And you'll be in my heart
Yes, you'll be in my heart
From this day on
Now and forever more

("You'll Be in My Heart," Phil Collins)

Chapter 13: Rachel

The Silvanis reached safety in Maine a few days after their frantic late night phone call. Barb told us in person when she arrived for my baby shower. I hugged her, relieved everything worked out for our friends. "Thank you so much for your help," I told her.

"Anything to fight injustice." She pulled back, holding my hands. "But let's not focus on that. We're here to celebrate you and your baby."

I nodded before glancing around. "Where's your new addition to the family? I can't wait to meet little August."

"Of course! He should be…" She trailed off as she looked around as well before sighing. "Sorry, he's very shy."

"That's okay. Where do you think he's hiding?"

"Probably not far." Barb and I left the living room and she made a beeline for the stairs. "There you are! Don't you want to come meet my cousin?"

I rounded the stairs and stopped short. Sitting on the fifth step, hands propping up his head, was a very familiar young boy with red hair, blue eyes and freckles. His eyes widened when he saw me. "Lady Locksley?"

"Pinocchio?" I squeaked, surprised.

He hopped off the stairs and threw his arms around me. "I'm so glad to see you," he said.

Barb shook her head, letting out a little laugh. "The foster home said he had called himself Pinocchio when they found him but they thought it was a defense mechanism against whatever trauma he had experienced. Even after learning the truth about Robin, Joe and I still didn't…He's really Pinocchio?"

"Yes, he is," I replied, pulling him close to me again. "And he's also Roland's best friend. Isn't that right?"

Pinocchio nodded and Barb smiled. "This is the happiest I've seen you since we've met you."

"I'm happy with you," he replied. "I just couldn't tell you the truth. So it was best to not talk. I guess that made me sad."

He hugged Barb before looking back at me. "I still miss my Papa, though."

"I know," I replied.

The door opened and Robin entered with Roland. The boy chirped, "Hi, Aunt Barb."

"Roland!" Pinocchio exclaimed, hugging his friend as Roland let out a squeal of delight.

Robin met my eyes and I smiled, shrugging. "Why don't we all head inside? I need to sit down."

"Good idea," Barb replied, pulling Pinocchio and Roland close. "I can't wait to hear all about your adventures together."

"First, though, I'd like to know how you escaped the curse, Pinocchio," Robin said as we settled on the couch.

Pinocchio's smile fell away. "Papa put me in the wardrobe ahead of Princess Emma," he explained. "When Grumpy first announced the curse was coming."

Robin frowned. "I thought it only had magic to transport one person."

"Papa asked the Blue Fairy to lie," Pinocchio explained.

"Why?" I asked.

"He only agreed to make the wardrobe if I could go through as well. So Papa asked the Blue Fairy to lie to the Prince and Princess and tell them the tree could only transport one person rather than two."

When we were silent for a bit longer than he must've expected, he then added: "Papa just wanted to keep me safe."

I met Robin's eyes and knew what he was thinking: How could we condemn Gepetto for doing something we would've done to save Roland?

Robin pulled Pinocchio close. "Of course he did. That's what every parent wants. Don't feel bad for what he did, okay?"

"You're safe," I said, tucking my fingers under his chin just like I did with Roland. "That's all that matters."

Pinocchio smiled and returned to where Barb was sitting, climbing onto her lap. She held him close, rocking him.

Another question floated through my mind. "Pinocchio, where did you end up? After you went through the wardrobe?"

"In the woods," he replied. "I was the one who put Princess Emma in the box so she would be comfortable."

I frowned. "I didn't see you though. Did you see me?"

Pinocchio shook his head. "I started walking, hoping I could find someone to help us. When I got into town, I tried to tell them about Princess Emma but they said she was already found."

"I wish I knew…" I trailed off.

Robin took my hand, nodding. "We would've tried to adopt you too."

"That's okay. I'm happy where I am now." Pinocchio hugged Barb and I nearly cried.

Damn hormones.

My baby shower was a small one, held in a restaurant by my house. We took over one corner of the establishment, decorated in pink crepe paper and "It's a girl" decorations. Lucy and Barb knew I was certain I was having a girl but the others were very confused. So we explained it was a running joke between me and Robin, which the few co-workers of his invited backed up.

"So do you have a name picked out?" Angela asked. She worked the front desk at the rec center and we were friendly, having exchanged some small chat when I came to pick up Robin.

I smiled and nodded. "We've chosen Rachel, after Robin's mother. He was close with her."

"Was?" Jackie, another old acquaintance of mine, asked.

I nodded. "She died while Robin was still young. These pearls were hers and he inherited them upon her death."

Everyone admired my necklace before Lucy stood up. "Okay, I have prepared some games for us to play."

"There better not be a scale back there because I will clobber you with it," I told her, crossing my arms.

Lucy smiled, shaking her head. "No scales, no measuring tapes. Just some friendly word searches and questionnaires. Is that okay?"

"Yes, that's fine," I agreed, sipping my sparkling grape juice.

Barb chuckled. "She seems to be having the time of her life."

"Lucy? Of course she is. She loves a party, no matter what it's for." I smiled at my friend. "I love her for that…mostly because I can get her to plan my parties for me."

"So you use her?"

"Of course not," Lucy replied, leaning between us. "I'm fully aware of what she's doing and I'm happy to help."

I kissed her cheek. "And thank you so much for this. It means the world to me that you still threw me a baby shower."

"Why wouldn't I? Our current romantic relationships don't change the fact that you're my best friend." Lucy hugged me as I sniffed.

Damn hormones.

Lucy then handed me the questionnaire. "I need you to fill one out so we know whose answers are closest to yours."

"Of course. Give me a pen." I started to fill out the answers, chuckling at some of the questions while blushing at a few others. Especially one in particular which led me to glare at Lucy. "I am not telling you where I conceived the kid!"

"Come on. It was in Robin's cabin the woods, right?" Jackie asked. "You were with him there when you conceived since you were pregnant when you were found."

Lucy nodded. "It's not like you're a very adventurous person when it comes to sex, Regina. I should know. And I don't love you any less for it, but you having sex any place but inside your house? Please."

I frowned. "You're trying to bait me, aren't you?"

"No. I mean it. You're just a safe person."

"Fine," I sighed. "You win. I'll answer the damn question. It was in a lake. Happy?"

Lucy spit out the mimosa she was sipping, her eyes growing wide. "You had sex in a lake?"

"It was hot so we went for a swim. But I didn't have a bathing suit and one thing led to another…Frankly, it was something I always wanted to do," I admitted.

Her mouth was hanging open. "You always…I'm your best friend and I didn't know you wanted to have sex in a lake. Where else do you want to have your wicked way with Robin?"

"That is enough. We're in public and we're supposed to be celebrating my baby, not my sex life."

"Seems to be the same thing to me."

I took her mimosa. "Okay, I think you've had enough of these. Barb, she's cut off. Got it?"

"Got it," Barb replied, taking the mimosa and taking a sip. She made a face. "Ugh, this is more champagne than orange juice."

"No surprise there." I rolled my eyes.

Angela clapped her hands. "Why don't we get back to the baby part of the baby shower? Regina, do you feel up to opening your presents?"

"I do," I replied, bouncing a little. "I feel like Christmas and my birthday got rolled into one. Which one should I open first?"

"How about this one?" a familiar voice asked.

I didn't look up, confirmation on who our party crasher coming from Lucy who snarled: "How the hell did you find out about this, Caroline?"

"I have my ways," Mother replied. "Aren't you going to say anything, Regina?"

Barb jumped in. "She doesn't have to say anything to you, Aunt Caroline. You're not an invited guest."

"I'm her mother."

I finally spoke. "We parted ways. I want nothing to do with you and you made it clear you wanted nothing to do with my child."

I stood and faced her. She wore a beige dress paired with a white sweater and it appeared she had her hair done for the occasion. Mother held a wrapped present and held it out to me. "Go ahead. Open it, darling."

"No," I said. "Thank you anyway."

She didn't budge. "Don't be stubborn, Regina, or ungrateful. Open the present."

"She's made it clear she doesn't want you hear, Aunt Caroline. Leave," Barb insisted.

"This doesn't involve you, Barbara!" Mother snapped.

The manager came over with a frown. "Is there a problem, ladies?"

"Yes," Lucy said. "This woman is bothering us. Please remove her."

Mother turned to the man. "Oh, no. I'm the grandmother-to-be. Right, Regina?"

"She isn't an invited guest and I want her nowhere near this party. Please remove her," I said, staring right at her with as much hatred as I could muster.

He nodded, taking my mother's arm. "You need to leave, ma'am. This is a private party. Come with me."

Mother glared at us as he tugged her away. "You can't freeze me out forever, Regina."

"Watch me," I shot back.

"Okay, I think you had enough excitement." Lucy guided me down into my chair again. "You rest and we'll continue with the party."

I took a deep breath, smiled and nodded. "You're right. I won't let her ruin this for us. So, which present should I really open first?"

About a week later, I sat in our living room watching Emma. She rolled over and was able to prop herself up on her arms and knees. I was just waiting for her to figure out that she could move like that and start crawling. But for now, it was fun watching how proud she was every time she just did that.

Robin sat down next to me, smiling at Emma. "She'll be walking soon."

"Don't rush her," I told him. "She hasn't even figured out crawling."

"True." He wrapped his arm around me and held me close. "Having a good day?"

"So far, yes. Why?"

He sighed, handing me an open magazine. "I hate to ruin it."

The page in question had pictures from my baby shower. Especially of when we threw Mother out of the party. I sighed, shaking my head. "Of course. It's been months. Why can't they leave us alone?"

"I know." He kissed the side of her head. "But we now have this glorious moment immortalized forever—Caroline Benoit being thrown out of a restaurant."

I laughed, leaning against him. "I love you, Robin of Locksley. You know that, right?"

"Absolutely," he replied, kissing me.

We sat there, watching Emma try to figure out crawling and trying to catch the sunbeams streaming through the bay window. I sighed and he leaned over, taking my left hand to fiddle with my engagement ring. "I was thinking about our wedding," he said softly.

"What about it?"

"A date. When would our anniversary be here? You know, the one where we were bonded and our fake marriage began?"

"September thirtieth, ten days after the autumnal equinox."

"September thirtieth," he repeated before nodding. "That sounds like a good date. Let's get married then."

"You mean it? You want to get married on that day?"

He laughed. "Why not? It's a special day for us already. Let's make it official."

"Okay," I agreed. "We'll get married on September thirtieth."

A peal of laughter from Emma drew our attention back to her. She moved a leg and then the other, repeating it until she had moved a few inches. Emma looked up at us, proud of her accomplishment, and then returned to mastering crawling.

Robin leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees as he watched her crawl across the living room. "And she's off," he said.

"Don't worry," I told him, rubbing his arm. "She's not going far just yet."

And indeed, not a half hour later, Emma was curled up in Robin's arms. He rocked her as her eyes closed and she fell asleep. I leaned against his shoulder and followed her lead.

Spring warmed up Boston and I opened all the windows in order to air out the house. Robin took a deep breath and smiled. "I love spring," he said.

"Me too," I replied. "Good thing our child will be a spring baby, huh?"

He nodded, rubbing my extended stomach. "How are you feeling?"

"Who are you talking to? Me or Rachel?"

"You," he replied with a chuckle.

"Ahh. Then I'm feeling big. I just want her out at this point. Either way, I'm not getting any more sleep," I groused.

Robin sighed, rubbing my shoulders. I was tense and so it felt heavenly. As I leaned against him, he suggested a nap. "I can't get comfortable," I told him. "Your daughter won't let me."

"Oh, now she's just 'my' daughter? I see how this going to be."

I groaned as his thumb worked through one particularly big knot. "I'd push you away but that feels good."

"You need rest."

"We've been over this. I can't get any."

He led me to the couch and urged me to sit. "You can't keep doing everything around here either."

"I'm not. You're doing more than your share, Robin. And I appreciate it. I'd show it but I have zero desire for anything that isn't getting this kid out of me right now."

"I like to do other things with you that aren't sexual," he replied, now rubbing my feet. "But maybe it's time we called in help. Just until you give birth. And maybe for a few weeks later."

It wasn't a bad idea. Leaning back against a pillow, I asked him: "Do you have anyone in mind?"

"Well, Jenna offered to help…"

"No!" I sat up, frowning. "I know you two are friends, but absolutely not. I don't think I could take her passive-aggressive comments about me for that long."

Robin frowned. "What?"

"Jenna…Jenna doesn't really like me," I said, finally coming clean to him.

"Where did you get that idea?"

I sighed, not really in the mood to do this. "She just…just kept making snide remarks at the food pantry."

"Is that why you were so self-conscious afterwards?" He stopped rubbing my ankles. "Did she say something about your weight?"

"I don't think she realized I was pregnant. It wasn't quite obvious then."

"It wasn't…Regina, I think it was very obvious you were pregnant, not fat." Robin's anger rolled off him.

Sitting up, I reached for his hand. "Look, I don't want you to get upset."

"Anyone speaking ill of you, friend or not, upsets me," he replied. "But I didn't have her in mind anyway. I…I didn't trust her with our magic secret before and certainly not now."

"Oh. Then who did you have in mind?" I leaned back as he resumed rubbing my ankle.

"Your cousin Barb. We spoke of it when she was here for the baby shower."

I nodded. "If she's willing, of course she can come help. And it'll be nice to see Pinocchio again."

"Do you want to call? Or shall I?"

"I'll call. I always like talking to Barb." I leaned down a bit more, closing my eyes. "Just after you're done with this massage."

Barb was more than happy to come down and help us as I neared my due date. It was good timing as I found it more and more difficult to move. My morning sickness had returned with a vengeance, causing Robin to make a panicked call to Dr. Johnson. She assured both of us that it was a normal possibility at the end of a pregnancy and not to worry.

Emma was confused by the fact I was in bed more than not. She used her magic to appear there one day, crawling over to me and hitting me with her little hand. Mama, come.

"I can't, Emma. Mama needs rest," I told her, cradling her close.

She frowned. Mama, come. Emma need Mama.

I held her close, brushing my fingers over her soft curls. "I know, Princess. But Mama needs to stay in bed."

Emma stay. She grasped my shirt and began sucking on her thumb as I rubbed her back. We lay together until I got: Emma hungry.

I wanted to feed her but when I sat up, my back protested. So I laid back down and rocked her. "I'm sorry, Emma. Papa will have to feed you."

Robin appeared in the doorway as if bidden and he smiled at us. "So that's where she's been hiding," he said.

"She's taking my bed rest worse than me," I explained. "She's refusing to leave since I can't get out of bed."

"We're her whole world and everything's changing right now," Robin said, sitting down next to me. He placed a hand on Emma's back. "Come on, sweetheart. I'll feed you and then you can come back to Mama."

"She wants you to promise her," I told him.

He nodded. "I promise, Emma."

She let go of my shirt and Robin picked her up. He held her close as he pressed a kiss to my forehead. "Do you need anything, my love?"

"Some dinner of my own would be nice," I admitted.

He nodded and several minutes later, Barb came to my room with a tray. She put it over my lap and smiled. "I hope you can keep this down," she said.

"You and me both," I replied, looking over the roasted chicken, rice and mixed vegetables. "I think I might be able to handle this."

"I am so glad to be here to help you." Barb covered my hand and squeezed.

I smiled at her. "Thank you so much for doing this."

"Of course. I would do anything for you and Robin. Besides Aug…I mean, Pinocchio…is always happy to see you."

"How was he doing back at your house?"

She smiled. "Oh, he's doing wonderful now that Joe and I know the truth. He's more open and affectionate. I know he misses his real father but he's taking to Joe."

"That's good. I'm so glad that he found a good home with you two," I replied.

"Me too." She patted my hand and stood. "Now, eat up. You two need your strength."

Barb left and by the time I was done eating, Emma was as well. Robin returned with her and she squirmed in his arms, eager to return to mine. I held her close as he took the tray away. Emma rested her head on my shoulder and yawned. Emma sleepy.

"I am too," I told her. "Let's get some rest."

"Sounds like a good plan." Robin came back and laid down next to us. I snuggled closer to him, Emma cradled between us.

I sighed. "Looks like there's some good that comes with bedrest."

It was a Saturday when I felt the first pain. At first, I thought it was usual pains and they were so infrequent, I ignored them for the most part.

Until that afternoon, when I felt the first sharp one. Gasping, I sat up in bed and rubbed my stomach. "Are you kicking again, sweetheart?" I asked my unborn daughter.

The pain returned and I groaned. Barb and Robin hurried into my room, both concerned. "What's wrong?" he asked.

"I don't know," I replied. "Maybe I need to stand up. Can you give me a hand?"

Robin helped me up and water ran down my leg. I gasped. "My water broke. The baby is coming."

"Oh gods," he breathed, eyes growing wide. He grew pale and I feared he would be absolutely useless now when I needed him the most.

He took a deep breath though and squared his shoulders. "Barb, can you go start the car? I'll get Regina's bag and we'll meet you down there."

"Of course," Barb replied. She squeezed my hand. "Just remember to breathe, Regina. You'll be fine."

Pain ripped through me again and I gripped Robin. He held me, whispering: "In through your nose, out through your mouth. Just focus on that."

"Easy for you to say," I wheezed out. "You're not the one being torn apart in order to push out a new human being."

"I know." He kissed my forehead. "Come on. Let's get you to the hospital."

Roland and Pinocchio watched as Robin helped me down the stairs. "Are you okay, Mama?" Roland asked.

"Mama's fine," Robin replied. "We just need to go to the hospital so she can have your baby sister."

"And you'll come back?"

I tried to smile but afraid I winced as another contraction hit me. "Of course, sweetheart."

Roland nodded, kissing my stomach. "I'll see you soon then."

"I love you, Roland," I told him, as Robin helped me toward the door.

He glanced over his shoulder. "I love you too, my boy. Always."

Joe placed his hand on my shoulder. "Good luck, you two. And don't worry. We'll be fine."

Epidurals were heaven-sent, I decided.

I originally wasn't going to have one, deciding to tough it out. But that was before I suffered seven hours of contractions and was staring down several more hours of them. Each grew progressively worse and by the time I was only four centimeters dilated, I feared I wouldn't be able to survive the next one.

I collapsed back onto the hospital, bed, panting. Though Robin had pulled my hair into a ponytail, I was sweating so much, it still stuck to the back of my neck. "I don't think I can do this," I told him, panting.

"Of course you can," Barb said, patting me with a cool cloth. "You're doing amazingly well, my dear."

Robin sat down again, rubbing his fingers. I frowned. "Did I hurt you?"

"No, of course not," he replied, taking my hand. "This is a mere discomfort compared to what you are going through."

I raised a shaky arm to cup his cheek, giving him a week smile. "You're doing so well yourself. I know you hate to see me in pain."

He smiled but I could see the concern in his eyes. "We're just here to focus on you, lovely."

My response was cut off by another contraction. I squeezed Robin's hand as the pain wracked my body, making me dizzy and feeling like every atom in my body was being obliterated. He squeezed my hand back, reassuring me. "In through the nose, Regina, and out through the mouth."

"That doesn't really help," I growled.

"I know. But it gives you something to focus on, right?"

I gasped as the pain receded, gulping in air as Barb handed me some ice chips. "It's absolutely pointless. All I can focus on is the pain."

Dr. Johnson walked in, smiling at me. "Pain getting too much?"

"Yes," I admitted. "I thought I could do this but I seriously underestimated exactly how painful this is."

Robin placed his hand on my head, brushing my hair with his palm. "Is there anything you can do for her?"

"Well, it'll be up to Regina." Dr. Johnson turned to me. "Do you want an epidural?"

"Is it true that the epidural can affect the birthing process?" Barb asked, taking my other hand.

"It can make it a bit longer," Dr. Johnson admitted. "And it will affect Regina's ability to feel the instinct to push."

I frowned. "Is that bad?"

"No, not at all. We might just have to use other methods to help the baby come out."

"Like forceps? The vacuum?" Barb pressed, sending shivers down my spine. I reached out for Robin, who took my hand as he kissed my forehead.

Dr. Johnson sighed. "I hope you haven't been listening to those horror stories. But there is a way we can reduce the need for those tools when Regina gives birth. In the end, it's up to you, Regina. What do you want?"

My mind was made up by the next contraction as I let out a groan of frustration. "Yes," I replied. "Numb me up."

She nodded. "I'll go get everything ready. You relax and we'll have you feeling almost nothing in no time."

Once she was gone, Barb rubbed my arm. "Everything will be fine. You'll see."

"I know," I agreed, gritting my teeth as another wave of pain washed over me. "But it'll be better once the pain goes away."

Robin sponged my forehead. "I'll be happier when you're no longer in pain."

"I'll be happier when this all over." I groaned as I leaned back against the pillows. "I can't believe people do this more than once."

"So I guess we won't be having any more after Rachel?" he asked.

"I didn't say that," I told him, squeezing his hand as another contraction hit. Once it passed, I added: "But if we do, knock me out for this part."

Robin chuckled as Dr. Johnson returned, rolling a metal tray with her. She smiled at me. "You're going to have to lay on your side and you're going to have to stay on your side while we're administering the epidural medications to you. Understand?"

I nodded, rolling onto my right side. "I won't mind. Just do what you have to do."

"Okay," Dr. Johnson said. "I'm going to numb the spot where we'll stick the needle. You should only feel some pressure and maybe a slight burning sensation, but nothing more. Let me know though if you do feel pain."

She pushed aside the paper thin medical gown they gave me, rubbing something cold on my back. I took Robin's hand and he kissed my fingers. "Just focus on me, love," he told me.

I nodded, feeling pressure against my back. Compared to the contractions, it wasn't as bad as I feared. After a minute or two, Dr. Johnson stepped away and took off her gloves. "There you go. You should start to feel the effects in a few minutes."

"Thank you, Doctor," Barb said, walking her to the door.

I closed my eyes as I started to lose feeling in my legs and I sighed. "Goodbye, pain."

Robin kissed my fingers again and I saw relief in his eyes. "Rest, love. You still have some time before the baby comes out and you'll need all your strength."

Nodding, I felt myself falling into a light sleep, images of holding our daughter filling my mind.

After my epidural, I progressed quicker rather than slower. Or maybe it just felt that way. It was easier to endure with the medicines numbing my lower extremities, though every so often a few twinges of pain would come when the epidural began to wear off. A new dose would be administered and all would be well again.

"What time is it?" I asked a tired looking Barb.

She raised her left arm to check her watch. "Two ten in the morning. It's now Sunday."

"What does the poem say about a child born on Sunday?"

"That the child born on the Sabbath day is sunny and bright and bonny and gay," Barb answered with a chuckle.

A soft snore rose from Robin, who had fallen asleep in the chair next to me. I flashed back to October, when we had returned from the Enchanted Forest and I was kept in the hospital for observation. He had slept by my bedside then too despite an empty bed in the room. It still warmed my heart.

One of the nurses came in, smiling. "How are you holding up? You've been here for a long time."

"We're doing our best to be patient," I replied. "You here to check how far I am now?"

She nodded, pushing my legs aside to take a better look. "You're pretty far…nine centimeters. Almost there, Regina."

I shook Robin, who sat up with wide eyes. "What's wrong?" he asked.

"Nothing," I told him. "But our daughter will be here soon."

"Oh." He rubbed his face. "Okay, I'm awake. I'm ready."

"Glad to hear that, Mr. Locksley," Dr. Johnson said as she entered my room. "Now, Regina, I'm going to start reducing the epidural medications. I won't stop them entirely but just enough to allow you to feel the push reflex. So you will start experiencing pain again. Are you okay with this?"

I agreed and soon feeling began to return to my lower half. Crushing Robin's hand in mine, I returned to my breathing exercises as another contraction rocked me. Knowing I was still on medication made me wonder what the full intensity of these pains would feel life and then I was relieved that I would never know.

Everything seemed to go faster at that point. With Robin and Barb holding my hand, I started to feel the urge to push. "Can I start?" I asked Dr. Johnson, who was positioned between my legs.

"If you feel the need to push, then do it," she replied. "Let's have a baby."

I nodded, bearing down with all the energy and strength I still have after almost fourteen hours of labor. Robin held my hand tight as I squeezed it, reminding me to breathe as I pushed. "Okay, relax for a few minutes, Regina. Then you can push again," Dr. Johnson instructed.

For the next half hour, I alternated between pushing and resting before Dr. Johnson announced: "The baby's crowning, Regina. We're almost there."

"I don't think I have the strength," I cried, tears running down my face. "I can't do it."

Robin kissed my forehead. "You can. You are the strongest person I know, Regina. But if you need, take some of mine. We'll get through this."

I nodded, preparing myself for a few more pushes. Robin held my hand tighter, whispering words of encouragement as I used up all my remaining strength to push our daughter out into this world. As I let loose one more scream, the lights flickered in the room.

Collapsing against the pillows, I let out a little laugh as cries filled the room. "I did it," I said.

"Yes, you did." Dr. Johnson said, holding our screaming child. She was still covered in blood and plasma but she was beautiful. "Congratulations, you have a daughter. Dad, do you want to cut the umbilical cord?"

Robin rose, taking the scissors handed to him. Once the umbilical cord was cut, Dr. Johnson laid her on my bared chest. Rachel's screams died down to whimpers as she looked up at me with bright blue eyes. Her father's eyes, I realized. They weren't going to change, I knew. Smiling, I counted all ten of her fingers and her ten toes. Tufts of black hair tickled my skin. "Hello, Rachel," I whispered.

"She's beautiful, Regina." Barb kissed my head. "Happy Mother's Day."

"What?" I asked, confused.

She chuckled. "It's the second Sunday of May, Regina. It's Mother's Day."

"It seems appropriate," Robin said, moving back to my side. He reached out and ran a finger over Rachel's tiny hand. "Hello, my sweet girl."

Rachel yawned and fell asleep, her little heart beating against mine. I leaned my head against Robin, so happy that all I could do was cry. "We made her. She's ours."

"Yes, she is," he replied, kissing my tear soaked cheeks. "She's absolutely beautiful, Regina."

A nurse took her, saying she had to clean Rachel up and do a routine check up on her. "She'll be back in your arms in no time, I promise," she said.

I still had to deliver the placenta before they let me get cleaned up. Robin left to check on Rachel, following another nurse down to the nursery. Barb held my hand the entire time as my legs were still weak from the epidural. She helped me into the fresh nightgown I had brought with me and helped me back into my nice clean yet very uncomfortable hospital bed. "I'll be glad to be back in my own bed soon," I sighed.

"I'm sure," she said. "Now, why don't you get some rest?"

"You get some rest. I'm fine." I kept my eyes trained on the door, waiting for Robin and our daughter to return.

Barb patted my hand. "Rachel's fine. Robin's with her. They're going to need you to rest and get your strength back. So close your eyes, just for a little bit."

It was too tempting and my eyes seemed to close of their own accord. When I opened them again, the first pale rays of daylight were streaming through the window. I sat up, wincing at how sore my body felt. Beside me on my right, Barb slept in a chair with a blanket thrown over her. I glanced to my left and my heart nearly melted at the sight.

Robin sat there, rocking a bundle of pink blankets. Swaddled inside them was Rachel, sound asleep. Her pink lips smacked together as her little tongue poked out but she dozed on, safe and warm in her father's arms. He sang softly to her, a lullaby he often sang to Roland. I scooted closer to the end of the bed to hear him better.

The movement caught his attention and he looked up, smiling at me. His eyes revealed how tired he was and I frowned. "Did you get any sleep?"

"I'm fine," he insisted, glancing back down at our sleeping daughter. "Rachel and I have been keeping each other company."

"I told you she would be a daddy's girl."

He chuckled. "I don't think she has shown any preference for either of us yet, love."

Robin stood and laid her in my arms. She let out a few whimpers before settling against me, her face turning toward my breast. I ran a finger down her cheek. "She'll probably be hungry soon."

"Probably," Robin agreed. "But for now, I think she's just comfortable to sleep in her mother's arms."

"You think she has…you know?" I asked, whispering and being vague even though we were alone.

He shrugged. "Time will tell. But we're a bit more experienced after Emma, right?"

"Right," I agreed. I lifted Rachel up to kiss her forehead. "I love you, my baby girl. So very, very much."

I scooted over, patting the bed. Robin understood, toeing off his boots before climbing in next to me. He wrapped his arm around me as I leaned against him and his other hand cradled Rachel's head. "I am so glad I didn't miss this," he whispered, kissing my hair. "If I ever find that fairy who saved me from the curse, I don't know how I'll repay her."

"I feel the same," I replied. "After all, she brought me to you in the first place. She made this all possible."

Robin kissed me before we returned to our new favorite activity: watching our daughter.

Our Rachel.

A/N: I made it through the Blizzard of 2016 and I hope everyone else affected by the storm did so as well. I was able to get some writing done over the weekend, so that was good!

Of course, I am posting this on Tuesday…but it was mostly because I've never given birth. So I was doing research over the weekend while writing.

So Rachel is here now! Regina and Robin are certainly going to have their hands full with three children.

Thanks for all your support! I feel like I haven't thanked you in a while, so here it is. Your kind words and likes mean the world to me

-Mac