Chapter Eleven:

Regina spent the next two months helping Snow White with mayor duties. It was still odd, working with her once step daughter/former arch enemy/David's ex wife, but they stuck to business. The princess didn't bring up anything personal, and Regina was definitely not opening that door.

David was constantly hovering over her. The farther she got in her pregnancy, the more nervous her became. Getting out of the house to meet with Snow gave her a break. If David had his way, she'd stay in bed all day and do nothing. She knew he just wanted to keep her and the Little One safe, but Regina was used to be independent.

"I'll make dinner, you sit." David told his fiancee as she prepared the past dish.

"You'll burn the house down." She replied. "Besides, I can cook just fine. I want to make Henry dinner while he's here."

"But-"

"David, I swear if you don't get out of my kitchen I will fireball you." she warned.

"Here, I'll help, then she's not doing it all alone, but she can still cook like she loves to do." Cora offered, stepping into the kitchen.

"I just don't want you to over do it." David sighed.

"I know." Regina turned and hugged him. "But, David, I can't be in a bubble for the remainder of my pregnancy. The baby and I are fine."

"I worry." David admitted. Regina gave him a peck on the lips.

"I appreciate it, honey." She told him sincerely. "And if I get too tired, I take break."

David, reluctantly, agreed. He knew Regina was just as stubborn as he was, and he loved her independence. He just couldn't imagine what he would do if something happened to her or Annaleigh.

After dinner, Regina allowed David to take over clean up. She did appreciate his worry, and she knew that there were areas she could cut back in. She'd given up on her beloved heels months ago, but she was on the go quite a bit. Helping Snow was actually harder than being mayor, because as much as she advised Snow, at the end of the day, Snow made the decisions.

Regina was having lunch with her son at Granny's. He had a doctor's appointment that morning, and Regina caved and let him play hookey. She did want to spend some one-on-one time with Henry before the baby came. She didn't want Henry to worry about ever coming second to the baby. Just because he wasn't her's by blood didn't make Henry any less her child.

"Are you still helping grandma?" Henry asked her as he munched on a fry.

"Well I have to do something while you're at school." Regina winked at him. "If I was home all day with David, I might turn him into a frog."

"He is your prince, you could kiss him and turn him back with true love's kiss." Henry smiled. Regina chuckled.

"I don't kiss frogs."

"Really, mom, I think it's cool that you are helping grandma." Henry told his mom. "She used to complain about not knowing anything, but she seems a lot less stressed now."

"Well, I do have a lot of experience." Regina smiled. "I suppose it's not a huge deal to help her."

Just as Henry was going to respond, the very person they were talking about entered the diner. Emma was following behind, probably eager to get her grilled cheese and onion rings. Regina was a little surprised when the two women came to the table and greeted her. It showed how much had changed in the past few months.

"Hey Regina, hi Henry." Emma grinned at her son. "We still on for Saturday night?"

"Of course we are!" Henry grinned.

He and Emma were having a DC marathon, even though both agreed that Marvel was the superior superhero universe. But, they had seen every marvel movie, and decided to give DC some time. Regina and David had gotten him the collection of both DC and Marvel movies for his birthday, and Regina knew how excited Emma was to watch them as well.

"Do you think we can keep Henry for the night?" Snow asked the mayor. "I was thinking we could go on a picnic Sunday morning, if you didn't have plans for him."

"That's totally fine." Regina smiled.

It was still odd that they asked her for permission to do things with Henry. It had taken a long time, but Snow and Emma finally respected Regina's role as his mother. She was willing to share her time with Henry, but she would never be okay with being pushed out of that role.

"Hey, how come you're not in school?" Emma asked, realizing it was too early for her son to be home for the day. "You're appointment was an hour ago."

"Mom's letting me take the day off." Henry responded smugly. He was pretty proud of himself for managing to convince his mother to let him miss the rest of the day. It wasn't something that happened often.

"Spoiled brat." Emma teased. Henry stuck his tongue out at her. "Regina, you're going soft."

"I am not!" Regina scoffed in mock offense.

"Oh, you are." Snow replied with the hint of a smile on her face.

"Yeah mom, the Evil Queen helping Snow White? Letting her son convince her to skip school? I am probably one pouty face away from a puppy." Henry grinned.

"Don't push it." Regina laughed.

She couldn't deny it. She was going soft, but, she realized, that didn't mean she was weak. In fact, the more she opened her heart, the stronger she felt.

With Henry gone, and David picking up a shift at the station, Regina had a day alone with her mother. The two of them were sitting in the living room. Cora was attempting to knit booties for the baby. Regina was pretending to read, but in all honesty, she was entertained by her mother.

"Damn!" Cora exclaimed as she once again, messed up her craft.

"Mother, they don't have to be perfect." Regina said softly.

"Yes they do." Cora said with determination,

She started up again. Cora moved the pink yarn through the knitting needles, just liked the picture in front of her showed. She grumbled under her breath as she realized she was still not doing it right.

"I don't understand why this so complicated." Cora sighed.

"It's alright, you can always buy her some booties." Regina reasoned.

"That's not the same." Cora huffed. "Plus...well when she's older, I could teach her how to knit, and we could do it together. I know that sounds-"

"That's why you're doing this?" Regina asked. Cora nodded. "I think you have some time to learn, she won't be knitting sweaters anytime soon."

"I know." Cora gave a half smile. "I just, I know how badly I messed things up between you and I. I am so grateful that we're working on our relationship, and we can cook together. I want to have a good relationship with my grandchildren. Henry teaches me about technology, and I just want something that I can bond with Annaleigh over."

"Mother." Regina didn't know what to say. It touched her heart to hear so much love in Cora's voice. She was such a different person then Regina had growing up. Regina knew, her children would love having this version of Cora as a grandmother. "Annaleigh is going to love you no matter what. You have a lot of time to find something to share with her."

Cora smiled, a full smile this time. She tossed the booties aside and moved to sit next to her daughter. She hugged Regina tightly and kissed the top of her head. Cora was so thankful to have this second chance. She was so proud of the beautiful woman in her arms.

A/N I hope you enjoyed the fluff. We meet a new character soon ) -Kaila