"Emma Swan"
"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Regina, happy birthday to you!" everyone sang, mostly off-key, as they gathered around the table. It was dark in the kitchen, with just the soft orange glow of the candles on her cake illuminating a small spot in the room.
Robin pushed the cake closer to her. "Go ahead, lovely," he said. "Make a wish and blow out those candles."
Screwing her eyes closed, Regina made her wish—Let this be the year I become a mother—and then blew out the candles. The flames flickered before dying out, plunging the kitchen into darkness as wisps of smoke curled up from the burnt wicks. Everyone cheered and someone flipped the lights on in the kitchen.
"Birthday girl gets to cut the first slice," Granny said, handing Regina a knife. "Have at it."
Regina laughed as she sliced into the red velvet cake her great-aunt made her and she cut herself a big slice, sliding it onto her plate. She then handed the knife back to Granny, who took over slicing it up for the rest of the guests at the small birthday party Robin had thrown for her.
"Aunt Ri Gi!" Neal leaned over in his mother's lap, little arms outstretched toward Regina. He grinned, revealing his little baby teeth. "Hole Neal!"
She chuckled, putting the boy on her lap. "Do you really want to sit with me or try to eat my cake?" she asked him.
He laughed, reaching a pudgy hand out toward her cake. She moved it from his grasp. "Oh no, you don't. You'll get your own cake."
"Cay!" Neal clapped as Granny set down a small slice in front of him. He then dug his fingers into the moist cake as everyone laughed.
David reached over. "I can take him, Regina, so you can enjoy your cake and not get his on you."
She batted his hand away. "My godson and I are just fine, thank you very much. Right, Neal?"
"CAY!" Neal exclaimed again before shoving a piece of cake into his mouth.
Robin reached out, running his hand over Neal's soft brown hair. "I don't think you're getting him back, David."
"Better yours than ours, mate," Will quipped, looking down at the baby girl asleep in the carrier between him and Anastasia.
Ruby chuckled as she accepted a slice of cake from her grandmother. "I think you both need to pray that Regina gets a baby of her own soon or else she may kidnap one of yours."
"Well, from your lips to God's ears," Robin said, watching as Neal continued to get more cake on his little body than in his mouth. He picked up a napkin to wipe the boy's face. "We hope to have good news soon."
"Well, we'll all keep our fingers crossed. Right?" Henry asked, looking at everyone gathered around the table. They all nodded in response.
Regina smiled, digging into her own cake. "Thank you all. I hope next year I have my own child trying to steal my cake…along with Neal and Penny."
"I don't think you have enough room on your lap for that many children," Robin teased her, a smile pulling at his lips.
"Trust me," she declared, "I will fit them all on my lap."
Everyone laughed and Regina continued to eat her cake, happy to be surrounded by all her loved ones as she started another year.
"Thank you so much for coming," Regina told her parents as they stood at the door. She pulled her sweater closer, trying to ward off the February chill and failing. Even Queen had decided not to wait at her feet in a bid to escape but rather stay curled up on the couch where it was warm.
Cora hugged her once again. "Of course, sweetheart. We would never turn down a chance to see you and Robin."
"And of course to celebrate your birthday," Henry replied. "Best day of our lives, right, Cora?"
"Absolutely." Cora let go of Regina and gave her a little push back into the house. "Now you get inside before you catch a cold. We'll talk to you tomorrow."
Regina smiled, nodding. "Get home safely, you two, and have a good night."
They waved and walked off the porch, heading to the car. Even though she was freezing and her teeth were starting to chatter, Regina remained in the doorway until her parents were in the car and had pulled out of the driveway. Once they headed down the street, she finally closed the door and stepped back into the warmth of the house.
She walked down the hallway to the kitchen, where Robin was loading the last of the dishes into the washing machine. He started it up and she wrapped her arms around him, pressing herself against his back. "I love you."
He paused before patting her hands. "I love you too, lovely. Did you have a good birthday?"
"I did," she said. "Thank you."
"Good. But it's not over yet," he told her.
She pulled away as he turned around, wrapping his arms around her. Regina smiled at him as she tilted her head back to look at him. "Birthday sex?"
He nodded, grinding against her. "We just have to keep Queen from following us upstairs and then I'm all yours."
"I think she's asleep on the couch," Regina told him, biting back her groan as she felt herself grow wet. "We just have to sneak past her and we'll be home free."
"Easier said than done," he replied, taking her hand. They crept out of the kitchen and tiptoed past the living room, noticing that Queen was still sound asleep on the couch. Robin motioned for Regina to head up and she tried to be as quiet as possible on the steps, feeling him behind her rather than hearing him.
They closed the door to their bedroom as soon as they got there, just in case Queen had followed them up. It would also prevent her from wandering in on them either, no doubt jumping on the bed and ruining the mood. For the night, it would just be Regina and Robin.
She pressed her hand against Robin's chest, grinning at him. "Wait here. I want to go pick out the perfect outfit for you."
"Oh no," he said, stepping away from her. "I have one more gift for you…though I guess it's also a gift for me."
He reached under the bed and pulled out a familiar black box, grinning as he handed it to her. "I believe this is your favorite place."
"It is," she said, smiling. "I would've paid good money just to see you in there."
"Well, I wouldn't say no to going with you next time to pick something out," he said, winking at her.
She grinned, heading toward the bathroom. "I'll be right out. You should get ready yourself."
Closing the door behind her, Regina opened the box and gasped as she removed the tissue paper. A beautiful purple teddy sat inside, rhinestones lining the straps as well as the neckline. Underneath it was a pair of lacy panties, which she picked up gingerly. She smiled widely—she was going to love wearing it and Robin was going to love taking them off her.
Regina shed her clothes and dumped everything into the hamper before pulling on the lingerie. She checked her hair and touched up her makeup before knocking on the door. "Are you ready?"
"Give me a minute," he called out. "I'll knock when it's time."
She sighed, sitting on the edge of the tub as she waited. Anticipation grew inside her and she felt like she was ready to burst from excitement. She had no doubt that Robin was going to surprise her with something wonderful once the door opened.
A knock interrupted her musings and she smiled, ready to see the rest of her birthday celebration. She reached for the knob, turning it and stepping into her bedroom once again.
He had placed candles on her vanity and they flickered in the dimly lit room, their flames standing out and reflected in her mirror. A bucket of ice with a bottle of champagne sat in the middle of the candles and two flutes flanked it. Rose petals covered their bed, the blankets already turned down so they could just climb onto it, and she spotted chocolates on his nightstand. Soft music played as Robin stood in the middle of their room, clad only in silky purple boxers.
"Well, what do you think?" he asked, stretching out his arms and spinning around to show off the room.
She stepped closer to him, wrapping her arms around his neck. "Everything is perfect. Is it strange that I'm turned on just by the fact that you've matched your boxers to my lingerie?"
He chuckled. "For you? Absolutely not. It's why I did it. I knew you would appreciate the color coordination."
"Definitely," she said, kissing him. "Almost as much as the champagne and the chocolates."
"Do you want the champagne before or after sex?" he asked, running his hands along the outline of her curves.
She hummed as she considered the options. One part of her wanted Robin to throw her on the bed and begin ravishing her before they sipped the champagne as they laid sated together. Yet the other part wanted to enjoy her lingerie a bit more, flirting and teasing with him as they toasted each other.
"Before," she decided. "Though maybe after as well. I doubt we'll drink all of it at once, right?"
He gently tapped her nose with his finger. "You are a very smart woman, Mrs. Locksley. That is an excellent point."
"I have my moments," she said, winking at him.
Robin stepped away from her, picking up the champagne bottle. He winked at her. "You might want to get out of the way. I have to pop this."
"I trust you," she said, though she sat on the bed. "Just aim away from anything breakable."
He chuckled, aiming at the door as he worked out the cork until he could pop it with his thumb. The cork arched before falling onto the floor, ultimately harmless. Regina smiled, turning from where it rested back to her husband. She watched as he poured the champagne into the two flutes and returned the bottle to the bucket of ice.
"Here you go," he said, handing her a flute. He then held out his. "To my incredibly sexy, smart, beautiful, sassy, kind and sexy wife. Happy birthday."
"You said sexy twice," she commented, tapping her flute against his before taking a sip of the champagne. The bubbly liquid slid down her throat, tickling as it went.
He grinned. "I know."
She downed the rest of her champagne and handed the glass back to him. "So, now what?"
"Well," he said, drawing out the word as he placed the flutes on the vanity again. "That's up to you. You are the birthday girl."
"That I am," she said, smiling coyly as she laid back on the bed. She raised one arm and hooked a finger, beckoning him closer.
Robin obliged, climbing on to the bed. He hovered over her, bracing his arms on either side of her as he grinned down at her. "Is this what you want?"
She hummed, running her hand over his toned abs. "Absolutely."
"Good," he breathed, kissing her neck as he lowered his body down onto hers.
Just as he was about to kiss her, she pressed her hand against his chest and kept him back from his goal. "I also want those chocolates."
He chuckled, kissing her forehead. "There's the woman I married. Okay, let me get the box and I'll feed you a couple."
As Robin grabbed the box of chocolates on the night stand, Regina moved up the bed until she could rest against their headboard. He knelt next to her, removing one of the chocolates from the package and holding it up to her mouth. "Here you go."
She bit into it, tasting the strawberry filling inside. Regina chewed it before teasing him: "Couldn't get me chocolate covered strawberries so you got me strawberry-filled chocolates?"
"I thought I would mix it up," he replied, popping the other half into her mouth. "And they aren't all strawberry."
He picked out another chocolate and held it up. "This one should be caramel. Take a bite and see."
She sunk her teeth into the dark chocolate and caramel oozed out, sliding down her tongue. Closing her eyes, she enjoyed the taste before swallowing. "I do love caramel."
"I know," he said, placing the rest in her mouth. He then held up the box. "Which one do you want next?"
Regina leaned closer, kissing behind his ear. "Which one do you want?" she purred.
He turned his head, nuzzling her as his hand brushed against her panties. "I intend to eat a little bit later."
"Oh," she gasped as he rubbed her through the lace. She nipped at his ear. "You're not playing fair."
"All's fair in love and war," he told her, pressing down on her clit to make her moan. "God, I love that sound."
"You can hear it more often. You know what to do." She kissed him as he hummed in response.
He laid her flat on the bed, once again hovering over her. "Are you sure? There's still plenty of chocolates."
"I can have some more later," she said, craning her neck to kiss him. "Besides, I was taught to take turns."
"How polite," he murmured, pressing a kiss in the valley between her breasts. "And how fortunate for me."
She moaned as he slid her teddy up, fingers slipping under the band of her panties. "I love this color on you," he breathed.
"And I bet you love it even more off me," she teased, familiar with her husband's usual banter.
"You know me so well." He winked before sliding the lacy garment slowly over her legs, kissing every inch of skin possible on its way toward her feet.
He slid them off and let them fall to the floor, spreading her legs open so he could see her better. "Beautiful," he rasped.
"You're biased," she shot back, reaching behind her to grab onto the pillow to brace herself since she knew what was to come.
And she knew she was going to enjoy it very, very much.
He hummed in response as he trailed his fingers along her legs. "Perhaps I am. Or perhaps I'm speaking the truth."
"Perhaps you're drunk."
"Drunk on you," he replied cheekily, kissing her inner thighs.
She rolled her eyes. "Now you're just fucking with me when I want you to fuck me. Need I remind you I'm the birthday girl?"
"No, you don't," he said. "Just lean back and let me do all the work."
"That's what I intend to doooh," she moaned as the first jolts of pleasure coursed through her. It promised a night of ecstasy to celebrate her life.
She was a very, very lucky woman.
A few days later, Regina hurried into her office as she shook some snow off her coat. "I though the forecast said this story was going to pass us by?" she asked Mary Margaret.
Her assistant shrugged, glancing out the window as snow swirled around in the air outside their office. She gave a weary sigh. "I watch channel two and their weather guy said that there was a chance for the storm to shift and bring us snow. I guess that happened."
"Great," Regina groaned. "Hopefully it doesn't stick and cause a problem. I do not want to drive home in a mess."
Mary Margaret nodded. "I'll keep an eye on it for you and let you know if we need to duck out early."
"Thank you," Regina told her. "But if you have to go pick up Neal from daycare, don't be afraid to head out even before I decide to pack it in."
"I will consider that. And I will also consider dragging you out with me if it comes to that. I'm sure Robin will thank me," Mary Margaret replied.
Regina rolled her eyes. "Even if he would, I'd like to see you try dragging me out of here."
"Is that a challenge? Because I'll gladly accept," her assistant called after her. It made Regina laugh as she took her seat at her desk again.
About an hour later, her phone rang and she picked it up without looking at the caller ID. "Gold and Associates, Regina Mills speaking," she said.
"Ooh, you sound sexy when you're being all professional," Robin teased her.
She rolled her eyes but smiled. "Is there any particular reason you are calling my work number and not my cell?"
"I hit the wrong speed dial button," he admitted and she could imagine him scrunching up his nose during the confession. "I just wanted to check on you. It's really starting to come down out there."
Regina spun her chair around and noticed the steady stream of white blasting past her window. She frowned. "How are the roads?"
"Still good but that probably won't last for much longer. I've closed Sherwood and I am heading home. I know Gold doesn't like to close but I'm hoping you'll use your best judgment to leave as well," he said.
"Of course," she promised, turning back to her computer. "I'm going to let Mary Margaret go, finish up a few things around here and then I'll head out myself. Be careful as you drive home, please."
"I will, sweetheart. No broken legs this year," he promised. "I'll see you at home. Don't make me have to come out there to drag you from your office."
She chuckled. "I don't want to drive in this, let alone what it can become. I will definitely be heading out. See you at home."
He told her he loved her before they hung up their phones. Regina stood and leaned out her door to talk to Mary Margaret. "You should get on the road before it gets worse. I won't be far behind you."
Mary Margaret shut down her monitor as she frowned. "I think you should leave with me, Regina. You can always answer those emails later."
Regina sighed, knowing her friend had a point. "I still need to shut down and you need to get Neal. So go. I promise I'll be fine."
"Alright," Mary Margaret said, grabbing her bag. "But you have to text me the moment you get home so I know you're safe. If I don't hear from you, I'm going to text Robin. Okay?"
"Fair enough. Now go. I'll talk to you later." Regina turned and headed back into her office, starting to shut down for the day.
As she waited for her computer to log off, her phone began to ring. She contemplated letting it just go to voicemail but then picked up. "Gold and Associates, Regina Mills speaking."
"Regina? Hi, this is Cleo from the Avalon Adoption Agency," the voice on the other side said.
Regina's heart stopped and she swallowed before answering. "Hi, Cleo. Is there something you need?"
"I know it's getting bad and we're getting ready to close up, so it won't happen now, but there's a birth mother I would like you and Robin to meet. She's interested in having you adopt her baby," Cleo replied. "I didn't want to wait and was hoping I could set up an appointment with you before I left."
"That makes sense," Regina said, almost falling into her seat. "Can she meet us tomorrow?"
Cleo hesitated. "Probably not, even if the snow stops. She relies on public transportation and I don't know how great that's going to be tomorrow. Can you do the day after?"
Regina opened her calendar and checked her schedule for that day. "I'll have to check with Robin, but I think we can do that afternoon. I could probably leave here and be there around four."
"That sounds good. I'll let her know. And now I'll let you go so you can get home safely. See you then, Regina."
After saying her goodbyes, Regina wrote in the appointment with Cleo before grabbing her bag and coat. She couldn't wait to get home and tell Robin the good news. They had had their share of disappointment in the past but she felt this one was going to be different and their lives were about to change.
Queen raised her head, her ears perking up before she scrambled to her feet. She raced toward the door, pawing at it as she barked excitedly. Robin followed her, smiling in amusement though he was nervous that Regina wasn't home yet and the snow was starting to pick up outside. "Is someone out there, girl?"
The doorknob turned and when the door opened, Regina stepped inside. Queen let out a happy bark and jumped up, placing her paws on Regina's legs. She crouched down, scratching the dog behind her ear. "Are you happy to see me, Your Majesty?"
"We both are," Robin told her. "I was starting to get worried. How are the roads?"
"The main roads and highways are good because they were treated. Once I got into Storybrooke and the side streets, it started to get a bit slippery. I had to go slow," she said, straightening up as Queen continued to dance around her feet.
He reached out and hugged her, holding him close to him. "I'm just glad you're home and no longer out there."
She sighed, curling her fingers around his sweater. "Me too. I just need to text Mary Margaret so she knows I'm home safe and it's okay to stop worrying."
"Okay," he said, pulling away. "Why don't you do that, go change and then get comfy on the couch while I make us some hot chocolate?"
"That sounds perfect. I'll be right down." She gave him a quick kiss before heading upstairs, Queen on her heels.
He chuckled, heading back to the kitchen to make the hot chocolate. It felt good to know she would spend the rest of the snow storm wrapped in his arms as they watched movies. Maybe ones set somewhere tropical so they could ignore all the snow and the cold, pretending they were on vacation somewhere exotic.
As he added the whipped cream to their hot chocolate, he heard Queen's nails tapping on the wooden floors and knew Regina was coming up behind him. When her arms wrapped around him, he was prepared and he leaned back as she rested her body against his back. "I got a call before I left the office," she said.
"Who was it?"
"Cleo," she replied and he felt a chill of anticipation run down his spine. "She wants us to meet a bio mother the day after tomorrow."
He turned around, forcing her to let go of him as he stared at her. His heart sped up as he asked: "Really? There's another possible mother?"
Regina nodded, smiling. "I know I shouldn't get my hopes up, but I have a very good feeling about this one."
"I'm glad," he said, meaning it as he rubbed her arms. Joy coursed through him at the thought of another meeting, another chance. "We have to keep hoping because one day, we will be parents. And that day will be soon."
He then pulled her into a hug and she held onto him tightly. She rested her chin on his shoulder. "I just want to be a mother so bad."
"I know," he whispered. "You will be. Just like I will be a father."
Robin grabbed the two mugs of hot chocolate and motioned to their living room. They headed in there and Queen raised her head from her chair. She sniffed the air before lying back down, content to remain curled up where she was as Robin and Regina relaxed on the couch. He wrapped them in their favorite blanket and they found a movie to watch on TV.
He, though, wasn't really paying attention. Instead, he was imagining his future child. He saw Regina rocking a small bundle wrapped in blankets next to a crib as she hummed softly. The two of them then bathed the child as he splashed his hands in the water, soaking them. Robin saw diaper changes, feedings and a little boy taking his first steps in the very room they were in as Queen followed the child. He saw himself playing catch in the backyard and then the three of then cuddling on the couch, warm and content.
It was so real he could almost hear their child's laughter ringing through the house and it made his heart constrict as he clutched Regina closer. She frowned, looking up at him. "Is something wrong?"
"Hmm?" he asked, feeling like he had just been pulled from a dream. He noticed her concerned look and shook his head. "Just lost in my thoughts."
"Good ones?" she asked, tilting her head.
He nodded, smiling. "Very good ones about us and our future child."
Her frown changed into a smile. "I like the sound of that. Care to share some of them?"
"I would love to," he said, motioning to the space between their coffee table and TV. "Imagine our child taking his first steps right there, toddling between you and me as Her Majesty follows."
"That sounds wonderful," she replied, sounding breathless. "Tell me more."
They lay there for the rest of the afternoon as the snow continued to fall outside their window, turning the town into a winter wonderland yet again. As the fire crackled in their hearth, slowly becoming the only light source aside from the TV in the room, Robin told her every dream he had about them and their child and she told him a few of hers. It was an afternoon full of love, joy and hope for their future.
A couple days later, Robin held Regina's hand tightly as they navigated the large patch of ice located right outside the Avalon Adoption Agency. They walked carefully to the door and he reached for the handle, pulling it open so he could hurry her into the warmth of the building. She still shivered as she got out of the cold, waiting for the chill in her bones to dissipate as the receptionist greeted them and apologized for the ice they had to cross.
Cleo came out a few minutes later, smiling at them. "Robin, Regina, thank you for coming. Unfortunately, the mother is running late but I'm sure she'll be here soon. Why don't you come with me and I'll get you set up somewhere more comfortable?"
They followed her to a lounge area down a hall, a room where a dark brown couch lined one wall and a few armchairs were placed around for people who wanted to sit alone. One long coffee table was placed by the couch but smaller tables sat next to the armchairs and a kitchenette was located at the back of the room. A flat-screen TV was mounted on another wall and played a one of the 24/7 news channels. The volume was turned down but the closed captioning appeared at the bottom of the screen.
Only one other person was in the room—a young woman sulking in an armchair by the couch. She wore a dingy and oversized beige coat as well as threadbare jeans, a blue beaning pulled over long blonde hair. Green eyes glared at them through dark-rimmed glasses and she crossed her legs, revealing a very sturdy boot. Whoever she was, she was used to defending herself and saw everyone as a threat—including them, Regina realized.
"Emma, this is Mr. and Mrs. Locksley. They are going to wait in here for their appointment to show up," Cleo told her. Emma just shrugged in response.
Cleo turned to Robin and Regina, speaking in a low voice. "I sometimes help out at one of the local shelters. Emma came in the other day for the Code Blue. She's had a hard life from what I've gotten her to tell me but she came in to ask for my help. I figure that must count for something so I'm trying to get some resources for her. Don't mind her and don't worry, I'm still focused on you."
She took their coats and went to check on the mother they were supposed to meet, telling them to help themselves to anything in the kitchenette. Robin guided Regina toward the couch and they sat close together, his arm draped over her shoulders as they waited. Excitement coursed through Regina but dread was starting to creep in over the fact he mother was late and she felt herself start to tremble from the anticipation.
Robin kissed the side of her head. "The streets are still bad so the buses are probably really slow. She'll be here."
"I know but we've started down this road before," Regina said, her stomach clenching at the memories. "Each time we hit a dead end and have to turn around. It's like we'll never be parents."
"So which one of you is broken?" Emma asked, reminding them she was there. They turned to look at her and she smirked. "He firing blanks or your eggs gone bad?"
Robin tensed up and he hissed: "Neither of us are broken."
"Ahh," she replied, her smirk growing bigger. "So it's you and your little swimmers. Maybe you should exchange him for a husband whose dick works."
Anger boiled up in Regina as Robin gave her shoulder a squeeze. She was about to give the woman the tongue lashing to end all tongue lashings when she stopped. Perhaps it was from having a mother who was a psychologist, but she suddenly saw Emma in a new light. She was scared and angry at the world, so she was taking it out on Robin and Regina—who clearly had a far better life than her right now. Emma wanted a fight but she needed kindness instead.
"My husband is right. Neither of us is broken," Regina said softly. "But I do have a medical condition that makes my eggs unviable, so I can't conceive a child. There were many reason why Robin married me and one of them was that I wanted children—it didn't matter that I couldn't have them. We discussed our options and chose to adopt."
Robin took her hand and squeezed it as Emma's smirk morphed into a scowl. "And of course you want a baby, not an older kid from foster care."
"We considered it," Regina said, "and we hope to go that route in a few years. But we want the full experience of having a baby."
"Whatever." Emma rolled her eyes and she hugged her arms closer to her chest. "You probably will just foist the child onto some nanny anyway."
Robin took a breath, no doubt ready to argue with her, so Regina placed her hand on his knee and gave it a squeeze. He understood her message and leaned back, staying quiet for now while she attempted to get Emma to realize they weren't the bad guys. She knew they didn't have to but she felt Emma needed to hear what she was going to say.
"You've made assumptions about us just like we've made assumptions about you. It's human nature," Regina said. "Robin and I aren't adopting a child for appearance's sake or because it's what is expected of us. We're adopting a child because we want to be parents and we will do all the work that comes with that. Three AM feedings, dirty diapers, vomit, fevers, nightmares, tantrums, arguments, and all the bad times because we know that they will be outnumbered by the good ones.
"We're ready for our next adventure and we know parenthood is one that's going to last the rest of our lives. We're ready to put someone else's needs and wants above our own. We're ready to love our baby—boy or girl—and watch him or her grow into their own person, with their own hopes and dreams. It's going to be fun discovering who they are along with them and we will support them every step of the way. We're going to love them with everything we have and do everything in our power to make sure they are happy and healthy."
She paused, panting as she realized she hadn't really stopped for air. As she filled her lungs, Robin rubbed her back and leaned forward. "I know people don't always become parents for the right reason. My father is example A. But we do. We want to become parents to give a child all the love, care and attention they deserve and give them a good life. I'm sorry if no one gave you that because you deserved it but I hope you will stop mocking our decision to adopt. It was not made lightly."
Emma was silent and they both leaned back, trying to relax before the mother got there. Hopefully, her interview would be far easier than the interrogation they had just gone through. If that was the case, Regina had nothing to fear.
Except her not showing up, of course.
"Do you have a big house?" Emma asked suddenly.
Regina shared a look with Robin, who shrugged, before answering: "It's not a mansion but it has plenty of space."
"So your kid would have his own room?" Emma asked.
"Yes," Robin answered. "We could adopt three kids and they would each have their own room. Four if we decide not to convert the attic bedroom back to storage space."
This seemed to give Emma some pause and she bit her lip, toying with it as she regarded them with a less suspicious and more thoughtful gaze. "And your yard? Is it big enough for a kid to run around in?"
"Absolutely," Regina replied. "More than enough room. Right, Robin?"
He nodded. "Our dog gets tired after a few laps. I imagine a kid would as well."
Emma's eyes softened. "You have a dog?"
"Yes. Her name is Queen and she is very good with children," Regina told her, smiling at memories of Her Majesty interacting the children in their lives. Especially how much she had loved letting Neal chase her around when he was crawling and then learning how to walk. It was her favorite game.
"Do you have a big family?" Emma pressed.
They looked at each other, confused as to how to answer, before Regina said: "Depends on what you mean by family."
"We're both only children," Robin explained, "but we're close to several cousins and have lots of friends. So our child will have lots of aunts and uncles who love them even if they don't share any familial connection."
"I know you asked about nannies and we said no—and we meant that. But we both work so there will be a need for child care. Our support system is vast enough that, along with both of us altering our schedules, we should also minimize the need for daycare. However, if we do need it, you can bet we will research all our options and pick the best atmosphere and staff for our child," Regina added.
Emma seemed to shrink in the char and Regina realized she couldn't be much older than 21, if she was even out of her teens. It broke her heart to know she lived on the streets and had had a harsh life experience. No one deserved that and it was no wonder she had been so skeptical. Her questions about the life the would give their child suddenly made sense—she was probably trying to live vicariously through the child they didn't yet have for a few moments.
"Sounds like one lucky kid," Emma finally said.
Regina nodded. "He or she will be very loved."
"Robin? Regina? Sorry to keep you waiting," Cleo said, appearing in the doorway. "Can you come with me?"
They stood and wished Emma the best before following Cleo out of the room. She led them to her office, inviting them to sit down as she closed the door. While Regina took a seat, Robin remained standing. "That wasn't her, was it?" he asked.
"Pardon?" Cleo asked, confused.
"I was just wondering if Emma is really the mother but you didn't tell us so that we'd be more natural and our answers would be more honest," he explained.
Regina blinked a few times before almost hitting herself. Looking back, it felt like an interview—especially toward the end when Emma wanted to know about their house and family. She felt foolish for not having seen it sooner but was glad she had decided to treat Emma with kindness rather than with anger.
Cleo, though, continued to frown as she shook her head. "No, Emma was not the birth mother and I apologize if she asked you any inappropriate questions."
She didn't," Regina replied, taking Robin's hand as he sat down. She knew he was coming to the same realization as her. "The birth mother isn't coming, is she?"
"No, I'm afraid not," Cleo replied as she sat behind her desk. Anger and contrition filled her voice. "I've honestly spent most of my time trying to get her on the phone with no luck. I did get her roommate a little while ago. Apparently her on again, off again boyfriend and the father of her child showed up this morning. He proposed and they're off to elope and raise the baby together."
"Oh," Regina said, surprised. "Congratulations to them?"
Cleo huffed. "They have issues and are a couple that shouldn't be together, let alone having a baby. But she's chosen to keep the baby and I have to respect that. I'm sorry I dragged you down here for another disappointment. She just seemed so determined…"
Robin squeezed Regina's hand and she heard him fight back his bitterness when he spoke. "It's not your fault. There's always next time, right?"
They stood, thanking her as she got them their coats. Regina could feel the anger rolling off her husband as they left. He helped her over the ice and into his car. Once he got in, he hit the steering wheel. "Damn it."
She jumped at his outburst, looking at him with wide eyes. Usually she was the one raging and crying in the car, cursing out whoever she could think of and bemoaning that they would never become parents. He would calm her down, assuring her that they just had to be patient. Robin would hold her and kiss her, slowly restoring her hope with his own as well as his love.
Even he had his breaking point, though, she took his hand in hers. Raising it to her lips, she kissed his knuckles. "It's going to be okay."
"I really thought it was going to work out this time," he replied, voice thick from unshed tears. "I hate watching you get your hopes up only for them to get crushed again. It breaks my heart twice—once for you and once for my own hopes and dreams."
She leaned over and kissed the side of his head. "I know. The same thing happens to me."
He faced her at last, tears in his eyes. "How are you? I hate I'm not strong for you right now."
"You don't have to be. It's okay to break down and need me. Honestly, I'm fine," she told him.
She was fine. While she still felt a pang or two of disappointment, she felt mostly peace. It didn't anger her that the birth mother never showed. Not after meeting Emma and answering her questions.
"If you tell anyone I said this, I will deny it a thousand times over," she told him, "but I think fate brought us here to meet Emma. I don't why but I just…do."
He grinned despite his tears. "Listen to you, talking about fate. Did we switch bodies?"
"Told you—I will deny this," she reminded him. She took in his red-rimmed eyes and shaking hands, frowning. "Do you want me to drive?"
He sighed. "Would you mind?"
"Not at all," she replied, opening her door. They quickly switched spots and she drove them home, Robin staring out the window as tears rolled down her cheeks. She let him grieve picking up some treats at the Muffin Man so they could have a proper pity party at home.
Then tomorrow, they would go on hoping their wish would be granted soon.
Regina decided once they got home that she would make Valentine's Day all about Robin to give him a pick-me-up after the latest disappointment in their quest to be parents. She also always felt bad that he had to plan something for her birthday and then something else for Valentine's Day almost immediately afterwards, even going so far as getting to agree to give her a gift for one over the other. He usually chose her birthday and she continued to get him something for Valentine's Day.
This day, though, she was going to do more than just give him a present before they went to some restaurant or ate macaroni and cheese. She woke up earlier than usual and slid from Robin's hold to sneak out of bed. Queen lifted her head to see what her mistress was doing and then laid back down to continue dozing next to Robin's legs. It left Regina free to change into her suit for work before tiptoeing downstairs to the kitchen.
By the time Robin woke, she had a plate of French toast and his largest mug full of coffee—complete with some pumpkin spice he still had—waiting for him. He entered the kitchen with an excited Queen at his feet, stopping to stare at her handiwork as the terrier continued to her own food-filled bowl.
"Surprise!" Regina said, kissing his cheek. "Happy Valentine's Day."
He grinned at her as he wrapped his arm around her waist, holding her tightly. "You are amazing, Regina Locksley."
"I know," she replied before gently pushing him toward the table. "Now eat up before it gets cold."
Robin took her hand and they sat across from each other, feeding one another as they exchanged lovey-dovey looks. They giggled like lovestruck fools before cleaning the dishes together. After they shared a goodbye kiss, they parted ways to head to their respective offices for the day.
She arrived at her office to find Mary Margaret already there, framed by the bouquet of snow bells David had sent her and the roses Robin always sent Regina. It was the one thing he refused to give up and she honestly didn't want him to. She smiled as she picked up the vase with her flowers, greeting her friend warmly before heading into the office to begin what was to be an abbreviated workday.
Gold hated Valentine's Day. It wasn't a secret around the office as he made his displeasure about the holiday quite known while they were all working on campaigns for industries that most profited from the day—candies, chocolates, jewelry and the like. Most knew he had no one special in his life as he was always alone at work functions. Regina had gleaned enough information from what appeared to be throwaway lines to know he had once been married but it had ended in a bitter divorce and he had an estranged son who preferred his mother over Gold. So she didn't blame him for not liking the holiday, especially as he usually took a personal day and avoided the office all together so his grinchesque feelings toward the holiday didn't ruin it for the rest of them.
Which meant that she could easily take off early so she could prepare the rest of her Valentine's celebration without worrying about Gold being displeased. All she had to do was get through a meeting with Jane to discuss the campaign for the Wildlife Preserve's summer camp as well as discuss the inaugural afterschool camp that would start up in the fall. It promised to be an easy conversation, though not a quick one, but she didn't mind. She wanted to put in at least a half day of work before skipping out.
She and Jane parted ways at two that afternoon after sharing a lunch together. Regina did her best not to run back to her office, feeling giddy. Mary Margaret raised her eyebrow as her friend and boss entered the room. "What's going on?"
"I'm leaving to put together a Valentine's surprise for Robin," Regina explained, pausing by Mary Margaret's desk. "Why don't you head out too? Surprise David or something?"
Her friend smiled. "He's on duty but I think I'll call it early so I can relieve my parents of Neal sooner. Let them do something special."
"Sounds good," Regina said. "Give them my best."
She headed into her office, placing down her notes and papers. While she noticed the voicemail light on her phone was on, she decided to ignore it. It could no doubt wait until the morning. She shut down her computer and grabbed her bag as well as her coat. Flipping off the lights, she and Mary Margaret left together.
Regina drove to the grocery store, eager to get all her ingredients. Since Christmas, Robin had been dropping hints that he would love to have her make his grandmother's shepherd's pie recipe again. And so she was going to do just that for him tonight. She picked up fresh ingredients as well as a bottle of wine to have with it before heading home, making one last pit stop along her way.
Queen eagerly greeted her when she got home, the dog overjoyed to have someone home with her during the day. Regina scratched her behind the ear before letting the dog follow her as she went upstairs to change into some comfy clothes for the rest of the afternoon. Her Majesty jumped on the bed, lying there as she watched Regina with her big brown eyes. Chuckling, Regina asked: "Are you going to help me with my surprise for Daddy, girl?"
When she got a little bark in response, her smile grew even wider. "Good. Now, try not to get underfoot. I don't want to hurt you accidentally."
She doubted the dog understood all of that and that Queen's tail was just wagging because Regina was talking to her, giving her attention. Her Majesty jumped off the bed as Regina headed for the door, the two going back downstairs together. As Queen sat at Regina's feet in the kitchen, Regina started to unpack her groceries and got ready to prepare her special Valentine's Day dinner for Robin.
Robin closed the side door behind him, smiling as Queen ran up to him. She jumped up on his legs, tongue hanging out and tail wagging. He chuckled as he crouched down, placing the bag he held on the floor so he could give her a good rub. "I saw Mommy's car in the driveway so I know you haven't been home alone but it's nice to still be greeted this way."
"Robin? Is that you?" he heard Regina call from the kitchen.
"Yes," he said, standing.
"Don't let Her Majesty fool you. I just took her O-U-T not even an hour ago so she does not need a W-A-L-K," she told him.
He chuckled as he picked up the bag again. "Thanks for the head's up. I'm going to take her upstairs with me while I change though."
"Okay," his wife replied. "I know we're just staying in tonight but can you look a bit dressy? Like we were on a date?"
"I can do that," he said, heading for the stairs. "I'll be down in a little bit."
Robin and Queen hurried upstairs. He paused by a closet, taking out the wrapping paper they kept there, before continuing to his bedroom. Dumping the contents of the bag onto his bed, Robin rolled up his sleeves as Queen jumped onto the bed. "Okay, girl, we need to wrap these for Mommy and we have to be quick before she comes looking around."
He knew Regina wouldn't be happy with the fact that he bought her presents but he hoped she would forgive him once she saw what he had gotten her. Excitement built inside him and he felt giddy as he wrapped the two white boxes in heart-covered wrapping paper. He was ready to burst from the news he had to tell her, had been ready to do so since he got a call a few hours earlier. Yet he also knew he had to wait for the perfect time to tell her.
Once the presents were wrapped, Robin pulled off his long-sleeved sweater and put on a white button-down shirt. After tucking it into his black slacks, he pulled out a dark red sweater and pulled it on over the shirt. He pulled out the collar and then placed the presents in the bag, picking it up. "Okay, girl," he told Queen. "Let's go see what Mommy's planned for me tonight."
Queen jumped off the bed and trotted next to him as he returned downstairs, hiding the bag in the hallway before entering the living room.
Regina had lowered the lights enough where they could still see but created a romantic atmosphere. Candles were placed around the room, their orange flames flickering to match the glow from the fire cracking in their hearth. In front of the fireplace was a large blanket with plates and two wine glasses set on it. Soft music played and he recognized his love song playlist, the one he created for her when they had first started dating.
She emerged from the kitchen carrying a covered tray and Robin's brain almost stopped working. Regina wore the tight red dress he adored so much, her hair pinned up with a few curls framing her face. The ruby bracelet he had given her before they were married dangled from her wrist.
"Happy Valentine's Day," she said, smiling so brightly it almost outshone the candles in the room.
He smiled softly, stepping closer to her. "You didn't have to do this, Regina."
"Nonsense," she replied, setting down the tray. She reached out for his hands, taking them in hers. "I know you were disappointed with how things at the adoption agency went and I wanted to cheer you up. Besides, you always do sweet things for me. It's my turn to do something nice for you."
"You did that when you married me," he told her, rubbing noses with her.
She chuckled. "Sap."
"And proud of it." He pulled away, motioning to the wine bottle. "Shall I open that?"
"Yes, please. I'll get dinner set up while you do that," she said, chasing Queen off. The dog jumped onto her chair, curling up as she watched the two of them.
Robin easily opened the bottle of wine and poured the red liquid into the glasses Regina handed him. Once they were full, he placed the bottle back and picked them up. Holding one out to her, he smiled. "For you, my Valentine."
"Thank you," she said, kneeling down. He did the same and she removed the lid from the tray, revealing a large shepherd's pie with a flaky crust.
His mouth began to water and he looked up at her as warmth flooded through him. "Did you make my grandmother's recipe?"
"Of course," she said, handing him a fork. "All your hints were heard loud and clear."
Robin gave her a confused smile. "My hints?"
She chuckled, as she took a big forkful of the shepherd's pie and held it out to him. "You've been talking a lot about when I made this when Daisy and Lucy were here and how much you loved it. So I made you another one."
"I didn't even realize that but thank you," he said, before taking the bite. The flavors mixed in his mouth, sending him back to his grandmother's kitchen for a few moments, before swallowing. "Delicious."
Regina beamed, clearly proud of herself as she lifted another forkful for him to eat. They shared the pie together, feeding each other as they sipped at their wine and chatted by the fire. Queen sniffed around the picnic blanket, trying to get at their dinner. Regina chased her away, gently scolding the dog.
All the while, Robin felt like he was going to explode. The call he had received that afternoon continued to play over and over in his head. He also practiced how he was going to tell her about it in his head, trying to figure out the right thing to say. Each time she smiled at him or asked him something about his day, he almost blabbed his big secret. It took all his willpower since all he wanted to do was climb to the roof and shout it for the world to see. Yet he knew the reveal had to be special, so he bided his time.
His mind wandered, though, to imagine how she would react to his news. In some scenarios, she cried with happiness and in others, she jumped and down, shouting her joy so loud, Queen hid under the couch. There was even one where she fainted and he had to carry her over the couch, revive her and then reassure her that what he said was true. It then morphed into another scenario where she cried but they all ended the same—with the two of them kissing and embracing, full of love.
"Robin? Is something wrong with your cheesecake?" Regina asked, frowning at him as placed the plate containing her slice of red velvet cheesecake on her lap.
He looked down at his almost intact slice and decided he couldn't wait any longer. Setting the plate aside, he smiled at her. "The cheesecake is fine. I think I'm just too excited about presents."
She gave him an annoyed look that was still tempered by affection. "Robin, you agreed. You already got me a present for my birthday."
"I know," he said, "but when I saw these I couldn't resist."
"These? As in more than one?" she asked, incredulous.
He sighed, taking her plate and placing their plates on the fireplace so Queen couldn't try to eat the cake. "Please, it'll all make sense once you open them. Let me go get them."
She caught his hand as he passed her, stopping him. Looking up at him, she pleaded with him using her big brown eyes. "Not yet. Let me give you your present first."
"Okay," he said, softening under her gaze. "I'll open mine first."
Regina stood and left the room for a few moments. When she returned, she was carrying a large box with a red bow on it. She handed it to him. "Sorry I didn't have time to properly wrap it."
"It's fine," he said, opening the box. His spirits soared as he saw his bow inside, the string replaced after it had snapped while he was down at the archery range before Christmas. "Oh, Regina…"
She beamed. "I know you've been meaning to get it fixed so I figured I would do it for you."
"Thank you," he said, closing the box again. He set it down so he could kiss her to show his gratitude.
Once they parted, he held up his finger. "Wait right here while I get your present."
He hurried back into the hallway, picking up the bag and returning to the hallway as his heart beat faster in his chest. Robin was about to reveal the big surprise to Regina and he couldn't wait to see her face when she opened his present to her.
Kneeling on the blanket, he first pulled out a stuffed red heart. He squeezed it, letting it squeak. Queen raised her head before jumping down from the chair and running over to him. She grabbed the toy, chewing on it to make it squeak several times. "Happy Valentine's Day, girl," he told her.
"She loves it," Regina said, smiling.
He chuckled. "Yes, she does. And now it's your turn."
Robin pulled out the two remaining boxes. He laid them before Regina and she pressed her lips together. "I still contend you are breaking your promise."
"Well, technically this present is for someone else," he said, tapping the flat square box. He then tapped the fatter box. "And this one is to you from someone else. So I myself never gave you a present."
She narrowed her eyes. "I don't have a clue what you're talking about."
"Open them and you will see," he told her.
"Fine," she said, picking up the narrow box. She tore off the wrapping paper and set it back down, pulling off the lid. He watched as she parted the tissue paper inside to reveal what was in the box.
Her eyes widened and he watched her swallow as she picked up the first item in the box. It was a red long-sleeved onesie that he knew had white writing on the front that said Mommy's Valentine. Her hands shook as she lowered it again, looking at the other item in the box—a white onesie with red writing that read Cuter than Cupid.
She looked at him with hope yet uncertainty in her eyes. "Robin?"
"Open the other present first," he said gently.
Regina placed the onesie back in the box and grabbed her other present, eagerly tearing off the wrapping paper. She opened the white box inside, pulling out a white mug that read Mommy where the "o" was a heart. Tears started to run down her cheeks and she looked up at him again. "Robin, please…what's going on?"
He moved closer to her, smiling. "I believe someone said that fate wanted us to meet Emma the other day and that someone was right. Cleo called me today, I guess she couldn't get you because you were in your meeting. After we left, she went to go get Emma some help and Emma confessed that she's pregnant."
"What?" Regina gasped and he could see the war raging inside her reflected in her eyes. Hope was creeping up on her but she was fighting it, not wanting to face another disappointment.
Robin moved closer, feeling tears in his own eyes as a lump formed in his throat. He nodded. "She told Cleo that after talking with us, she wants us to adopt her baby. It's finally happening, Regina. We're going to be parents. We're having a baby!"
She let out a strangled laugh as she threw her arms around him, holding him tightly. He held her close, rubbing her back as he felt her body shake with sobs. Tears rolled down his own cheeks as the happiness he was containing burst through him. Their long-held dream was coming true—they were going to have a child at last.
"I love you," she said, voice higher than usual from her crying. She pulled back to reveal a tear-stained face but a bright smile, matched by the sparkle in her eyes. "I forgive you for breaking your promise and getting me presents. This has been the best Valentine's Day ever."
He smiled, nodding. "I love you too. And next year, we're going to have another little Valentine to celebrate with."
She nodded. "I can't wait."
They shared another kiss as the fire continued to crackle behind them. Eventually, they would finish their cheesecake and wine before cleaning up. After a few more kisses, they would head up to bed and fall asleep in each other's arms. In the morning, they would start to discuss all the preparations necessary for their child.
For now, though, they reveled in their happiness over becoming parents and their love for one another.
A/N: If you want to read the full version of Regina's birthday night, please ahead over to AO3 or Wattpad for all the smut.
A/N 2: It's finally happening—Regina and Robin are going to become parents! We'll see more of Emma in the next chapter as their lives all intermingle for the next few months. And I promise you'll see Robin and Regina prepare for their little bundle of joy's arrival, including Regina's baby shower.
That won't be in the next chapter, though. Next time, we're returning to England for a wedding and a very special reveal!
If you're a fan of The Nanny, I've been letting people vote for the name Robin and Regina will give their daughter in the story using a March Madness style bracket. Check either my Twitter or tumblr to vote! Round 4 opens today—April 19th—with the final 8 choices and runs until midnight April 22nd.
Thanks again for your patience and your support for this story!
-Mac