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A/N – Second to last, but last one will be a long to make up for it. Mega feels ahead and you might need a box of tissues or two if you are sensitive that way. I know I did.

Also, I am by no means done writing. I have a brand new story (completely separate adventure from this trilogy, but somewhat similar in major themes that might be of interest to you—for fans of The Do Over-specifically. I think it will be right up your lane.) That synopsis will be shared at the very end of the last chapter in my notes.

Title: Paper Hearts

Summary: "It's hard to wait around for something you know might never happen, but it's even harder to give up when it's everything you want."

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Four months later…

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Swollen.

Worse she was starting to not be able to see her feet.

Worse still wearing her signature heels had become darn near impossible.

Elastic suddenly sounded better than the fitted slacks she still insisted on wearing. And the absolute worst of it all was Snow had been right.

Full of curves and rounding in middle Regina felt like an overstuffed pillow, too firm and being so, uncomfortable… And being only the month of February just after her birthday and their one year anniversary as a couple, she still had six months of pregnancy to go.

Yet she could not stop smiling.

Tossing the slacks away Regina reached for a soft pair of black leggings and an oversized indigo cashmere sweater. It draped beautifully off a bare shoulder. Settling for matching ballet flats and turning to the mirror, she wove her long dark tresses into a complicated braid she used to favor when she was young. Tying off the end in a matter of minutes it draped over her shoulder. One last look in the mirror and taking in her changing form, she smiled at her reflection.

Motherhood certainly agreed with her.

Little feet ran in the room as Regina reemerged from the closet. She saw Emma frowning and wearing only a shirt and panties. Child ran and hid right behind her hugging about the waist. Dramatic as ever Emma bellowed. "Mama save me!"

Regina raised a brow about to question when their Dragon came into the room with the other half of Emma's clothing draped over an arm. Looking between the two she caught her bottom lip in teeth. It was poor Mal's turn to help Emma into fancy clothes for the party they were on the way to. A baby shower for her, which Snow had insisted on hosting and planning with Emma's adult side. Wrestling the child into such an outfit was always an ordeal.

"Mama I don't wanna wear a skirt or a dress! I wanna please wear my jean overalls."

Regina pulled Emma out from behind her and began to gently straighten the pretty red blouse they had picked out last week. Yellow plaid skirt and red tights had been the agreement with any shoe and hair choice Emma wanted. "Baby we have talked about this. Sometimes we need to dress up a little more for parties and events. This is the outfit you said you liked at the store last week."

"But that was last week Mama."

Mal approached them and knelt, turning Emma around by the shoulders. "And running and telling me no is not alright my little darling. Understand?"

"Yes Mommy, but I still don't wanna wear it."

Dragon thought for a moment, looking to Regina and sharing her idea on a magical psychic thread between them. Getting a nod from Queen, she snapped her fingers and the dreaded yellow plaid skirt was changed into a pair of yellow plaid overalls, much nicer in cut and made of a wool cotton blend than denim. "Will this do my darling?"

Emma nodded eagerly and held onto Dragon's shoulders as she stepped into them. "I like these! Twin tails Mama?" Running hands over the fabric as her Mama began a set of French braids on her head. "I wanna wear my red Converse too okay?"

"Yes baby, that's fine." Consenting to their deal as she added yellow ribbons to the end of each braid after a few minutes. Regina smoothed her fingers over her work, wondering how much longer this version of Emma would allow such fussing. Child always sucked up affection like a sponge though and she hoped there would be many years of such things between them still. "Go get them on and meet us by the front door."

Emma scampered off, nearly colliding with a very pregnant Paige in the door way. Young woman was due next month and Mal did not fail to notice that Regina was suddenly envious of the fact. Sensitive in general, but even more so to her Queen's fluctuating moods since their shared unity resulting in the pregnancy. There was nothing that got by her senses when Regina was involved. As Mal stood with a ready smile, smoothing her slacks, she wrapped an arm around her Queen pulling in close.

"Almost there my love. Come, it is time to celebrate."

Soothed by that voice Regina relaxed just as Henry popped his head around the corner of their door.

"Mom, Mal are you both ready yet? Little Ma is bouncing off the walls down stairs." Henry grinned at how happy his mother looked tucked up next to Mal. With a sparkle of mischief he never grew out of he took his wife's hand. "Or you two can take your time and we'll keep her occupied with babysitting the cupcakes on the counter."

"No!" In unison Queen and Dragon got moving at the shared visual of their girl covered in chocolate and frosting as they followed the happy couple out the door.

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Regina watched Emma tumble about with Henry, David, and Neal. Children against the adults in the living room of the loft in a full on tickle war that had all of them grinning. Especially since Emma was winning. She sipped her tea, tucking into Mal's side as she listened to Snow cooing at Ruthie, trying to get the baby to open a mouth for a spoon of mashed peas. Ruthie turned away dramatically fussing. Amused when Snow readily gave up and switched to mashed potatoes, which the baby opened wide for.

"If there was any doubt left in my mind that Ruthie is taking after Emma's eating habits this just sealed the fact." Snow commented with a glitter in her eyes at Regina. Then taking in the expression warming that face she was learning to read again. "You okay? Do you like your party?" She and Emma had been planning it carefully for months. All the way from the overall winged crown theme for the couple to the gold colored napkin holders. Every detail had been considered and overseen by Emma with the utmost care.

"I love it." Regina answered quickly with a sure smile. "You both really out did yourselves." Everything was beyond perfect.

"Then what's that look for?" Snow countered easily and she nearly dropped the jar of baby food at the tears brimming royal eyes. "Oh hey, it's okay. I didn't mean—"

"It's alright Snow." Mal answered for her Queen. "Just a bit of baby emotions passing."

Regina had been back and forth with them for weeks now. Fine one moment and crying the next for nothing that could be rationally articulated. Polar extremes at times too and an over abundance of magic only amplified the natural hormone induced mood swings. Adding Dragon DNA to the mix also created another variant that struck in roller coaster like motions. They were tempering it with plenty of rest and a bit of magical extraction in which she absorbed some of the extra magic the baby was producing in the womb. It took the pressure and edge of tears away more often than not for her mate.

"It is." Regina agreed, wiping at her eyes. "I was also watching Emma so happy and just how perfect everything is right now."

Snow set the jar of food aside, catching Paige's eye across the room. Pointing to her baby and getting a nod, she went to take Regina's hand. "I need to show you something." Pulling the Queen with her and waving Dragon over. "You too Mal." Away from the play in the living room and down the hallway near the bathroom. She reached into the linen pantry and extracted a small box with a green ribbon. "Happy new baby Regina."

Taking the box and turning it in hand, Regina gave the softest of eyes to the Princess, now friend again. "Snow you needn't of. You have done so much already with the party."

Snow waved that off and grinned with a wink to Mal. "Just open it."

Carefully Regina tugged at the ends of the ribbon, giving the box lid and silk strip to Mal for holding. Gently moving aside the tissue paper she pulled out the tiniest knitted baby booties. A scallop pattern well known from the Enchanted Forest and she gave a grateful smile to Snow. "They are beautiful." Holding them up to her stomach. "Do you think they will fit?"

Snow laughed. "I think so and I had hoped you would like them." Then suddenly quiet. "They were meant for Emma, originally."

Dark brows met and then softened at what that meant. "Oh Snow."

Princess shook her head, shifting between eyes she now understood. "I made them when I learned I was pregnant the first time. I had meant for her to wear them the first night she was born." Memory of that night flashed in her eyes and stigma away she tossed to the past. Too much time had been wasted by all of them in upset. Taking up Regina's hands she held them when at one time she never thought she would again. "The last year and a half has taught me a lot about love and family. What they really mean when I thought I already understood. And you Regina are my family." Then taking one of Mal's to put over Regina's. "I want you both to have these. For your daughter."

Mal closed her eyes. Those words coming from Snow and the gift of heart meant more than she could say. So she didn't say. She just held that hand.

"Surely Ruthie…" Touched and tears flowing Regina began and stopped when Snow's head shook.

"She has the pink pair I had made around the same time. These felt like they belonged to you. Both of you." Fingering the sunny yellow and purple strands woven together. "Besides they are your and Emma's colors." Then brushing the one addition she had added just before wrapping them up and meeting Dragon's eyes. "And the blue bows…" Little wings she had carefully affixed. "Are in honor of Mal."

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Mal knelt and slipped off a ballet flat, taking her time to rub a royal foot well before moving on to the next one. Enjoying the way Regina's face held such pleasure under her touch. The baby shower had been a hit. Booties gifted lay on Regina's stomach where Queen was quietly fingering the pattern. All three of their colors woven in strong unity for their new addition to be an extra specialness they were still processing.

Regina moaned. "I will give you anything to never stop that." Leaning back against the pile of pillows on their headboard as Mal moved from kneeling on the floor to sit on the bed, her feet in Dragon's lap. Her hands folded contently over the booties on her stomach.

"Anything my Queen?"

An amber eye popped open with a ready red grin. "Within reason of course."

Mal gently kissed the top of a sweet foot. Teasing. "That is not what you just said."

"I'm eight months pregnant. I can say whatever I please and change my mind whenever I wish." Adamant of the fact.

"Our deal for that was at ten months, not eight." Only partly serious as Mal knew the closer Regina got to giving birth the more emotions would become harder to manage.

Regina scoffed in good humor and sat up a bit more, pulling Dragon into her arms. "Then you best enjoy the next two months until then my dear."

Kissing a red mouth gently then with hunger, Mal pulled back taking in the sweet rosiness of Regina's cheeks. "I am enjoying every moment of every day we are together." Moving down to kiss a round stomach she rubbed her palm over it with great affection and claim. "And looking forward to meeting our little one."

Regina placed her hand over Mal's. "We still have her name to consider."

"We do." A nod of agreement as her finger traced a blue ribbon.

"Has Emma said anything else at all about what the baby told her back in October." Asking again for any hint Emma might have shared about the mystery first name their baby had shared with their then six year old.

"Only that when we meet her we will learn it and that if we listen in such a way we will hear what it is before then." Sensing they already had and knew, but she did not have the ready word for the feeling.

Regina sighed. They had tried guessing, writing lists of names, but none felt right. Mal had done the same, even going so far as to bribe Emma to share, but their child was tight lipped and insisted would remain so until the birth. They had let her be after that, but were still naturally curious. They had already decided on a middle name together to pair with the unknown first. One rooted in both their histories in their journey out of darkness, but also to honor the lessons that were learned there and the light that found their hearts. For only in the night may one see the strength of stars shining. Fitting for their daughter to be; a brightness that can always be found even in the darkest of hearts.

Amor.

"Speaking of our little secret keeper." Regina nodded to the doorway as Emma came bounding in wearing blue ducky PJs, ribbons in hair from earlier loose and trailing down a back. "Are you all ready for bed baby?"

"Almost." Emma confirmed and climbed up right in the middle between the women. "I gots to talk to you both about something 'portant." There were three pieces of paper folded up in her hand and she gave them over to her Mama's waiting one. "You gots to read these first and look at mine and then please listen to me, okay?"

Regina frowned thoughtfully at the serious way their child was looking at them and nodded. She unfolded the first paper with their names on it in Emma's scrawled adult hand writing, holding it in such a way Mal could see it to. Flushing she began to read the page and then paused looking up as tears filled her eyes. Taking a breath she returned them to the page and began again as her throat closed.

Mama & Mom,

For a very long time I never thought I would ever have anyone to call home. I didn't understand what family meant or even what a home could feel like. I found both with you. I know what it feels like to be loved unconditionally for me. To be put first in someone's life and now in both of yours I feel more than blessed to be able to have had the experience of the last year; two years with Mama and the one that started this journey for us so special.

I spent so much of my life being what other people said or thought I should be. Labeled since I was born and even before that, fate had it's own say.

But Mama—you didn't accept that. You took off the tiara, the sword, and the leather. Helped me see with new eyes. And now I can look myself in the mirror and I like what I see. I learned that I can be myself. That even if the world is trying to make me into something else I still have a choice to be Emma.

As each day passed I used to think I'd say or do something to mess up what we have. It took time, but I realize there is nothing I can do or say that won't have you both right at my side cheering me on or talking me through hard feelings or holding me when I need to be held—in your arms or accountable. I trust myself in a way I never thought possible. You both taught me to trust in my heart and listen to myself, so I am.

I have been thinking carefully about this for a long time and I need you to know that I'm ready. The others will explain more, but please know that I—we—know exactly what we are asking for.

I love you both.

Always your baby,

Emma

Regina struggled to tear her eyes away to the next letter, sensing what was there. Note with pains taken. Emma had thrown away the masks and put her soul in ink.

Mal was not fairing much better than she as they both looked on to the second note finally together as little one wiggled to nest between them. This page in their fourteen year old's handwriting and just as much attention had been put in this one, Regina could tell already. Heat pricked her eye and fell with abandon. Wiping she tried to keep it from the paper heart her shaking hand was attempting to keep hold of. Mal's coming to rest over her own helped as they both read.

Dear Moms,

You chose me. I think about that every day. Two of you and not just one along with two sets of parents I never thought I'd have. You both have taught me that I am not disposable. Even when I throw a fit or stomp my foot or am less than agreeable. You both see me. Taught me that I am worthy of love and not just from others but from myself too.

At first that was hard for me to do, but you both believed in me and never took my 'no' for an answer. Helped me face my past and gave me a chance to begin healing something I didn't think was possible to do. I used to feel stuck in the dark. Once you're there you learn to appreciate any bit of light that is able to push in though the walls you put up.

You were my first light Mama—I learned about love from you. What it means to love and be loved in return. I didn't know how at first, but you taught me even when I fought you and you always did it in a way that made feel so safe and wanted. When I first got here you didn't let me hide or run away from what was hard even when I pushed back. When I fell you picked me up, dusted me off, took my hand and told me to try again. And I probably will fall again in the future and that isn't so scary for me anymore because you never gave up on me and I know you never will.

Mom—Remember that first time in the school hallway when we met? I dropped my binder and you helped me pick it up. Then you walked me to class so I wouldn't get in trouble for being late. I never told you how much that meant to me. I was new and scared and a mess. You saw my need even before I knew who you were to me. You always do see right through me and my fight and know exactly what I need to feel better. Just like on that day when you took my hand and said it would be okay.

You both make my life more than okay. I'm grateful and love you both so much. Thank you for loving me.

:-)

Your sweet and darling girl always,

~Emma

Note aside and not easily, Regina took her child's hand as Mal did the other one. She attempted to speak around the thickness welling in her throat. "Em-ma…"

"Mama, it's my turn please okay?" Little girl pointed to the last paper folded. "They gots their turn, now it's mine." Counterparts had written their words as she was not as skilled in that area yet and needed to voice most of hers instead. Still she drew what she could. They had all agreed in messages left in the nightstand of the lavender room to each other that they would wait until after the baby shower to share their agreed upon news.

Dragon and Queen locked eyes for a long moment, and went back to Emma with a mutual nod as the third paper was opened. Simple. So simple in composition the drawing was clear even without the one sentence directly quoted from little one's favorite movie to go with it in shaky pencil underneath. Copied Regina was sure with help in some way from another side of Emma.

'Ohana means family. And family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten.'

Sitting up straight Emma looked between them. "Last year when Mr. Gold left town he gave you that potion that will let us be how we wanna be and we gave it to you Mama to hold for us." Seeing more tears falling on both their faces, but open encouraging eyes Emma continued. "We are ready now and we wanna take it."

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Near midnight in the Study that same night Regina paced, hand on her lower back in support as her other one wrapped around a warm mug of tea. Fire roaring in the grate kept the small room toasty. Behind her Dragon sat on the sofa fingering Emma's notes and nursing a glass of cider. After Emma's big reveal and talking for a time after all together they had tucked their child into bed. Thoughts consumed their minds after that and they moved downstairs to further process.

Regina stared at the flames dancing much as her thoughts did with possibility. She had waited patiently and had considered 'maybe one day'. Then time had moved along as it is prone to doing and their life became so perfectly full of everything she had ever wanted, or so she had thought at one time. And suddenly 'maybe one day' seemed further and further away. And further was a bit ago and Regina had truly begun to want everything. Had since learning of her pregnancy how suddenly anything was achievable. She'd kept that quiet need to herself. Dragon knew though. Knew her well and understood how hard it is to push down and possibly give up that one thing, when it is everything, you want.

And Mal wanted the same thing she did. They'd both dreamed about it, but never once said a single word to Emma. She'd never allowed it, never would have asked this of her girl. Always and always Emma's choice first. Yet here they were, 'one day' was right now and Emma had chosen. Clearly all three of her girl's had agreed and Regina didn't know yet what to make of it all.

The potion would work like Gold had said it would and allow Emma the free will to be how she wants to be. It was a still a risk, albeit a small one, but Emma was sure it would work. Hope in it after months of careful thought since knowing it was nearing time. Ready Emma had said to grow up. Emma's birthday cupcake wish made in secret on her behalf was shared in the P.S. on the back of the letter. That had been what brought more tears to their eyes reading it again in the privacy of this room. Regina knew this day would come eventually. Knew it when they had first come home upon the spell breaking. And again knew when she had tucked the potion away for safe keeping until Emma was ready, but she had not suspected ready to be this soon.

But were they ready for this turn of events? Was she? Then Mal's silky drawl asked in another way Regina was able to consider.

"What are you thinking about Emma's desire my love?"

Pausing with the smallest of smiles Queen gave game eyes to her Dragon. "I think we are going to need a renovation on our home."

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Emma fingered the bottle.

Clear sparkly serum looked harmless enough. Such a little thing that would change everything in one decision to swallow. 'More like three decisions,' she thought. The adult she was now had agreed to take the plunge for all of them. Ready for things to be how they needed to be. Ready to find herself again. Assured she had that this was what she needed. Told that to both her Moms.

Moms who sat on either side of her in support of her choice.

Uncorking it and staring at the opening, Emma closed her eyes. Remembering her wish made on a lone cupcake held in her Mama's hand and of her hope that had been tucked away that night and now ready to come into being. Vial to her lips it rested there for a moment in visualization. Then she threw her head back.

And swallowed.

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A/N - Oh yes I did… Any guesses as to what might happen?

Next time - I promise you a happy beginning!

See you Saturday!