Regina runs a comb through Henry's hair for the fifth time in that hour. He whines and attempts to move from her grooming. She sighs and allows the plastic tool to fall onto the changing table. He hasn't made a mess of his gray polo nor the khakis which is a miracle for him. Regina flaps her arms in attempt to not sweat through the gray dress she brought specifically for the occasion.
"It's just another home visit," she mumbles to herself. But it's not, it's so much more than that.
Despite Neal and Emma leaving their friends as the appointed guardians, Robin and Regina had been fostering Henry for the past 8 months. In that time, there had been several inspections, meetings and so much paperwork. Regina knows it wouldn't have taken this long if they were married. Sure, there'd be paperwork and a waiting period but the social worker had been clear she wanted to make sure this was best for Henry. Could two people who were never even really together co-parent healthily.
"It's a little ridiculous," Her neighbor Cecelia commented one day over tea while their kids played. "No one monitors most divorced parents or even new parents with biological kids."
Regina had cringed, thinking of her sister's own messy divorce. They fought so much over Margot and caused the little girl so much stress. The court never sent a social worker to look out for her best interest.
And yet, she is glad someone cares this much about Henry. Even if it's the law, he's protected. If Regina and Robin adopt him, it'll be because they're the best people for the job.
The doorbell rings and she picks the baby up, carrying him downstairs. Robin gives her shoulder a quick squeeze and opens the door before Mrs. Cedar can ring once more. The no-noncense tiny woman flurries into their home, her salt and pepper bun perched high atop her head. She looks over the glasses at the two of them, a clipboard and a few files in hand.
"Shall we?"
Regina lets out a shaky breath. "Okay."
The inspections have always brought Regina nerves, but she's marginally relaxed today as they walk through the home. The last time Mrs. Cedar visited, Regina and Robin weren't speaking. They had put on a big smiles, forced jokes and did all but kiss to prove the lie that they got along. At the end of the visit, Mrs. Cedar had sat them down and called them out on their bull. Warned them she wanted honesty and if they couldn't be real, maybe they should re-evaluate if they were the best choice for Henry.
Regina cannot, will not, let Henry go anywhere else. And as hurt as she is, she cannot do this without Robin. Henry loves him to bits. She isn't going to be a parent alone.
After the tour, they settle in the kitchen to show Mrs. Cedar the forms from Henry's last check up and development report from the daycare. He's on track for everything: walking, babbling with a few real words thrown in, feeding himself, playing independently.
"Despite the trauma of losing his biological parents," Mrs. Cedar says after several beats of silence. "Henry is a very well adjusted 18-month-old. Outside sleep regression, which is to be expected, I see no concerns for his development."
Regina holds her breath as Robin nods. "We are quite proud of the process he's made."
"Your financial situations have remained the same and the house is in order." Mrs. Cedar drops her pen onto the table. "How are you two handling co-parenting?"
After another moment of silence, Regina chooses to speak. "It's not easy," she says. "At all. There are days we argue, I won't lie there. But at the end of the day, we both love Henry and are able to put aside any differences to care for him. And I think him having both of us in his life has really helped his development. He remained in a two parent household." She gnaws on her bottom lip. "I don't think I could've chosen a better person to do all of this with."
She can feel Robin's eyes burning a hole in her head, but she keeps her own on the social worker. It takes a minute, but the first smile Regina has ever seen on Mrs. Cedar breaks out.
"That's what I've been waiting to hear." She closes the file. "The final choice is not up to me, it'll have to be approved by the judge."
Regina's heart nearly leaps out of her chest. "But?"
"Between Neal and Emma's last will and testament, and my recommendation…" Tears spark in Regina's eyes. "I see no reason why you two wouldn't be granted approval for adoption."
A sigh of relief escapes Regina's lips and she cuddles him closer on her lap. Robin's arms fall around her and she allows herself to lay her head on his shoulder. He kisses the top of Henry's head and gives regina a tight squeeze.
"We did it," she whispers. "He's almost ours."
"Almost ours." Robin's voice squeaks. "I like the sound of that."