The Hotel

Memories

Happy birthday, GlindaLovesShoes!

This should help clear up the Christmas chapter a bit as I know some people were confused about how Robin got his memories back.

"You have the best cheering section here." Ian nudged Bobby as they prepped their bows.

Bobby gave his friend a little push before glancing over his shoulder. Regina sat on the sidelines, wrapped in the green plaid blanket from his truck. Their boys flanked her, bundled up so they were wearing gloves as they held up the signs they had made earlier. Both already cheered for him even though the competition hadn't started.

Regina gave him a little wave, her cheeks already pink from the brisk autumn wind, and he returned it with a smile. "I do, don't I?" he replied.

"You're a very lucky man, Bobby Locke," Ian said, shaking his head.

"I know," he replied. "Trust me, I know."

The moderator, an older man named Teller, stepped onto the pitch. "Entry is now closed. Competitors, please take your marks."

Bobby and Ian hit theirs, side by side, and readied their bows. They waited for Teller to continue with his instructions.

"The competitor to reach three hundred in ten rounds wins," Teller announced. "Archers, begin!"

Bobby let his first arrow fly, pleased when it landed in the bullseye. He fired off two more arrows before the round ended. Relaxing, Bobby let the volunteers tally up the scores before retrieving his arrows.

As he returned to his mark, he saw his cheering section again. Henry and Roland jumped around, waving their signs as they shouted out his name. Regina sat behind them, clapping as hard as she could. Despite the gray blustery day, she lit up the area with her smile. Bobby thought she was absolutely beautiful.

*****

The rest of the competition flew by with Bobby hitting the bullseye every time. After each round, he made sure to check his cheering squad. The boys were still dancing around but Regina was now holding their signs. Her smile, though, never wavered.

"Okay," Teller said. "We have a tie between Bobby Locke and Ian Little. That means sudden death. Three rounds, whoever hits the bullseye the most wins. Gentlemen, shake hands please."

Bobby shook Ian's hand. "May the best man win."

"I intend to," Ian quipped. He clapped Bobby on the shoulder before heading back to his mark.

Back on his own, Bobby nocked his arrow. Taking a deep breath, he let it fly on his exhale. He repeated that several times, his bow's string singing.

"Time!" Teller yelled. He studied their targets, grinning. "Looks like Bobby gets to keep his crown."

Ian groaned good-naturedly before shaking his hand. "I'll get you one of these days," he said.

"Maybe," Bobby replied with a grin. "I look forward to it."

"So shall we head to Granny's? I believe we owe this winner a dinner." Al grabbed Bobby's shoulders, giving him a victory shake.

He shrugged off his friend, giving everyone an apologetic smile. "I have plans with Regina and the boys."

"Papa!" Roland ran up to him, throwing his arms around him. Henry was right behind him, hugging Bobby as well.

Regina approached, grinning. "Still the champion."

"Yes," he replied, smirking. "So I believe I get a reward?"

She rolled her eyes before grabbing his jacket lapels. With a forceful tug, she crashed her lips against his. He cupped the back of her head, enjoying his victory kiss. It was his favorite part of competing now.