"Happy Birth Day"
"Alright, so Emma is due any day now," Regina said, looking around her small team. "So I can go out on leave at any moment. I want to make sure everything is in order and that you're ready for my absence."
August leaned forward, smiling. "We can do that, but everything is going to be okay, Regina. We'll be fine. You just need to let go when the time comes and trust us."
She nodded, knowing he had a point but still unable to shake her own nerves. "This would make me feel better. And if we don't do this, I'll just keep staring at my phone, waiting for Emma or Cleo to call. I need to keep myself busy."
"Of course," Anastasia said, taking her hand with a knowing smile. "I think we can do that, right?"
She looked at each person around the table and waited for them all to nod in response. Regina appreciated Ana's support and was very impressed by how she had grown in the time she had known the younger woman. Anastasia had truly grown in a confident professional and Regina believed it would be a matter of time before she moved up the career ladder to becoming a senior account manager herself.
Regina opened her file. "Alright. So, most of the Christmas advertising and commercials are out of concept and ready to be filmed. Ana, you'll be handling that."
"Got it," Ana said. "You won't have to worry about anything."
"I have utmost confidence in you," Regina assured her. "Now, August, the wildlife conservation…"
He grinned. "Everything is all set for their back-to-school campaign and I'm already in contact with Jane for holiday programming and advertising, especially Giving Tuesday."
Regina nodded, pleased with his answer. "Good. It sounds like you're on top of it. And Jane is okay working with you?"
"I believe she is," he said. "We've had a few conversations that have gone well. But Ana or Belle could always just check in with her if you want."
"No need. I trust you and your judgment," she told him. "Let's move on."
She continued down her list until everything was covered. Regina leaned back, feeling a bit better. "Alright, I think we're as ready as we can be. Mary Margaret has been put in charge of filtering my messages and passing on those deemed the most important. But you all have my phone number anyway and I trust you all to use your best judgment."
They all nodded and Belle reached over to take Regina's hand. "Once you leave here, just focus on that beautiful baby boy of yours. Nothing else."
"The only messages we want to get from you are pictures of him," Anastasia agreed. "So send lots of pictures."
Regina laughed. "You're going to get sick of him."
"I don't think that's possible," August replied. "I think they've scientifically proven that."
"Well, I guess I can't argue with that," Regina replied, grinning. "So, yes, I promise to send lots of pictures once he is here."
They all nodded and Belle checked her watch, smiling. "Well, I think we've kept you sufficiently distracted and it's time to clock out."
Regina laughed as she checked her phone. "You're right. I hope everyone has a good night and I should see you all tomorrow."
"Maybe," August replied teasingly. He then serious added: "Seriously, I hope not. You've waited long enough. I hope the baby comes soon."
"Thanks, August. I hope so too," she replied as he reached out to give her shoulder a squeeze. She patted his hand before he released her and headed toward the door, Belle and Ana in tow.
Regina gathered up her papers and left the conference room, heading back to her office. Mary Margaret was there, packing up for the night. "Have a good evening," Regina told her.
"You too," Mary Margaret replied, picking up her bag. "Do you want me to wait so we can walk out together?"
"No, no. I want to just get a few more things done before I leave so I don't want to hold you up," Regina told her.
Mary Margaret frowned. "You've been staying late a lot lately. Is everything okay?"
"Everything is fine," Regina assured her. "Robin's been working late too. We want to make sure we don't leave to many loose ends when the baby comes."
"Well, don't work too hard. You're going to need all the rest you can get before the baby comes," Mary Margaret reminded her. "Goodnight."
Regina gave her a soft smile. "Goodnight, Mary Margaret. Give Neal a kiss for me."
Her friend gave a wave to acknowledge the request before leaving the office. Regina sat at her desk, rubbing her neck before clicking on her emails to get a few answered and then finish a report for Gold.
She knew that Mary Margaret had a point about her needing rest before the baby decided to come. Maybe she should've accepted HR and Gold's offer to take a traditional maternity leave, including leaving two weeks before the baby's due date. A hard stop date would've helped her make sure everything was ready rather than this waiting game she was playing now, working long hours to finish.
"Today is my last late day," she told herself, speaking into her empty office. "Starting tomorrow, I'll finish on time and go home to rest."
Pleased with her resolution, she turned back to her report and continued typing, eager to finish it and go home.
"Another late night?" Tuck asked, standing in the doorway with his bag.
Robin nodded as he leaned back in his chair. "I want you all to be ready for when I'm out bonding with the baby."
"I know, Robin," Tuck replied. "But we're going to be fine. We managed when you were out with the broken leg and this time, we're ready for you to go out to experience the first few weeks of fatherhood."
"Are you sure? I hated leaving you all high and dry last time and don't want to do that when I know I won't be here for a few weeks," Robin argued, trying not to remember how useless he had felt while his leg had been healing.
Tuck stepped closer and placed his hand on Robin's shoulder, giving him a reassuring smile. "We've all been preparing for this. You're leaving us fully prepared, Robin. I promise you. Go home."
Robing glanced at the report before looking back up at his mentor. "I'm almost done. Just a half hour more and then I will. Promise."
"Alright," Tuck said, pulling his hand back. "You're a man of your word so I know you will do that. Have a goodnight and give Regina my love."
"I will, Tuck. Thanks," Robin said before wishing him a goodnight as well. He watched Tuck leave the office and waited until he heard the front door close behind the older man.
After taking a deep breath, he turned back to the report. He was going to keep his promise to Tuck and so he continued to work on the spreadsheet so he could finish it. In no time, he filled in the last data points he needed and he saved the report. Robin stood and stretched, powering down the computer and gathering his things so he could go home.
When he got to his house, he was pleased to see Regina's car there too. Like him, she had been working late so he was glad that she had come home relatively early. They would be able to spend plenty of time together before going to bed.
He entered the house and Queen raced over to him, happily barking and jumping around him as he set his things down. Robin knelt, scratching behind her ear. "Hello, girl. Did you miss me?" he asked.
"She always misses you," Regina told him, coming out of the kitchen. She gave him a quick kiss. "Dinner's in the oven so if you want to take her for a w-a-l-k, you have some time."
Robin nodded. "I'll go get changed and then we'll go. We won't be long."
He headed upstairs and Queen followed him, jumping onto the bed. She watched him as her tail thumped against the bed, knowing as he put on his shorts that they were going out for a walk. Once Robin pulled on his t-shirt, he motioned for Queen to head downstairs. "Let's go, girl."
Queen jumped off the bed and raced down the stairs, Robin following her. He managed to get her into her harness and clipped on her leash before sliding on his own shoes. Opening the door, he called: "Be back in a little bit."
"Have fun!" Regina replied from the kitchen. Robin chuckled before leaving the house with their energetic dog.
He and Queen walked to the nearest park, easily finding one of their favorite paths. Queen did her business not long into the park and he cleaned it up, disposing the bag in the nearest trash can before they continued at a more leisurely pace. When his stomach growled, Robin guided Queen back out of the park and they returned home.
Regina greeted them at the door, looking jittery. Concerned, Robin rubbed her arm. "What's wrong?"
"Cleo called while you were walking Queen," she replied. "Emma's contractions have started."
A strange mix of hope and fear coursed through him as he realized what that meant. "The baby is coming?" he asked.
She nodded, her eyes wide as joy swept through him. He scooped her up and swung her around. "We're going to be parents!"
Her laugh echoed around him before he set her down. Robin took her hands, his mind trying to figure out what to do first. "We need to grab our bags and get to the hospital! And call someone to watch Queen!"
"Slow down!" she told him, still laughing. "We have time. Emma's still in the early stages of labor, not active labor. According to Cleo, who spoke to her doctor, it could still be hours before Emma has to go to the hospital."
Robin's mood deflated a bit. "Oh. So we just have to keep waiting?"
"For now, yes," she said, rubbing his arm soothingly. "But in some ways, it takes some of the anxiety away. We know Emma's in labor now. So it's only a matter of hours before we're on our way to the hospital."
He nodded, knowing that the time would come before they knew it. They just had to be patient. "I guess I can wait a little longer."
"I get it," she said, taking his hand. "I'm just as anxious and impatient as you. But we have waited this long. I guess a few more hours won't hurt us."
Robin smiled, pulling her in for a hug. He kissed the top of her head. "Exactly."
They held each other for a bit longer before Queen let out an indignant bark, still standing in the foyer with her harness and leash on. Robin chuckled, kneeling to remove the items. "Sorry, girl. Mommy and I got distracted."
"Come on," Regina said. "Dinner's on the table and I put some kibble in Her Majesty's bowl for her."
He stood and followed her into the kitchen, Queen close behind him. As she went to her bowl, Robin and Regina settled around the table. It felt so odd to go about their usual routine knowing that Emma had started labor but he knew it was for the best. They would be with her soon and then they would have their son.
And then everything would change. So they should try to relish these last few hours of their old life before their exciting if tiring new life began.
Bzzt. Bzzt. Bzzt.
Regina stirred with a groan, rolling away from Robin's warm body as sleep pulled her back down. She turned to her phone, its screen the only light in her dark room. Picking it up, her heart skipped a beat when she saw Cleo's name there. She quickly answered it. "Hello?"
"Hi, Regina," Cleo said. "Emma's water broke. I'm taking her to the hospital."
Adrenaline coursed through Regina as she sat up. "Oh god. Okay, Robin and I will be there as soon as possible."
"Take your time," Cleo replied. "The doctor thinks we're still looking at several more hours before she's ready to push."
"Thanks, Cleo. But we'll be there soon," Regina told her, knowing she and Robin didn't want to chance anything now that Emma had entered active labor. She ended the call and shook her husband awake.
He let out a snort before sitting up, blinking a few times. "Regina? What's wrong?"
"Emma's water broke," she told him, feeling giddy and nervous at the same time as reality hit her.
Robin gasped, pushing the blankets back. "Okay, we're all packed. Is it too early to drop Queen off at your mother's?"
"Yes," Regina said. "Besides, Lake Nostros is in the opposite direction of the hospital. While Cleo insists we would have the time…"
"It's better to get there sooner rather than later," he finished, nodding in agreement. "Okay. So what should we do instead?"
She knelt on the bed. "I think we should get dressed, grab our bags and head to the hospital. I'll text my mother and let her know so she can come here in the morning to get Queen. How does that sound?"
"That sounds like a good plan," he said, giving her a quick kiss. "At least one of us can think straight right now."
"Don't sell yourself short. You just woke up. We can grab some coffee as well. That will probably help both of us," she told him, patting his cheek before sliding out of bed.
He followed her and they quickly changed into comfortable clothes, anticipating a long day in the hospital. Robin grabbed both their bags as Regina crept downstairs. She tiptoed past a sleeping Queen and started brewing coffee, filling two travel mugs. Once both were made, she crept to the garage and closed the door all without waking Her Majesty.
Robin accepted the mug she handed him and took a gulp of coffee before settling it in his cupholder. He put the car in reverse and pulled out of the garage. "Here we go," he said.
"Yes," she replied, glancing to the backseat. Will and David had come over to help them set up both their car seats in preparation of the birth. Robin's sat there and her heart gave a little skip as she realized it would soon be filled with their son.
They pulled out onto their quiet street and began the drive to the city. Regina sipped her coffee as butterflies flew about her stomach. "I can't believe this is really happening," she admitted.
"I know," he agreed. "I keep expecting to wake up and find we're back in bed, stilling waiting for the call."
"Oh, I hope not," she said, pressing a hand to her stomach. "I just want our son."
He nodded, taking the exit for the hospital. "We're going to get him. He's going to be here in a couple hours and then we can take him home in the next couple days. Our family is about to be even bigger."
She smiled, leaning back in her seat. "I like the sound of that."
"Me too," he replied, grinning as he pulled into the parking garage next to the hospital. They found a spot and headed into the hospital, eager to get to the maternity ward.
The elevator doors opened and Regina rushed toward the nursing station on the floor. "Hi, I'm looking for Emma Swan," she said.
"Are you the Locksleys?" the nurse asked. When they nodded, she smiled. "Emma told us to expect you. You can find her in room twenty-three."
Regina thanked her before she and Robin headed down the hallway the nurse indicated. After a couple turns, they found room 23 and entered it. Cleo jumped up from her chair when she saw them, grinning. "Hey, you two," she said.
"Cleo," Regina greeted. "Thanks for the call."
She then turned to the hospital bed, finding Emma lying there. The teenager was hooked up to several machines and her blonde hair was dark with sweat. Emma already looked tired and Regina's heart went out to her, knowing she was doing all the hard work for Regina to reap the rewards.
Putting down her bag, Regina approached Emma's bed and reached out her hand. "How are you?" she asked.
"Tired," Emma admitted. "And in a lot of pain."
"I'm sorry," Regina said, knowing how trite those words had to sound. "Are you getting an epidural?"
Emma nodded. "They're going to give it to me shortly. Thank you again for agreeing to it."
"You didn't need our permission," Regina assured her, taking her hand. "It's your body. You're the one feeling the pain."
"But he's your baby," Emma said, motioning to her stomach. She then cried out. "Oh, god, it's another one."
She crushed Regina's hand as she sat up, enduring another painful contraction. Regina guided her through her breathing exercises until the contraction passed. Easing Emma back down, Regina brushed some hair from her face. "Can I get you anything?"
"Ice chips," Emma gasped. "I need some water and that's what they are giving me."
Robin stepped up, holding the container out to her. "Here you go. Cleo wants me to remind you not to have too many."
She nodded, gently shaking some ice chips into her mouth before handing the container back. "Thanks. And thanks for being here. I feel better knowing you are."
"We're very happy to be here with you," Regina said, "and not just because of the baby."
"I know," Emma assured her with a soft smile. "Thank you."
Another contraction hit her and she let out a cry as she curled up. Robin took her hand and coached her through the breathing while Regina found a cool damp rag. She placed it on Emma's neck, hoping it provided some relief.
"How much more of this?" Emma asked, almost crying as they eased her back onto the bed. Regina's heart broke and she wished she could do it for Emma, who was too young to be going through this at all.
Cleo patted Emma's leg. "They'll be here soon to give you the epidural. Just hang on a bit longer."
"You're doing great, Emma," Robin said, giving her some ice chips. She hummed as she let them melt in her mouth, closing her eyes.
Regina nodded. "I don't know how we can ever repay you."
"You're here," Emma told her with a weak smile. "That's a very good start."
"Alright," Regina said, picking up a brush. "Do you want me to braid your hair? Keep it back from your face and neck?"
Relief crossed Emma's face as she nodded. "That would be great. Thanks, Regina."
"You're very welcome," Regina replied, starting to brush the younger woman's hair as they waited for the next contraction to hit.
It was clearly going to be a very long night.
Robin's head dipped to his chest before he sat up straighter, realizing he had been dozing off. He looked at the too-small form on the bed, curled on her side as her labor continued. Emma now had received her epidural so the contractions weren't as painful as they once had been but she was dilating slowly, signaling many hours before she could begin to push.
He rubbed his face before looking toward the window. Sunlight peeked through the blinds even though they were closed and he knew it was morning. Robin stood, stretching. "I'm going to call your mother to see if she can go get Queen," he told Regina.
She nodded, holding Emma's hand as the teenager slept between contractions. "Can you get us some coffee too?"
"Sure," he agreed. He turned to Cleo, who was slumped down in the other chair. "Do you want some as well?"
Cleo sat up as she nodded. "One cream, one sugar, please," she said.
"Got it," he replied, heading out into the hallway. He pulled out his phone and called Cora, pressing the phone to his ear as he waited for her to pick up.
"Robin? What's wrong?" Cora said, sounding panicked.
He felt bad to have worried her and rushed to comfort her. "Nothing's wrong. Emma's in labor."
"Oh!" Cora's tone changed and she sounded relieved as well as happy. "How is she doing?"
"Much better now that they've given her an epidural but we're still looking at several more hours," he said. "Regina and I got here a few hours ago so we left Queen in the house…"
"I'll go get her," Cora said. "You and Regina just focus on Emma and the baby. I've got everything under control."
Relief filled Robin and he leaned back against the wall. "Thanks, Cora. We appreciate it."
"You're welcome. Just let me know if there's anything else you need me to do and I'll happily do it," she told him.
"Thanks, Cora, we appreciate it," Robin said. "One of us will call you if we have any updates, I promise."
She thanked him before ending the call. He then dialed Tuck, who picked up on the second ring. "Is it time?" he asked.
"It is," Robin replied. "We're in the hospital but it may be a few more hours."
"That's alright. We have everything under control. You just focus on Emma and that baby boy who is about to join you," Tuck said. "Let us know when he's here. We're going to be on pins and needles until he is."
Robin chuckled, ending that call. He then sent a text to Mary Margaret though he would remind Regina to call Gold. It certainly had to be the last thing on her mind – only talking with Cora had reminded him to call Tuck to let him know what was going on.
"You okay, sir?" someone asked, jarring Robin. He looked up to find a nurse standing there, frowning as she looked at him. "Can I get you something?"
He shook his head. "No, sorry. Just needed a moment."
She looked up before nodding. "Is your wife in labor?"
"Our surrogate is," Robin said, feeling a little awkward as he said that. "It's been a few hours and we're looking at a few more."
"Is this her first?" the nurse asked. When he nodded, she hummed. "The first can take a long time. Take a deep breath and just keep going."
He thanked her before asking the best way to the cafeteria. "We all need coffee right now," he said.
She laughed, nodding. "If you want the good stuff, don't go to the cafeteria. There's a little café on the first floor that has the best coffee."
"I will check them out," he said. "Thank you."
He easily found the café and ordered three coffees, carrying them back to the room. Robin entered, handing Cleo her coffee before handing one to Regina. "Your mother is on her way to get Queen," he said. "I also called Tuck and texted Mary Margaret."
She sipped her coffee as she nodded. Once she swallowed, she said: "She texted me in all caps and with lots of exclamation points. I then called Gold and let him know that my leave is starting today. He congratulated us and told me I can check in later."
"And how's Emma?" Robin asked, looking at the poor teenager still curled on the hospital bed.
"The contractions are increasing in intensity and coming faster and faster," Regina replied. "She's trying to get rest when she can but it's not long before she has to wake up again."
As if cued, Emma let out a groan and opened her eyes. Robin glanced at the machine she was connected to, confirming she was experiencing another contraction. "How does it feel?" he asked her, setting his coffee down to take her hand.
"Not as painful," she admitted, breathing through it. "But I can feel more and more pressure, that's how I know they are getting worse."
"You're doing great," Regina assured her, echoing the same thoughts Robin had. She squeezed Emma's other hand. "You're really brave and very strong to do this, Emma."
Emma sighed, laying back down as the machine registered the end of her contraction. "I don't feel brave or strong right now," she admitted.
Regina patted her forehead with the damp cloth. "I know. But you are anyway."
"I agree," Robin said, picking up the cup. "More ice chips?"
"Yes, please," Emma replied, grimacing. "My throat feels like the Sahara Desert right now."
He chuckled, helping her put some ice chips in her mouth. She moaned as she leaned back, nodding. "That feels so good."
"I'm more than happy to be your ice chip supplier," he joked with her. "Just say the word and I'll give them to you."
Emma laughed before gasping. Her eyes widening as she grabbed onto his hand. "Here comes another," she groaned.
Regina took her other hand. "We're right here. Just try to breathe through it."
"I'm trying," Emma gasped, squeezing Robin's hand. He supported her through it as she endured another contraction.
They weren't near the finish line yet.
"Good news," the doctor said, examining Emma after several hours of labor. She smiled. "You're fully dilated. We can start getting you ready for birth."
Emma let out a sigh of relief. "Oh, thank goodness."
A nurse stepped forward. "You can have two people in the room with you. Who will that be?"
"Oh, I'm the spare," Cleo said, standing up. She smiled at Emma. "Good luck, kid. You're going to be great."
"Thanks, Cleo," Emma replied.
Cleo left the room as the nurse handed Regina and Robin surgical gowns. "You need to put these on and then do exactly what we say, okay?"
"Okay," Regina replied, hugging the gown to her chest. The nurse pointed them to a curtained area where they could put the gowns on and they went there to do just that. Regina's heart beat faster with each step as anticipation and excitement filled her.
Their son was about to born.
It was really happening.
Robin helped her tie her gown and she returned the favor before he took her hand. He gave it a squeeze as he smiled. "Here we go," he whispered.
"Our son is coming," she whispered back. "We're almost parents."
He nodded, kissing her before moving the curtain aside so they could go stand by Emma's side. The nurse guided Robin to one side of the bed and Regina to the other. "That's do for now but we may ask you to move to accommodate whatever we need you to do to help with the birth," the nurse told them.
"I feel like I should be pushing," Emma said, sounding panicked. She looked up at the nurse. "Should I feel that?"
"Yes, it's a good sign," the doctor assured her, taking his spot at the foot of the bed. "It means the baby is in position and ready to come out. So take a deep breath and push down as hard as you can."
Regina took her hand and patted it. "Squeeze as hard as you need to. Robin and I are here for you."
Emma did just that, cutting off the circulation to Regina's fingers as she pushed. Her face screwed up as she let out a scream that nearly shattered their eardrums. But Regina held firm until Emma leaned back against the pillows, gasping for air. "How much longer do I have to do that?" she asked.
"Until the baby comes out," the doctor said. "And that's up to him."
"I don't think I can do it," Emma cried as Regina patted her neck with a damp cloth. "I'm so tired and I just want to sleep."
Regina's heart broke at how exhausted Emma sounded – both mentally and physically. While she knew that Emma had decided to see the pregnancy through and give up her baby, Regina couldn't help but feel guilty as if she was the reason Emma was in such pain. No teenager should have to do this – she didn't even think she could do it as someone twice Emma's age.
"I know, sweetheart," the nurse said, her voice soothing. "And you will be able to sleep once the baby comes out. You can do this."
Emma looked like she was dying and guilt washed over Regina. She hadn't pushed Emma toward any particular birth plan and the teenager opted to give birth vaginally but now Regina wondered if it would've been better to push for a C-section. Maybe then she would've been spare all this pain and wouldn't have to drain so much of her energy. Regina hoped Emma didn't choose this path because she thought Regina wanted it. All Regina wanted was for Emma and the baby to be safe.
C-sections have their own risk, she reminded herself. It's surgery. Emma made the best decision for herself. Giving birth is difficult and dangerous, no matter what.
"You can, Emma," Robin assured the teen, squeezing her hand. "You're stronger than you feel right now. And you have me and Regina here with you. We'll help you."
Regina needed to swallow her guilt and focus on Emma, who need support and attention more than for her to sulk and feel regret. She nodded. "We're right here. You're not alone."
"Thank you," Emma said before sitting up again. She started pushing again, squeezing Regina's hand as the doctor guided her through it once more.
He looked at Emma. "We're going to have to hold your legs to give the baby more room. The nurse can hold one. Do you want Robin or Regina to hold the other?"
She looked up at Robin. "I hope you aren't offended that I'm going to ask Regina to do that. It just seems a little…well…"
"I get it," Robin said, giving her a comforting smile. "It would be awkward, wouldn't it?"
"Alright, Regina, I need you to hold the leg closest to you," the doctor said. "The baby is close and this will help him."
The nurse instructed Regina how to hold the leg and she did so, doing her best not to look down. She kept her eyes focused on the doctor, who nodded. "Better. Whenever you're ready, Emma, you can push again."
Emma nodded, doing just that as she let out another cry. Regina glanced over to see Robin supporting her. She then turned back as the doctor reached out, eyes lighting up. "I can see his head!"
"Is that good?" Emma asked, almost crying.
"Yes," he replied. "That's very good. I think with a few more pushes, he'll be out."
Emma cried out again as she leaned back. Robin patted her head with a damp cloth, smiling. "You're doing great. You're almost done," he assured her.
"But don't force yourself to finish just yet," the doctor reminded Emma. "Take your time and conserve your energy and strength."
She nodded before taking a deep breath as she sat up again. "I'm ready though. Let's do this."
"Alright," the doctor said. "Push."
Emma did just that and though Regina had first resisted the temptation, she now looked down and gasped. The head of a baby emerged and though he was covered in blood and plasma, she could see his two eyes, his little nose and his pert lips. He already looked so beautiful and she felt tears prick her eyes.
"His head is out!" the doctor declared. "Another push or two and he should be out completely."
"Take your time, though," Robin assured Emma. "Conserve your energy."
Regina glanced back, watching as Emma panted. Her blonde hair was almost completely brown from sweat and she looked ready to keel over. She knew that Emma had to pace herself but wished the next push was the last one just so it would be over for the teenager.
Emma took a big breath before nodding. "Okay. Let's do this."
"Alright," the doctor said. "When you're ready…push."
Letting out another cry, Emma did just that as she bore down. Regina continued to hold her legs as the rest of the baby boy slid out of Emma's body and into the doctor's hands. Henry cried out, flinging his little arms as he was just thrust into a strange new world. It still filled Regina's heart with love and her eyes blurred with tears as she saw her son for the first time.
He was beautiful.
"Alright, Dad, want to cut the umbilical cord?" the doctor asked, holding a still crying Henry as he looked at Robin.
Robin's eyes lit up as he nodded, moving toward the doctor. Having let go of Emma's leg, Regina moved to go stand next to her again as Emma lay on the bed spent. She bent down to look Emma in the eyes. "You did a great job, Emma. You should be proud of yourself," she said.
"I just feel tired," Emma admitted, taking Regina's hand. "But thank you."
They held hands as a proud Robin cut the umbilical cord just as the doctor instructed him to. His eyes then softened as he looked at his son and he smiled. "Hello, my boy," he whispered. "Welcome to the world. "
Another nurse took the baby and approached Emma. "Do you want to hold him?"
Emma looked up at Regina, the question in her eyes. Regina felt torn – on one hand, she knew Emma deserved to spend some time with the son she had carried and birth. But there was the part of her that feared that once Emma looked into the baby's eyes, she would regret giving him up and decide not to go through with the adoption. Regina didn't know if she would survive that heartbreak and selfishly wanted to avoid it.
But in the end, she swallowed her concern and nodded. The baby was laid on Emma's chest and she ran her finger down one of his arms as he stared up at her, taking in the girl who had carried him for nine months.
"Hello, baby," she cooed. "You are so beautiful and looking into your eyes now…I never thought I would ever love anyone this much."
A lump formed in Regina's throat as her heart stopped. Was this the moment she had been dreading? Had Emma changed her mind? Was she going to keep her baby after all?
"I want you to know that I love you," Emma continued, "and because I love you, I have to give you away. But don't worry. I found a mommy and a daddy who are going to love you as much as me – and maybe even more."
Relief swept through Regina as Robin came to stand next to her, wrapping his arm around her as they watched Emma continued speaking to their son.
"They're going to be amazing parents to you. And you're going to have everything I didn't – a big house with your own room, two loving parents, lots of toys and books, a dog, a big yard to run around in, and so many aunts, uncles and cousins you will never feel alone. You're going to have a wonderful life," Emma told him.
"And I'm going to be part of your life," she continued. "Your parents and I have worked out an arrangement. I'll get to watch you grow up and we'll get to know each other. I may not be Mom but I will always be family."
Regina pressed her hand to her heart as she tried not to cry, leaning against her husband. He kissed the side of her head as they waited for Emma to finish her moment with their baby boy.
Emma looked at the nurse. "I think he should go to his mother now."
"Alright," the nurse said, taking the baby from her. "Let's get you to your parents, little one. I'm sure they are dying to meet you."
She carried the baby over to Robin and Regina, whose heart felt like it was going to burst from happiness. Holding out her arms, she took her son from the nurse, who smiled. "Congratulations, you two."
"Thank you," Robin said before leaning over Regina's shoulder to admire the beautiful baby cradled in her arms. "Hello, my boy."
"That's your Daddy," Regina told the baby, who studied her with gorgeous blue eyes that reminded her of Robin's. She looked over his son, taking in every inch of his body. Regina counted every tiny finger and each tiny toe – he had ten of each – before looking at the shriveling piece of umbilical cord that would fall off to form his belly button in a few weeks. His skin was slimy and more red than pink from birth but that he would be a healthy color once he was cleaned up. There were already wisps of brown hair covering his head and she gently ran a finger over a soft lock. He yawned, stretching out his pink lips and revealing a tiny pink tongue inside his mouth.
Everything about him was perfect and she felt another wave of love washed over her as his eyes met hers. She choked up as she said: "And I'm your Mommy."
Henry blinked a couple times before yawning, rolling closer to her chest. She sniffled, glad he already felt safe and comfortable enough in her arms to fall asleep. Regina rocked him as she whispered: "We love you so very, very much."
She then looked up, stepping closer to Emma's bed. Cradling Henry in one arm, she reached out and took Emma's hand, looking right into her green eyes. "Thank you."
"You're welcome," Emma replied, sounding like she was half-asleep. "And thank you. I'm glad he's going to be with two people who will love him and give him his best chance."
"Alright, there's still some more things that need to happen," the nurse said. "I'm going to take this beautiful baby boy and get him cleaned up before we transfer you all to a regular room. Okay?"
Though reluctant to let him out of her sight, Regina handed Henry to the nurse. "We'll see you soon, sweetheart," she told him.
"Don't worry, Mommy and Daddy, he's in good hands," then nurse assured him before walking away.
Robin wrapped his arm around Regina and gave her a squeeze, which comforted her as she felt a pain in her heart. He kissed her head. "He is in good hands. We should focus on Emma for now," he told her.
She nodded and they moved back toward her bed. They took her hands and braced themselves for whatever came next. Just because she had given birth to their baby, it did not mean their support for her ended. Emma was right – she was family.
And they were always there for their family.
By the afternoon, Emma had been moved to a private room for recovery. Regina and Robin went with her, not wanting to leave her alone as she dealt with the aftermath of giving birth. The nurse returned with Henry, all cleaned now, and helped Regina start the skin-to-skin bonding while Robin sat with Emma, who drifted in and out of sleep. Every so often, he glanced up and smiled at the sight of his wife sitting in a reclining chair with their baby son curled up on her bare chest. Her eyes were closed and her lips were curved in the softest smile he had ever seen on her. Unable to help himself, he took a picture to freeze the moment forever.
After some time, the nurse returned and told them that it was "dad's turn now." Regina happily handed Henry over to him and offered to get them both lunch. His stomach growled and he thanked her as he leaned back in the reclining chair, his shirt tossed aside as baby Henry settled on his chest. She promised to return soon and kissed his cheek, drawing the curtain so he had some privacy while the nurse sat with Emma for them.
He kept a hand on his son's back, feeling the warmth from his tiny body as well his little heart beating against his chest. It felt so surreal to be sitting there, holding and watching his son, that he worried he was going to wake up and find himself back in his room with Regina, still waiting for Henry's arrival.
"I am so happy you are here," he whispered to his son. "And I can't wait to get to know you."
Henry yawned before settling back down on Robin's chest, making him chuckle. "I'll assume that was you expression your excitement as well. After all, excitement can make us tired."
Robin rubbed his back, sighing. "I want you to know that I love you so much. And I promise you will never have to doubt that."
Pausing, he couldn't help but think of his own father. Had he felt this overwhelming feeling of love when he had first held Robin? Did his feelings of resentment grow with Robin until it pushed out any love he had once felt? Or had he looked down at the tiny baby now in his life and already felt resentment? Was he jealous of all the attention Robin had already gotten as a baby? Had he even cared he had become a father? Robin wished he could sit down and get the answers but he knew his father would never give him a straight answer.
Those were issues, though, he could work out with Archie and not now when he was trying to bond with his son.
Focus on Henry, he told himself. Right now, he's all that matters.
"I promise you that I will always be there for you," Robin said. "And I'll support you whatever you want to do, as long as it's not illegal. Boy Scouts, science club, debate club, dance, theater, art, whatever it is, you will have my support. Always."
Henry's eyes blinked open and he looked right into Robin's eyes, making Robin's heart swell. With a soft smile, he said: "I love you, Henry. So very much."
The baby boy blinked a few times before wriggling to get more comfortable on Robin's chest. Robin chuckled, knowing his son already loved to cuddle with him. He believed they were off to a wonderful start.
"Robin?" Regina asked, pushing back the curtain. She smiled at the two of them. "The nurse is here to take Henry back to the nursery and I brought you lunch."
Even though his stomach growled, Robin was reluctant to hand over Henry. He glanced down at his son, who was once again dozing before asking: "Do I have to?"
"I'm afraid so," the nurse said, appearing behind Regina with a kind smile. "Don't worry. He's in very good hands."
Robin kissed his son's forehead before placing him in her waiting arms. "Daddy will see you soon," he promised Henry.
The nurse carried Henry away as Regina handed Robin his shirt back. "I spoke with the doctor and Cleo. Everyone agrees that we should get the clearance to take him home tomorrow, the next day at the latest," she told him.
"That's amazing," Robin replied, smoothing down his shirt. He pulled her into his arms with a smile. "The family we always wanted is ours at last."
"It is," she said, kissing the edge of his nose. "Thank you."
He was confused for a moment and asked: "For what?"
"I never thought I would have this," she said, leaning against him. "And then you came into my life and showed me I could. I don't know if I could've ever done this without you so thank you for making me a mother, even if it wasn't in the traditional way."
"Well, thank you for making me a father," he said, kissing the top of her head. "I love you so much."
She pulled back, smiling up at him. "I love you too. Now, wait here and I'll go get our lunch. Emma's still sleeping so we should probably eat over here."
He nodded, rolling over a table as he set up another chair there. Robin took that one, deciding Regina could have the reclining one. After all, he had just spent a good half-hour on it and she deserved some rest as well.
Regina returned, smiling as she carried a tray over to the table. "When I saw they were serving this in the cafeteria, I knew it had to be a sign."
She set the tray down and he chuckled when he saw two bowls of macaroni and cheese sitting on it. He nodded. "It's a very good sign."
"I just hope it's good," she said, sitting down. She picked up the seltzer she had picked up and held it up. "To parenthood?"
"To Henry," he said, picking up his soda and tapping it against her can. They took drinks before digging into their macaroni and cheese. Robin couldn't think of any other way he would want to spend his first day as a father and no one else he would want to share it with than Regina. They were embarking on a new adventure together.
And they were more than ready for it.
A/N: Happy OQ Update Month! Here's my first entry and I believe I will have three more entries before the month is out, maybe more! We'll have to see how it goes. And I promise that they will all be well established stories that haven't been updated in a while.
(Oops)
So Henry has been born! Next time, we'll get to see his first weeks home with his mother and father as they adjust to parenthood.
-Mac