Chapter 8

There had been many times that Regina had wished she could stop time. As the days grew even shorter, Christmas movies played nonstop and she couldn't go anywhere without hearing Christmas music, she grew acutely aware how soon Christmas Eve really was. She wished she could give herself more time to figure out her situation but it seemed like luck was not on her side.

But since her rather disastrous first date with Keith, there were times where she wondered if it would be so bad being married to him after all. He had apologized the next day and explained that he had been nervous, which was why he had put on a rather arrogant persona. After that, he seemed more like the man she had met at her party and Regina almost found herself falling in love with him.

Yet something still didn't feel right.

And she couldn't stop the niggling feeling in the back of her mind that Robin, not Keith, was really Shakespeare.

"You're not going to like this," Mary Margaret said, coming into Regina's home office. With the wedding getting closer and closer, she had started working from home more and more to get everything finished.

Regina frowned, leaning back in her chair. "Like what?"

"Someone leaked the proposal to the media," Mary Margaret said, sliding her phone toward Regina. "And by someone, I mean…"

"Mother," Regina said, picking up the phone. The video showed the gazebo in the town park all decorated for Christmas with red ribbons and evergreen boughs. Regina and Keith stood in the middle, believing they were alone. Whoever was filming this clearly did a good job hiding themselves as Keith dropped to one knee and gave Regina a ring he admitted her mother picked out. He promised that once they were married, he would get her one that better fit her.

She wasn't too sure about that. Keith insisted he was only pretending to go along with Mother's plans to make sure everything went smoothly but her gut told her that he really agreed with her mother. The last thing she needed was to be married to someone who would just be her mother's lackey.

"Great." She sighed, handing the phone back to Mary Margaret. "Will I ever have a moment of privacy?"

"Probably not until after the wedding," Mary Margaret said. "Unless Keith or your mother sells your honeymoon pictures."

Regina groaned. If even her assistant – who saw the best in everyone – knew that Keith was bad news, why did she even continue with this charade?

Because otherwise Mother would destroy your life along with Granny's and Mary Margaret's.

"Let's hope it doesn't come to that," Regina said, both to Mary Margaret as well as to herself.

Knocking interrupted their conversation and Regin's heart skipped a beat when she saw Robin standing in the doorway with his tablet in hand. He smiled sheepishly as he apologized for interrupting. "The baker is here to discuss the cake," he said.

"Oh, sounds like fun," Mary Margaret said, her eyes lighting up. "Have fun."

Regina stood, her stomach twisting in a way she wasn't sure from excitement or dread. "Is Keith here?"

"No," he replied as Mary Margaret left the room. "He's with his groomsmen getting fitted for their tuxes. He said he'll be good with whatever you decide."

"You mean whatever Mother decides," Regina muttered, walking past Robin. So far, the only major battle she had won had been to have the wedding at Mist Haven. Her dreams of a traditional Christmas wedding were dead as Mother had insisted on ultra-glamorous and ultra-modern, insisting the colors were to be white and gold as they were classier. And she was handling the seating arrangements, dismissing the suggestion of open seating. Keith seemed to fight Mother on their decisions but Regina never felt his heart was in it. That maybe his own desires was more in line with Mother's than her own.

And she wondered if that was a big reason why he was her groom.

Robin fell in step with her, sighing. "I know it's frustrating. I wish you had more control of the wedding as well. If I could, I would give you everything you wanted but…"

"She's the one paying," Regina said bitterly. She reached out and gave Robin's hand a squeeze. "I know you're doing your best. I appreciate it."

"Thank you," he replied. "I just wish I could do more."

She sighed. "I wish your cousin would fight more."

"Me too," he replied, a dark look in his eyes.

They reached the first level and he motioned to the kitchen. "She's in there with the samples."

"Are you coming?" she asked him, surprised that he wasn't continuing into the kitchen.

"Oh," he replied, his eyes widening. "I wasn't planning on it. I thought this was something you would want to do by yourself."

This was something she wanted to do with her groom but when she thought about it, she realized she preferred having Robin with her than Keith. She felt more at ease with him. He understood her in a way that Keith seemed incapable of doing. And that made her even more suspicious that she was engaged to the wrong cousin.

But she still couldn't say which one was Shakespeare with certainty so she pushed forward with the charade. Hopefully one would slip up either way to reveal the truth or she would find a way to cancel the wedding without anyone else getting hurt when her mother unleashed her wrath on Regina.

For now, though, she reached out and took his hand. "I think I would like a second opinion. Besides, you know what your cousin likes, right?"

"I do," he replied, a pink tinge coming to his cheeks. "Alright, let's go."

They entered the kitchen and the baker grinned. "Are you the bride?"

"I am," Regina replied. "Since my groom can't be here, Robin will be joining me for the cake testing."

"Sounds great," the baker said, pointing to the plates set up on the table. "I've brought over several selections for you to try. And each has their own fork so you don't get any cross-contamination. I was told there were no allergies. Can you confirm?"

Regina nodded. "I have no allergies."

"Neither does my cousin," Robin replied. "And I don't either."

"Excellent!" the baker said, clapping her hands together. "So, where do you want to start?"

Regina pointed to a cake that was almost white. "What is that?"

"White cake," Robin said. "It's vanilla but it uses egg whites rather than egg yolks."

The baker nodded, looking impressed. "Exactly."

"Sounds good," Regina said, taking a bite with the fork. Robin did the same and they chewed together.

She looked at him. "What do you think?"

"I think I know why they call bland things vanilla," he said, setting the fork down. "I mean, it's definitely something you'll know everyone will like but you want a pop of flavor, right?"

"Yes," she replied, nodding. "So what does have a pop of flavor?"

The baker pointed to a nearby slice. "That is strawberry shortcake."

"Strawberry is definitely a pop of flavor," Robin said, taking a bite of it. He nodded. "It's pretty good. Try it."

She took a small bite of the cake and tried it, nodding. "It is good but I've never been a fan of strawberry shortcake."

"Then let's move on," he suggested, pointing to a chocolate cake. "What is this one?"

"Black Forest cake," the baker said. "It's very chocolately."

Robin eager dug into that one. "I can never say no to chocolate."

Laughing, Regina took a forkful of cake as well. "Neither can I."

They continued to try different cakes and started to eliminate options to narrow down the choices. Regina enjoyed the tasting, not just because she got to eat cake without hearing her mother's voice in her ear but because of Robin's amusing commentaries on the cakes. It was clear he was a baker as well and knew a lot about the different flavors. Regina filed that away and wondered if he baked with Keith or if he was the true baker in the family.

Regina also enjoyed Robin's more easy-going personality. She felt like she could be herself with him and didn't worry about saying or doing the wrong thing. Or even if she did, he wouldn't judge her or make her feel bad for them. It was how she imagined feeling around her future husband.

Except that Robin wasn't her future husband.

But she ignored that fact as she took a bite of one cake. Chocolate and mint mixed together in her mouth and she let out a soft moan. Picking up the other fork, she held out a bite for Robin. "You have to try this one. It's amazing," she said.

"Okay," he said, reaching for the fork. But she fed it to him, watching his lips close around the fork as he pulled the cake off it. He chewed, his blue eyes fixed on her. Time stopped and she swore she could drown in his eyes.

Felt as if she already had.

He swallowed, nodding. "That tastes amazing. What is it?"

"Peppermint bark," the baker said, reminding Regina she was not alone. She turned to the baker, who smiled. "I thought it would be appropriate for a Christmas wedding."

"It is very appropriate for a Christmas wedding," Regina agreed, taking another bite of it. She hummed as she swallowed. "I think this might be the perfect cake for the wedding."

Robin nodded, also taking another bite. "I think you're right."

The baker grinned. "So, is peppermint bark the winner?"

"Yes," Regina replied. "It is."

"Great! I just need some more information and then we'll get everything set up for you," the baker said, pulling out a form. She marked a few things off before asking Regina a few more questions – such as height and decorations. Once she had all the information she needed, the baker motioned to the cake slices. "I'll leave these for you to enjoy."

Robin chuckled, thanking her. "I'll walk you out," he offered.

She thanked him and they left the kitchen. Regina grabbed the plate of peppermint bark cake and continued eating it as she leaned against the table. A few bites later, Robin returned and paused, crossing his arm. "So you're hogging all the peppermint bark?"

"Yes," she replied. "It's my wedding cake after all."

"Fair enough," he said, picking up the white cake. "I'll just have one of the rejects instead."

She chuckled. "This must be the hardest part of your job."

"Eating cake?" he asked. He then nodded. "Absolutely. Hard to keep my svelte figure with all the food and cake I need to eat."

"Well, you do a good job," she said, looking him over without trying to make it seem like she was checking him out. Even though she knew that she was completely checking him out.

Temperatures had cooled in their part of California and he wore a dark blue Henley that showed off his torso. He also wore dark blue jeans that drew her attention to his legs and ass, which she had eyed more than once when she was around him. It was clear that Robin found time to keep himself fit while still planning parties. She could see the outlines of muscles on his arms and wondered what he did to get them.

"So I'm probably going to have to go on a longer run to burn this off," she said, pointing to her cake. "What do you do?"

"I run as well," he replied. "And when I can, I also go out to the archery range."

That intrigued her and she raised an eyebrow. "Archery?"

He nodded, swallowing another bite of cake. "My dad taught me and I continued to practice it after his death. It made me feel closer to him."

"I understand," she said, reaching up for her necklace and closing her fingers around it. "How long ago did he pass?"

"Many years ago," he replied, setting the empty plate down. "He and Mum were killed in a drunk driving accident when I was about eight years old. That's when I came here to live with my Uncle Richard. He was my only living relative on either side."

That jogged a memory of something Shakespeare had said and she filed it under her internal scoreboard as she tried to figure if Keith truly had been her masked suitor or if it had really been Robin. She set her empty plate down as she asked: "You had your aunt and your cousin too, right?"

"Just my cousin," he replied. "Keith can tell you about what happened to his mother. I'll just say that she was not in the picture when I arrived to live here permanently."

"I see," she said, wondering what had happened to Keith's mother. "And Keith's not in touch with her family?"

He shook his head. "It was just his grandmother and she passed a few years ago."

"So now it's just you, him and your uncle?" she asked.

"Pretty much," Robin agreed. "With so little family, I hold onto them."

She nodded, once again recalling the conversation she had with Shakespeare at the party. "I understand. It was just my dad and my mom and me. With him gone, I only have my mother. And as much as she frustrates me, I can't just abandon her."

"Family," he said. "They drive you nuts sometimes but, in the end, they are all you have."

"Exactly," she agreed.

He held out another piece of cake to her and she took it, watching as he took the strawberry shortcake to finish. Taking a deep breath, he asked: "Do you think your mother will be easier to deal with once you're married?"

"I hope so," she replied, taking a bite of the lemon cake. "But I worry she just will find something else to fixate on. Most likely children."

"Do you want children?" he asked, watching her as he played with the cake on his plate using his fork.

She nodded, swallowing a bite of her cake. "I would love to be a mother. I've always wanted children, just with the right person."

"Of course," he said nodding. "I feel the same way. I really want to be a dad."

"How does Keith feel about children?" she asked, a pit forming in her stomach. She knew she would have to have this conversation with her future husband but wanted to get an idea of his mindset from his cousin. It would help her figure out her approach.

Robin was quiet for longer than she liked, making that pit grew worse. When he finally spoke, it was in a quiet voice. "You should talk to him."

"I know," she replied. "But I thought maybe you could give me a hint?"

"I don't know if I can," he said. "He's never talked about wanting children but he's also really just started talking about getting married and settling down. So maybe he is considering them. Once again, you'll have to ask him."

She nodded, feeling a bit disappointed that Robin couldn't give her any insight. "I'll do that. Thank you."

"You're welcome," he said, setting aside his empty plate. "I think I'm going to have to stop eating cake or else I'm going to be sick."

"I think that's a good idea," she agreed, also putting down her empty plate. She looked over the remaining slices. "We should at least wrap them up and you can take whatever you want home to have later."

He nodded, grinning. "My uncle will certainly appreciate that."

"Does he like cake?" she asked, curious about her future father-in-law. She realized she should probably try to meet him before she married his son – it could help her make her decision about whether to say "I do" to Keith after all.

"Yes, probably more than he should," Robin replied, chuckling. "He has the biggest sweet tooth of anyone I know. I've had to hide candy sometimes in order to make sure he eats healthier. Sometimes it feels like I'm the parent and he is the child."

There was a fondness in his tone that told her he didn't mind looking after his uncle. She stepped closer to him. "You love him a lot," she said.

"I do," Robin said softly. "And not just because he took me in after my parents died. He's really felt like a father figure to me and I appreciate everything he's given me."

"Do you think he'll like me?" she asked him, worried about making a good impression on her future father-in-law.

He smiled, nodding. "Uncle Richard is going to love you."

Relief and hope filled her as she pressed her hand to her stomach. "You think?"

"I do," he replied. "In fact, I know so."

"Maybe I should invite him over for dinner," she said, knowing that would at least make her mother feel like she was serious about marrying Keith. And if she did marry him, she wanted to have something of a relationship with his father.

Robin nodded. "Uncle Richard would love to have dinner with you."

"You're invited as well," she told him. "I want a proper family dinner."

"Would that include your mother?" he asked, looking a bit apprehensive. Regina certainly understood the feeling.

But she sighed, shrugging. "I guess it should. Both the families need to meet each other, right?"

"I guess," he said, looking as excited as her at the prospect of spending an evening with her mother. "I am also going to come to that dinner. Someone needs to serve as a buffer between you and your mother and I think that falls under my duties as your party planner."

"Thank you," she replied, knowing that Robin always did his best to defend her and fight for her desires with her mother. She just wished her future husband would do the same as well.

Maybe you're marrying the wrong cousin, that voice told her again. Maybe Robin is really the man for you.

"Regina? Are you okay?" he asked her, frowning with concern.

"I think I had a little too much cake," she lied. "I think I'm going to lie down."

He nodded. "Do you want me to bring you anything? Ginger tea? Or ginger ale? Some soup?"

She shook her head, touched by his generosity. "I think I just need a nap. Thank you, though."

"You're welcome," he said, tucking his hands in his pockets. "I'll clean up down here and then get out of your hair. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Oh, you probably won't," Regina said, disappointed. "I'm going to get my dress tomorrow. A friend who is a designer is going to quickly tailor something she already created for me."

He nodded. "I'm sure it will be the perfect dress and you'll look beautiful."

Warmth spread through her core as she felt her stomach fluttered. "Thank you. I hope so," she said.

"Then I guess I'll see you soon," he replied. "Let me know if you need any help planning that family dinner."

She nodded. "I will. Thank you."

Regina then walked past him, pausing at the doorway to watch as he started to pack up the remaining cake slices. She then took a deep breath before continuing upstairs, hoping to get some rest before Mother decided to pop in and make her life miserable.

Well, even more miserable.

"Regina, is that?" Mary Margaret asked, coming out of Regina's office. "How did the tasting go?"

"We picked a cake," Regina said. She then paused before saying: "Well, Robin and I picked a cake. Keith couldn't make it."

Mary Margaret nodded. "You do a lot with Robin."

"Of course, I do," Regina said, pretending she didn't understand Mary Margaret's comment. "He's the wedding planner."

"Well, yeah," Mary Margaret said. "But shouldn't your future husband also be there too?"

Regina shrugged. "He's busy with his own preparations."

"I guess," Mary Margaret replied. "But you don't seem too broken up about it."

"It is what it is," Regina said, hoping Mary Margaret would just drop the subject and not needle her anymore.

Huffing, Mary Margaret grabbed her arm and dragged Regina into the office. She closed the door behind her before asking: "Do you have feelings for Robin?"

"What do you mean?" Regina asked, her heart pounding in her chest now. It seemed Mary Margaret was not going to let this one go.

"Don't play games with me," Mary Margaret replied, rolling her eyes. "I'm your best friend and I know you too well for you to do that. I can tell that you prefer Robin over Keith."

Regina sighed, sinking down into her chair. "Is it that obvious?"

Mary Margaret shrugged. "Only because I know you well. No one else but Granny probably can pick up on it."

"I'm confused," Regina said, sighing. "There are times that I wonder if Keith really is Shakespeare but then he says something that seems to prove it. But whenever I'm with Robin, I feel the same way I did with Shakespeare that night."

"Maybe that's your gut telling you that Robin is Shakespeare," Mary Margaret said, sitting down as well.

Regina shrugged. "Maybe. But my gut doesn't have the best track record."

"I think it has a very good track record," Mary Margaret replied. "I just think you've gotten very good at talking yourself out of trusting your gut."

"You think I'm good at ignoring my gut and Granny thinks I tend to be distracted by the more obvious choice so I miss the less obvious one," Regina said, letting out a little wry laugh. "And yet both of you don't think I'm the problem in my relationships."

Mary Margaret raised an eyebrow. "Because you're not. You just choose the problems."

"That still doesn't say much about me," Regina said, sighing as she rested her chin on her hand as she stared at her office door. "So is Keith another problem? Or is Robin just a convenient excuse?"

"Robin is definitely not an excuse," Mary Margaret told her. "I can see it in your eyes. Your feelings for him are real."

Regina sighed. "But I still don't know if he's Shakespeare. And I don't want to get distracted by another Mr. Wrong and push aside Mr. Right. I just don't know who is Mr. Wrong and who is Mr. Right in this situation."

"Well, I think you need to figure out who is Shakespeare," Mary Margaret said. "And then you can go from there."

"How do I do that?" Regina asked, knowing she couldn't just outright ask.

Mary Margaret looked thoughtful before grinning. "The stockings! You and Keith can go through the items in the stockings! You can then see if he really had yours and if the content of Shakespeare's matches him."

Hope filled Regina and she sat up, smiling. "That's a brilliant idea!"

"Thank you," Mary Margaret replied, pretending to flip her hair even though it was too short for her to do so. "I tend to have them."

"I just need to get the stocking back from my mother," Regina said, though she figured that would probably be easy. She could come up with some reason for wanting the stocking. "Then we can figure it out."

Mary Margaret nodded. "Hopefully we can have this resolved in a couple days."

"I hope so," Regina agreed, leaning back in her chair as her stomach twisted. She wasn't sure if it was from nerves or anticipation. Either way, she knew she would need to have some answers before she decided how best to proceed.

Especially when it came to who she was marrying on Christmas Eve if it came down to it.

A/N: Happy birthday to Morgan! Here's another update to celebrate!

Regina is growing closer with Robin and that is growing her suspicions that he might really be Shakespeare. Will she find out the truth? Or will Robin feel compelled to tell her first? And how will she react when she finds out?

So many questions still to answer so stay tuned!

-Mac