"You really have changed." Henry tightly wrapped his arms around Regina, and she drew In a deep breath. It had been so long since she had held her boy, and in that moment, she wished for time to be still again.
**Eleven years earlier**
"It'd be within your best interest to help me with this, Mr. Gold."
"And why would I do that?" Mr. Gold perches himself on the edge of the center table in her office.
"It's seems to me you've got a bit of a reputation in our town, a little good will could go a long way for you." Regina begins, making no motion to get up from behind her desk.
"Who says I'm looking to change, Madame Mayor?"
"Do it and I will see to it that you're handsomely rewarded." She says quickly.
"I have everything I need" Gold rolls his eyes, and turns toward the door.
"Not everything." Regina folds her hands In front of her,never losing her cool.
"that parcel of land that I own. You've been after it for years. Do this for me, and it's yours."
Golds eyes go wide at this offer. "If I own that land-"
"Yes yes it will make you the primary property holder in Storybrooke." Regina interrupts rolling her eyes.
"Essentially, I'd own the town." Gold flashes a smile that makes her skin crawl.
"Now, what is it that I can do for you? What could possibly be so important, that it would have you bargaining your share of the land In town, Madame Mayor? He eyes her carefully.
Regina takes a deep breath. "I want a child."
"You do, do you?" Gold emits a chuckle and raises an eyebrow.
She bristles at his condescending tone, and then steels herself, staring back at him.
"Yes."
"Well, you wouldn't be my first pick for mother of the year." he muses, but life certainly is full of surprises, isn't it?"
"Do we have a deal or not?" Regina snaps, slightly losing the grip on her patience.
Gold extends his hand. "We do."