Beyond the Call of Duty

One Step Forward, Two Steps Back

"Wow, Regina, you have a really big house!" Roland stood in her foyer, his brown eyes wide as he looked around him. He craned his neck as he tried to look up the main staircase, but since it curled upwards, he was unable to do so and nearly fell backwards. Roland caught himself but still looked awestruck.

Regina chuckled as she hung up his coat as well as his father's. "Yes, I do. Do you like it?"

He nodded, now looking into her dining room with his mouth slightly open. Robin grinned at his son's expression as he handed a giftbag to Regina. "I was taught to never show up without bringing something."

"That's sweet but you didn't have to," she said, opening the bag to find cupcakes inside. "But I'm glad you brought dessert. Thank you."

"You're welcome," he said, giving her a quick kiss. He then pulled away, looking upstairs. "Is Henry here?"

She nodded, holding the bag out to him again. "You can put this in the kitchen while I go get him. It's just through the dining room. You can't miss it."

"Sure," Robin said, reaching out for his son's hand. "Come on, Roland."

Roland, though, shook his head. "Can I go with Regina to get Henry? Please?"

"I think that would be a great idea," Regina said, hoping Henry would be more willing to come down if he knew Robin and Roland were there.

"Alright," Robin replied as his son cheered. Roland took Regina's hand and they headed upstairs to Henry's room. He looked around as they made their way to the second floor and seemed to admire some of the stain glass windows in the stairwell.

She hung back as they approached Henry's bedroom and motioned to the door. "Go ahead, Roland. Why don't you knock?"

"Okay," he said, bouncing as he knocked on the door. "Hi, Henry! It's me, Roland!"

Regina held her breath until her son's door opened a few seconds later. Henry peeked out and Roland's smile widened. "Papa and I are having dinner with you and your mama! Come join us!"

Henry stepped out of the room and took Roland's hand before looking at his mother. "What are we having?" he asked.

"Chicken cutlets, rice and mixed vegetables," she said, relieved to see him in a relatively good mood. "And Robin brought cupcakes for dessert."

"Sounds good," Henry said, letting Roland pull him toward the stairs. Regina followed, hoping this meant they were in for a good night.

She could use one of those right now.

They made it back to the first floor and Regina motioned to the living room. "Why don't you go play with Roland in there while Robin and I make dinner?" she suggested.

"Okay, Mom," Henry said, now tugging on Roland's hand. "Come on. Let's go find a game to play."

As they entered the living room, she walked into the kitchen. Robin looked up from the counter with an anxious look in his eyes. "Well?"

"So far so good," she said. "He's in the living room entertaining Roland and seems to be in a good mood."

Relief filled Robin's eyes. "Good. So, where do you want to begin?"

"You don't have to help me make dinner," she told him, pulling out a few ingredients from the cabinets.

He moved behind her, gently gripping her hips as she felt his lips near her ear. "I know. I want to help you, Regina."

The feel of his lips and his hot breath hitting the back of her neck made her shiver. She leaned against him, smiling. "Alright. Why don't you start the rice for me, please?"