The Road to Forever ~ The Sequel to Modern Fairytale

An Apple a Day

The week following Robin's birthday was relatively normal for the Mills-Locksley family. Robin and Regina were busy with work. The children kept up with their chores and homework. Halloween was fast approaching, causing most of their dinner discussions to revolve around what theme their costumes would be that year.

At first, the couple worried Roland might be discouraged about the holiday due to their traumatic encounter with Marian the previous year. However, he was a strong little boy and was determined to make this the best Halloween yet. Henry was willing to be part of the family theme under one condition: he wanted Grace to be involved as well. With the addition of a new member of their group, Regina had to get creative. One night over supper, a great idea finally came to mind and she shared it with her family.

"How about the Mystery Inc?" She suggested. Robin laughed, immediately understanding the reference and clearly enjoying it. Both boys looked at her with confused expressions. She sighed, "Scooby Doo and the gang?"

Roland clapped his hands excitedly once he finally understood, "I want to be Scooby!"

Henry chuckled, "That's a cute idea, mom. I'm sure Grace wants to be Velma; she always likes the intellectual characters."

"Then that makes you Shaggy," the little boy giggled, teasing his older brother.

"Clearly. There's no way I would let him be Fred. I'd fight him for it," Robin quipped, causing his sons to roar with laughter.

"It's settled then. I can start shopping for costumes," Regina stated with relief. The holiday was just a few weeks away and it would be a challenge for her to gather the pieces they needed on such short notice.

Henry suggested, "Maybe Jefferson can help us. It's what he does for a living, after all."

His mother nodded, "Get in touch with Grace after dinner and let me know what she says. If she thinks her father would be willing to help, I'll give him a call tomorrow."

When dinner was over, the boys cleared the table and washed the dishes, as they did every night. Henry immediately retired to his room to talk to his girlfriend about their Halloween arrangements while simultaneously getting started on his homework. Roland opened his backpack and sat at the kitchen table to practice his multiplication. Regina set the coffeemaker to brew two cups for them while she watched her boys in the dining room before taking her seat with the two mugs in the living room.

"Need help, my boy?" Robin offered.

The little boy shook his head with great confidence, "Nope. I can do it."

His father shrugged with a smirk and took the seat beside his beloved on their leather sofa. He took her in his arms and held her close, each of them sipping the warm liquid while enjoying the quiet of their home. They knew by the time they finished their coffee, Roland would be ready for his shower and they'd have to tuck him in. So they allowed themselves to enjoy one another's company for that brief moment: gazing into one another's eyes, twisting their fingers together, smiling tenderly, kissing affectionately.

"Okay dad. I'm done," Roland interrupted one particularly tender moment shared between the couple; Regina stroking the outline of his lion tattoo with her head resting gently on his shoulder.

Robin sighed and she chuckled, knowing full well that he had no interest in standing from the comfort of the couch. She kissed his jaw and bit down gently, teasing him as she stood up, "Stay. I'll get him ready for bed."