Without needing to worry about Gaston for the time being, Belle and Robert could just enjoy the pregnancy. Robert acted as if the child she carried was his own. He would excitedly rest his hand on her to feel the baby move. Often they would discuss baby names. Robert placed a high importance on names. He and Belle spent many hours discussing the meanings and sounds of them, wanting to pick just the right one. Anyone who didn't know them and heard them taking would have thought they were any other happy couple looking forward to the birth of their child.
Belle knew even those who thought Robert was cold hearted from the way he handled his business couldn't honestly claim he wasn't good with children. They all knew Bae had always been his life, and little Grace adored him. Even knowing all that and how often they talked about the baby, Belle still wasn't expecting the surprise he had for her one day.
Knowing Ruby was Belle's closest friend, he encouraged her to take Belle on a shopping trip. Belle needed clothes that would fit her more comfortably as the baby grew. They would find a better selection outside of Storybrooke, and if they stopped to eat as well they would be gone long enough for Robert to arrange the surprise. Ruby insisted Belle try on almost every maternity dress in the shops, making sure everything would be ready when she came home.
Belle came into the library and was amazed at the change in the steps that lead to her apartment above it. The stairs were made to look like the bindings of books, and as she climbed the steps she recognized her favorite titles. She opened the door to her apartment, and saw that the door to the spare room she planned to use as a nursery was open. By now it was evening, and she could see a light was on inside.
She stepped in, and her hand flew to her mouth in surprise as she saw the antique crib she had admired the first time she had visited the pawn shop. It had been carefully refinished, and the wood seemed to give off a warm glow. Rose print pillows, sheets, and blankets were in place. Above it hung a mobile of unicorns, sparkling in the light. There was a teddy bear that was just the right size for a newborn, too. A baby monitor was already attached.
Besides the crib, there was a dresser for baby clothes, a changing table and diaper pail, and a hamper for dirty baby clothes. A nightlight was plugged into an outlet, and a rocking chair was near the crib. Belle sat down in it, and smiled in comfort. She could happily spend hours rocking her daughter in that chair.
She was stirred from her thoughts by a knock at her door. She looked to see Robert smiling at her. She got up from the chair and went over to him, finding herself in his arms almost immediately.
"I knew it had to be you who did all this." She kissed him. "You didn't have to. You've done so much already."
"I wanted to," he told her, kissing her back. "We'll have our hands full when the baby arrives. Now's the time to make sure everything is ready."
Belle loved the way he said "we'll." She remembered her first night in Storybrooke, thinking no man would be willing to take on another man's baby. Robert was not only willing, it was clear he looked forward to it.
"Sometimes I don't feel ready," she admitted. "I love her so much already, but I don't know if I can do this."
"You can," he assured her. "You didn't know you could get away from Gaston either, but you found the strength to leave."
"If I hadn't found you, I don't know what I would have done."
"Exactly what you did," he told her. "Found a job and a lawyer. Or if you hadn't been able to, you'd have found some kind of shelter until you got on your feet." He stroked her face. "Do you know what I saw the first time I ever saw you?"
She shook her head, and he told her.
"I saw your eyes. They stood out to me more than anything else. I saw strength and courage and determination. I thought how lucky some man must be to have you for his wife." He smiled warmly. "I never thought I'd have a chance in hell at you ever looking twice at me."
She held him closer.
"The first time I saw you," she said. "I saw your eyes, too. I saw the softness in them, and the gentleness in your voice." She laughed. "And I couldn't understand why everyone seemed to be afraid of you."
"I have worked hard on my reputation," he admitted with a laugh
"You don't have to," she said gently. "The real you that you let me see is someone special."
No woman had ever both seen and liked the man he was until then. Milah and Cora had shattered any chance any woman ever would. He leaned in for a kiss, and when he did Belle felt the baby move inside her. She let out a gasp, and Robert moved his hand to her belly, The baby seemed to move towards his hand.
"She loves you already," Belle said with a wide smile that lit up her face. Robert moved his face close to where the baby lay.
"I love you too, little one. Your mama and I can't wait to see you."
The baby moved, and both Robert and Belle had no doubt she was answering him.