25
Love Everlasting
Belle had been nursing a backache all morning. She supposed it wasn't uncommon, given she was now the size of a watermelon, and it was difficult to see her feet and to get up and down from a seated position. The seasons had turned four times since learning she was pregnant, winter into spring, then summer and now it was a blustery fall day. The live oaks and maples had altered their fine green gowns to majestic gold, crimson, and orange hues. Outside all the animals were busy harvesting the bounty of the autumn, squirrels and birds hoarding away nuts against the winter chill and rabbits, raccoons, and even the well bred horses were growing in winter coats.
Belle normally loved autumn, she loved the crisp smell of the air, the crackle of leaves when she walked across the grass or in the garden, gathering apples, pears, and pumpkins to bake in pies, breads, and soups. Making popcorn near the fire and curling up on the sofa by the fire with a good book. However, her pregnancy only allowed her to do a few of those activities, limiting her walking to a few turns around the arbor if it wasn't too chilly, she was informed that she could stand no more than two hours before needing to put her feet up, as they were achy and slightly swollen, so baking was something to be hurried through and not as enjoyable. The one thing that hadn't changed was her reading habits. She now had more time than ever to read or play board games with her family. It was also next to impossible to get comfortable at night, so she spent a good portion of the night ensconced in a large chair in her sitting room, reading until her eyes shut, with a soft mohair blanket tucked about her by her beloved husband.
That morning, Belle wanted to finish the book she had been reading, and so hurried through her simple breakfast of oatmeal, cinnamon, cream, and apples. She plumped up her rocking chair with several pillows and sat down, turning to the last chapter, where Scout, the former outlaw, was engaged in an argument with the sheriff over who had stolen a herd of 's lady, Rose, was also there, trying to defend her husband's innocence.
Belle wanted to see if the hard hearted sheriff listened, and part of her wished that Rumple were in the story so he could defend Scout. At that moment, Rumple was in Silver Falls, in court prosecuting a skinny, sallow, nasty schoolteacher by the name of Mr. Grimes. Grimes was being accused by the parents of one Mason Dougherty and two others for being unfair to their children, sneering and humiliating them during class and blaming them unfairly when things went wrong and punishing them with switchings and extra homework instead of finding the real culprits. This had been going on since the spring term and apparently the parents had all they could take of the obnoxious and cruel demagogue. So now they were suing the teacher for practicing cruel methods of teaching and favoritism, for Grimes allowed the children of the more prominent and rich citizens of Silver Falls to get away with murder.
Rumple had been swift to agree to take the case, for he had refused to send Aurelia back for a fall session because of her chilling reports, though Grimes was careful to never insult or hurt the Duke of Avalon's daughter. Or her betrothed Shane Hopper. Rumple decided that Aurelia could be tutored by Belle in the fall, and then he had listened to the angry parents and agreed to legally represent them in court. If there was one thing Mr. Gold hated it was a bully, especially one who hurt children.
He had gone off on Victorious this morning dressed in his attorney's robes with a merry heart, Belle thought with a fond smile, her duke ready to do battle against the lonely and oppressed. She prayed he would win this case, for the last thing Silver Falls needed was a cruel teacher dividing the students after the horrors endured with the Jolly Roger gang.
Rubbing her back, she settled in the rocking chair, and sweet Alanna came and nestled on her chest, purring happily, while Belle read about Lady Rose giving the sheriff what for. She had just gotten to the part where Scout and Rose were on a quest to find the true thieves when her back spasmed mightily. Heaving a sigh, Belle stirred, and Alanna gracefully jumped to the ground and meowed at her mistress plaintively.
"Oh all right," she smiled at the calico. "I'll get you some cheese."
Belle waddled into the kitchen to slice off a small amount for the begging feline, then decided that since her back wasn't going to let her rest, she would bake some pumpkin bread. By the time she finished it, the annoying false labor pangs would go away. Cuisinaire came in from gathering some potatoes from the cellar, and said to his mistress, "Milady Avalon, do you wish to request a pot of tea. Or a scone?"
"No, I'm going to bake some pumpkin bread."
Cuisnaire's eyebrows rose into his thick black hair. But he had been informed by Mr. Gold that if Belle wished to bake she ought to be allowed to do so, and so he humored her. "My kitchen, madam, is at your service," he gestured grandly.
Belle laughed, then said, "I promise not to wreck it too much, Monsiuer." Then she began to gather what she needed.
By the time she had measured and mixed and poured the batter into two pans, Cuisinaire had a pot of chicken bouillabase simmering on the stove. He assisted her in putting the pans into the wall oven to bake, then said, "I shall watch them, milady. We can eat it this afternoon with tea."
Belle felt a feeling of accomplishment. She could hardly wait to taste some, and looked forward to Rumple having some also when he came home. I wonder how he's doing? I hope his case goes well. A rippling wave seemed to encase her lower back and then surge around her belly. She gasped. That was no false contraction! That was a real one! I'm in labor!
"Milady, is something the matter?"
She peered at her chef. "Well . . . no . . . except . . . I need you to send Chip to fetch Mr. Gold. And Dr. Malcolm. Because the baby is coming!"
Cuisinaire turned the color of old cheese. "I . . . I . . . mon Dieu!" he stammered. Then he raced out the back door shouting for Chip.
Page~*~*~*~Break
"Dr. Malcolm! Dr. Malcolm!' a breathless Chip pounded on the door to the small office the doctor had in town.
"Where's the fire, lad?"Jamie queried, coming out of the print shop just next door. He was dressed today in his formal Highland wear-a brown and green plaid kilt, leather sporran, shoes and white shirt and brown vest.
"It's milady Avalon!" Chip told him. "I was sent to fetch the doc. 'Tis time, sir!"
"Ah. A moment, lad," Jamie went around to the back and opened the door. "Claire!" he yelled.
'I'm not deaf, you big lunk!" his wife returned spiritedly. "I'm in the middle of a delicate part in making this medicine."
"Never mind your medicines, Sassenach," her husband said in his distinct Highland accent, as he came from the free tribes that inhabited the Heather Hills to the northeast. "The lad out front says Belle's time is nigh. Best get your bag and hie yerself t' Rose Heart."
'I'll be right there," huffed his wife, and muttered something about babies having the worst timing. She gave the cauldron one last stir before taking it off the flames. Hopefully the extra steeping time wouldn't ruin the draft. Then she went to grab her shawl, a book, and her medical satchel.
Her husband entered her office, and picked up a brown earthenware jug. "I'd best accompany you. Rumple will need some support, ye ken."
Claire rolled her eyes. "Oh, aye," mimicked his accent. "Is that what you're callin' heather ale now, Jamie Malcolm?"
"In times o' turmoil, Sassenach, there's nothing to beat Highland whiskey," Jamie laughed. Then he strode out the door, whistling, to lock up his shop.
Page~*~*~*~Break
"Is it true, Mr. Grimes, that you elected to blame young Geordie Bishop for putting a mouse in Mary Albright's desk, yet you yourself didn't see this occur? Nor did any other student?" Rumple queried softly. His amber eyes glinted.
The teacher glowered. "Mr. Bishop is a known troublemaker. Therefore I assumed-"
"You assumed," Rumple stressed. "However assumption is not proof of guilt. In fact, did not the truth come out after you had already whipped the boy you assumed was guilty, that it was actually Mr. Markham who put the mouse in the desk?'
Mr. Grimes harrumphed. "Mr. Markham comes from a fine family, not hill trash like Geordie. It was only natural for me to think the troublemaking wretch had . . ."
"Mr. Grimes! Answer my question. Was it true that you discovered later that Mr. Markham had put the mouse in Mary's desk?"
"Yes."
"I see. And what punishment did Mr. Markham receive for his misdeed?"
Grimes remained silent.
"Mr. Grimes, you will answer Counselor Gold's question," prompted Judge MacLean.
The teacher glared hostilely at the prosecutor. "Nothing, Mr. Gold."
"You allowed the original perpetrator to get off while you punished another boy unfairly?' Gold snapped. "Tell me, sir, did you at least apologize to Geordie for your mistake?"
"I did not! Why should I? That boy has been nothing but trouble since the day he entered my school. If I hadn't thrashed him for the mouse, it would have been something else."
"Do you believe in justice, Mr. Grimes?"
"What? Of-of course."
"Then where is the justice for Geordie? Or for Mary?" Rumple demanded. "From what you have said, you allow your own assumptions of students to color how you discipline them, and that in turn leads to a miscarriage of justice in your classroom. Boys who are guilty of misbehavior are let go and others who did nothing wrong are beaten and blamed wrongfully. That is not what I would call fair treatment, Mr. Grimes."
Before Grimes could say anything further, the courtroom door opened to admit a panting Chip, his cap askew.
The boy snatched it from his head and bowed. "Forgive me, Your Honor, but I have to tell Mr. Gold that Lady Belle sent me to tell you she's having the baby."
Murmurs and gasps filtered throughout the courtroom.
Gold's mouth opened and closed. "She's having the baby now?"
Chip nodded. "Yessir!"
"Best get on home, Rumple!" called Myra Higgins.
"Your Honor, I-"
Judge MacLean chuckled. "Babies come in their own time, Rumple." He banged his gavel down on his lectern. "Court is adjourned till further notice. Counselor, go be with your wife."
Rumple nodded, dazed. Then he limped rapidly toward the door. "Chip! Get Victorious!"
"Already done, sir."
"Umm . . . the get the doctor!"
"Already did that too. Her n' Mr. Malcolm are on the way to Rose Heart."
"Okay. Then let's get home," the attorney muttered, and mounted his kneeling stallion.
Chip swung aboard his own mount and the two raced away.
Page~*~*~Break
"I've got the water boiling, milady," Mrs. Potts told Belle calmly. "The bed's stripped and the old sheets and tarp over the mattress and the scissors on the clean cloth to cut the cord."
"How about the blanket and diapers for the baby? Soft soap and cloths to wash him or her off?" Belle queried, her mind cataloging what they would need automatically.
"I have put them on the cart here," Mrs. Potts indicated the tea cart.
"Good," Belle huffed, breathing through another contraction. "Chip's gone for the doctor and Rumple, Bae and Emma are away at Mr. Wilder's farm, picking up Mirage from standing at stud to his mare Artemis. And Relia is with Bonnie and Shane."
So far everything was going according to plan. Belle paced her room, every so often pausing to knead her back. She tried to recall whether she had felt so when she gave birth to Aurelia, but it was misty trying to recall something almost ten years ago, and Bae's birth was even further away than that. She clasped her hands in front of her and prayed softly for the birth to go well and easily. She had faith in Bonnie's magic, but some divine intervention never hurt.
"Do you need aught else, Lady Belle?" asked her housekeeper.
"No. Just Rumple and Dr. Malcolm."
She leaned on the window casement, and smiled when she saw twin puffs of dust rolling up the drive. "Mrs. Potts, tell Cogsworth to get the door."
As her housekeeper and the maids left, the expectant mother waited for the arrival of her husband and the doctor.
Soon there were footsteps on the stairs and then a knock at her bedroom door.
"Belle? It's Dr. Malcolm," called Claire's familiar voice.
"Come in, Claire," she invited.
The doctor bustled in, her dark hair done up in a no-nonsense chignon, wearing a white coat over a servicable gray dress. Claire was in her early thirties, a pretty lady with dancing brown eyes. "Belle, how are you doing?" she greeted and set her black doctor's sachel on the bed. "How far apart are the contractions?" she brought out a silver pocket watch as she spoke, along with a silver bell on a divided rubber cord which was a new instrument at the Royal Medical Academy called a stethoscope. It was used to listen to a person's heart.
Belle told her, then allowed the efficient yet compassionate woman to do a quick exam, using the stethoscope to listen to the baby's and her heartbeat, and reassuring her that all was as it should be.
"Where's Rumple?"
"Down in the parlor with Jamie, I believe," Claire answered. "Jamie figured on keeping him there for a bit while I examined you. But I can call him here to see you, if you want."
Belle nodded. "Yes. He's probably frantic worrying. And this is early, my water hasn't even broke."
Claire nodded. "Right. But that will happen soon. You're progrressing nicely."
She departed, and a few moments later Rumple entered the room. "Belle! Are you-is the baby okay?"
"Relax, Rumple," she soothed the agitated attorney. "Everything's fine."
"When did your pains start? You should have told me, I would have cancelled my court date."
"I didn't know they had started until this afternoon. Claire thinks I've been in labor since this morning when I woke. But there wasn't anything you could do, Rumple. How did the case go?"
"It was proceeding well until Chip came and then Judge MacLain called a recess. We'll resume after the baby is born." He came and put his arms about her. "Are you in a lot of pain?"
"Not yet," she answered honestly. "Rumple, let's walk. Tell me about your case. Did Grimes admit his wrongdoing?"
Rumple told her about the case, while they walked up and down and around. He allowed her to lean on his shoulder and timed the contractions.
Claire returned with a cup of tea, and the three talked amiably for several minutes, until Belle's water broke.
"Now the real work begins," Claire said, rolling up her sleeves. She glanced at her patient. "Rumple, why don't you go and get yourself a drink? Things won't start happening until a while later."
"Belle, are you sure?"
"Yes. Now go and do what Dr. Malcolm says," she urged. "I'll call you if I need to. Besides, you left Jamie alone, and he's a guest here."
Rumple nodded, recalling his manners, and left the two alone, figuring he could get a drink and discuss the latest news with the editor before returning to Belle.
He found the redhaired printer sitting in a chair perusing a book called 1000 Realms to See Before You Die. A brown ug and two crystal tumblers were set on the table next to him. "Ah, Rumple, there ye are!" he smiled at the nervous husband. "I've been waiting on you to have some of my Highland whiskey."
"Jamie, you know I don't drink," Rumple protested.
"But Rumple, 'tis a celebration. A wee dram willna hurt," Jamie coaxed and poured a measure of dark amber liquid into the glasses.
Rumple took one and together they toasted the health of mother and unborn babe.
He swallowed the liquor, with its amber notes and rich taste, blinking watering eyes. "Hells, dearie! That's strong-but good!"
"Ye'll never taste finer than Highland heather ale," Jamie boasted. "This batch was brewed when my bairns were born. I ken the day well . . ."
Rumple listened and sipped, wondering when Belle would call him. But Jamie had a way with words, and soon the attorney was caught up in his description of the day Claire had their twins, not even realizing his glass was empty.
Jamie refilled it, and then asked Rumple about what had gone on when the queen had come and invited them to the city.
Rumple told him what had gone on, and before the tale was halfway done, he'd finished the second glass. But when Jamie went to pour some more, Rumple said, "Not yet, dearie. Maybe I should check on Belle."
"Rumple, dinna fash. Claire would let you know if ye're needed," the editor murmured. "Most of birthing is women's work, aye?"
"Yes, but . . . it's just I . . . well I worry about things going wrong . . . you know we lost two . . .one came too early and one was . . . stillborn . . ." Rumple's knuckles clenched on the tumbler.
Jamie patted him on the shoulder compassionately. "That's a hard thing, dearie. But this time I daresay is different. Now dinna go borrowing trouble." He picked up the jug. "Here-have a wee bit more and I'll tell ye about the time me and my sister went hunting a red deer in th hills and got lost in the gloaming . . ."
By the time that was over, Rumple found himself slightly muzzy headed and wiilling to join in with Jamie in a rousing tune called "All My Highland Lassies."
"Ye sing verra well," remarked his guest, tossing back another shot. "Ye even have th' caence of the hills. If I dinna ken better 'd say ye were a Highlander."
"Umm . . . well my mama was descended from the Highlands. My grandfather was from there." Rumple clarified. "And my nurse was my mama's tiring woman. 'Tis why I speak as I do." He grimaced. "Papa made Mama dismiss her after I turned ten, because hee disapproved of Maggie's country ways and acceent-things which she'd passed on to me. When I was a lad, I spoke much as you do, Jamie. And many a thrashing I bore because Papa didn't want his heir to sound like a hillman."
"He sounds like a right idiot!" snorted Jamie.
"Oh, aye, he was that!" Rumple smirked. "I'm gonna name the baby Fiona after my mother-should it be a lass."
"Tis a fine name, Rumple," Jamie grinned. "Think ye the bairn will be a lass?"
Rumple nodded. "I canna explain it but . . . I dreamed last night of holding a wee one in my arms and my mama-she was there and she blessed the bairn and said Here's my namesake for ye, Rumple, dearie. Then I woke up."
"Mayhap ye have a bit o' the Sight," Jamie said sagely.
Rumple shrugged. "I'll know soon enough. Belle disagrees, thinks we'll have another lad to replace the ones buried in the cemetery."
"No offense to yer lady, Rumple, but seeing your mama like you did . . . 'tis a powerful sign," said the printer.
"As I said . . . I'll see . . ." Rumple made as if to get up, but Jamie held out more whiskey.
"No, I canna,' the attorney refused. "I'll not be drunk like I was when Bae was born."
"Sometimes it's for the best. They wouldna let me in the room when Claire was having the twins . . . I had to climb in the window finally and by that time Brian was born and Brianna halfway there," the other chuckled.
"No one will stop me from being with my wife," Rumple said determinedly. "I was there when Aurelia was born and I shall with this one."
And with that he got up and went upstairs, despite Jamie protesting faintly they were wasting good Highland whiskey.
In the bedroom, Claire was finishing up a final exam. 'Nearly time, Belle," she informed the laboring mother, who was now curled on the bed, dozing inbetween contractions.
"Rumple . . . where's Rumple?" she cried. "I promised . . . he needs to be here . . . to welcome his son . . ."
'I am here, dearie," a familiar voice purred, and she looked up to behold her husband crouched on the bed. "Did you think I would forget?"
"No, but . . . Jamie can be mighty persuasive with his heather whiskey," Belle returned. She gripped Rumple's hand.
"My husband's whiskey has nothing on a man determined to see his child get born," Claire laughed. "As well I know!" She glanced at the couple and said, "While nine out of ten men wouldn't be caught dead in a birthing room, I know better than to try and send him away. He'd just batter the door down or climb through the window."
"No one will be sending me anywhere!" Rumple growled. "Belle, dearie, should you not be up and err . . . in the birthing chair? Or are you doing something different this time than with Aurelia?"
His wife paused before answering. "No. But soon Rumple . . . soon!" She gasped and then yelled, "Claire, it's time now! Help me up!"
The doctor came and felt the baby deftly and listened with her stethoscope. "Yes, now it's time. Rumple, if you would . . .'
Together they helped Belle into a padded high stool specially designed to help birthing mothers. It had a backrest and two padded arm rests and the mother could crouch easily and let gravity assist her. Rumple came behind her and helped support her and Claire knelt in front and coached her when to push and when to relax.
Belle found that her body remembered the rhythm of the oldest instinct of mankind and needed little coaxing.
Page~*~*~*~Break
Meanwhile, over at the Wilder farm, Bae accepted the stud fee from the older man, Rumple had told him to put the money away for when he entered the Academy, and that was what Bae intended to do. He and Emma agreed to have lunch with Mr. Wilder, his wife Laura, and their daughter and son. Mrs. Wilder cooked up a large spread including glazed ham, sweet potatoes, string beans in garlic butter, biscuits, beet salad, and best of all two kinds of pie-cherry crumble and pecan. Emma and Bae found the food delicious and thanked the Wilders effusively. Laura insisted they take leftovers home to the family. "With your ma in a family way, it'll be a blessing to not worry about eating dinner, even if you do have a chef, Bae. This way all your staff can have a night off."
"Thank you, ma'am," Bae said gratefully, his eyes widening as Laura packed a huge picnic hamper with half the ham and the rest of the sides and another whole pecan pie.
"You breeding your stallion to my mare is enough thanks,' Mr. Wilder said sincerely. 'I intend to have a fine colt this spring, hopefully with the conformation and speed of his sire."
"I hope so too," Emma said, for she had bred Starlight to Mirage last week.
"Mirage is like Victorious," Bae stated proudly. "He throws good foals."
Once he had secured the hamper to the saddle, they were on their way back to Rose Heart, having spent several hours over at the Wilder's.
However, it was on the road that Mirage decided to act up, trying to curvette and nuzzle Starlight who was in no mood for the amorous stallion and snapped at him.
"Hey!" Emma cried, reining the white mare away. "Leave her be, you peacock!"
"Mirage, stop!" Bae ordered, trying to pull the stallion's head away.
But the black was full of vigor and instead of calmly obeying, reared up in a classic war move.
Unprepared, Bae was knocked off his back. Luckily he landed on his backside in the road. "Mirage! You blasted overgrown bullheaded jackass!" Bae growled. "What's gotten into you?"
His horse glanced back, looking rather ashamed.
"Bae! You all right?' Emma cried, dismounting and running over to him.
Mirage took the opportunity to sidle next to the mare, who bared her teeth.
The stallion wisely backed off, then stood patiently with the reins dangling.
Grimacing, he accepted Emma's hand. "Just bruised." He rubbed his behind and scowled at his horse. "Maybe having fun with a mare put bees in his brain."
"Could be. I know some men are affected like that," Emma said sassily.
Bae gaped. "And just how would you know?"
She giggled. "You forget who I used to be? Wasn't like Hook and his gang talked proper around me. They said whatever came into their heads. And at times the talk wasn't pretty. It was downright lewd."
Bae flushed. "Umm . . .well . . . I'm okay." He limped a little.
She eyed him. "You sure you can ride?"
He nodded. "I've hurt myself worse falling outta trees, Em." He winced exaggeratedly.
"Bae . . . you ought to walk . . ."
"You wanna kiss it all better?" he teased roguishly.
She went red. 'Baelfire Gold! Honest, all you boys are the same."
"Can't blame me for trying."
"Oh, you-you!" sputtering, she pulled his head down and kissed him.
Smiling, he kissed her back, long and deep. "Now that's more like it," he murmured, stealing another one.
"C'mon, soldier boy," his intended laughed. "Before your papa sends out a search party."
They rode slowly back to Rose Heart, arriving just as the baby made its entrance.
Page~*~*~*~Break
"My baby! Let me see him!" Belle cried anxiously.
The mewling wail of a newborn echoed in the bedchamber.
"Just a minute." Claire laughed. "I need to clean this wee bairn, as my Jamie would say."
She brought the baby over to the cart where the warm basin and cloths were, after allowing Rumple to cut the cord. The baby squalled, but Claire just smiled and after diapering the infant beckoned to Rumple. "I think you ought to be the one to tell her."
"Tell me what?" Belle cried frantically. "Is something wrong with my son? Is he breathing?"
"Belle, dearie, there's not a thing wrong with the baby," Rumple soothed, coming over with his new child cuddled in his arm. "Except your he is a she." He held out the baby for her to take.
An astonished mother cradled her newborn close, murmuring, "After all this time? Your papa was right." She smiled up at Rumple, teary eyed. "Rumple-your dream!"
"I guess my mama was right," he laughed, beaming down on two of the most precious things in his life. "Fiona Collette, meet your mama."
Belle examined the baby, counting her fingers and toes and marveling at how perfectly formed they were. "Look, Rum! She has my hair. It's all dark and sticks up the way mine does in the morning."
He giggled. "But I believe she'll have my eyes," he crooned. "They're darker than Relia's were. Aye. lass?"
Baby Fiona cooed at him.
Claire finished cleaning up mother and Mrs. Potts and the rest of the staff gathered around to greet the newest Gold.
"Claire, we can't thank you enough," Belle began.
"She's precious, Belle," the doctor grinned. "But I'll leave you two now to get acquainted." Then the doctor slipped from the room to tell her husband the good news.
"We must have a toast!" Jamie declared.
"I think you've had one too many," his wife snorted.
Just as Bae and Emma came into the house.
'Dr. Malcolm!" Bae exclaimed. "Is my mama . . .?"
"Did Belle have the baby?" Emma demanded.
"She did indeed," Jamie responded. "Now go and meet the newest addition."
They didn't have to be told twice.
Emma tapped on the door, and it was opened by a beaming Mrs. Potts. "Come in, and see!"
Emma made her way across the room to peer at the little bundle swaddled in Belle's arms.
Bae followed, saying, "How tiny! No bigger than a minute!"
Belle coughed. "Smaller than you, mister, but not that small. Emma, say hello to Fiona."
"Fiona? It's a girl?" Emma gaped.
"She had us all fooled," Bae smiled. "Except Papa."
"Emma, would you like to hold her?"
"Uh . . . I don't know . . ." But her protests went unheeded and soon she found herself cradling a sleepy Fiona in her arms. A wave of tenderness flowed over her. She smiled down at the adorable infant, and her dreamy expression left no doubt that she was thinking about her own someday.
"I can't wait till Relia sees her," Bae said.
As if on cue, the door swung open and Aurelia dashed into the room. "Mama, can I hold the baby? What's her name?"
"You knew?" Bae repeated.
"Of course! Papa's always right when he calls the foals to get born," his sister replied impishly.
"This is Fiona," Emma said, kneeling to let Aurelia see her sister. Then she added, "And I think I'm in love."
"Oh brother!" Bae groaned, and they all laughed.
Page~*~*~Break
Business was booming at Enchanted Treasures as Archie and Geppetto completed their latest creations in time for the Winter Solstice sales. It would not be long before Bonnie delivered their second child, longing for a daughter this time that they agreed they would name Rafaella Adelle in honor of Archie's late mother and Bonnie's beloved grandmother with Galena's approval.
"I've just received a message from Belle. She's asking that we come to Rose Heart so that Claire Malcolm can examine me and Belle wants to have a party there to celebrate Fiona's birth." Bonnie announced, handing her husband the message.
Archie looked up from the brooch he was polishing and smiled. "And will you be giving their child three fae gifts?"
"Mama will be taking my place."
His eyes widened. "Galena has been given her powers back?"
A month earlier the couple had been commanded to an audience with the Seelie Queen herself to give testimony on Galena's behalf in her quest to regain her powers for no other reason than to be able to protect her family against the likes of Judah Zachary and Angelique Bouchard. Those dark mages were a distant memory now but Galena knew well there were others like them in the realms.
"Gloriana was moved by our words my love but if you recall she had us viewed also."
"Ah...I'd forgotten. Not something I'd enjoy having done again. For a complete stranger to know my innermost thoughts..."
"And...once our child is born we must return to her court for the blessings."
"And send Shane to her when he is thirteen for his training."
"He'll only be there for his lessons, darling and come home to us every evening. Plus Mama will be helping with his lessons. Oh, you don't know how much it means to me to have her be part of our lives at last!"
"Yes I do." He looked away, wishing he could say the same for his parents.
"Oh darling, I am so sorry! I keep forgetting..."
"It's all right." He stood up and took her in his arms. "I miss my parents, goddess knows how much I miss them but I know they're watching over me, over all of us and that makes the pain a little easier to bear." He caressed her belly tenderly. "Forgive me if I've wished on a star or two that this child of ours will be a girl."
She smiled softly. "I've wanted a daughter for some time too."
"Maybe our wish will be granted."
"Mine have so far. My first wish that that you would love me as I love you."
"I always will my Bonnie Blue," he murmured and kissed her, blushing when he saw his mother-in-law standing in the doorway. "Oh ahhhh forgive me Galena! I ahhh didn't see you standing there."
Galena laughed heartily. "And now I'm going to show you what a good mother-in-law I am going to be. I've learned the first rule: when to disappear!"
"I didn't mean to chase her off."
"It's all right darling. But would you please continue where you left off?"
He was more than happy to oblige her.
Shane was excited to see his betrothed, grateful they were no longer being punished for their role in the 'Zachary Affair' as Rumple called it.
Shane had been worried at first when he was told he would be at Gloriana's court for his fae training, worried that Aurelia would find another beau in the meantime.
"I'm still going to marry you Shane Hopper, don't think you're getting out of it."
"I don't wanna but if I had to live there..."
"Your mama said you don't. You just have to go there for lessons. Ummm...is Gloriana gonna be mad you're marrying a mortal like your mama?"
He shook his head. "Ummm...don't tell anybody this but...Papa and me...umm...we're gonna live a bit longer than most people because I'm part fae and he's soul bound to my mama."
"Shane! Does that mean that I'm gonna..."
"When you marry me it does. So will our children."
He knew this wasn't going to be easy for her to hear, knowing there was a chance she would outlive her entire family. "Relia, if you want I can...talk to Her Majesty and see if she'll..."
"Would she?"
"I dunno but I'll try my best. That's Papa's motto: always do my best."
"Can I go with you when you ask?"
"You could but how are we gonna do it without your folks finding out? Your Papa already made us not see each other for two weeks because we disobeyed him even if it was for the right reasons."
"I read about something called The Grace of Queen's in an old history of the Seelie that my grandmother Fiona had. Back when the Fae were still a power in this world, they sometimes granted mortal families who served them well the gift of Grace-longevity, youth, and a place in the Seelie court. But I don't know if that still is true." She bit her lip. "It doesn't hurt to ask though."
"I can ask Gramma. She would know or she would know where to look...in my great-gramma Rafaella's trunks. She was one of the most powerful fae that ever lived. Mama inherited all of her powers."
"And leave Papa to me. I can explain why I need to represent my family. He was only mad because I didn't ask permission. And it was dangerous. But this is different."
"I'm gonna talk to my gramma and my parents. They'll help us." He patted her hand gently. "Her Majesty is gonna come when Mama's baby is born to bless it. I'll ask then."
"I'll talk to Papa before then. I don't think he'll mind."
"Good. He can give reasons why they deserve it, just like he and your mama had a list of reasons why my parents should wed."
Belle was so excited to be introducing the latest member of the family to society that she was nearly driving the household staff by adding one more item to the menu, rearranging decorations or re-cleaning something that had already been washed.
"Your mama is making me dizzy!" Emma joked to Bae when they spotted Belle dashing from the kitchen to the parlor trying to locate Mrs. Potts for the fifth time that morning.
Emma sat on the sofa cradling little Fiona in her arms, feeding her from a bottle that had been prepared that morning while Belle was occupied with preparations for the party. Fiona loved spending as much time with Emma as she did with Aurelia.
This will be me soon, she thought dreamily. Holding my own daughter and she will be beautiful...with the most wonderful father in all the realms.
For his part, Bae was impatiently waiting for the time when he could finally make Emma his bride and give her the family they both wanted so much. Until then he worked to be one of the top cadets at the academy, his only competition being Samuel Chesterfield. It was rumored that Samuel would graduate early while Avery Chesterfield remained in Breckenridge, his condition unchanged.
Anne fared no better, her last grip on reality severed the moment she'd witnessed her child murder her mother's best friend. The doctors had little hope she would return to sanity and Karl had strongly objected to an experimental and highly controversial treatment they wanted to use with her.
"It's barbaric Belle! They want to...shoot some sort of current into her brain...or worse...cut into her brain! Would you want them to do this to your sister?"
"Absolutely not!" she cried. "We will have Rumple draw up papers forbidding them from using my sister for their experiments. I would rather...she remain as she is than...that!"
"...Bae...Bae! Please go see if your father is going to be finished writing his arguments in time to get ready for the party!"
"Mama, calm down! He'll be ready!' Bae laughed.
"I hope your sister gets ready in time too..Aurelia...Aurelia!" Belle called out.
"Bae...ummm...maybe we should make her sit down for a few minutes," Emma suggested. "Before she's so exhausted SHE's late for the party!"
"Mama, sit and hold Fee. She always goes to sleep right away when you rock her," her son urged his mother knowing only one of her children needing her would quiet the tempest Belle had spawned. He ushered her to the rocker in front of the fire and then gave his baby sister to her.
"Hello, my beauty," Belle whispered lovingly to her daughter, whose bright dark eyes resembled her Papa's. "Shall we sing a sleepy song?"
Fiona cooed as Belle sang her usual lullaby, snuggling happily in her arms and slowly drifting off to sleep.
As the mistress of the house relaxed, preparations continued, and Rumple finished writing his brief. Afterwards, he shrugged into the jacket Cogsworth had left, fixed his cravat, and finger combed his hair before coming down to find his wife and new daughter in the rocker. "Well, here's a pretty picture!"
Belle put a finger to her lips. "Shhh! Don't wake her."
Rumple gazed adoringly down at the sleeping wee babe, and caressed one petal soft cheek.
He would be forever amazed that such a perfect being had come from him. And he wondered what this tiny marchioness would become. He had no doubt she would be special, like all his children.
"I hope Mrs. Potts remembered to put the rose centerpieces on the tables," Belle began.
"I'm sure she did, dearie. Now why don't we rest for a bit? We have time before our guests arrive. You needn't work yourself into a tizzy, Lady Avalon."
"But..."
"Mama will you listen to Papa and rest!"
"Everything will sort itself out," her husband soothed. He laid a hand on her shoulder and she felt all her worries cease with his touch. He had always had that effect on her.
"Well hopefully now she'll settle down," Emma whispered to Bae.
And they knew that if they didn't get ready on time she would be frantic again.
"I'm gonna go get ready but after the party...why don't we go out to the lake?" Emma suggested.
"Sounds great. I'm sure your black swan is back"
"I want to see it. And spend some time alone with you but we can't do anything ummm...improper." She blushed.
"I know. I would never dishonor you. That's not who I am," he assured her.
"You think I don't know that by now, Bae?" she laughed. "That's one reason why I love you."
"Only one?"
"Don't get too full of yourself, Gold," she mock-scolded.
She knew he wouldn't, he'd always been a well grounded young man but once in a while she liked to tease him a little.
She couldn't wait until later.
The Malcolms were the first guests to arrive along with the Hoppers. Claire excused herself and Bonnie and went upstairs to one of the guest bedrooms so that the doctor could examine her patient. Bonnie was due to give birth at any time and Claire made certain she brought her bag along in the event of an unexpected delivery.
"Oh I wish this baby would be born soon!" Bonnie sighed.
Claire chuckled. "Be careful what you wish for, Bonnie! You just might get it!"
"And Lucina had a strange sense of humor, or so I've been told."
They heard a knock on the door.
"Bonnie? Is everything alright in there?"
"Yes, Archie, we're fine. Stop fretting."
"I'm not..."
Yes you are," Bonnie argued. "You're standing out in the hallway pacing as we speak now quit before you walk a hole in the floor."
They heard a sigh. "Sometimes I wonder if you can see through walls. How is it you know what I'm doing when you're not even around to see it?"
"I know you, that's why."
Belle was more relaxed by the time the rest of the guests started arriving, all of them eager to see the newest addition to the family. Belle smiled when Josette and Barnabas Collins approached her, Josette expecting the couple's first child that spring. Josette's brief marriage to Jeremiah had been annuled with Rumple's help and he was free to marry whomever he chose but no one had captured his heart as of yet. Roger was slightly disappointed that the match between him and their distant cousin Millicent had come to nothing, Jeremiah knew the moment he met her they could be friends but nothing more but she'd gotten herself into her own mess by marrying Nathan Forbes. Forbes was desperate to get his hands on a portion of the Collins fortune, going as far as committing bigamy to get it. Rumple was more than happy to help her rid herself of the swindler.
"I am so happy everything is going well for you, Josette!" Belle embraced the expecting mother. "Have you decided on a name for the child?"
Barnabas smiled. "Bramwell if we have a son and Andrea if we have a daughter."
"Those are lovely names!"
"And you have a lovely daughter there," Barnabas tickled Fiona under her chin.
"We're not the only ones expecting!" Josette blurted. Barnabas frowned at her.
"Darling, they wanted to announce it themselves," he chastised gently.
"Oh! I was so excited that I forgot!"
They heard laughter behind them. "We'll forgive you this time, Josette." Barnabas and Josette moved aside so that Ruby and Quentin could see the baby.
"Ruby! Are you...?"
Ruby nodded. "I am Belle. I haven't been feeling well as of late but we never would've imagined I would be with child so soon after we've wed."
Quentin grinned. "I did."
Ruby swatted him. "Honestly Quentin! The things that come out of your mouth..."
"You should be used to it by now Red."
"Oh I suppose I should!"
"Her Majesty Queen Regina, His Highness Prince Daniel!"
"Oh! Oh! The Queen is here! Rumple! We weren't prepared for a royal visit!" Belle cried.
"Calm down dearie! I'm sure the Queen won't mind."
"Did you know your family was coming?" Bae whispered to Emma. She shook her head.
"No, but I hope my parents came with them. I miss them."
"Looks like you got your wish. There they are with your brother."
"Emma!" Snow held out her arms for her daughter. Emma ran to her parents and threw her arms around them. It had been weeks since she'd seen them, the fall harvest always a busy time for Snow and David.
"You act like you haven't seen us in months Em," Neal joked.
"It feels like it. I even miss you too, brat."
"I'm a brat, eh?" He picked her up and spun her around.
"Yes, you are!" She laughed.
"Admit it, you missed me torturing you."
"Alright, I admit it and so would Bae."
"I want to see this baby everyone is talking about," Snow said softly.
"When are you gonna have another one Mama?" Neal asked her. Snow and David stared at him, their mouths agape.
"It's a little late for us, son."
"No it isn't, Papa. Belle just had a baby and she's older'n you."
"We're just waiting to see the grandchildren you and your sister give us. We can spoil them and send them right back home to you."
"Thanks Papa," Emma giggled.
Neal rolled his eyes. "Grandchildren?! Please! I'm not even old enough to date yet. I'm gonna find Bae and ask him to show me the horses."
"We'll be having this discussion later."
"Sure, Papa. I'll be back when it's time for Fiona's blessings."
David shook his head. "That boy of ours is not gonna settle down right away, Snow, so we might as well face it."
"I know but I can still dream."
A full string quartet played in the ballroom and the guests gathered about the tables eating and drinking as Belle and Rumple processed into the room, Belle holding a beautiful baby in her arms dressed in a glittering gold silk gown with white lace on the sleeves and hem. They waved and smiled at the guests while the band played a fanfare to welcome the new marchioness. At a traveling altar stood the priest of the Lord and Lady Bright and also Galena, resplendent in a green gown of Fae make.
"Lord's and ladies, we are gathered here today to welcome our newest member, Fiona Collette Gold, Marchioness of Avalon. Here before these witnesses, I consecrate thee, child, in the name of the Bright Lady and Lord. May your feet walk always in the light, your tongue speak only truth, and your spirit know always the peace of the light."
The priest, whose name was Gabriel, dipped a finger in the holy rose oil and drew the sign of the seven pointed star on Fiona's head.
Then he turned to Galena. "My lady, is it your wish to grant this child the trifold blessing of the Fae?"
"It is, High Cleric." She went and held her arms out for the baby. Belle placed Fiona in her arms. The baby cooed. Galena smiled. "You show sweetness and spirit already, little one. You will keep your parents young."
Rumple stifled a giggle.
"And give them gray hairs!" Bae whispered.
Emma elbowed him.
"What? It's true."
"Hush!' she ordered. "I want to hear the blessing."
"The blessing of the Fae is always threefold. First, I bless thee with grace, in both body and manner." Galena waved her wand and blue sparks fell over Fiona, who reached out her hands to catch them, laughing.
Galena's smile widened. "Lady Fiona has a fearless spirit. To match it I bless thee with a True Heart, that sees within as well as without and will always know her own True Love."
A second wave and violet sparks emerged.
Fiona squealed in delight and the guests laughed.
"Last, I bless thee with healing, to heal what is seen and unseen. Use it wisely, child." Green sparks drifted down. "I, Galena, your fairy godmother, bless you with the trifold blessing and seal it with the Kiss of Peace."
She kissed Fiona on the forehead, binding the magic forever.
As she did so, Fiona reached up and grabbed her wand.
"No, sweetie. That's not for you. Try this," Galena conjured a small rubber wand that lit up that the baby could play with.
Fiona stuffed her new toy in her mouth happily.
Everyone applauded. Then Rumple held up his hands. "We thank you all for coming. Now let's eat, drink, and dance!"
He took his daughter from Galena, saying. "Those blessings were perfect, dearie. Thank you."
"You are quite welcome, Rumple" she beamed. "And I cannot wait for my own grandchild to spoil."
"Mama, are you telling me I need to hurry up and have this baby?"
Galena laughed. "No dear. My grandchild will arrive when he or she is ready. You on the other hand decided to make your appearance when I wasn't ready."
Bonnie groaned, "Oh, not this story again! I've heard it a million times."
"I haven't," Archie grinned.
"Well, her father and I were at court to be granted the lands and title of Westmere. Our doctor assured me I had weeks before I would deliver but my Bonnie wasn't willing to wait that long. I went into labor during the ceremony!"
"Duke Ettington was there for our betrothal ceremony and the silly cad insisted on being in the birthing chamber to make certain I came out a girl!"
"Now men and boys are not permitted in the birthing chamber for very good reasons. They simply cannot handle watching a woman give birth. There may be some exceptions but not many. I asked to have the boy removed but he snuck back in and had the nerve to ask me why I was carrying on so much when it didn't look that painful. Hah! I'm sorry I didn't curse him to be able to have a baby."
Emma smirked. "Now I would love to see that. A man having a baby."
"Oh, no, Wild Swan. it is not gonna happen!" Bae exclaimed
"Me wearing your feet out dancing will! C'mon!"
"But...your dance card..."
"You get the first three dances and the last by royal command! This new title I have comes with some perks. Who wants to argue with Her Royal Highness?"
"Not me!" He bowed to her as the music started.
"I wish we could dance," Bonnie said wistfully.
"We will after the baby's born my Bonnie Blue. In your mama's garden at twilight."
"Oh I'd love that darling!"
Out on the floor, Belle twirled gracefully about Rumple, whose cane lent him a debonair flair, and despite his infirmity, proved he could dance in his own way, which involved a lot of swaying to the music. Fiona slept in her bassinet, watched over lovingly by her Aunt Luci and Uncle Karl.
Suddenly they all heard Bonnie cry out in pain.
"Oooh...Archie...the baby is coming!" she moaned.
"Finally!" Galena exclaimed.
"Mother!"
"Oh stop fretting Bonnie. You've done this before," Galena teased. "Now where is that doctor?"
"Bonnie, what do you need me to do?" Archie asked
"You can stay out here with the rest of the men and leave us women to do our work," Galena commanded. "You'll only get in the way."
"Mother...don't...give him a hard time now...please..." Bonnie panted.
"I'm not but men know nothing about birthing babies, that's why they need to keep out of the way."
"I'm right here Mrs. Hopper," Claire said softly. "Lady Gold, I'm afraid we'll need to borrow one of your guest rooms."
Jamie slapped Archie on the back. "Come and hae a drink wi' me mon!"
"James Malcolm don't you DARE get him drunk or you are sleeping in the barn tonight!"
"We had some of the guest rooms prepared in case anyone needed to spend the night. This way."
"Never a dull moment at a Gold party!" Quentin Collins joked, earning him a glare from his wife.
"And YOU won't be a drunken mess when I have a child Quentin Collins or you'll be sleeping in a barn too."
"Women! Can't live with 'em, can't live without 'em. Jamie! I'll have some of what you've got!"
"You ready to go out to the lake?" Bae whispered to Emma. She nodded.
Upstairs in the guest room, Belle and Claire helped Bonnie change into one of Belle's gowns and put her in bed.
"Mother...you must...bind my magic..."
"Why would she need to bind your magic, Bonnie?"
"Only until after my grandchild is born, Belle. When I was in labor with my Bonnie my magic was unbound and let's just say a bit of chaos ensued because my attention was focused more on giving birth to her," Galena explained.
"She...nearly...set fire...to the courtyard..."
"And turned one of the queen's ladies into a toad."
"Is everything all right..." Archie was saying when he entered the room. Seconds later blue sparks surrounded him and he vanished.
"Oh...no...Mother! What have I done?"
Then she felt something land on her shoulder and looked down to see a cricket perched there, chirping softly into her ear.
It's all right my Bonnie Blue, she heard it say.
Archie?
It chirped back in reply.
Galena burst out laughing.
You'd leave me like this, wouldn't you?
Well, maybe I will...until my grandchild is born. You won't get drunk that way.
"Mother! Change him back...oooh!"
"You turned him into a cricket?" Claire chuckled.
"I didn't mean to!"
"Hence why she asked me to bind her magic."
Well Galena are you going to change me back or just keep me like this for your amusement?
"Mother, please change him back."
"Archie, fly to the floor. I can't change you back while you're sitting there," Galena instructed her son-in-law.
Alright.
He flew down to the floor a few feet in front of her. She waved her wand and admist a shower of violet sparks a man reappeared where a cricket once stood.
"Now go downstairs with the men and I swear by the goddess if you are drunk when we summon you I will change you back. Understood?"
"I'm not getting drunk!" He walked over to the bed and kissed his wife. "I love you my Bonnie Blue."
"I love you, Cricket," she murmured with a smile.
"You're never gonna let me forget this, are you?"
"No...but you do make a handsome cricket too."
He was laughing as he walked out of the room.
"Claire, what do you need me to do?" Belle asked her.
"Wash your hands with my soap," the doctor instructed. "I've found that clean hands in the birthing room cuts down on infection." She indicated the basin with hot water. "Then we want to strip the bed and bring your stool in here." She ticked off a list of other common sense items.
Galena summoned her daughter's wand. "Hold tight to this Bonnie while I recite the incantations."
Galena waved her wand over her daughter's head, chanting in the ancient fae language.
Once she was finished she took the wand from her daughter and sent it back to its protective box.
"She is ready now, Claire. Her magic is bound."
"All right," Claire smiled encouragingly. "Let's see how we're doing, Bonnie." She took out her stethoscope. After a brief examination, she said, "You're not fully effaced yet. So we need to walk a bit."
"Hurry up and wait, as they say in the cavalry," Belle chuckled. "This was always the most aggravating part."
Together the women made slow circuits of the room, pausing between contractions. Claire occasionally rubbed the laboring mother's back with lavander oil.
Belle kept up Bonnie's spirits by telling her how Rumple almost broke the door down when Fiona was born. Then Claire told how Jamie climbed in the window so he could see his twins get born.
"It must be a Highlander trait."Claire laughed. "Because most men avoid this like the plague."
"Archie kept trying to get in but the midwife barred the door."
"How long were you in labor?" Belle asked her.
"Almost a day," Bonnie replied.
Belle grimaced. "None of mine were that long. Bae was the longest, eight hours. Aurelia was six and Fiona four."
"First babies usually take longer. By the second your body is used to the process, " Claire said. "I was a day and an hour with Brian and Brianna."
"And as Mother said, a fae birthing is much more complicated unless the mother binds her magic."
"Thank you for that. A drunken husband I can deal with. One with the head of a chicken, well, that's a bit more difficult," the doctor laughed.
"Oh I hope the men don't get my husband drunk."
"Yes because I will turn him into a cricket." Galena murmured. "And them into snails."
"Jamie knows better,"Claire answered. "Though there are a few men who would benefit from time crawling on their bellies."
"Rumple's watching Fiona. Besides, he doesn't care for spirits much at all. He only drinks to be polite," Belle remarked.
"I think...I need to get into bed now..."
Claire checked her again, then confirmed she was nearly ready to push. The baby was definitely in position.
"Oh, this is much sooner than with Shane!"
"Don't rush it Bonnie!' her mother advised. "Wait for Claire to instruct you."
"But I'm ready!"
"My grandchild isn't! Not yet."
Claire timed the contractions on her pocket watch, a gift from her husband. "Wait, wait . . . when you feel the next one crest, Bonnie . . . push!"
"Ohhh now I'm ready Mother!"
Galena clasped her daughter's hand in hers. "Lucina watch over us and deliver my grandchild safely!"
She grunted and pushed as hard as she could, the pain less than her first time with Shane.
"That's good!" Claire praised. "Now pause . . . and breathe, breathe . . ." she always encouraged the mother to breathe properly for that lessened the pain and also gave much needed oxygen to both mother and child.
"You're doing fine darling," Galena encouraged.
Belle wiped Bonnie's face with a wet cloth.
"Claire...another one..." Bonnie panted.
"Push!" the doctor urged.
Belle grasped Bonnie's other hand. "You're almost finished Bonnie."
"I'm so tired..."
She pushed again.
"I can see the head!" Claire reported. "Rest for just a moment." She gently supported the baby's head while allowing Bonnie a brief respite.
"Mother...do I have a son...or a daughter?"
"We won't know yet darling...just a little while longer."
"All right, Bonnie . . . this is the finish . . . on three . . ." Claire coached. "One . . . two . . . three!"
Galena helped her exhausted daughter sit up as she pushed one final time.
Claire caught the baby as it slipped from Bonnie. The doctor quickly cleared the tiny nose and mouth and held the baby up, relieved when a rather annoyed cry was heard. "You have a fine baby girl! A wee lassie, as Jamie would say."
"My Rafaella...Raphaella Adelle Hopper..." Bonnie whispered.
She held out her hands for her baby, her mother weeping beside her.
"And my Fiona has a best friend," Belle declared, her eyes also wet.
"I should've been there for Shane's birth. I missed out on so much..."
"Would you like to do the honors, Grandma?" asked Claire, holding out the scissors.
"You're here now Mother...that's all that matters."
Galena nodded through her tears and carefully cut the umbillical cord.
"Belle, please find my husband."
Claire placed the baby on Bonnie's stomach then went to wash her hands before she gathered up soft clothes to clean Rafaella. "You meet your mama for a bit."
"I will. She's beautiful. Like the summer stars in winter." Belle smiled. Then she went down to fetch the anxious papa.
Page~*~*~*~Break
"...Archie, mon, ye're going tae wear a hole in the floor."
"Jamie, I can't help it. It took almost a day for Shane to be born!"
"Archie, relax!" Rumple said sympathetically. "It does you nae good tae fash yerself." As sometimes happened when he was around the Highlander, his own hill accent emerged.
"I can't help it...my mother...nearly died giving birth to me."
"'Tis a dangerous battle, what our lassies do," Jamie acknowledged. "But, see now, lad, 'tis also what they're born t'do. And yer Bonnie has come through't b'fore well. And she has Claire tae help her-and no finer doctor is there in the entire kingdom!"
"She's certainly better than that midwife we had. The doctor was delivering another child that day and the midwife was a miserable old crone."
"See? Claire hasna lost a husband yet!" Jamie joked. Then he handed Archie a shot glass of whiskey. "Get some o' this in ya, mon. T'will help settle yer nerves."
"I don't want my mother-in-law turning me back into a cricket for getting drunk."
He waved the glass away.
"Aye. That one's nae one to cross," Jamie shuddered.
"Bonnie turned me into one by accident but she would do it to amuse herself."
"My demented ex-wife almost made me one of the living dead. That is worse," countered Barnabas.
Rumple shivered. "I canna even imagine. Here, have some lemonade," he poured a glass for Archie.
At that moment Belle burst through the doors. "Archie! Bonnie wants to see you!"
"Is she alright? Has the baby been born?"
"Come and see!" Belle urged, knowing full well the torment he had endured.
Then she added, "Mother and baby are doing fine."
"Oh thank the goddess!"
"Your papa is coming darling," Bonnie crooned to her daughter.
"Sober I hope!"
"Mother!"
"Bonnie!" Archie ran to his wife and kissed her.
"Darling...we have a daughter."
Archie took the precious bundle from his wife's arms and cradled her against his chest. "She's beautiful...just like her mama."
"Archie, Bonnie needs to rest a bit."
He sat beside her on the the bed. "It wasn't like with Shane, was it?"
"No. Claire took good care of me and our little Rafaella."
She laid her head on his shoulder. "Stay with me."
"Claire, would it be alright if Archie stays with Bonnie while she rests?" Galena asked her.
"We should clean everything up first."
"Archie, we'll need you to leave the room while we get cleaned up."
"I'll take Rafaella to meet her brother."
Down in the ballroom the guests were still in a state of shock at the presence of the famed Seelie Queen Gloriana herself.
"Your Majesty," Rumple greeted and rose to his feet. "Welcome to Rose Heart."
"Shane, Shane...why is she here?" Aurelia whispered to him.
"She's gonna bless my new baby brother or sister," he replied.
Gloriana had auburn hair the color of autumn leaves, with rich golden highlights and eyes the deep green of the forest's heart. Her skin was like cream fresh churned and bore no blemish upon it. She was petite, barely coming to Rumple's chin, but despite her small size she was a fierce and intimidating soul.
Poets had written scores of songs and odes to her beauty but their words paled when compared to reality. Her gown alone cost the earth, silken fairy spun gold brocade encrusted with jewels of every hue, especially diamonds, though no gems were needed to enhance her already ethereal brilliance.
"I have come to bestow the fae blessings among the newest member of our clan."
She glanced over to where Archie stood with his daughter in his arms.
"Bring her forward...I do not bite."
A hesitant and rather enchanted Archie came forward holding his precious daughter in his arms. "Your Majesty, may I present my daughter-Rafaella Adelle Hopper."
Gloriana beamed down at the baby, for all the Seelie loved children. 'Welcome, Rafaella. As matriarch of clan Highstar, I give thee three gifts." Her voice softened to almost a whisper, yet all in the hall could hear her.
She drew her moonbeam and crystal scepter, which only the Queen could wield, and gently touched Rafaella's forehead. "Child of the fae, I give the gift of charm, to charm your enemies to starstruck wonder, and avert their wrath."
A golden glow sparkled about the baby.
"Have you been given the fae blessing Shane?"
He shook his head.
"Gloriana didn't come when I was born, Relia."
"For my second blessing, I grant thee the wisdom of True Speaking. To always speak the truth, no matter who may ask."
This time silver sparks shot out.
Shane smirked. "I like that one."
"Last but not least, I give thee the gift of music-to play any instrument like a maestro-and so bring joy to your family and friends." A third wave produced rainbow sparks and a bell tone.
"Now I seal my blessings with the Kiss of Peace," the monarch finished, and she kissed the tiny brow, binding all the enchantments.
"You honor us, Majesty," Archie stammered, bowing.
"The honor is mine, for giving my clan a new babe to love," returned Gloriana graciously.
He glanced back to where his son stood, wishing Shane had been given such honors as a babe.
The Queen followed his gaze, and then beckoned to the boy. "Shane Hopper, attend me," she ordered. "T'would seem I have been remiss in the matter of your birth. You are too old for a blessing, yet I shall grant you a boon instead. What wouldst thou have of me, my child?"
"Ummm...Your Majesty...I was wondering...since I'm part fae...and Relia is my betrothed..." He shuffled his feet nervously. "I really don't want her living as long as I am without her family..."
Gloriana's eyes widened. "You ask for the Queen's Grace, child? Such has not been granted since the fae left the mortal realm."
"Shane..." Archie cautioned.
"Please Your Majesty! I know it's askin a lot but the Golds are our friends...and Mister Gold made sure the bad people that killed my gramma and grandpa went to the bad place to rot." He gazed up at her defiantly. "And none of you wanted anything to do with us when Mama married Daddy...because she loves him..and I love Relia!"
"Your Majesty, I must apologize for my son..."
"I'm not sayin I'm sorry 'cause she knows I'm right!"
"Shane...she's gonna turn you into a toad or something..." Aurelia whispered fearfully.
"You are a bold falcon!" the Queen laughed. "And quite accurate. I regret allowing politics to rule my heart. Yours is a most unselfish request. Unselfish . . . and unusual," the queen answered. She considered, then after several agonizing moments, said, "Your boon shall be granted. Long ago I learned the folly of separating kin from kin. It brings only strife and heartache."
"Papa, what's he talking about?' Bae asked his father. He and Emma had planned to go out to the lake until the queen's impromptu entrance.
"Does that mean Emma's family too?"
"Shane, don't push it," Archie said sternly.
She drew herself up, her scepter spitting golden sparks of raw power. "Rumplestiltskin Gold, Lord of Avalon, to you and your line, by blood and marriage bound, I grant thee the Queen's Grace, the lifespan of a fae. No disease or age shall touch you, no conventional poison rob you of your life. Only by violence shall you be slain, the eternal youth of the Seelie Sidhe I give to thee."
She spoke three words in the ancient tongue and tendrils of power shot out from the scepter, wrapping about Rumple, Bae, Relia, Emma, Fiona, and Belle. The power flowed through each in a golden rush, renewing and restoring.
Regina pressed her hand to her forehead and fainted.
"Gina!" Daniel kneeled beside his wife and attempted to revive her. "What...what happened? Why did she do that?"
"Because the Queen's Grace affects us too, does it not Your Majesty?" Henry inquired.
Gloriana nodded regally. "It does, young prince. All bloodlines by marriage are affected as well."
"So...you all will be living a long time pestering each other!" Quentin quipped.
Gloriana smirked. "That is one drawback of this boon. The other . . . is that eventually you will feel a tug towards the fae realm . . . when you have tired of this one, and you shall be welcome to dwell there at my court."
Shane bowed. "Thank You Your Majesty!"
Galena cackled wickedly. "Oh and the mischief they'll get into there!"
Her monarch snorted. 'But I shall wager, darling, not for a few centuries yet! We shall have time to prepare."
"No one will dethrone me as the Lady of Misrule!"
Rumple was staring down at himself in astonishment. He leaned his cane on the table and took an experimental step forward with his crippled leg. To his utter amazement, he did not fall.
"Belle!" he gasped. "Belle . . . I'm . . . I'm whole again!"
"Papa! You're walking!" Aurelia cried joyfully, and ran to hug him.
"It's like a miracle!" Belle cried, then ran to embrace him.
"How?" Bae was dumbstruck.
"Fae magic sometimes grants the deepest wishes of the heart," the queen replied.
"Archie...what's going on...Gloriana!" Bonnie gasped, leaning against him for support.
"Darling, why are you out of bed?"
"The servants seemed to be anxious about something and I feared we were under attack..."
She attempted to curtsy but found she didn't have the strength to.
The Queen held her by the shoulders, a faint chiding expression on her face. "Bonita, my darling, you shouldn't have gotten out of bed! Silly child, you need to rest! I would have come to you anon."
"But...Your Majesty...I...I never expected..."
"Darling, let's get you back to bed," Archie murmured.
"Stubborn, Your Majesty, like many a woman before her," Claire sighed, coming to assist. "And all think they can ignore their physician's orders."
"But...what's happened?"
"Our son has done something a bit rash...and the Golds have been given the Queen's Grace."
Bonnie's eyes widened with shock. "But it's been centuries since...oh Shane!"
"You would have done the same Bonnie," Galena spoke up.
"You can discuss it later,' Claire said authoritatively. "But as your physician, Bonnie, I am going to have to insist you return to bed. Both you and Rafaella need to rest and if I had to guess I'd say she's hungry too."
At that moment Rafaella let out a shrill angry wail.
"See? Come along now," Claire chivied her patient upstairs, along with her husband and infant.
All the guests waved as they departed.
"Now you don't need this anymore, Papa,' Bae stated, indicating his cane.
Rumple smirked. '"Except to remind you to behave, Baelfire."
"Papa!" his son scowled. "I'm sixteen, not six! Besides, I haven't done anything to deserve that."
"Yet," his father teased, then he mussed his son's hair. "Go have your walk in the moonlight, son. But remember, no funny business, or else!" He waved the cane about.
"I know, I know!" Bae rolled his eyes. "C'mon, Em! It's getting kinda stuffy in here." He grabbed his betrothed's hand and they raced outside.
"Insolent sprout," Rumple grumbled.
"He's YOUR son, Mr. Gold," Belle said simply.
"Maybe we'll be lucky and the sass will have skipped Fiona," Rumple said hopefully.
Belle laughed. "I doubt that, dearie! But that's okay. A little sass never hurt anyone."
"True. And you love me for it," her husband stated, then he kissed her.
Bae and Emma ran hand in hand down to the lake in the moonlight, the fae blessing still coursing through their blood like fine wine. Reaching the lakeshore, Bae picked up Emma and twirled her around, spinning in a dizzying whirl. "I love you, I love you!" he chanted, his eyes glowing.
Their mouths met, and Emma kissed him as if there was no tomorrow, though in fact all their tomorrows stretched endlessly before them. She felt lighter than a feather, their love buoying her up until she felt as if she could soar to the moon without wings.
She reveled in Bae's sinewy strength, his arms circling her protectively, but a strength that did not trap, it freed. She spread her arms out as they whirled, her blue eyes shimmering cobalt, her pale hair tumbling from its carefully crafted coif to fly about her in moonlit strands.
"Bae!" she whispered tenderly. "My brave soldier. Thanks to Gloriana, we have forever."
"A gift beyond price," he replied huskily. "My wild swan. Your beauty rivals the stars, both without and within."
"Have you become a poet then, Cadet Gold?"
He shook his head, his dark hair falling charmingly over one eye. "No. Simply a man who knows his heart's desire. And isn't afraid to say so."
"I love you, Bae. Always and forever." Emma said, laughing when he set her on her feet. "You found the heart I had hidden away."
She leaned her head on his shoulder.
"And you taught my heart to trust again." He murmured into her hair.
They stayed that way for a long time, as the moon slowly set beyond the trees and turned the surface of the lake to a glassy sheen, where a black swan and his white mate glided silently across the water, celebrating their unexpected gifts and the fate that had brought them together, to find a love that transcended time, space, and happily ever after.
A/N: we hope you enjoyed all the surprises at the end, dearies! This was such fun to write! Please favorite, follow, and leave a review if you'd be so kind. It means a great deal to us. Thanks for joining us!