Title

For Keeps

Summary

"Life takes you to unexpected places, but love brings you home."

::::::::::::::

Emma giggled as she swung happily from Regina's hand. She skipped alongside heeled boots down the side walk from the theater as her yellow back pack bounced in rhythm with her. They'd sat in the front row at the movies—something she'd always wanted to do—and Gina had gotten her popcorn too! She had to choose between soda or a candy 'cause both would make her bounce off the walls Gina said so she picked a candy, but filled up on the popcorn so Gina was holding her candy for after lunch later.

The movie was funny and now they were going to the bloom store for presents for ZeeZee and Cora. She liked them a lot and was looking forward to spending some more time with them tomorrow. Gina even said she could pick out something for each of them for Christmas.

As they neared the store the crowds got thicker and Emma felt Gina hold her hand a bit tighter as they wove their way through people and into the big building. That warm hand on hers felt good. Emma looked up and all around taking in the lights, decorations and music flowing. She'd never been inside such stores before with so many nice things. Emma followed along to the jewelry section and let go of that hand in favor of looking at what was in the glass display cases.

"Stay close Emma." Regina watched the child for a moment before turning to inquire about a green emerald necklace on a gold chain she thought matched her sister's eyes perfectly. She had missed Christmas entirely last year and had spent part of it at a funeral home. This year would be different and the next one after that she decided as she looked closer at the quality of the delicate chain.

"I know." Emma pressed her face up against the glass.

"What do you think about this necklace for ZeeZee?" Holding it in her palm low so Emma could see and using the name Zee had told Emma to call her. Maybe one day Aunt would be in front of that name and maybe one day her own name would cease to come from Emma and…

Green eyes popped. "It's so pretty!" And then she spied a pair of tiny green stones in the case and pointed. "Those look like her eyes."

Regina eyed the tiny emerald gold studs. They were subtle and with the pendent would be a stunning match. Then she nodded to the counter attendant. "We will take both. Thank you."

"She'll love them!" Bouncing in place Emma drummed her fingers against the glass.

"Alright ZeeZee is finished. She will love that the earrings are from you. Now for my Mother."

"What kind of stuff does she like?"

"She's… high maintenance and already has everything." Much harder than Zee. Mother had impeccable taste and impossibly high standards. Regina continued along down the counter to the bracelets on display. Emma was trailing her or so she thought as she began asking the attendant questions.

Emma caught a whiff of something that smelled good. A few things actually and followed her nose away from the jewelry section and over to the cosmetics and perfumes. She wove through the displays until she came across a small one she thought she recognized. Darting towards it she stood on her tiptoes to look at the little pink and white boxes. The picture on the front was the same shape and color. Emma recognized the same sparkly top and the loopy letter L on the bottle. This was it. This was the special perfume Gina was looking for. There were only three of them on the table. She saw the numbers on the tag of the display stand and there were too many zeros for the pennies she had… And suddenly she felt her tummy twist.

Emma wanted, no needed, to get Gina a present for Christmas. For all the wonderful things Gina had done for her and bought her. But she didn't have enough money. Shoulders dropped and blonde brows knit in thought. There were a lot of people around, but none of them were looking at her. Biting her lip she unzipped her backpack and took out her penny bag and her baby blanket—her most prized possession—and if she traded all her money and her blanket for the little bottle it had to be enough.

Maybe.

Gina had said she had to pay for stuff in stores. So she tucked her payment under the table and looked around again before slipping the bottle into her backpack. Zipping it up and with one last long look at her blanket she went to find Gina.

But Regina found Emma first a minute later and her usually smiling face was not so happy until the girl was in her arms. "Emma! I've been looking and calling for you." She hugged tightly and took a deep relieved breath.

"Sorry. I was just looking at stuff." Hugging back around a neck.

Dark hair shook and Regina pulled off her sunglasses to meet green eyes, but those eyes ducked from her view. Lifting a chin she explained. "You cannot wander off like that. It' very crowded and..." Another deep breath. "Someone could have easily walked right off with you. When I couldn't see you that scared me." Explaining as she straightened up and took back up that hand with a sigh. "Please don't do that again alright?"

"Okay." Emma leaned against a hip a bit sheepishly and looked up. "I think I know what I wanna get your Mom."

"Oh?" Raising a brow at how slyly the child changed the subject. Clever girl. "What is that?"

"A frame for one of the pictures of me and Santa. You said she has everything, but she doesn't have that." Gina had gotten a pack of pictures, so giving one away should be okay Emma reasoned. "She liked the frames in your living room so maybe a gold colored one like that."

Regina thought for a moment. "I have just the one at home I think would be perfect. It's new. I've just never used it." Shopping done then she began to lead them out of the store. A quick text to the driver of the Town Car and their chariot was on the way to take them home.

::::::::::::::::

"This is the bestest dessert I've ever had!" Emma took another bite of cheese cake. She loved cheese. It was her favorite food and for it to be combined with her other favorite food cake, well it was magic in her mouth. She sat at the counter as she had earlier that day at breakfast as Gina moved about the kitchen.

"I am so glad you like it." Washing her hands, Regina flashed a smile over her shoulder. A recipe of Mother's she'd longed since learned by heart. She used to make it for her Father's birthday every year and every Christmas for Kathryn.

When she and Emma had gotten home and had wrapped the presents for Zee and Mother, she realized she had just enough ingredients to continue the tradition when Emma had asked about what they were eating for Christmas. She was learning Emma always liked to know what was coming up to eat, almost as if it was another promise of a meal to come. Regina had been making it a point to ask for the child's input and talk about the next time they would eat. Emma had also asked her for some paper and markers (which she substituted highlighters from her office for) to make cards for Zee and Cora while she had put the gifts under the tree.

Together they worked to make a small cake for tomorrow's breakfast brunch. With Emma's help they finished the dessert quickly and had just enough left to make a mini version in tiny dish for Emma to eat after dinner. It wasn't firm or finished setting, but the child didn't care.

Emma licked her lips as she watched the last of the dirty dishes put in the dishwasher and thought about their evening. They had spaghetti and meatballs for dinner and she had gotten to help cook. Soon it would be time for another bubble bath and a story before she went to sleep so Santa could visit. Gina had said she could leave out cookies and milk too and some carrots for his reindeer. The carrot idea had made her stick her tongue out and Gina had laughed and said reindeer liked vegetables.

At the idea of Santa, Emma realized she still needed to wrap Gina's gift. She had already made a card in secret to go with it. As she thought about what to use for wrapping paper that she could get to on her own so Gina would be surprised a cell phone rang. Maybe paper towels would work and one of the long hair ribbons Gina had gotten her. She looked up from her near clean plate as Gina turned off the sink water. The cell had rung twice before during dinner, but the woman hadn't answered it.

Drying her hands Regina crossed the room. She didn't recognize the number, but noted it was the same number that had called earlier and answered. "Regina Mills speaking…" Winking at Emma with a smile as little one took the empty dessert dish to the sink without being asked and then her smile faded. "Say that again." She listened, not believing what she was hearing as she kept her eyes on the child. Then both brows near shot to the roof. "She what?"

Emma froze at that tone and her lips rolled in. She knew that tone. Was well versed in the upset it carried, but she had no experience with it from that mouth. Out of pure habit she began to edge along the counter towards the door.

Covering the mouth piece, Regina gave direction, careful to keep her voice even. "Not so fast sweetheart." Nodding to the counter stool. "Have a seat please."

The girl slowly obeyed as the man on the phone went on to explain how his security guard had recognized who she was on the video footage in Bloomingdale's and how the child with her had taken something. Cell number had been tracked down through her black card Amex purchase in the jewelry department. It was hard to tell if the man was angry or not. Regina eyes closed processing and the moment they did the stool squeaked on tile and Emma was moving away again. Man still talking non-stop so she couldn't get a word in and the situation serious, she opened her eyes and snapped her fingers once automatically at seeing Emma's motion and pointed back to the stool.

"But…" Emma chewed her inner cheek, eyes beginning to tear as her tummy twisted. Trouble she was in it for sure this time and in it she wanted to run, but Gina was telling her to stay. Wanting to listen, but staying was hard and too hard when she was unsure she found her feet moving again.

"Now please." No nonsense Regina was as the man kept on and on about charges and—

"I didn't mean—"

"Emma Swan…" And with the name that didn't sound quite right when said felt incomplete, the little one burst into tears and ran from the room. Regina dropped her head in her hand and took a deep breath as the man wrapped up the details hating how much she'd just sounded like her Mother. 'Damn it.' She thought and worried over Emma's feelings. Then one last detail from the manager had her eyes tearing with heat. Water pushed to spill. "She did what?" And they fell with that question right down her cheeks slapping hard against the marble countertop.

:::::::::::::::::

At the third floor landing Emma darted right into the yellow room and threw herself on the bed crying. Gina was mad and Emma knew she deserved that anger. She'd taken something again and after they had talked and she hadn't been in trouble for the apple and everything, but now she was for this it seemed. Cause that tone and her name said as it was said so.

Sniffing hard Emma reached blindly for Lucky Swan, not feeling so lucky herself right now. Now she'd have to leave. It happened every time her name was said that way. More tears near sobbing as Emma realized what her action had cost. She'd be on the naughty list now for sure and Santa wouldn't listen to her request anymore for Christmas. And Christmas was now ruined and everything was ruined like always and always…

And then the bed dipped and Emma felt a hand on her shoulder. At the touch she found herself curling into it and being lifted up to sit on a lap. She leaned heavy into a shoulder as she sobbed. Rocked she was being rocked and someone was humming and rubbing her back. Green eyes opened and through blurry tears Emma registered the moment. She was sitting on Gina's lap as she cried. Being held like she'd always wanted to be.

There was no yelling or scolding or hurtful words or hands hurting her. She wasn't being shut up in a closet or left alone to cry in her heartache. Held Emma was and in those arms she let herself go; to cry as she had when Gina had come for her at the subway station. Safe to cry and show her feelings. But now she'd hafta go to jail for stealing and that idea and not being with Gina anymore scared Emma immensely. And more tears fell 'cause of it, but less when she was being held this way. She buried her face into a neck to hide. The smell of the sweet morning they'd had was on that neck and it was there Emma began to find comfort.

Regina hummed her Father's tune as Emma began to quiet in her arms. This little one was so sensitive to any kind of redirection and in her worry of possible ramifications from the call and what had happened she had not been nearly as patient as Emma had needed her to be. A mistake and one she needed to make amends for, but how was the question. Poor little one was so distraught and she knew Emma's heart had been in the right place, especially for the price the girl had paid for what she suspected as a gift for her.

Sniffling as hiccups took over Emma sat up some as Gina got a tissue from the nightstand nearby and then a tissue came for her nose. She blew and let her nose be wiped along with her tears. Finally braving an apology and she hoped it was enough to maybe not go to jail for too long. "I'm sorry. I wanted a gif' for you and-and-and…" Tears came again as she tried to catch her breath.

"Take a deep breath for me sweetheart… in through your nose and out through your mouth…" Watching and coaching a few rounds until Emma was breathing normally. "Good girl."

Wet green snapped up. "I am?"

"You are always, always good." Going between those wide orbs for emphasis as she cupped a chin. "Your choice today was not the best one though and I understand you meant well."

Emma nodded and sniffled. "I did, but…"

"The call was from the store. They saw what happened on a camera and us together…" She went on to explain the rest of what had been said, ending with the part that had caused her own tears down stairs. "The manager said it seemed like you left your pennies and blanket in place of the perfume." Eyes misting again at the gesture.

"They were the best I had and I thought maybe it would be enough." Emma tried ducking her chin and was allowed to for a moment before it was taken up again. And this time Gina's thumb was rubbing her cheek. She leaned into it subconsciously.

"Your heart was in the right place and I am honored you would even consider giving up two things I know mean a lot to you to get a present for me." Kissing between a pair of brows. "That is what I meant yesterday when we were talking about hope. You have such a big, kind heart Emma."

"But you were mad downstairs and now you're not?" Glad Gina didn't seem so anymore and Emma wondered over the change.

"I am not mad, nor was I downstairs. I was trying to listen to him and I was caught by surprise and worried you might run off again because I knew you were getting upset. The idea of losing you or you going missing again worried me and I sounded sharper then I realized." Regina explained as she reflected. "I am so sorry I scared you and was—"

"I wasn't scared of you." Emma piped up as her back was rubbed. "You don't make me feel that way."

A small smile. "I'm glad of that." And she was, but needed to know for sure. "Why did you run?"

"Cause I know I messed up and when I do I hafta leave." That was how it worked in Emma's experience. Tummy went tight again, but with the way she was being held it wasn't as bad as before. "I don't wanna leave here and thought maybe 'cause I did mess up… that you wouldn't want me anymore." Finishing in a choked whisper. Emma's eyes got wet again and she was surprised that Gina's did too and more when those sad eyes leaked.

"Sweetheart, I need you to listen to me very carefully alright?" Regina asked, lifting that chin again and waited until she had Emma's eyes. "I wanted you the moment you reached out your hand for mine in my office. I will always want you. No matter what."

Emma's lips turned up as her heart opened. "I want you too and that's why I wanted to get you a present. To show you."

Leaning in again, Regina kissed a wet cheek and pulled Emma in close. "You are my gift, Emma. My very own special delivery."

Grinning now as her confidence returned Emma returned the kiss with one of her own. "And just in time for Christmas, huh?"

"Yes right on time and speaking of which…" Eying the clock on the nightstand. "It is time to start getting ready for bed in a few minutes so a certain young lady can receive a visit from Santa." She said and lifted Emma up off her lap. "But first I'd like you to get the perfume and I want to talk to you for a minute about what we will do to help make this better for everyone."

Emma went to her backpack and returned with the box to stand between a pair of knees. Giving it to Gina the woman set it on the nightstand and then her hands were taken.

"I spoke with the manager at the store and he agreed to give you your pennies and your blanket back when we go back to the store tomorrow afternoon after our celebration and everyone goes home."

Relieved they would still have Christmas and she would see her best friend, Emma smiled some. Gina didn't take those things away like other adults would have and she still was in wonder of why Gina was different. "But it was supposta to be your present and I don't have enough money to buy it for real for you." Emma explained, now worried over that visit.

So child had understood that piece about the concept of having a certain amount of money in exchange for goods, and as such Regina shifted gears slightly thinking about what her Father would say and do in her place. "Sometimes you won't have the money for something you want to buy, but that does not make it okay to trade when the other person doesn't know you are doing that. We talked about asking for the things we want and I know that is hard for you and that is not something you are used to doing." Softer as she continued. "That doesn't make stealing okay though. Not at all."

"I'm sorry though." And she was for all of it and Emma wanted to show she was.

"I know sweetheart." Regina reassured and squeezed those hands in hers. "How should we show the manager that tomorrow when we go?"

Thinking as she sucked her lip. Then Emma let go as an idea came. "I can't write real good, but I can draw a picture and maybe you can help me write what I wanna say. I can give it to him and say sorry."

Smiling. "That sounds like a great idea."

"But what about your special perfume?"

"Well, you found it didn't you." Grateful for Emma's heart on the matter and good eyes. "So now I can get it before I run out and I wouldn't have known it was there if it wasn't for you." Having already told the manager to put the perfume on her card. "Do you have any questions about what we talked about or the difference between asking, paying or stealing something?"

Emma shook her head. "Nope."

Just to be sure Regina asked. "Please tell me so I know you understand the difference."

"Gotta ask if I want it, pay with all the money somethin' costs if I have it and if I don't have enough or the person I ask says no then I don't take it cause stealing is not okay." Another hug was given for her answer and Emma near melted in the open warmth of it. Then she yawned.

"That's right." Stroking curls and standing Regina took Emma's hand and led the way across the hall to the bathroom. "Time for a quick bath and then we need to get Santa's cookies ready before bedtime." She thought maybe she was starting to get the hang of this parenting thing just a little bit after all.

"And carrots for the deer. Bubbles and story for me?"

"Of course and I wouldn't dream of denying you of either." And Regina knew she wouldn't really be able to deny those green eyes much of anything and for now, for where they were, that was more than fine with her. Mother would say she was spoiling Emma, giving into each and every request, but Emma needed spoiling Regina reasoned as she started the water for a bath. Emma didn't really need one after the one had earlier, but the routine seemed to be something the girl liked and counted on.

After a quick wash up and new PJs they went to the kitchen. Emma picked out a few cookies from a tin in the pantry as Regina fetched a few carrots and a small glass of milk. Going into the living room by the fireplace they left them on the coffee table. Then Emma reached up too be held and Regina carried her upstairs and back into the yellow room.

Emma crawled between the sheets and snuggled in against Gina's side as the book came out. They'd read for a long time each night this week and this one was no exception. Emma didn't understand some of the parts of the story, but she understood how sad the old man was in the book and how the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future were friendly like Casper and were helping the man to not be such a Grinch. More so she adored the closeness and the husk of the voice reading in different tenors for each character like the deep one for Scrooge Gina was saying now.

"…I am as light as a feather and as happy as an angel. I am as merry as a school-boy…" Regina paused as Emma tapped the page.

"Are angels real Gina?"

A soft smile. "I like to think so."

Thinking and snuggling into a shoulder Emma wondered. "Is your wife an angel?"

Swallowing thickly, Regina placed the silk marker in the book and closed it. "I hope she is in a better place and I like to think she is watching over me. Angels seem like a good way to think of loved ones who are gone doing that." While she wasn't religious in any way and was unsure just what Emma's exposure to religion had been she hoped her explanation was enough and it seemed to be for that question, but as always Emma had another one ready.

"How did she die?"

Regina cleared her throat. "There was a car accident and a man ran a red light and hit her car."

The way Gina was talking in a pinching way gave Emma pause and so she sat up on her knees and gave a kiss to Gina's cheek as she wrapped arms around that neck. While she didn't quite understand what death was, she knew it meant someone or something went away forever and it wasn't on purpose. Emma also knew what loss was. Had been schooled in it since birth and now thought she had a better word to describe Gina's eyes for when they had first met.

That loss was still in brown eyes that Emma looked into now, but they were not as hurt filled or dark as before. She yawned again and leaned into Gina's chest. The way the heart beat against her ear made her even sleepier and she liked the way her back was rubbed too.

"Time for bed little one."

"But the story…" Trailing as she was moved to lie down.

"Will be there for tomorrow night and the next one after that." Reassuring what had become a habit of Emma asking over the week. Predictable and consistent Regina was learning she needed to be.

"But I'm not tired." Said around another yawn ripping right through pink lips.

"Oh, but I beg to differ young lady." A soft laugh for the second try.

Lucky Swan was in her arms and then Emma's eyes smarted as she thought about her blanket. She hadn't ever spent a night without it. "My blankie…"

Regina stroked blonde curls. "We will get it tomorrow, but for tonight I have something else for you. Just a moment…" Standing she left down the hall to her room and returned with a quilt she kept on the end of her bed in all seasons as red as the apples she, and Emma she realized, loved to eat. Kathryn had made it for her birthday years ago and she still had her wife's antique Singer sewing machine tucked away in the attic thinking maybe one day she might be ready to have it out on display again. Regina draped it over Emma.

Fingering the green silk of the border stitching Emma could almost pretend it was like the silk ribbon of her own blanket. Eyes heavy and hooded she whispered. "Thanks Gina… Night, night…" Then those eyes closed as an affection her heart had been whispering all day slipped out. "Love you."

Wet Regina's eyes grew and she leaned over and kissed Emma's forehead, lingering. "I love you too. Sweet dreams sweetheart."

:::::::::::::::::::

Right after tucking Emma in Regina called Ms. Nelson. She was pleased to learn the woman had everything ready to be scanned over for the next step after anticipating her call based on their chat Wednesday. Regina had spent a half hour reading and signing, in triplicate, forms to become Emma's official foster parent. There would be classes she would have to take and a hearing, but after she could begin the journey to set her intent to adopt. After sending the signed forms back and bundling her copy in a large white envelope. She put a bow on it and set it aside to show Emma in the morning. Then her sister had showed up with the presents. It took them an hour to wrap everything and get it just right under the tree.

As Regina was sitting in bed reading and winding down from the day she was near ready to turn off the light as her cell buzzed. Setting her book aside she reached for her phone and saw her sister's name flash across the dimming screen. Zelena had left a half hour ago and she wondered over the text. She quickly typed.

Regina: Did you forget something Zee?

Zelena: Oh goody you're still awake. I heard from Ambrose on that missing article you were wondering about from Emma's file.

Her heart stilled as she typed.

Regina: How bad is it?

Zelena: That's just it. There is literally nothing in there about Emma's parents or how she came to be on the side of the interstate. Article says and I quote, 'Baby girl appeared as if by magic…' No one knows anything.

Regina: But surely there has to be something somewhere about how she got there.

Zelena: Logically you would think so, but there isn't in how she was found. Ambrose is a lot of things, but a twit is not one of them. He's damn near brilliant and at his job too. If he says there's nothing, then there isn't GiGi. Does it really matter though? Does it change how you feel about the doll?

Regina: Not in the least. She's safe now and here with me. That's all that matters. Did the article say anything about how she even came by her last name?

Zelena: Not the article, but rather Ms. Nelson when I commented on the uniqueness of it when she dropped Emma off at the office. She said Emma's last name was picked out by one of the firefighters at the station who apparently thought she looked like a little baby swan all wrapped up. I just knew you two would be a perfect match when I read the summary on her. Mother thought so too.

Regina: She did?

That thought hadn't crossed her mind. Obviously Mother was involved on some level with this, but Regina hadn't thought to ask to what extent.

Zelena: Whole bloody thing was her idea. I just helped with the details.

Her mouth dropped and closed again. Mother's idea, but why and Regina promptly typed that question.

Regina: Why?

Zelena: Because she knows how hard Kat's death has been riding you and she didn't want you to end up feeling like she did after Daddy's. Believe it or not GiGi, but you and Mother are more alike than you think. You both feel too much and deeply. And when you're hurt you shut everyone and everything out.

Swallowing Regina's throat worked as her eyes misted.

Regina: She told you all that?

Hard to believe her Mother was so open with her sister. While Zee had always gotten along better than she ever had, Mother was not one to talk so openly about feelings.

Zelena: Not in so many words no. But she told me she only wanted the best for you in your grief and you know what she means when she says that.

The closest their Mother would ever get to saying 'I love you' was that statement. And for now and from the heart it had come from; that was more than enough to remove the rest of the edge between them for Regina.

:::::::::::::::::::

Emma awoke on Christmas morning warm and snug in a bed she was beginning to think of as hers in a room that had her stuff strewn about in it. He back pack hung off a chair by the desk in front of the window where she had made cards yesterday. Last night was the first night in a very long line of nights she had not slept with her back pack tucked by her feet under the blanket. She yawned and sat up in bed as she rubbed her eyes.

Then Emma rested her hands on the red blanket on her lap. Gina's special blanket and today they would get hers back after she said sorry and gave the store manager her card later. But first Gina had said there would be presents and food and family. Emma grinned at that last word. It took most of the week but now she thought she understood more about what her social worker meant about having a family for Christmas. Gina had promised to call about next steps and she wondered if that had been done and when they would know the answer.

She hugged Lucky Swan and slipped out of bed, noticing for the first time a pair of slippers that looked like baby ducks on the floor next to her bed. Eyes widened at how they could have gotten there as she slipped them on. There was a tag on one of the duck heads that said her name and under it was…

"GINA! Santa—he came for ME!" Running she did right down the hall and into the big bedroom. With a running leap Emma hopped up on the bed and dove right into Gina's open arms.

"Oh my goodness, what has you so excited?" Regina asked as she sat up against the headboard with Emma in her lap. Little one pointed to duck covered feet and she chuckled. "I see someone got a visit from Santa."

"I did! You were right I was on his good list." Emma giggled at the kiss on her cheek and the warmth she was wrapped up in. "This is the best Christmas ever."

"Well it is just getting started sweetheart." Winking at Emma and loving the joy radiating from green eyes. "Shall we go see what else he left you?"

"Else?"

If it was possible for Emma's eyes to get any bigger or happier they did and Regina laughed. Shifting, she swung her legs off the side of the bed and lifted Emma to stand up. "Go get your robe on little duck and meet me at the top of the stairs and we will go down together to see what else he has brought you."

Emma didn't need to be told twice and dashed out of the room.

"Walk please Emma."

And she did, but very, very quickly in her excitement. Robe on and Lucky Swan tucked under her arm she returned to the stairwell. Gina had on a robe and slippers too, both red, and Emma took that offered hand, now a little nervous at what could possibly be downstairs. Nervous in a good way and she bounced in step right along with Gina's on each stair. Once on the main floor they approached the living room.

Regina stopped in the doorway, her eyes and attention completely on the little girl at her side. She did not want to miss one moment of Emma's first Christmas with her and what she hoped were many more together going forward. She watched as Emma took in the room.

Green eyes went right for the sparking tree. It was covered in a rainbow of little twinkling lights and ornaments she had helped hang up. There was even a white star on top Gina had lifted her up to add for what Cora had said was 'the finishing touch'. The gas fire was going with dancing flames making the room warm and bright. Above hanging from the mantel were stockings. One for Gina, ZeeZee, Cora and… her own name in a pretty green popped against the white fur backing it was stitched on. On the round rug under the tree were a bazillion neatly wrapped shiny boxes in red and green and gold.

Green eyes swept to the coffee table and grew at the half eaten plate of cookies and empty glass of milk. Emma slipped Gina's hand and went over to it for a closer look. Even the carrots (yuck) had been eaten. There was even a neat little card propped up next to the plate with her name on it. Carefully Emma picked it up and bounced over to Gina.

"He ate them and his deer did too! What's it say?" Handing the note over.

"Dear Emma, thank you for the delicious cookies and milk. I enjoyed them very much and my reindeer thank you for the midnight snack. They love carrots. Love, Santa." Regina folded the note as Emma skipped in a complete circle around her before those arms were around her waist hugging.

"Presents soon?" Getting excited now at the idea of more presents than the one she'd already gotten.

"We will wait just a little bit for ZeeZee and my Mother to get here for brunch. We'll eat and open them then alright?" Both women had begged a chance to watch Emma open gifts and Regina was not about to deny them the opportunity after all they had done for them both this week.

Ever easy going, especially at the mention of food Emma agreed. "Okay. Breakfast now?" Licking her lips Emma giggled as she was tickled and lifted up to a hip and they began moving towards the kitchen. She liked being held this way.

"We need to make breakfast, but if you are hungry right now I will start some toast with jelly for you while we cook." Getting a nod for toast Regina set Emma on one of the counter stools and pressed the button on the cappuccino machine before working on the promised toast. A few minutes later it was being consumed as she set about pulling out ingredients for cooking.

"What are we making?" Asked around a mouth full of red jelly.

"I was thinking omelets and bacon with a fruit salad and then we have that cheese cake we made yesterday." Already beginning to chop fruit as Emma ate.

"I wanna help please." Emma slipped off the stool and took her plate to the sink.

"I'd love your help." Regina set down the knife and moved to put two bowls in front of Emma's chair once the girl was sitting back up in it. "Do you know how to crack eggs?" Getting a nod she left the girl to the task as she turned on some music to stream from her phone.

Old timey Christmas music floated through the room as they worked. Emma sang along sweetly off key to what songs were recognized as Regina did the same. An hour later the house was filled with the smell of a home cooked breakfast. Regina left the hot items in warming dishes before helping Emma wash little hands in the sink as the child chattered about the day to come. The doorbell rang and like always Emma jumped and turned to bury a face into Regina's stomach at the sound. Wet hands clutched her robe as Regina knelt down to gently loosen them.

"It's likely just ZeeZee and my Mother." Soothing the worry lines from a forehead with a kiss. Emma relaxed at that, but she still sensed the girl needed a quiet moment. "Go upstairs and get dressed. I laid some clothes out for you last night on your dresser. I'll be right up to help with your hair and to get myself ready. Then it will be time to eat breakfast." She was learning to lay out predictable steps for the girl to anticipate. It seemed to help whenever Emma's anxiety surfaced.

"Can I still wear my ducky slippers? I wanna show them."

"Of course." Regina watched as Emma scampered off and ran her fingers through her hair to smooth it. Going to the door she took a deep breath and opened it.

"Happy Christmas!" Zelena sang brightly as she swept into the room followed by Cora.

Regina smirked at the very British greeting and leaned in to accept a kiss from her Mother. "Merry Christmas to you both. We have just finished cooking."

"And where is my little monkey?" Ever like a child herself at Christmas Zelena shrugged off her coat and looked about the room.

"Monkey?" Regina asked with a raised brow as she took both coats and hung them up.

"Yes, monkey. I'm the Wicked Witch so I need a little flying monkey don't I?" While Emma was still a little doll in her mind this nickname Zelena felt better suited the little one.

"You will abstain from calling my future granddaughter a flea eating mongrel in my presence Zelena or so help me…" Cora rolled her eyes and gave softer ones to Regina. "Anything we can do to help my dear?"

Regina blinked processing her Mother's words a slow watery smile bloomed. "Yes thank you, I need you to make some tea for you and Zee and Emma will want apple juice. She's upstairs getting dressed and I need to do the same. Excuse me for a moment…"

Leaving to go upstairs and rather quickly Regina slowed her step near the top and took another deep breath as her eyes dried up. They hadn't spent a holiday together in a very long time and while the full house felt good in so many ways there was a part of her that still felt empty. And that feeling was a lot to process in the fullness of the moment downstairs.

Regina had always wanted children. Her and Kathryn both had planned on having a few at some point and while she was all on board with her plans to make Emma a permanent part of her family the reality of her Mother speaking so casually about it hit home in her heart. She had never planned to do this on her own. Kathryn would have adored Emma. Those two would have been two peas in a pod for how alike they were.

Kathryn was gone… But Emma is here… A new light to brighten her world and give her purpose. Her sister and Mother too and Regina realized she was not as alone in this new journey as she thought. That comfort made her feet begin moving again.

She went into her room and quickly got dressed in a red sweater and black slacks with heels. Ten minutes in her bathroom and a few hints of gold jewelry later and she was presentable for the day ahead. Emma appeared in her door way then wearing a similar red sweater and black jeans. Regina realized they were matching. She hadn't intended to do that, but was now glad it had worked out that way.

"Were like twins!" Emma skipped over and held out a red hair ribbon and her hairbrush. Gina's fingers gently worked her curls into a long braid down her back and the pretty ribbon tied off the end. When she turned around Emma noticed a little bit of the sadness in brown eyes again and reached up to hug a neck. That always seemed to help.

Grateful Regina was for these little arms and she moved with Emma to sit on the end of her bed. With Emma in her arms everything suddenly seemed possible again. She took another breath and reached to wipe her eye and pulled back. "I have something for you before we go downstairs." Turning the child around by the shoulders she pointed to her dresser. "Bring that here please."

Emma slipped out of those arms for a moment and went to fetch the item. She returned with the big white envelope in her hands that had a very pretty red bow on it. Carefully she crawled up to sit on Gina's lap with the envelope between them. Gina's arms came around her and held the envelope too.

"Is it a present?" Eager to see what was inside Emma tilted her head up to look at Gina for direction.

"Of a sort, yes." Kissing the top of a braid Regina rested her chin gently there as Emma gazed down at the envelope in both their hands. "Open it and see."

Carefully Emma opened the top flap and pulled out a big stapled pile of papers. She gazed curiously at the front, recognizing the symbol for DSS in the corner and her name next to Gina's fancy signature at the bottom of the page. Maybe…. She hoped so and her heart beat a little faster at the possibility. She traced their names with her finger as Gina's hand came to gently take her own.

"I spoke with Ms. Nelson last night on the phone and she sent me these papers to sign." Regina began, noting the way Emma sank backwards toward her heart. "I am officially fostering you from this day forward and if you are alright with the idea I intend to pursue adoption." In her mind and more importantly her heart Emma already was family; was her little girl. A piece of paper and a judge didn't need to tell her that, but that day of official approval was a ways off. A six month waiting game of hearings, more paperwork, and home visits, but today, this sweet moment was a start in that direction.

Emma turned completely around on that lap, hugging the papers that were more than papers to her chest as she sat facing Gina. "Like I'd be yours one day and belong to you?" She knew it would take time. Nothing happened overnight in her world and the good things took time. She remembered Gina saying that the other day when they were waiting for the cheese cake to set in the fridge. This, Gina and her, were a good thing Emma decided. She could be patient as along as… and she buried herself in Gina's arms.

And as they hugged Regina felt a piece of the emptiness inside her fill and the rest of the numbness she wouldn't miss leaving. For a just moment, with Emma nestled in her arms, Regina opened her eyes and thought she saw a long missed smile under a pair of twinkling blue eyes across the room. Regina's lips parted as if to speak, but her wife's smile told of the answer to her question…

"For keeps?" Emma whispered pulling back as big green hopeful eyes blinked up.

Regina smiled as she kissed Emma's dimpled cheek. And then a nose and she rested their foreheads together after a giggle fluttered through the room and both their hearts. "Forever keeps, sweetheart."

And they both would keep each other's hearts forever, indeed.

:::::::::::::::::::

A/N – Happy Holidays and I hope this gave you warm fuzzy feels. There will be a part 2 down the road—I'm currently writing it, but have not posted yet. Working title is called a ' A Package Deal'

Please consider a review or comment.

Cheers to you and yours!