Chapter 9

Robin pulled up to Regina's house in the van and turned it off, also killing the lights so she wouldn't see him. He turned to Keith, handing him a bouquet of roses. "Here. Give these to her," he said.

"What? Why?" Keith asked, looking confused. "Am I groveling for something?"

"Yes," Robin replied. "You haven't been doing a lot of wedding planning with her. You need to apologize and thank her for all her hard work."

Keith huffed. "I've been doing work for the wedding as well."

Annoyance filled Robin as he glared at his cousin. "Spending a day with your frat brothers trying on tuxedos and getting a spa treatment while drinking copious amounts of alcohol while Regina and I are choosing the cake, flowers and everything else about the wedding is not doing a lot of work for it."

"Oh, come on," Keith said, sounding annoyed. "You can't be complaining about that. You get to spend time with her. That's what you want, right?"

"It doesn't matter what I want," Robin reminded him. "Or what you want. We're doing this for Regina, right? So it should matter what she wants. And she wants a groom who plans the wedding with her."

Keith sighed, opening the door. "Fine. I'll give her the flowers."

"And say everything I tell you to say," Robin added. "No adlibbing."

"Yes, sir," Keith said, getting out of the van. "Now, you wait here and I'll let you in shortly."

He closed the door and walked away. Robin leaned back against his seat, waiting to hear Keith speaking to Regina. It took only a few minutes before the speaker in his ear crackled to life. "Hello, Regina," Keith said.

"Hello, Keith," she replied. "Why are you hiding your hand behind your back?"

"Because I have a surprise for you," Keith said, ignoring Robin's rule. While he was off to a good start, they couldn't chance him ruining it with whatever he said next so Robin jumped in right away.

Pressing the microphone closer to ensure his cousin hear him, Robin said: "I know planning a wedding is stressful under normal conditions and we certainly aren't facing those. I want to thank you for all the hard work you've been doing and apologize for not being here more to help you."

He paused for a moment, listening to Keith repeat his words, before saying: "Now reveal the flowers."

"For you," Keith said and Robin heard the rustle of the cellophane wrapped around the flowers.

"Oh, Keith," she replied, sighing happily. "They are beautiful. You really shouldn't have, though. I know you're also doing a lot for the wedding."

Robin heard how much his cousin was gloating as Keith said: "Yes, I am."

"But I still regret not doing more with you," Robin said into the microphone. "I hope that can change."

"I'm sure it can," Regina said, her tone softening even more. "But let's not focus on the wedding tonight. Let's just focus on each other."

She invited Keith in and said she would put the flowers in water. Robin panicked, moving from the front seat of the car so that Regina didn't see him. Instead, he laid in the backseat and spoke to Keith. "Let me know when she's gone from the kitchen."

"So do you want to order something for dinner?" Regina asked Keith. "I could also make us something if you want."

"No, no," Keith said without Robin's prompting. "Tonight, I'm going to make you dinner as a thank you."

Robin breathed out in relief, glad Keith remembered the plan and didn't take the out Regina had offered. He listened as his cousin politely ushered Regina out and promised to bring her a glass of wine shortly. Keith then said: "All clear. You can come in now."

Opening the back door, Robin slipped out of the car and walked toward the kitchen. Keith opened the door for him and motioned for him to come in. "So far so good, right?" he asked.

"Yes," Robin said, setting his bag down on the counter. "Though how are you going to pretend to make dinner and woo her at the same time?"

"The dumplings take some time to heat up, right?" Keith asked. "I can spend some time with her then while you prepare everything else. She'll just think I'm a whiz in the kitchen and I'll get some bonus points."

Robin sighed. "And what are you going to do once you're married? I can't keep coming over here to make dinner for you."

Keith waved him off. "I can probably convince her to hire a cook. It won't be an issue."

"I don't think Regina is one to have a cook," Robin replied, crossing his arms. "And I don't think getting married will change that."

"You worry too much," Keith told him.

Robin frowned. "You worry too little."

Keith just scoffed before motioning to the kitchen. "You have everything handled here, right? I don't want to keep Regina waiting much longer."

"Yeah," Robin said, sighing. "I'll have dinner ready in no time."

"Best housewife in California!" Keith said, grinning at him. "I'll go get the wine and you just let me know when I need to come back in."

Robin rolled his eyes as Keith poured two glasses of wine. He left the kitchen and the speaker in Robin's ear crackled to life again as he spoke with Regina. As he prepared the dumplings and the other dishes for the dinner Keith was going to share with Regina, he listened into their conversation and offered up some answers before his cousin could once again say the wrong thing. This dinner was to keep everything on track, not blow it up.

"You know, I was thinking of something the other day," Regina said. "We never discussed what was in our stockings."

"Oh," Keith said as Robin grew more alert. He was glad he had looked in the stocking now and could help his cousin.

But it seemed Keith had other plans. "I thought we could do a big reveal at the wedding. It would honor how we met and probably get a few good laughs – even if it's just us laughing."

Damn. Robin knew that his cousin could be romantic when he wanted – Keith always seemed to have some woman on his arm – but this was the first time he really experienced it up close. He was impressed by the suggestion.

And then Keith ruined it by saying three little words.

"Your mother agrees."

"No," Robin said, almost groaning. "Why did you have to go and say that?"

Even from the kitchen, he could tell the air around Regina and Keith had dropped several degrees. Her tone was very icy when she finally responded. "You discussed this with my mother?"

"Well, yes," he said, sounding panicked. Robin didn't know how he would save his cousin from this one – and frankly, he didn't want to. Keith was on his own.

"And why did this come up?" she asked. "Do you often talk to my mother about the wedding behind my back?"

Robin paused, waiting to hear his cousin's answer. Keith was silent for longer than he liked. But his cousin finally spoke again. "Of course not. She called me about the stocking, asking if I wanted it back. That's when I told her my idea," he said.

"Is that so?" Regina asked, not sounding convinced. "Because it seems Robin and I make plans and then you and my mother agree on something absolutely different."

"We don't do that," Keith insisted.

Groaning, Robin said: "Don't argue with her. Just let her talk."

"I'm not going to sit here and be insulted like this," Keith said, though Robin didn't know if he was speaking to him or Regina. "We are in a difficult situation and I'm just trying to do my best."

"I'm sorry," Regina said, in a tone that broke Robin's heart. She had nothing to apologize for and he wanted to tell his cousin that but he doubted Keith would be receptive of it. Instead, he listened to her explain that she was just under a lot of stress as he placed the dumplings she believed his cousin was making into the oven.

Keith ate up her apology. "That's okay. We're all stressed by this wedding."

"I know," she said. "Thank goodness for Robin. He's great at his job. I can't believe you said he hardly does anything in the company."

Robin winced as he remembered complaining about his cousin that night. He could hear the anger in Keith's voice as he asked: "What?"

"That night," she replied. "You said that you worked with a family member who took advantage of you and left you doing all the work. I assume you were talking about Robin."

"I was," Keith said, no doubt liking how things had turned on Robin. "But I guess he's stepped up knowing that the company will soon be his."

Regina hummed. "I suppose so. Well, you should be comforted to know that your company will be in good hands."

Keith commented that he was before excusing himself to check on the dumplings. Robin braced himself as his cousin entered the kitchen, scowling at him. "You complained that I took advantage of you?"

"I don't believe I used those exact words," Robin said. "But I may have vented about our partnership. It was nothing I haven't already said to you."

"But you said them to Regina," Keith replied, pointing to the next room.

Robin sighed. "I didn't know it was her. We were all wearing masks and I didn't expect to see anyone from the party ever again."

Keith groaned. "Well, at least she now thinks you were the bad partner."

"Yeah," Robin agreed, though deep down he believed Regina didn't believe that at all. "Anyway, the dumplings should be ready soon. I'll let you know when to come in so you can pretend to make the salad."

"Thanks, cousin," Keith said, clapping him on the back. "You're the best."

He left the room as Robin muttered under his breath. "Yeah, yeah. I'm always the best when I'm saving your arse."

"Maybe you should stop saving his arse."

Robin jumped at the unexpected voice, grabbing the chair to brace himself as he turned toward the source. Granny stood there, her arms crossed and an unreadable expression on her face as she studied him. She raised an eyebrow. "Well?"

"Well what?" Robin asked, feeling confused.

"Don't play stupid," Granny said, stepping closer to him. "It doesn't look good on you. Why do you keep saving your cousin's arse?"

He swallowed, shrugging. "Because he's family. Isn't that what family does?"

"I suppose," she replied. "But I'm going to guess that you save his arse more often than he saves yours."

"Yeah," he said, starting to pull out the ingredients for the salad. "But it's because I'm more responsible than him."

Granny joined him at the counter and he knew she was still studying him. "Who told you that?"

Robin paused, looking over at her. "No one had to tell me that. I learned it pretty quickly after moving in with him and my uncle."

"When did you move in with them?" she asked, sounding more curious now than interrogatory.

"I was eight years old," he replied. He paused before saying: "It was after my parents died."

Granny tilted her head, her eyes darkening. "Did you feel you needed to do that because your uncle took you in?"

"Not really," Robin said, though his stomach tightened like it did whenever he tried to lie. He swallowed before saying: "I mean, my uncle did ask me to keep an eye on my cousin and to help him but he didn't say I had to because I now lived with him."

"But you still felt that way, right?" she asked. "Or does your cousin make you feel that way?"

He swallowed again, wondering how the older woman could read him so well. "He may remind me that we're family and we're supposed to help each other. Isn't that the case?"

"Usually," she replied. "But I'm sure you know that doesn't mean you do everything he wants you to do. Like help him pretend to be the man Regina met at that party when it was really you."

Robin's heart dropped into his stomach. "What?"

She chuckled. "I've been the housekeeper for a long time. I'm very good at not being seen when I don't want to be. I've heard many, many things over the years I probably wasn't meant to. Though I already had my suspicions."

"You did?" he asked, surprised.

"I told you – I see more than people realize," she replied. "And I've seen you and Regina together as you two have planned this wedding. The way she is around you is certainly different from how she is around Keith. When she's around you, she looks like she did when she first told me about Shakespeare."

His heart sped up. "And how is that?"

Granny's expression softened. "There is a light in her eyes that I don't often see, one born of hope and the feeling of being cared for. She smiles more and seems finally comfortable in her own skin."

"Oh," he said softly, surprised he would have that effect on anyone – let alone Regina Mills.

"With him," she continued, pointing to the next room. "Regina is her usual guarded self and when she does smile, it certainly doesn't reach her eyes. Probably because she can sense that he doesn't really care about her. But it's clear you do. So what are you letting him take your place?"

Robin rubbed his neck, wondering if it was safe to tell her the truth. In the end, he decided that she deserved to know so she could also help Regina. "Okay, I'll tell you but you can't tell Regina."

"That will depend on what you say," she said, crossing her arms. "Okay?"

"Okay," he said, hoping she would understand why he had asked her not to tell Regina once he was done speaking. He explained everything that had happened after Keith had shown up pretending to be Shakespeare and why he was helping his cousin continue the charade.

When he was done, Granny looked pensive and didn't say anything right away. His stomach tightened as he asked: "Well?"

"I won't say anything to Regina…for now," Granny said. "You certainly have given me something to think about and I want to do the same for you. Just some questions you don't have to answer now but should do so soon."

"Okay," Robin replied, feeling uneasy now.

She nodded. "I have worked for the Mills family for a long, long time. And there is one thing I can tell you about Cora Mills – everything she does is for herself. There is an ulterior motive behind this whole stunt but it isn't an altruistic one, I can assure that. So, this first question is one we all have to answer – what does she really gain from Regina marrying Keith?

"And this question is one you have to answer yourself," she said, poking his arm. "You know your cousin. What do you think he is really getting from this arrangement? Is he really doing this out of the kindness of his heart? Or is he doing it for money? If so, is he just going to walk away from Regina's inheritance? I don't know how much it is supposed to be but I understand it is a substantial amount. Does he want to help her or help himself to her fortune?"

His heart sank as his stomach tightened. Was this just another one of Keith's con? Had his cousin again manipulated him into doing something he knew Robin wouldn't normally do? And if so, how many people would be hurt by the end?

Would he be able to stop his cousin or was he doomed to just watch it burn?

"Robin?" Keith asked, sounding panicked. He burst into the kitchen with a wild look in his eyes. "Is everything ready? It's been a long time since you said anything."

Checking on the timer, Robin realized that the dumplings were almost done. "Yes, it's almost ready. You may want to stay here to help with the salad," he said.

"You haven't made it yet?" Keith asked, scowling. "What have you been doing?"

"I've been…" Robin paused, realizing that Granny was gone. He took a deep breath before continuing. "I guess I got lost in my thoughts."

Keith rolled his eyes. "And you think I'm the incompetent partner. It's amazing you manage to build this company at all. Well, hurry up. Regina is getting hungry."

"Fine," Robin said, annoyed. "You can at least set the table and pour the wine while I finish the salad and take out the dumplings."

"Okay," Keith replied. "I guess I need to hang out in here anyway so Regina doesn't grow suspicious that I didn't make the meal."

He moved around the kitchen as Robin finally prepared the salad. Granny's questions echoed around his head and he knew he would be in for a restless night as he tried to answer them.

But something already told him he wasn't going to like the answers.

"I can't believe you managed to get this," Mary Margaret said, dressed casually as she stood by Regina's table. She frowned though when she saw Regina produce a small bag. "Wait, you didn't get the stocking?"

Regina shook her head. "The stocking itself was empty but I saw this bag next to it. I think this might further prove that Keith is not really Shakespeare."

"Why empty the stocking unless you needed to quickly replace the objects," Mary Margaret said, nodding. "I think that's good proof. So, what was in the stocking? And who do they point to?"

"Let's find out," Regina said, emptying the bag onto her table as giddiness filled her. Perhaps she would solve the mystery before the end of the day.

Five items tumbled out of the bag and onto the table. She picked up the one closest to her and let out a little laugh. "It's a matchbook! I put a candle in my stocking and he put matches," she said.

"You two certainly are two peas in a pod," Mary Margaret agreed. "But who are you sharing that pod with? And why did he put in matches?"

"There's something on them," Regina said, studying the box. A black lion rose up on its hind legs with its front ones extended. Underneath it was written something. "The Lion and Unicorn."

Mary Margaret's eyes lit up. "I know that place! It's a British pub downtown, not far from our office. Robin likely goes there when he's missing England."

"But maybe Keith goes there as well," Regina said, not sure the matchbook ruled Keith out. "I know he and Robin are cousins but I don't know how. And I haven't met my future father-in-law yet. He could be British too."

"That is true," Mary Margaret agreed. "Okay, what's next?"

Regina picked up a feather on a string with tiny bells on it. She gave it a little wave and chuckled. "A cat toy."

"Did either of them say if they owned a cat?" Mary Margaret asked.

"No," Regina said, feeling disappointed. "And I guess either one could own a cat, though I feel like Robin is more of a dog person."

She set the cat toy down and picked up a set of drawing pencils. Regina smiled when she saw them. "This has to be from Robin. He's always sketching things."

Mary Margaret nodded. "And we are pretty convinced that Robin sent all the drawings. But Keith did take credit for them so maybe he would stick those in there to continue the charade?"

"I guess," Regina replied, not sure that was the case. "But Keith doesn't really strike me as someone who would think that far in advance."

"None of these are helping," Mary Margaret said with a sigh. She picked up a book. "Like this – a book of quotes from William Shakespeare. Both have quoted Shakespeare to you, right?"

Regina frowned, shaking her head. "Only Keith has. But Robin's sketchbook does have a Shakespeare quote about art on it."

"And then there's a white rose," Mary Margaret said, picking it up with a sigh. "Does this connect to either of them?"

"Not that I'm aware of," Regina replied, sighing as well. "I guess this was a bust."

Mary Margaret looked thoughtful as she picked up the matchbook. "Maybe not. We could go to this pub and see if they can give us any insight on which cousin dines there."

"That sounds like a great idea," Regina said, hopeful the pub would give them a good lead. "Let's go."

"Do you want to drive or should I?" Mary Margaret asked, already moving to the back door.

Regina rolled her eyes. "I'll drive. We do want to get there in one piece."

"I'm not that bad!" Mary Margaret insisted, looking indignant as she held the door open for Regina.

"Yes, you are," Regina said. "How many cars have you totaled?"

Mary Margaret groaned. "Not that many!"

"It's still a number greater than zero," Regina pointed out, locking the door behind her. "So my point still stands."

As Mary Margaret continued to protest that her driving record had vastly improved, they got in Regina's car. She started it up, eager to head into town and hopefully solve the mystery about which cousin truly was Shakespeare – Robin or Keith.

John returned from his vacation and Robin met up with him in their favorite park. Walking one of the trails there, John told him everything about his trip to Hawaii for a family reunion. "You really need to go, man," John said. "You need to get out of here for at least a little while."

"One day," Robin said, thinking of all the places he had pinned on a map in his room. But there was still much to do before he could travel to them. "Once the business is more established and I have the money."

"Well, planning Regina Mills' wedding should help speed that up," John said brightly. "Who is the lucky groom anyway?"

Robin took a deep breath before answering. "Keith."

John tilted his head before laughing. He laughed so hard, his face turned red and he doubled over. Resting his hands on his knees, his body continued to shake as his laughter echoed through the trees.

When his laughter subsided and he got his breathing under control again, he stood up straight and looked at Robin. Tears still ran down his cheeks from how hard he had been laughing and he brushed them away before asking: "Who is it really?"

"It's Keith," Robin replied, keeping his eye on his friend to watch his expression now.

John's expression fell as his eyes widened and he frowned. "Keith? Your cousin Keith? I thought he didn't go to the party because of an allergic reaction?"

"It's…complicated," Robin said, checking around them to make sure they were alone. He leaned forward, dropping his voice. "You have to promise not to tell anyone else what I'm about to tell you, not even Will. Not until I figure out what I'm going to do. Okay?"

"Okay," John said solemnly. "I promise."

Robin nodded, motioning to a nearby bench. "Let's sit there and I'll explain."

They walked over to the bench and took a seat. Robin then explained everything that had been happening, though he found himself admitting one important detail. He wasn't sure why but he couldn't yet tell John that he was Shakespeare.

"And this charade is working?" John asked. "Regina doesn't suspect anything? Keith is a master bullshitter but even he wouldn't be able to fool someone like that. His golden tongue has its limits."

"She probably suspects something," Robin said, carefully wording his response so as not to reveal his role in the deception just yet. "The other day I overheard her asking him to go through the stockings so they could get to know each other better but he convinced her to do a grand reveal at the wedding. She reluctantly agreed but I think she was going to try to test him."

John nodded. "I would too. And what happens when the real Shakespeare shows up and knocks his house of cards over? Has Keith considered that?"

Robin swallowed before saying: "He is sure that won't be an issue."

"Is he?" John asked, looking doubtful. "How can he be so sure? Does he know who Shakespeare is? Has he been in contact with him? And if so, how is he keeping Shakespeare from…."

He stopped talking as his eyes narrowed. John shifted on the bench before saying: "You're Shakespeare."

It wasn't a question but Robin nodded. "I am."

"And you're okay with Keith pretending to be you?" John asked. "You didn't have the same experience as Regina?"

"I did," Robin replied softly. "Being with her that night was amazing. I never felt such a connection with someone."

John nodded. "So why are you letting Keith get the girl?"

"Well, at first, I didn't know if I wanted Regina," Robin said. "The woman I spent that night with seemed so different from the woman I experienced the other times. She barely remembered me and treated me more like an employee rather than the owner of my own company."

"Understandable," John said. "What's the verdict now?"

Robin sighed. "I met the real Regina Mills at the party. She's been hurt and was trying to protect herself and I crashed up against her walls."

"Is that so?" John asked, sounding more amused than skeptical.

"Yes," Robin replied. "I've gotten to know her better as I plan her wedding to Keith. And she's a lot more like the woman I spent with at the party. She apologized for how she treated me in the past and I really enjoy spending time with her."

John nodded. "So I go back to my question – why are you letting Keith marry her?"

Robin sighed. "It's complicated."

"Try me," John said.

"Alright," Robin replied before explaining everything Keith had told him back in the van after his deception began. When he finished, he asked John: "Well?"

John took a deep breath. "It's hard to imagine Keith being altruistic and doing something that ultimately won't benefit him."

"I know," Robin said, feeling weary. "I guess I always knew deep down but I tried to convince myself that maybe this time was different. That maybe he really was doing something good by helping Regina."

"But not anymore?"

Robin shook his head. "I had a talk with Granny and she asked me some questions that I think I had avoided asking myself. And after sleeping on them, I don't think I like the answers."
John let out a humorless chuckle. "That sounds unsurprising since it involves Keith. Do you want to talk about your concerns?"

"I do," Robin replied. "It's one of the reasons I asked to meet you today. There's no one else I can really talk to. This isn't something I can really discuss with my uncle, after all."

"Well, I think you probably should," John said. "He should be aware of what his son is doing."

Robin rubbed the back of his neck, knowing his friend had a point. But he thought of his uncle and how proud he was of Keith and Robin. He was glad that his son was finally going to settle down and no longer spend his nights out partying. And he was also glad that Robin was planning the wedding, that it would bring in more business for them and that they would be able to grow it together with Keith's new contacts as Regina's husband – because of course Keith hadn't yet told his father that he planned to get a job at Mills, Incorporated. Robin didn't have the heart to ruin that for Uncle Richard.

So he shook his head. "I don't want to tell Uncle Richard until I absolutely have to. I feel I need more information before I start making accusations against Keith. Especially if it could bounce back to bite me in the arse."

"Alright," John said. "Let's talk it out and then my lips will be sealed until you feel ready to talk to other people."

"Thank you," Robin replied, knowing his friend would keep his word.

John nodded. "So, what were some of those uncomfortable answers you came up with?"

"That Keith isn't being as altruistic as he wants me to believe," Robin said, feeling the same tight feeling in his stomach that he had when he finally accepted that fact. "That was likely a story just to get me to agree to this bullshit."

"I think that's probably a good bet," John agreed. "But that doesn't sound like something Keith would come up with, though. He usually threatens you and manipulates you with your greatest vulnerability."

Robin frowned. "My kindness isn't my greatest vulnerability?"

"No, that's your greatest strength," John said. He then sighed. "I love you, mate, but you have some serious abandonment issues stemming from your parents' deaths."

"I do not," Robin protested, wondering why his friend would think that.

John sighed. "We've known each other a long time, right?"

"Yes," Robin replied, feeling even more confused. "Since high school."

"So I've seen a lot of interactions between you and Keith. He's made a lot of threats to you over the years to get you to do whatever he wants. Or to cover for him. And I've listened and connected the dots," John said.

Though confusion was still his main emotion, Robin felt his stomach tighten from nerves. "What dots?" he asked.

"Based on things you and he have said, even if you haven't realized you said them, and that all boil down to Keith essentially threats boiling down to you losing your only family left. You will do anything rather than face that possibility," he said.

"Wouldn't most people?" Robin asked, frowning. Anyone would do anything to make sure they kept their family, even without the same loss he had experienced…right?

John sighed. "Most people know that their family isn't going to kick them out or abandon them for petty reasons."

"I know that," Robin insisted, even as a little voice in his head called him a liar.

"But you don't believe it about your uncle," John replied. "You always believe that he will take Keith's side over yours and just throw you out."
Robin shifted on the bench, knowing that was true. "Why wouldn't he? Keith is his son and I'm just…"

"Just what?" John asked gently. "Just an interloper? Some charity case?"

"His nephew," Robin said, certain John would understand now. "Son trumps nephew."

John nodded. "But you're more than Richard's nephew, Robin. It's clear that he really sees you as a son, just like Keith. You two have a very strong bond. You just need to trust it and finally take away that power from your cousin."

Robin wanted to believe his friend, but something still prevented him from doing so. "You think so?" he asked.

"I do," John assured him. "It may not have seemed that way to you, but whenever you two got into a fight, your uncle took your side more often than not – especially when Keith was being a brat."

"Oh," Robin replied, thinking back over the fights that did make it to his uncle for mediation. And he realized that John did have a point – Uncle Richard normally did side with him over Keith, who was usually in the wrong.

But would this time be different? Uncle Richard could decide not to take either of their sides and that they both shared the blame. And it was likely he would give Robin more of the blame. Not because Keith was his son but because of another reason, something Robin was certain John had forgotten.

"I'm responsible for Keith," Robin said. "Uncle Richard is going to be more disappointed in me and likely give me more of the blame for not keeping Keith from doing this."

"Keith is an adult and like all adults, including you and me, he is responsible for his own actions. He can try to blame you and if your uncle accepts that, then that's on your uncle and one day, he'll regret not holding Keith accountable," John said.

Robin sighed, feeling as if John wasn't getting it. "It doesn't matter. Uncle Richard will likely throw me out because I failed to do the one thing he asked of me."

"If your place in his house was always dependent on you taking responsibility for his son, then your uncle isn't as good of a man as I thought," John said. "But I really think that is the abandonment issue talking and not really based in fact. Did you see anyone after your parents' death?"

"Like a therapist? No, not really," Robin said, thinking back to the time after he lost his parents and moved in with his uncle. "I think I saw a grief counselor for a bit but that didn't really last."

John nodded, reaching out to squeeze Robin's shoulder. "I think you should find someone and talk to them. I think there's a lot you've internalized and created this world where if you are anything less than perfect, everything will fall apart and you're alone. Nothing could be further from the truth. Even if your uncle ends up being as much as a dick as his son, you'll have me and Will. We'll stand by you, no matter what."

A lump formed in Robin's throat as he thanked John for his support. He then sighed, realizing a simple truth. "No one is going to come out of this unscathed, are they?"

"Maybe Keith. He has this annoying tendency to just brush things off and walk away from whatever destruction he's caused," John said, scowling. He then sighed. "But as for you and Regina, I don't think you'll be so lucky. It may not be as bad as you think but it will still be painful."

"So I lose her either way," Robin said, his heart sinking at that thought. He had found someone who made him feel something he never felt before, someone he believed he could love – if he didn't already love her – and he was going to have to lose her because of his own foolish decisions.

John nodded. "You may. But I think that's going to rely on what your next move is. I think you know what that has to be."

"I know," Robin said, sighing. "I just hope I have the courage to do it."

"You will," John replied. "You're stronger than you know. And you'll have more support than you believe."

Robin nodded, hoping that was true. "Thanks, John. I needed this talk."

"I know," John said. "And I'm only just a phone call away if you need me. No matter the time."

"I'll keep that in mind," Robin replied, checking his watch. When he saw the time, he sighed. "I have an appointment with the company decorating Regina's house for the wedding. Do you want to come?"

John nodded as he stood. "Might as well. You driving?"
"Sure," Robin said, walking toward the parking lot. Though his mind was burdened with the decision he had to make, he still felt as if there was a lightness in his step. He knew what he had to do and he believed he wouldn't destroy his life completely in the process.

He just needed to find the courage and make peace with possibly losing the love of his life forever.

"This place looks absolutely charming," Mary Margaret said as they stepped into the Lion and Unicorn pub. "I can't believe I've never heard of this place before!"
Regina nodded, looking over the main dining room. Several tables were set up under the flags of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland as well as the Union flag – all hanging from the ceiling. All the football clubs in the United Kingdom were also represented – or at least she assumed so based on the walls covered in different emblems. Either way, it all felt very British but also very homey. "It's nice. We should come this way more often," she said.

A young woman approached them with a smile. 'Table for two? Or are you expecting more?"

"It's just the two of us," Regina said. The hostess nodded, grabbing two menus and telling them to follow her.

She led them to a table for two by the window and set the menus down. "Your server will be with you shortly," she said. "Enjoy."

They thanked her before taking her seats. Regina looked around again, easily imagining Robin sitting at the bar while drinking a beer and watching a soccer game. "This definitely seems like a home away from home for a Brit," Regina said.

"Definitely," Mary Margaret agreed. "And I think this is someplace Robin would patronize rather than Keith. Something tells me he likes flashier and louder places."

"I get that feeling as well," Regina said, thinking over some of her fiancé's comments. "I can't picture him here, though I do wonder if he's also a homesick Brit like his cousin. I mean, I don't even know how they are related."

Mary Margaret grinned. "I do. I looked it up."

That surprised Regina. "You did?"

"Yep," Mary Margaret replied. "So Robin's mother was Eleanor Locksley, nee Nott. She and his uncle were siblings. I guess she and her husband, James, named him as Robin's guardian. Or that he won the custody case following their deaths. That's a bit murkier and something you'll probably want to ask Robin."

Regina nodded as a server approached them. He smiled as he greeted them. "So, what can I get you?"

"Well, can I get some whiskey, please?" Regina asked, deciding that this place called for something stronger than wine.

"Of course," he said, turning to Mary Margaret. "And you?"

She ordered a club soda. He wrote their orders down and said he would be back shortly to take their orders. As he walked away, Mary Margaret leaned forward. "Aren't you going to ask about Robin?" she asked.

"Not yet," Regina said. "Let's enjoy some food and build something of a relationship with our server. Then we can ask him."

"Good idea," Mary Margaret said, picking up her menu. "Then I guess we should figure out what to order."

By the time their server returned with their drinks, they were ready to order. He took them and went to the kitchen. Regina took a sip of her whiskey, enjoying how smooth it was. "This is good," she said.

"I'll take your word for it," Mary Margaret said, sipping her club soda. "Maybe we should come back another night and just enjoy this place properly. They seem to have a lot of good events planned every week."
She motioned to the stand on their table. Regina picked it up, looking over the weekly options. A few looked appealing and she nodded. "We can always come back here as long as today's visit doesn't end up in the tabloids," she replied.

"I don't think that's going to happen," Mary Margaret said. "No one seems to recognize you."
"Good," Regina replied, relieved. She wouldn't have to explain anything to Keith or her mother just yet.

Their server returned, setting their dishes down in front of them. "One order of fish and chips and one shepherd's pie. Can I get you anything else?"

"Can you get me an iced tea, please?" Regina asked before frowning. "Or is that not allowed here?"
He chuckled. "We're not that strict here. I'll go get you that iced tea. Sweet or unsweet?"

"Sweet, please," she replied. "And can I get some lemon with that?"

"Of course," he said. "I'll be right back."

He walked away as Regina dug into her shepherd's pie. She took a nice forkful of potatoes and savory meat, enjoying it as she chewed. "This is delicious," she said.

Mary Margaret nodded, swallowing her latest bite of fish. "Another reason to come back here."

"Agreed," Regina said, taking another bite as the server returned with her iced tea. She thanked him and continued with her meal.

When they finished, their server approached them again with a smile. "Can I interest you ladies in some dessert?"
"I think we're good," Regina said, feeling full. "Maybe next time we'll remember to leave room."

He chuckled, nodding. "Glad to hear there will be next time. Can I get you anything else now?"
"Yes, actually," Regina said, pulling out her phone. She found a picture of Robin and Keith she had taken and held it out to him. "Do you recognize either of these men?"
"Him," he replied, pointing to Robin. "Comes in often, especially during Tottenham games."

Regina heart sped up as she asked: "And the other one?"

He shook his head. "I've never seen him in here. But based on that photograph, I would guess his scene is more the clubs downtown rather than our quaint little pub."

"Thank you," Regina said, setting her phone down as a sense of victory coursed through her. "Can we have the check please?"

"Of course," he replied. "I'll be right back with that."

He walked away as Regina tucked her phone into her bag. Mary Margaret leaned forward. "So, it seems the stocking belongs to Robin," she said.

"It does," Regina replied, tenting her fingers as an idea floated through her mind. "Or did Keith just want to add matches and grabbed the first box he found, which happened to be one Robin brought from here and threw in a drawer somewhere?"

"What?" Mary Margaret asked incredulously. "Do you really believe that?"

Regina shook her head. "Not at all. But I have a feeling it's a theory my mother or Keith would deploy. I think we need to gather more evidence."

"Okay," Mary Margaret said, looking relieved. "What's next?"

"Let's pay the bill and we can figure that out in the car," Regina replied, noticing the server returning.

They soon paid and Regina made sure to leave a good tip for their server. She and Mary Margaret left the pub, ready to head to the car. Mary Margaret gently grabbed her arm and pointed across the street. "Tink's shop is over there," she said.

"Oh," Regina said, looking where Mary Margaret was pointing. "We should go say hi."

"Yeah, and maybe she can help," Mary Margaret said, crossing the road while there was no traffic. "Shakespeare's suit was pretty unique and clearly was Tink's handiwork."

Regina had to admit her friend had a point. "You think she can identify who wore the suit?"

"I think it's worth a shot," Mary Margaret replied, opening the door to Tink's shop. "At the very least, we'll get to say hi to our friend even if she has no information for us."

They stepped into the shop and looked around, not spotting their blonde friend. Regina frowned before calling out: "Tink? Are you here?"

"Coming!" Tink replied. She stepped out of her office behind the register area, smiling when she saw Regina and Mary Margaret. "I've been expecting you to show up since the day after your Masquerade. Took you long enough."

"You have?" Regina asked, confused but then hopeful. "Do you know who my mystery date was?"

Tink nodded. "I have an idea of who he is."

Her response made it clear that Tink was not going to be forthcoming with information. It was a quirk that endeared her to Regina but also frustrated her as well. She was getting married in a matter of days and she needed answers, not a puzzle to solve.

"What do you mean by that?" Mary Margaret asked, feeding Tink's puzzle before Regina could try to get her to just cut to the chase.

"Just that I know the man you're marrying is not the man who wore the suit and mask at your party," Tink replied, looking right at Regina. "And that the man you're marrying has been banned from several stores because he is a nightmare customer who likes to buy things, wear them and then return them."

Mary Margaret rolled her eyes. "Charming."

Tink nodded. "Exactly. Now the man who really wore that suit – he's a prince. You should go after him," she said.

"How do I find him?" Regina asked, hoping Tink would confirm that she already had found him.

"He likes to visit the cemetery down the street," Tink replied, motioning in that direction. "You might find him there."

Regina nodded, realizing that was all they were going to get from her. "Thank you, Tink."

"You're welcome," Tink said before leaning closer. "But your heart already knows the answer, Regina. You just need to trust it."

"I'll keep that in mind," Regina replied softly. "Thank you."

She and Mary Margaret stepped back outside. Mary Margaret motioned to the car. "Do you want to go to the cemetery or do you have everything you need?" she asked.

"I want to go to the cemetery," Regina said. "I need to see it."

Mary Margaret nodded as Regina pulled out her keys. "Then let's go."

They climbed into the car and Regina drove to the nearest cemetery. Its gates were open so she pulled inside, driving down the paved roads. "Do you know where you are going?" Mary Margaret asked.

"No," Regina said, keeping an eye out for anyone who might be in the cemetery. Namely, either Keith or Robin. "We'll just keep driving around until we either get an answer or reach the exit."

"Alright," Mary Margaret said. "I'll keep an eye out for…something."

Regina did the same, following the winding road until something white caught her eye. She pulled the car over and unbuckled herself. "I think I found it," she said, opening the door to jump out.

She didn't wait to see if Mary Margaret followed. Regina walked down one row of gravestones with her eyes focused on the white roses placed at one of them. Her heartbeat became faster as she drew closer to it, hoping the roses weren't just something sold by the cemetery and held the meaning she wanted them to hold. Taking a deep breath, she stopped in front of the tombstone and read it.

Locksley

Michael and Elizabeth

Beloved Parents

"Robin's parents," she said softly, crouching to touch the white roses left in a holder in front of the grave. She knew he had lovingly placed them there, no doubt visiting his parents often. Regina imagined he talked to them just like she talked to her father's ashes sitting in a beautiful urn in a place of honor in her house.

"This is the only grave with white roses," Mary Margaret said, now standing next to her. "And I don't see any marked Nott."

Regina nodded, knowing what her friend was saying. "So two items in the stocking definitely connect back to Robin. Two have a strong possibility to being attached to him. That just leaves the cat toy."

"What do you want to do about that?" Mary Margaret asked.

"I think it's time I see where my fiancé lives," Regina replied, knowing she had to not only meet Keith on his own turf but also disarm him. All their meetings had been carefully planned so far and though she loved that, she knew it was time to be spontaneous and see how he handled the unexpected.

Mary Margaret tilted her head. "Now?"

"Yes," Regina said. She paused, looking over her friend before saying: "Well, maybe not now now. I'll take you home first."

"I can get there myself," Mary Margaret assured her, looking amused. "You go surprise Keith and see if he has a cat. I think I'll walk around and do some shopping before calling Swyft."

Gratitude filled Regina and she hugged her friend. "Thank you. Text me when you get back to my house, okay?"

"I will," Mary Margaret said, chuckling as she pulled back. She then smiled as she said: "Good luck."

Regina thanked her before walking back to her car. She paused before motioning to the door. "Do you want to at least get a ride to the gate?"

Mary Margaret looked around her before nodding sheepishly. She jogged toward Regina's car as she said: "Thank you."

"You're welcome," Regina replied, getting into the car with Mary Margaret. She started it again and put it in drive, heading back toward the front gate to drop her friend off.

Then hopefully she would get more information from her fiancé.

A/N: Regina is growing more and more certain that Keith isn't Shakespeare. And Robin is finally accepting that maybe Keith has been lying to him about his motives.

What will happen next?

Find out soon!

-Mac