The Nanny

The Calm Before the Storm

Robin's party stretched into the night. He lit the fire pit and Regina sat by it, wrapped in one of his jackets. She had Roland in her lap, helping him roast a marshmallow while Robin sat behind her, rubbing her back as he spoke with Killian and Emma. They were sharing a chair, curled up under a blanket together.

"Is it ready yet?" Roland asked her, growing impatient.

She smiled. "Pull it out and we'll check."

He did as she instructed and they inspected the marshmallow. It was a nice golden brown color and she nodded. "It's ready. Just be careful as it's going to be hot."

"I will," Roland promised, blowing on the marshmallow before taking a tentative bite.

She leaned back against Robin and he wrapped his arms around her middle, resting his chin on her shoulder. "He should probably go to bed soon."

"No!" Roland whipped around, frowning at his father. "I'm not tired and the party isn't over."

"You're a growing boy who needs his sleep," Robin insisted. "So finish your marshmallow and then I'll put you to bed."

Jane leaned forward. "I'll put him to bed, Robin. You and Regina stay out here with your guests. How does that sound, Roland?"

"No! I want to stay up with everyone else," he protested.

Regina frowned, sensing a tantrum coming on from the overstimulated boy. "Okay, you need to go to bed."

"I think most of us will be right behind you," Emma assured Roland, stretching. "I know I feel ready for bed myself."

Killian nodded, sitting up. "I'll take you home."

"Not with how much you've had to drink," Robin admonished. "You two can stay here in the mansion. I insist."

"Besides, we set Daddy up in a room. You really don't have to rush home," Regina added as Roland continued to stew in her arms.

Emma sighed in relief. "Oh, that sounds wonderful. Thanks, Robin."

"I still don't want to go to bed," Roland protested, pouting. It lost some of its potency though with the marshmallow goo around his lips.

Robin stood and scooped up his son. "Enough of that, Roland. You're going to bed and you have your choice—Gran or me."

"Gran." He sighed before kissing his father goodnight. Once Robin put him down, Roland climbed up and kissed Regina's cheek. "Good night."

Emma stood. "I think I'm going to follow you to bed, Roland. It's been an exciting day."

"I'll join you," Killian said, standing as well. "Good night, everyone."

Regina watched them walk off as Robin grabbed the blanket Killian and Emma left behind. He wrapped it around them and pulled her down against him. "This has been the best birthday I've had in a long time," he said.

"Good," she replied, curling against him as she watched the smoke curl into the night sky. "I'm sorry for the secrets."

"Secrets? I had no clue about any of this and didn't suspect anything," he replied.

"Not even that time you came to my room?"

He paused before asking: "You weren't doing something for your father?"

"No," she said before reconsidering. "Well, I was. But I had also been finalizing a few things for your party."

"It's okay, lovely. Look, I'll admit I thought you were being a little secretive but I had no reason not to trust you," he said, tucking a piece of hair behind her ear.