpa."

The older man smiled. "I was just checking. Your grandmother and I love Regina, Robin, and we give you our blessing. Go and make that wonderful woman your wife and get started on adopting us some more great-grandchildren."

Robin raised an eyebrow. "I thought you said yesterday that you weren't in a rush to have more great-grandchildren."

"Eh, changed my mind. Especially after seeing you two with the young ones today. You two are going to be great parents. And when you're ready to adopt, let me and your grandmother know if you need anything to make it a reality."

"Thank you, Grandpa." Robin hugged him before standing. "I think I'll turn in for the night. See you in the morning?"

Grandpa Roland nodded. "Sleep tight, Robin. I love you."

"I love you too," Robin replied, smiling.

Robin climbed upstairs to the bedroom he shared with Regina. He crept inside, changing in the dark so as not to wake her. Once he was under the covers, she rolled closer to him and rested her head over his heart. Robin smiled, kissing the top of her head before falling asleep himself.

They spent one more day with Robin's grandparents before driving down to London. Regina enjoyed the week in the city, finding it a relaxing retreat after everything that had happened in Nottingham. He was just glad she was enjoying herself again.

Once they were back in the States, Robin met Regina at Avalon Mercy one afternoon. She smiled at him as she entered the lobby. "You didn't have to come."

"Yes, I did," he replied, kissing her cheek. "I'm a supportive boyfriend…and a witness."

"Good point." She took his hand and led him to the elevators. They got on and she pressed a button, feeling the car rise.

"You know your way around."

"Mother is affiliated with this hospital. Even has an office. So I know my way there," she explained as the doors opened.

Cora Mills met them by the elevator bank, lips pressed together. "The dean of medicine is ready for you. Just stay calm and tell him what you told me, okay?"

"I got it, Mother. Thank you." Regina gave her a shaky smile, squeezing Robin's hand for comfort.

The dean was an older man with a graying beard and kind eyes behind thick black glasses. He stood as they entered, smiling at Regina. "Well, look at you! You're all grown up, Regina."

She smiled, shaking his hand. "Thank you for meeting with me."

"Of course. Please, have a seat." He motioned to the chairs in front of his desk. Regina took the middle one with Robin and Cora sitting on either side of her.

Once they were situated, the dean sat down and folded his hands. "So, what brings you here today, Regina?"

"I'd like to file a complaint against Dr. Marian Madden," she explained. "She violated my HIPPA rights by going into my medical file without proper authorization and revealing one of my medical conditions to people without my consent."

The dean frowned, nodding. "I see. This a serious matter and I promise you we will investigate it. May I ask how you learned of this?"

Robin leaned forward. "I'm one of the people Dr. Madden revealed the condition to. Marian and I are exes and, well, she thought it would break us up. I was already aware of Regina's condition but at the same, I knew it was wrong of Marian to tell me. We also recently learned she told my parents about it as well."

"I am aware Dr. Madden is one of the best neurosurgeons in the country and Avalon Mercy is lucky to have her. But as a doctor myself and the victim's mother, I am dismayed that one of my colleagues would be so reckless with patient information," Cora added.

The dean sighed. "I agree. Thank you for bringing this to my attention, Regina, and I'm sorry we had to see each other again under these circumstances. I will be launching the investigation right away and I will let you know what happens."

"Thank you," Regina said, standing. She shook the dean's hand. "I just don't want this to happen again."

Cora stayed behind to speak with the dean for a few more minutes as Regina and Robin stepped outside. He pulled her in for a hug. "I'm so proud of you."

"Thanks," she muttered. "I just want this to be over quickly."

Stepping out of the office, Cora smiled at the two. "Why don't I call your father and we all go have a nice lunch? My treat."

Robin and Regina followed her to the elevators, protesting though they knew it was a losing battle. As they headed to the lobby, Robin held Regina tighter and dreamed of the day he would call her his wife.

A/N: Aha! I finally got one up in its scheduled month! Go me!

Of course, I was trying to get it up before my cruise tomorrow, so that was a great motivator to finish.

George Locksley ruins everything, doesn't he? Or at least he tries to. Robin and Regina are a bit stronger than that. And I gave Robin amazing grandparents to make up for the lousy parents I saddled him with.

Next time, we have the Snowing wedding! And my second attempt at the jealousy requests. Let's see how that goes!

-Mac