Hi all. This is my thank you to everyone who reviewed How Robin met her soul mate. Actually its for anyone who just read the story.

This is the prequel. How Robin became a mom and Barney became a dad something they never expected. They especially didn't expect to enjoy it.

She was very quiet as she snuck out of her bed and down the hall. She had already packed her few items and clutched a worn out bear.

She then ran once she got outside. She didn't know where she was or where she was going. She did have enough energy to get somewhere far enough.

She ran for three blocks and had to stop. She had made it Central Park and saw the pretty carousel. It was nearly dark so she huddled near it and cried.

Robin Scherbatsky and Barney Stinson were talking a small walk through central park when they saw her. It had just snowed the night before and they wanted to walk in the fresh snow around the carousel.

"Are you all right?" Barney asked kindly. Lexi glanced up at him and gasped in fright.

"I'm sorry mister! Please don't hurt me!" She cried.

"No, baby girl! I would never hurt such a beautiful girl" Barney promised trying to soothe her.

He gently reached out and stroked her cheek. He used his thumbs to sweep away loose hairs and wet tears.

The child whimpered at first but quickly softened at his warm and very gentle touch. Barney looked up to Robin who was still standing and looking nervous.

He gave her a look and she understood the silent conversation. She bent down and took Lexi's hand gently.

"My name's Robin and this is my husband Barney. Are you lost?" she asked and Lexi shrugged.

"I guess we can call it that. I ran off from the orphanage and I really don't want to go back there" she mumbled.

"Well its really cold out and that jacket your wearing isn't going to keep you warm very long" Barney pointed out.

"But I can't go back there Mr. Barney!" Lexi cried and new tears fell.

"Okay kid it's okay. Calm down and we'll take it one step at a time" he told her.

Lexi nodded and Robin gave her a tissue. She dried her eyes and blew her nose and then stood up.

"What you mean one step at a time?" she asked.

"Like I said kid, its very cold outside and you will be too very soon, so for now we'll take you to our home and you can sleep there till morning" he told her.

"No"

"Kid…" Barney said and she shook her head.

"My name's Lexi and I won't go back to that stupid orphanage! I am seven now so I can take care of myself!"

"I believe you Lexi, unfortunately you have to be eighteen to be considered an adult who can live on her own" he corrected.

She folded her arms with a sulk. "Look, we'll talk about this first thing tomorrow, right now you can come with us and least have a warm place to sleep tonight" he told her.

"Fine…I doubt you're going to give me much a choice anyway" she answered.

"That's the spirit" Barney told her.

Lexi rolled her eyes and rubbed her arms. "Actually I didn't care what you said, I just really am getting cold" she told him.

"Fair enough" Barney replied.

"Since you're basically kidnapping me now can I get a piggyback ride?" Lexi asked.

Barney gaped at her. "We are not…."

Lexi just raised a brow. "Who do you think the police would believe?" she asked.

Barney smirked at that. "Well played kid, I am starting to really like you little one"

"That least makes one of us" Lexi replied. Barney squatted down and she climbed onto his back.

She soon fell asleep. Robin watched her try to keep awake and rubbed her back as Barney walked slowly.

Barney watched her help the child sleep and smirked at her. Robin saw that and shook her head.

"No way! I am not good with kids!" She hissed in a low whisper.

"Then what was that motherly like affection?" he asked.

Robin shrugged as she looked at the sleeping girl. "I don't know" she answered honestly.

"I know you're scared Robin, I am too" Barney told her.

"I didn't think the suave, macho, suit wearing, Legen-wait for it-Dary man ever got nervous" she teased.

Barney rolled his eyes. "Like you four ever believed my act" he countered and she shrugged.

"Okay maybe not, but seriously Barney? Are you sure we can handle a seven year old?"

"I don't know…I say we ask the gang tomorrow…maybe they'll give us an intervention and tell it's a terrible idea" Barney suggested.

"Maybe" she agreed. Robin wasn't very sure though. When the gang first met her she never thought she'd ever settle down. Ted was the first to change her mind about love. Would he change her mind about being a mother as well?

Barney took her hand and the connection made her feel safe. Barney Stinson was still a childish, immature, crazy man-child but that was what she loved about him.

He was somewhat fearless and maybe if he thought they needed Lexi in their life she could live with that too. Maybe.