A/N

Okay, I'm gonna be honest, I'm really excited to write the next chapter, like probably too excited. So, I kinda just wanted to get this one out there. It's adorable, nevertheless. Originally, I was just gonna do the first bit, but I had to add the flash forward. It may or may not have been inspired by feels I got when editing Happily Ever After. R/R! :)

Happier

I guess you look happier, you do.

2013

Barney and Robin had been back from their honeymoon for two days, and were loving every second of marriage. Despite the pre-wedding freak outs, they were thrilled to be husband and wife. They both had so much love for each other, it was crazy. Robin never, ever dreamt of being married, but Barney was different. He was such a jerk to everyone else outside his friends and family, but that was easy to forget when he was being the kind, sensitive man he was, especially towards her. Now, as they sat on the couches at their apartment, surrounded by their best friends, she realized how lucky she was. Ted on the other hand, was just coming to terms with the fact that the first true love of his life was happy with someone else. And he was okay with that.

"I can't believe we're moving to Rome tomorrow." Marshall commented.

"It's only a year, you guys will be back before you know it." Ted responded. He held Marvin up above his head and tickled the two-year-old's toes. "This little guy's gonna be so big."

"Yeah. I guess you're right." Marshall replied. He looked over to Barney and Robin. "Okay, can you two stop making out for one second, we're trying to have a serious conversation."

"Shh, we're busy." Barney hushed him, and returned his attention back to Robin.

Lily rolled her eyes. "So, Ted. When are we gonna meet Tracy?" At this, the newlyweds separated. They both liked Ted's new girl. She had helped both of them get to where they were today. If she hadn't told Barney to get the girl, he would still be chasing bimbos. And if Robin hadn't landed on her, god knows where she'd be now.

"I thought you guys had all already met her." Ted asked, confused.

Lily nodded. "Yeah, but we want to see you guys together."

Ted shrugged. "I don't want to move to fast with her. She's the one. The last time I had this feeling, I told the girl I loved her on the first date. Not making that mistake again."

"When has a girl you've met not been the one?" Barney asked, causing Robin to snicker.

"Whatever." Ted said, rolling his eyes. He stood up to go to the bathroom and dumped Marvin into Barney's lap.

"Hey Marv." Barney said, grinning as he tickled his nephew's toes. The child giggled.

"I can see you as a dad, Barney." Lily stated.

"Don't get your hopes up, Lil." He replied, laughing.

August 2017

"BARNEY, PLEASE MAKE IT STOP! I CAN'T DO IT ANYMORE!" Robin screamed.

He rested his other hand on her shoulder gently. "Hey, it's okay. You're doing good. It'll be over soon. You can do this. I believe in you." Barney encouraged, squeezing her hand. He felt her muscles relax a little under his touch, and felt a little better for doing this to her.

…

It wasn't much longer before the piercing cries of a baby filled the room.

"It's a girl!" Somebody yelled out. Barney looked down at Robin, delighted. They hadn't found out the gender, but he was secretly hoping for a girl. The look on her face told him she had been too.

"I'm so proud of you." Barney whispered as they watched the nurses weigh and clean their daughter.

…

Barney and Robin were cooing over the little baby girl in her arms. She was only half an hour old, but they already loved her so damn much already.

Robin turned to Barney. "Can you please call Lily? She's probably dying with anticipation."

"Sure." He replied, pulling his phone out of his pocket and clicking two on his speed dial. She was awake and didn't even let it ring before picking up.

"Hey, how's it going? What's going on?" She asked.

"Everything's great, Lil." Barney replied. "We're parents now." He added casually.

Robin allowed her friend the appropriate amount of time to squeal and get excited. "She's a girl, Lily!"

"Oh my god! It's a girl! Marshall! Wake up! Barney and Robin have a daughter!" Lily squealed.

"Never thought I'd see the day." He yawned. "Congrats, guys."

"Get on FaceTime right now! I need to see my niece!" Lily yelled. Barney quickly switched the call over and the redhead's excited face and her husband's sleepy one came into view on the phone. He switched camera over so that they could see Robin and the baby. Robin grinned and waved. Barney zoomed the phone in so Lily and Marshall could only see the face of his adorable baby girl.

"This is Scarlett Grace." He announced, voice melting.

"Aww!" Lily squealed.

Back to the present – 2013

"Yeah Lil, seriously, don't get too excited." Robin laughed. Lily knew better, though.