"Merry Christmas, my beautiful baby girl," I whisper as I sneak into Hope's room, my daughter already up and bouncing in her crib as she hangs onto the side.

Those big brown eyes are dancing with excitement as she smiles wildly behind her pacifier. Her dark lock are a mess, little curls flipping out near her temple and bouncing with each jump she achieves as I draw nearer.

"Ma. Ma." She babbles happily and melts my heart the very second from the warmth of love swooping through my veins.

I gently scoop her up and over the crib and press a sweet kiss to her cheek before settling her against my hip. I slowly pry the pacifier away from her mouth and place it in her crib before we stroll through the hallway and back into my bedroom. I creep inside, tip toeing through the dark room, shielded by the drapes and keeping the sunlight hidden from my girlfriend's sleepy eyes.

"Get mommy," I whisper into my daughter's ear as I carefully place her on top of Emma's curled up body.

"Ma. Ma." Hope happily cheers as she crawls up the frame cocooned beneath the mess of sheets and comforter.

A deep grumble stirs through the room, but there's a lazy smile ghosting over those pretty pink lips. Emma stretches very carefully, conscious of our baby on top of her body and wraps Hope into her loving arms.

"Good morning baby," she groggily greets Hope, stretching her lips to meet the tip of her button nose. Emma peeks around Hope's shoulder and stretches her lips even further for mine, convincing me to capture those lips that worshiped every inch of my body through the night. "Merry Christmas," she whispers into the intimate space between us before I reluctantly pull away.

I had this woman all night long, writhing and filling the air with the most provocative sounds that I declared to be my new favorite song. She spent just as much time guiding my body to climb the highest of heights and yet I am still craving her like the clean air I need to fill my lungs. How am I this addicted to her already?

"Merry Christmas, Emma."

Emma smirks and lifts the edge of the comforter, silently requesting my presence to slip inside. I smile back and there's just something about her endearing smile that seems to cloud my mind and force me to oblige to her every command. I slide right into the space radiating her morning heat and cuddle right into her side. Hope smiles down upon us, showing off her tiny tooth behind her bottom lip, instantly producing a chuckle from Emma and I.

"Look at that adorable tooth," Emma gushes as I rest my head upon her shoulder and her arm sneaks behind my back so her fingertips can wander to their own accord.

"She's getting so big," I sigh, running my fingers through her hair.

"It's going by too fast, I swear I just had her," she pouts, inspiring my head to tilt back to kiss that frown away.

Hope scoots a little closer nudging our faces with her forehead, reminding us that she is still here. We both laugh, our lips breaking apart as we eye our daughter with ever growing smiles. She grins right back, fully proud of herself and I am quickly reminded how much this baby resembles both Emma and I.

Emma runs her fingers through Hope's curls, really assessing our daughter's delicate features. "You know, growing up I never really had Christmases to look forward to. Sometimes, the foster parents would take us to some shelter where we could pick one gift from a huge pile, half the time they were gloves or hats for the winter."

Carefully, not to disrupt this important story, I wrap my arm protectively around both Hope and Emma and hold them impossibly close.

"I always hated Christmas, just another reminder of how lonely I truly was, but then I came to Storybrooke and it took me a long time to really enjoy the holiday and let all that crap from my past really go." She sighs, before tilting her head so she can meet my gaze and my heart stops instantly from the love shining through those stunning eyes. "This is what I want for the rest of my life, Christmas mornings curled up in bed with you and Hope. There is not one present this world has to offer that can ever top this."

My lips are drawn in, connecting to hers like a magnet. "I love you," I whisper against her lips as her eyes flutter closed and she memorizes this moment.

"I love you, too," she breathes out in relief and we spend the majority of the morning in bed, playing with our beautiful daughter before we even remember that there are presents downstairs waiting for Hope.

XXXXXXXXX

Hope was overly excited for the first two presents she tore through, but after that she became rather bored and just wanted to play with all the boxes filling the living room. Emma and I exchanged gifts as well after we were done opening for our daughter. Emma surprised me with the most precious portrait of Hope sleeping on my chest from last month. I had no idea that she even captured this delicate moment, but she did and enlarged the photo and framed it for my wall. The sentiment quickly stirred my emotions and had me battling against my own tears, which in the end won and left me a blubbering mess.

I will never admit, but I had a rather hard time deciding on a gift for Emma. She's not exactly into fashion and truthfully she doesn't really care for jewelry unless they hold a very sentimental value that's close to her heart. So, one night I rummaged through her nightstand and found the old necklaces she used to wear religiously. I know her Swan necklace is very special to her because of Neal, so I placed that one back inside and stole the other silver necklace with the circular pendant attached. I had our children's names engraved on the back around the circle so they will always be close to her heart. I was actually surprised how quickly she broke down when her eyes swept across Henry Daniel and Hope Snow. The woman barreled into me like a linebacker, knocking me down and smothering me with a grateful kiss. She swore that she had never felt more important in a family before in her life, even with her parents she always felt a little like an outsider for some reason, but this necklace expressed just how important she truly is.

It was hard for us to find the motivation to break through our small family bubble, but eventually we had to because most of Storybrooke's population was to attend our Christmas party this evening.

XXXXXXXXX

By six o'clock the mansion was in full swing, decorated in everything red and gold that even the walls were tinged with the cheerful colors. Holiday music was swarming through the chatter of fairytale residents who were all dressed in their Christmas best and I couldn't wipe the smile from my face even if I wanted to.

Finally, our world is at peace and everyone is enjoying our life without anything threatening our lives.

"Champagne for the hostess with the mostess," Emma cheekily declares with this shit eating grin splitting her face right in half.

My greedy eyes roam over the stunning green satin dress that is clinging to Emma's long torso for dear life. The vibrant color makes her eyes pop and reflects beautifully off the golden flecks sparkling in her eyes like the shiny ornaments hanging from our tree.

"Have I mentioned how breathtaking you look tonight," I lower my voice for only her ears, accepting my drink and allowing my eyes to linger where her chest is practically spilling over the top of her dress.

"I believe you did, but there was this miniature human screaming for our attention and ruining the moment," she laughs as her grinning lips enclose the gap between us and steal a small kiss. "Did I mention how drop dead gorgeous you look in that burgundy paint?"

"Paint?" I balk, my face contorting into painfully confused as I pull back from her face.

"You didn't paint this dress on?" She muses, eyeing my dress once more, provoking my hand to slightly shove her back.

"Oh stop, I could say the same for you," I mock, slowly sipping my beverage. "That dress is practically hanging on for dear life, terrified it might slip at any given moment of the night, exposing something that is for my eyes only," I coolly reply, which creates my favorite Emma laugh.

"God I love you," she breathes through her laugh and steals another kiss while my eyes scan the room to see if we are under any speculation.

"Has anyone slyly commented on our status?" I curiously inquire as she pulls the bubbling liquid between her thin lips.

She shakes her head and swallows quickly. "Not really. I mean Archie said he's happy for us, but I don't think anyone else has the guts to bring it up during a casual conversation."

"I see."

"Where's Hope?"

"With Alice and Robin in the other room. Shall we see how they are getting along?"

"Yes," she hastily agrees, already missing our baby girl.

Emma slips her cool fingers through mine and guides me through the crowded room. We quickly spot Alice sitting cross-legged about a foot in front of Hope. Robin is kneeling behind her cousin, carefully holding her into the standing position.

"Oh god, are they seeing if she can walk?" Emma shrieks as she charges forward, yanking my arm out in the process. "She's only nine months."

"Henry was ten months," I flippantly reply, trying so very hard not to spill my champagne.

"Come on you little stinker!" Alice playfully cheers with her hands motioning for our daughter to take a step forward.

"Uhh, girls...I don't think she's ready..." Emma nervously interjects, forcing Robin and Alice to both avert their attention from Hope and land in our direction.

"She's standing so well, all on her own," Robin softly defends, very slowly releasing Hope's sides and allowing my daughter to stand on her own.

My lips immediately curl into a giddy grin from the amount of pride beating in my heart. Robin's face lights up with such enthusiasm as she holds her hands on either side of Hope ready to catch her if she falls.

"Come on little one!" Alice cheers, waving her hands like a mad woman to encourage my baby into taking a step forward.

"She's so little though," Emma whines, hastily stumbling forward in her too high of heels toward our daughter.

"Let's see," I whisper, following my girlfriend's lead and standing in the middle of Alice and Robin.

Hope peeks up at Emma and I out of the corner of her eye. Those enchanting chocolatey orbs are practically glowing into a warm honey hue as she turns her attention back to Alice, who is still coaxing her into taking her first step. A smug smirk slowly slips into place before she lifts her right foot and slams it back down with determination.

"Oh my god," Emma breathes out, slightly panicking and leaning forward, ready to catch our baby if need be, but Robin is right behind her, focusing on only the little girl and nobody else.

"That's it Hope, move that diaper butt!" Alice continues, giggling like some school girl.

Hope steadies her balance and very carefully lifts her left leg, causing her to wobble just a little bit prompting all four of us women to lunge forward, ready for a fall. However, this outstanding little girl, sets down her foot and catches her balance again. Emma and I both release ragged breathes and watch as Hope continues with two more steps. All too quickly, our daughter leans a little too much to the right, ready to topple over, but her cousin is right there to catch her. Robin swoops her up with ease and peppers her chubby cheek with praising kisses.

"Oh my god, she walked!" Emma screeches as she dashes forward and steals Hope out of Robin's embrace.

"Oh baby girl we are so proud of you," I gush, kissing Hope's temple as Emma squeezes her tight.

"I told you," Alice smugly replies, "magic baby," she reiterates with such pride as Robin snakes her arm around her fiancé's waist, just beaming with such adoration for the wild child.

"I don't think that's why she walked," Emma laughs, "I think it's because she's an overachiever like her mother," she teases, narrowing her eyes in my direction.

"Damn straight," I proudly state, placing another kiss to my daughter's head.

"Emma! Regina!" The chippy voice startles our small knit group, demanding our full attention. "Is this your baby girl? She's so big now," Ariel swoons with her tall, dark and silent husband standing behind her. If memory serves me correctly, I stole the fish's voice, not her husband, yet I don't believe I have ever heard him utter a single word.

"Hey Ariel," Emma happily greets her, while I plaster on my political smile, because I know she still hates me deep down for how much I tortured her and I respect that, even if she tries her hardest to be so sweet. True princess through and through. "Oh my god, how far along are you?"

The mermaid beams with so much love as her hands protectively cover her ever growing stomach. "Six months and Eric and I could not be more thrilled," she squeals, her body buzzing with so much glee.

"Congratulations," I politely reply, still holding onto my best smile.

Ariel's suspicious eyes trail away from my girlfriend and daughter to meet my gaze. She offers me a small, but still very kind smile as she nods her head. "Thanks, Regina." I curtly nod as well and busy myself with twirling a bouncy curl of Hope's around my index finger.

"We don't usually come to Storybrooke often, but the last time I saw her I think she was two or three months maybe," Ariel questions, peering back at Emma, who is nodding along.

"I think so. She's nine and a half months," Emma informs the princess while showering our daughter with smothering kisses.

"Can I steal my baby cousin again?" Robin laughs as she reaches out for Hope, my baby girl already meeting Robin halfway.

"Sure," Emma places one more kiss to Hope's temple before Robin and Alice sneak away with my baby giggling at their funny faces.

"Is your mom here?" Ariel inquires, her eyes scanning over the crowded room. "I've been looking all over for her."

"She is...somewhere. Last time I saw her she was chasing Neal through a crowd," Emma and I both laugh at the memory of her frantic mother with sheer panic consuming her face as Neal ducked in between the crowd's legs and disappeared from view.

"Maybe I'll try the next room. Thank you two for the invite, I'm sure we will see you soon."

"Have fun," Emma cheers before Ariel and her husband vanish into the sea of people filling the room.

Movement from across the room catches my attention and I watch with great interest as Violet strolls confidently through the guests, with one destination in mind. I gently nudge my girlfriend's elbow and nod toward the corner.

"Shall we?" I whisper, but Emma is already nodding like a mad woman and tugging me across the room yet again to another one of our children.

"Wow, Violet...you...nice job growing up," Henry embarrassingly stutters provoking his cheeks and even the tips of his ears to burn crimson.

And technically, he's not wrong. It's been a very long time since I've seen this young girl, but now she must be around twenty-one and I must say, she is a very beautiful young woman. There are still a few freckles dusting across her nose and she still wears her hair down her back, but she's much taller now and her features have definitely matured.

"Thanks Henry," she genuinely laughs at my son's stupidity before extending her hand to his wife. "You must be Ella, it's very nice to meet you."

"You too," Henry's wife happily responds, smiling from ear to ear.

"Our daughter Lucy is around here...somewhere..." he trails off as he stretches on his tip toes and peers over the guests.

"I'm sure I will meet her soon," Violet smiles and there isn't even a hint of jealousy or bitterness as she speaks to the happy couple. "I'm so happy for you two."

"Thanks," Henry bashfully replies, anxiously rubbing the back of his neck. "Hey, did you ever speak with your dad?"

"I did," she shyly responds, not it's her turn for her cheeks to burn brighter than the red ribbons decorating this house.

"Violet," I interject, offering the young woman a warm smile.

"Hello Miss Mills, Emma."

"You can call me Regina, dear," I correct her, trying to bite back the smirk tugging around my mouth from the formalities.

"Hey Violet, how are you?" Emma asks, slithering her fingers in between mine and for a moment I stiffen because this is still so very new, but nobody in our circle seems to be paying attention so I breathe out a slow sigh of relief and focus back on the conversation in front of me.

"...so, yeah. One year left of college and I'm free."

"That's amazing. So, if I would have stayed in Storybrooke I would be around twenty-one right now? Dammit, I should have stayed," Henry muses with his charming smile set into place.

"Right? How's forty treating you?" Violet teases, earning laughs from everyone in the group.

"Hey I'm not forty yet," he firmly demands, but there's still that boyish smile consuming his entire face and for a split second I see Hope's smile as well.

"Two years?" Violet continues to hassle my son, with an award winning grin gracing her face.

Ella backhands my son across his bicep, in a playful manner and gazes up at him through heart filled eyes. "Hey! If you stayed in Storybrooke I would have never met you."

He drapes his arm around her shoulders and pulls her in tight against his chest before placing a rough kiss to her temple. "In that case, I'm glad I'm almost forty. Sort of." This earns him a nice sharp elbow to his ribs, but the couple both laugh, inspiring the rest of us to chuckle in return.

"Well, excuse me, I'm going to mingle. I'll see you two around," Violet politely excuses herself, strutting away with all the confidence in the world.

"She's so sweet," Ella murmurs into Henry's ear, prompting him to nod along with a permanent smile upon his face.

"She is. She will always be my best friend," he concludes, taking me by surprise because as I recall, they were certainly more than 'best friends'. "Moms, how is everything going? Nobody is giving you two a hard time right?" He seriously questions as his inquisitive eyes create a path down to where my fingers are linked with Emma's.

"Not at all kid," Emma brushes off the insinuation with conviction. "Who would want to cause problems against the Queen and her Sheriff?" She scoffs, a little too cocky for my liking because I can only assume her smart mouth just jinxed us. Then her fingers squeeze some reassurance into my hand and instantly eases the tension away from my tense body.

"Good. Mom? You okay?"

"Of course, honey," I wave him off and avoid his interrogating eyes, along with his wife's as well. "Don't you worry about us."

After a light conversation, Henry and Ella excuse themselves to search for Lucy, who we imagined was probably playing hide and seek with Neal. Emma pecked my cheek and disappeared as well, in search for more champagne and to check on Hope with Robin while I found something very interesting to pay attention to.

Off in the corner of my living room, away from the shoulder to shoulder traffic, my eyes locate the beautiful brunette from earlier. She's laughing and smiling uncontrollably as her fingers strums against her champagne glass. She seems genuinely happy with the company and much to my surprise her company is smiling wildly as well. Except the other woman's eyes express a more shy nature as she nervously tucks her hair behind her ear and her gaze keeps flicking between the floor and her companion.

My eyebrows pulls together as my head tilts to the side and I examine these two women hiding out in the corner. They both are uncertain, as their trembling fingers decide where is appropriate to land. It's all rather adorable how shy yet so happy they are in this private moment.

"Hey," Emma's cool voice startles my spying and snaps my attention back to the now.

"Hey," I croak out and quickly clear my throat while accepting my next drink. I nod toward the corner, silently commanding my girlfriend to pay close attention.

Those shining emeralds dance across the living room until she discovers the two quiet women. "Mulan looks great in normal clothes right? So much better than all that armor."

"Yes," I drag out the tiny word as my eyes roam over the pair again.

"My mom and I took Mulan dress shopping for tonight. We told her she was not allowed to wear her armor or you would kick her ass right out." I scoff in response, offended that she painted me as the bad guy, but she just smiles from ear to ear and kisses my cheek playfully and I forget to remain irritated at her. "Red is her color, she looks gorgeous."

"She does," I agree, tilting my head to assess the situation again. "Do you..." the words evaporate in thin air as I watch Violet so boldly steal a step forward and curl a chunk of hair behind Mulan's ear in the most timid yet endearing way.

"Uhhhh..." Emma stammers and I know she caught the display of affection as well. "You don't think..."

"I'm not sure," I mindlessly hum, my eyes glued to the scene playing out before me.

"I guess it makes sense, right?"

"Hmmm?"

"Well, Henry said Violet will always be his best friend...what if...maybe Violet discovered that boys weren't really her thing after dating Henry." She pauses, but only for a brief moment. "Isn't Mulan a lot older than Violet?"

"I haven't a clue how old Mulan is."

"I don't know how old anyone is anymore," she chuckles, persuading a smile to break across my lips. "I guess we just go by how old we feel, right? Because nobody here seems to be aging, except for Henry."

I blink a few times as the words sink into my brain and I slowly turn to meet my girlfriend's gaze, steering the conversation back to what she said moments ago. "Do you think that's why Henry really left? That's how he knew Violet wasn't his happy ending because she told him she was into other girls?"

"It makes sense. He just asked her if she ever told her dad, I mean he didn't go into specifics, but maybe that's what he meant?" She shrugs, casually sipping her drink as we allow this information to settle. "She seems really interested in Mulan...god I hope so. If there's one person who deserves a happy ending it's that poor woman."

I chuckle, catching my girlfriend's full attention and persuading my lips to capture hers. "You really are the Savior at heart, aren't you?"

"I can't help it, it lives and breathes inside of me," she teases as she cups my cheek and slowly kisses me with so much love and passion.

Gradually, her lips break apart from mine and as our eyes slowly flutter open, we both are forced to jump back by the rude interruption.

"Yuck! No kissing in front of me," a baby voice whines, while Hope giggles in between Emma and I, her pudgy hands reaching for our faces.

"Jeez!" Emma breathes out while I narrow my eyes at the culprit.

"Give me my daughter, Miss Lucas!"

"But Hope is having so much fun with Aunt Ruby, right?" She whines in another irritating baby voice as she settles Hope onto her hip.

"I believe the little rug rat wants to ride off with Auntie Zelena," my sister cackles as she sweeps right beside me and snatches my daughter from Ruby.

"Actually, it's some grandfather and granddaughter bonding time," David announces as he expertly steals Hope and scurries off into the crowd with her.

"Well, at least you are never short on babysitters," Ruby muses, swiping Emma's champagne glass and raising it up high to toast.