"Fireworks"
"Okay, turn left up here," Regina said, holding her phone as she gave Robin directions.
He made the left, frowning. "Is there a reason your parents wanted to have brunch here?"
"Mother says she's heard it's really good," Regina replied. "I think she wants us to look at it as a possible venue for our reception."
"And there would be no other reason?"
Regina frowned at his question, picking up on the meaning behind his words. "Is your Spidey sense tingling?"
"Yes," he replied. "I have a strong feeling we're on our way to a surprise engagement party."
"Mother said she wanted to throw one for us but was talking about early fall, once everyone comes back from vacations. And to give us time to get settled in the house."
Robin frowned. "Okay, but still…"
"Turn right at this light and it should be on the left," she said, pointing ahead of them. "And I think is really just a venue scouting brunch."
He parked the car and they climbed out, the July sun blinding Regina for a few moments. She removed her sunglasses from atop her head and put them on, blinking away the spots dancing before her. Robin was scanning the lot from behind his own shades, frowning.
She sighed. "What is it?"
"I recognize that whole row of cars." He motioned to cars parked across from them. All bore the now familiar white bumper sticker with an evergreen tree in the center—Sherwood's logo. "They belong to my Merry Men."
Regina frowned, glancing around the lot. She spotted David's Corolla next to Belle's blue bug. Mal's Mustang was next to Cru's Beemer and she sighed. "Shit, you're right."
"Surprise engagement party," Robin said, taking her hand.
As they approached the front door, she glanced up at him. "We'll have to pretend to be surprised, okay?"
"I'll do my best," he promised as they were pointed to one door across the lobby.
They paused outside it, taking deep breaths. He looked at her for permission and once she nodded, Robin opened the door.
"SURPRISE!" The room was filled with their friends and family, all standing around circular tables. Most of them clapped and she heard a few whistles from the tables surrounded by Merry Men. Through it all, though, they both kept smiling as widely as possible.
When the cheering died down, though, Tuck called out: "Damn it, he knew!"
Regina glanced up to find Robin looking sheepish and he released her hand to rub the back of his neck. "I had a feeling. But you really almost succeeded. Next time, you all shouldn't park together. It looked like our parking lot at work out there!"
All the Merry Men looked sheepish and Merida glared at them, scolding them in Scots. Regina was surprised that they all seemed to understand her, even Robin. He smirked as she laid into them and leaned closer to Regina to whisper: "She's essentially calling them idiots and useless at this sort of thing."
Regina bit the inside of her cheek to keep from laughing as her parents approached. She crossed her arms as she looked at her mother. "I thought you said early fall, Mother."
"I know," Cora replied, "but everyone's schedules lined up now. And we had to do some international coordination."
"What she means is that she had to get my old bones here to America," Grandpa Roland said as he stepped out from behind Cora and Henry.
Surprise filled Regina at the sight of him and Grandma Ellie. When she looked at Robin, his eyes were lit up and his smile was so wide, she thought his face was going to split in half. "You're here?" he asked.
"Of course," Ellie replied. "Where else would we be?"
"Unfortunately, we had to bring the idiot we call a son and your mother as well. Sorry," Roland added. "Not that they are here. Couldn't be half-arsed to show up on time."
Ellie elbowed her husband and glared at him. "I think they came more for Marian or at least your mother did."
Regina swallowed at the mention of Marian. Her wounds had healed well and she only had experienced a few nightmares for a couple weeks after the attack. Yet it seemed there would be a trial, even though Mal thought it was better for Marian to accept a plea deal. They hadn't heard anything about that though and it seemed stuck in the court system. But it didn't surprise her that Susan Locksley was there to support her beloved Marian. Regina didn't even want to know what unkind things the woman was thinking about her.
She had his grandparents on her side, though. Robin had called them a couple days after the attack to tell them what was going on, not sure if he was able to beat his parents learning the news. It turned out he did but Ellie had doubted Susan would listen to the real story, which Regina agreed with. Both women knew she would rather believe the best about Marian.
"That's okay," Robin said. "I'd rather have you here than them. They'd probably only bring down the mood."
"I don't know. I was looking forward to meeting your father," Cora said. She had a look in her eye that Regina recognized. Usually it meant her mother was intrigued by a study or a patient.
Henry clapped his hands. "Well, let's get this party started! Come on, you two. We have seats of honor for you."
Regina and Robin barely had a chance to sit down at their seats of honor. They went from table to table, welcoming and thanking everyone for being there. His Merry Men engulfed them in a group hug, squishing Robin and Regina together as they laughed. "You two are going to be so happy together," Alan said from somewhere in the pile of people.
"Thank you," she replied as Robin tried to get them to take a step back.
They did so and Tuck stepped forward, holding a bag. "We all agreed that you deserve to have one of these now," he told Regina.
She opened the bag and pulled out a green polo shirt with the Sherwood logo on it. Her name was embroidered on it, like anyone who was an employee of Robin's. "I love it," she said, smiling. "Thank you."
"Tuck, could we talk with you in private for a moment?" Robin asked, motioning with his head for the man to follow them.
Once they were a few feet away from the table, Regina took Robin's hand as she turned to Tuck. "Robin says you're licensed to marry people in Maine."
"I am," he confirmed, looking unsure about where they were going with this conversation.
"We've talked and we agree there is no one else we want to marry us," Robin said, holding her closer. "So will you do us the honor?"
Tuck's mouth fell open and tears began to well in his eyes. "The honor would be mine," he assured them, hugging them.
Pulling away from him, they joined hands again as they thanked him. They then wandered over to the next table, which had her sorority sisters. A young girl with dark hair and eyes popped up, throwing her arms around Regina. "Congrats to the best godmother a girl could ask for," she said.
"Oh, someone's laying it on thick," Cru said, teasing her. "Especially with her other two godmothers right here."
Regina chuckled, holding the tween closer. "If you're angling for a spot in my wedding party, it's yours, Lily."
"Yes!" Lily pumped her fist then turned to Robin. "You do anything to hurt my Aunt Regina, I'm gonna come out here and hurt you."
"And she'll have help," Ursula noted.
Robin nodded. "Understood."
They moved onto the next few tables, ending when they reached the one filled with Regina's coworkers. Will was at that table, choosing to sit with Ana rather than the other Merry Men. "Can I see that ring again?" Belle asked, taking Regina's hand. "I can't stop admiring it. You did a great job, Robin."
"Thank you. I worked really hard on it as I wanted it to be perfect for her," he said, pulling Regina closer.
David nodded. "The ring is a big deal."
"Mine is perfect too," Mary Margaret assured her husband before kissing him.
Regina smiled until she saw Will's smile fall. He cleared his throat as he leaned closer to Robin. "Your parents just arrived."
They turned to find Roland striding toward George and Susan, all three scowling. Robin excused himself as well as Regina so they could hurry toward them.
"It's a surprise party," Roland was saying. "That means the guests show up before the honorees, not an hour after."
George looked unrepentant as Susan made their excuses. "We had some place to be. We wanted to see Marian. She's not doing well."
She directed that last part to Robin, almost pleading with him with her eyes. Pleading with him to go speak with Marian, to comfort her, to leave Regina and take his place by Marian's side—where Susan believed he belonged. Regina looked away, feeling her disgust and anger rising.
Robin's grip on her waist tightened. "It's her own fault, Mum. She's made some poor decisions lately—she attacked Regina! She has to face the consequences and I'm not going to hold her hand. I'm holding Regina's, the real victim. If you're just going to spend your time trying to convince me to go back to Marian, then leave. I don't want you here."
"No, no," Susan insisted quickly. "We'll stay. Right, George?"
He gave no response.
Cora and Henry stepped forward, Henry trying to diffuse the situation by holding out his hand. "It's so nice to meet you. I'm Regina's father, Henry, and this is my wife, Cora."
George and Susan shook their hands. "So, it looks like we'll be in-laws," George said.
"It does," Cora replied. Regina recognized her mother's tone—it was deceptively polite, but it really meant she was going to pounce when she found the right moment.
Henry recognized it as well, giving her a warning glance before turning back to George and Susan. "Come, we have seats for you. You can get something to eat and the festivities can continue."
Regina stayed behind with Robin, squeezing his hands. "Are you okay?" she asked.
"I just need to step outside and get some air," he said, squeezing her hands. "Then I'll be fine."
"Are you sure? I can come with you." She leaned closer to him, wishing she could remove his pain with a snap of her fingers.
He nodded, kissing her hands. "You stay with our friends. I won't be more than five minutes, promise."
She watched him leave, wrapping her arms around her waist. Will came up to her and she turned to him. "Is he okay? Should I go after him?"
"He doesn't usually do this but I'd say not yet," he replied. "Give him the five minutes. If he doesn't come back, I'll go out. If I don't come back, you come out."
"Sounds like a plan." She glanced over at his parents. "What is their issue with Robin?"
Will shrugged. "That's a question we've been trying to answer for years. Maybe your mother can."
"Oh, that could be very dangerous," Regina replied, sighing.
"Come on. It won't do you any good to stare at the door." Will wrapped his arm around her shoulder and guided her back to his table.
Not too much longer after that, Regina felt Robin's familiar strong arms wrap around her and pull her against his chest. He rested his chin on her shoulder, his scruff tickling her cheek as she turned to look at him. "Feel better?"
"I do. Thank you." He kissed her cheek before saying louder: "Now, what's there to eat around here? I'm starving!"
Regina cuddled closer to Robin as they sat at their table, his arm wrapped around her. Empty plates sat before them and she was certain she wasn't going to be able to move for a long time. "I really hope there's no dancing," she said.
He chuckled, kissing her head. "I think we're good, lovely. No sign of a DJ or music anywhere."
"Oh good." She snuggled close to him, not caring she was half off her chair. No one was going to scold her for slouching.
Robin toyed with her hair and she was starting to feel the urge to close her eyes, to nap for a bit. As her eyelids lowered, she thought she saw Grandpa Roland walking to the middle of the room. "What's your grandfather doing?"
"I don't know." Robin's fingers stilled as they waited to see what would happen.
Grandpa Roland clapped his hands and the room fell into silence. He grinned as he glanced around the room. "I know speeches are usually saved for the wedding but I'm old, so I'm just going to do what I want."
People chuckled as Regina sat up, eager to hear what he had to say. He looked right at her and Robin as he continued: "I've come with a lot of love from all the assorted Locksleys back home in England. They send you their best wishes and are happy, Robin, that you have found Regina. We are all certain you two will be very happy together for a very long time. Also, Lucy and Daisy wanted me to remind you of your promise that they will be your flower girls."
"You can tell them that I haven't forgotten," Regina replied. "I'll talk to them about their dresses once I figure everything out."
"Good. I'll let them know. Anyway, Regina, on behalf of Ellie and myself, we are thrilled that you will be joining our family and that Robin has been so lucky to find you. You will always be welcomed in our home." Grandpa Roland gave her a little bow.
Regina and Robin stood together, hurrying to hug the man. Grandpa Roland kissed both their cheeks. "You two be good to each other, you hear me?"
"Of course," Robin whispered. "Thank you, Grandpa."
They returned to their seats as Tuck stepped up. "We've talked and have agreed that each of us group of coworkers would send a spokesperson up to give a speech. And I pretty much demanded to be the one from Sherwood.
"I've known Robin since he first got the idea to create Sherwood and I supported him every step of the way. So I've also been a witness to his personal life, both the highs and the lows. When he came in over a year ago whistling Dixie, I knew something had happened. He then started going on about this beautiful brunette he had met the night before and I could only hope this didn't end in heartbreak," he said.
Tuck glanced over at Robin and Regina, grinning. "Looks like my wish came true. Robin's the happiest I've ever seen him and though you've had your ups and downs, I'm so glad you came into his life, Regina. All of us at Sherwood love Robin. He's more than a boss to us—he's a friend, brother and son. We're a family and we're so happy to welcome you into it."
Robin leaned forward, kissing Regina's shoulder. "You're stuck with the Merry Men now," he whispered. "For better or for worse."
"It could be worse," she whispered back as Mary Margaret got up.
The brunette smiled. "Hi, I'm here to represent Regina's coworkers from Gold and Associates. For those who may not know, I'm her personal assistant and I have been for some time, since her cousin Ruby saw how bored I was at the photography agency and told me her cousin was looking to hire someone.
"Since then, she's become not just my boss but my friend. I've seen her date quite a few, well, 'losers' is really the only word I can use for them. They never lasted long and soon she was back at square one. But I knew she still held onto that hope that she would meet her Mr. Right one day. And then a year ago, she came in and told me about this British hunk who had invited her to his apartment so they could share the last box of mac and cheese," Mary Margaret said.
"Did you really call me a 'hunk'?" Robin asked her, kissing the side of her head.
She shrugged. "It may have slipped out."
"As she continued to see this British hunk, I really hoped it would work out for her because she seemed so much happier," Mary Margaret continued. "And then Regina did something she never did. She took a half day at work in order to get ready to be Robin's date to his ex's wedding. I went home and told my now husband 'She's going to marry this one.' And look where we are now.
"Robin, we have been so happy to welcome you into our strange little family. You've fit in so seamlessly, it's like you've always been part of it. We wish you and Regina nothing but happiness in your upcoming marriage," she finished.
Regina placed her hands over her heart as she mouthed 'thank you' to Mary Margaret. Her friend beamed and blew them a kiss before joining David again.
Behind her, Robin stood. "I think we should probably say something, don't you?"
She nodded, following him out to the floor. They stopped in the middle, Robin reaching for her hand as everyone gave them their attention.
"On behalf of Regina and myself, I want to thank everyone for coming out today. Having our family and friends together to celebrate with us has been amazing," he said before looking right at her. "I have been truly lucky this past year to have been able to spend it loving Regina and I can't wait to spend the rest of my life doing that. We hope to see everyone at our wedding next year and know that you are all special to us. Thank you."
Regina stepped closer to him, kissing him. "I can't wait to spend the rest of my life loving you too."
He rested his forehead against hers, eyes closed as she kissed his nose. The party went on around them, but they stood there for a few minutes and drank each other and their love in.
"So you have the directions to my parents' place?" Regina asked Grandpa Roland.
He nodded, patting his pocket. "We'll be fine. Our rental even has a GPS just in case. So we'll see you two there."
"And we hope to see your place too," Grandma Ellie said, hugging Robin.
"Of course," he replied. "As long as you don't mind all the boxes we still have."
She chuckled, shaking her head. "I get it. You're still moving. Have you put in your bedroom set?"
"We have!" Regina grew excited when she thought of their beautiful bed. "Thank you so much for it."
Grandma Ellie grinned. "I'm glad you two are giving it a second chance at life."
"Come on, Ellie. I want to see this lake." Grandpa Roland took her hand before giving Robin and Regina a little wave. "See you two love birds in a bit. Or a while, if you want to stop somewhere and enjoy each other. If you know what I mean."
"Grandpa!" Robin exclaimed, eyes wide. Regina bit the inside of her cheek, enjoying watching his face grow pink.
His grandparents headed out to their car and Regina squeezed Robin's hand. "Care to have a dance with me?" she asked.
"A dance?" He furrowed his brows. "Why?"
She shrugged. "Why not? No one is rushing us out and I would love a few quiet moments with you before we're alone with your father and my mother. Together. In the same room."
"A dance sounds wonderful then." Robin pulled out his phone, picking a song for them to dance to. He placed it on the table and pulled her close, swaying her in time to the music.
Regina rested her head on his shoulder. "I love you," she murmured.
"I love you too." He kissed the side of her head as they enjoyed their peaceful moment, unsure when the next one that day would be.
They pulled up to Henry and Cora's house and Robin turned the car off. He took a deep breath. "My dad and your mother in the same room. Are we ready for his?" he asked Regina.
She smiled, taking his hand in hers. "It might not be so bad."
"Or it could be a disaster."
"Do you want to go home? I can pretend I'm not feeling well."
He shook his head, giving her a small smile. "I don't want to leave Grandpa Roland and Grandma Ellie in there either."
"Okay. Then let's go and deal with this." She opened her door and climbed out. Robin did the same and took her hand again as they approached the gate that would lead to her parents' backyard.
"Ahh, there you are. Robin, do you want a beer?" Cora asked, leaning over the railing of the deck as she smiled at the two of them.
He nodded. "Please and thank you, Cora. Regina, do you want one as well?"
"A beer does sound good," she replied. "Can you get me one, Mother?"
"Of course. Come up and have a seat. I'll be right back with your beers." Cora disappeared into the house as Robin helped Regina up the stairs.
"There's the lovebirds!" Grandpa Roland exclaimed. He nudged Ruby, who was sitting next to him. "Told you they would take their time."
"Enjoy yourselves?" she teased her cousin.
Regina groaned as she turned to Robin. "They've found each other. We're doomed."
"I see that," he sighed. "Hopefully the alcohol will help."
Her laugh died down when George said: "So you're an alcoholic now, Robin? Wonderful."
Robin tensed up beside her and Regina frowned, turning to a scowling George. "It was a joke and you know it. Why pick at everything he says?"
"I'm just concerned for my son," he replied. "One of us has to be."
"George, behave yourself," Grandma Ellie warned, anger in her tone.
He settled back against his seat while Regina led Robin to the empty bench her father had moved to the deck to accommodate everyone. She curled next to him, rubbing his thigh soothingly.
Cora brought out their beers and Henry followed with snacks. Once they were certain everything was set up, they took their own seats. Henry smiled as he turned to Robin's parents. "We're glad to get to spend some time with you. Cora and I are very excited that Robin will be joining our family. He's made our Regina very happy."
When neither George nor Susan replied, Ellie leaned forward. "Well, Regina has made our Robin very happy. We can't wait to call her a Locksley."
"And we can't wait to see their new house," Grandpa Roland added. He raised his drink to them. "Congrats, you two."
Regina beamed, squeezing Robin's hand. "Thank you. We're absolutely in love with it, even if we're still moving in. It's so nice to have our own place."
"We also love our backyard," Robin added. "We can't wait until we feel settled in enough to have everyone over for a big barbecue."
"Ooh, that's going to be so fun. Do you think you'll get a pool? We could have amazing pool parties," Ruby said and Regina could already see the wheels spinning in her mind. Her response to her cousin, though, was cut off by George's scoff.
"Get a pool? Sure, why not? Robin can just add that to the pile of financial mistakes he's making. Buying a house, getting married…Good thing we know Regina isn't going to accidentally get pregnant." George chuckled though Regina failed to see any humor in his words at all.
She tensed up, ready to snap at him when her mother cut her off. "Why do you think those are financial mistakes? Everything seems sound to me."
"Really? Robin owns his own business. How much can he actually be making? I'm sure he'll fold any day now," George predicted.
"Highly unlikely," Henry said. "I've taken a look at Robin's business and he has a very sound plan. His books are balanced and he is growing at a good rate. I think Sherwood will be around for a long time."
Regina glanced up to see Robin blushing. She knew her father's opinion as a respected business leader meant a lot to him.
It didn't mean much to George, though. "Really? Do you think this relationship is balanced financially? No doubt Regina puts more into their bank account than Robin. How long is she going to be okay with that? Or before Robin realizes it's emasculating him?"
"How would that be emasculating?" Cora asked, crossing her legs. "And why do you assume a financial inequity in their relationship?"
"How can there not be?" George retorted.
Regina crossed her arms. "There isn't. Robin and I have the same amount of money. Yes, on paper I make more, but Robin is not far from me salary-wise. So we're pretty much equal."
He raised his eyebrow. "I highly doubt that."
"Why?" Cora pressed.
"What?" He seemed taken aback, like he wasn't expecting to have to explain his statement.
Cora leaned forward and Regina feared her mother was going in for the kill. She had hoped it would wait until after dinner at least. "It seems to me you are convinced that your son is a failure, despite several people telling you otherwise. And it seems to me that my husband, who is a businessman himself and the son of a businessman, could show you everything he has reviewed and you would still insist that Robin is teetering on the edge of bankruptcy. Why?"
George shifted in his seat. He was in unfamiliar territory, Regina knew. "Someone fancy herself a psychologist?" he asked with a sneer.
"I don't fancy myself one," Cora replied. "I am one. And I have all the degrees and accreditations to prove it. As well as multiple books. So, tell me, George, what do you do?"
"I…I work in middle management," he replied, shaken.
She nodded. "And do you like your job?"
"It puts food on the table."
"That's not what I asked," Cora shot back. "Do you like your job?"
When George didn't reply, she continued: "My guess is that you don't. I think you once thought about starting your own business but decided the risk wasn't worth it—whether it was because you were scared, because you had a wife and or a child to support. So now you see your son doing the thing you weren't able to do, so you want him to fail in order to confirm that you were right all those years ago not to do it."
He hopped up, fists clenched. "I did not come here to be psychoanalyzed."
"Too bad," Cora said, standing as well. Fire was burning in her eyes and Regina sank back against Robin as her mother continued. "Because I think it's time someone called you on your bullshit at the very least."
"Aunt Cora is going to tear him down! I need popcorn," Ruby announced, hopping up. She looked around at them. "Anyone else? No?"
She disappeared into the house as Regina began running her hand up and down Robin's arm, hopefully in a soothing manner. As it grew more tension, she feared this could hurt him but hoped it could finally heal him and his father.
George stepped closer to Cora. "My bullshit? And what bullshit is that?"
"Everything I've heard and seen seems to indicate that you don't actually give a damn about your son. What kind of father are you?" she asked.
"I provided for him," George argued. "He always had food in his belly, clothes on his back and toys—whatever they happened to be."
Roland frowned. "I remember buying a few things for Robin because you refused to."
"You spoiled him!" George responded, rounding on his father. "You always spoiled him! It's not like he was your only grandchild or grandson."
"So? I spoiled his cousins as well. And if Robin got a little more, then it was because I was making up for your failings!"
He threw up his hands. "I didn't know this was pick on George day. How about you, Mum? You have anything to say?"
"I think others are saying it better than me," she replied, giving him a steely look.
Ruby returned outside, holding a big bowl of popcorn. "What have I missed?"
"I'm being attacked," George said, "because I apparently didn't spoil my son enough. Which is ludicrous. Robin had enough. More than enough, if you ask me."
"Except your love and approval. What he really needed. And I'm going to ask. What do you mean by more than enough?" Cora sat back down, crossing her legs as she waited for his answer.
George sat down as well. "Fine, do you really want to know? Robin has everything in this life. He's good looking, excelled at his studies and accomplishes everything he wanted to do. There's very little he's bad at it. Look at his love life—first a doctor and now a successful ad executive, both very beautiful women!"
Everything suddenly made sense to her. George didn't keep harping on something like the skateboarding incident because he was upset that Robin got hurt. He kept bringing it up to remind Robin of a time that he failed. And while Susan worshipped the ground Marian walked on, Regina suspected that George knew how incompatible she was with Robin. He wanted him with her, though, because than it would be something else that didn't work out for Robin. She also believed now that he enjoyed the fact that she was unable to have children because that was another thing that wouldn't work out for Robin—he wouldn't be a father. At least not the natural way.
"Are you…Are you jealous of your own son?" Cora asked, sounding truly surprised. Regina was impressed—it wasn't often someone shocked her.
George scowled. "I wouldn't say jealous…"
"Really? Because it sounds like it to me and I don't have Dr. Mills' fancy degrees and credits," Roland said, glaring at his son.
"Dad?" Robin asked, speaking for the first time since the inquisition had started. "Please, just answer Cora's question. Are you jealous of me?"
George grew quiet. "I don't know. But would it hurt for you to fail at something? Or to suck it up and be miserable out of a sense of duty?"
"What do you mean by that?" Robin asked.
Regina squeezed his hand. "I think he means staying with Marian because it would've made your mother happy even if you were miserable. Because then your father would feel better about his life, feel that everyone then is unhappy with their life in some way."
"I thought you were an ad executive, not a psychologist," George snapped at her.
"I've read my mother's books." She scowled at him.
Susan looked dazed, as if she couldn't process everything she was hearing. "I…I thought you wanted Marian to be with Robin because you agreed she was perfect for him?"
"They really weren't getting along at the end, Susan. The last time we visited, I heard them arguing. They did it outside at night so we wouldn't hear but I couldn't sleep so I went to get a glass of water. For me, the writing was on the wall," George said.
Robin was tense, Regina feared he was going to snap. She rubbed his arm. "Do you want to take a walk? Clear your head?"
"No, I'm fine," he insisted.
Susan, though, was still focused on one thing. "You were fighting with Marian? About what?"
"Everything, Mum," he replied with a sigh. "Her job, my job, the housework, the cooking, finances. We just wanted different things from life."
"Couldn't you compromise?"
Robin groaned. "I did, Mum. She wouldn't budge. It was her way or the highway."
"Then why not go her way? Why not appease her?" Susan asked.
"Because I wouldn't be happy, Mum. Doesn't that count for anything? I am your son," he snapped.
She shrank back, as if aware that everyone was now judging her. "You and Marian were so sweet together. She and I got so close…and now I feel I'm losing her because you broke up with her."
"Great. This is great," he said, running his hand through his hair. "My dad prefers himself over me and my mother favors my ex-girlfriend over me."
"It's not that," Susan tried to explain.
Cora scoffed. "No, it sounds like Robin has it right on the nose."
"Probably wishes I was a girl," he muttered, leaning back. Regina's heart hurt for him. She didn't want him to go through this.
"It's not that sweetheart. It's just…I bonded with Marian over the course of your childhood. She's like a daughter to me."
"I could be a daughter to you," Regina replied, inching forward. "All you have to do is give me a chance. Let's get to know one another."
Susan shook her head. "You're the one persecuting poor Marian."
"Regina is the victim," Robin said. "Marian's brought this all on herself."
But his mother continued as if she hadn't heard him, addressing Regina directly: "They say the charges will be dropped if there's no complaining witness. So if you just refuse to testify or recant your claims, Marian will be fine."
"She attacked me, Mrs. Locksley. Hit me in the head with an empty beer bottle. I needed stitches," Regina said, appalled that the woman would ask her to do that.
Robin wrapped his arm around her. "You can think Marian is a saint who does no wrong, but the truth is she's made a lot of bad decisions lately and is blaming all the wrong people—me, Regina…"
"You broke up with her! She could've given you children, Robin," Susan said.
George nodded. "Especially since Regina has a defective uterus."
Ruby dropped her bowl as she jumped up, eyes blazing and fists raised. "You need to stop talking about my cousin like she's a broken appliance."
"Sit down," Regina told her, motioning with her hand. She then turned to George. "I don't know what Marian told you, but my uterus is fine. I have Primary Ovarian Insufficiency—I didn't have enough eggs."
Robin wrapped his arm around her, kissing her head as she continued: "I'm on hormone replacement therapy and some women have been known to conceive due to it. But my GYN and the specialists said the percentage is low so there is a good chance that won't happen to me. And I'm okay with that."
"Me too," Robin added, rubbing her arm. "We've already discussed adopting."
"And we've offered to help in whatever way they need," Roland announced.
George scowled. "They won't be real Locksleys."
"Won't be…? Listen here, blood doesn't decide who is a real Locksley. Your mother does." Roland jerked his thumb at his wife.
Ellie nodded. "Would you tell your cousin Ashton he's not a real Locksley?"
"Uncle Ashton is adopted?" Robin asked, confused.
"Aunt Louisa had him with another man before she met Uncle Tom. That guy wanted nothing to do with a baby and took off. When Uncle Tom married her, he adopted Ashton." Ellie looked right at George. "And he is a Locksley. And Regina will be as well as the children she and Robin adopt."
There was a tone of finality in her voice, as if delivering a royal decree. George continued to scowl while Susan looked dazed.
Granny finally spoke up. "Well, I know no matter what, Robin and Regina will be excellent, loving parents."
"And I'm totally up for babysitting," Ruby offered.
Henry chuckled. "Let's get them married first, okay? Children can come later."
"Marian would be a good mother…" Susan muttered.
"No, she wouldn't!" Robin snapped, startling Regina. She stared at him with wide eyes, knowing he had never intended to reveal what ultimately broke him and Marian up. It seemed everything had changed, though.
He took a deep breath before continuing: "I'm not saying she would be abusive or neglectful or just plain mean. She's just not a maternal person, Mum, and is awkward around children. She decided motherhood wasn't for her. She didn't think she could balance its demands with her career and chose her career. I respected her for that but since I want children, we realized we were better off seeing other people. I don't know what changed, but that's not the point. Marian doesn't want to be a mother. End of story.
"But Regina? She wants to be a mother. And she'll be great. She was amazing at Grandpa Roland's birthday with all the kids and they adored her. Why can't you see that?" Robin asked his mother.
Silence settled over them as Susan shrank in on herself. Robin stood over her, breathing heavily as he started to deflate. His eyes were growing red-rimmed as he found back his tears.
Granny stood. "Regina, Robin, can you help me with something in the kitchen?"
Regina seized their chance, pulling Robin into the house with her. He sighed, leaning against the counter. "What do you need help with, Granny?"
"Nothing," she replied. "You looked like you needed a moment alone with Regina."
He let out a breath, tension leaving his body as his shoulders sagged. "Thank you."
Regina wrapped her arms around him and after a few seconds, he buried his head against her shoulder. "Are you okay?" she whispered.
"No," he whispered back. "Do you mind if we just stay here like this for a bit longer?"
"Take all the time you need." She closed her eyes as she felt something wet against her shoulder, knowing he was crying.
They stood in her parents' kitchen for several minutes, Robin's tears soaking her shoulder as she rubbed his back. She wished there was a way to make it better or take away his pain, but there wasn't. This was all she could do for him.
Susan stepped into the kitchen and Regina saw pain, sympathy and regret in her eyes. But all she said was: "Robin? Your father and I think it's best if we leave."
"It probably is," Regina said, disgust in her voice. "Good night, Susan."
"Robin..." Susan stepped forward, hesitant. "I know you probably don't want to hear this but I do love you…You're my son."
Regina held up her hand, halting Susan. "Not now. Especially when you keep harping on Marian like she's some angel. Just leave us alone for now. Okay?"
She nodded, retreating back outside. If she were a dog, Regina was certain she would've had her tail between her legs. And it felt pretty good.
"Is she gone?" Robin asked, voice muffled by her shoulder.
"She is," she confirmed. "Are you okay with what I told her?"
He nodded, his nose brushing against her neck. "It's what needed to be said, even if I couldn't."
The door opened again but this time it was Cora. She approached Robin, looking apologetic and guilty. "Robin, I am so sorry. I wanted to get to the root of your father's behavior but I didn't expect it to hurt you. And I should've. I should've known so much better. I am so, so sorry."
"It's okay, Cora." Robin lifted his head at last, looking haggard. But he kept his eyes trained on her. "You were trying to help. And in some ways, you have. Yes, it hurts now and it'll probably hurt for a long time. But at least I can stop wondering what I need to do to earn my father's approval—not a damn thing."
She gently grasped Robin's arms, giving him a sad smile. "I could've told you that without having to put you through this pain."
Robin hugged her as Regina watched with a soft smile. Even if his own parents were awful, hers were ready step up and give Robin the love and support he was being denied. And she loved them for that.
"You know, you should probably talk to someone," Cora suggested when she pulled away from Robin. "I'd offer to do it but I am your future mother-in-law."
He chuckled as he nodded. "I'm sure I can find someone."
"There's Archie," Regina said, turning to Robin to add: "You know, August's roommate? Went as Jiminy Cricket to the Halloween party? He's a therapist."
"Archie Hopper is a great therapist," Cora added. She squeezed Robin's arm. "Once again, I'm really sorry, Robin."
He shook his head. "You have nothing to apologize for. My parents are the ones who should be apologizing."
"Well, that won't be happening anytime soon," Henry said, entering the kitchen. "But we can eat if everyone is hungry."
Robin wrapped his arm around Regina, pulling her close. "Food sounds great."
As everyone prepared for dinner, she pulled him into the empty living room. "Are you sure you want to stay? No one will blame you for leaving."
"Thank you," he said, rubbing her arms as he smiled at her. "But I'd rather stay. I think I'll feel better surrounded by the people who love me—my grandparents and your family."
She hugged him, stroking his hair. "Do you want me to call anyone else to come over? Will? David and Mary Margaret? The Merry Men? Whoever you need, I'll call."
"I only need you, lovely." He kissed her neck before whispering: "Thank you, though."
Regina leaned back to look right in Robin's blue eyes. "I love you."
He smiled, cupping her cheek. "I love you too. So, so much. And your love means the world to me, Regina."
They stood in the living room a bit longer, wrapped up in each other until Ruby came to find them. She leaned against the wall, smirking. "I hate to break you lovebirds up, but dinner is ready. Best hurry outside or Robin's grandfather is going to eat everything."
"That is a serious threat. Let's go, lovely." Robin gently pushed against her back, guiding her back toward the deck.
Ruby stopped him, throwing her arms around him. "I don't care that they're your parents. If you need me to fight them, I will. You're family now and no one hurts my family like that."
He chuckled, hugging her back. "I'll keep that in mind. And if you ever need back up kicking anyone's ass, you can call me. I'll have your back."
"I count on it," Ruby replied, grinning.
Regina wrapped her arm around her cousin's shoulders before taking Robin's hand. They walked to the deck together, Regina hoping that Robin realized how loved he truly was.
The house was dark and quiet. Several boxes still filled their living room, but Robin and Regina had their couch and new armchairs set up. They had also brought over Regina's large screen TV but they had bought a newer version of the entertainment center Robin had shared with John at their apartment. It was dark now too; he didn't much want any distractions except his beer.
He didn't care that it was late and that he really should be curled around Regina in their bed upstairs. Robin had already tried that but all he could hear over and over was his parents' rejection of him. They hadn't said it outright, but that's what had happened. His father thought he was too perfect and his mother thought Marian was too perfect. Even after knowing she assaulted Regina and was looking at jail time. It made Robin chuckle wryly before he took another sip.
Cora had apologized several more times before he and Regina had left for the night. He had waved her off each time, insisting over and over that she had nothing to apologize for. And he meant it. Robin would've been lying if he hadn't been interested in seeing what she was going to pull out of his parents. The truth hurt but he didn't regret it.
"Robin?" Regina's voice was so soft he almost thought he imagined it. But the lamp clicked on, illuminating her concerned face. "What are you doing?"
"Drinking," he replied, shaking his bottle a bit.
She frowned. "It's two in the morning."
"I know. I couldn't sleep so I'm hoping the beer helps."
"Robin…" She sighed, running a hand through her bedhead. "Maybe talking about it will help more?"
He shook his head. "Not much to say that I haven't said already."
"So you're just going to drink instead?" She scowled.
"Yes," he replied. "I am going to drink this beer and maybe another one. Then I'm going to climb into bed and sleep until tomorrow morning. When I wake up, I'm going to pull you close, kiss you good morning and move on. But right now, I just want to brood."
Regina hesitated, biting her lip as she considered his words. He watched her as he took another sip, waiting for her response.
"I don't really approve of this coping mechanism," she said at last. "But as long as it's a one-time thing, I'll let it slide. But I reserve the right to kick your ass if you make it a habit."
He smiled, nodding as he knew he didn't plan on doing this again. This was a one-night thing. "It's a deal."
"Good. Do you mind company?"
"Of course not." He patted his lap and she sat down there, curling against him. She rested her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes.
Robin kissed her hair before taking another sip of beer. Yes, he was going to brood about how crappy his parents were. But then in the morning he was going to celebrate the family he had managed to build without them. It was their loss that they wouldn't accept Regina or couldn't be half-assed to get involved in his life.
Because his life was pretty awesome, especially with Regina in it.
A/N: Poor, poor Robin. I feel like I need to give him a really big hug after this chapter. I hope you all enjoyed the George/Cora showdown.
Thank you all so much for your kind words after the last chapter. I'm really glad you all loved Robin's proposal. And the Twitter poll about whether or not I should publish Comfort Food was a real boost to my confidence, I'll tell you that much.
Next time, we'll see what happens with Marian's trial.
-Mac