The next morning, Regina was surprised to find that she had slept in, almost all the way to 10am. Her momentary panic quickly faded as she realized it was in fact Saturday, and she was not late for work. Stretching languidly, she thought back over the previous night and wondered if Emma had snuck out first thing in the morning, or if she was in a similar state just down the hall.
Not bothering to change from her sleep wear, Regina stands and gingerly makes her way out into the hall, hearing the soft sounds of music and laughter echoing up from what could only be the kitchen, accompanying the scent of bacon and French toast.
The sounds of playful banter were a welcome addition to the usual morning quiet of the home, and Regina could only smile as she neared the top of the stairs. Emma had blown into her life, a whirlwind of chaos and red leather, and she had turned her world on its head more than once. But looking back over the past few weeks, she could not help but think that perhaps that was exactly what she needed to have happen.
Henry was thriving, having finally found answers to his questions that she would never have been able to answer, and an extended family that he had always desired. She had learned that letting Emma in did not mean that he loved her any less, or that she was any less the mother she had always been to him. Emma coming into their lives had tested, strengthened, and through all of their trials, reaffirmed their bonds into something that could never be broken. A family.
Broken from her thoughts by the sound of feet on the stairs, first Henry, and then Emma appear, almost as if summoned by her thoughts, wearing matching grins, dimples peeking out with their smiles. A tray laden three matching plates, juice, and cutlery was carried up by Henry. Smiling as their eyes meet, Emma offers no apology, only her usual charm and shrug, slipping her hands into her pockets. "Surprise?"
