Time Traveler: E201. Just one Kiss

Back at City Hall Park...

Rowan's laughter was all that could be heard in the park, still half-empty at that hour. Juliette stared fascinated at Robin, the father role seemed to be a natural for him, maybe because Rowan was not his only son, or because, being himself an orphan, Rob's greatest wish was always to have his own children. To think that had been the reason she had left him in the first place made her feel quite guilty now.

"You're excellent with kids, did you know that?" She told him, as soon as he put Rowan back on the floor.

"You think?" he asked, still agitated by the game as Rowan started to run around.

"Yes," she replied. "You always know what to do, what to say, what to play. Rowie simply adores you, and I don't blame him, because…"

"Because?" Robin prompted her; Juliette flushed.

"Well, truth is you're adorable in your role as a dad."

Rob beamed. "Are you serious?"

"Very serious," she smiled back.

"Well, that's the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me." 

"Well, like I said, it's the truth," Juliette remarked.

Once again, Robin was touched by the sincerity of her words.

Just like minutes before, he couldn't refrain himself and reached out to kiss her, only this time there was no interruption to keep their lips from touching.

 

Juliette reacted by pulling away at once, which made Robin feel embarrassed and confused. She had to take a few seconds to get a grip on her heart, as it had started to race again.

"Jul? Is everything all right?" Robin asked when she turned to look at him.

"Yeah, I'm fine, it's just… you need to stop doing this."

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you".

"Really, I'm so sorry, I did it without thinking, it was an impulse, that's all," Robin apologized.

"Still, you shouldn't have."

"Was it that bad?"

"It wasn't bad, in fact it was lovely, but the same thing happened a while ago on the bench. If Row hadn't arrived at that moment, we would have…"

"We would have kissed, so what, it's just a kiss."

"That's the problem, it's not 'just a kiss' for me. I love you, Rob, and every time we kiss, I want to keep going, but I know I can't cause you're still married, and though it would be wonderful to just - forget about everything and go forward, it wouldn't feel right and... Anyway, we can't," Juliette concluded in a whisper.

"You're absolutely right, I'm sorry," Robin sighed. "I'm so happy to be here with you and Row today, that it's hard for me to contain myself. Please, forgive me."

Juliette felt bad straight away, and a fool too for reacting in such fashion.

"Don't apologize, please, it's not entirely your fault. "

"I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to kiss you too, it happens every time you are near me, but… "

"But it's not fair, I get it. I'm supposed to make you feel safe, to give you peace, not worries; so, once again, forgive me."

"No, you forgive me, I think I overreacted, I got a little nervous, that's all".

"So, you're not mad at me?"

"Mad at you? Please, how could I, after how wonderful you've been to me and Row today."

"Do you still think I'm a good father for him?"

"The best he could have possibly had... You know, I wish my mother had joined us, so she could have seen how happy Rowan is with you by his side; that way maybe…"

"She would stop mistrusting me?" Robin asked, turning serious again.

"She doesn't distrust you".

"Yes, she does."

"And in a way she's right, after what I did by leaving you alone back at the University and marrying someone else; that was a mistake I'll regret all my life, not to mention the mess I caused in Oasis Landing."

"I was wrong too, first cutting you off for wanting a family, and then hiding the fact that I was pregnant, that was kind of stupid, and I regret it too."

"Well, let's leave that in the past, okay? Today starts a new life for us. I'll work every minute of every single day so that you, Rowie and I can have proper home."

"As for your mom, she has nothing to worry about, cause I'm going to behave myself from here until my situation is settled. Although, of course, that won't be easy with how beautiful you look at all times."

"Rob..." Juliette said, blushing. She had to contain herself too from throwing herself in his arms. Robin had to control his impulse to kiss her again.