Robin and the Red Crow

Chapter Thirty- A Sudden Guest

The snowstorm continued for a couple more days, trapping them in Sunshine Acres. Robin and Holly discussed whether he should stay longer during their time alone. Both agreed it made the most sense for him to remain, as neither truly wanted him to leave.

Robin enjoyed the new life he'd stumbled upon at Sunshine Acres even more now. Days were filled with flirtation, a quick kiss here or there—some quicker than others. The moments made the cold feel less biting, and their time together felt surrounded by a soft haze of warmth.

"Jo sent a letter," Holly said from the kitchen table, reading a small piece of paper as she nibbled on a pear.

"Oh?" Robin replied, rummaging through the pantry, frowning as he took stock of their dwindling food supplies. With the contents of their cupboards depleting, he was running out of meal ideas.

"She says she hopes the winter isn't too bad and Cookie gets enough attention while she's away. She also wants me to send her the instructions for the invisibility spell again," Holly said with a snort, setting the letter down.

"Is that all?" Robin asked, glancing over his shoulder.

"She's a kid, so I'm surprised she wrote at all. Usually, the next time I hear from her is when she's yelling my name from the train in the spring."

Robin chuckled. "She must really need that invisibility spell."

"That's what I'm thinking," Holly laughed. "I just hope she's planning to use it wisely... but with that one, you never know."

"I thought you had confidence that your apprentice could handle herself," Robin said, leaning against the counter, teasingly crossing his arms.

"Well... she might be able to handle herself if she gets into trouble, but I don't have confidence she won't seek out trouble."

Robin hummed in amusement, agreeing with Holly on that claim. Turning back to his task, Robin let out a defeated sigh. "We really need a restock. Since the storm's let up, I think I'll go help Doctor Don with those who got caught with frostbite, and I'll grab some more food while I'm in town."

"Okay," Holly said, standing from her seat and following him to the mudroom as he pulled on his boots and coat. "Do you want me to teleport you to town?"

"No need. I want to take the trolly so I can say hi to Kalavee. But I'll take you up on your offer if it's not running."

"Okay," Holly said, her voice carrying a trace of disappointment that she tried to mask.

Robin tried to hide his smirk, amused by her clinginess.

"Well, just blow on your pendant if it starts storming again. I'll be there as soon as possible." Holly offered, looking up at him with a look of worry in her eyes.

"I know you will, Holly."

Robin cradled her face, bending down to give her a light kiss on the top of her head. The fur from his coat tickled her forehead, making her giggle and pull away before tugging him down for a longer kiss. Her fingers weaved through his hair as she pushed back his hood.

Robin smiled against her lips, giving her one more quick kiss before pulling away. "I'll be back soon," he said, heading down the hall toward the front door. "Anything else I can get you in town? Need more pears?"

Holly let out a small snort of amusement as she followed him. "Maybe get us some apples. I think my pear collection is getting lonely."

"Can do, my lady." Robin turned before the door, kissed the back of her hand, then pulled his necklace from under his coat and kissed it, too.

Holly smiled, reaching up to kiss him farewell before opening the door for him.

"Bye, Robin. Hurry back."

"Hah!"

A masculine voice let out a laugh from beyond the door.

Robin spun around, startled.

"Leaving already? I just got here."

A familiar face stood at the bottom of the stairs, his arms crossed and suitcase on the snowy ground beside him. His eyes flicked from Robin to Holly, lingering on her just long enough to unsettle Robin before his attention returned to Robin, giving him a knowing smirk.

Telling himself he should be excited, Robin gritted his teeth, pushing down the annoyance that had risen in his chest.

"Otto."