A/N: This was my gift for the Advent calendar. I've added some additional material, including Robin and Regina's private Merry Little Christmas on Christmas Eve. And I've decided to break it up into chapters for easier reading.

The Christmas Engagement

Chapter 1: A Desperate Situation

Regina Mills straightened her black blazer using her reflection in the silver elevator doors as the carriage rose up through one of the tallest buildings in Maine. She had a bright red dress underneath it, the pencil skirt hugging her curves. Though Regina had fought to develop a reputation for being a capable and intelligent executive who had successfully grown her family's company thanks to a combination of good marketing, great service and even better business deals, she knew when to flaunt a little of her sexuality to help in her negotiating. She knew Leopold Blanchard had lost his wife a little over a year ago and guessed that a younger, attractive woman would hold his attention long enough for her and her sister to impress him with their offer.

"You look fine," Zelena Mills-West assured her sister. "We have a great proposal. Leopold would be hard pressed to find a better offer for his company. And he'll get to look at the both of us, which is probably going to be the highlight of his year."

"There's a lot at stake, Zelena. We probably need Blanchard Electronics more than they need us," Regina replied, keeping an eye on the floors. Once the doors opened, she knew she had to be the confident businesswoman needed to impress Leopold and she needed to leave all her doubts behind her.

Zelena nodded. "I know, Regina, but we need to be confident. We will make this deal and we will get Blanchard Electronics. Okay?"

"Okay," Regina said as the elevator stopped at their floor. She took a deep breath and when the doors opened, her game face was on. Together with Zelena, she approached the reception area. "I'm Regina Mills and this is Zelena Mills-West. We have an appointment with Leopold Blanchard."

The receptionist checked something on her computer before nodding. She stood as she said: "I'm going to show you to the conference room. Follow me, please."

She led them to a frosted glass door and used a swipe card to let them into the room. A large glass table sat in the middle of the carpeted room, leather executive chairs surrounding it except at the end opposite of them due to the large screen at that end of the room. Windows ran from wall to ceiling, letting everyone in the conference room look out at the city skyline. Gray clouds moved in, promising the first snow of the season. Regina hoped it was just a flurry and that she didn't have to worry about the snow on top of the presentation.

The receptionist motioned to a marble counter along the nearest wall, which also included a fridge and a coffee machine. A basket of granola bars and chips sat next to the sweeteners and stirrers. "Help yourself. Mr. Blanchard will be in shortly."

Once she left, Zelena approached the coffee machine. She looked back at Regina. "Do you want anything?"

"Just some water," Regina said, accepting a cold bottle from her sister. "You should just have the water too. We don't want to make a bad impression."

"Having coffee won't make a bad impression," Zelena replied, rolling her eyes as she stirred some creamer into her coffee. She then dumped a packet of sweetener into the cup before following Regina to the table.

They took two seats and Regina opened her portfolio. "Shall we go over the proposal one more time?"

Zelena sighed. "We have everything under control, Regina. Just take a deep breath, relax and be your natural brilliant self. We've got this."

"We can't leave anything to chance," Regina started to say as the door opened again. She looked up and saw the receptionist escort another woman in, telling her to help herself and to have a seat.

Regina looked over the newcomer. She was probably older than Zelena, with tanned skin and ombre hair, going from brown to blond. Her gray-blue eyes looked over Regina and Zelena before she straightened out her black dress, walking over to the table as she took a chair across from them. She pulled out her own portfolio, going through it as it seemed she pointedly ignoring the other two women in the room.

The door opened once more but this time, Leopold Blanchard entered. He was an older man with thin gray hair surrounding a bald spot that covered the top of his head. He wore a dark gray suit with a blue tie and carried a folder of papers under his arm as he closed the door behind him. Smiling, he approached the table. "Thank you for coming. I know this might be a bit unorthodox, but your bids are the two we are considering so I thought it would just be easier to meet with both of you. Consider it a friendly competition."

"Friendly?" Zelena murmured. "Is he kidding me?"

Regina kicked her sister under the table, ignoring Zelena's pained yelp as she smiled at Leopold. "Whatever you think is best. We're flexible."

"I have no objections either," the other woman said, focusing all her attention on Leopold.

He smiled, nodding. "Wonderful! I know you both know me, so let me introduce you to each other. Victoria, this is Regina Mills and Zelena West. They are the CEO and COO respectively of Fantastical Finds, the online retailer. Regina, Zelena, this is Victoria Belfrey of Belfrey Enterprises, who leases retail spaces to companies."

"Pleasure to meet you," Victoria said, though her tone and eyes said otherwise.

"Likewise," Zelena said, almost sounding sincere yet still exuding just a bit of disdain.

Leopold opened his folder. "Now that everyone knows each other, let's get down to business. I'm sure you are wondering why I'm looking to sell the company. We're doing a healthy business, able to pay our shareholders and our employees, and are trending upwards. Well, I'll be honest, I'm old."

"Nonsense," Victoria said, smiling widely. "You look like spring chicken."

"Brown-noser," Zelena muttered. Regina kicked her again, forcing her sister to swallow her painful yelp.

Leopold didn't notice as he smiled at Victoria, his chest puffing out from her flattery. "Thank you, but the number of candles on my birthday cake disagrees with you. I also want to enjoy my retirement while I still can. My daughter just had her first child and I want to spoil my grandson rotten."

"A wonderful goal," Regina said, looking smug as Victoria glared at her. Two could play at the flattery game, she thought as she smiled brightly at Leopold. "Your grandson is quite fortunate to have such a loving and devoted grandfather."

He grew misty-eyed, nodding. "I hope so. Family is very, very important to me. I had hoped to pass my business down to my children, but my wife and I were only blessed with our daughter Mary Margaret and she was called to be a teacher, not a businesswoman. That played a big part in my decision to sell Blanchard Electronics, besides in helping to expand our business and make things better for our employees. I want to make sure whoever I sell to places just as importance on family as I do."

Regina's confidence grew, realizing they could have this in the bag. "Well, as you know, Fantastical Finds is a family operation. Zelena is not just my COO but also my sister. Our parents founded the company years ago, having the foresight to realize how the internet would revolutionize the retail industry and guiding our company into the major player we are today. My sister and I took over when they retired and continue to place great emphasis on family."

"I know," Leopold said, "which is why you are one of my two finalists. Tell me, do you have families of your own?"

"I do," Victoria answered, jumping in. "My husband Marcus works with me and we have three daughters-Ivy, Anastasia and Ella, his stepdaughter from his first marriage. His first wife died and we adopted the girl."

Leopold looked very impressed, his attention drawn back to her. Zelena, though, was quick to get it back. "My husband Chad is the head of our marketing division. We have a young daughter named Margot."

"And I have a son named Henry, after my father," Regina replied, hoping that would be enough. It was for her, after all.

"What about your husband?" Leopold asked. He then made a face before adding: "Or wife. Spouse. Partner. Whatever. I've been told I need to be more accepting of non-traditional families."

His tone, though, suggested he wanted to do anything but that. It was clear he considered a family to be a husband, wife and children. Probably even a dog. He seemed like a dog person to Regina.

She held her head high and settled on a vague but honest answer. "It's just Henry and me."

"I see," he replied, struggling to keep the disdain from his voice. He picked up the papers. "Well, I've reviewed your proposals and I am aiming to make my decision after the holidays. I am hoping to get to know your families and your companies, especially with the holidays coming up. I know they can be a busy time but nothing says family like Christmas."

"I absolutely agree," Victoria replied.

Zelena jumped in. "So do Regina and I."

Regina saw her opening and took it. "In fact, Zelena and I would like to invite you and your family to join us for Fantastical Find's annual holiday party. It's for all the employees and their families are invited as well. We all can mingle together and celebrate the end of another year."

"I would love to come," Leopold said, looking very pleased. "I will check with my daughter and her family but I'm sure they would love to come as well."

"We look forward to having you," Zelena added.

Victoria had a sour look on her face and a thrill rushed through Regina. It seemed they were able to get one up on her but she knew she couldn't rest easy just yet. She and Zelena still had to convince Leopold that it was best for his company to merge with theirs and she was certain Victoria would come up with some way to impress Leopold, to spend some time with him and show off her family. They would have to remain vigilant.

Leopold closed his portfolio. "Ladies, I thank you for coming down today and I look forward to spending more time with all of you in the coming weeks. Have a good afternoon."

Everyone stood and Leopold shook Victoria's hand, speaking with her in a low voice. She put on her fake smile again and nodded a lot before leaving the conference room.

Regina and Zelena stepped forward, both extending their hands to shake Leopold's. He shook Zelena's first before turning to Regina, his eyes looking over her body in a way that made her uncomfortable-even though she had chosen to be a bit more sensual to keep his attention. This, though, was a bit too much for her. She felt as if he were looking right through her clothes and she felt exposed.

"So, no husband?" he asked, though this time it didn't sound like he was judging her for not having his idea of the perfect family. It sounded more like he was fishing, probably about to invite her for dinner and some drinks.

There was a lot she would do for her company but she drew the line at sex.

"No, not yet," she replied, her mind spinning. She then found herself saying: "I am engaged, though."

"You are?" he asked, eyes widening as Zelena nearly choked on her coffee.

She wiped her mouth, glaring at Regina. "What are you doing?" she hissed.

In for a penny, in for a pound, Regina decided. She put on a big smile. "Sorry, we haven't announced anything which is why I didn't mention him earlier."

"Of course," Leopold said, relaxing a bit though he looked disappointed. "I look forward to meeting him at the holiday party. Or earlier. I do enjoy many of Storybrooke's holiday traditions. I hope to see you there."

"We will be," Regina replied, understanding his meaning. "And I'm sure my fiancé will be very happy to meet you too."

He brightened. "Great! Have your secretary send mine all the information about your party and they can work everything out."

"Will do," she replied, shaking his hand again.

As he shook Zelena's hand, he offered to escort them to the elevators. They exchanged a few pleasantries as they walked out of the conference room and made the short trip to the elevators. He wished them a good afternoon and left them as an elevator arrived to take them back down to the lobby.

Once the doors of the elevator closed, Zelena whirled on her. Her eyes blazed as she asked: "What the fuck was that, Regina?"

"I don't know," Regina said, grimacing. "I panicked. The way he was eyeing me..."

"He was sizing you up like you were a rare T-bone steak," her sister agreed. She then scowled. "Still, you lied about having a fiancé. What are you going to do when he doesn't see you around town with a fiancé? Or when he shows up to our party and there is no fiancé?"

Regina sighed, letting her head hit the wood paneling on the back of the elevator. "I know, I know. It came out before I could really stop myself and then I just kept digging the hole."

Zelena nodded, leaning against the wall next to her. "Look, sisters forever, right? I'll help you however you want to play this."

"Thanks, Zelena," Regina replied, briefly resting her head against her sister's shoulder. "I just need to mull it over for a bit, okay?"

"Okay. I'm here to talk when you're ready," Zelena told her.

The doors opened and Regina lifted her head, holding it high. She knew she had created a mess but she would figure out how to clean it up before it could jeopardize her company's bid with Leopold.

She just wasn't sure how.

Robin Locksley followed the slowest moving old man he had ever met into the parking lot. His thin white button-shirt, black pants and green apron did little to keep out the biting late November cold. His fingers grew numb as he carried a big box filled with bags of groceries packed inside them. The old man insisted that his grandson was going to meet him at home to help him bring the groceries inside but Robin still had his doubts. Yet he couldn't go home with the man, so he had to trust that the grandson was going to honor his commitment to his grandfather as they arrived at the man's car. He opened the trunk and Robin placed the box inside, closing it again for him.

"There you go," Robin said, turning to the man. "Are you sure your grandson will be waiting for you?"

"I am," the old man replied. He held out a shaky hand, a ten dollar bill between his thin fingers. "For your trouble."

Robin shook his head. "Just doing my job. Why don't you spend that on your grandson instead?"

"I spend plenty on him," the man insisted. "And not everyone in that store would carry my food out for me. You're one of the very few. They should pay you more. Maybe put you in charge."

Robin agreed with him for the last part. He had applied for manager positions during his employment with Lionheart Foods but had never been selected for an interview. After the last one, he had gone to John Lionheart, one of the store's owners, and asked what he needed to do to advance at the store. John had laid it all out for him and pretty much told him that he would never be management material. Robin had considered finding another job but he knew he was lucky to have the job he did. It allowed him to feed, clothe and shelter his son as well as gave him the flexible schedule he needed as a single father to a young boy. Robin also liked working in the store, so he accepted that he was going to be stuck in the same position until he retired.

Now, though, he forced a smile onto his face. "Store management does its best. I'm just happy to help."

The older man shook his head as he headed for the driver seat, brushing past Robin. "You need to be more ambitious, young man. Don't waste your life where they don't appreciate you."

"I'll keep that in mind," Robin replied. "Thank you."

Once the man closed the door and started his car, Robin turned and headed back into the store. He stuffed his hands in his apron pockets, pausing and closing his eyes as his fingers wrapped around what was clearly a ten dollar bill. The man must've dropped it into his pocket when he brushed past Robin. Sneaky bastard.

Sighing, he headed into the store. Warmth washed over him and his fingers felt as if they were being poked by several pins. He glanced at the clock and realized his shift was over for the day. Robin headed toward the backroom, already untying his apron as he approached the door. The quicker he clocked out and got his coat on, the quicker he would get to his son.

Will stood at the kiosk, clocking into his shift. He glanced over his shoulder and nodded at Robin. "Have a good shift?"

"Yeah, I guess so. Only one spill and I didn't run into Keith once. Also, some guy tipped me ten dollars for carrying his groceries to his car." Robin held up the bill as he grinned.

Will let out a low whistle. "What are you going to do with it?"

"What I usually do." Robin walked over to the red can marked Donations and dropped the money inside it.

His friend and coworker shook his head. "You're a good man, Robin."

"There's a lot of talking going on back here." Keith Nott, their manager, entered the breakroom. He crossed his arms as he glared at the two of them. "We don't pay you to stand around and gossip like little old ladies."

Robin clenched his jaw. Keith was probably the least qualified manager in the store and it still stung that he had been promoted over Robin. However, Keith was perpetual suck up who managed to become a favorite of Prince John and so many of his flaws were overlooked in favor of keeping him around. Even though he had driven off employees with his brash attitude and had cost them customers with curt responses, he was still employed and was still a manager. The rumor amongst the employees who had no choice but to stay was that he had some sort of blackmail material on Prince John, which had guaranteed him job security. Robin didn't usually put stock into such rumors but as incident upon incident occurred, he had to start believing there might be some truth to after all.

"Well?" Keith asked, sneering at them. "Locksley, your shift is over. Clock out and leave. We don't pay you to dawdle."

"Yes, sir," Robin replied, trying not to spit the words out. He turned to the kiosk, signing in and hitting the clock out button.

Behind him, he then heard Keith say: "Get out on the floor, Scarlet. Chat on your own time."

"What's wrong, Nott?" Will taunted, making Robin close his eyes. He tried to telepathically tell his friend to back off but since telepathy didn't exist, it didn't work. Will continued: "Can't stand the reminder that no one likes you?"

"Will," Robin warned, turning around as his stomach clenched. Will and Keith both had tempers and when they interacted, it was like throwing a match onto gasoline. Fights between them often came close to blows and Robin worried that one day, Will would push Keith too far and would get hurt or fired.

Keith stepped closer, his face growing red. "Care to repeat that?"

"No. One. Likes. You," Will repeated, enunciating each word. "Doesn't mean you can go penalizing us for socializing just cause no one wants you to join in..."

Robin darted forward, his heart speeding up when he saw Keith pull his arm back. He caught the man's fist in his own hand, pain spreading through his arm at the impact. Doing his best not to grimace, he stared Keith down. "Do you really want to send an employee with a black eye out onto the floor? Do you really want to deal with those questions?"

"This is none of your business, Locksley," Keith hissed. "Let go and leave me to deal with Scarlet. You can't save him."

"I'm trying to save you. I doubt even Prince John will be able to save your ass when it comes out you beat up an employee," Robin pointed out, hoping he could reason with the man. "Not to mention any criminal charges that may stem from it…"

He stared down Keith and saw the doubt fill the man's eyes. Robin let go of his fist and Keith lowered it to his side, though he continued to scowl. "Fine. But Scarlet better watch his back. We all have to finish work some time."

Keith turned, stalking out of the room. Robin turned to Will, anger coursing through him. "Why do you keep needling him like that? You trying to get fired? Or worse?"

Will, for his part, did look contrite. "Sorry, Rob. You know my mouth sometimes works faster than my common sense."

"I do," Robin said, some of his anger dissipating. "But you need to keep your mouth shut sometimes. Don't give him reason to go after you. Okay?"

"Yeah," Will said, sighing. He shook his head. "It ain't fair, Rob. You ought to be manager. You're a lot better at everything then he is."

Robin sighed. "I learned long ago that life isn't fair. You can either get angry or make the best of it. I've chosen to make the best of it."

Will gave him a small smile. "You really are a good man, Robin."

"I'm trying to be," Robin replied. He clapped Will on the shoulder. "Now get out there. And make sure you leave with someone. Don't give Keith a chance to corner you. Got it?"

"Yeah. I think Alan and I are supposed to leave at the same time. I'll go with him," Will promised. "Thanks, Robin."

Robin went to his locker, placing his apron inside as he shrugged on his green coat. He wrapped his gray scarf around his neck as he closed the locker, heading toward the door as he pulled on his gloves. The door led to the small employee parking lot in the back of the building and he pulled out his keys, unlocking the door to his SUV. He climbed in and started the car, blasting the heat though it would take some time for the car to warm up.

As he waited for the heat to kick in, he pulled off a glove with his teeth and texted Belle to let her know he was on his way. She quickly responded that they would see him soon and that Roland was enjoying some arts and crafts right now. It made him smile and he set his phone on a stand before pulling out of his spot, ready to pick up his son.

Roland was the light of his life, especially as it was just him after a terrible car accident took his mother from them. His smile always lit up Robin's day, no matter how bad it may have been, and his joy was infectious. They had a special bond and Robin promised to make sure his son had everything he needed. Roland didn't seem to need much, happy with the simple things in life. All he really wanted and needed, for now, was his father's love and attention—both of which Robin was able to give him in spades.

The French-Gold house was not far from the grocery store and Robin pulled into the sprawling driveway, turning off the car. Looking at the quaint two-story cottage with its wraparound porch, it wouldn't be obvious that the family was extremely well off. Edgar Gold had recently retired as the Chief Financial Officer of Fantastical Finds, the second biggest employer in Storybrooke after the cannery, and had acquired more than enough wealth to care for Belle and their young son Gideon. He and Robin were civil to each other but wouldn't consider the other a "friend." There was something about the man that always put Robin on edge and he never could take Gold at face value. Yet he knew Gold truly loved Belle and the fact he built her a dream house rather than just buying one of the McMansions in the upscale part of town proved it to him.

He had also built her a photography studio so she could continue her passion as a photographer though motherhood had temporary sidelined her from her travels. It had its own entrance and Robin went to the door at the side of the house, knocking on it twice. He bounced on his feet as he waited for her to answer.

Belle opened the door, smiling at him. Her auburn hair was pulled into a high ponytail, her curls still swishing from her movements. She wore a gold colored turtleneck paired with brown slacks, looking like she just stepped out of a catalogue. Robin often teased her that she should be in front of the camera rather than behind it which she usually just waved off with a joke of her own.

She hugged him, ushering him inside. "I'm so glad you're here! I have something for you."

"Besides my son?" he asked, grinning at her.

"Besides him," she replied, laughing as they headed down the stairs to her studio. She had the plain white backdrop up and a single black stool set up, but the lights were off and her camera was away. Any sessions she had were long over, he could tell.

She pulled out a manila folder from a cabinet drawer and waved it around. "Remember those pictures I took of you a few weeks ago?"

He rubbed his neck. "You have to be a bit more specific, Belle. You take a lot of pictures of me."

Robin had been one of her favorite models since Marian had introduced him to her. Belle said he was incredibly photogenic and that the camera loved him. She often called him when she needed someone to pose for her and he was happy to oblige her. Though he didn't think he could be a professional model, it was fun to pretend he was one for a few hours as he spent time with a good friend.

"The one where I took close ups of you?" she asked, trying to jog his memory.

He recalled sitting on the black stool sometime around Halloween as she just took pictures of him from the shoulders up. "Yeah. What were they for anyway?"

She bit her lips, her eyes shining with excitement. Belle opened the envelope and pulled one out, holding it up for Robin to see. "Your own headshots!"

It was a classy black and white picture where Robin looked at the camera, not smiling. She had instructed him to look like he was staring at a woman he found irresistible and his smolder came through the lens. He took it, admitting to himself that he almost looked like a professional.

Still, he knew why she had had them made and he scowled. "I told you, Belle, I'm never going to be a professional model. I'm over forty. Pretty sure that makes me ancient in that world."

"You're not ancient," she told him. She sighed. "Look, I don't think you're going to suddenly become a superstar. But I know you can get steady work. You have a look people love. In fact, I've had some clients specifically request you. I think it would be a great way to earn some extra money. There's even an agent I can put you in contact with…"

The prospect of extra money was tempting. He could use it to treat Roland a bit more, maybe even save it up so they could finally take a vacation. Robin wanted to take him to Disney World while he still had his childhood wonder and belief. Posing for Belle or another photographer seemed like an easy enough way to get there sooner rather than later.

She smiled in triumph. "You're considering it."

"Some extra money would be nice," he told her, "but I really don't think modeling is for me."

He tried to hand her the headshot back but she shook her head. "Keep it. You never know when you might need it. And I'll keep the extras. Just in case."

"If it makes you happy," Robin said, shrugging. "Now, can I get my son?"

Belle laughed as she placed the other headshots on the cabinet. "Of course. Come on upstairs."

She led him into the main part of the house and he heard laughter coming from the living room. Robin walked over to the room, leaning against the doorframe as he watched Roland and Gideon playing together. They held foam swords in their hands and were fighting Gideon's stuffed dragon. He waited until they knocked the dragon over, walking into the room as they cheered about how they saved the kingdom.

"Well done, Sir Roland and Sir Gideon!" Robin told them, kneeling to get on their eye level.

"Papa!" Roland's face brightened even more and he threw himself into his father's arms. He hugged him tightly. "You're here!"

Robin chuckled as Gideon also went to hug him, exclaiming: "Uncle Robin!"

Hugging the two boys, Robin kissed his son's head. "I am here. Are you ready to go home?"

"Does he have to?" Gideon asked, looking crestfallen.

Robin cupped the back of the boy's head. "I'm afraid so. But how about I arrange for a sleepover soon?"

"I think that sounds like a great idea," Belle said, entering the room with Roland's coat as both boys cheered. She laughed as she handed the coat to Robin. "Just give me a call later and we can check our calendars."

He nodded, holding out the coat so Roland could put his arms into the sleeves. Once it was on, he zipped it closed. Gently tapping his son's nose, Robin said: "Say 'thank you' to your Aunt Belle, Roland."

"Thank you, Aunt Belle," Roland parroted, hugging her. "I love coming to visit you."

"I love having you and your father here," she replied, hugging him back.

Robin picked up his son and took the little backpack he had sent with Roland that morning. After kissing Belle's cheek, he headed toward her front door. She let him out and watched as he buckled Roland into his booster seat. Robin waved to her before climbing into the driver's seat. He started the car and smiled at Roland. "Ready to go home?"

"Yep!" Roland said, bouncing his legs against the booster seat. "Can we go slow though? I want to see if there are any Christmas lights up!"

"Well, I can't go too slow but I promise to not go too fast so you can look. Okay?" Robin put the car into reverse and carefully backed down the driveway. He was able to pull out into the street with no problem and started to head toward home.

There weren't many houses decorated yet and Roland was disappointed when they got to their house. Robin unbuckled him, trying to cheer him up. "It's still early, my boy. There's plenty of time until Christmas, so I'm sure we'll see more as we get closer."

"Okay," Roland said, still dejected. "I like looking at them."

Robin sighed, closing the door and locking the car. He glanced at own undecorated cottage and came up with an idea. "Why don't we decorate our house this weekend? So when you come home, you're guaranteed to see one decorated house."

"That sounds great!" Roland said. He smiled again and Robin was glad he was able to cheer up his son.

They entered the house and Robin helped Roland take off his coat and shoes. He motioned toward the living room. "Why don't you play quietly while I get dinner ready?"

"Okay, Papa." Roland hugged him before heading off to the living room.

Robin took off his own shoes and coat before taking Roland's backpack into the kitchen to empty it. He saw there were messages on his phone and he hit the play button as he unzipped the bag.

"Hey, Robin, it's John. I'll send you a text too but I just wanted to give you a head's up. I'm hosting a poker game on Friday night. Let me know if you can make it." Beep!

Chuckling, Robin pulled out his phone to see there was a text from his friend. Maybe Belle would be able to have that sleepover Friday night. It had been a while since he was able to have a poker night with his buddies as they were unmarried and usually able to plan it last minute, leaving Robin little time to find childcare. He appreciated John for planning ahead. A night of fun, beer and fun with a little gambling in between sounded like a mini-vacation.

"Robin, it's your father. We need to talk. Call me back so we can discuss…"

Leaning over, Robin deleted that message before it finished. He hadn't spoke to his father in years. The man had tried his hardest to dictate the life he believed Robin should live which had led to a rebellion when Robin hit his university years. His life had jumped off the tracks then but several people, including Marian, had helped him right it. With their support, he also recognized how toxic his father was and had cut him out of his life. Yet every so often, he tried to worm his way back into it.

Robin blocked every attempt.

He didn't care what his father had to say this time and he put it out of his mind. Instead, he was going to make dinner for his son, who he made sure knew how loved he was every day. Robin wanted Roland to live his own life and discover who he was as a person, not to be some clone of either of his parent. Above all, he wanted Roland to be happy.

Which was why he was going to decorate his house that weekend, just to see his son smile. After all, it was Christmas, the season of love and giving.