"To Everything There is a Season"
Regina sat on the bed, cross-legged, as she stared at two pads of paper. Queen lay next to her, her head resting on one of Regina's legs. Regina scratched behind her ear as she continued to consider the pages before her, waiting for Robin to come out of the shower so she could discuss them with him.
She heard the water turn off and she looked to the door. It opened a few moments later and he stepped out, a towel wrapped around his waist. He used another towel to dry his hair as he entered the bedroom. Robin stopped by the bed, smiling at her. "Well, hello, lovely. When did you get home?"
"Not long ago," she replied, kissing him when he leaned down to her. She inhaled, breathing the familiar and comforting pine scent of his favorite soap.
He kissed her again, humming as his hand went to the knot holding the towel around his waist. Robin gave her a coy grin. "Say the word and I can put Queen outside and lose this in seconds."
It was a tempting offer and Regina bit her lip as she considered it. She glanced at her lists before shaking her head. "Maybe later, but there's something I want to talk to you about."
"Uh oh," he groaned. "I should probably get changed then."
"It's nothing bad but you should change," she replied, admiring his toned chest. "I don't want you distracting me."
He looked up from his drawer, a shirt in his hand. "What don't you want to be distracted from?"
"Names for our son," she answered. "Emma's in her third trimester, which means he's going to be here soon. We need to call him something."
Robin pulled the shirt over his body before pulling on a pair of pants. He nodded. "Though it would be unusual to just list his name as Something."
She reached behind her and grabbed a pillow. In one fluid motion, she launched it at him and watched as it beaned him in the chest. "Jerk."
He laughed but held up his hands. "I'm sorry. I couldn't help myself."
"We need to be serious about this," she told him. "This is the name he's going to have the rest of his life. This is our first test as parents."
Robin climbed into bed next to her, kissing the side of her head. He then hugged her against him, rubbing her arm. "I think you're putting too much pressure on yourself. You can't stress yourself out, okay?"
She sighed, knowing he was right and she was putting a lot of pressure on both of them when it came to the name. "I just don't want to mess this up," she replied.
"I know," he assured her. "We'll find the right name. Just…don't stress about it. Please."
"Okay, so I want something distinguished and you want something timeless," she reminded him, her mind running through the options. "What about Edward?"
Robin hummed, but she recognized the tone. Lifting her head, she frowned as she looked at him. "You don't like it?"
He shook his head. "It's too stuffy."
"Yeah, I wasn't completely sold on it," she admitted, scrunching her nose. She picked up the longer list. "I'll add it to our reject pile."
"I was thinking about Alexander today," he said. "It's definitely timeless and distinguished."
She nodded, writing it down on their other list. "Okay, so Alexander is a contender. What about Charles?"
Robin shook his head. "He'll probably be called 'Chuck' no matter what we decide."
"Good point," she replied. "And I'm not a fan of Chuck. At all."
"Yeah. So, what about Theodore?"
Regina made a face as the only thing she could imagine was a chipmunk in a green shirt. "No. And no to Simon and Alvin."
He raised an eyebrow, looking confused. "Uh…okay. I'll keep that in mind."
She sighed as she looked at their lists, noting their rejected names outnumbered their possible names. Regina fell back against the bed with a groan. "We're never going to find the right name for him."
"Hey, hey." Robin laid down next to her, placing his hand over hers as she rested it on her stomach. "The right name is out there and we'll find it. I promise you."
"I hope so," she replied, moving closer to him. She tucked her head under his chin as she breathed in the scent of his soap, letting it calm her.
They laid together, just enjoying each other before Queen wormed her way between them. She lay down, her head close to Regina's, and closed her eyes. Robin scratched behind her ears and Regina cuddled their dog. She closed her eyes as well, perfectly content with Queen and Robin next to her. Once their son joined them, it would be perfect.
If only he had a name…
Robin woke to the smell of coffee. He hummed as he lifted his head, realizing Regina was not in bed with him. Queen wasn't there either and he could imagine their dog dancing around Regina's feet, eager for her food. Chuckling, he decided to go down and help his wife with everything.
Just as his feet hit the floor, the bedroom door open. He heard Queen's tags jingle before she jumped onto the bed, lying down next to him. Robin scratched behind her ear as Regina approached the bed with a tray in her hands. She smiled as she held it out to him. "Happy Father's Day, Robin."
He was about to protest that he wasn't a father yet but remembered Regina had made the same argument when he surprised her with flowers and a gift on Mother's Day last month. Robin had told her that even though their child wasn't with them yet, she was still already a mother. So he knew she would tell him that he was already a father if he protested now.
"Thank you," he said, taking the tray from her. He sat cross-legged on the bed, resting the tray on his legs.
She sat down next to him, pulling Queen toward her to not only pet her but keep the dog from eating his breakfast. Especially the bacon, though he tore a piece off and gave it to her. Regina gave him a look. "I already fed her."
"Bacon is better than kibble," he replied, nibbling his own bacon.
Regina grew sheepish, averting her eyes. "I meant I already fed her bacon."
"Softie," he teased her before sipping his coffee. He held out a slice of bacon. "Did you feed yourself?"
She shook her head, accepting the bacon. "I was going to eat while you showered."
"And leave you alone to eat?" he asked, frowning. "What kind of husband would I be if I did that?"
"Not the one I've gotten used to," she replied, smiling as she kept Queen from trying to eat her bacon. She nibbled on it and Her Majesty laid down on her lap, looking highly disappointed she didn't get another helping of bacon.
"Damn right." Robin dipped a piece of toast into his egg, popping it into his mouth as he smiled at her.
She chuckled, finishing up her bacon. "Well, I also have a gift for you downstairs too. So I guess you can open it while I eat breakfast."
"That sounds like a good plan," he replied, leaning forward to kiss her. "Thank you for this, sweetheart."
"Just think. Next year, we'll have our son with us," she told him, her smile growing sweeter as she thought of their child.
He paused, smiling as he nodded. Robin pictured her holding a squirming baby as they sat on the bed, him opening a present their son "gave" him for Father's Day. He couldn't wait for it to be a reality.
"It's going to be amazing," he replied.
She nodded. "I know."
He finished up his breakfast and picked up the tray. "Okay, come on. It's time to feed the mom-to-be."
Regina laughed, standing up with him as Queen jumped off the bed. She took his hand and they went downstairs together, heading into the kitchen. When she tried to take the tray from him, he batted her hands away. "I've got this," he told her.
"It's Father's Day," she replied, scowling at him. "You shouldn't be doing anything."
He shook his head. "Nonsense. You eat, I'll clean. Okay?"
She relaxed, her scowl falling away as she nodded. "Can you also feed Queen? She's only had the scraps of bacon we've given her."
"I can do that," he assured her, heading to the sink. "You worry about eating."
"There's also a gift for you to open too," she reminded him, grabbing some eggs from the fridge.
He glanced over at the table, seeing a wrapped box by his seat, and smiled. "Don't worry, I won't."
"And then we need to get ready and head to my parents," she continued, clearly going through their to-do list as she made herself some eggs. He could see her growing agitated from nerves.
After drying his hands, he wrapped his arms around her. "It'll be fine, Regina. We have plenty of time."
She relaxed in his arms. "I know, I know. I just worry myself. Thanks for calming me down."
"Anytime, sweetheart," he assured her, kissing the side of her head. He pulled away, walking over to grab Queen's food to pour it into her bowl.
Her Majesty crunched her food eagerly and Robin joined his wife at their table, watching as she ate her eggs. She pointed to the present with her fork. "Go ahead. Open it."
Robin tore at the wrapping paper, pulling it away from the brown box underneath it. He then opened it up, pulling out a thermos engraved to the Best Dad Ever. Though touched, he couldn't help but tease her: "Don't you think it's a bit premature to declare that? He's not even here yet."
She shook her head. "I know you're going to be the Best Dad Ever."
"Second to Henry, of course," he said, setting down the thermos.
"Well," she started before pausing. Smiling softly, she said: "Yes, I guess so. You and Daddy are the Best Dads Ever."
He smiled, reaching out to take her hand. "Thank you, sweetheart. I love it."
"I'm glad," she said, standing up and picking up her dirty dishes. "Next year will probably involve little handprints. Just giving you the warning."
Robin leaned back, crossing his arms as his mind started to spin. "What if that was what I was going to get you for next Mother's Day?"
"Well, maybe you should focus on little footprints instead," she suggested, crossing her arms as well as she smirked at him.
"There are many things that involve little handprints," he countered, "and your day is before my day."
She scowled and he knew he had her. Leaning forward, he reached out to her as he softened his tone. "Hey, it's a year away. Who knows? We'll probably find new things for our son to give us by then."
"Yeah," she agreed, her scowl softening into a small smile as she took his hand. "You're right."
He squeezed her hand before standing. "I'm going to go take a shower. We don't want to be late to your parents, right?"
She stood, nodding. Leaning closer to him, she kissed his cheek. "Thank you."
"I like spending time with your parents," he replied. "I certainly lucked out in the in-law department. Sorry about yours."
"I love your grandparents and all your cousins. And your mother and I have a better relationship now," she replied. "It's just your father and we're all fine pretending he doesn't exist."
Robin nodded, kissing her forehead. "I'll be down as soon as possible."
He left the kitchen and headed upstairs, gathering everything he would need for his shower. As he stood under the spraying warm water, he thought about the son that would soon enter his life. His own father hadn't been much of a role model, especially now that Robin knew how much his father resented him. Grandpa Roland had certainly stepped up where his son had failed and Robin always looked up to him. Yet there was a difference between being a grandfather and a father and there was an entire ocean between the two of them.
Since meeting Regina, Robin had grown close with her father. He knew he was lucky to have such a good relationship with his father-in-law, to the point that he viewed Henry as more of a father than his own. Based on comments he had heard the older man say, he knew that Henry also viewed him as a son. As Robin and Regina approached parenthood, he was certain he would need to rely on Henry more and more. He couldn't ask for a better guide as he entered fatherhood.
Robin turned off the water and stepped out of the shower. He hummed as he wrapped a towel around himself, heading into the room to get ready to head out to his in-laws. It was going to be a great day, he just knew it.
"Does anyone want anything else?" Henry asked, leaning out of the house. He grinned as he looked around the deck, where a small family reunion was happening.
Regina shook her head as she leaned against Robin, the two of them both wearing bathing suits. His skin was warm against hers and she rested her head against the arm he had stretched out behind her. She looked up at him. "Do you want something?"
"I'm good," he replied, holding up his almost full bottle of beer. He looked at her father. "Thank you, though."
"Come on out, Uncle Henry. You're missing all the fun!" Ruby called from where she was sunbathing on the dock. "And it's your day!"
He laughed, stepping out of the house and closing the door behind him. Henry walked over to where Cora was sitting, taking a seat next to her as he took her hand. "I just wanted to make sure my family was taken care of, Ruby."
"And we appreciate it," Cora said, kissing his cheek. "But you should enjoy the party as well, Henry."
"As well as the sun. It is gorgeous out today," Granny added, holding onto the floppy hat she wore as she turned her face to the sun to warm it.
Henry smiled as he nodded. "Yes, it is. Maybe later we can all go for a ride in the boat around the lake."
"That sounds like fun," Regina replied, already feeling the breeze in her hair. "Maybe at sunset? It's always beautiful on the lake."
"I was hoping that Robin might join me fishing then. It's a great time to catch them," her father said, looking over at her husband.
Robin lowered his beer bottle, smiling at Henry. "I would love to go fishing with you. It's kind of peaceful out there on the lake at that time."
Henry grinned. "That's why I like to go out there."
"Alright, so your plans for later are set," Cora said, rolling her eyes though she smiled fondly. "What about now? Some of us still want to go for a trip around the lake in the boat."
"Yeah, Henry, what about us?" Granny teased him.
He nodded, setting down his drink and standing up. "Okay, okay. Let me just get the boat ready."
Regina jumped up, knocking Robin over as she grinned at her father. She felt like a little girl again as she asked: "Can I help, Daddy?"
"Of course," he replied, wrapping his around her shoulder as he walked past her. "It'll be just like old times."
"Yes, it will be," she agreed.
As a girl, one of her favorite things to do was help her father take care of the boat, no matter what kind he owned. She loved to be with him, listening to him as he taught her. He never lost patience with her and didn't mind explaining things over if she needed it. When she was still small enough, she would sit on his lap and help him drive the boat. Those were some of her favorite memories—sitting with his strong arms around her, helping her as she turned the wheel while the breeze blew through their hair and her mother laughed beside them.
Henry stepped aboard the pontoon and started it up. She undid the moorings so he could pull away from the dock before placing one foot on it as she kept the other on the boat. Looking up at her family, she said: "Welcome aboard!"
"I call dibs on the backseat!" Ruby exclaimed, climbing into the boat.
"There is no backseat, Ruby," Cora replied, rolling her eyes as she also climbed into the boat. She took her seat by her husband, settling in for a nice ride around the lake.
Ruby, though, stretched out on one row of seats. "This is the backseat, the one opposite the driver."
"I'd say that's more the front then," Henry said as Robin helped Granny into the pontoon.
"Whatever," Ruby replied, closing her eyes and turning her face to the sun. "I still call this as mine."
Granny rolled her eyes as she took her seat. She admonished her grandniece: "You're lucky there aren't more of us so you can do that."
Robin settled in next to Regina, wrapping his arm around her. He grinned. "I can't wait for us to take our baby boy out on the lake."
"We're going to have to get an infant life vest then," Cora said. She patted her husband's knee as he backed the pontoon from the dock. "Keep that in mind, Henry."
He nodded. "I got it. I think I even know the perfect one."
Regina sighed, resting her head against Robin's arm. She imagined holding a squirming baby on her lap, him dressed in his tiny life vest as they introduced him to life on the lake. Her gut told her that he would love it as much as she did.
"Look at that beautiful smile," she heard Granny say. "I recognize it. Don't you, Cora?"
"Oh, yes. That's the smile of an expectant mother," her mother replied.
Regina opened her eyes, frowning. "I'm not pregnant."
Granny and Cora exchanged looks before smiling. Her mother leaned forward. "No, but the baby isn't here yet, right?"
"Right," Regina said, still not sure where they were going.
"And so you're expecting to be a mother, right?" Cora pressed on. When Regina nodded again, she then said: "So you're an expectant mother. It doesn't matter that the baby isn't growing inside you."
Beside her, Robin chuckled as he hugged her closer. "I like it."
"I guess that makes you an expectant father, huh?" Ruby asked him, smiling as raised her sunglasses to look at him better.
He nodded. "I guess it does."
"And you'll be a good father when the baby arrives," Henry assured him.
Regina looked up at Robin, noticing how his cheeks had turned pink and the smile on his face. She knew he valued her father's opinion and so it meant a lot that Henry believed in his ability to be a father. Kissing the underside of his jaw, she added softly: "You will be."
She rested her head on his shoulder as his arm tightened around her. Henry steered the pontoon around the lake, waving to neighbors also enjoying their Father's Day outside. Regina closed her eyes again, sighing happily as she enjoyed the day with the people she loved the most.
The sun slowly set, casting a pink glow in the sky that was reflected in the water. Crickets began their song as toads croaked along, set to the drone of the cicadas. It was very peaceful as Robin sat in the boat with Henry, both watching their fishing poles as they sipped their beers.
"This is my favorite time of the day to be on the lake," Henry mused. "Even if the fish don't bite, I can just relax and be alone with my thoughts for a bit."
Robin nodded, taking a deep breath. "That's why I like take Queen on long walks. We can go into the park and I can just enjoy the silence. And I know that's why Regina likes to garden. And she sometimes tries to meditate."
Henry chuckled. "Cora taught all of us how to meditate. I'm afraid neither Regina nor I have much patience for it."
"I can agree with Regina, though she is trying and I see her meditating a bit more," Robin replied. "But you? You're very patient."
"In many ways, yes," the older man replied. "But when it comes to meditation, I just can't do it. I guess I can't stand being that quiet. I don't. It's just not for me."
Robin nodded. "To each their own."
"Wise words," Henry said. They lapsed into silence for a bit before he then asked: "So, did Regina do something special for you today?"
"She did," Robin replied before telling her father about his Father's Day breakfast and present. "I loved it all."
Henry smiled. "I'm glad to hear that. And I'm sure next year will be even better."
"I'm not sure about that," Robin said. "Regina and I are already arguing about who gets to give who our son's handprints."
Throwing his head back, Henry's belly laugh echoed around their part of the lake. His shoulders shook as he laughed, tear drops appearing at the corner of his eyes. Wiping them away, Henry said: "I'm sure you two will figure it out. You're going to be great parents."
Warmth spread through Robin at Henry's compliment. "I hope so. It's a big responsibility."
"It is. You are responsible for a whole other person," Henry agreed. He paused before saying: "You know you don't have to have all the answers, right? And that you're not alone?"
Robin nodded. "I do. Regina and I are in this together and we'll figure it out."
"As long as you two have each other, I know you'll be just fine," Henry replied, "but if you need any extra help, I'm only a phone call away."
"We know. Thank you," Robin said, meaning every word.
Henry reached out and gripped Robin's shoulder. "And I'm here as much for you as Regina. I know your father is…well…awful but that you have your grandfather. However, I consider you to be my son. If you ever need fatherly advice, I'm right here."
It felt as if someone was squeezing Robin's heart as he hugged Henry. "Thank you. I consider you to be like a father to me."
They hugged for a while before Robin felt a tug on one of their lines. He broke contact, surprised when it was his. "I got a bite!"
"Reel it in," Henry said. "Let's see what you got!"
Once Robin got it in, they weren't too sure what type of fish it was—just that it was small. He unhooked it and threw it back in, the two watching as it swam off with a new lease on life. Or at least that's what Robin told himself.
"Not bad," Henry said, leaning back as he reeled in his own line. "Best catch I've had all week. Maybe you're my lucky charm."
Robin chuckled, accepting another beer from Henry. He took a sip before saying: "Well, next year we'll have a different lucky charm."
"If his mother lets him take us out," he replied. He paused before adding: "Or if my wife lets him out of her sight for any reason."
"Her or Granny," Robin said, taking another sip.
Henry let out a low groan. "My house is going to become a battlefield."
"We're probably going to go 'fishing' a lot," Robin replied, complete with air quotes. "Even in the winter."
Laughing, Henry nodded. "True, true. Well, we should probably wrap this one up so you and Regina can get home. It's starting to get late."
Darkness was starting to settle around them and Robin nodded, finishing his beer as Henry took started up the boat again. Robin leaned forward. "We should do this again soon. I like our talks."
"Me too," Henry said, guiding the boat back to his dock. "And I promise we can do it again soon. You can always just come over without Regina. You're always welcome."
Robin smiled, nodding. "I'll keep that in mind."
They arrived at the dock and Robin jumped out to tie the boat back up to its moorings. Henry turned off the engine and they took everything out again, carrying it up to the house as they continued to talk amongst themselves.
It was the perfect end to a wonderful Father's Day.
"All my campaigns have been developed and storyboarded," Regina said, reading from her notes as she sat in Gold's office. Emma was due in under two months now and he wanted to make sure everything would be ready for when Regina left on her maternity leave. "They've all been approved by my clients so Ana will mostly be overseeing production and delivery."
Gold nodded, looking over the report she had given him. "Everything seems in order, though I shouldn't have expected anything else from you. And you trust Ana will be able to handle everything?"
"I do," she replied with a smile. "Ana has more than proven herself to me and I think you will be very impressed with her work while I'm on leave."
"I'll be sure to keep my eye on her," he said, looking up as his door opened. He scowled at his assistant. "I thought I asked not to be disturbed?"
"I'm sorry, sir, but Regina's husband is here and he says it's a family emergency," his assistant said, sounding nervous.
Regina frowned, her stomach clenching as the gravity hit her. It had to be really serious if Robin left work to come tell her in person. She glanced over at Gold, who nodded. "Keep me updated," he said softly.
She thanked him as she stood, hurrying out of the room. As she raced to the elevator to get to her office, her mind wondered what the family emergency could be. Was it his? Had something happened to Grandpa Roland or Grandma Ellie? Or was it hers? Could Granny be sick or had an accident?
Was it Emma? The baby? She felt nauseous at the thought that something could've happened to either of them.
The elevator doors opened and she ran out of the elevator, not caring who saw her sprinting down the hallway toward her office. She turned into it, almost colliding with her husband. He wrapped his arms around her, hugging her before she pulled away to look at him.
His eyes were red-rimmed as he gently gripped her shoulders. "It's your father. He was out shopping when he collapsed in the parking lot. Someone called 911 and the paramedics believed he had a heart attack. They rushed him to the hospital and he's in surgery."
Regina thought she was going to be sick as the room began to spin as her mind processed what he had just told her. Her father was in the hospital. "I need to…I need…" she gasped out, unable to finish her thought.
"It's okay," he said soothingly. He guided her back until her knees hit one of her chairs. She sank down into it.
Robin rubbed her arms. "Breathe in, breathe out."
She nodded, following his instructions as he talked her through the attack she was having. He helped her calm down enough that she felt she could leave without too many issues. "We need to go to the hospital," she whispered.
"I know," he said, helping her up. "I'm going to take you there now, okay?"
"Here you go, Regina," Mary Margaret said softly, holding out Regina's bag to her. Her voice shook as she said: "I hope your father is okay."
Regina thanked her, taking her bag as Robin rested his hand on her lower back. He gently guided her from her office. "Come on, sweetheart."
Everything seemed like a blur after that. Regina blinked and they were in the elevator. She blinked again and they were in the parking garage, heading for her car. In the back of her mind, she wondered why they were taking her car and where Robin's was but it got swallowed by all her worries about her father.
She wasn't a religious person but as Robin sped away from her office building and toward the parking lot, she started praying that her father would be okay.
Regina held tightly onto Robin's hand as they hurried into Avalon Mercy's emergency room. They spotted her mother talking with Dr. Lydgate, her cheeks red as she gestured wildly. It was clear she was reaming him out, not caring about his position in the hospital.
"We're doing everything we can, Cora," Robin heard him say as she got closer. "I know you're scared and nervous, but you need to be patient."
"That's my husband, Arthur!" she protested, pointing behind him. "I can't just sit around and wait!"
"I'm afraid you have no choice. I'll be back when I have an update for you." He squeezed Cora's shoulder before walking away.
Huffing, Cora turned. Her expression softened when she saw Regina, sadness filling her eyes. "Regina."
"Mother." Regina rushed into Cora's arms, the two hugging as tears spilled down their faces. Robin hung back, watching mother and daughter console themselves for a few moments.
Cora then opened an arm again and motioned for him to come closer. He did so and she pulled him into the hug, the three locked in an embrace as Regina sobbed softly against his chest. Robin felt a few tears roll down his own cheeks, afraid of what would happen to Henry.
"He's still in surgery," Cora explained, her voice hoarse from her own tears. "They won't tell me much other than that it was a heart attack."
"They can do something to save him, right?" Regina asked as Robin rubbed her back, wondering—and hoping—the same.
Cora sighed. "I hope so. In the end, I'm a psychologist, not a cardiologist. As much as it pains me, I need to defer to their expertise."
"Why don't we go sit down? I think we'll all be more comfortable in chairs rather than just standing here," Robin suggested, eyeing the chairs not far away.
The two women nodded and they headed over there, settling in just as Granny burst into the waiting room. She hurried over to them, her eyes frantically looking around the room. "Where is he? How is he?"
"He's in surgery," Cora replied, her voice breaking. "We don't know much else."
Granny sat down next to her, taking Cora's hand in her own. "He'll be okay, Cora. He's strong and in good health."
Cora hesitated. "His doctor has warned him about his heart. Henry just kept waving him off…"
"Why didn't either of you tell me?" Regina asked, frowning. Robin shared her concerned, wondering what else her parents may have been hiding from them that could be a problem down the line.
"Your father didn't take the doctor seriously," her mother replied, "and you and Robin had enough to worry about. We didn't want to add anymore."
He frowned as well, annoyed that they had kept something like that from them. "We could've helped you convince him to listen to his doctors," Robin pointed out.
"No use arguing about the past now," Granny said, shooting both him and Regina a look. "Henry needs us all to stay positive right now."
They nodded and Robin squeezed Regina's hand as she took a deep breath. "You're right. We can worry about everything later."
"Do you want me to get coffee?" he asked, feeling like he needed to do something. And perhaps walk off some of the nervous energy he felt.
"Coffee sounds good," Granny said, giving him a shaky smile while Cora shook her head.
He turned to Regina, rubbing her back. "Lovely?"
"I think if I were to try to eat or drink now, it would come back up," she said softly, pressing her hand to her stomach. He kissed her head, ready to get up to get some coffee for himself and Granny.
As he stood, he saw Dr. Lydgate come toward them. He remained in place, his heart beating rapidly at the solemn expression on the doctor's face. Something in Robin's gut told him that the news wasn't good.
Cora noticed the doctor as well and stood, her face turning white. "What is it, Arthur?"
"There's a private room we can go to," he said, motioning toward a hallway. Robin's heart dropped into his stomach, knowing the news definitely wasn't good now.
Regina grabbed his hand as they followed Dr Lydgate down to an empty room. He ushered them inside, closing the door. "You should all take seats," he said.
No one moved toward the chairs. Regina tightened her grip on Robin's hand as Cora approached Dr. Lydgate. "Please, Arthur, just tell us," she pleaded, her voice breaking. He had never heard her sound like that.
"I'm sorry, Cora," Dr. Lydgate replied. "We did everything we could but it was the Widowmaker. The blockage was too great and his heart too weak."
Robin recognized the term used and his blood ran cold. He let go of Regina's hand, wrapping his arm around her to hold her close. She sagged against him and when he glanced down, her face was pale and he could see tears brimming in her eyes. He believed the only reason she wasn't crying yet was so she could be strong for her mother.
Cora let out a loud wail as her knees buckled. Dr. Lydgate and Granny caught her, supporting her as she sobbed. "I told him not to brush it off! I told him to take his health more seriously!" she yelled.
"I am so sorry for your loss," Dr. Lydgate said, looking genuinely upset. "Henry was a good man who loved you and Regina very much."
"Can we…Can we see him?" Regina asked, her voice breaking. Robin rubbed her arm, trying to comfort her despite feeling absolutely numb inside.
Dr. Lydgate nodded. "If you want to see him, I can take you there. We've transferred him from the operating room until you decide what to do with him."
Cora nodded, wiping her eyes. She took a shuddering breath and held her head high. "Let's go."
Robin's heart felt like it was gripped by a vice. He forced himself forward, not wanting to leave Regina's side. The small party followed the doctor down the hall into a small room. He opened the door for them. "Take as long as you need," he told them.
"Thank you," Cora said, entering the room with Granny right behind her. When Robin entered with Regina, he was surprised how bright the room was. He didn't know why he thought it would be dark. Then again, he had never been at someone's deathbed before.
Henry lay on the hospital bed, wearing on one of the paper-thin surgical gowns. His eyes were closed and his hands were clasped on his stomach. Other than the ashen look to his skin, he looked like he had just fallen asleep on the couch.
Cora took one of his hands, her lip quivering. "Oh, Henry," she sighed, lifting his hand to her cheek. "He's already cold."
Regina let go of Robin, approaching her father as tears streamed down her cheeks. She stood next to her mother, trying to support her through their grief. "Daddy," she sobbed.
"Goodbye, Henry," Granny said, standing on the other side of the bed and touching his arm. Her voice grew thicker as she said: "I am going to miss all our conversations. We're going to have a lot to talk about next time I see you."
"What am I going to do without you?" Cora asked, now touching his face. "You've been my rock for so long. I'm going to be so lost with you not here, Henry."
Regina's heart-wrenching sobs broke through the numbness that had overtaken Robin. He blinked, feeling as if he was waking from a dream. Except the nightmare was real—Henry was gone and they were all in pain. Regina needed him and he needed her. They had to be each other's rocks.
Moving toward his wife, he wrapped his arms around her from behind. He looked down at Henry, feeling a lump form in his throat. Swallowing past it, Robin said: "Thank you, Henry, for showing me what a father really looks like. I'm going to miss you and your guidance now that I'm about to become a father."
Letting out another sob, Regina buried her face in his chest. He held her close, rubbing her back as he continued to stare at Henry's body. "Goodbye, sir. I'm going to miss you."
"I think you should take Regina out," Granny suggested softly.
He nodded, rubbing his wife's back. "Do you have anything else to say, Regina?"
She looked back at her father, her face splotchy and her eyes red. "Goodbye, Daddy. I love you so much."
"Come on, sweetheart," Robin said, almost carrying her out of the room. He met Granny's eyes, motioning to Cora with his head. She nodded and he knew she would take care of his mother-in-law, letting him focus on his wife.
Once outside, Regina's legs gave out. He eased her to the floor and held her close, rocking as she continued to sob. Robin kissed the top of her head. "I'm so sorry, sweetheart," he told her.
"I can't believe he's gone," she said between sobs. "It's not fair. We should've had so much more time with him."
"I know," he replied softly. "I know."
They like that for some time, together mourning the loss of a great man.
The past few days had been a blur to Regina. She almost felt like a robot, just going through the motions as she helped her mother plan her father's funeral. When she wasn't with Cora, she was usually curled up somewhere at home, crying. Queen often cuddled with her, trying to comfort her the best way she knew how while Robin did the same. It helped ease the pain but only a little.
All too soon, she found herself standing in Facilier Funeral Home's largest viewing room dressed in black. She stood in front of her father's casket, looking him over as his body lay inside it. Regina and Cora had torn his closet apart to find the perfect outfit to bury him in and had decided on his gray suit paired with his light purple shirt and dark purple tie. They had then placed his beloved Knights cap next to the gold name plate propped up against the lid of the coffin.
She reached out and placed her hand over her father's clasped ones. His skin felt cold and waxy, so unlike the strong and warm ones that held her whenever she needed comfort from him. A lump formed in her throat as tears fell down her cheeks. "I miss you, Daddy."
Regina felt someone come up behind her. A soft floral scent wafted over her and she leaned back, knowing her mother stood there and would support her. Indeed, one hand gripped Regina's arm and the other reached out to Henry's leg. "I miss him too," Cora said.
"I can't believe we have to say goodbye," Regina continued, her voice thick as she fought her sobs.
"We still have each other," Cora told her, her voice nasally. It was clear she was fighting her own tears as well. "And we have all the good memories we've made over the years."
Regina nodded, accepting a tissue from Granny as the older woman joined them. She dabbed her eyes. "We certainly have a lot."
"It was difficult to fit as many as we did into this room," Granny said, motioning to the poster boards full of pictures of Henry. There was also a video of pictures playing on a screen in the room as well. Regina, Granny and Cora had poured over all the photo albums in the house to find the perfect ones for the service.
Cora checked her watched before giving Regina's hand a squeeze. "It's time. We should let them open the doors."
They turned to face the back when one door opened. Ruby slipped inside, closing it quickly. "Sorry. The director wouldn't believe me when I said I was family and wasn't letting me in. He walked away so I took my chance," she explained.
"Oh, I'm sorry, my dear," Cora said, holding out her arms to her cousin. "We weren't sure if you were going to make it or not."
"I was going to move heaven and earth to be here for this. I can't believe he's really gone," Ruby said, hugging Cora tightly. Tears fell down her cheeks.
Regina rubbed her cousin's back before Ruby hugged her as well, sobbing. "I'm so sorry, Regina."
"You don't need to say anything to me," Regina assured her cousin, holding her close as fresh tears filled her eyes. "It's your loss as well."
Ruby nodded, pulling away. She approached the casket and dropped to her knees on the kneeler before it. Clasping her hands, she studied Henry for some time before she began to speak. "I've never really wondered about my father. He wasn't in my life and I didn't really care. I had a father—I had you, Uncle Henry. I love you so much and I'm going to miss you every day."
She rose, shaking a bit. Taking a deep breath, she hugged her grandmother. Granny nodded at Cora, who squeezed Regina's hand. "It's time."
Regina took a deep breath as her mother went to open the doors. As she pressed her hand to her stomach, Robin came to stand next to her. He took her free hand and gave it a squeeze. "It's okay to cry. Don't try to fight it," he told her.
"I'll try," she said. She pulled him toward some of the floral displays already set up around her father's casket. Pointing to a few beautiful sprays, she said: "The lilies are from your grandparents, the roses are from your mother and the purple and white spray is from your cousin Anne and her family."
"I can't believe they sent sprays for Henry," he said, sounding slightly dazed.
She chuckled for the first time in days as she hugged him. "Of course they did. Your family is pretty great."
Robin gave her a one-armed hug, rocking her gently as he looked over the sprays. There was one from her company as well as one from her team and a personal one sent by Gold. Several of her father's relatives sent sprays as well as they were spread out across the country and most weren't able to make it to Maine for the funeral.
"Oh," Robin said, interrupting her musings. He pointed to a bouquet of lilies in a beautiful vase on the floor. "That one is from my Merry Men."
"You sound surprised," she noted, wondering why. It made perfect sense that his employees would send flowers. He was their leader and she had been adopted by them.
He shrugged. "I guess I just feel out of the loop since I'm not in the office."
Murmuring behind them indicated that visitors had arrived. She took a deep breath and they turned around, ready to greet those who had come to mourn with them.
It was difficult getting through the first wake session. Most of the people who attended were friends of her parents or her father's former coworkers. Cora interacted with most of them while Regina found herself answering the same questions over and over. Yes, she was still working in advertising. No, she no longer lived in Avalon and now lived in Storybrooke. Yes, that handsome man next to her was her husband. His name was Robin. She and Robin weren't parents yet but they were going to adopt a baby boy in August.
On top of all the repeated offers of condolences and standard lines about how good a man her father was, Regina was exhausted at the end of the two hours. And there was still the evening hours to go through, not to mention the fact she would have to do it all over again the next day.
She needed a drink.
Robin had then suggested a pub around the corner he had frequented with some of his Merry Men, saying they could have a nice meal and a drink without having to worry about rushing back for the second viewing. They all walked there, enjoyed their meal and some drinks before walking back to the funeral home for round two.
"Are you okay?" he asked Regina in a low voice. Many of her father's relatives who lived nearby were now spending some time with Henry as he laid in repose. She had greeted them warmly before moving to stand aside, not really wanting to get in the way just yet.
She shrugged. "I just don't know how much more of this I can take. It's so hard to grieve and be polite."
"If you need a break, just let me know," he said. "I'll get you somewhere private."
Tears filled her eyes as she hugged her husband. "You're the best."
"Just trying to help," he told her, holding her close. He kissed the side of her head.
She pressed her cheek against his shoulder as she heard Facilier ask if they were ready to open the doors. After some whispering, Cora confirmed they were. Regina took a deep breath and lifted her head, meeting Robin's eyes. "I can do this," she whispered.
"Yes, you can," he agreed, "but my offer still stands."
Regina took his hand and watched as people started to stream into the room. Most were her parents' friends and some of her mother's colleagues from the hospital. Dr. Lydgate stopped by Regina to once again offer his condolences and shake Robin's hand before moving toward where Cora stood to receive everyone.
She then caught sight of two familiar faces and relief washed over her. Mary Margaret nearly bowled the person in front of her over as she raced to give Regina a hug. "I'm so sorry for your loss," she said, holding on tightly.
Even though it wasn't the first or even second time Mary Margaret had told her that, Regina thanked her as she continued to hug her friend. While Robin had been an amazing support since her father died, it was nice to also have such a good friend. Especially since Mary Margaret had been the one to drop off a week's worth of dinners so neither Regina nor Robin had to worry about cooking.
Mary Margaret pulled away but David swooped in, giving her a one-armed hug and kissing her cheek. "How are you doing?" he asked.
"Okay, I guess," she replied. "I'm just taking it one day at a time, you know."
He nodded as he placed his hand on Mary Margaret's back. "I do."
"Thank goodness you have Robin," his wife said.
Regina took Robin's hand, giving it a squeeze as she smiled softly at him. "He's my rock," she replied, her voice cracking.
He rubbed her hand with his thumb as he thanked Mary Margaret for the meals. She waved him off. "It's the least I can do. If you two need anything else, don't hesitate to call," she told them.
She and David then excused themselves to pay their respects to Henry and speak with Cora as well Ruby. Regina took a deep breath as the next person approached them. It was Belle, who hugged them both. "The others are coming too," she told Regina. "And Gold's said that everyone who wants to can take off for the funeral and won't be charged any PTO."
That touched Regina and she felt the tears start up again. Swallowing them, she said: "I'll have to thank him."
"No need," Gold said, his cane making a dull thud against the carpeted floor. Belle excused herself and Regina had no doubt she was making a beeline for Ruby.
She, though, focused on her employer as she took his hand in her free one. "Thank you for coming."
"Of course," he replied. "I not only value you as an employee, Regina, but I do also care about you."
Choked up, Regina nodded. Gold had certainly proven that over the years, always working with her when emergencies arose. She knew part of it was that her emergencies were always true ones and very rare so she didn't often inconvenience him, but she had always suspected that he cared for her. She didn't think they would ever define each other as friends but she knew she could rely on him for assistance.
"You take care of her," Gold now told Robin, pointing to Regina. He then moved on as August and Archie stepped up next.
"Okay, who was that and what did he do with our employer?" August asked, motioning toward Gold with his head.
She chuckled before saying: "Come on, you know he's only a hardass when it comes to work. He may not have the best people skills but he's always been understanding when family stuff comes up."
August nodded. "That is true. And I'm glad he's being kind to you now. This must so difficult for you and I'm sorry for your loss."
"I am sorry for your loss as well, Regina," Archie said, hugging her. "My door is always open if you ever need a professional ear. Same goes for you, Robin."
"Thank you," she replied as Robin echoed her response. After August hugged her, they moved on as a few more mourners passed her.
Robin rubbed her back. "You doing okay? Need a break?"
She shook her head. "I think I'm okay for now. I'm glad so many of our friends are here," she said.
He nodded before raising his eyebrow. "And some not-quite-friends."
Confusion filled her until she spotted Zelena and Hades approaching them, walking together. She thought she would be surprised to find her professional arch-nemesis attending her father's wake but when she realized she would probably go if Zelena lost someone. They did have a grudging respect for each other and in the end, what happened at work did not need to bleed into the personal. They weren't going to be friends but they could still support each other.
"Oh, Regina, I'm so sorry," she said, surprising Regina with a hug. They had never done that before but it felt right for this situation. "I know how close you and your father were so I can just imagine how painful this for you."
Regina pulled back from Zelena, giving her a smile. "It does hurt. Thank you for being here. The both of you."
Hades nodded before guiding his girlfriend away with a gentle hand on her back. Robin leaned down, whispering: "I never thought I would be pleased to see Marian's lawyer."
"I know, right?" she said, grinning at him a bit. "Maybe we should check for flying pigs or something."
Robin chuckled before pushing her forward. "Why don't we go stand with our friends for a little bit?"
She nodded, letting him guide her over to where everyone had gathered around Ruby. It was good to be surrounded by their friends and Regina relaxed against her husband, feeling a little bit better. For a little while, she could forget she was at her father's wake.
Robin kissed his wife's forehead before tiptoeing out of their bedroom, closing the door behind him. He headed downstairs, where Queen jumped off the couch and followed him into the kitchen. She watched as he opened the fridge and pulled out a beer, opening it. He motioned for her to follow him and her tail wagged faster when she realized he was heading into the backyard.
Queen ran around the yard happily despite the darkness that had engulfed the town after sunset. Robin sat on the little stoop outside their kitchen doors, sipping his beer as he watched his dog enjoy herself. Someone should at least be happy.
He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck as fatigue settled into his bones. Everything lately was tiring, though he knew it was probably because he was suppressing his grief. But right now wasn't about him. It was about Regina. She needed him to be strong, to be her rock. He was going to be that for her and steal these moments to allow himself to give into his grief.
Setting his beer down, Robin felt tears run down his face. He began to sob, shoulders shaking as he mourned his father figure. Only the night sky and Queen witnessed his grief as the dog curled up in his lap. She pressed her head into his hand, trying to comfort him. He welcomed it as he continued to cry, wanting to get it out so that he would be strong for Regina in the morning.
He had to be strong for her.
The second day of viewings was a bit easier. Regina knew what to expect and most people who came had already been there. She didn't have to listen to as many expressions of condolences then as she had the day before and was able to have somewhat normal conversations with people. It felt nice and more like a social gathering, something she knew her father would've enjoyed.
She was talking with Eva and Leopold Blanchard when someone appearing at the door caught her eye. Regina excused herself from Mary Margaret's parents and hurried toward the person, her heart pounding as she did so.
"Emma?" she asked, approaching the young woman. Emma wore a black short-sleeved dress and black sneakers. Her blonde hair was braided, leaving her neck bare so she didn't overheat in the summer temperatures Avalon was experiencing.
Cradling her bump, Emma nodded. "I heard about your father. I'm sorry for your loss, Regina, and I…I wanted to be here for you."
A lump formed in Regina's throat and she hugged Emma. "Thank you. That means a lot to me."
"You're welcome," Emma whispered. She then pulled back, pressing her lips together. "I'd like to talk to your mom too. If that's okay."
Regina nodded, looping her arm with Emma's. "I'll come with you."
She guided Emma toward the front of the room. As they approached the casket, Emma dug in her heels and stopped them. Regina glanced back at her, noticing how pale the girl had gotten. "What's wrong?"
"I've never seen a dead body before," she admitted, trembling a bit.
"It's okay," Robin reassured her, appearing at their side. He placed a hand on her back, smiling softly at her. "Just think of him as asleep. Okay?"
Emma nodded, moving forward with Regina and Robin flanking her. As they approached Cora, Regina felt the younger woman grow more confident and pride filled her. She smiled as she got her mother's attention. "Emma's here and wants to talk to you," she said.
Surprise filled Cora's eyes before she smiled, opening up her arms. "It's so nice to see you, Emma. Thank you for coming."
"You're welcome," Emma said, hugging her. "I'm sorry for your loss. I didn't get to know your husband well but he was kind to me at the baby shower."
Cora held her close though Regina could see the tears in her mother's eyes. "That was my Henry. Always kind."
Robin rubbed Regina's back, leaning down to whisper: "Did you know she was coming?"
"No," she whispered back. "She just showed up, saying she wanted to be here for us."
"That was sweet of her," he replied. "I'm glad she's here."
"Me too," Regina agreed, swallowing past the lump that had returned to her throat. She wrapped her arm around him, leaning against him. He held her close, dropping a kiss into her hair and angling his body so the others didn't see her fall apart for a few moments.
She buried her face against his chest, taking a few deep breaths of his familiar woodsy cologne. It calmed her as held onto his jacket, swallowing down the tears that were threatening to fall. Robin rubbed her back as she calmed herself down, readying herself to face their visitors yet again.
"Okay," she said softly, wiping her face. "I'm okay."
He continued to rub her back, frowning. "Are you sure?"
She nodded, kissing his cheek. "Thank you."
Robin continued to hold her close as he stepped aside, allowing people to approach them again. She leaned against him, drawing strength and comfort from his warmth and presence. Regina couldn't help but wonder how she would've handled this had she not been married to him. All the scenarios she imagined involved her crying uncontrollably and withdrawing from everyone as she failed to process everything.
Thank goodness she didn't live in any of those realities and instead lived in one where she had him as her rock. With him by her side, she knew she would get through this and find her new normal just in time for them to find an even newer normal when their son arrived. Regina glanced at Emma, who now sat next to Granny as a member of the family. She gave Regina a shaky grin but seemed to be okay.
Looking up at Robin, Regina knew everything was going to be okay. And she took a great deal of comfort from that.
Regina stepped out of the bathroom, steam from her shower billowing around her. She was wrapped in a towel and used another one to dry her hair as she entered her bedroom. It was empty but that was to be expected. Robin had put on Queen's leash and went to take their dog for a walk as soon as they got back from the funeral home. He had been quiet and solemn, so she figured he would go on a long walk to do some thinking.
She sat down on the bed, guilt gnawing at her. Regina knew no one would blame her for being wrapped up in herself since her father's death but she still knew she should've noticed how the loss affected Robin. She should've checked in with him and made sure he knew he could lean on her as well. That he didn't have to push aside his feelings to be strong for her. She wanted them to support each other.
But she had been shit at that.
And it had taken overhearing a conversation for her to realize that.
Robin's Merry Men had all shown up to the funeral home that evening and so they had gotten lost in a sea of hugs and well-wishes. After some time, Regina had been able to excuse herself in order to go to the bathroom. She took a few moments in the quiet room to herself before slipping out into the hallway, where she discovered Robin and Tuck sitting in an alcove near the bathrooms.
She was going to walk past them and let them have their time until she caught how Robin's shoulders slumped. He leaned his elbows on his knees, covering his mouth with his hand. Tuck rubbed his back and she realized her husband's eyes were red-rimmed. Inching closer, she stayed out of sight but could still hear them.
"You don't have to be stoic all the time, Robin," Tuck told him. "You're allowed to feel grief too."
Robin sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "I know. And I am. Just not around Regina. She doesn't need my grief on top of hers."
"That's not how it works," Tuck told him. Regina found herself nodding in agreement as her stomach rolled at the thought her husband was in pain and she never knew.
She certainly was out of the running for wife of the year then.
"She needs me to be strong for her," Robin protested. "She and her father were really close and she's lost without him right now."
"You had a close relationship with Henry too. And I get the feeling you're pretty lost as well right now," Tuck said.
He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "I was hoping Henry would be there to guide me as I navigated fatherhood."
"I know."
"And now I don't know how I'm going to do it," Robin admitted. "I mean, I know I'll have Regina and Mum and my grandparents but…Henry always seemed to know what to do. Fatherhood seemed less daunting with him around, you know?"
"I do," Tuck said softly as Regina's heart broke even more. Robin had confided in her how nervous he was about becoming a father but he never told her exactly how important her father was to him. She wished had figured it out sooner.
Tuck moved closer to Robin, rubbing his back. "Look, I know I never had a family of my own, but I've considered you to be my son. You can always talk to me, Robin. I may not have the answers Henry did but I'm sure we can come up with something together."
Robin gave him a shaky smile. "Thanks, Tuck. I appreciate it. And so you know, I do see you as a father figure as well."
He then started to stand but Tuck frowned, holding him down. "Where are you going?"
"I need to get back to Regina," Robin protested.
"You need to take a moment for yourself," Tuck protested. "Regina has her family and friends in there. She can wait a few minutes for you to just grieve."
He opened his mouth to protest but then closed it again. Instead, he pitched forward and rested his elbows on his knees. He covered his face with his hands and a few moments later, his shoulders started to shake. Tuck continued to rub his back, offering silent comfort to him. Part of Regina want to step forward and take over comforting him but the other part of her knew he needed Tuck more than her at that moment. If he knew she was there, he would fight his tears and focus on her when he needed someone to focus on him. So she forced herself to walk away, telling herself it was for the best and that he was in good hands.
Now, though, Regina was determined to talk to her husband. She needed to let him know that it was okay for him to grieve and that she would rather them grieve together than for him to shove his down in order to comfort her. That didn't seem healthy at all to her.
She changed into a pair of pajama pants and a soft t-shirt before heading downstairs. Queen's leash hung on its usual knob by the door, meaning her husband and dog were back home. Regina frowned, wondering where they were.
"Robin?" she called out, wandering through the lower level. She received no response and the living room was empty, so she headed into the kitchen. Barking grabbed her attention and she realized Robin was outside with Queen. She opened the fridge and grabbed two beers, heading outside to talk with her husband.
She stepped out onto the small deck, spotting Robin standing in the middle of the yard. He tossed a tennis ball and Queen raced after it, catching it in her mouth. She then trotted back to him, dropping the ball at his feet. Crouching down, she wagged her tail as she waited for him to throw it again.
Once he released the ball again, Regina approached him and held out one of the beers. "Drink?"
"Thanks," he said, taking it from her. Instead of taking a sip, he studied her. "You should be resting."
"I could say the same for you," she replied, taking a sip of her beer.
He sighed as Queen returned, dropping the ball at his feet. "I'm just running her tired. She's been cooped up in the house all day."
"Queen is a bundle of energy," she said, grabbing the ball before he could. She threw it, saying: "She can chase this ball all night as long as someone throws it for her."
As Queen ran after the ball, Regina stepped closer. She couldn't keep dancing around it as he would not talk to her about it. Taking a deep breath, she admitted: "I overheard you and Tuck earlier."
Something flashed in his eyes. "How much did you hear?"
"Enough," she replied. She placed her hand on his arm. "It's okay for you to grieve in front of me, Robin."
"You need me to be there for you," he replied. "You need me to be strong…"
She shook her head. "I need us to be a team. I don't need you hiding how you are feeling from me. I don't need you pretending to be okay when you're not. I need you to be honest with me. This is a tough time for both of us. And it's not good for you or me for you to bury how you feel. Okay?"
Regina continued to hold his gaze, noticing the tears starting to fill his eyes. His lip trembled and she took his beer from him, setting it down along with hers on a table they had in their lawn for barbecues. She then turned to face him, catching him as he pitched forward into her arms.
His body shook as he sobbed, tears immediately wetting her shirt. Unable to support both her weight and his, she dropped them to their knees before they laid together on the grass. She never let go of him and held him tighter as he wrapped around her, still crying. Running her fingers through his hair, she made soothing sounds.
Queen came over and wormed her way between Robin and Regina, trying to comfort her owners. They cuddled the dog as Robin's sobs started to subside. He kissed the top of her head before brushing some tears Regina hadn't realized she had shed from her cheek.
"Feeling better?" she asked, her voice sounding hoarse even to her ears.
"Yes," he said, his own voice scratchy. "Thank you."
She leaned forward, kissing his cheek. "You're welcome. And next time, don't hide how you feel for my sake. Okay?"
He nodded, closing his eyes. She knew she felt exhausted and could only imagine that he felt the same. Kissing his cheek again, she asked: "Do you want to go to bed?"
"Not yet," he said, pulling her closer as Queen moved to lay across their feet. He pressed his forehead to hers. "I just want to lay here under the stars with you a bit longer."
"That sounds nice," she replied, closing her eyes. They laid there, the soft summer night breeze cooling their skin as Storybrooke slept around them. It was calming and for the first time in nearly a week, Regina felt at peace.
Though her family wasn't particularly religious, Henry had often asked to have a funeral in a church. Regina felt uncomfortable in the building she hadn't stepped foot inside in years and she tried not to fidget as the service continued. She only calmed down when Robin took her hand, giving it a squeeze. The warmth and weight of his hand was comforting and she leaned closer to him, knowing they could get through this together.
"At this time, Henry's brother Xavier has requested to deliver an eulogy," the minister said, motioning for Regina's uncle to come forward.
She watched as her uncle approached the minister and then followed him to the pulpit. He stepped up and placed a piece of paper there, adjusting the microphone. "On behalf of our family, I want to thank you for coming to celebrate my brother's life today," he began.
He paused, clearing his throat. "It is surreal to be burying my baby brother. I always figured I would be the first to go. And it seems so unfair that it was Henry who was taken from us."
Regina took a shuddering breath, feeling a lump form in her throat as her uncle talked about what her father was like growing up. She focused on hers and Robin's interlocked hands, watching as he rubbed the back of hers with his thumb. It was soothing and grounding.
"And then Henry met Cora," Xavier continued. He smiled at Cora. "We had never seen our shy brother get so excited over anyone. He absolutely glowed whenever he spoke about her and seemed to walk on air after every date with her. When we met her, we realized why she had captured his heart. And we were very happy to see she was just as in love with him as he was with her."
Cora sniffed and Regina reached out her free hand, taking her mother's hand. She gave a squeeze and smiled softly at Cora.
"I know the day he married Cora was one of the happiest of his life," Xavier said. He then smiled at Regina. "The other happiest day of his life was when his darling daughter Regina was born. He loved her so much and was proud of her. Henry was a wonderful father."
"He was," Cora whispered, looking at Regina with a smile. Regina nodded in agreement.
Xavier paused, collecting himself again. "Henry loved all his nieces and nephews, but I know he also had a special place for his grandniece, Ruby. He loved her like a daughter and tried to be a fatherly figure to her, to give her the same guidance and support he gave Regina.
"And he was ecstatic when Regina finally found love," he continued. "As a society, we expect the father to hate the boyfriend and then to come to grudgingly accept him. Henry loved Robin and was so happy to welcome him into the family, considering him to be a son. And from what I can tell, the feeling was mutual."
Regina glanced over at Robin, who nodded. He then lowered his head to wipe a tear from his cheek. She gave his hand a supportive squeeze and they shared a small smile.
"Recently, Henry was over the moon about the fact he was going to be a grandfather," Xavier said. "He bombarded the family with updates about Regina and Robin's impending arrival. I know he would've doted on the baby boy and would've probably spoiled him rotten."
That drew a lot of chuckles from the crowd, including from Robin and Regina. She then heard some sniffling and, looking past her husband, was surprised to see Emma crying. Not wanting to let go of either her mother's or Robin's hands, she leaned closer to her husband. "Can you get a tissue for Emma?" she whispered.
He nodded, pulling a tissue from his pocket and handing it to Emma. Robin took her hand and gave it a squeeze as they listened to the rest of Xavier's eulogy.
"Henry loved so much, it still seems surreal that it was his heart that gave out on him. We're going to miss you, baby brother, but we all know you're watching over us. And we're all going to remember the love you gave us and we're going to do our best to follow the example you set for us. We love you, Henry," he finished, voice cracking as he fought his tears.
People applauded, forcing Regina to finally let go of her mother's and Robin's hands. She stood with them and embraced her uncle when he came over. "Thank you," she whispered.
"You're welcome," he said. "And remember, we're always here for you."
She nodded as he shook Robin's hand. He made a motion and Robin inched past Emma, exiting the pew. Regina moved down and took Emma's hand. "You okay?" she asked.
"Yes," Emma replied. "This is my first funeral. I didn't know it would affect me like this. Sorry."
"It's okay. You have nothing to apologize for," Regina assured her. She squeezed Emma's hand. "I'm glad you're here. It means a lot to both Robin and me."
She led Emma out of the pew, following her mother. Granny and Ruby joined them as well as the rest of her father's family members. All together, they followed his casket as it was rolled out of the church. They all stopped and Regina watched as the pallbearers, including Robin, lifted the casket and bore it on their shoulders.
The minister moved past them and they followed him down a stone pathway. It led to the church's cemetery, where generations of Millses were buried. Henry's casket would be added to the family crypt, a foreboding vault that sat in the middle. Two angel statues flanked the doors but they had always seemed creepy rather than comforting to Regina.
Robin, Xavier and her other four uncles who were serving as pallbearers placed the casket down on a platform. Due to the limited size inside the vault, they were going to do the graveside ceremony outside so everyone could lay a rose on the casket. Someone passed them around and everyone took one as the minister read the remaining prayers. Robin returned to Regina's side, clutching his rose in one hand and resting the other on her back.
"Amen," he intoned, closing his book as the mourners echoed it. He motioned to the casket. "You are now invited to lay your rose on Henry's casket before we place him in his final resting place."
Cora went up first, followed by Regina and Robin. They laid their roses together before Robin stepped to the side. Emma followed them with Granny and Ruby, rubbing her stomach afterwards. "I think I need to sit down," she whispered to them.
"I can take her back to the limo," Ruby offered, placing a hand on Emma's shoulder. "I don't think I can stay here much longer myself."
"Thank you," Emma said, waddling away as she leaned against Ruby's arm.
The other mourners streamed past them, greeting the family once more. Some offered condolences one last time, going back to their regular schedule now that the funeral was over. Others promised to see Regina at the restaurant where they were having the repast. It was the last thing she had to get through before heading home and navigating life without her father.
She took Robin's hand and he squeezed hers, silently offering support. Regina knew he had to be thinking the same thing but that they had gotten through the past week together. They were going to finish it out together and then take the next steps together.
And that gave her hope that things were going to be okay.
The sun was still up when Robin and Regina returned to their house. Both were exhausted and he just let Queen out into their yard, letting her run around and do her business out there. After cleaning it up, he brought her back in the house and washed his hands. Glancing over his shoulder, he asked Regina: "Nap?"
"A nap sounds wonderful," she sighed. She motioned for Queen to follow. "Come on, girl."
Her Majesty's tail wagged as she walked alongside Robin and Regina, following them to their bedroom. She jumped on the bed, curling up as she watched them change from his suit and her dress into their pajamas. He then climbed into bed while she removed her jewelry, placing it back in her jewelry box. She then joined him and Queen, slipping under the blankets as Queen took her usual spot on Regina's legs.
Though the sheets were cool against his skin and he felt himself sink into their comfortable mattress, sleep didn't come as easily as Robin thought. He could feel how heavy his eyes were and the exhaustion that had settled in his bones but he couldn't turn off his mind. It kept spinning, thoughts of Henry in his mind. He kept replaying Regina's uncle's eulogy over and over until an idea came to his mind.
Robin rolled closer to Regina, reaching out his hand to take hers under the blankets. "Regina? Are you awake?"
"Barely," she murmured, never opening her eyes. "Is it something important?"
"I've been thinking about our son's name."
She opened her eyes at that, frowning. "You have? I've barely been able to spare a thought for anything else."
"I honestly haven't thought about it until now," he admitted. "And now, I think there is only one name we can give our son. A name that is timeless and classic."
Regina's eyes softened and filled with tears as she realized what he meant. He wanted to name their son something that the boy could be proud to have. It was a name to honor someone whose example they wanted him to follow, to grow up to be a man just like the name's original bearer.
"Henry."
A/N: I'm sorry?
Thanks to everyone who participated in Prompt Party! What I was able to read was amazing—and I look forward to reading the rest! I tried to get this up earlier but my Prompt Party entries took priority. But I hope you all enjoy this!
We're fast approaching Emma's due date! There's just a couple things Robin and Regina need to get through before their son arrives—including a babymoon full of sexytimes.
I'm off on vacation. When I come back, I'm aiming to get the next chapter of Reunited at Last up.
Until then!
-Mac