The bell over the door let out a tinkling sound. The couple stepped through the door and their eyes swept over the occupants of the quaint diner. A heavy sigh escaped from the lips of one half of the couple.

"She's not here," the voice whined as she was pushed towards the back corner booth. Their booth. It's where they sat on their third date. It's the booth where they both decided they would like to be something more than just adults going out to eat together and having play dates with their sons. It's the booth where they both felt their relationship was something more, nothing like their previous relationships.

"I know, love," the British accent cut through her haze.

"But no one can make apple pancakes, besides me, like I like them," she whined out as her husband help her slide into the booth.

"I know, love. Would you like something else instead?" Her lips pursed and her brows furrowed at his suggestion.

"But it took me all morning to decide that I wanted the apple pancakes."

"Okay, how about blueberry pancakes and bacon? The chef does a decent job with those, yeah?"

"Well, I suppose I could deal with blueberries instead. But now that I'm off bed rest I will resume cooking breakfast and I will make my own apple pancakes."

"Hey, the doctor said to not be on your feet for so long."

"I can sit at the island and mix everything and even pull the chair over to the stove, smarty pants." Her husband shrugged his shoulders in agreement. She could do all those things to satisfy the requirement of not being on her feet for long periods.

"Alright, shall I go order at the counter or do you want to wait for table service?"

"Go ahead and order at the counter. I have to pee again," she sighed as she shrugged out of her light jacket and piled it into the corner on top of her purse.

"Alrighty, so blueberry pancakes and bacon. Do you want juice?"

"Blech, no I'll take coffee."

"Decafe?"

"If you insist, daddy."

"Oh come on, you had a cup of regular yesterday," he supplied in response. In return, she held up her hands in defense.

"I know, I know. I should be so grateful you watch my intake. Now scoot, Squishy is going to start eating my insides before long."

"Yes ma'am." Robin leaned forward to peck a kiss on his wife's cheek before she swiftly dashed to the restroom down the hall.

A few minutes later found Robin seated in their booth skimming through the local newspaper.

"Anything of interest in there?"

"No, not much really. There's a concert on the lawn this evening. Do you wanna go?"

"Hmmm, I don't know. All this going out and doing things after I've been on bed rest is actually quite exhausting."

"Hmm, okay. Well if you just want to head back home after this and sleep, that's fine with me."

"Well now I didn't say that!"

"Okay, well love, what do you want to do?"

She pursed her lips in thought. What indeed did she wish to do now that she was off bed rest?

"You know, I'm not really sure! I was working on a list of baby things we still need," she stated as she reached into her bag to pull out her notepad.

"What? Ah, come on, we have so much stuff for the baby! What more do we need?"

"We still need to get a mattress for the crib. Some bedding. I haven't found an outfit to bring the baby home in yet. Newborn diapers."

"Newborn diapers? I thought you wanted to do cloth diapers."

"Well, I mean, I do…but we have to be practical. Not everyone can handle cloth diapers so if someone wants to look after her while I take a nap the least I could do is put her in disposable diapers."

"Hmm, okay, but we've already spent money on the cloth diapers." Regina huffed and waved her hand to dismiss her husband's comment.

"Why are you being such a penny pincher?"

"Hey, I'm not! It's just we're spending a lot of money on a kid that's not even here yet!" Regina placed her notepad down and regarded her husband for a moment, stifling the tears that seemed to have appeared out of nowhere. "Hey, hey, why are you crying?" She sniffled and wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. Robin reached forward to grab her other hand in an effort to comfort her.

"Listen, my marriage to Daniel wasn't exactly supportive. I come from money, yes, but I didn't get the benefit of it once Daniel and I were married. And then when we decided to have children, well that entire process took a lot of our money. I don't regret a minute of it, but there were some sacrifices that were made. This pregnancy wasn't planned but we're certainly in a better financial situation with this baby than I was when I was pregnant with Henry and…Hannah."

"Hannah?"

"Mmmm," she nodded, squeezing Robin's hand. "That's what we were going to call her." A beat of silence passed between them. Regina never really talked about her miscarriage and when she did he tried to give her space.

"Well, speaking of Hannah, we haven't exactly worked on names. Is that one you'd like to consider?" Regina's eyes bore into Robin's, his soul even. She had to stop herself. Clearing her throat before she responded,

"No, that name is for the child I lost. I don't want that name to haunt our child. We'll think of something else." Robin nodded his head, letting her hand go as Ruby brought over their order.

"Alright, have you thought of names at all?" He asked as he reached for the maple syrup on the table. Regina bit into her bacon and chewed for a few moments, concentration written on her face.

"Well, I have thought of some."

"Really, why haven't you told me?"

"I'm not sure they're good enough for consideration. And then I'm still concerned we might be having a boy. I'm not totally convinced that was just a mere slip of the tongue at the hospital."

"Hmm, well do you also want to consider some boy names?"

"It wouldn't hurt," she sighed out as she took a bite of her pancakes. She chewed slowly, thinking.

"Not what you wanted?" Robin asked, noticing his wife's lack of enthusiasm for this particular meal.

"No, not in the least. Bacon's good though."

"It is. So, names for girls? Want me to go first?"

"You've been thinking about names?"

"Well, yeah, why wouldn't I?"

"I don't know. Just doesn't seem like something fathers would do unless it was for a make - believe child and even then that's simple, they want a junior."

"Did Daniel want a junior?"

"Well, I think he did, but he also knew how important my dad was to me. He's the one that suggested we name Henry, Henry."

"And Daniel as the middle name?"

"Mmmm, my idea. And how did you and Lydia come up with Roland's name? You didn't want a junior?"

"Ha, Robin Jr. That sounds a bit weird, dontcha think?"

"Well, I suppose."

"Would you like to name a son Robin Jr?" She scrunched up her nose in thought.

"Well, now that you mention it, I don't think so."

"Right, so what are your thoughts on girls' names?" Regina paused mid – chew for a few seconds and then resumed chewing. She placed her fork down. She had given thought to a few girls' names and she wasn't even sure why one particular name came to her or if Robin would even entertain it.

"I was thinking…"

"Yeah?"

"I was thinking what about Lydia?" Robin sputtered out the orange juice he was drinking. He managed to swallow it down before his mouth hung open. "I'll take that as a no?" Regina immediately responded to his reaction. Robin sat his glass down and reached for Regina's hand.

"Oh love, that's very sweet of you to suggest that, but what made you think of that?" Regina pulled her hand back and placed it in her lap, fiddling with her shirt. She shrugged her shoulders before responding.

"I'm not sure, really."

"Well don't feel you need to suggest that name for me, alright? I don't need any reminders of my wife, just as you don't want any reminders of Hannah." Regina gave him pause. Perhaps he was right and that was very wrong of her to suggest naming their daughter after his dead wife. But she wanted to honor her memory. Naming their daughter Hannah after the child she miscarried was a different thing, but perhaps Robin saw it the same. "How about this, we don't suggest any names after people who have died, okay?" Regina nodded her head.

"Alright, well now I'll have to think of some other names. What names have you come up with?"

"My turn then?" Regina nodded her head. "Alright, I was thinking if we were going to stick with R names we could do Robin, with a y so it's feminine." Regina let out a chuckle. "Hey, no laughing!"

"Sorry, sorry, continue."

"Thanks, so Robin with a y. Rowan, Rachel, Reagan, Rebecca, Ruth…" Robin paused. Regina was shaking her head no and sticking out her tongue.

"Where on earth did you get these names? I don't like any of them. And I'm not sure I want to go with a theme of R names. It's just a coincidence that my name, yours and your son's name starts with R,"

"Well, Roland's starts with R because my name starts with R."

"Well, okay, but I feel that would leave Henry out and I don't want to do that."

"I suppose because you were going to name your second child a name that starts with H."

"Yeah, that was pretty cheesy of us, wasn't it?"

"Naaa, parents do that all the time, just look at the Duggar family. Who knew there were that many names that started with the letter J?" Regina smiled. "Alright, so no H names either?"

"We don't have to take them completely off the table. I don't think Roland will be as bothered by his sibling having a name that starts with H than Henry might be upset if the name starts with an R."

"Or maybe the baby can have a first and middle name with H and R?"

"How complicated are we going to make this?" Regina laughed sardonically as she put the last bite of her pancakes into her mouth.

"I don't know. Why don't we ask the boys to name her then?"

"If we ask them we might get stuck with Squishy as her legal name."

"Ha ha ha, only if we ask Roland. I think Henry would actually come up with something."

"Perhaps."

"Alright, are you done eating?" Regina nodded her head.

"Yeah, wasn't very satisfying, but I'll live."

"Right, sorry love. We can try again tomorrow, if you'd like. How about we take this discussion outside? Maybe a brief jaunt down the street to Any Given Sundae? We'll get you some Rocky Road?" At that suggestion Regina's eyes lit up with a smile.

"That sounds like the best plan you've had all day, Mr. Hood." Regina picked up her jacket and purse while Robin stepped to her side of the booth and helped her slide out. She grasps his hands and he helps her put on her jacket. She didn't want to wear it, the heat of the day creeping upon her, but Robin insisted and sometimes it was just easier to give in because she knew it was how he was able to help care for the fetus.

They shuffled out the door of Granny's and headed down the street. It was a nice Spring day. The sun shining brightly and the wind blowing gently. The walk to the ice cream parlor wasn't a long one and so they spent it in silence.

"Good afternoon Robin, Regina," Ingrid nodded when they entered the shop. Ingrid had gotten to know both Robin and Regina very well over the past few months. Roland had quite the sweet tooth for Rocky Road ice cream and Regina used him as an excuse to satisfy her cravings. She didn't allow the sweets in the house because she didn't want to over indulge, so poor Robin made frequent trips to the ice cream parlor. And sometimes to save himself the trouble of comforting a weeping Regina when she wanted the ice cream at two o'clock in the morning he would buy a pint of the ice cream and hide it in the freezer. "Would you like your usual?" Regina nodded her head.

"Mmmm, yes please. Double scoop and maybe a drizzle of hot chocolate?" Ingrid chuckled and nodded her head.

"That I can do and Robin, what would you like?" Ingrid asked as she fulfilled Regina's order.

"Oh, nothing for me right now." Regina gave him a gentle shove.

"You're not getting anything? Not even sympathy ice cream? I'm going to feel like a fatty!"

"Oh love, I'm just not in the mood for ice cream right now."

"But you're the one that suggested it."

"I know, but you're always in the mood for ice cream and I knew it would bring a smile to your face given how disappointed you were with your breakfast." Regina leaned in and gave her husband a kiss.

"Well thanks for your consideration."

"Here ya go, enjoy!" Ingrid handed Regina her order and gave Robin a wink.

"Alright love, wanna head to the park? We can sit on a bench while you eat that." Regina nodded as she gave her ice cream a lick before joining her hand with her husband's. He led her out of the shop and across the street to the bench they liked to sit on while they watch the boys play. The couple sat in silence while Regina licked away at her ice cream, even offered Robin a lick which he begrudgingly accepted because truth be told, Rocky Road wasn't his favorite of ice creams.

"Welp, that's that. Can you take me home now? I need an afternoon nap."

"An afternoon nap? When did you start needing those?"

"When Squishy started zapping all of my energy. Although, this ice cream seems to have given her a sugar rush," she sighed out and rubbed her belly, hoping to calm down the active movements. Robin moved back her jacket so he could see their child stretching inside its mother.

"I will never get tired of seeing this."

"My belly contort in weird ways? It's actually quite disturbing."

"Maybe," he responded as he pulled his wife close, resting his hand on top of hers. After a few moments she shrugged him off and pushed herself to a standing position.

"Let's go."

"Alright, we'll go."

Bing

"Is it time yet?"

"Robin just texted me to say he's taking Regina home for a nap."

"Great, here we all are with everything set up and the guest of honor is taking a nap."

"Can it, Leroy. She's pregnant. Pregnant women need their naps," Mary – Margaret admonished.

"Well how about this, why don't you just send out a mass text message letting everyone know when they're on their way? We don't have all day to sit and wait."

"Sounds like a good idea, Mare."

"But Emma I don't want anyone to leave in case they decide not to come back."

"How are we supposed to keep everyone entertained until Your Majesty is done napping?"

"Text him back and ask how long is this nap supposed to take, could he wake her in an hour?"

"Seriously?" Mary – Margaret gave Emma a hard stare. "Okay, alright, I'm on it." A few minutes went by while they waited for Robin's response. Emma's phone let out a ping. "Alright he says he'll give her an hour but gives us fair warning she might be a little grumpy."

"Tell him to make a good excuse, like he's taking her out to dinner or something."

"Okay, alright."

"Or maybe they need to come pick us up?" Henry volunteered.

"Or that, that works too." Emma sent the text off and waited with baited breath for a response. She wasn't sure why she was nervous. They were only throwing Regina a surprise baby shower. And while normally Emma didn't give a rat's ass about how Regina took things, she felt emotionally invested in how Regina would receive the shower. Bing. "Alright, Robin says that's a better idea. She'll be mad that Mary – Margaret managed to pick up the boys but not drop them back off, but it'll be okay. The worse we'll have to deal with is some grumblings about that. He makes no promises about her reaction to the shower though." They all let out a knowing nervous chuckle at how irritated Regina would be when Robin disturbed her nap, could imagine her wild eyes and pursed lips. Her facial expressions fooled none of them. She was all bluster, but they would humor her anyway.

"Regina, love." Robin gently shook his wife's shoulder. When they returned from their morning out she was so excited to finally sleep in their bed he hated to wake her. All their friends were patiently waiting and he'd much rather get this all over with. "Regina, come on love, it's time to wake up," he stated as he shook her shoulder again. She moaned a little. Good, this was good, she was rousing. He rubbed her back a little.

"Robin?"

"Oh, hey! You're awake!" he said sheepishly as he bustled about their bedroom, pulling out the outfit Mary – Margaret supplied for the baby shower.

"Robin, what are you doing? Why are you waking me up?"

"Oh, I'm sorry, did I accidentally wake you?" Regina sat fully up in the bed, a look of anger and confusion crossed her features.

"Accidentally wake me?" she repeated as she stared more pointedly at her husband. "I'm pretty sure you intentionally awakened me. I distinctly recall you shaking me and calling my name."

"Wha? I did no such thing! Why would I do a thing like that? I know how much you wanted to nap here in the bed," he responded standing near their dresser, not risking being physically close to her, just in case.

"Hmmph. I don't believe you. What are you doing in here anyway?"

"Oh, uh, since you're up, Mary – Margaret texted a little while ago to ask if we could pick up the boys."

"Really now? She couldn't drop them off?"

"Um, no, she said she uh, she had to stay with Neal."

"Where's David?"

"He's um, I'm not sure. I don't ask all these questions. I've learned it's best to just listen to the women – folk and do as the say. Less conflict that way." She pursed her lips.

"I don't believe you."

"Welp, whether you want to or not, it's completely your decision. And since you're up, how about a fresh change of clothes?"

"Change of clothes?"

"Yeah, I thought we could all go out to dinner to celebrate!"

"But we went to breakfast to celebrate."

"Yeah, but now we can celebrate with the boys!" She clucked her tongue.

"Robin, I don't know what kind of shit you're trying to pull, but I'm not in the mood."

"Do you not trust me?" Regina scoffed.

"What kind of question is that?"

"A question that I would like an answer to."

"Uh, no. I'm not answering that question in this context. I know you're up to something."

"Well, if I am, can't you just humor me? Us?"

"Alright, fine, if it gets me back to bed sooner."

"Great, now put this on," he says, handing her the dress and cardigan.

"Hmm, this looks familiar."

"Does it, now?"

"This looks like something Mary – Margaret would wear."

"Well, um, she loaned it to me."

"Why am I getting a special outfit for dinner out with the boys?"

"You've been lounging around in lounge wear for the past two weeks or so. I thought perhaps you'd like to wear something fancy. I know how fond you are of your fancy power suits."

"They're not fancy power suits. They are simply business suits. Suits I wear to conduct business."

"You're an editor. Why not wear some casual slacks?"

"What is this? We're critiquing my work clothes?" Robin was really digging himself into a hole. He was a terrible liar, especially when it comes to Regina. She can somehow see right through him. It was a wonder he managed to pull of his proposal. He came to kneel in front of her, pulling her hands into his.

"Okay, love, please just do this for me, okay? I'm going to put on some nice casual slacks and a polo. You're going to put on this lovely floral print dress and sweater. We're going to get into the car and go for a drive. We'll pick up the boys and go enjoy a nice dinner, out of the house."

"Well, what are the boys wearing?"

"Oh my gosh! They're wearing appropriate clothes, now let's go, I've got reservations and I don't want to be late for them." He didn't mean to come off so harsh but his patience was wearing thin. She would not get him to cave and tell her what was going on. He absolutely would not.

The mid – afternoon sun was less harsh than the noon one and, despite her sour mood, it was comfortable to bask in on the ride to pick up the boys. She pulled at the cardigan and picked off invisible lint from the disgustingly floral print dress Robin procured from Mary – Margaret. Well, it wasn't actually that bad but she was resentful of the entire situation. She thought it would be a good fine thing to get out of the house after being cooped up for the past two weeks, but she actually found it be quite an exhausting thing for her and right now all she wanted to do was crawl back into bed and sleep the rest of the evening. Perhaps wake up in the morning and try again, ease herself back into the swing of things. She felt a hand brush her shoulder. Her thoughts interrupted, she turned to glance at her husband – that infuriating man whom she loved with all her heart, her entire being, for if she didn't love him that much he couldn't upset her as much as he did. She reached out and grasped his hand, a gentle squeeze, a silent acknowledgement that she wasn't truly upset with him, but she didn't want to admit it.

They soon arrived at their destination. Town Hall. Regina sat up with a start. She looked at her husband, open – mouthed. Nothing good ever came from unexpected visits to town hall.

"What are we doing here?"

"Picking up the boys," Robin stated as he exited his side of the vehicle. Regina was a bit disbelieving and startled when Robin arrived on her side of the vehicle and pulled open her door. "Come on, love. Mary – Margaret's working on a project. We'll have to go in."

"Both of us?"

"Yeah, don't you wanna stretch your legs a little bit?" She tipped her head in acknowledgement. He offered his hand to help her out of the vehicle. He shut the door behind her and grabbed her hand as they started the walk to the entrance of the building. Robin nervously rubbed his thumb back and forth across the back of her hand. It was a tell of his and if anything, heightened Regina's suspicions that something else was going on. Clearly he was nervous and it took a lot of resolve to not immediately demand what was going on. It must be a surprise and she didn't want to ruin his hard work because she needed to be in control of everything. She let him guide her through the door and down the hall where they stopped in front of double doors. He squeezed her hand once more, bringing their joined hands to his lips. She looked at him, a silly grin spreading across her face. A silent, "it's okay" to ease his worry. He took a deep breath and pushed the doors open, pulling Regina behind him.

People, there were a lot of people there. People sitting around and people talking. People playing with streamers and ribbon and arranging tables and chairs and,

"Robin! You were supposed to text us to let us know you were on your way!" Emma shouted as she ran towards them.

"Uh, what? I did! Honest!" Emma patted her pants down to check for her phone. She came up empty – handed. She spun around in a circle, stopping when she spotted her phone on a nearby table. She sprinted forward and picked up the phone. Sure enough there was a text from Robin stating they were about to leave the house.

"Well, okay. Next time make sure someone responds, okay?" Robin nods his head.

"Oh, no, I don't think there'll be a next time." Regina states. Robin looks at her and gives a shrug of the shoulders. Emma grasped both Robin and Regina by the shoulders and spun them around, shoving them towards the doors from which they entered. "Emma, what are you doing?"

"This is a surprise baby shower. Go back through the doors, count to ten them come back in."

"Are you serious right now?" Emma merely stood with her arms crossed. Robin pulled on Regina's hand.

"Come on love, let's humor her since this will be the only time she gets to do it, okay?" Regina rolled her eyes and complied.

"This is quite ridiculous."

"I know, but it's something our friends wanted to do for us, okay?"

"Alright, alright. Has it been ten seconds yet?"

"I don't know. Why don't we start counting now?"

"You count, humoring her was your idea." Robin chuckled and nodded his head and began counting. Ever so slowly. He was relaxing into it now that he didn't have to worry about keeping the surprise from Regina. She let out an exasperated sigh and this time pulled on his hand to follow her through the double doors.

"Surprise!" Everyone shouted. Regina smirked and then fell into a giggle. Her friends were there and they went through a lot of trouble for her and even though the surprise was slightly ruined they still seemed happy enough for a reenactment. Mary – Margaret approached the couple and led them over to the guests of honor table appropriately decorated with a banner dotted with pink and blue balloons and "Parents to Be" swirled out in intricate cursive. They each sat down and held hands across the table while they looked on their guests.

"Alright, now that the guests of honor have arrived, let the festivities begin! What would you guys like to do first? Food? Games?"

"Presents?" Regina supplied.

"No, we're not doing presents first! We worked really hard on this! How about we all get a bite to eat and then we'll start on games?" Regina tilted her head in acceptance. She tried.

"Alright, what would you like to eat?" Robin leaned into Regina to ask.

"Well, assuming she stuck with the menu, I want a couple of turkey pinwheels and some chicken tenders with honey mustard sauce. Oh, and I also want some chips and buffalo chicken cheese dip. And maybe some celery and carrots with ranch dressing. But that needs to be on a separate plate. In fact, all of that needs to be on a separate plate. And fruit, I want strawberries and pineapple and honey dew melon. Did you get all of that?" Robin was nodding his head. Regina had never requested so much food, even in the beginning of her pregnancy when her cravings were really weird.

"Uh, yep, got all of that up here in the head, here." Robin tapped his head in demonstration.

"Robinnn," she whined out.

"What?"

"Remember what happened last time?"

"Yeah, you spent a miserable night without me. I got it babe, no worries." The look on her face indicated she didn't trust that he remembered everything she just told him. If he forgot something he'd be the one having to go back up to the food line to get it and with that satisfaction she relaxed back in her chair as Roland made his way over to their table.

"Were you surprised, mommy?" He asked as he made an attempt to climb into her lap.

"Oh love, I don't think there's any room on mommy's lap. Why don't you pull daddy's chair over here so you can sit next to me? And yes, I was greatly surprised!" Roland stopped his attempts and pulled his father's chair over to the other side of Regina. He leaned into her so he could wrap his arms around her neck and she peppered his cheeks and forehead with kisses.

"Did you find out what the baby was today?"

"Oh my little knight, we're waiting for the baby to get here." Roland pulled back and sat in the chair, a pout marring his features.

"No fair."

"What's not fair?"

"You won't tell me what the baby is so I can win the prize!"

"What prize?"

"The prize for guessing the baby's, the baby's sex?" Roland turned his head up towards Regina, questioning whether he or not he used that term properly. Regina chuckled and ruffled her stepson's curly mop of hair.

"Let's use the word gender, okay?" Roland nodded his head. "And sorry, neither your father nor I know the baby's gender. In fact the only person who might know is the doctor." Roland scrunched his face as he turned to look at her again.

"So we should ask the doctor to tell us!" He exclaimed as he hopped down from the chair in search of Emma to share is his information. She shook her head.

"Well, well, well. Look who decided to grace us with her presence," a distinctly feminine British accented voice that was not her husband's greeted her. Regina's mouth dropped open as tears sprung into her eyes and she slowly made to rise out of her chair. "No, no, I'll come to you. You still need your rest." The woman leaned down to envelop Regina in a tight hug. Pulling back she swiped away at the tears streaming down her sister's face.

"Zelena, my god, how are you even here? I mean, no one knew I was going to be able to come off of bed rest."

"Well, Mary – Margaret figured you'd pretty much demand to be let off of bed rest at your appointment today. Are you surprised?"

"I'm surprised you're here. I knew there would be a baby shower, but I didn't realize it'd be put together so soon! Oh, I'm so glad you're here." Regina exclaimed as she reached for another hug.

"Hmmm, those hormones have you really out of sorts, don't they?" Regina slapped her sister's shoulder.

"Oh hush. After this scare and what's happened with my past pregnancies…and the fight Robin and I had, I'm trying to be more appreciative of the friends and family I have around me that genuinely seem to care for my well-being. And we're all that's left of family. How could I let petty differences get in the way of that?"

"Oh, now you're going to make me cry!" Zelena responded, wiping the few tears that began to gather in her eyes.

"Seriously," Regina stated as she pulled Zelena away to properly look at her, "mom and dad are gone. We're all each other has and I am so glad you're here to share in this with me, honest." Zelena reached forward to envelop her sister into another hug.

"Alright, enough of that, I do believe Mary – Margaret has put together some games?"

"But Robin was getting my food, I'm not sure I want to play any baby shower games."

"Oh, come on mom! We've been waiting all day for you to get here so we can play games!" Henry cried out as he handed her a sheet of paper and pencil.

"What's this?" Regina asked as she took the items from Henry's hand.

"It's for our first game 'Dirty Diapers'! Everyone gather 'round so I can explain the rules." Mary – Margaret called everyone to one of the tables set up by the food. "Alright, now I'm going to set a timer and you'll have five minutes to figure out, without tasting, what brand of candy is in each of the diapers on the table. There are ten, so be sure to number your paper one through ten."

"Candy, in the diaper?" Killian asked. Emma elbowed him in his side.

"Yes, we melted chocolate candy in the diaper."

"Ewww, is this poo?" Roland squealed out after taking a peak in one of the diapers on the table.

"Roland, you're not supposed to look yet!" Henry pulled his step – brother away from the table.

The adults chuckled. "No, Roland, it's just different melted chocolate candy. Now, is everyone ready?" She looked around the table to see everyone nodding their heads. "Good, get ready, set, and go!" She shouted as she started the timer on her phone. Everyone seemed a little hesitant at first but once Regina started making her way around the table 'hmmmng' and 'ahhhhing' as she jotted down her answers they started getting in the swing of things. Robin was at her side and made some very strange faces whenever a new diaper was opened for viewing.

"This is actually kinda gross. These look like some of the diapers I had to change on Roland," Robin commented.

"Well, prepare for round two. I'm not going to be the only one changing diapers," Regina sassed at her husband.

"We've got an eleven year old and a five year old for that."

"Ewwww, I'm not touching that!" Roland squeaked out. Robin ruffled his son's hair and Regina smirked, shaking her head.

"No, of course we wouldn't ask you to do that. He's just a kid himself, Robin. Now pay attention, I wanna win a prize!"

"Why do you need a prize? You're getting the best prize of them all!"

"Oh, and what's that?"

"Thee actual baby!"

"Hmm, well that won't be here for another six weeks or so and I want to enjoy a prize now."

"Sorry, Regina, you getting to participate is just for fun," Mary – Margaret chimed in.

"Wha? You mean I actually don't get a prize?"

"Hey, this entire party is for you!" Emma commented as she swiped the diaper Regina was currently holding from her hands.

"Ugh, come on! You know how competitive I am! And this isn't for me! It isn't a Regina shower, it is a baby shower, ya know, giving me things for the baby. What am I supposed to do with diapers and bibs and bottles and onesies?"

"It seems she has a point," Leroy gruffed out. Regina turned a hard stare at the rather short man.

"What are you even doing here? I thought you didn't like babies and least of all me."

"Meh, you're alright and I was blackmailed."

"Leroy." Emma cautioned.

"What? You told me I couldn't win the money if I didn't stay for this ridiculous party."

"Uh, time! Time! The timer's going off!" Mary – Margaret shouted in hopes of avoiding spilling their little secret.

"Money? What money are you winning?" Regina questioned as Emma grabbed her by the shoulders and redirected her back over to her seat at the head table.

"Now, now let's not worry about what that grump has to say, let's see who won the game?" Regina wrestled her shoulders out of Emma's grasp.

"You're keeping secrets."

"So what if I am?"

"Last time you kept a secret from me it was about my pregnancy."

"Well then whatever this secret is couldn't be as life – altering as that one, now could it?" Regina rolled her eyes.

"Alright Mare, let's get this over with, who won?"

"Well, first everyone write your name on your paper and trade it with someone else so they can grade it." It took a few minutes but everyone shuffled around their papers. "Okay, now I'm going to read off what each number should be and you mark whether the person got it right or wrong and then whoever gets the most correct wins!"

Mary – Margaret kept the party goers busy with a few more games before Regina's stomach let out a few grumbles at which time she declared that eating was next on the agenda. It didn't take much convincing for everyone else to agree.

"Now Robin, did you remember everything I asked you to get me?" Regina asked as Robin set down two plates on their table.

"I think so, if not I'll just go back up there, is that alright?"

"Hmmm, I suppose." Robin pecked a kiss to her cheek before seating himself and tucking into the food on his plate. Regina smirked, stuck out her tongue and took inventory of her plate. He remembered the chicken and the pinwheels and the chips and dip, but not the fruit and vegetables.

"Robin – "

"You wanted the vegetables and fruit on a separate plate," Robin calmly stated as he bit into a pinwheel. "Finish what you've got there and then I'll get it for you, okay?" Regina's mouth had popped open at Robin's ability to read her mind and now she quite looked like a fish opening and closing her mouth, struggling for something to say. Instead, she returned her attentions to her plate. As she bit into one her chicken tenders, she took a moment to survey everyone who came out to help her and Robin celebrate their miracle of life, for that is indeed what Squishy was. She had no idea, well, she did, but truly no idea how it was the life growing inside of her came to be without the difficulties she had with Henry and the child she miscarried. She sometimes struggled with understanding why she was gifted with it – was she finally doing something right in life? Was she finally deserving of happiness? God sent Robin and Roland to her and her life was seemingly complete, but the unexpected surprise of another baby, well that just unnerved her but made her giddy all at the same time. And her friends – she didn't know she had so many. She had Emma and Mary – Margaret and on the strange occasion, Mal and honestly she was surprised to see her sister there, but in the back of her mind she had to wonder how Mary – Margaret managed to ply the other fifteen or so people currently chatting amongst themselves into celebrating her impending birth. She smiled at a vision of the soft – spoken brunette strong arming them into coming.

"Ahem," came Mary – Margaret's voice from the area in front of the gift table. "Well, this has been quite fun and I'm sure you guys are about ready to head out, so, Regina, how would you like to open your presents?" Mary – Margaret's head pivoted towards Regina with an eerie smile. Suddenly, Regina felt rather uncomfortable.

"Uh, well, I…I mean, if people are ready to go – "

"Oh, nonsense, we all want to see you open your presents! Come on!" Emma chided as she approached the woman and pulling her towards a chair Mary – Margaret sat in front of the gift table.

"And we get to play my most favorite game!"

"Oh? And what's that?"

"Oh, um the bow hat game." Regina's eyes went wide, as if she were a deer caught in headlights.

"No, nope, no, nuh – uh."

"Oh, come on, be a good sport!"

"I am not putting some ridiculous paper plate decorated with bows on top of my head," Regina scoffed. Robin came up behind her and helped her settle into her seat. He leaned over to whisper in her ear.

"What's the harm love? Be a good sport. They all came out to celebrate you and me and the birth of our child."

"Well I'm not here to perform tricks. Need I remind you I very much wanted to sleep." Robin pecked a kiss on her cheek.

"I know love, I know. And the sooner we get through the presents and the silly bow hat, the sooner you can get on with the sleep you so desperately want, okay?" Regina nodded her head as she took one of the wrapped boxes Mary – Margaret had in her hand. She smiled gingerly and was mindful to delicately remove the bow and ribbon wrapped around the package and hand it off to Mary – Margaret.

"This one's from Granny," Mary – Margaret read from the card as Regina tore open the wrapping paper to reveal a sage green and lilac baby blanket.

"Oh, Granny, this absolutely beautiful! Did you make this?"

"Well, of course I did! I wasn't sure what colors to make it considering we don't know if it's a boy or a girl, but it's already made, so you're kinda stuck with it. When you finally do pop that kid out let me know its name so I can embroider it, kay?" Regina nodded her head and folded the blanket back up before passing it to Robin.

"Alright, next we have a gift from…Ruby," Mary – Margaret read off from the card taped to the box.

"Hmmm, why do all of these onesies have wolves on them?" Regina wrinkled her nose as she pulled out the outfits.

"Wolves are cool. I like wolves. Your kid should like wolves. Cuz they're cool."

"Uh huh, I see." Mary – Margaret handed many more boxes and bags for Regina to open. Surprisingly, Robin and Regina were give quite a lot of things and it suddenly made Regina feel a tad guilty for being resistant to the baby shower and for already purchasing so many things for the baby already.

"Alright, now I didn't have time to get you a proper present, but I think what I have to offer might actually be better," Zelena stated as Regina finished opening her last gift and setting it aside.

"Oh? And what's that?"

"Me!"

"You?"

"Yes, I was thinking perhaps I'll stay with you for a few weeks after the baby is born to help you all get adjusted. Whadya think?" Regina was taken aback by the offer. She glanced at her husband who merely shrugged his shoulders. The choice was completely up to her it seemed. "I know, it might be a little strange, but mothers normally do this, yeah? And well, our mother isn't here to do this for you."

"Well, not that I would want her to…"

"…anyway – all you and Robin have to do is let me know when you have the baby and I'll be here in no time at all." Zelena finished with a grin. Robin grasped Regina's hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. He leaned over and whispered into her ear,

"You know it might not be such a bad idea. We'll be new parents together and we'll have to figure out a routine with the boys and the baby." Regina slowly nodded her head.

"Alright, alright. Looks like we'll take you up on your offer. But maybe wait a week before coming down?"

"Sure, sure, I can do that." Zelena stepped forward and grasped her sister in a hug. Suddenly Mary – Margaret was clapping her hands together to gather everyone's attention.

"Alright, now the moment everyone's been waiting for! One final gift!"

"Oh you guys, really? This is quite enough and we have so many other things at home already."

"Welp, there's one item you don't have yet." Emma called from the doorway leading to a hallway. Regina quirked her head, desperately searching the recesses of her mind for what they could've possibly forgotten to get for the baby. "Alright boys, bring it on in!" After a few moments she saw Leroy, Killian and Clark carrying in a rather large rectangular box. Robin helped Regina to her feet as she approached the large package.

"What on God's green earth?"

"Open it momma!" Roland called to her.

"Do you wanna help me? It's awfully big!" Roland eagerly nodded his head as he charged forward to help peel the wrapping paper from the box. Regina let out a small gasp and tears rolled down her cheek. She blinked slowly.

"Oh my, you all got me a mattress for the crib?" She looked to the guests that were gathered 'round and were all grinning. Emma stepped forward, placing her hands on Regina's shoulders.

"Yep! And all it cost was a buy in to the gender pool!" Regina chuckled a watery chuckle and slapped Emma's hands.

"Yeah, so tell what it is so we can collect out funds!" Leroy shouted. Regina laughed some more.

"For the umpteenth time, we don't know!" The small gathering let out a collective grumble.

"Alright, now for the final game!" Mary – Margaret exclaimed as she motioned everyone back over to the gift table.

"What other game could you possibly have?"

"Well, we need string to tie on your bow hat."

"Well, just cut some string, I don't see how this is a game." Mary – Margaret let out a sly grin.

"The way this game works, the bow hat isn't actually going to go on your head."

"It isn't?"

"Nope, here, everyone take the spool and try to guess how big the baby bump is. The closest length will be used to tie the bow hat around Regina's belly. Cuz it's the ultimate gift at the baby shower!" Mary – Margaret chuckled at her little joke. Regina's eyes went wide with shock.

"I don't want people trying to guess how big I am!" Regina complained. Robin gently nudged his wife.

"Just one more game, okay love? And remember, you're not big, you are growing a tiny human that needs lots of room and your body is being accommodating, alright?" Robin spoke into her ear in hushed tones. She slowly nodded and sat down while she waited for everyone to take their pieces of string.

"Alright, who wants to go first?"

"Meeeeeee!" shouted Roland.

"Okay, Regina stand up! Robin, will you help me?" Together Mary – Margaret and Robin took Roland's string and wrapped it around the widest part of Regina's belly. "Oh, Roland, I'm afraid it's too big!"

"Really Roland? You think mommy's that big?" The little boy could only shrug his shoulders and giggle.

"Alright, next!" A few more people took turns. They were smart and erred on cutting smaller pieces of string. "Okay, what do we think? Mallory's?" Mary – Margaret asked as she reached for Regina's best friend coworker's string for everyone to judge. They all nodded their heads.

"See babe? I know ya best!" Mallory exclaimed as she came forward to give Regina a hug.

"Okay, let's get this tied onto the plate and we'll all take a picture." Regina simply rolled her eyes while she let them make a spectacle of her. "Now, who shall take the picture?"

"I'm sure we can set someone's camera up for a timer," suggested Emma. They all scrambled to pull out their camera phones. Emma took hers and set up on the discarded boxes from opening presents. "Alright, here we go, we've got ten seconds."

"And only one shot!" Regina shouted above the din. Everyone scrambled to take their positions. After a few tense seconds, the camera flashed. Emma surged forward to look at the picture. She presented it to Regina for her approval. "Good enough, I'm not taking another one and Squishy wants cake." She plainly stated, rubbing her bump and divesting herself of the ridiculous bow hat wrapped around her belly. She then took Robin's hand and lead him over to the cake. She tsked.

"Hmm, such a shame to cut such a lovely cake." She took the cake cutter and in wedding style, placed Robin's hand over her own so they could cut it together. Robin chuckled into her ear. Sometimes she could be a romantic sap.

"Wanna do the cake smash?"

"So help me Robin if you smash that into my face you'll spend the rest of this pregnancy on that fancy pull out sofa." He held his hands up in surrender before grasping her shoulders and pulling her into a soft kiss. He pulled back and leaned his forehead onto hers. Her eyes closed at the contact. He lifted her chin and her eyes fluttered open.

"Are you happy my love?" Her eyes fluttered closed again and she leaned in towards his chest, wrapping her arms around his back, hugging him as close as possible. He dropped his hands to wrap them around her back, tracing soft circles and rocked them from side to side.

"Incredibly so," she whispered.

Sorry this took so long! I hope you guys are out there still reading! And as always, please R & R - constructive criticism is always appreciated!

H. A.