Chapter 11
It was the day of baby Riley's first birthday. Robin and Regina had gotten up a little early to prepare for the day. Still lying in bed cuddling each other, Robin says,
"So today is the big day, my love." Robin says as he places a kiss on Regina's head.
"I'm so excited! Our little princess is finally one." Regina says with a giggle as she brushes her hand back and forth over Robin's bare chest.
"She has changed our lives for the better, Robin, and I just love her so much!" Regina said with pride.
"That she has my love," Robin says as he grabs Regina and slowly turns her on her back. "And you have done the same for me, Regina. Thank you for giving me this life." Robin says looking down lovingly at Regina as he places a passionate kiss on her lips and continues, "Now, let's get ready to celebrate the life of our little girl." Robin rolls out of bed and heads to the bathroom to get prepared for his baby girl's big day.
Regina let the words of Robin soak in as she continued lying in bed for a couple of minutes, until little Roland walks in.
Regina turns around and is greeted by a little smile with deep dimples and bright eyes.
"Hi momma!" Little Roland said as he lays head on Regina's arm.
"Good morning my love!" Regina says as she pulls him up and wraps him in her arms and snuggles with him for a couple of minutes.
"It's Riley's birthday, momma! Can we go to the party now?" Roland asks as he places his little hands on Regina's face.
Regina lets out a loving smile and caresses his smiling face.
"Yes we can love, but first we have to get ready." Regina said lovingly. Just as she finished her sentence Riley started crying signaling to Regina that Riley has awoken from her slumber.
"There's your sister! Let's go get her and get her ready!" Regina said as both Roland and Regina roll out of bed and head to Riley's room.
Roland runs up ahead of Regina and bursts through Riley's room.
"Happy birthday sissy!" Roland shouts as little Riley begins to smile, giggle, and begins bouncing up and down in her crib as soon as she sees her mommy.
Regina anxiously rushes over to Riley with a smile as she picks her up and gently lifts her in the air looking up at her.
"Happy birthday my angel!" Regina says with love as she brings a smiling Riley down and embraces her in a strong loving motherly hug and kiss. "Let's get you ready for your big day my princess!" Regina says with excitement.
"Momma, can I help you get sissy ready?" Roland said as he started opening Riley's closet and began scanning it.
"Of course my love. Let's give her a bath first." Regina said leading the way to the bathroom.
As Regina heads to the bathroom with Riley in hand and Roland following close behind, Henry emerges from his room.
"Good morning Henry!" Regina stops in place as Henry approaches Regina and Riley.
"Hi mom." Henry reaches out for a hug before he takes his little sister and holds her.
"Happy birthday Riley!" After giving her a big brotherly hug and kiss, Henry returns Riley to Regina as they continue on their way to the guest bathroom.
"Today is Riley's party, Henry!" Roland said with excitement. "I'm going to help momma dress her!"
"That's so nice of you Roland." Henry says hugging his little brother. "Where's dad?" Henry said rubbing his eyes.
"He's getting ready. He should be out of the shower by now." Regina said as she begins to draw Riley's bath.
"Ok. I'll go get ready in your bathroom." Henry said as he headed toward Robin and Regina's room.
Regina begins to place Riley in her bath and baby Riley begins to splash and laugh.
"Roland dear, can you get me a wash cloth from the closet?" Regina said as she began to gently pour water over Riley.
"Ok momma." Roland heads to the closet and pulls out a wash cloth and towel. He sees the shampoo and takes it upon himself to grab it.
"Here momma. I got an extra towel and her shampoo." Roland says excitedly as he hands the towels and shampoo over.
"Thank you love!" Regina said with joy. "Here, you want to put the shampoo on her?" Regina said as she hands over the bottle to Roland.
"Okay!" Roland joyfully accepts the gesture.
"Pour a little bit on her head. Make sure you don't get it in her eyes." Regina gently suggests in her soothing motherly tone.
Roland begins to squeeze a little shampoo on Riley's head as she continues to splash and giggle. Once Roland was done, Regina gently begins to wash her baby girl from head to toe.
Roland helps his mother by extending his little hand and places it on Riley's head as he gently scrubs her head with the shampoo. Regina continues as she begins to rinse Riley off.
"Okay Roland, can you watch her while I prepare to get her out?" Regina asks with a smile.
"Okay momma!" Roland said as he looks after his baby sister and begins to talk to her.
"You're almost ready sissy! Momma is going to get your towel." Roland says with giggles as Riley continues splashing and giggling. Roland lets out a small chuckle as Regina returns.
"She keeps splashing me momma!" Roland laughs.
"She's just excited for her birthday party! Aren't you angel!?" Regina said smiling as she picked up Riley to dry her off.
Meanwhile, Henry walks into his parents' room where he sees Robin.
"Good morning dad!" Henry says reaching out to hug his father.
"Hey there my boy!" Robin returns the gesture with a hug. "You ready to celebrate your sister's birthday?" Robin continues as he begins to lather some shaving cream before placing it on his face.
"Yeah! I'm really excited!" Henry said as he began to reach for his tooth brush.
"It's hard to believe it's been a year. It's gone by pretty quick!" Robin said washing his razor.
"I know. It feels like we just started planning this party yesterday and the day is already here." Henry begins to brush his teeth.
As Henry is brushing his teeth he glances over at Robin who is lathering his face with shaving cream. After brushing his teeth Henry smiles at Robin. Robin catches him smiling and responds,
"You okay Henry?" Robin says as he rinses his razor.
"No. Nothing. Just that, I'm glad that I can call you my dad." Henry says as he goes to hug Robin.
Robin is taken aback and answers to Henry's hug as Henry continues.
"After my real dad died, I didn't think I would ever have a person like him in my life again. I know my mom, Emma, is with Killian, but when I'm around you I feel like you have always been a part of my life and when I see you with mom, I just feel that the empty space I had in my heart after my real dad died has been filled when you came into me and my mom's lives."
"Aw Henry. If anything, I should be thanking you. For allowing me into you and your mother's life. She means so much to me and I just want to make her happy." Robin said as he hugs his step-son in a fatherly embrace.
"You have, dad. I can see it in her face every day. Thank you." Henry said hugging his step-father a little tighter.
"Anything for you son, and your mother." Robin concludes. "Now, my boy, let's finish getting ready for your sister's birthday party. I still have to run some quick errands before the party starts. Want to come with me? I could use some extra hands? Robin said in an inviting tone.
"Sure!" Henry said with a smile and glowing eyes as he makes his way to the shower.
"Alright then. Hurry it up son. We got a big day ahead of us." Robin said as he pats his step-son on the back.
Robin continues to get ready as Regina walks in with baby Riley.
"Someone wants to say hi to their daddy!" Regina said carrying a freshly bathed and laughing Riley.
Robin's eyes glow at the sight of his baby girl as he reaches out to her whose arms are wide and ready to welcome her father's embrace.
"Hello my lovely girl!" Robin says as he reaches for his daughter. Riley continues to laugh and giggle as her little hands graze her father's freshly shaven face. Robin gently kisses her little hands before going to Regina to give her a loving kiss.
"Henry and I are going to run some quick errands and checkup on Snow and David's progress at Granny's. They should be there by now decorating and getting set for later this evening." Robin said while holding his daughter. "I'll take Riley with me so that you and Roland can get ready. I'll go finish getting her ready."
"Thank you dear. I have her clothes set out for her. Emma and Tinker Bell are coming by later this afternoon around 4pm to dress her for her big day." Regina said as she brushes her hand against her daughters face.
"We should be home by then, right my love?" Robin says as he lovingly turns to his daughter who produces a cute glowing smile.
Robin heads towards Riley's room as he places Riley in her crib to get her clothes. Roland walks in and sees that Robin is about to get her ready.
"Hi papa!" Roland said giving his father a hug. "Do you need help getting sissy ready?"
"Sure, son. Come lend me a hand." Robin said as he hands Roland Riley's clothes. "Hold these while I get her out." Robin takes Riley out of her crib and begins to dress her as Roland hands Robin her shirt.
"You're in a happy mood my girl aren't you?" Robin says as he puts Riley's shirt on.
"I think she knows it's her birthday, papa!" Roland said with a smile.
"I think you're right son!" Robin says looking at Roland. "Hand me her pants."
Roland hands over her pants as Robin puts them on. Afterwards, Roland goes to the bathroom to retrieve a hair brush.
"Here papa! Don't forget to brush her hair!" Roland says reminding Robin as he hands him the brush.
"Thanks son!" Robin happily obliges.
Robin begins to brush his daughter's hair as he takes in the beauty of her smiling face and letting her laugh warm his heart. While brushing her hair, Robin begins to get lost in the thoughts of the time Robin and Regina brought Riley home for the first time as a small chuckle and smile emerge as he remembers that day.
After giving birth to Riley 3 days ago, Regina was ready to take her new baby girl home. The nurse brings in baby Riley from the nursery and hands her to Regina.
"Mrs. Hood? Your daughter is ready to head home!" The nurse said with a bright smile on her face. The nurse hands Riley over to her as she continues, "We are finalizing her birth certificate and we were wondering if you have given her a middle name. If not, I'll have Dr. Whale go ahead and sign off on it."
"Oh thank you! Yes, as a matter of fact my husband and I came up with one the other day. Her middle name is Snow." Regina said with pride.
"Riley Snow Hood." The nurse repeats for confirmation as she writes it down on her clipboard. "That's a beautiful name." She looks up from her clipboard and shoots a glowing smile at Regina.
"Thank you!" Regina says as she looks down at her peacefully sleeping daughter.
"I'll type it in and bring it by shortly! Congratulations!" the nurse says as she heads out to process Regina's paperwork before she checks out.
In walks Robin, Henry, and Roland as they help with Regina's belongings to load them in the car.
"The car is already to go my love!" Robin says as he places a kiss on Regina and his new baby girl.
"Here is her car seat mom!" Henry said as he places it on top of the bed.
"Thank you, Henry." Regina said with a smile.
Robin straightens out the car seat as Regina gently places baby Riley in the car seat as she lets out tiny little groans as she wiggles her tiny body to get comfortable in her new car seat.
"Here's her birth certificate Mr. and Mrs. Hood. You've been checked out and Dr. Whale will be by to sign off on your stay." The nurse says handing the certificate over to the new parents.
"Thank you so much for everything you and Dr. Whale have done for us." Regina says to the smiling nurse.
"It was my pleasure Mrs. Hood. Congratulations." She says as she makes her way back to the front desk as Dr. Whale walks in after her.
"Robin, Regina, boys!" Dr. Whale says with a welcoming smile. "You're all checked out! We just need a final signature and you will be on your way home!" Dr. Whale hands a clipboard to Robin as he signs it.
"Thank you Dr. Whale. You really pulled through for us. And thank you for the care you've given my wife and baby. Means a lot to me." Robin says with a genuine smile as Dr. Whale embraces him in a brother like hug.
"My pleasure Robin! Anytime!" Dr. Whale says with a smile.
Robin turns back to grab his daughter who has fallen fast asleep in her new comfy car seat.
"Ready my love?" Robin said as he grabs a hold of his beautiful wife and places a gentle kiss on her lips.
"Yes. Let's go home." Regina says with a relieved smile.
As Robin loads baby Riley in the car, Henry and Roland climb in after her. They are sitting along each side of her as they lovingly look on at their new baby sister.
"I can't wait to play with her!" Roland said as he gently placed his hand on his baby sister's head.
"Me neither!" Henry said as he gently lifts her hand and rubs it. "Hey Roland?"
"Yeah?"
"Let's make a pact!" Henry said with excitement.
"Okay!" Roland said with excitement. "I like it when we do that!"
"Okay. Let's be Riley's big brothers and make sure no one hurts her. We are going to protect her and keep her away from bad things. Okay?" Henry said to his little brother.
"Like her super heroes?" Roland said.
"Yeah. Her super heroes." Henry said with a chuckle. "It's going to be our job to protect her, deal?" Henry said with a smile as he reaches for Roland's hand and gives him a high five.
"Deal!" Roland said with excitement. "Did you here that sissy? We are your super heroes and we are going to protect you!" Roland said as he gently pats his baby sister on her head.
"Momma! Papa!" Roland calls out.
"What is it, son?" Robin says as he's driving home.
"Me and Henry made a pact to be Riley's super heroes and we are going to protect her!" Roland said proudly.
"That's so nice of you and Henry, my love! She will definitely be in good hands then!" Regina says as tears begin to develop in her eyes. Robin notices and reaches for her hand and kisses it.
"Everything ok my love?" Robin asks with concern.
"Yes, dear. I'm just so happy. And a little tired to be honest." Regina said as she wiped away a tear.
"You'll be alright darling. As soon as we get home you can take a nap and I'll tend to the children. Besides, I have to prepare the nursery. I'll have the boys to help me." Robin said placing another kiss on his lovely wife's hand.
"Oh my gosh, that's right! We haven't even made time to fix up the nursery!" Regina said with concern in her voice.
As Robin drives up, he gets down to help Regina off of the car as Henry and Roland grab Regina and Riley's bags. Robin reaches in the back and gently takes his new baby girl out of the car as Regina shuts the door.
"I'll go open the door dad." Henry says grabbing the keys from Robin.
"Thanks son." Robin said with a smile.
As the family enters their home, they all head up to Riley's new room. As soon as the door opens, they are greeted by Snow, Charming, Emma, Belle, Tinker Bell and Will as they quietly say "surprise." The nursery had been fully furnished with the gifts given to Regina at the shower.
"Welcome home!" Snow says with tears in her eyes as she hugs a surprised Regina.
With tears in her eyes and looking around the room, Regina finally responds, "Snow! This nursery is beautiful!" Regina admires the nursery which has been decked out in pink and white and Winnie the Pooh.
Robin, too, was surprised. He looks around the nursery as David walks up to him. "What do you think?" David said as he pats Robin on the back.
"David, when did you do all of this?" Robin said out of curiosity.
"We've been working on it for the past 3 days while you were working and spending the night at the hospital with Regina and the baby." David said proudly.
"Is that why you kept me busy these past 3 days keeping me from the house by offering to stop by here and bring some things over to us?" Robin said.
"Yes!" David said with a mischievous smile on his face.
"What do you think, Regina?" Emma said as she gives Regina a gentle loving hug.
"It's beautiful! You all are amazing!" Regina said wiping away her tears.
Belle walks up to give Regina a hug when she says, "We knew you and Robin did not have time to set up the nursery because of Riley's unexpected arrival so we took it upon ourselves to lend you all a hand." Belle said genuinely.
Regina gives Belle another hug before expressing her sincere gratitude.
Up walks Tinker Bell and Will as they call the attention to Robin.
"Robin, Regina. Will and I have a gift for our Goddaughter." Tinker Bell smiled.
"Yes. Tinker Bell and I had it made for her and as her God parents, we want to give her first gift. We were going to wait till after the baby shower but of course you know, there really wasn't a good time for that." Will chuckles as he hands Regina and Robin a small gift bag. Regina slowly starts to open it as Robin takes the tissue paper. Regina pulls out a small jewelry box. As she opens it a beautiful diamond necklace illuminates with the light.
"Will! Tinker Bell!" Regina says as tears continue to roll down her cheeks.
"It's her first diamond necklace made from one of the diamonds from your wedding dress!" Tinker Bell said with joy.
"I had Rumple customize it with the tools in his shop and he agreed to make it for her." Will said proudly.
"It's beautiful!" Robin said as he expressed his thanks to both Will and Tinker Bell. "Thank you all so much. We really appreciate it!" Robin says as he turns to each person in the room.
They all answer to Robin's gratitude with smiles and giggles. "We will leave you to rest Regina." Snow said as the whole gang bid their goodbyes and congratulations before admiring baby Riley. The last to leave the room was Emma when Regina called out to her.
"Emma." Regina says as she gently takes her by the hand. "Thank you for watching the boys these past 3 days. I hope they weren't too much trouble." Regina says giving her a hug to show her sincere gratitude.
"Oh no. They weren't any trouble. Killian kept them busy for the most part. I'll be taking Henry this weekend anyway. We're going on a little vacation just to relax a little." Emma said with a smile. "I'll see you all later!" Emma said with a gentle wave and a smile.
"Bye mom." Henry walks up to Emma as he gives her a big hug. "See ya kid. Make sure you're packed for next weekend. I love you." Emma says a she places a kiss on his forehead and gives him a tight hug.
As the family is left to admire the beauty of the nursery Robin takes out his daughter and gently places her in her newly assembled crib.
Regina walks over to stand next to her husband as they both look down proudly at their new baby girl.
"She's beautiful, Regina." Robin says as he kisses his wife. "I can't wait for the years of joy she is going to bring to us!"
Regina leans her head on her husband's shoulder and says "I wonder what she has up her little sleeve for us! We better enjoy this moment, because before you know it, her first birthday will be here and I want to remember this moment forever and always!"