Comfort Food

Family Reunion

Regina gripped her passport as she stood on line at customs, wishing Robin was there with her. He, though, held dual citizenship and so was standing on the citizen line. She knew she had nothing to worry about—she wasn't trying to sneak anything into the country—but it was still unnerving to go through customs anywhere.

"Next," a custom agent barked, his accent familiar and yet foreign at the same time.

She stepped up, handing him her passport. He scanned it. "Regina Mary Mills, from Maine. What brings you to Nottingham?"

"I'm visiting my boyfriend's family," she replied.

He nodded. "Are you bringing any food into the country? I'd hate to have to confiscate your 'Please like me' cake."

"No," Regina replied, shifting on her feet. She wasn't sure if he was being funny or not.

"Okay, then." He handed her passport back. "Enjoy your visit. And good luck with the family."

She thanked him and headed out to the baggage claim. Robin waited for her, his coat in his hand and carryon over his shoulder. He smiled as she approached. "Not bad, right?"

"No," she replied. "But I'll be glad when we go home and we're both on the same line."

Robin chuckled, leading her to the carousel their bags were to come out on. They stood close together, watching the conveyor belt for their luggage. He pulled hers off first as it passed by and then grabbed his as well. "At least they were close together."

"An airport miracle," Regina replied, taking her luggage to wheel out. "So where's the car rental?"

"This way, according to the sign." Robin looked up before leading her down one corridor. They rolled their luggage behind them, each clasping onto their carry-ons as well as their coats. It had started to get warm when they were leaving Maine but Robin had warned her it would most likely still be chilled in England.

He rented them a car, a small sedan, and helped her put her luggage in what he called the "boot." She chuckled. "I don't think I'll get used to the different words here."

"Don't worry, no one is expecting you to be an expert just yet." He closed the boot and turned to her with a smile. "I'm sure we'll have you speaking like a Brit before the two weeks are up."

She chuckled, going to climb into the car. He stopped her, shaking his head. "Other side, love. Remember?"

Glancing in the window, she saw the steering wheel. Regina nodded, heading around for the door her mind told her should be the driver's. She climbed in, buckling herself in as Robin did the same. "Did it take you long to remember which side was which in America?"

"It did," he said, starting the car. "Sometimes it still feels strange to be driving on the other side."

"Are you happy to be home?"

He glanced over at her. "I'm happy to be with you. And to see my grandparents."

"I hope they like me."

"They already do after all those hours on Skype."

She sighed. "There's a difference between talking to someone for like an hour here or there on Skype and staying with them."

Robin took her hand, guiding the car one-handed. "They like you, Regina. And I'm sure this week will only strengthen their feelings for you."