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Three Weeks After 4x10

*Marcus’ P.O.V*

I can’t believe I left my life in New York. I thought I was doing a noble cause, taking down a child predator ring in L.A., taking terrible people off the streets, but every time I sit at this job, I can’t get Robyn’s face out of my head, the night I left. She was so vulnerable her walls had finally come down, and just like that, I ruined it. My only hope is that I haven’t messed up my chance with the love of my life.

*Robyn’s P.O.V.*

To say I’m heartbroken is an understatement. I poured my heart out to Marcus. And our line of work got in the way. On top of that, Mel is done with equalizing, and that means I’m on my own in more ways than one. Will equalizing always get in the way of everything?

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*Robyn’s P.O.V.*

My phone pings, and it’s a text from Harry: there’s an urgent case, a missing child. I get up, shower, moisturize, pick out an outfit, a red tracksuit, put my hair in a ponytail, put in my signature gold hoops, and go downstairs. As I go down the stairs, I hear laughter from Aunt Vi, Dee, and…. Miles. With everything going on, I forgot that Miles and Dee had a breakfast date. “Good Morning, Mom, Dee says as I enter the kitchen. “Hey, baby girl.” “Good Morning, Robyn.” “Good Morning, Miles.” I feel what Miles meant in that good morning. I hate to leave this moment so soon, but I have a meeting, so I will see you when I get home, I say as I leave the kitchen.

*At the Bar*

I quickly say hello to Mel. God knows, I miss her on the team, but I understand that she needs to prioritize her mental health. After that, I sit down and meet with our new client and get to work.

*After the Case*

I came home through the back when no one was downstairs, so they wouldn’t see how bad I looked. This case almost took me out; everything hurts. I walk to the kitchen and put my hands under the running faucet. As I turned the faucet off and turned around and Miles was right there.

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*Robyn’s P.O.V.*

Miles immediately jumped into assessing the damage of the wounds. He wanted me to go to the hospital, but I said no for obvious reasons. He says I need stitches on my side, but overall, I’ll survive. Miles asked about my team, and I said I no longer have one. Saying that statement out loud was a reality shock. How can I help everyone else, but not myself? I need a break from equalizing for a while, and I’d like to spend some time with my family, especially since it’s the last year with my baby girl before she heads off to college.

After Miles fixes me up, I slowly go upstairs to my room, go to my bathroom, and take a shower, careful not to get my stitches wet. I get out, moisturize the best I can with my injuries, and put on a sleep dress, then go to bed.

*In the Morning *

I wake up to my entire body hurting. This case was hard on my body. I texted Harry that the equalizer is on sabbatical. He texted to see how long and didn’t have an answer for him. All I know is I am taking a break to be with my family. I get up, shower, and try to clean up enough so that Aunt Vi and Dee don’t ask too many questions. I make my way downstairs, where Aunt Vi and Dee are already having breakfast. I enter the kitchen and am greeted with a hug from Dee, which makes me grimace, but I try to hide it, and I enjoy the embrace from my baby girl. Aunt Vi fixes me a plate, and I thank her. “Do you have any meetings today, Dee asked. “No, I don’t, and I don’t know if I will again.” “What do you mean, Robyn Aunt Vi asked. “I am taking a break from equalizing for a while, I say. A silence fell over the room. “Mom, why are you taking a break?” “These past few weeks have been a lot on me from Mel not being on the team anymore, and Detective Dante being in L.A. I haven’t felt like myself. And the case I finished last night put a lot in perspective. “What happened that made you come to this decision? Aunt Vi asks. “It was nothing that I couldn’t handle, but it had some close calls.” “Mom, are you sure you want this?” “Yes, this is what I want for now, I say with certainty. “Dee, it’s your last year at home before you’re off to college, and I have already missed so many moments in your life. And while I can’t make up for them, I want to make the most of the time we have left. I am not only taking this sabbatical just for myself, but for my family. After I said that, I think Aunt Vi and Dee understood. “Okay, Mom, if this is what you want, I support you.” “I second that, Aunt Vi says. I feel relieved knowing that my family supports my decision. It’s official, the Equalizer is on sabbatical!

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*Harry’s P.O.V.*

It’s been three days since Robyn went on a break from equalizing. Mel has told me not to worry and that the team needs time to focus on themselves; when the time is right, we will come back together. Robyn has been through a lot, and the last case was a doozy—one she almost didn’t make it out of. Perhaps this break will be beneficial for all of us.

*Marcus’ P.O.V.*

My mind has been everywhere but work. I miss New York. L.A. is cool, it has great food, beaches, beautiful sunsets, but what is that if you have no one to share it with? The boys are staying in New York with Vanessa. I didn’t want to uproot their lives for the job. Kyler is struggling with Basketball, and I am not there to help him. Stefon is fine, but I know he misses me, but doesn’t say it. I made a mistake taking this job. What’s more, money when you’re away from everything and everyone you love? What’s helping other people if you can’t be there for your people? After we complete this case, I will be quitting. I would rather be at a desk for the rest of my career if it meant I could be with my boys and Robyn. I wonder how Robyn is. I don’t know if she will pick up my call or answer my text, so I call Harry to check on her. Harry picks up the phone with a “What’s up, Hollywood?” I have to laugh at it because it’s just so Harry. He asked if I had been to Roscoe’s on Ninth Street. I told him that the location when I get the time.

I asked him how Robyn is, and the line went silent. I check if he hung up or if something went wrong with the connection. “Harry, are you still there, I say into the phone. “Um, yeah, I don’t know how she is because she kind of quit equalizing.” Robyn quit equalizing?!?, I exclaimed. “Well, she didn’t quit, but she is on a break that does not have an end date.” “What happened to make her make such an abrupt decision?” “The last few weeks have been a lot for her. You left, Mel quit the team, and the last case was a close call for Robyn.” “Close Case, how?” “Close case, as in, she almost didn’t make it out.” I don’t know what to say. Robyn almost didn’t make it. The reality makes my heart ache. “Look, man, all I know is she misses you and that she needs the time to regroup and spend time with her family.” “I get that, look, Harry, I’ve got to go, I need time to think, I say. With that, I hung up the phone.

Chapter Text

*Robyn’s P.O.V.*

It’s been a week since I took a break from equalizing, and it has been interesting to say the least. I’ve had ample time to reflect on everything. I need to go back to therapy. For a long time, I felt that I was fine, I had moved on from everything, but with Bishop’s death, Michele being alive and on the loose, Marcus Dante, and Mel’s departure from the team, I needed to process this with a professional. I called Dr. Roszak to see if she had an appointment available, and fortunately, she had an opening at 2 pm today, and I gladly accepted it. It’s time to pour into my cup.

*At the Appointment*

Hi, Robyn, it’s been a while. How are you doing? Dr. Roszak asked. “I’ve been better, Dr. Roszak, I say. Let’s start with what has brought you back to therapy?” “There is a lot, um, a few weeks ago I thought my life was finally coming together, I had my team, my family, and…… “And, Robyn?, Dr. Roszak interjected. “And, a man I thought would stay, I said with a shaky voice, trying not to cry. “And, all of it is gone?” “It’s complicated. After a bad case, Mel decided that she was done equalizing, which meant I was alone on the field. Harry helps where he can, but he isn’t Mel. And the last case I worked, I almost didn’t make it, which made me take a break from equalizing.”

“You mentioned a man you thought would stay. Would you elaborate on that? Dr. Roszak asked. Yeah, his name is Marcus, and we met at the precinct where he worked as a detective. When we first met, he was on a mission to take me down as the equalizer, but then something changed; he started to see my work as something necessary in the world, and that justice isn’t always black and white. Between helping each other with cases and talking outside of them, we grew something that we didn’t expect, but didn’t want to end. “What happened to make it end then?” “He moved to L.A. for a special agent position in the FTF.” “How did that make you feel, Robyn?” “It makes me feel like I failed.” “Why do you feel like you failed?” “Because I was vulnerable with someone who didn’t value it, I said. “Vulnerable, How?” “I told him that I needed him, and he still left, I said. “And that was a big step for you. Why?” “Because I don’t like needing people, it feels better to be the person who is needed, I said. “Well then, that’s your homework, lean on the people in your life, they already want to help, Robyn.” It’s okay to need people; you can’t be strong all the time, and when you start feeling weak, that’s when you need your people the most. Marcus might have left you vulnerable, but not everybody has. You still have your family, right?” Yes, I answered. “Then, those are the people you lean on, let them in, Dr. Roszak said. “I will try my best, Dr. Roszak. “And another homework assignment for you is to go on a vacation; you have been saving everyone else, now it’s time for you to save yourself.”

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*Robyn’s P.O.V.*

My therapy session went well. Dr.Roszak told me what I needed to hear. I have focused on saving everyone else and neglecting myself. I have also been neglecting the people in my life by not letting them in. Dr. Roszak also told me I need to go on vacation. I can’t even remember the last time I traveled for anything other than work. And the last time I was supposed to have a vacation, I stayed back to help Marcus. I hate that I miss him. But I can’t focus on him right now. I need to focus on the people who haven’t left, and that means I need to make a trip to a bar.

*At the Bar*

I walk into the bar and I see Mel and Harry tidying up. “Robyn!, Mel and Harry exclaim at the same time. They come and embrace me as if they haven’t seen me in years. It’s only been a week since we last saw each other, but I have missed them. “Can we talk? I asked. They gladly accept my company. “How have you been, Robyn?, Mel said. “I’ve been good, Mel, I say. “I am so sorry that I wasn’t there to cover you last time, Robyn, Mel said. “Mel, it’s fine, I’m fine. “But I wasn’t there, and you could have…. “Mel, I am still alive, and you were taking care of yourself.” “Look, Mel, when you quit the team, I am not gonna lie, it hurt, but I knew that you needed to do it.” “The results of the last case were not your fault, I say. “The previous case gave me a different outlook on life, and right now I need to focus on me and my family.” “I get that, Robyn, but remember, we’re your family, too, Harry said. “Beyond equalizing, we love you, Robyn Mel said. “I love you both, too, I say. “How about you come over for dinner tonight? I ask. “If Aunt Vi is cooking, we will be there, Harry said. Mel and I laughed at Harry’s comment. “Then, I will see you tonight, I say, getting one more hug before leaving.

*At Robyn’s House*

I enter the house, hearing laughter coming from the kitchen. When I get to the kitchen, I see Aunt Vi, Dee, and Miles. “Hello, Robyn, Miles has been entertaining us with his comedy, Aunt Vi says. “Dad, tell her about the nurse who didn’t want to be a doctor, Dee says. “Oh yeah, she just didn’t have patients, Miles adds. The joke isn’t funny, but I chuckle just to oblige him. “Dad, don’t you have that thing tonight? Dee asked. “Yeah, I gotta get going, before I’m late, but Robyn, can I chat with you for a minute? Miles asked. “Um, sure, Miles, I say. We move to the living room. “Robyn, I have been thinking about a lot of things lately, and the main thing I’ve been thinking about is you. “Look, Rob, I know we didn’t do our best the first time around, and I did things to hurt you, but I think we should give ourselves another chance.” “I don’t know, Miles, what we had is in the past; we have a wonderful daughter because of it, but we did a lot of things wrong.” “Robyn, all I ask is that you try. How about lunch? Miles asked. “When, I asked. “Next Week, I’ll text you the restaurant, Miles says. “Okay, I say. “I gotta go, Robyn, Miles says. I tell him bye as he leaves through the door.

I returned to the kitchen to see Aunt Vi and Dee with concern on their faces. “Is everything okay, Mom?” “Yes, you and your father just had a simple conversation; there is nothing to worry about.” “Well, that’s good, I’m going to start on dinner, Aunt Vi says. “Aunt Vi, can you make enough for two more people to join?” “Who are our guests, Robyn? Aunt Vi asked. “Mel and Harry.” “Then, I surely can make enough for those wonderful souls, Aunt Vi says. “I will set two more places at the table.”

*At a later time*

Mel and Harry arrived at the house and were quickly embraced by Dee. They all gather around the table and take their seats. Aunt Vi places all the food on the table, and it looks amazing as always. We say grace and start eating. There is a peaceful silence that falls on the room. I look at the people surrounding the table, and I feel gratitude. I have a healthy family and friends who support me through any and everything. These are people who stay. But, I can’t help feeling that there is someone missing.

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*Miles’ P.O.V.*

I’m getting my family back together, and boy, I am excited. Robyn and Delilah mean a great deal to me. Robyn and I made mistakes in our marriage, but at our core, we love each other. Now that Robyn has quit her previous job, she can fully devote herself to family. With Delilah going off to college next year, we will have a lot of time to spend together. I know Robyn isn’t fully convinced that we can work, but I think she will be by the end of our lunch next week.

*Marcus’ P.O.V.*

I miss Robyn. Being away from everything has made me reflect on our relationship. When Robyn and I first met, she duped me in my precinct, cos playing a Public Defender. I remember being so mad about it, and at first, I was determined to catch her. I thought she was the enemy that I needed to defeat, but what I was doing was projecting my dad’s crimes onto her. When I saw who she was and how she fights for people, she showed me a different view of justice. The system overlooks a lot and sometimes looks for the easy way out or an easy target to blame. Sometimes getting justice is long and difficult, but worth it every time. Even when I didn’t fully understand her, I trusted her with my life. I made my boys memorize her number in case they were in trouble. And it came in handy when I was kidnapped by the police. Beyond who she is as an equalizer, I love who she is as a person. She is beautiful and vibrant. She showed me things about myself that I didn’t know were there. She’s my person in every way. I think I am going to text her to see if she responds. As I reach for my phone, a phone call from my Mom pops up. “Marcus, it’s your father.”

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*Robyn’s P.O.V.*

I am taking the homework that Dr. Roszak gave seriously, and I am going on vacation! Not just any vacation, but a girl’s trip! For a few days, it will just be me, Dee, Aunt Vi, and Mel on the beach, shopping and having some much-needed quality time. Harry is staying back to look after the bar; I think he will find something to keep him busy ;). I do a final check of my bags, and I head downstairs. Aunt Vi is already downstairs waiting for Dee and me. “I thought I was gonna have to come drag you out of your room if you didn’t come downstairs in the next few minutes, Aunt Vi says. “I just had to make sure I had everything I needed, I say. “We are still waiting on your daughter so that we can get on the road, Aunt Vi says. “Dee, are you ready to go? I asked. “I’m coming, Mom, Dee says. A few minutes pass, and Dee is downstairs, and Mel is here. “It’s time to get on the road, and Robyn, you are not driving, Mel said. We get out, pack the car, and get on the road. Since I wasn’t driving, I was in the back with Dee. I found myself staring at her, like, wow, this is the same baby that Miles and I brought home from the hospital seventeen years ago. She was so little, but she was feisty. I look at her and I am so proud of the young woman she is becoming.

*A Few Hours Later*

We get to the beach house, and the pictures don’t do it justice. We are steps away from the beach. The next few days are going to be amazing. We get inside, and the place gets more beautiful. I have stayed in some lavish places for work, but this is different because I am here with my people, and there is no mission but to relax. Everyone goes upstairs to pick their room and get settled. My room has the perfect view of the ocean, and I close my eyes to hear the waves crashing. I feel this sense of peace, like I’m in my oasis. Dee snaps me out by asking what we should have for dinner. I told her that we should have burgers, and she went to tell Aunt Vi. I start getting ready to take a shower. I walk into the bathroom and take what feels like the best shower that I’ve ever had. The water was at the right temperature and was amazing. I get out of the shower, moisturize, and put on a cozy outfit. I went to check my phone and Dee texted me that Aunt Vi had started on dinner when I was in the shower, and it should be ready in fifteen minutes. And, I think to myself, that’s enough time for a nap. I’m awakened by Dee to come downstairs for dinner. When I get there, I see that Aunt Vi cooked more than just burgers; she cooked a whole spread. Burgers with all of the toppings, twice-baked potatoes, corn on the cob, and a nice-looking salad. Everyone gets their plates together and goes to sit at the dining room table. We say grace and get to eating. After a while, we get into a comfortable conversation about anything and everything. " Robyn, can I ask you something? Mel asked. “What’s the question?, I replied. “Why did you do this girl’s trip? I mean, I love this, but it does feel different for you, Mel says. “Well, it is different for me, it’s a homework assignment from Dr.Roszak. “You’re back in therapy?, Dee asked. “Yes, I just started this week. I had my first session right before I went to see you and Harry at the bar, I say. “Well, how was it, Mel asked. “It went well, better than I expected, I say. She told me to focus on the people who stay in my life and lean on them. “Well, I’m glad you are getting the help you need, Mom, Dee says.

After dinner, we decided to have ice cream and watch a movie. We decided to watch Girl’s Trip for the obvious reason. After we got settled with our ice cream, Mel proposed a toast. “To our first girls’ trip, and may there be many after, Mel says. “Cheer, Aunt Vi, Dee, and I say, and we turn on the movie. Throughout the movie, we laughed, cried, and commented on various parts, especially that grapefruit scene, and just had a good time. I think I have needed these moments more than I realized, but I am grateful to have them now.

Chapter Text

*Robyn’s P.O.V.*

The next day, I woke up early and decided to go down to the beach. I decided to take my journal with me. I haven’t written in this book in years. Between the boards are pages of pain, confusion, and trauma. I wrote in here after some of the hardest cases of my career, some that can never be spoken of. This journal has been with me through my divorce, which, if I’m honest, affected me more than I realized. I make my way to the beach and find a nice place to sit. For a few minutes, I close my eyes and listen to the waves crash. For those moments, I am fully present where I am. I feel the sand beneath my feet and smell the breeze from the ocean.

After that, I began to write. I write about equalizing and wondering if it still fits with the life I desire. I write about Dee and the conflicting feelings of her leaving the nest next year. I write about the possibility of Miles and me getting back together. I write about Marcus. I was so focused on writing that I didn’t notice I was crying. The tears were a release of the pent-up emotions that had been lying dormant. I cried until I couldn’t cry anymore. After tears subsided, I felt lighter. I didn’t realize that I had been holding so much inside. My phone vibrates, and it’s a text from Dee asking, “Where are you?” I responded, saying I was on the beach, and she told me to come back to the house because breakfast was ready.

I make my way back to the house, and the delightful smells of breakfast greet me. “Good Morning, Robyn, Aunt Vi says. “Good Morning, Aunt Vi, I say. “How was the beach? Aunt Vi asked. “It was great, I needed it, I say. “Well, I already fixed your plate, so go sit down and eat. I take my plate to the table, and I am met by Mel and Dee chowing down on their plates. “Is the food good? I ask jokingly. “It’s amazing, Mel said. Aunt Vi joins the table with her plate. At breakfast, we decided to go shopping at the mall a few miles away. After everyone was done, we went upstairs and got ready.

*At the Mall*

When we got to the mall, we immediately went to the shoe store, and let’s just say damage was done. After leaving the shoe store, Dee had an idea. “Mom, you should let us dress you, Dee says. “I don’t know about that, I say. “Come on, Rob, let us update your style a little bit, Mel says. Update my style? I like what I wear, I say. “And, we love what you wear, but there is nothing wrong with a little change, Aunt Vi says. “Fine, you can dress me, I say. In a matter of minutes, I was dragged into a store with a name I had never heard of, and clothes were being thrown in my direction. Eventually, everyone’s arms were full, and we went to the fitting room. In the fitting room, I tried to start with the easiest things first, dresses. A lot of them are very skin-tight, and I don’t know how to feel about that, but I will try them on. I came out in the first few, and they were nice, but not it. I went back to the room, and I saw this teal blue dress, and I knew I needed to try it on. I put on the dress, and I knew this one was it. I came out of the fitting room, and everyone gasped. “Robyn, you look amazing, Aunt Vi said. “You look beautiful, Robyn, Mel said. “Mom, you look stunning, Dee says. “I am getting this dress, Robyn says. After that, I tried on the rest of the clothes, and I ended up getting four dresses, six shirts, and 3 pairs of pants.

Later, Mel and I were hungry, so we went to get something to eat while Aunt Vi and Dee continued shopping. We found a table to sit at and eat. We started talking about anything and everything. “I love this, Mel said. “I do, too, I say. At that moment, my phone buzzed. I picked it up to see it was a text from Miles saying he hoped we were having fun on our trip. I smile at the text. “Who texted you? Mel asked. “Miles, I say. “Miles, like your ex-husband Miles, Mel asked. “Yes, that Miles, I say. “What’s going on between you two? Mel asked. “Miles wants us to get back together, I say. “What do you want, Robyn? Mel said. “I don’t know, um, so many things have changed, I say. “What about Marcus? Mel said. “Marcus is in L.A. and is not coming back to New York, I say. “Robyn, he could come back, and I know he misses you, Mel said. “I can’t hinge my life on a could-happen situation, I deserve to be happy, I say. “And I want you to be happy, Robyn, so if you want to give Miles another chance, then I support you, Mel said.

*Delilah’s P.O.V.*

I took Aunt Vi to this really cute boutique in the mall, not only to look at some cute jewelry, but to talk to her about Mom. “Look at these earrings, Dee, they are fabulous, Aunt Vi says. “Aunt Vi, those earrings are everything, I say. We start looking through the various sections of the store. “What’s on your mind, Delilah, Aunt Vi asked. “Mom, I said. “What about your mom? Aunt Vi asked. “I love that Mom is working on herself and spending more time at home, but…. “You don’t know how to feel about it, Aunt Vi says. “It’s like she became a different person overnight, I say. “Your mom has been going through a lot the past few weeks, Aunt Vi says. “I know, but it’s a lot to process, I say. “Then, tell your Mom that, Dee, Aunt Vi says. “But, what if she takes it the wrong way? I asked. “Dee, your Mom will be elated that you are coming to talk to her about something, Aunt Vi says. “Okay, Aunt Vi, I will talk to her before dinner tonight, I say. “That sounds like a great idea, Dee, " Aunt Vi says.

Chapter Text

*Robyn’s P.O.V.*
We return from the mall with our numerous bags. “We did some major damage to that mall, Aunt Vi says. “Oh, how will they recover, Mel joked. “Since we have shopped till we dropped, how about we order in? Dee asked. “How about Pizza? I suggested. “That sounds great, Mel said. Aunt Vi orders the Pizza. Everyone else goes upstairs to put down their bags. When I go to my room, I start going through everything that I got from the mall. As I am doing this, I hear a knock on my door, and I turn around to see that it was Delilah. “Hey, Mom, can we talk? Dee asked. “Sure, Dee, what’s up? “Mom, I love that you are taking care of yourself, but it feels like you have become a different person overnight, Dee says. “What makes you say that? I asked. “You quit equalizing, you started going to therapy, you’re on vacation, actually relaxing, this is not the Mom I grew up with, Dee says. I take a minute to respond because I honestly don’t know what to say. Dee is my baby girl, and I don’t know how vulnerable I want to get with her. However, she also deserves to know why I have changed. “Dee, the last few weeks have been a lot for me.  Marcus, um, Detective Dante, left for L.A., and in that, he left me.” “You and Detective Dante were dating? Dee asked. “Yes, it was new, but we knew what we had between us for a while, I say. “Wow, I’m so sorry, Mom, Dee says. “It’s okay, Dee, that and the last case I worked made me take a step back and look at my life and what was important, I say. “What happened in your last case? Dee asked. “During the case, I almost didn’t make it out.” “And that led you to make all of these changes?” “Yes, I say. Without saying a word, Delilah hugs me. “Thank you, Mama, Dee says. “For what?” “For letting me in, it’s nice to see you open up, Dee says. We stay in this embrace until Aunt Vi calls from downstairs and says the Pizza is here.

We went downstairs and fixed our plates. We decided to watch the movie "Just Wright." This is one of my favorite movies; however, everyone else didn’t think so. Throughout the movie, the others were commenting on where the movie was wrong. “Leslie should not have left that party for Morgan, Aunt Vi says. “She could have gotten a taxi home, Mel said. “I’m still mad that her Mom gave Morgan LESLIE’S GRANDMOTHER’S EARRINGS, Dee says. “Guys, can we just watch the movie? I asked. “We are, we were just commenting as we watch, Dee says. I think they commented on the movie more than they watched it. “Scott is not even that cute to be doing all of that, Aunt Vi says. “To even think about getting back with Morgan after she left him when he had a knee injury, Dee says. And, at the end of the movie, it didn’t stop. “Leslie should never have taken Scott back, Mel said. “She should have at least let him work for it, Aunt Vi said. “I don’t care what y’all say, Just Wright is a great movie, I say. “On that note, I am going to bed, good night y’all, Aunt Vi says.

*The Next Day*
We get up and decide to hang around the house for our last day in our pajamas. We ate breakfast, and while we were eating, Mel had an idea. “After we finish eating, how about we go to the beach…. In our PJs? Mel suggests. “Let’s do it, I say. We finished breakfast and made our way to the beach. It was crisp, but the sun shining made up for it. It was so beautiful. We all stand there in silence for a moment and take in the scenery. We start walking down the beach. “This is gorgeous, Aunt Vi says. “We have to remember this moment with a selfie! Dee says. “Delilah, can we just live in the moment for once? Aunt Vi asked. “Just one, please? Dee says. “Fine, you get one after that, the phone goes back in your pocket, I say. We ended up taking a few to get the right picture, then we continued on our walk. We pick up a few shells to bring back with us. “This trip was a great idea,  Rob Mel said. “This cannot be the last, Aunt Vi says. “We should make this an annual thing, Dee suggests. “I think we can arrange that, I say.

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*Marcus’ P.O.V.*

When I got the news about Big Ben, I immediately booked a ticket back to New York. Dad had a hematoma on the brain and had to have surgery. Which meant they had to bring him out of his coma. Now, we are waiting for him to wake up, if he does. I leave the hospital to clear my head. My thoughts about my father are conflicted. Of course, I want him to wake up and get better; however, I’m not sure if I want a relationship with him anymore. He has always been in and out of my life; he was in prison for a good chunk of my life, and now I have a brother walking around that I have never met. Big Ben has disappointed me in so many ways, but what hurts the most is that he’s brought this disappointment down to my boys. But some part of me is fearful that I am turning into him. I left my boys in New York for a job on the other side of the country. How much of an active father can I be through a cell phone screen?

I decided to go to the bar to see Harry. I walked in and I saw him organizing the bar. He sees me and says, Hey, Hollywood. “Hello, Harry, I say. What are you doing back here so soon? Harry asked. “It’s my father, he’s taking a turn for the worse, I say. “I am sorry to hear about that man, Harry says. “It’s alright, I came here to get some fresh air, I say. “Fresh air at a bar, Harry says. “Well, I guess I came to see you, I say. “Wow, I am touched, we are bros, Harry says. “Okay, we’re bros, I say. “Where is Mel? I ask. “Oh, she’s on a girls’ trip, Harry said. “With Robyn? I asked. “And with Dee and Aunt Vi, Harry said. “I’m glad to hear that, I say. “The trip was Robyn’s idea; she’s said she wanted to prioritize the people in her life that stay, Harry says. “Because I didn’t? I ask. “Oh man, I didn’t even think of that, Harry said. “It’s alright, I deserve that, I say. “She’s just hurt, Marcus, Harry says. “I know, and it’s my fault, I said. “Look, Marcus, yes, you messed up, but you and Robyn aren’t done, Harry said. “And how do you know that? I asked. “I know because you still love her, Harry said. “I do, but I don’t know how to fix it, I say. “ Then, let me help you, Harry said. “Fine, I say. Harry and I sat down at a table in the bar and started brainstorming on how I could get Robyn back. Afterward, I left the bar to see my boys.

*Vanessa’s House*

I get to Vanessa’s house and ring the doorbell. Kyler answers the door. “Dad, you’re back! He says. I pull him into a hug, man, I missed him. We end our embrace and make our way to where Vanessa and Stefon were at the table doing homework. “Dad, you’re home, Stefon says. He runs over to hug me. “Dad, I missed you so much, Stefon says. “I missed you, too, I say. “Can you help me with my homework, Dad? Stefon asks. “If your mother’s okay with it, I say.” “Yes, Marcus, you stay and help with homework, Vanessa says. “Mom, can Dad stay for dinner? Kyler asks. “Yes, your Dad can stay for dinner, Vanessa says. As Vanessa gets started on dinner, I help the boys with their homework. I miss this time with my boys. Vanessa announces that dinner is ready. The boys put their finished homework assignments in their book bags and came to the dinner table. Everyone fixed their plate. We said grace and started eating. The boys began discussing their days in great detail. It was nice to hear in person and not on FaceTime. After we finished eating, Vanessa sent the boys upstairs to get ready for bed, and they were done. I would come up and say goodnight.

“I miss doing this with them, I say to Vanessa. “They miss it, too, Vanessa says. “I didn’t tell them, but after the case I am working on right now, I’m coming back to New York, I say. “Marcus, what are you gonna do when you get back? Vanessa asks. “I’ll be on desk duty at the precinct, but it’s worth it, my life is in New York, I say. “Besides the boys, there is a woman in your life here, isn’t it? Vanessa asks. “There was, and it got derailed because I went to L.A., I say. “It’s the woman that the boys called when you got kidnapped, Vanessa says matter-of-factually. “How did you know? I ask. “Marcus, I knew you wouldn’t just give anybody’s number to the boys to memorize, Vanessa says. “It was that obvious, huh, I say. “Yes, so you better fix it, Vanessa says. “I’ll try my hardest, I say. Then, the boys call me from upstairs to say goodnight. After saying goodnight to the boys, I go downstairs and say goodnight to Vanessa and leave.

I see I have missed a phone call from my Mom, and I immediately call her back. “Marcus, your Dad is awake.” I make my way to the hospital as fast as I can. I get to my Dad’s room and I enter. I see my Dad is awake. “Hey, Dad, it’s been a while, I say. “I’m sorry, who are you?”

Chapter Text

*Robyn’s P.O.V.*

When we get back from the girls’ trip, we say goodbye to Mel and go upstairs to unpack. I didn’t know how much I needed that trip. My line of work has never really given me the chance to slow down and take life in. I’m glad I’m doing it now.

*Mel’s P.O.V.*

I get back to the bar, and I am immediately embraced by Harry. “Oh my God, I missed you so much, Mel, Harry said. “As much as I loved being away and on a beach, nothing can compare to being home with you, I say. We ended our embrace, and Harry grabbed my bags to help me unpack. “So, what’s been going on while I’ve been gone? I ask. “Well, the usual, people coming to the bar, getting drinks, scouring the internet for rare sweaters, oh, and Marcus Dante is back in New York.” “Marcus is back in New York?!?” “Yeah, he came back the day you all left on the trip, Harry said. “Why is he back? I asked. “His dad has taken a turn for the worse; he had a hematoma on his brain, so they had to bring him out of his coma to operate, Harry said. “Wow, that’s awful, I say. “Yeah, he came by here to get out of the hospital, Harry says. “Oh, did you talk about anything else? I ask. “By anything else, you mean Robyn.” “Of course, I meant Robyn, I say. “Then, yes, we talked about Robyn, Harry said. “And……” “And, he wants to get back together with Robyn, Harry said. “Well, he’d better move fast because Miles is back in the picture. “Miles, like Robyn’s ex-husband? “Yes, they are going out to lunch in a few days, he wants Robyn back, I says. “Wow, we’re not rooting for Miles, right? Harry asked. “We are team Robyn always, I say. “But I gotta root for my bro, Marcus, Harry said. “Your Bro Marcus?” “Yes, we are bros, it’s confirmed, Harry said. “I’m low-key pulling from your bro, Marcus, too, I say. “We started brainstorming ideas while you were away, Harry said. “Show me, I say.

*A Few Days Later*

*Robyn’s P.O.V.

I’m getting ready for my lunch with Miles. My feelings are conflicted. Miles and I ‘s marriage was nothing short of tumultuous. With having to lie about where I was, who I was, and where I was going. It put such a weight on our marriage. Having Dee made us so happy, but it was only a bandage on the gaping shotgun wound. I remember when I got the divorce papers, I felt like a failure. It made me question everything about myself. The work I was doing, the sacrifices I made for it, and whether romance fit into a life like mine.

I pull myself back into reality. I can’t allow the past to dictate my present or my future. I finished putting on my makeup and went to my closet to pick out my outfit. I think I want to wear something that I got from the beach. I look at the teal blue dress that everyone loved, but when I look at it, it doesn’t feel right. So, I decided on the purple dress I also got at the beach. I decided to pair it with nude heels and gold jewelry, and I decided to put my hair in a top bun. I have a look in the mirror and I look amazing. I hear my phone buzz, and it’s Miles texting me that he is downstairs. I grab my bag and head downstairs. I get to the bottom of the stairs, and I see Miles. He looks very handsome. Our eyes meet each other, and it feels so familiar. “Wow, Robyn, you look amazing, Miles said. “Thank you, you look amazing yourself, I say. He takes my hand and kisses it. He leads me outside the house and opens the car door. He gets in on the other side. As we are riding to our destination, there is a familiar silence in the car. As the car starts to yield, I realize where we are, The Olive Branch. “You remember this place? Miles asked. “Of course, how could I forget, I say. Miles took me here after we found out that I was pregnant with Dee. We went into the restaurant and we were seated at a table by the window. Miles pulled out my chair and gladly sat down. After our server greets us and takes our drink order. As I was looking at the menu, Miles was looking at me. “You are so beautiful, Robyn, Miles said. I smile at the compliment. The server comes back and we give in our food orders.

“The first time I brought you here, it was to celebrate us becoming parents to our beautiful baby girl.” “We were so happy, we spent hours talking about Dee, and our hopes and dreams for her.” “Who would she take after, I interjected. “She took after you, Miles said. I rolled my eyes. “She got your book smarts, I said. “She’s got your unbridled need to help people and advocate for others, Miles says. “I think she got the need for helping people from both of us, Mr. Surgeon, I say. “What I am trying to say is, as that lunch was us stepping into our new beginning as parents, I want this one to be us stepping into a new beginning as us, Miles said. I stay silent. “I know our marriage wasn’t the best, and we hurt each other in a lot of ways, and I never took the time to truly understand you, and for that, I’m sorry.” “I also apologize for trying to get sole custody of our daughter; it wasn’t right to try and take Delilah away from you. It was disrespectful when I know you are a good mom, and Dee has thrived because of you.” I sat at that table, speechless, my eyes were cloudy with unshed tears. When Miles filed for sole custody, it felt like a stab to my heart and soul. Delilah is my baby, and almost losing her had me spiraling. Miles takes my hands into his. “Robyn, I love you, I never stopped loving you, and I probably never will someone else the way I love you.” “You and I can turn over a new leaf in our relationship, but only if you want to, Miles said. Before I could give my answer, our server came back with our food, and we started eating. There was an awkward silence as we ate, due to an unanswered question. We finished eating, but the tension still lingered. “So, Robyn, can we give us another chance? Miles asked.

Chapter Text

*Robyn’s P.O.V.*

“Okay, Miles, let’s give us another chance, I say. Miles is smiling from ear to ear. “But, we need to take it slow, I say. “We can take this at whatever pace you need, as long as I get to have you, Miles said. We decided to have dessert to celebrate the occasion. After that, Miles paid the bill, and we left. The car ride back to the house was peaceful, like a new beginning. He walked me back into the house. “Thank you for such a great lunch, I say. “And thank you for being a great lunch date. How about dinner next? Miles asked. “Dinner sounds great, I say. “I will set it up and send you the details. “And Robyn, thank you for giving us another chance, Miles said. He kissed me on the cheek and left. I can’t believe I did that. Giving Marcus, I mean Miles, another chance after all of these years. But, I am excited to see where it can go, what if we got back together?

*Marcus P.O.V.*

My Father has Amnesia. He’s going off to Rehab once he is released from the hospital. Long-term care will also be needed. Yet again, my father has put me in a difficult position, and this time I will have to deal with him by myself. My mom is finally divorcing my father after many years. My Father’s Amnesia was the final straw for my mom, and right now I’m wondering if it should be mine too. I have been through a lot with my father, but I have never drawn a line. I mean, he’s my dad. Do I leave him in this vulnerable state? I need to talk to someone about this, but the one person I would speak to is the person I hurt. Man, I need a drink.

*Robyn’s P.O.V.*

I’m on my way to a therapy session, and I’m feeling good about it. The homework that Dr.Roszak gave was more needed than I expected.

*At the Appointment*

“Hello Robyn, how have you been? Dr.Roszak asked. “I have been good, great actually, I say. “How are those homework assignments coming along?” “They are going well. I went on a trip with Aunt Vi, Delilah, and Mel. “And, how did it go? Dr. Roszak asked. “It went great, I honestly hadn’t felt that relaxed in a long time, I say. “I am glad to hear that, Dr.Roszak said. “How did taking this trip make you feel?” “It made me feel good, like accomplished. “Why accomplished? Dr.Roszak asked. “I haven’t done anything like that in my life, for two decades it was the military, and the CIA.” “So, this trip was an accomplishment for you, that you can do something for yourself? Dr.Roszak asked. “Yes, I say. “Okay, is there anything else going on in your life?” “Well, before I left for the trip, Miles asked me for lunch.” “Miles, your ex-husband?” “Yes, I say. “What was this lunch about?” “He wanted to see if we could give us another chance, I say. “And?” “We are giving us another chance.” “How did you come to this decision, Robyn? Dr. Roszak asked. “Miles and I’s marriage wasn’t great, but we aren’t those people anymore, and maybe we gave up on us too soon, I say. “Robyn, I was with you through the divorce, and from what I remember, your and Miles’ wants were quite different.” “What do you mean by that? I asked. “Miles wanted someone who was home and didn’t have to lie about where they were going or where they had been, Dr.Roszak said. “Well, I am home and I’m not in the CIA anymore, and I’m not equalizing either, so I am what he wants now, I say. “But, what if you go back to equalizing?” “I don’t know if I ever will go back to equalizing, I say. “Robyn, you and I both know you are hardwired to help people; it’s who you are. Yes, the last time was probably traumatic for you, being out on the field without Mel, and you dealing with your relationship ending with that Marcus fellow. But, Robyn, there is gonna be a time when you are going to want to equalize again. Will Miles be able to handle it?

*After the Appointment*

Dr. Roszak said a lot of stuff that piss me off. Miles and I have changed since our divorce. I need a drink after that.

*Marcus’ P.O.V.*

*At the Bar*

I am sitting at the bar nursing a double shot of Whiskey that Mel gave me. Harry is trying to be a friend and give me advice on my situation, but it’s going in one ear and out the other. I look over at the door, and I see Robyn.

Chapter Text

*Robyn’s P.O.V.*

I enter the bar looking for a place to sit down at the bar. I see Mel and Harry at the bar, sitting with Marcus. When did Marcus get back in town, and when did Mel and Harry become his friends? Mel catches my eye with nervousness. I walk over to the bar. “So, where’s my invite to this party?” No one answered. “We need to talk, privately.” And, I head down to the sanctum.

*In the Sanctum*

Mel, Harry, and Marcus enter the sanctum. Robyn is standing at the computer. “What the hell is wrong y’all? Mel, Harry, I thought we were family. When were you going to tell me that Marcus was back in New York? “Look, Rob, we were just waiting for the right time. I found out after we came back from our trip, and you were in such a good place neither Harry nor I wanted to ruin that, Mel said. “Well, what do you think this has done?” “Robyn, I didn’t know that you didn’t know that I was back in town. I’ve been wanting to reach out since I got back, but I didn’t know how, Marcus says. “You wanted to reach out and say what, Marcus?” “That you’re sorry for leaving at the pier that night after I told you I needed you.” Marcus looked at Robyn like a deer caught in headlights. “Or is this a cheap gimmick, to taunt me and my aching heart?” No, Robyn, it’s something much deeper than that, Harry said. “Wow, Harry, standing up for the man who left me, this is a new low for you. Lower than making everybody think that you were dead for five years, gaining nothing in the process. “Whoa, Robyn, stop before you say more things that you will regret, Mel said. “Regret? The only thing that I regret is trusting any of you.” With that, I walked out of the sanctum.

*At Robyn’s House*

I slammed the door once I came into the house. I was thankful Dee was at a sleepover because she does not need to see me like this. I am so angry right now. How could they do this to me? Talking to Marcus behind my back like the man didn’t leave me without a second thought. Aunt Vi comes out of her art studio. “What is with all the commotion, Robyn?” “Everyone either betrays me or leaves me; it’s a constant pattern. “Robyn.” “It started with my mom and her leaving me at nine without a thought or explanation.” “Robyn, your mom’s leaving was not your fault, Aunt Vi says. “Then Dad gets killed.” “Then it’s the Military and the CIA. “Now, it’s Marcus, Mel, and Harry.” “Robyn, Aunt Vi says. This is when I broke. “Auntie, why does everybody leave me?” I can’t hold the emotions back anymore. They come out like an unstoppable flood. Before I knew it, I was on the Kitchen floor, sobbing, being held by my Aunt. This is it. My rock bottom.

Chapter Text

*Robyn’s P.O.V.*

I wake up with a raging headache. Last night was a lot, seeing Marcus was a gut punch. He looked so handsome and remorseful. Seeing Mel and Harry get along with him hurt. I thought they were my friends. I smell a familiar scent coming from downstairs, and I take that as my cue to get up. I put on a hoodie and some sweats and head downstairs. Aunt Vi has already fixed my plate and a cup of tea. “Good Morning, Aunt Vi.” “Good Morning, Robyn.” Aunt Vi sits down at the Kitchen table with her plate. We eat in silence, laced in tension. “Are we gonna talk about what happened last night? Aunt Vi asked. “There is nothing to talk about, Auntie.” “Like Hell, it isn’t, Robyn, you came in here last night with the slam of a door, and proceeded to break down in this very kitchen over how everybody leaves you. “Auntie.” “Robyn, I have let you slide for the past few weeks, but I can’t stand by anymore and watch you devolve into a person that you or I don’t know.” “Robyn, since you were born, I have never left you. When your dad died, I was there to get you and me through it, when you got divorced and needed help with Dee, I came without a thought. Robyn, I have stayed, I didn’t leave, so please give me the common courtesy of knowing what happened that triggered you that badly.

“I saw Marcus last night; he’s back in town. “Where did you see him?” “At Mel’s bar, I went after a pretty heavy therapy session, and I saw them talking at the bar. “And, that was the trigger?” “Yes, both Mel and Harry knew he had been back in town for days, and didn’t tell me. Mel and Harry have been my best friends for decades, and it felt like a stab in the back. “Did you let them explain why?” “Something about wanting to save my feelings.” But, it didn’t because seeing him again only put salt in an open wound.” “Robyn, I have never seen you like this.” “Do you love him?” “Yes. “Are you in love with him?” “Yes.” “Aw, baby.” Aunt Vi gets up from the table and embraces me. I am in love with Marcus Dante.

*Marcus’ P.O.V.*

*At the Pier*

Seeing Robyn last night was so unexpected. For weeks, I wondered what I would say to her if I ever got the chance. When I got the chance, all the words got stuck in my throat. I just said what I thought of in the moment, and that did nothing but make her mad at me. I don’t even think she was angry; she was hurt. I want to sit down and be able to talk to her about everything. On top of that, I am still contemplating what to do with my Father. Will I be okay if I release my father? And, somehow, my thoughts led me to the pier.

*Robyn’s P.O.V.*

*ALSO AT THE PIER*

After Aunt Vi and I’s conversation this morning, I needed to get some air. And, somehow, I ended up at the pier. This pier holds a lot of memories for me. Conversations I would have with Bishop after leaving the CIA. The conversations I would have with Marcus. I can’t believe I’m in love with Marcus Dante. But I just agreed to start over with Miles. Both of them have hurt me in ways unimaginable, but there is something about Marcus that I can’t escape.

While they are a part at the pier, their hearts are slowly reuniting.

Chapter Text

*Marcus’ P.O.V.*

I have decided to let my father go. I will pay for his long-term care, but that is it. As much as I still love my father, I can’t do it anymore. I have dealt with all of the lies, secrets, and deceit since I was a child. I have allowed him to come back into my life just to unravel it all over again. I allowed him to be around my sons, give their bond the chance ours never had, and he ruined that. And, I have a brother who didn’t know about my entire life. I have to let him go for my present and my future.

*Robyn’s P.O.V.*

I am getting ready for my dinner date with Miles. Part of me wanted to cancel because my heart isn’t fully in us getting back together anymore. When I told Miles I wanted to give us another chance, I acted on impulse. I wanted something or someone to hold on to that wouldn’t leave me. When Miles asked if we could get back together, it felt like my final chance at love, so I took it. Miles will always be family, but he is not the love of my life. I decided to wear a red dress with black heels, gold earrings, and a low ponytail. I hear my phone buzz, and it’s Miles letting me know he’s here. I grab my bag and make my way downstairs. I see Miles downstairs with a large bouquet of red roses. I took the bouquet and thanked him, but I have never been fond of red roses. I found a vase to put them in, and we left. The ride over to the restaurant was quiet. Miles was smiling as he was holding my hand. With Miles, everything feels so familiar. Like, I’ve been here before and I know how it’s gonna end. We get to the restaurant, and Miles opens my door. When we arrive at the restaurant, we are seated in the middle of it. During dinner, Miles and I talked about everything and nothing.

After dinner, Miles takes me home. “I had a great time with you tonight, Robyn, Miles said. Miles moves closer towards me, and he kisses me. The kiss was familiar, but it was so good. We kept kissing. I hadn’t been kissed like this in a while. The last person who kissed me like this was Marcus. After that thought, I abruptly stopped the kiss. “I can’t do this, Mar.. Miles, I say. “It’s fine, Robyn, we don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do. We can take it slow, Miles says. “No, I can’t do this, us, I say. “What do you mean, Robyn? “When you brought up the idea of us getting back together, I was nervous. Then, you planned the lunch at The Olive Branch and did the whole story about Delilah, and it made me melt, reminiscing on our amazing daughter. You apologized for the sole custody battle, and I was sold. I genuinely thought I could see myself getting back together with you and reuniting our family. What I realized was that we are already family. Because of Dee, we will always be connected. It’s not wise for us to get back together. “But, Robyn, I love you, Miles says. “I love you too, Miles, but we are too different people trying to run back to the past to comfort present pain. “Miles, we will always be family, but I can not give you a home. “Robyn, I will never stop fighting for my family.” With that, he leaves my house.

Chapter Text

*Robyn’s P.O.V.*

I am glad I ended things with Miles last night. It was for the best for me, him, and Dee. Now, I have to make things right with Harry and Mel. That night at the bar, I was volatile. I said things that I deeply regret. I got dressed to go to the bar. I made my way downstairs to the kitchen, where Dee and Aunt Vi were. “Good Morning, Mom.” “Good Morning, baby girl.” “Robyn, this bouquet of roses are divine, Aunt Vi says. “They are pretty, even though you don’t like red roses, Mom. “That means there is an admirer, Aunt Vi says. “Um, there is no admirer; they are just flowers, I say. I do not need Aunt Vi or Dee knowing that those flowers came from Miles. “On that note, I’ve got to go. I will see you at dinner.”

*At the Bar*

I anxiously enter the bar. I see Mel coming from the back, and our eyes meet. “Hey, Mel. “Hi Robyn. “Can we talk?, I ask. “Sure, I’ll get Harry, Mel says. I take a seat at a booth. Mel comes up with Harry, and they sit at opposite sides of the booth. “I’m sorry for the way I reacted that night in the sanctum. It was wrong, and I hit below the belt. “Robyn, that night was chaotic, and what you said hurt, Harry said. “Harry, I never regretted helping you fake your death; it never bothered me. I’m sorry I threw it in your face. “It hurt when you said you regretted trusting us, Mel said. “I never regretted trusting you a day in my life.” “Seeing you all and Marcus having a good time together without me triggered me; it felt like a betrayal. “Robyn, you are our friend, but Marcus is also our friend, and he has been going through a rough time, Harry said. “What’s wrong with Marcus? I asked. “His dad had a Hematoma on the brain, so they had to do surgery and bring him out of his coma. When he woke up, he had amnesia. “So, he doesn’t remember Marcus?” “He doesn’t remember anything, Harry said. I sit there stunned. Marcus has been dealing with all of this and was just looking for comfort. “Well, I feel awful right now, I say. “I think both of you need to talk, Mel said. “Yeah, it’s long overdue, I say. “But, are we good?” “Let us think about it for a moment….. Yes, we are, but don’t ever do that again.” We get up from the booth and hug.

Chapter Text

*Marcus’ P.O.V.*

While I am still in New York. I wanted to spend a day with my boys. First, we had breakfast. Then, of course, we played some video games. Because Kyler won most of the games, he got to pick what we did next, and he wanted to play basketball. We drove to a court and found an empty hoop. I started practicing with both Kyler and Stefon on various drills. Kyler has been struggling with certain basketball skills, so I focused specifically on those. After that, Kyler and I decided to play a game of horse, and Stefon kept the score. I was winning at first until I realized Kyler had been playing me the whole time and ended up winning. I let Stefon pick where we ate for lunch, and he picked Pizza. We drove to the best Pizza place in town, Tony’s. I used to come here with my Father before he went to prison. Now, I come here with my two beautiful, healthy boys who are well-loved and taken care of. We get some slices and drinks, find a table, and sit down. We eat in silence for a while. “When are you moving back to New York? Dad Kyler asked. “Hopefully, sooner than later, I have miss New York so much. “Because we’re here, Dad? Stefon asked. “Yes, it’s because y’all are here, I say. Kyler and Stefon talk about school and their friends. As we were talking, my phone rang and I saw it was Captain Watkins. I excuse myself from the table to take the call. “Hello, Captain Watkins.” “Hello, Special Agent Dante, I need to meet with you soon.” “How about tomorrow?” “Tomorrow at 10 am at the precinct.” “I will see you there, Captain Watkins.”

*Robyn’s P.O.V.*

Dee asked if we could spend the day together, and who am I to say no? We started at the movies, where we saw a film about a detective and a vigilante falling in love and struggling to make it work. The movie felt on the nose and pointed because of Dee’s eagerness to see it. Then we went shopping, and she insisted on getting me another outfit, one that was “appropriate for a romantic outing.” I obliged her since I was happy to spend some time with my baby girl. We got an outfit that she approved for me, so it was fair that I got her an outfit approved by me, but not for a romantic occasion. She was nervous at first because she didn’t think her mom was “cool enough” to pick out a cute outfit. It was a challenge at first, but I proved her wrong. We paid for our items and left to get something to eat. We went to the Indian place that we have been dying to try. We were sat down immediately with a server to take our drink orders. After our drink orders, we started looking at the menu, but I could tell Delilah had something on her mind. " Got something on your mind, Dee? I asked. “A lot of things are on my mind, college applications, senior year, you, the list can go on and on.” “Dee, why are you worried about me?” “Because when I go to college next year, you will be alone.” “Delilah, Aunt Vi will still be here.” “Mom, you have carried the weight of the world all by yourself. I want you to have someone to carry it with.” I was taken aback by what Dee said. Before I could respond, our server came to get our food orders.

“Dee, when you leave for whatever college you go to, I will be fine with or without someone, okay. “Okay, Mom.” “So, how are college applications going?” “Um, good, I guess, Dee says. “That didn’t sound convincing, I say. “You know how Dad wants me to go to an Ivy League school…. “Yes, I know how much your dad wants you to go to an Ivy League school. “Well, I don’t want to go to an Ivy, I want to go to an HBCU.” “Where has this change come from? I thought you wanted to attend an Ivy League school and live in a dorm with your friends. “A few months ago, Aunt Vi introduced me to some girls who went to different HBCUS, and we have kept in contact, and the way they talk about their schools is just a breath of fresh air. “What HBCUS are you looking at?” “I am looking at Howard, Spelman, Clark Atlanta, Albany State, Florida A&M, Morgan State, and North Carolina A&T. “Wow, you have thought this through.” “Mom, I am still going to apply to the Ivies for Dad, but my heart is going towards an HBCU.” “Whatever college you go to, I will support you 100%.” “Thanks, Mom.” Then, the food orders came. For the rest of our lunch, we talked about senior pictures, prom, and the senior trip. My baby girl is growing up, and I don’t know how to feel about it.

*The Next Day*

*Marcus’ P.O.V.*

As I enter the precinct, it feels like home. The smell of cheap coffee, the gray walls, and the constant phone rings. Captain Watkins was waiting for me outside her office. “Good morning, Captain Watkins.” “Good morning, Special Agent Dante.” We enter her office and we sit in our respective places. “I’m gonna cut to the chase, Dante, I need you back as a Detective. The streets were safer with you on them, even when you were bending every rule that you swore to uphold. Since you and that vigilante have been MIA, every precinct has been swamped with cases.” I was shocked. Is the same woman who kicked me out of this precinct, practically begging for me to return? Of course, I want this job back, but I kind of want to mess with her in the process. “So, what’s in it for me?” “What do you want, Dante?” “If I come back, I will be taking a pay cut.” “I can’t pay you as much as the FTF; however, I can squeeze in a nice pay raise in your salary.” “And extra vacation days?” “Yes, you can have extra vacation days.” “Then, you have yourself a detective.” “Good, and don’t tell anyone I told you this, but I need that vigilante back on the streets, too. If you could do something about that, you might be in my good graces.” “I will see what I can do.” “Thank you, Detective Dante.”

Chapter Text

*Marcus’ P.O.V.*

I have officially quit the FTF, and I am back to being a detective of the NYPD. I have moved myself and the boys back into the house. Everything is settled with my Father at his facility. Now, all that’s missing is the love of my life, Robyn McCall.

*Robyn’s P.O.V.*

I have been reflecting on what Dee said at our lunch a few days ago. “Mom, you have carried the weight of the world all by yourself. I want you to have someone to carry it with.” I know I don’t need anyone; I am complete by myself. However, I do want someone, a certain someone, Marcus Dante. I miss him, our friendship, our conversations, and our cases. I miss cases. As much as this break was needed, I have truly enjoyed it. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, attending therapy sessions, and taking vacations. But I want to get back on the field. Like Dr. Roszak said, I am hard-wired to help people. Before I make this decision, I want to talk to Delilah and Aunt Vi. I walk down the stairs and see that both Aunt Vi and Dee are in the kitchen fixing lunch because Dee has the day off from school. “Well, look who has decided to join us for lunch, Aunt Vi says. “Good afternoon, Mom. I never thought I would see the day that you did not leave your room until almost noon.” “Well, I haven’t been able to do that in decades, so let me live.” “Okay, let me fix the Queen a plate, Aunt Vi says. I take my fixed plate and sit down next to Dee, and start eating. “I have something I want to ask you all, I say. “What is it, Robyn?” “How would you all feel if I went back to equalizing?” Dee and Aunt Vi don’t answer immediately, but they give each other a look. “We would say…… It’s about time.” “We have loved having you home, being so present in our lives, and taking care of yourself for once, but helping people is who you are.” “So, y’all are okay with me going back?” “Yes, we will be okay with you going back.” “Good, now I just have to talk to Mel and Harry.” “I think they are as ready to go back as you are.”

*At the Bar*

Mel and Harry are waiting at the booth for me. I texted them earlier that I wanted to talk about equalizing. “So, I am just gonna come out with it, I want to start equalizing again.” “Why do you want to go back to equalizing? Harry asked. “When I decided to take a break, I was overwhelmed. Marcus had left, and Mel had quit the team. Then, that last case threw me, and I knew if I didn’t take a break that I would have run myself six feet under. “And Now?” “I feel like I’ve gotten some of my bearings back. I’m in therapy, and my family is thriving. I want to start helping people again. Mel and Harry look at each other. “Well, um, we don’t know if we want to come back, Harry said. “Yeah, like our life the way it is now, it’s so peaceful.” “Oh, um, okay then.” “Robyn, we’re kidding, we want to come back too.” “Oh, y’all were playing with me.” “We have been ready to come back for a while; we were just waiting on you, Mel said. “Mel, are you sure you want to come back? I ask. “100%.” “I propose we go down to the sanctum and turn on the message board, Harry said. “I second that proposal. We go down to the sanctum, and Harry gets on his computer. He pulls up the message board. “When I hit this button, the message board will be officially reopened.” “Do it.” Harry hit the button. “We are officially back to equalizing!” Mel goes to the kitchen and comes out with a bottle of Champagne and glasses. “I have been saving this bottle in hopes that this would happen.” Mel pours the Champagne into the glasses and one for me and one for Harry. “A toast to equalizing and coming back stronger than ever.” “Cheers!” The Equalizer is back.

*At Robyn’s Home*

I came back home and immediately told Aunt Vi and Delilah the news. They were so excited, then we started just talking about everything under the sun while Aunt Vi started dinner. I heard a knock at the door, which is weird because nobody was expecting anyone for dinner. So, I go to the door, my gun in my pocket, and I open it to see that it’s Marcus Dante. “Hi, Robyn.” “Hi, Marcus.” “Can we go somewhere and talk?” “We are just about to have dinner.” “Robyn, go speak to that nice man. The food will be here when you get back.” “Um, okay, Marcus, where are we going to talk? “We are going to the Pier.” “Okay, lead the way.”

Chapter Text

*Robyn’s P.O.V.*

Marcus takes me to the pier and finds a bench for us to sit on. To say I’m nervous is an understatement. As much as I have wanted to talk to Marcus, I don’t know what I am going to say to him. “Robyn, I brought you here because this is where we have had some of our best conversations. “When I took the job at the FTF, not only to make a difference, but to protect you.” “Protect me?” “Captain Watkins was breathing down my neck about working with the “vigilante” and how she is a danger to the city. So, I took the job, but I was miserable the entire time. L.A. is beautiful, and I made some friends, but being away from the city and the people I love was awful. Then, my Father took a turn for the worse, and that put things into perspective for me.” “I’m sorry about that, Marcus.” “It’s okay, my Father’s condition made me think about the relationship I wanted to have with my sons and how difficult it’s been to be a “Face Time Dad.” “I felt like I was turning into my father, putting everything before what really mattered.” I sit on the bench speechless. Marcus is showing me a side of himself that I’ve rarely seen. “I was also thinking about how my Father treated my mother. My mother was just a fixture in his life, there by default, there to carry his weight while not helping to carry hers.” “Which got me thinking about you.” Marcus takes my hands. Robyn, I am sorry for leaving you vulnerable. I’m sorry for leaving you when you needed me to stay. Robyn, I love you.

As I am staring at Marcus, words cannot find their way to my mouth. Marcus was so intentional with everything he said to me. I was so in a daze, I didn’t even realize I was crying until I felt Marcus’ hands wipe my face. I’m trying to think of what to say, but it’s hard. But, I need to do something, so I decide to speak what I feel. “When you left me here at the pier that night, I felt like a fool. I had finally let another man into my heart; I had finally let my walls down enough to let you in, and you left like I didn’t matter. Throughout my life, I always felt like I had to choose. Either be strong or be a woman. With you, I felt like I didn’t have to choose; I could be all of me. You knew so much about me, more than I have told most people. All I wanted you to do was stay.” I turn away from Marcus. I don’t know what to do next. I just bared my soul for him. “I’ll stay this time, if you give me another chance, Marcus says.” “I don’t know Marcus.” “Robyn, I have prepared to stay with you.” “I have officially moved back to New York, and I got my old job back.” I turned to look at Marcus. “Captain Watkins gave you your old job back?” “She practically begged me to take it back with a raise and extra vacation days.” “So, you are back permanently?” The only way I am leaving is if I leave Earth side.” “Robyn, I am in love with you; you are my person in every way that has ever mattered. I know I hurt you deeply, but I am willing to do whatever it takes to get you back in my arms.”

As much as I am trying to resist Marcus, I can’t do it. I want him back. I want him to hold me, kiss me, love me, and make love to me. “Marcus, even though you hurt me, it hasn’t stopped me from loving you.” “Marcus, I love you, I’m in love with you.” “I have been trying to resist it for so long, but I can’t anymore. You’re my person too.” At this point, we are standing staring at each other. “So, Robyn McCall, can I have another chance to love you the way you deserve to be loved?” “Yes, Marcus.” Then, he passionately kisses me. The kiss felt like home. Warm and inviting. I never wanted it to stop, and he didn’t want it to either. The kiss eventually did end. Our heads rested on each other’s. Soaking in the atmosphere, their new commitment. “Thank you.” “For what?” “For bringing me home.”

Chapter Text

*Marcus’ P.O.V.*

Wow, I really have my Robyn back. Ever since I left for L.A., I thought about the moment we would reunite. My mind would wonder about whether Robyn would ever give me another chance. But in this moment, I do not have to wonder because she is here in my arms. “I love you, Robyn.” “I love you too, Marcus.” “Not to shift the moment, but I want to know in detail how you got your job back with a raise and vacation days. We sat back down on the bench. “It’s a pretty simple story. I was with the boys when Captain Watkins called and asked for a meeting. In that meeting, she said that the streets were safer with me, even with me bending every rule I swore to uphold. Because I knew that she was a little desperate for me to come back, I negotiated a raise and some extra vacation days.” “Marcus, you are a smart but petty man.” We laughed. “Oh, I didn’t tell you the best part.” “What?” “She wants the “vigilante” back on the streets.” “Really?” “Captain Watkins said if I did that, I might be back in her good graces. “Well, I guess you both might get what you want.” “Robyn, what are you saying?” “I’m saying that I decided to start equalizing again.” “When did this happen?” “Earlier today.” “What made you come back?” “When I decided to take a break from equalizing, I was not okay. You were gone, Mel was off the team, and I almost died on a case. I knew I needed to be there for my family in every way. This break was good for me. I spent time with Dee and Aunt Vi. I went on a vacation for the first time in years. I went back to therapy. For the first time in a long time, I took care of myself. In doing that, I want to get back to helping other people.” “What about Mel and Harry?” “Mel and Harry are in it; we have already posted the message board.” “I am glad to hear you’re back to equalizing.” “So you’re okay with me equalizing?” “I would not have met you if you weren’t equalizing.”

“Why did you ask me that?” Robyn hesitates to answer. “Is it because of your ex-husband?” “Yes.” “Robyn, I know who you are. You are hard-wired to help people, and I know that will never stop. That’s what made me fall in love with you. Robyn, I admire that you go to great lengths to secure justice for those who desperately need it. I would never stop you from being who you are. Robyn kissed him with passion and devotion. “Thank you.” “For what?” “Seeing me.” “Always.”

Eventually, we made it back to my car. I didn’t want this night to end. As I was driving, our hands clasped together like they were made for each other. I walked her to the door. “Marcus, thank you for everything tonight.” “Thank you, Robyn, for giving me another chance.” We started kissing passionately in front of Robyn’s door. We were so lost in our world that we didn’t hear the door open. “So, are y’all gonna just stand here and make out all night? Aunt Vi asked.” Robyn and I are mortified. “Robyn, I fixed your plate in the kitchen, and Marcus, I have a plate for you in Tupperware.” Aunt Vi hands me the Tupperware. “Goodnight, Robyn.” “Goodnight, Marcus.” Even in embarrassment, this is still one of the best nights of my life.

Chapter Text

*Robyn’s P.O.V.*

I go to the kitchen to my plate that Aunt Vi fixed for me. I am so embarrassed that my Aunt caught me kissing Marcus. I started eating, but all I could think about was Marcus. Aunt Vi comes into the kitchen, and she has that look on her face like she has so much to say. “So, you and Marcus had a long conversation, and from the looks of it, it went well.” “It went well. He took me to the pier, he poured his heart out to me, and we decided to give each other another chance. “What about his job with the FTF?” “He quit his job at the FTF. He is back to being Detective Dante.” “Robyn, I am so happy for you.” “Thank you, Auntie.”

*The Next Day*

I wake up the next morning with a sense of peace. Marcus Dante is back in my life. We are finally together for good this time. My phone buzzed, and it was a text from Marcus: Good morning, beautiful. I texted him back: Good morning, handsome. Marcus texted back: Hey, are you free on Friday? Yeah, why are you asking? Because I am taking you out on Friday, at seven o’clock. Okay, where are we going? It’s a surprise. Okay, well, I’ll see you on Friday. Or Earlier. I can’t help but smile at my phone. I already know what I’m going to wear on Friday. I get dressed and make my way downstairs. Dee and Aunt Vi are already downstairs eating. “Good morning, ladies.” “Morning, Mom.” “Morning, love bird.” I blushed, and Aunt Vi handed me my plate. “So, Mom, I guess your talk with Mr. Dante went well because you were gone for a LONG TIME!” “Yes, my talk with Mr. Dante went well.” “Yes, Delilah, it went so well, I got a full view of their connection through the front door last night. “Auntie!” “OH MY GOD!” I am mortified. Thankfully, my phone buzzed, and it was Harry with a case. “Um, I have to go, I have a case.” With that, I rush out of the door to avoid any more of that conversation.

*At the Sanctum*

I walk into the sanctum, and Mel and Harry are staring at the screen. “Hey guys, what’s the case? “It is a doozy.” “The person who needs help put it in code, and it is taking a while for me to decipher it.” “What do you have so far?” “I have the person’s alias; they go by Kaos, and he was tasked to hack for the Cartel, La Alianza del Rayo. They transport cocaine along the East Coast.” “So, they are using Kaos to hide their supply chain?” “Yes.” “Now all we need is the location.” “That’s the part I can’t decipher.” Harry is typing frantically on his computer. “Wait, I think I found it kind of, the building has the acronym BB on it. “Now we need to look for buildings with BB.” “That’s like a million buildings.” “Can you ping abandoned buildings that have used WIFI in the last two hours?” “Now, that narrows the search. Oh, there is that building downtown, Biloxi Beruaview.” “Let’s go check it out.”

*At Biloxi Beruaview*

Mel and I enter the building. “Okay, Harry, we’re in.” “Okay, you are in the right room, now you just have to find Kaos. “Those wires.” “Kaos, are you in there?” “You’re the vigilante?” “Yes, and we need to get you out of here.” All of a sudden, we hear gunshots. We take cover as best we can. “You can take that boy over my dead body, one of the cartel members said.” “That can be arranged! Mel said.” “Mel gets a few of the cartel members enough for me to get Kaos out of the wire cage. As we were trying to get out of the building, the cartel members blocked our original entrance. With quick thinking, I found us a new exit. When we got outside, we were totally surrounded. Mel and I were quickly trying to devise a plan when I heard a familiar voice. “Police, hands up.” Marcus. The police arrested the remainder of the cartel members. “I guess I was right, I will see you before Friday.” “Yes, you were, and you came in handy too.” “Harry called you?” “Yeah, he pinned me in.” “Wait a minute, Robyn, you’re okay with him being here?” “More than okay.” “Wait, you two got back together?” “Last night, at the pier.” “And, when were you gonna tell me?” “After the case.” “Okay, but I want details on the way back to the sanctum.

*Back at the Sanctum*

Mel, Marcus, and I came back to the sanctum. “Hey, Harry, Marcus said.” “Marcus, it’s good to see you, man. Wait, Robyn, you are perfectly fine with him being in the sanctum?” “Yes, more than fine, Marcus’ hand intertwines with mine. “Wait, you got back together when?” “They got back together at the pier last night.” “When were you going to tell us?” “After the case.” “Okay, so the team is all back together?” “Permanently.”

Chapter Text

*Robyn’s P.O.V.*

I’m getting ready for Marcus’ and I’s date. It feels insane to say that. Marcus is really back in my life. I finished with my makeup. I went to my closet to retrieve what I’m gonna wear. I picked out the teal blue dress that everyone loved on the girls’ trip. It finally feels right to wear it. I pair it with my gold hoops, a gold heart necklace, nude pumps, and a top knot. I check myself over in the mirror, and I look amazing. I hear a knock at the door, and Aunt Vi answers it. That’s my signal to go downstairs. As I was going down the stairs, I noticed that Marcus was holding something. Then, what he was holding came into my eyesight. He was holding a bouquet of Orange Calla Lilies. “Orange Calla Lilies!” “In one of our many conversations over the years, you mentioned that you didn’t like roses. In that conversation asked you what your favorite flower was, and you said Orange Calla Lilies.” “You remembered that?” “I remember a lot of things when it comes to you, Robyn.” “I will take those and put them in a vase, Aunt Vi says. “We should get going, Marcus says. “Okay, bye, Aunt Vi, don’t wait up.”

We walk outside to see a car that isn’t Marcus’ car. “Marcus, whose car is this?” “It’s ours for tonight and tomorrow.” “Marcus, you’re spoiling me.” “Baby, you ain’t seen nothing yet.” “As we were driving, our hands were clasped together. We pull up to a restaurant called Chateau L ’Amour. Marcus gets out of the car and opens my door. We go inside, and Marcus goes up to the hostess for our reservation. After a few minutes of waiting, we were being escorted to a private room. When the waiters opened the door, there was a Jazz band playing in a room filled with Orange Calla Lilies. A beautiful table sat in the middle of the room. Tears were streaming down my face. “Marcus, this is too much.” “There is nothing too much for you, Robyn.” We kissed. We sit down, and a waiter comes to fill our glasses with my favorite wine. “My favorite wine, too?” “Anything for you, Robyn. Now, may I have a dance with the beautiful woman in front of me?” “Of course.” As we were dancing, my mind couldn’t help but ponder the moment. I’m here dancing in the room of my favorite flowers with the man I’ve been in love with for years. This feels like a dream. “What’s going on in that beautiful mind of yours?” “This moment. I never thought I would have this.” “What do you mean?” “I never thought I would find someone who saw me fully and loved me for it.” We continued dancing until our food came. We talked about everything and nothing while we ate. After we were done, we danced until the restaurant closed.

“Do you want to go back home tonight?” “Honestly, no, I don’t want this night to end.” “So, are you okay going to my place?” “More than okay.” I text Aunt Vi to let her know I won’t be coming home tonight. We get to Marcus’ place. He unlocks the door, and inside, Jazz music is playing, and there are tea lights everywhere. On the table in the living room, there are two glasses and a bottle of my favorite wine. “Marcus.” “There’s also red velvet cake from Melba’s in the fridge.” I am at a loss for words. What did I do to deserve this? “Robyn, are you here with me?” “I don’t know what to say, Marcus.” “How about I get the cake from the fridge, and you sit on the couch on pour that wine into those glasses.” “Okay.” I went into the living room and poured our glasses. Marcus came back with slices of cake. “When did you even have time to get cake from Melba’s?” “On my lunch break. I actually ordered the cake the day that we agreed to this date.” “You really planned this all out?” “I planned this to show you what you have always been deserving of.” “Thank you, Marcus.” We talked as we ate. We feed each other our slices like a couple at their wedding. With empty glasses and plates, we decide to retreat upstairs. When we went to Marcus’ bedroom, there was a box in the middle of his bed. “Marcus, is that what I think it is?” “No, it’s not a ring, not yet, open it.” I open the box and see they’re earrings with my birthstone in them. “I never told you my birthday.” “Mel told me.” “They’re beautiful, Marcus.” “Just like you.” I kissed him with all of the passion and devotion I could muster. He stops the kiss. “Robyn, we don’t have to. I didn’t do all of this to get you into bed with me. I did because I love you.” “I know, but I want to.” “You sure?” “Yes.”

In the moonlight, clothes were shed. Souls were bared. Feelings were expressed to an nth degree. On that night, a new commitment was made.

Chapter Text

*Marcus’ P.O.V.*

I wake before Robyn, and I just stare. This all feels like a dream. I have loved Robyn for years, but to have her here next to me feels amazing. “Why are you staring?” “Because I am making sure you’re real.” “I am very real, but if you want to know for sure… She kissed me passionately. “You are very real.” We laughed. “What time do you want to go back home?” “Not until the evening, that’s when Dee gets back from her Dad’s.” “That means we have most of the day to spend together. What do you want to do?” “Well, we can do a little more of this. We started making out lazily, just existing in each other’s orbit. We eventually get up and shower. I see Robyn looking through my drawers for clothes to wear. “Wow, already looking through my drawers.” “Well, when all you had on the night before was a dress, you start looking through drawers.” I went to my closet. I found a hoodie and some sweats. “Here you go.” “You know, once you give these to me, you are not getting them back, right?” “Yeah, and I don’t care. I gave her shoes too. “We should go to that brunch spot downtown.” “Let’s do it.” We get downstairs and we get into the car. I found my hand immediately interlocked with Robyn’s. We get to the brunch spot, and we get seated. Our waiter takes our drink orders. “This is nice. Being here with you.” “It is.” We got our drinks, we both got Orange Juice and Coffee.

“I have something to ask.” “Ask away.” “Will you come to a family dinner at my place tomorrow? I know we haven’t been back together for long, but I really want Aunt Vi and Dee to meet you as my partner.” “Robyn, of course, I will come to family dinner. Especially if Aunt Vi is cooking.” “Okay, great.” “Why were you nervous to ask me that?” “Because I thought it would be too early or you would think we are going too fast.” “Robyn, for years, I knew you were it for me. I know that along with Mel and Harry, Aunt Vi and Delilah are your closest family. And I want to meet them and introduce myself as your partner. So what we’re moving fast, we spent years denying our feelings for each other, and now we’re together. We are building something strong and relentless. I want your family to be a part of it.” “Thank you, Marcus.”

*The Next Day*

So, today is the day. My first family dinner with Robyn’s family. I am not that nervous because I have met them, but I do want to make a good impression. I go with a simple navy tee, dark wash jeans, and some worn-in boots. I pair a tan jacket with it. I make my way down the stairs, look in the mirror one more time, and head out. I get to Robyn’s house and knock on the door. Dee answers. “Hey, Mr. Marcus.” “Hey Delilah.” I enter the house. “Mom went out to get some bread for dinner. She should be back shortly.” I go to the kitchen to greet Aunt Vi. “Hey, Aunt Vi.” “Hello, Marcus.” “You need any help with dinner?” “I am good, go sit down, make yourself at home.” I go to the living room, and Delilah follows me. “Can I talk to you about something?” “Is that something your Mom?” “Yes.” “Then, yes, we can talk.” “What are your intentions with Mom?” “I intend to love her the way she deserves. To be there in any capacity, she needs me. And, to be the one she can shoulder the world with because she doesn’t have to carry it alone anymore.” “When you left for L.A., Mom was devastated. How do I know you are not gonna leave again?” “Delilah, one of the reasons I took the job in L.A. was to protect your Mom. My captain at the time was breathing down my neck about the “vigilante,” and I didn’t want her getting any closer to figuring out who she was, so I took the FTF job. But I was miserable the entire time. New York is my home. My Mom is here, my boys are here, everything I love is here. Delilah, the next time I leave your Mom, I will not be earth side.” “Good, do you want to marry Mom?” “If Robyn wants to get married, yes?” “Do you want kids with my Mom?” “If Robyn wants to, then yes.”

Just then, Robyn walks through the door looking just as radiant as she did yesterday. “Hey, I am home with the bread.” “Took you long enough.” “She turned to the living room, and she saw me. “Marcus, you’re here.” “Glad to be here.” “Robyn, bring that bread to the kitchen so it can be set properly.” “Duty calls.” I watch her walk away, Delilah standing there. “So, do you have any more questions for me, Delilah?” “No, just a statement. Be good to her; she deserves love that she can be safe in.” “Dinner is ready, come to the table and eat.” I get up from the couch and walk over to the dining room table. Aunt Vi made an amazing spread. I sit down next to Robyn. I said grace for the table, and we started eating. “So, Marcus, what are your intentions with my niece?” “I intend to love and cherish her for the rest of my life.” “That’s what I like to hear.” After that, we faded into casual conversation. Aunt Vi asked about my boys, and I gladly talked about them. We swapped stories. We laughed. Aunt Vi and Delilah already feel like family.

As Robyn observed the family dinner, she couldn’t have a bigger smile on her face. She can’t believe the reality in front of her. Robyn is soaking all of it in. This is her life. This is her family. This is the here and now.

The Synopsis for Here We Are

As Robyn and Marcus are on the verge of building the life they have always wanted, the devil rears his ugly head.