Chapter 51

"Come on Robin, we have time." Patrick nuzzled Robin's neck while she was folding the laundry. "Emma is at school and…"

"And we have to leave in 15 minutes if we are going to be on time." She turned around and smiled at him. "I think I deserve a little more time than that."

Patrick put out his bottom lip in a little fake pout but grudgingly nodded his head. "Yes, you do." He reached around and patted Robin's rapidly expanding belly. "Still agree with me?"

Robin placed her hand over his, relishing the little clink of their wedding rings touching. It had only taken a few days to invalidate the marriage license Nikolas had filed and the couple remarried immediately after. "Surprisingly yes – I think this is our son in my belly."

"A little boy with my dimple and your freckles – the girls won't stand a chance." Patrick rubbed her belly for a moment and then took the towel from her hands and set it down on the couch next to them. He turned Robin around so she was facing him. "Have I told you lately how happy I am?"

Robin giggled. "Only every hour for the past six weeks." She leaned up and kissed him. "I am so, so grateful that we are a family again. That we get to be together and raise our children in the same home." Robin was surprised when Patrick let out a little laugh at her statement. "What was that for?"

"I was just remembering when you were pregnant with Emma and I asked you to move in with me so we could be a family." Patrick pulled Robin onto his lap and held her close. "You freaked out and told me that it would never happen."

"And then you sued me for visitation rights." Robin laughed. "I was convinced that you didn't really want to be a father. I have never been so happy to be wrong in my life." Tears filled her eyes. "When you spoke in court that day about how much you wanted me and Emma…"

"We didn't make it easy, did we?" Patrick gently caressed his wife's face. "I meant every word I said then and I still mean them now. I love you and our children. The one thing I thought I never wanted is the most important thing in the world to me."

"Me too." Robin kissed Patrick and sighed. "We need to get going if we are going to pick up Emma and bring her to the appointment with us." She scooted off Patrick's lap and back onto the couch.

"She would never forgive us if she missed this appointment. You know she is still hoping for a little sister." Patrick stood up and then helped Robin off couch. "Let's hope she isn't too disappointed when she finds out she is getting a brother."

"She'll be fine." Robin kept Patrick's hand in hers as she headed to the front door. "Let's go."

_

Kelly smiled at the family as she walked into the room with the ultrasound equipment. Robin was lying on the exam table with Patrick sitting next to her holding her hand. Emma was sitting in her dad's lap and rubbing her mom's belly. "How's everyone doing today?"

"Great Kelly." Robin pulled her shirt up to expose her round tummy. "Ready to get this over with so I can go to the bathroom."

Kelly laughed. "Then let's get going." She went over to the machine and started it up. "Any feelings about what you are having?"

"Patrick and I both think it's a boy but Emma is hoping for a little sister." Robin smiled at her daughter.

"Well in just a moment we will see who is right." Kelly picked up the gel and spread it on her old friend's belly and then grabbed the wand. "Ready?"

Robin nodded and watched the screen intently as the baby appeared on it. Tears instantly filled her eyes as she heard the strong heartbeat fill the room. Patrick squeezed her hand and Emma giggled. "It's so fast!"

Kelly took a moment to speak to the little girl she had delivered years ago. "Yes it is but it is supposed to be." She pointed at the screen. "Here is the baby's spine and there are the arms and legs."

Emma stared at the screen in complete awe. "How does she fit in there?"

Robin laughed. "By pushing on my bladder."

"Alright, let's see if Emma is getting a brother or a sister." Kelly moved the wand and shook her head. "Sorry Emma, looks like your parents are right – it's a boy."

The tears that had been filling Robin's eyes finally spilled over at the news and she looked at Patrick. "We're having a son."

Patrick kissed her hand and hugged their daughter tight. "A little brother for our girl. What do you think Em?"

Emma stared at the picture on the screen before answering them. "I wanted a sister."

Robin thought quickly. "Think of it this way – we can go and do things just the two of us while daddy stays home with your brother. We can go shopping and get manicures and do all that girly stuff by ourselves. Besides, we only need one princess in this family and you fit the bill perfectly."

Emma considered what her mom was saying. "I'm the only princess? I don't have to share my dolls or my princess castle or my clothes?" Both parents nodded – Emma's little brother wouldn't want any of those things. She smiled at the screen. "I love having a brother."