A/N: This is something I have been thinking about doing for a while and I hope it works as it's a bit different. It's loosely based on the Elvis Presley song "I Just Can't Help Believing" that for some reason made me think of Robbie (the exact part of the song is quoted in the last chapter). I also thought I could see Robbie being like Rick Castle. This is a pre-Andrew story too, for those who might understand that :) Hope you like it!
Disclaimer: I own nothing.
Sophia
Robbie Ross was possibly the last person that Michael expected to find on his doorstep late at night, but he hid his surprise well and allowed him to enter.
"I need to talk to you Mike," Robbie said without preamble as they both took a seat in the lounge room.
Michael waited patiently as Robbie paused for a moment, seeming to collect his thoughts, "I need your opinion on something – something important," he continued.
"Of course," Michael assured him, "what's the problem?"
"Isla is pregnant," Robbie said baldly, referring to his girlfriend of a little over a year.
Michael regarded Robbie carefully, "And how do you feel about this?"
"Great," Robbie told him, before rising to his feet and beginning to pace. "The problem is Isla – she doesn't want the baby, she doesn't want anything to do with it. She told me that if I wanted it I could have it otherwise she was going to have a termination." He whirled to face Michael, "I mean, can you believe it? She actually referred to her baby – my baby – as 'it,' I can't believe I've never noticed this side of her before."
Robbie sank back down into the seat with a sigh, "I need your help, Mike, you're a family man, do you…" he hesitated, "do you think I have what it takes to be a father? A full time father?"
Michael considered his words carefully before replying, "I think that no one really knows how they will handle the responsibility of parenthood until they become a parent. But you do a great job with Jamie when you see him and you know that the children just adore their Uncle Robbie." Michael smiled, "I don't think you have anything to worry about in becoming a full time father. You already seem to love this child – that's half of the process."
At Michael's words Robbie seemed to relax, "Thanks Mike," he said with an appreciative smile.
The two men spent the rest of the evening discussing Robbie's plans to accommodate the baby into his life and home. Much to the amusement of Jackie, who eventually joined them and teased them about being 'clucky.'