I hear babies cry/I watch them grow
They'll learn much more/Than I'll ever know
And I think to myself/What a wonderful world

("What a Wonderful World," Louis Armstrong)

Chapter 27: Rachel's Birthday

"Lady Locksley!"

Pinocchio hugged me as soon as he entered our house. I noticed how much taller he had gotten and my heart skipped a beat, knowing that Charming and Snow wouldn't be the only ones who missed seeing their child grow up if we didn't break the curse sooner rather than later.

But I pushed that thought down as I hugged him back. "It's so good to see you," I said.

"He's been excited all week," Barb said, hanging up her coat. "We all have."

"So have I," I replied, stilling hugging Pinocchio. "It's been forever since I last saw you. I can't wait to hear what's been going on in your life."

Joe chuckled as he set down a present on the small table I kept in our foyer. "While you do that, where are your children so we can catch up with them?"

"I left them with their father," I said, motioning behind me. "And I left him in the backyard."

"Then lead the way," Barb said, hugging me. "I can't wait to see how big all your children have gotten."

I nodded, taking Pinocchio's hand. "Then follow me."
We headed to the backyard, finding Robin crawling on the grass as the girls sat on his back. Emma held onto Rachel as their father made noises like a horse, which drew laughter from both girls. It made my heart soar even as I laughed, finding the scene very amusing.

"I thought you said your husband was out here," Joe said, winking at me. "I just see a horse."

Robin shot him a look before turning his gaze to me. "Care to help get these two off me?"
"Of course," I replied, letting go of Pinocchio's hand. He hurried over to where Roland was playing as I approached Robin. Leaning down, I picked up Emma. "Papa needs a little break."

Emma didn't put up a fight and once I set her down, she toddled away to go play with the older boys. I then picked up Rachel, placing her on my hip as she grabbed onto my shirt. Holding out my free hand to Robin, I asked: "Need some help?"

"I've got it," he said, standing with a groan. "My knees are going to hate me later."

"Regina no doubt has some magic to help with that," Joe said, winking at me.

I raised my eyebrow, wondering if he meant that to be a double entendre. But I decided to let it pass before saying: "I'm sure I can think of something later."

Robin chuckled, holding out his hand to Joe. "Good to see you again."

"You too," Joe replied, shaking his hand. "And it's good to see the kids again. Everyone is getting so big."

"We know," Robin said, wrapping his arm around me. "We're trying to cherish each moment but they seem to be flying past us."

I nodded, leaning against him. "Sometimes, I wish I could just freeze time and enjoy them at these ages for just a little while longer."

"I wouldn't blame you," Barb said, looking over at where the children were playing. "I think all parents wish they could do that."

The doorbell rang again and I pulled away from Robin. "That must be some more guests. I'll go get it."

"I'll finish bringing out the snacks," Robin said, following me into the house. He quickly kissed my cheek before he remained in the kitchen while I walked to the front door to greet our next round of guests.

"Aunt Regina!" Donna and Michael hugged me as soon as I opened the door. I hugged them back, noting how much taller they had gotten recently.

I kissed the tops of their heads. "It's good to see you two!"

"Where is everyone else?" Steve asked, kissing my cheek as he stepped into the house behind his children.

"The backyard," I replied, hugging Karen now. "You're free to take the children back there."

He nodded, taking his children's hands. "Come on, let's go see everyone else."

Karen pulled away from me, taking my hands. "How can I help you?"

"You don't have to do anything," I told her. "You can just go and relax in the yard as well."

"And what would you say if I told you that at my house?" she asked, crossing her arms as she raised her eyebrow at me.

I sighed, knowing she had me there. "Okay. I guess you can help me put out the drinks."

She chuckled. "That is perfect."

We headed into the kitchen and she paused by the door, smiling as she watched everyone in the backyard. "It looks like it's going to be a fun party even if the birthday girl doesn't quite understand it," she said.

"The party is really for the rest of us to enjoy," I said, thinking of Emma's first birthday. "Rachel will probably just be happy to be held as well as play in the backyard. And she really will like the cake."

"Has she already had cake?" she asked me.

I nodded. "We went to Storybrooke and had a little impromptu birthday party for her. Snow – Mary Margaret – made her a cake and she absolutely loved it. So she's probably going to go right for the cake today."

Karen laughed, nodding. "I'm sure she will. Emma looked ready to dive into hers at her birthday. Do you think you can keep a hold on Rachel if she tries the same?"

"I hope so," I replied, chuckling. "Because Robin is in charge of Emma so he is definitely going to have his hands full when that cake comes out."

"Well, if you need any help, just let me know," she told me. "I'll be happy to do so."

Grateful, I took her hands and gave them a squeeze. "I appreciate that. Thank you."

She squeezed my hands back. "That's what friends are for."

"I certainly have some great friends," I replied, releasing her hand. "I got very lucky in that department."

"Speaking of friends, have you heard from Lucy?" Karen asked me, following me toward the table where I had the snacks lined up to be carried out for the party.

I nodded as I handed her two bowls with chips and pretzels. "She called the other day to confirm my address so she could send a present for Rachel. She apologized but said she wasn't able to come this weekend but wanted to come soon."

"That sounds nice," she replied. She hesitated before asking: "Is she coming with Daniel?"

"I don't think so," I said, grabbing two bowls myself. "While we had an easy divorce and remain on good terms, it's still a bit awkward to see your former spouse living their new life. So it might be too soon for a visit."

Karen nodded. "That makes sense."

"Besides, he's almost done with his book," I added, walking toward our back door. "So he's pretty busy as well."

"Do you know when the book will be published?" she asked me.

I shrugged. "He hasn't said but promised to let me know."

"Well, let me know," she said. "I want to make sure I go out and buy it. Maybe I'll even find time to read it."

"If you do, let me know how you did it," I replied, heading toward the door. "I can't remember the last time I had time to read a book myself. It seems when I do get a chance to sit down, I'm just too tired to do anything else."

She laughed. "I know, right?"

We left the house and walked across the lawn to put the snacks on the table. Robin was now holding Rachel, who seemed content to rest on her father's hip as he talked with Steve and Joe. Emma went down the slide with Donna while Michael and Roland were on the swings with Pinocchio. Barb came to grab a bowl from me, chiding me for not letting her help. I told her there was still plenty to do before taking a moment to enjoy the happy moment playing out in my yard.

I promised myself that I would never take anything in my life for granted and as I stood there, I again kept that promise.

"I think this party is another success," Robin said, wrapping his arm around my waist and pulling me close to him.

"Me too," I agreed, leaning against him as the kids ran around the yard. The adults stood in small groups having what appeared to be good conversations. Everyone was having fun – even if the guest of honor was napping in the shade.

But it was a big day for her. She was allowed to recharge in order to enjoy the rest of the party – especially the cake.

Robin rubbed my arm, kissing the side of my head. "Don't forget to have fun as well. This party is just as much for you as it is for her."

"I know," I assured him, smiling up at him. "And this party is for you as well."

"And I am enjoying myself immensely," he assured me, taking a sip of his beer as if to punctuate his statement.

I chuckled as Harold approached me, a frown on his face. The look made me tense up and Robin rubbed my arm as I asked: "What's wrong?"

"Are you expecting anyone else?" he asked.

"No, everyone is here," I replied as Robin tensed up now. "Why?"

Harold motioned toward the front of our house. "Someone was at your door just now," he said.

Robin's arm fell from around me. "Stay here. I'll go check it out."

"No," I said, taking his arm. "We'll go together."

"It could be someone who wants to hurt you," he told me, fire burning in his eyes. "I won't let that happen."

I held his gaze. "And I won't let you get hurt. We'll go together and we can protect each other."

"Or do you want me to go?" Harold asked, looking between us with a concerned expression. "I can check it out first."

"No," Robin and I said together. I then said: "You're our guest. We would be poor hosts if we put our guests in danger."

Robin nodded. "You stay here. We'll be fine."

He let a little whistle and Bandit bounded across the yard, sitting by Robin's feet. Robin scratched him before the ear. "We'll take Bandit. Hearing a dog usually scares most people away, I find," he said.

"Alright," Harold said, though he still looked reluctant to let us go. "But if you need any help, we're just out here."

We thanked him, heading into the house as the doorbell echoed around it. Bandit growled before racing toward the front door, barking the entire time. Robin took my hand as he chuckled. "That should scare them off," he said.

"Hopefully," I replied, approaching the door as Bandit continued to bark at it. I carefully unlocked the door and opened it a crack to look outside.

Robin stood behind me. "Well?"

"I don't see anyone," I said, opening the door wider to get a better view. "Whoever it was seems to be gone."

I went to take a step but Robin threw his arm up in front of me, preventing me from doing so. He pointed toward our stoop. "They may have left but they seemed to have left something for us," he said.

Looking down, I found a brown package with my name and address written on it. I tensed as I asked: "What do you think it is?"

"I don't know," he replied. "But I think I would feel safer if we stepped back into the house and you used your magic to scan it."

I nodded. "I think that's a good idea."

We both took a few steps back and I held up my hands, concentrating my magic toward it. Closing my eyes, an image formed in my mind. I saw a little dress and some shoes along with a few books. Frowning, I opened my eyes again. "It's a gift," I said.

"A gift?" he asked, also frowning. "From whom?"

I shrugged, picking up the box. Glancing down at the return address, I chuckled. "It's from Lucy and Daniel."

He relaxed, rubbing the back of his neck. "I guess it's for Rachel."

"Unless you want to wear a tiny dress," I told him, letting him close the door as Bandit sat at our feet.

"It would probably look better on her," he agreed, letting out a little laugh. He then sighed. "I hate this."

That surprised me and I tilted my head. "Hate what?"

"Constantly being worried and on guard," he replied. "It's our daughter's birthday and we're worried someone is coming to hurt our family. I just want us to be able to live in peace and for our children not to know this fear."

"I know," I said, setting the present down. "I want this all to be over as well and for those who want to harm us to go somewhere far, far away if not just disappear entirely."

He nodded. "Do you think you could snap your fingers and do that?"

"I wish," I replied, sighing. "It would make everything so much easier."

"Are you two okay?" Maleficent asked, entering the foyer. A fire burned in her eyes as she said: "I wished you had told me you were coming here. I would've come with you."

Robin shook his head. "We had it under control and didn't want to put anyone in danger."

She crossed her arms. "I am one of the most powerful sorceresses in all the realms. You were in more danger than me."

"We can argue this out later," I said, holding up my hands. "Let's get back to Rachel's party and relax."

"That sounds like a great idea," Robin replied, taking my hand. He turned to Maleficent. "After you."

She nodded but kept her eyes on me. "We will talk about this later."

Without waiting for an acknowledgement, she turned and started walking back to our yard. Robin took my hand and gave it a squeeze before we followed her, ready to put this incident behind us and continue with the rest of Rachel's birthday party.

"Thank you so much for coming," I said, saying goodbye to Harold and his family. "I would hug you but…well…"

"It's okay," he replied, holding up his hands. "We get it."

Both Emma and Rachel had enjoyed their cake slices, though I believed more had gotten on me and Robin than in their mouths. My shirt was streaked with chocolate and I didn't want to hug anyone, afraid they would end up covered in chocolate as well.

Harold's wife chuckled. "You might need to use your magic to clean everyone up."

"I just might," I replied. While I didn't like to use my magic for something as mundane as this, I believed I could make an exception this time.

They left our yard as Barb approached me. "How can I help?" she asked.

"Can you bring in the food?" I asked her. "Robin and I can finish cleaning later but that needs to get into the fridge while we try to get the girls clean."

"Don't worry, Joe and I can handle it along with Mal," Barb assured me. "You focus on the girls. We'll also keep an eye on Roland."

I thanked them before approaching where the girls were sitting in their booster seats, watching their father as he cleaned up the table. Placing my hand on Robin's arm, I motioned to Emma and Rachel. "I'll go start the water for a bath. Do you think you can handle both?" I asked.

He nodded, looking between them. "I think so. If not, I can either do it in shifts or see if someone will help me."

"Sounds good," I replied, kissing his cheek. "I'll see you shortly."

I headed back inside the house, finding Bandit lying in his bed. He raised his eyes to watch me and I chuckled. "Had enough fun, boy?"

He yawned before closing his eyes, clearly needing a nap.

We probably all needed one.

I walked upstairs and started the bath, adjusting the water until it was the perfect temperature. Robin entered the bathroom then, carrying Rachel. "I'm having some trouble with Emma," he said. "She's on a sugar high."

"Okay," I replied, sighing as I took Rachel from him. "Let her run it off and we can give her a separate bath."

He nodded. "Sounds like a plan."

"Can you help me get Rachel into the bath first?" I asked, starting to remove her dress. "Then you can go see how Emma is doing."

"Sure," he replied, kneeling next to me as he removed Rachel's socks. "Ready for your bath, sweetheart?"

Yes, she said to me. Sticky. Yucky.

I chuckled, taking off her dress. "Yes, you are. But you'll feel much better after your bath," I told her.

Once her diaper was off, I set her down in the water. She happily splashed it and let out a little laugh. Relieved that she wasn't fighting me, I took a little bucket and poured water over her hair. "How does that feel?"

Better, Rachel told me. Clean.

"Good," I said, shampooing her hair. "We'll then put you in your pajamas and we can cuddle before bed."

"Ooh, that sounds amazing," Robin said, entering the bathroom with Emma in his arms. She rubbed her eyes as he said: "Someone is ready for her own bath."

I smiled, rinsing the shampoo from Rachel's hair. "Good. Can you undress her while I finish with Rachel?"

"Of course," he said, kneeling next to me. "Come on, princess. Let's get you nice and clean so you can get some sleep."

Emma put up little resistance as he stripped her. He then placed her in the tub and Rachel held out her ducky to her sister. But Emma just shook her head, still rubbing her eye. "Mama, tired," she said.

I poured some water over her head. "I know, Emma. So we're just going to wash you up quickly and then you can get some rest."

"Okay," she said, letting me wash her hair. Robin turned his attention to Rachel, washing her while I focused on Emma.

Once Emma was washed, we wrapped our daughters in towels before carrying them into the nursery. I put a fresh diaper on Emma before dressing her in a set of pink pajamas. Picking her up, I swayed with her while rubbing her back. "Do you want me to read you a story or do you want Papa to sing a lullaby?" I asked her.

"Papa," she said. "Papa sing."

"Good choice," I replied, kissing the side of her head as I turned toward Robin. "Well, Papa?"

Robin chuckled, swaying with a sleepy Rachel dressed in purple. "Alright. Why don't we put these two down in their cribs and I'll sing our favorite."

I nodded, placing Emma down in her crib. She laid down and let me cover her with a blanket, clutching her bear close to her. After kissing her forehead, I switched with Robin so I could say goodnight to Rachel while he said goodnight to Emma.

"Goodnight, my little lady Locksley," I said, leaning down to kiss Rachel's forehead. "Sweet dreams."

"Everyone comfortable?" Robin asked. When I nodded, he grinned. "Good. Then it's time for the lullaby."

I sat down in the rocking chair, gently rocking myself as he sang. He stood between the two cribs, watching both girls. I closed my eyes, letting his voice carry me away as he again sang about the knight searching for the precious gem. My mind pictured him as the knight and our family as the gem.

Fingers carted through my hair before Robin whispered: "I think it's bedtime for you too."

"What about everyone else?" I asked, not wanting to seem rude by just abandoning Barb, Joe and Mal after all the hard work they did to make my daughter's first birthday a rousing success.

"I think they'll understand," he said as I opened my eyes. "Besides, I think Mal said she was going to feed Lily and then go to bed herself. I think we're all tired from today."

I still hesitated before asking: "What about Roland?"

He helped me from the chair. "He and Pinocchio looked ready to keel over. I think between myself, Barb and Joe, we can put them to bed and then probably turn in ourselves. So stop fighting this and let yourself rest, okay?"

"Okay," I said, leaning against him as I gave up pretending I had any more energy. "Thank you."

"No need to thank me," he replied, opening the door to our bedroom. "We're partners, yeah? And sometimes, a good partner knows when to let the other one rest and do the work for a while to help them."

He helped me to our bed and I collapsed on it. I sank into the soft mattress and sighed, feeling how comfortable it was. "This feels like bliss," I said.

"Good," he replied, kissing my forehead. "If you're asleep when I get back – which I hope you are – then pleasant dreams and I'll see you in the morning."

"Goodnight," I said. "See you in the morning."

I heard him walk away and close the door, leaving me in our darkened room. Taking a deep breath, I just lay on our bed and hovered in the space between waking and sleeping, too tired to move.

All too content as well.

Eventually, I made my way up toward my pillow and curled up on the bed. I resigned myself to just sleeping in my clothes and hoped my makeup had faded over time so I didn't wake up to a stained pillowcase. But if I did, I knew it was nothing a little magic couldn't fix.

The bed dipped and Robin's familiar woodsy scent enveloped me. "Well, you've moved," he said.

"Yes," I said, still not opening my eyes. "I think that's all I can manage."

"That's okay," he replied. "Do you want me to help you into your pajamas?"

I shook my head. "I think I'm okay to sleep like this."

"Okay," he said. "But my offer still stands. And I promise I will just change you into your pajamas – nothing else."

"I know," I replied. "But really, I'm fine."

He chuckled. "Alright. I'm going to take a shower. Do you want me to tuck you in before I do?"

"Yes, please," I said. "Thank you."

I felt him pulling the blankets over me. "Better?" he asked.

"Perfect," I said. "Enjoy your shower."

"Thank you," he said and I heard him walk away. Not long after, the bathroom door closed and the sound of running water filled the room.

With that soothing sound as my soundtrack, I drifted off to sleep at last.

I walked through woods, dressed in the clothes I wore to the midsummer festival back a few years ago. Holding Cassandra's flashlight, I felt my heart pound as I looked around the dark forest. "Hello? Is anyone there?" I called out.

No response.

But my gut told me that I was not alone. I continued to look around me, shining my flashlight at every open space I could find. "I know you're there," I said. "Show yourself!"

"Come find me."

I frowned, looking around to find the source of the voice. "Who are you?"

A flash of green caught my eye and I raced toward it. Déjà vu washed over me as I remembered the strange sight I had chased from Sherwood Forest into the Enchanted Forest almost three years ago. It sent a chill down my spine as I wondered if this was one of Zelena's mind games.

Green was her color after all.

"If that's you, Zelena, I'm not in the mood," I yelled. "You can just leave my mind and go back to your own."

"Come find me."

I grew more confused as I saw another flash of green. Walking toward it, I shone my flashlight but only saw trees. "What do you want?" I asked.

"Find me."

"Why?" I caught sight of something green again and tried to follow it. "Are you the one I saw in the forest that day? Did you lead me to the Enchanted Forest?"

I peeked around a tree but no one was there. Frustrated, I nearly threw my flashlight as I asked: "Why won't you give me any answers?"

"Find me."

"Where?" I asked. "Where can I find you?"

I caught sight of something bright green and I followed it. This time, I found a road and I walked down it as I wondered where it led. Up ahead, I could see the shape of a person. Based on the voice, I figured it was a petite woman wearing bright green. Her hair was up in a bun, though I couldn't see the color. She continued walking just out of reach and no matter how fast I tried to go, I wasn't able to catch up with her.

The trees disappeared and I stepped onto a paved road, staring down Storybrooke's Main Street. My heart sped up as I knew the answer. Whoever was haunting my dream was in Storybrooke and I needed to find her.

"Regina?"

Robin's voice echoed behind me. I turned around to see our house there. He stood in the doorway, frowning. "What are you doing out here?"

I blinked a few times before realizing I wasn't dreaming and was really standing outside our house. Goosebumps formed on my skin as the night had turned cold. I was still dressed in the spring dress I wore for Rachel's birthday and it provided little warmth. My feet were also bare, allowing the cold to seep in through the soles of my feet. Shivering, I was glad when Robin wrapped his coat around me.

"I don't know," I replied, still feeling dazed. "I guess I was sleepwalking."

"Was it Zelena?" he asked, sounding concerned. He held me close as he looked around, no doubt expecting our foe to jump out to hurt us.

I shook my head. "No, it wasn't her. But I do think someone else connected with me using the dreamscape."

He frowned, rubbing my arm. "Someone else? Who?"

"Whoever I thought I was following that night in the forest," I told him. "The night I fell into the Enchanted Forest."

"You mean the fairy who saved me and Roland from the curse?" he asked, guiding me back toward the front door.

I nodded, recalling that Robin had described something or someone similar when he told me how he had escaped the curse. "Yes, her. I saw Storybrooke in my dream so I think she's stuck there just like everyone else. And she wants me to find her but won't tell me why," I said.

"Do you think she wants to help us break the curse?" he asked, closing the door behind us once we were inside.

"I hope so," I replied, feeling our heating chase away the last of my chill. "She's likely the reason I ended up in the Enchanted Forest and she's the reason you are here now rather than trapped in Storybrooke without your memories. There has to be a reason for that."

He nodded. "I agree."

"So I think another trip to Storybrooke is in our future," I told him, taking his hand again. "We have a fairy to find."

"We do," he replied. "And hopefully, she can help us save our friends."

He then squeezed my hand. "But for now, I think the only place we need to go is back to bed."

I nodded, looking down at my clothes. "I should probably also change into my pajamas now as well."

"Up to you," he replied as we headed upstairs. "Just as long as you're comfortable."

"Then I am definitely changing into my pajamas," I said, reaching the landing. "But I just want to check on the children first."

He nodded. "Of course. I'll meet you in our room."

We parted ways and I first went into Roland's room. He was sound asleep on the bed with his blankets bunched at his feet. Careful of Pinocchio as he slept on the floor, I stepped closer and covered Roland again. I pressed a kiss to his forehead and whispered: "Sweet dreams, my little knight."

I then leaned down and kissed Pinocchio's forehead as well before leaving the room, closing the door behind me again.

My next stop was the nursery and I tiptoed inside to check on our girls. Emma slept with her cheek pressed to the mattress and her diapered butt in the air. It was adorable but I gently pushed her down into a more comfortable position before covering her with a blanket. After kissing her forehead, I moved onto Rachel's crib. She slept on her back with her little fist right next to her face. I kissed her forehead as she rubbed her nose but continued to sleep.

Certain all was well, I left the room and finally returned to my bedroom.

"Everyone good?" Robin asked me, sitting on our bed.

"Yes," I said. "Everyone is sound asleep."

He nodded, handing me my pajamas. "Then let's get you back under the covers so you can be sound asleep too."

I changed into my pajamas and climbed into bed next to him. Robin pulled the covers over us and kissed the top of my head. "Sweet dreams, darling," he said.

"Sweet dreams to you too," I replied, curling my fingers around his pajama shirt. "See you in the morning."

Robin turned off the light and we held each other as we drifted back off to sleep, hoping we would find someone who could finally give us some answers. Maybe we would move closer to finally breaking the curse and defeating Zelena for good.

A/N: Rachel certainly enjoyed her first birthday party!

Regina also has gotten a cryptic message in her dream. Will she and Robin be able to find the mysterious fairy who has been helping them this time? Or is it another trick of Zelena's after all?

Find out soon!

-Mac