Forever and Always

Chapter 5

"Everything looks good," Dr. Whale says with confidence. "Riley is a happy and healthy baby! See you all in a month!"

Robin and Regina thanked Dr. Whale and began to head out when they notice Snow and Charming walking in with baby Neal for his appointment.

"Hey, Regina! Hi Robin! And little Riley! It's so good to see you all!" Snow says to her step-mother and they lovingly exchange hugs.

Robin and Charming exchange friendly handshakes and greet each other before they have a brief discussion about Riley's party plans.

"Regina, did Robin tell you that we are taking care of the decorations for Riley's party? David and I just need to know what theme you and Robin want so that we can get them on time." Snow says with joy and glee.

"Well, since she is a royal, Robin and I have decided on a princess theme. I think it's suitable, don't you?" Regina says appreciatively. "Thank you so much, it's a big load off of our shoulders!" Regina says along with a loving hug.

"You and Robin won't have to worry about a thing, Regina. It will be taken care of," David says reassuringly. "Besides, we have the number to the decorator who helped with Neal's first birthday. So we got you covered."

"Well, we better get Neal to his check-up. Oh, and Regina, if you need help planning, just let me know. I would be more than happy to help!" Snow says with a loving smile on her face.

Regina gently clinches her step-daughter's arm and lovingly says, "Thanks again, Snow! We will see you all soon!"

With Riley in her arms, Regina along with Robin, head to their vehicles. Regina places Riley in her car seat and just as she finishes, Regina's phone starts to ring.

"Hello?"

"Hi Regina, its Emma. I was wondering if you are free tonight to meet me at the baker's for Riley's cake consultation. I'm sure Robin has told you already that Killian and I will cover the cake and treats for the guests."

"Oh hi, Emma! Sure! As a matter of fact, I was on my way home but I can take some time. And yes, Robin did tell me." Regina says with a smile on her face as she turns towards Robin and gives him a wink. "I'll meet you at the bakery in about 10 minutes." Afterward, Regina turns to Robin and unexpectedly places a kiss on her husband and says to him "thank you so much for everything that you do for me and our children. You're an amazing husband."

"As always, my love, I'm here for you and our family," Robin says lovingly to his wife. "I'll go pick up the boys and take them for pizza so that you won't have to cook."

"Sounds good to me. I'll take Riley with me so that she won't be trouble. Besides, I want Emma to see her." Regina says with delight.

Exchanging kisses, Robin and Regina head their separate ways. As Regina approaches the bakery, she can see Emma waiting inside awaiting their arrival. Emma waves from inside until she sees that Regina has Riley. Emma springs out from her chair and hurriedly walks outside toward Regina who by now is holding Riley.

"Hey, Regina! How are you!? Let me help with this little angel!" Emma says as she grabs Riley from Regina and embraces her in a loving hug and a kiss. A smile creeps up on Regina's face as she says to Emma, "I say, Ms. Swan, Riley has taking a liking to you lately. Quite the opposite from our first interaction, wouldn't you say?" Regina says jokingly as she winks and gently nudges Emma in a loving way. With Riley in her arms, Emma responds to Regina's loving sarcasm, "Must be her father's trait for that matter." Emma says with a wink back as Regina smiles and shakes her head as they walk into the bakery.

They are both greeted by the baker as they wait for their consultant.

"Emma Swan?" The baker says to confirm their appointment.