Regina sighed and dragged a hand through her hair as she blinked a few times to readjust her eyes to the blinding light of her computer. The sudden chimes of her clock caused her to jump. She hated working late. It meant missing out on so much time with her growing family, but of course the town didn't really care.

"I put on another pot of coffee if you'd like." Attina offered a smile, not expecting one in return. She knew how the mayor loathed the late nights. All she could do was hope to make it a little easier by doing small things like making fresh coffee or trying to get the mayor to remember to eat.

The mayor checked the time on her watch and rubbed her hands over her face. Usually her family called to tell her goodnight by 7:30. It was now quarter to nine. Despite knowing Emma probably had things under control, she began to panic. "Did the phone ring at all?"

"I'm sorry, Madame Mayor. When I called a few hours ago to check on your family I got an angry toddler telling me that we are both, and I quote, 'poopy buttheads' and we are not getting any cake at her birthday before Leni hung up on me."

Cursing herself, Regina began to scan the list of what citizens thought was 'urgent'. How could she have been so stupid? Her girlfriend was pregnant and dealing with three kids, and she'd left her alone for over a week to plan Leni's birthday party by herself.

Attina hesitated before deciding to risk it. "If you take care of the emails from DA Spencer and from Mrs. Lucas, I will take care of the rest for tonight. You should go see your family before they forget what you look like."

Dealing with Spencer was easy enough. Regina was not afraid of him. She knew his weaknesses, and the easiest way currently was using his desire to see Emma and the children against him. Granny on the other hand, now she was afraid of her. The woman had access to Emma's mind like the other beasts, but chose to keep what she knew a secret, usually as leverage against Regina whenever she did something the older woman deemed wrong. As such, the end of her many attachments for plans to redesign and revamp her kitchen in the diner was the e-vite Emma had created for Zelena's party… tomorrow? Oh shit! How had so much time gotten away from her? No wonder her family hadn't called tonight. She had to get home!

Attina laughed as she saw the mayor hastily gathering her things in her dash towards the door. She knew exactly what Mrs. Lucas's email had contained. "Goodnight Madame Mayor."

Regina raced home only to find the house dark and locked up. There was a faint light behind the curtains of her bedroom window so she hoped Emma might still be awake. Grateful for the many nightlights around the house, she crept as quietly as possible up the stairs. Surprise turned to worry as she found each of her children's bedrooms empty. In a panic, she raced to her room and threw open the door. The sight took her breath away.

Emma groaned as bright light poured into her room from the hallway. She tried to move but gave up after a few seconds, steady hot little puffs of air reminding her that her toddler was asleep on top of her. She glanced to her left and smiled at the sight of Calista, arm thrown over Theo, laying curled up next to them. Glancing back at the door, she frowned. "Gina? What time is it?"

"Go back to sleep, my love. I'm just going to change." Regina made her way over to Emma and leaned down to place a gentle kiss on pale rose coloured lips. "I'll be right back."

The blonde waited for her girlfriend to return from the bathroom ready for bed before she gave a questioning look. "Your side is kind of occupied by small bodies."

Regina glanced over Emma to Calista and Theo cuddled into Emma's other side. It wouldn't be the first time that the children had squished one or both of them off the bed. Judging the space between Emma and the edge of the bed, she waited for the blonde's permission before scooting in next to her girlfriend. She rolled towards Emma and wrapped her arms around her love and their toddler. "I'm so sorry, my love."

"Mmm." Emma accepted the kiss before reaching up to lace the fingers of her right hand with Regina's left. "You'd better be. We've missed you…" She choked on a sob, trying not to wake her baby. "So, so much!"

"I'm here now. I'm so sorry, Em." Regina pulled herself as close to her girls as possible, hating herself for putting her family through this. "I'll make it up to you, somehow I will."

The morning found Regina nose to nose with Theo. Instead of her usual happy little boy, she was met with pensive, angry dark hazel eyes. "Morning?"

"No! You make Mama sad. You don't come home and make us all sad, but 'specially Mama. You don't love us no more."

"Oh, Theo, sweetheart. I do, I do love you all very much. Sometimes I just have to work real late a lot, but there is nowhere I'd rather be than with all of you. Your mama holds my heart. I will always love her."

Theo studied Regina's face, not ready to let her off the hook just yet. "She gots a baby growin' in her tummy. You mad? That why you don't wanna come home?"

Sighing, Regina carefully lifted Theo in her arms and stood up from the bed so they didn't disturb the others still sleeping. "I know all about Mama's baby. I could never be mad at her for that. I love each and every one of you, including the baby. I just have to work late sometimes to make sure the town stays safe and happy. I promise to do better. I'm sorry."

"You not wanna have Leni party? She three now!" Theo held up three fingers, double checking he had the right number up.

"I am very excited about Leni's birthday. She's a big girl now. Would you like to help me make breakfast?" Regina hoped the mention of food would distract her son.

Leni stirred in Emma's arms, having heard her mommy's voice. "No big guhl! Leni baby, Mama's baby!" She glared at Regina before burrowing down into Emma, ignoring the way her mama flinched beneath her. "No Mommy!"

"Leni, you will always be my baby." Emma sat up, adjusting the fierce grip her daughter had locked around her. "Mommy was working extra hard so she could make your birthday extra special. She even baked your cake last night."

Regina and Leni both looked at Emma in surprise, jaws dropped. The brunette was ready to deny it, not wanting to take credit for a cake just looking at her girlfriend she knew Emma had made, and it undoubtedly wasn't a box mix job either. Leni turned to look between her mommies, not really buying it.

"Mommy is making breakfast for you birthday, Leni! What you want?" Theo beamed excitedly at his sister, wanting to make her birthday perfect. He loved being a big brother.

"Mama?" Leni pressed her forehead into Emma's staring into green eyes.

Emma cupped her daughter's face, gently pushing back enough to lean up and kiss the tiny forehead instead. "Whatever you want, baby. It's Leni's day."

Zelena beamed before getting serious for a minute. "Me you baby?" At her mama's nod, she wiggled down to be level with her mama's tummy, lifting up the navy tank top to press a kiss to her belly. "Hi, baby! It Leni day, but you can come too. Only Leni Mama baby doh."

Regina watched her daughter wriggle off the bed and race off out of the room, presumably or hopefully rather, to go to the bathroom and get ready for the morning. "You told them?"

"Well, when you stopped coming home for dinner or bedtime and I was always rushing to the bathroom to be sick, they got concerned and started sleeping in here with me. Eventually Theo asked and we talked about it… a lot. Theo is very excited." Emma smiled at her son. "Leni, so long as she's reassured that she's still our baby she's usually okay. They like to talk to the baby. We read to the baby at bedtime now since we're all in here."

The mayor was a bit upset at missing out on telling Theo and Leni about the baby, but at least they knew now. She just hoped they could keep it a secret until Emma was ready to tell everyone else. She walked over and leaned down to kiss Emma. "I'm so sorry you had to do everything alone lately."

Emma rolled her eyes, sitting up slowly to avoid upsetting her nausea. She found if she moved slowly in the morning that she was less likely to be sick. "I know it comes with being mayor. We just miss you. You'd better go check on the birthday baby before she gets into trouble."

Leni darted into the room, clawing and climbing her way up onto the bed again, finding her spot on top of her mama again. "Wook Leni! Me Pwincess Maydah!"

"Of course you are, baby." Emma chuckled at the lopsided crown and how her daughter only had one arm in the princess costume. "Let Mama help you. Go into the bathroom."

Regina watched them disappear into the en-suite with a smile. "Breakfast, what do you think about pancakes and cinny toast?"

Theo cheered. It wasn't often they got cinny toast even though they asked for it almost every day. The cinnamon sugar jar was on the very top shelf of the spice cabinet. If they tried to get it, they couldn't have cinny toast for a long time. He knew Leni would love it too.

By the time breakfast was over and everyone was cleaned up and ready for the day, Kat and Fred had arrived to help Emma start setting up.

Kat looked her friend up and down, thoroughly unimpressed with Regina's lack of family focus lately. "If it isn't the elusive mayor. Glad you could join us."

"Mom, not today, please!"

"What, Emma? I'm just surprised to finally see her is all." Kat gave Regina a disapproving look before scooping Zelena from Emma's arms and kissing her all over her face. "Birthday kisses for the birthday girl. How's my princess today?"

Leni wriggled back to her mama's arms before smiling over at her grandma and waving her Merida wand. "Me Maydah! Leni day allllll day!"

"It is!" Fred leaned around his wife and kissed the girl's cheek before pulling Emma in for a hug. "Hey, Em. What do you need help with?"

Emma sighed and sank into his arms. "I have a whole list of small people foods and adult foods, but I just can't…" She looked down at her stomach, trying to will her nausea at the mere idea of food away. She knew her dad could handle the food, especially if it got him away from all the screaming pint sized terrors for a while.

"Emma, I can help." Regina pouted, hurt that Emma hadn't delegated anything to her yet.

"I know, I know, I'm trying to think." Groaning in frustration, she pulled up the list she'd assembled on her phone. "Um, Mal is bringing the bouncy castles. Ruby and Lily set up the games last night. If you want to set up the patio the bags are in the mud room closet, chairs and tables against the wall."

The party hadn't even started yet and Emma was already exhausted and needed a nap. Leni was clinging to her though, deciding birthday princesses got to be carried around all day. She knew her mother at least knew the decoration plans and would help Regina get everything setup properly.

"Ma-Emma?" Cali hoped the woman didn't catch her slip up. It was easier by the day to consider Emma and Regina her new parents, but until the papers came in there was still that chance and she didn't want to risk calling them moms until it was final. "Can we play catch outside?"

By eleven, the birthday party was in full swing. Most the town's toddler and preschoolers were tearing around the backyard screaming and playing. There was a table of snacks laid out, and most the adults were gathered around various tables talking. A glimmer of bright pink caught Emma's attention on her way back from her bathroom.

"Guests aren't allowed up here."

The blonde woman slowly turned towards Emma, leaving Zelena's door open. "I just had to see for myself."

Emma glared the woman down, feeling unsettled by this woman. "Who are you? You don't just go wandering around someone else's home without permission."

"I apologize, Princess. I am Glinda. I knew Zelena a long time ago."

"Glinda?" Emma pondered the name, let it roll around in her mind until it finally clicked. Glinda… The Wizard of Oz… if her baby was supposed to have been the wicked witch, thinking of her sweet baby she scoffed, then that meant Glinda was the 'good witch', Leni's rival. Panic rose inside the blonde as she felt her stomach roll at the idea this woman was here to hurt her baby. "This is a private party. You should go."

"I mean no harm. Your parents told me about Zelena. I just wanted to make sure she is happy now."

Regina appeared behind Emma, having sensed her anger flaring and knowing it wasn't her own, she poofed away mid conversation with Maleficent. "Emma? Are you alright?"

The savior glared at the intruder, leaning back slightly into Regina's arms. "This is Glinda… from Oz."

"Oh?" The mayor immediately stiffened, understanding why Emma was so angry all of a sudden. "My daughter is three today. We are celebrating her. If you even think about hurting her you won't make it back to your yellow brick road in one piece."

"No need for threats, Your Majesty." Glinda smirked, amused that the Evil Queen was raising her older sister turned toddler. "As I was explaining to Emma, I merely wanted to see her, see if she's happy. I must say, Zelena is quite changed. It's all I wanted for her was to find happiness, inner peace. You've both done remarkably. From your parents' account, I expected damnation and hellfire."

Emma sneered. "They're not my parents, and Leni is a baby. She has her second chance. We all do, including them. So please leave my daughter's birthday party and let us celebrate in peace. You are her past, never again her present or future."

Glinda nodded, not surprised the woman was upset. By all accounts, Zelena was now a happy, healthy little girl who had plenty of love and attention. The Charmings were happy and healthy in Oz. She missed adult Zelena sometimes, before the woman had decided evil and revenge was the only pathway. Seeing the little one run around with her friends and siblings so carefree and happy, she knew this was best for everyone though.

"I believe it's time you go back where you came from."

All three turned to look at Lily who was leaning against the wall studying them with seeming indifference, but Emma knew her friend was just waiting to pounce on the foreign blonde. Regina recognized the emotions swirling through the girl's eyes. Lily really was her mother's daughter.

"I am glad she found her happiness." Glinda easily bypassed the women and descended the stairs. She contemplated going to talk to Zelena, but decided the risk of being obliterated too great. With a sigh, she turned towards the front door, ready to return home.

Emma caught up with her at the end of the driveway. "I, um, could you maybe ask Snow if she had any weird cravings with me or maybe just what being pregnant with me was like?" She may not want anything to do with Snow anymore. Her mother was Kat. The desire to know about Snow's pregnancy with her was too strong to not risk asking though.

The good witch nodded, pleased that Emma asked. "I'll ask and be in touch. Keep taking care of Zelena. You're doing phenomenal."

With a cloud of light pink smoke, the woman disappeared, leaving Regina to watch her girlfriend from the threshold. "You wish to talk to Snow?"

Emma spun around and headed back to Regina, shrugging and not making eye contact. "I can live without it."

"No, Emma, if you want to talk to her you should. No one is expecting you to welcome her back open arms or for her to become your mother, but I can only imagine how special it would be to hear about and compare pregnancies with her. If it's something you'd like, I can try and make it happen." Regina wrapped her arms around Emma's waist, pulling her girlfriend forward to feel their baby pressed against her. She was pleased as punch to know what was hidden beneath the oversized green plaid shirt. "I love you." Leaning forward, she closed the small distance and pressed a hungry kiss to pink lips.

"Mama? Mama!" The pair broke apart as Leni's shouting grew nearer. "MAMA!" Leni excitedly raced to her mommies and raised her arms to be picked up. "Pway Leni ous-side!"

Once lunch was served and the kids had gotten a chance to whack the piñata, which Theo cracked wide open and proceeded to show off his muscles afterwards, the kids all demanded cake. Regina was excited to see what Emma had made.

The blonde brought out a three tiered stunning Brave inspired cake with Merida at the very top. Kat was next to her placing three green candles in the cake. Watching the scene as Zelena wriggled up in front of Emma to stare in awe at her cake, she flicked her wrist and lit the candles before Kat could even move to ignite the lighter in her hand. Calista and Theo flanked the women on either side and Regina could hardly control the joy bursting from her heart at the fact this was her family.

"Make a wish!" Calista encouraged her sister who was too in awe of the cake to pay attention to the candles.

"Yeah, gotta make a wish!" Theo agreed, leaning in to help Leni blow out the candles.

Fred was designated photographer and caught a few great shots of his family gathered around as Leni squeezed her eyes shut and blew out the candles. It took everyone literally no time to tear through the cake, leaving barely enough for the Swans to have some later. Emma brought the remaining cake back into the fridge before being dragged back outside to help the princess start opening her gifts.

Leni sat between her mothers, happily swinging her dangling legs from her green chair as she was handed present after present. Because her mama said so, she had to thank everyone after every gift, even if they gave her clothes. Soon she was surrounded by a pile of gifts taller than she was and a whole lot of wrapping paper.

"That's it, baby. What do you say?" Emma couldn't help but be proud of herself that the plush Merida doll she had gotten Leni was cuddled in close to the toddler.

"Me tanks you, and you, and you, and you." Leni pointed all around the crowd before bending down to pick up a small Sven doll and handing it to Theo. "For you." She picked up a book with a puppy on the front and handed it to Cali. "For you." The little one turned to her mama. "Leni share. So good! You see me?"

Emma laughed, reaching over to tickle her baby's belly. "Yes, Princess, I saw. Mommy and I are very proud of you. Go play with your friends and your bouncy castle while we put your toys away."

Leni turned to hug her mommy and then her mama.

"Me to castle first be pwincess." Zoey stuck her tongue out at Leni before racing off for the bouncy castle which prompted the other kids to follow suit since there were no more toys or cake.

"Hey no fair! Me pwincess Leni day!" Leni wriggled down from her chair and paused to look at her mama. "Me gotta go. You 'nerstan."

The pair watched Leni race off as they laughed. Oh they understood alright. They understood that growing up with Leni was always going to be an adventure. Regina waved her hand and all the gifts were upstairs in the playroom and the garbage from the day neatly bagged and tied up, ready for trash day.

A few people left, but a good majority decided to stay and let their children run off their energy while trying to get any gossip-worthy info on the most prominent, powerful couple in Storybrooke. Emma paid them no mind, happily sitting between Regina's legs resting back on her girlfriend as they enjoyed one of the free lounge chairs under a large tree.

"Emma, Regina, you're going to want to pay attention." Mal loved seeing them together so calm and relaxed, especially with how stressed Emma had been the last few weeks planning Leni's party. "Ruby is back."

"Back? She went somewhere?" Regina looked at Emma in confusion as they sat up. They stared in confusion as both Kat and Fred had their phones out and aimed at the children.

"Wuby!" Leni raced over to her wolf once the woman reappeared. She started to drag the brunette to the bouncy castle but was stopped short.

"Leni, I was sent to find a very special present by your mommies. You ready?" Leni nodded and Ruby smiled. "Close your eyes, babe." Once the girl's eyes were closed and Ruby was sure she wasn't peeking, she motioned for Merida to come over. "Alright, one the count of three open your eyes. One-"

"TWEE!" Leni immediately dropped her hands from her eyes before her jaw dropped open. She dared not blink in case the sight of her second favourite person in the world would disappear on her.

Calista slowly crept over to her little sister after Leni didn't move. She expected the fiery toddler to immediately charge at her favourite princess and tackle her in a hug like Leni was known to do. She hadn't expected frozen in shock.

"Dat Maydah." Leni whispered in awe, pointing at the woman in front of her.

"It is." Cali smiled and reached for a little hand. "Let's go say hi." She led her sister over to the woman with the truly wild, curly red hair sporting a teal dress and a bow with a quiver of arrows. "This is Leni. It's her birthday."

Merida smiled down at the girls before giving a full curtsey. "And the fairest birthday girl this side of DunBroch. M'lady, I am Merida."

Leni squealed and launched herself at the woman. "Me Leni! Oh wow! You Maydah!" Leni held tight to Merida and turned to look for her mama. "Mama, it Maydah!"

"I see that, baby. Did you show her your outfit?"

"Oh!" The toddler placed both hands on her chest and looked down at Merida's face on her gown. "See, me Maydah! Maydah dwess and shoes and me crown. Me lots Maydah toys!" The one thing she didn't have was the bow and arrows. Her mommy said not til she was bigger.

Merida felt slightly embarrassed and put on the spot. Ruby had explained Disney to her, but she hadn't realized just how much this little girl idolized her. "Wee lil me."

Squealing again, Leni bounced excitedly and turned to her sister. "Dis Lissie. She me sister. Tio in da castle. You bounce?" Before the woman could answer, she was dragging both Merida and Calista off towards the bouncy castle.

Ruby made her way over to Emma, who was crying in Regina's arms. Her face dropped the smile. "Emma?"

"Hormones." Regina waved off the wolf's concern as she held Emma. "Thank you for making that possible. It's the perfect gift."

Emma tried to laugh, but through the tears it came out more of a crackling struggle to breathe. "Wait til we have to try and top it next year."

Brown eyes widened as Regina's face morphed into shock. "We are supposed to try and top our daughter meeting and playing with her favourite princess ever?"

"Yeah, good luck." Ruby darted off to find her friend and make sure Leni wasn't too rough on her. She knew that once Merida gave Leni her mini bow and suction cup tipped arrows that it would be over. There'd be no topping her first birthday as a Swan ever.

EZEZEZ

Emma leaned back against the cushion propped up against the tree and smiled at the sight of Regina chasing around their children. It never failed to overflow her heart with joy at seeing her loves interacting.

"You happy?"

Looking over at Lily, the blonde nodded, face still beaming. "You?"

Lily shrugged. "I've got my mom and you, which is all I've ever wanted. I've got nieces and nephews." The brunette leaned over and poked the slight swell beneath the flowy sage peasant top Emma was wearing. "There's going to be a new magical bean soon. Regina's not so bad."

"Oh whatever." Emma scoffed at her friend, knowing the two had become close friends since everything with Henry had happened. "I can't believe I've now got a third grader and a first grader. Ugh, soon Leni will be in school."

"Don't get all weepy about it. You've got that one," Lily nodded towards Emma's stomach. "Besides, Zelena is never leaving you. You'll never have an empty nest."

Emma was about to reply to her friend's teasing when Theo ran over with a small group of boys around his age. She quirked a brow as Theo plopped down next to her and put his hand on her stomach.

"My new sibling is in there. I told you my mama is havin' a baby."

Lily doubled over laughing as the group of five year olds piled on and around Emma, lifting up her shirt to see the baby and ask questions that had Emma's face beet red, the blonde speechless.

"How did a baby get in there?"

"How are babies made?"

"Is it gonna be a boy?"

"Does Mayor Regina know you got a baby in there? Tommy's mom had his sister in there and his daddy didn't know. He was so mad."

"Why don't you go ask Mayor Regina these questions? She would love to answer them." Lily chortled with glee as the boys scrambled up and off to find the mayor.

Emma just rolled her eyes. "I'm surprised they managed not to tell anyone for three weeks. The first thing Leni does when I pick her up from Lydia's after getting her snuggles is lift my shirt up to talk to the baby."

"Mmhm." Lily knew how much reassurance the toddler needed about still being her mama's baby. "How is Calista handling it?"

The blonde sighed and ran a hand through her hair. "Okay, you win. The girls are struggling a bit. Theo is just overjoyed. He loves being a big brother. He has such a good heart. I think Cali will feel more secure and at ease once the adoption papers come through. It's just gonna take time and some work to fully earn her trust. We've both been where she has."

The pair looked across the park to where Calista was sitting on a platform for the jungle gym talking to Leni, what seemed like an intense conversation. Emma noticed Regina standing not far from the girls, watching before she was distracted by Theo and his little friends.

"Leni?" The little redhead looked up at her sister, head tilted at her. Sometimes the girl reminded Calista of a puppy. "I'm scared."

"Sohmbody hurted you? Me gets dem."

Cali quickly grabbed her sister and pulled her back down. "No, nobody hurt me. I'm just scared about the baby."

"Oh." Leni nodded before scooting closer to the girl. "It 'kay. Mama say so."

"Of course she says so. But when mommies have their own babies they send the other kids who aren't theirs back."

Leni shook her head no, scoffing at the notion. "My Emmama good. Me not grow her tummy but she love me. Me gets mad atimes before Mama me gets hurted and sad lots. No one want Leni, but den Mama finded me and she loves me."

"You're little and cute."

"Me knows." Leni's face split into a Cheshire grin, swaying happily. "Me not always has Mama doh. She finded me in basset and love me. Love me even wif you and Tio. Mama and Mommy loves us. We not go."

Calista pondered that for a while. Emma and Regina still loved Leni even after they brought her and Theo home. They got all new stuff, things they never had before. They still got love and cuddles and food even though they sometimes got in trouble. Maybe there would still be enough room for Emma and Regina to keep loving them.

"Asides, you Swan now wike me and Mama and Mommy. Can't go back. Me neber going back so you not eider."

"I want to be excited for the baby, but I'm still scared." Cali stared at her hands in her lap until she found herself staring at Leni's upside down face. The toddler had crawled over and was trying to capture her attention. She just laughed. "You're silly."

"It 'kay be scared. Mama hugs make better. Come." Leni took her sister's hand and wouldn't take no for an answer as she headed off the playset for her mama.

Lydia and Ana inadvertently stepped in their way causing both girls to stop. Ana smiled down at them. "Where are you two off in such a hurry? We're supposed to be celebrating your moving up. What grade are you going to be in now, Calista?"

Cali blushed and shrugged, looking away. "Third, and we were just going to find Emma."

"We go see da baby!"

"What baby, Len?" Lydia smirked at the toddler, reaching down to tickle her tummy. It was an unusually warm day for the end of May, nearly in the seventies, and the tot was taking full advantage with her green little crop top and little matching ruffle bloomers allowing her entire tummy to be on display.

Leni rolled her eyes and pointed to her mama. "Baby in Mama tummy."

"Yup. We're getting a baby for Christmas." Calista let Leni lead her to the next person in their path to Emma. "Emma's gonna have a baby. We're gonna be big sisters!"

"Me still da baby doh." Leni smiled and left the man for the next person, the pair excitedly telling everyone in their vicinity about the baby.

The more people Calista told about the baby the more she truly did feel excited about it. She was still slightly worried, but happiness pushed it to the back of her mind. Nothing they had done so far had gotten them sent back. Emma and Regina had promised they were staying. It wouldn't hurt to keep trusting them to stick to their word. They were going to be Swans soon, and the little baby was just going to make a whole duck pond.

"Hey babes." Emma pulled her girls down into her lap atop the soft quilt. "What have you been up to?" She pulled out the sunscreen and quickly sprayed both children knowing how much Leni hated it.

Leni let Calista snuggle closer to her mama while she leaned back a bit and smiled up at Emma. "We telled people about da baby so Lissie not scared no more."

Emma held Cali close and rocked gently back and forth. "The baby changes nothing. You and Theo are our children."

"I know." Cali snuggled in closer to Emma. "It's just hard to believe."

The older blonde knew. She had been in Calista's spot dozens of times, except none of her homes had worked out after the baby was announced. Once those damn papers finally came in formally and legally making them a family she was going to throw a huge party for the kids, for them all. Regardless of what a piece of paper said, she already felt Theo and Cali were Swans, but the papers were needed for her oldest to finally be able to relax and feel at home.

"Gammy here! Me tells her!" Leni scrambled up and raced off in the direction of Kathryn, oblivious to the giggles she had caused.

"I really am happy about the baby," Cali insisted barely above a whisper as she twirled one of Emma's curls around her fingers. "Why didn't you tell me Leni was 'The Basket Girl'?"

Sighing, Emma rubbed Calista's back. "Zelena isn't fond of remembering the day she came here. Being put in a basket and sent down the river and moving through realms because you feel so unwanted and unloved wouldn't be easy on anyone. Besides, she's Leni just as you are Calista. How she got here isn't important, just that she did."

Blushing, Cali nodded. She would hate it if people referred to her as 'The Rejected One' or pretty much anything but her name. Orphan wasn't who she was. "Can I go tell people about the baby, maybe my friends from class?"

"Of course, babe. Just do not send them over here to touch the baby!" Emma cracked a smile which had her daughter bursting out laughing before she ran off back towards the playset to share the news.

It didn't take long for Calista to come running back over to Emma with a little redheaded girl wearing a swim top and shorts. "Emma, this is Jessie."

Smiling, Emma got up after a small struggle, which caused both girls to giggle, and held out her hand. "I've heard a lot about you, Jessie. I'm Emma, Cali's mom."

"You really got a baby in there?" Jessie pointed to the blonde's stomach which didn't seem big enough to fit a baby.

"Yes, Ma'am."

Jessie studied the blonde, trying to figure out how before looking at her friend. "You want a Theo or a Leni?"

Cali shrugged and looked up at Emma. She hadn't actually thought about it like that yet. She loved Theo and she loved Leni. They were very different little kids, and she didn't want to pick between them. She looked at Emma to see if she had an answer.

"I think right now we just want the baby to be healthy. The baby hasn't had enough time to grow yet to figure out what it's going to be."

"Oh." Jessie immediately frowned before reaching for her friend's hand. "You just got two new kids. Why do you need another one? You won't have enough time and mamas gotta have time for their kids."

Emma could see the instant panic spreading through Calista so she picked her daughter up, disregarding the glare Lily was giving her. "We didn't plan the baby, so we are all nervous and excited." She leaned Cali back to stare into dark brown eyes. "I will always have time for all my children. Always. It might be hard at times, but we will make it work."

Calista nodded and buried her face in Emma's neck. "Because we're family."

"That's right, bud. We're family. Now, how about you show me your favourite thing to play?"

The little blonde reluctantly released her limbs from around Emma, but kept a tight hold on her hand as she and Jessie headed for the tall lookout tower with the winding staircase and giant slide. Emma did her best to chase after them and join in their game, random little ones constantly bumping into her or asking about the baby.

They were playing a pretty intense game of pretend when Emma noticed Jimmy coming over. She itched to intervene before the boy could ruin her baby's day, but she knew Calista was more than capable of handling herself so she forced herself to stay put.

Jimmy side-eyed Calista's mother as he walked over to the girls. He was nervous, but he had to make friends with them. Tapping on Cali's shoulder, he waited for both girls to turn around, quickly noting the wariness clouding over their joy from moments ago. "Hi."

"Hi?" Calista eyed the bully before glancing at Emma who just nodded. She knew her mother was leaving it up to her, but she was there if needed. It gave her the confidence to talk to Jimmy.

"Um, so what are you playing?"

Jessie rolled her eyes and shook her head. "You did not just come to ask what we are playing. What do you want?"

Emma felt her approval of her daughter's friend growing immensely. Cali needed strong friends like Jessie. She chuckled at how the little one's sass reminded her of Zelena. Must come with the redhead territory, feisty as all get out.

"Um, well, I…" Jimmy shot a glance at Emma who didn't seem very impressed with him. He sighed and shrugged. "I heard your new parents were having a baby."

"Yeah, so?" Calista folded her arms across her chest, trying to prevent her from attacking him if he started making fun of her again. She couldn't very well beat him up in front of Emma.

Jimmy took a step towards the girls. "Nothing. I just know it's awesome as much as it sucks." He quickly glanced at the tall blonde. "Sorry. Babies change everything though."

Calista had no problem stepping up so she was nose to nose with the boy. "Look, that's my little brother or sister. You don't get to say it sucks, okay? I love Emma and Regina, and I love the little baby growing in Emma's tummy. I know it sucks, but they promised to have enough love for us all and still spend time with everyone because we are a family. I've been a big sister most my life. Babies are cute and cuddly, sure, but I know Emma and Regina wouldn't lie to me. They actually love me. I'm a Swan and so is the baby, which means forever love."

"You're lucky." Jimmy took a step back and held up his hand towards Cali in the small space between them. "I'm sorry I made fun of you and hurt you."

Without even looking at Emma to confirm what she should do, Cali bypassed the hand and hugged Jimmy. She had no clue what changed in such a short time, but it took lots of guts to come apologize. She hated holding a grudge anyways.

Jimmy hugged back and smiled at them both, blushing as he noticed Emma watching them closely. "Wanna come play freeze tag with us?"

"Go on, bud. I'm gonna go see if I can get your sister to hold still for five minutes for more sunscreen." Emma smiled as the three ran off to the open field on the other side of the playground where a bunch of kids were playing. Her babies all had such kind hearts.

Leni thought it was the absolute best game being chased by her mother around the park. She wasn't so fond of being sprayed again with sunscreen though. "Mama, no!"

"Mama, yes! The sun hurts your skin. Everyone needs sunscreen. If you don't wear it, you can't play outside. Now, Mama really wants some watermelon. How about Leni?"

"Theo does!" Theo pounced on the pair before leaning up to get his kiss from his mama. "Where is it?"

Emma scanned the park trying to determine where they were in relation to the mass line of coolers storing fruits, snacks, and drinks. Noticing Regina nearby the end of the row talking to her mother, she used a bit of magic to make her craving for watermelon rage through the brunette.

Regina paused mid-sentence with her friend at the sudden urge to consume all the watermelon the town had to offer. If she wanted the sweet fruit this badly that must mean Emma wanted it something fierce. Looking around, she finally caught sight of Emma sitting on the ground with their son and daughter in her lap all smiling impishly at her.

"Regina?"

"Sorry. Emma wants watermelon, and I suspect this craving will not diminish until she gets it."

Kat just chuckled as she set about making a bowl piled full of fruit for her daughter and grandbabies. "Just imagine, you've got about seven more months of this."

Regina just smiled as she studied her family. She would do absolutely anything for them. Emma would probably have her running around like a mad woman at three in the morning soon to satisfy whatever cravings she had, but it was worth it. Sharing in the pregnancy like this felt like the ultimate gift. "Can't wait!"

EZEZEZEZ

Henry sighed as his alarm blared. He crossed the room to shut it off, having been up for a few hours now. It was his birthday today, and instead of being with his family, he was locked down in this school without anyone here for him.

"Henry?"

"You need to be in your room next to your bed for morning check." Henry sighed as the little boy's bottom lip quivered. "Carter, we can talk in mess hall, but if you aren't in your room for check then your entire cabin is responsible for latrine duty."

The younger boy pouted, but shuffled back to his room, anxiously trying to contain himself until he saw Henry in the mess hall.

Carter was beyond excited to spend some time with Henry today. Once he located the older boy in the mess hall, he took his tray right over and plopped down across from him. "Happy Birthday, Henry!"

The brunette grumbled as he shoved a forkful of scrambled eggs into his mouth. Instead of waking up to chocolate chip pancakes, bacon, a new videogame, and a stack of new comics he was stuck here in school having to turn twelve without his family.

"I made you something." Carter proudly produced the 3-D cake he'd made out of construction paper. It had paper candles and everything. "After you get to talk to your moms, Dr. Langston talked to Corporal McAdams and got us special permission to spend the day in the library if you'd like."

"I'll think about it, kid." Henry got up and dumped the rest of his breakfast into the trashcan before stomping off to his room.

Carter stared after his friend, a pout quickly forming on his face, but Henry had taken the present he'd made him so the boy counted it as a win. Henry wasn't the friendliest boy at school, bu that just made the little blonde want to try all the harder to be his friend. He knew Henry could be pretty cool when he wasn't sulking and angry.

Henry retreated to his room, tempted to slam the door shut, but he knew that would only earn him punishments and loss of his video call to his mothers today. He so wanted to see them. Dr. Langston said the call wasn't until late morning so he had a long time to sit and wait.

Private James Regan had been assigned to Cadet Mills shortly after his arrival to watch his behaviour when not in structured activities. He knew it was the boy's first birthday from home. He'd seen how upset Mills was today, so he hoped the small treat he was able to acquire would at least brighten his mood a bit., not totally since there was little hope of that, but just enough to get him to smile a bit.

"What?"

"Mills, that is not how you address a superior officer." Regan sharply addressed the boy, smiling when brown eyes finally connected to his and Henry sat up.

Shrugging, Henry slowly stood up, not sure what Jimmy wanted. "Sorry, Sir. I was told I had the day to myself today."

"You do." James walked over and sat on the edge of Henry's bed, encouraging the younger male to follow suit. "Firsts are always hard. I just wanted to see how you were doing."

"It sucks, man. I should be home, with my moms, everyone celebrating and having a party, lots of presents. My mom always made me a cake and got ice cream from Any Given Sundae. We'd go over to Aunt Kat's house and go swimming."

Jimmy just shook his head at the brooding boy. "You have good parents, kid. You're lucky. Maybe today will be good for you to sit and think about why you're here instead and what you're going to do from now on."

Henry threw himself back down on his bed. He knew why he was here. No one ever let him forget no matter how often he said sorry, and he was sorry. He never wanted to hurt his mom or Emma.

It took Henry a good two hours of brooding and sulking before he'd had enough and sat up, nearly kicking a small white box off his bed. Looking around at the empty room, he came back to stare at the box suspiciously.

"What the-?"

Lifting the lid off the box sat a small chocolate cupcake with vanilla frosting, blue sprinkles, and a blue star candle. It reminded him of the night he'd finally met Emma. Not knowing what to do, he stared at the cupcake, unsure what kind of message this was supposed to be.

"Henry, it's almost time to talk to your mothers." Dr. Langston eyed Henry as the boy jumped before shutting the lid to the box quickly and dashing out of bed. Against his better judgment, he left the box in lieu of following the youngster to his office.

Patience was never Henry's strong suit. He paced the length of the couch until the iPad finally rang, diving over the furniture to accept the call. Grin splitting his face as the familiar image of his brunette mother came into view. "Mom!"

"Hello, Henry. Happy birthday."

"Thanks!" Henry sat properly on the sofa, pulling the tablet into his lap. "How's everything?"

Regina glanced behind her to the couch where Emma was napping with Zelena and Theo. Cali was quietly watching some program on NatGeo Kids. "Things are… good. A bit hectic, but we're all well."

"You really play with kittens now? You're not the mayor anymore?" Emma's statement about his stern, ever serious mother abandoning ruling her town in favour of playing with animals just didn't connect for him.

Blushing, Regina gave a small smile to her son. "I help run the animal shelter. It's been very rewarding to me and makes me happy. I still am the mayor, but I have an assistant now who I am learning to delegate things to. Emma taught me that my happiness is attainable if I'm willing to look for it, and I think I've finally found it."

Henry's shoulders slumped at that. "You mean you're happy without me."

"No, Henry. I will always love you. You are my son, my oldest child. I miss you, but this is the best for everyone. You know this. You are finally making some progress finding yourself and your own happiness too. It may not be what either of us ever envisioned, but it is the reality of the situation."

Shoulders slumped as Henry nodded. "I'm trying, I really am. I wish I could be home though. You always made my birthday awesome."

Regina smiled, happy with the knowledge her son didn't hate everything she'd tried to do for him. "Well, maybe one year if you've shown enough progress, Emma and I can visit on your birthday."

"Huh?" Emma groaned and shifted, becoming semi-conscious as Regina's conversation floated to her. "R'gina?"

"In here, darling."

Emma carefully extracted herself off the couch without waking up her children, which was a feat in itself because Zelena had become very adamant about napping directly on top of her, listening to her heartbeat to fall asleep. She ruffled Cali's hair before making her way over to her girlfriend.

Henry's jaw dropped at the sight of his blonde mother. It wasn't the fact she was in an emerald green bikini top and tiny shorts or the amount of pale skin on display. No, it was the swell of her stomach that caught his attention. Despite all the junk food Emma ate, she always had a six pack before. His jaw dropped open.

"Hey." Emma dropped a kiss on bright red lips before sleepily focusing on what her wife was doing. Shit! She cursed inwardly as Henry's blurry outline became crystal clear, the fog of sleep clearing instantly. "Henry!"

"Ma… you… you're…" Henry stammered to string together the sentence.

"I am." Emma nervously glanced at Regina looking for guidance. They hadn't planned on telling him about the baby so soon, especially not on his birthday.

"I, wow…" Henry's mouth opened and closed a few times before settling into a frown.

"Look, kid. It happened. We weren't expecting it, but it did. This isn't how or when we wanted you to find out. This is supposed to be us wishing you happy birthday, so happy birthday."

Henry nodded, openly staring at Emma's stomach in silence for a few minutes. "Do you know what it is yet?"

Regina squeezed Emma's hand. Surely this was a good sign. Henry wasn't flying off the handle or storming out. "Not yet. It's still a bit too early for that."

"How, um, how are you spending today, kid?"

The preteen shrugged. "So far it's just another day, though someone did leave me a cupcake that looks eerily similar to the one you had when I met you."

Emma nodded, remembering the cupcake she didn't even get a chance to eat. "That marked a new beginning in my life. You should think of your cupcake in the same way, a new beginning. Find someone to share it with and move forward."

The trio talked for a bit more before Calista walked over, wrapping her arms around Emma's waist and snuggling in. It was Henry's first glance at his other sister. He swore that his mothers couldn't have found kids more perfectly a blend of themselves if they tried.

"Kid, this is Calista. Cali, this is Henry."

The little blonde girl barely spared the boy a glance, looking up to Emma instead. "Is it time to go yet?"

"Just a bit longer, bud. Promise." Emma leaned down and kissed Cali's forehead before looking up at Henry, surprised he wasn't angry or bitter.

"I really fucked up." Henry ignored his mothers scolding his language. "I could have had it all." He looked at Cali, sensing she was his blonde mother's kindred spirit. "Take care of them. They're the best."

Cali smiled at her mothers before looking at Henry for the first time, really looking at him. "I know."

Henry looked between the three before finding sea green eyes. "I'm happy for you guys… really. I'm sorry." His shoulders slumped as it finally clicked the magnitude of everything he'd lost. He may be lucky to still have visits with his mothers, but he had lost his place in the family. He'd never get to show his brother the cool comics or protect his sister from bullies. He had been the bully. His thoughts drifted to the cupcake and then to Carter. Mentoring Carter just might be his first true step in his new journey.

"Henry, you know we love you, right?"

Brown eyes met soft brown ones, nodding at the women. "I know, Mom, and I love you too. I hope you'll let me know what the baby is when you find out."

Emma nodded, unable to believe how staggering a change their son had just made. She was proud of him, and a little heartbroken for her lost child. He looked so lost, just like she had been most her life. She had to believe he would figure it all out though. They hadn't abandoned him. He still had them, and an entire school full of help. "Enjoy your day, Hen. Try and have fun."

Henry disconnected the call and took a few deep breaths, trying to process it all.

"How are you feeling?"

"I… I think I have somewhere to be." Henry smiled at the doctor before heading to his room to grab the cupcake. He had a little buddy to cheer up and spend his birthday with.