LV
Four weeks until her due date found Belle standing in front of the full-length mirror lamenting over the state of her waistline. "How can you stand to look at me, Rumpel?" she asked, wrapping her arms around her enormous belly and trying to find an angle where she could glimpse her feet at the same time.
Gold rolled his eyes as he pulled his head out from under the pillow and scrubbed a hand over his face to rid himself of the last remnants of sleep. His lips curled up in a wicked grin as he took in the sight of his lovely and very pregnant wife. She must have just gotten out of the shower, her hair still damp and gleaming in the low light of their bedroom, her alabaster skin shining with the healthy glow of her pregnancy as she stood completely naked before the mirror.
"I quite enjoy looking at you, my darling Belle." He shoved the blankets aside and rose to stand behind her, wrapping his arms around her from behind and resting his hands on her belly. The gentle rolling movement of his child beneath his love's skin never ceased to bring a beaming smile to his face. "You have never been more beautiful than you are now."
Belle turned her head to meet the gentle press of his lips upon her own. "I look like I swallowed a bus, Rumpel, but it's very sweet that you think I'm still beautiful."
"Love you," he said, stifling a yawn and grabbing his cane to go downstairs and start breakfast.
"Love you more, Rum," she answered automatically, meeting his gaze in the mirror before disappearing into their walk-in closet to find something to wear.
The last month since the curse had been broken hadn't been an easy one. Everyone who had loathed and despised her husband before, remembered the fear they'd experienced at the mere mention of his name in their former realm and now the tentative friendships she'd made with people in town were crumbling about her feet. That didn't endear the populace to her husband at all. Rent had been raised and just because the curse was broken, didn't mean they didn't have to pay. He'd evicted two hapless tenants the week before when they couldn't meet the new rate.
After the way they'd sneered at Belle and whispered unflattering comments behind their hands where Gold could hear them, they were extremely fortunate to still be walking around on two legs instead of slithering along on a slime trail on their bellies. Gold was once again in his element. He lived for the fear he could instill in others. It made him feel powerful and if it made him happy, Belle wouldn't begrudge him that small concession by making him be nice to small-minded people.
Belle tried not to let the whispers bother her. She'd grown up having people think she was odd. The odd little princess who would rather have the company of her books than members of her peerage. The odd little girl who'd had her head in the clouds dreaming of far off places, sword fights to rescue the fair maiden and princes in disguise had always been looked down upon, so this really wasn't anything new.
Now, however, people called her a gold-digger who had married the town monster for his money. Others remembered stories from their realm about how she'd been his captive and bewitched to fall in love with the beast. Very few really knew the truth behind the reasons she'd chosen to be with him, and she tried not to let the whispers bother her.
No one ever saw the man behind the monster who wore a cold mask of disdain and indifference. In their home, no one ever saw the man who doted on his wife and lived for her happiness, the man who frequently surprised her with breakfast in bed, the man who rubbed her back at the end of the day with his soothing touch, the man who stared at her as if he couldn't believe he'd ever be worthy to have her love and the man who counted the days until their child would arrive. Only a few were even able to catch a small glimpse of her spinner.
They knew who their real friends were and didn't need anyone else. Gold was even warming up to Charming, though he'd never admit it under threat of being impaled upon his dagger. But he did enjoy antagonizing Charming and making him look a bit foolish. Thankfully, Charming was getting better at fending off Gold's razor-sharp wordplay and took it all good naturedly.
Belle had a feeling Snow had laid down the law that Charming was not to make an enemy of Rumpelstiltskin and ruin her own friendship with Belle. But with Snow and Emma busy with wedding plans, they weren't quite as able to curtail the sarcasm as well as they'd like. Belle found it all quite amusing.
Emma had surprised everyone by accepting Jefferson's marriage proposal, thinking it strange their savior, daughter of their sovereigns, would marry someone so odd as the man they'd all dubbed the Mad Hatter. But she loved him. He'd crept in and stolen her heart and given her a home and family and they wanted to make it official.
Charming had not been at all happy about the news. He was still bitter he'd missed out on watching his little girl grow up, and now she was starting a family of her own. Snow had helped him come around, making him see Jefferson was the same man who had befriended him after he'd awoken from his coma and made him feel welcome in their circle of friends. If Jefferson could bring their daughter and grandson happiness, who was he to deny them?
Regina hadn't changed much in the past month. She still hated Snow with a flaming passion, but she tried to keep her feelings to herself around Emma and Henry. She didn't want to give Emma any excuse to deny her joint custody with her son. They'd come to a new arrangement, and now she had him all to herself every other week. Everyone seemed to be happy with the new arrangement and Henry was pleased his two mothers were making an effort to get along.
Regina had somehow been able to retain her position as mayor and Belle suspected it was because no one else wanted the job. People were content to let her run their town as she had before as long as she kept her nose out of their personal business. Due to her history with the queen, Belle wasn't inclined to have Regina as her new best friend, but she had come to be more tolerant in the queen's quest to be a better person for Henry.
Belle felt a wisp of magic tingle up her spine and a gentle nudge at the back of her mind, feeling her husband asking for permission to invade her thoughts. Sometimes it was much easier to indulge in this perk of their bond than simply shouting up the stairs like an uncouth youth. She opened herself easily and felt his lilting voice caress her mind.
Breakfast is ready, sweetheart.
I can't decide what to wear. Everything I own makes me look huge, and I'm uncomfortable in my own skin, much less clothes, she answered easily, her mental voice carrying the hint of a whine.
Since today is your baby shower, why don't you wear the pink dress I bought you last week?
I could just as easily wear the blue one.
We're having a girl, my darling. Wear the pink.
Stubborn man. I'll be down in a moment. She could feel the whisper of a kiss brush her cheek as she pulled the pink dress from the hanger. He was still convinced they were having a girl and she'd gotten to the point where it was just ridiculous to argue with him anymore. Since the curse had broken, he had been after her to let him use his magic to examine the baby. But the thought of him invading her womb with magic made her just a bit nervous even though he'd assured her it wouldn't harm their child. He was just like any expectant father, wanting to bond with their child on a deeper level and she really was being silly for not allowing it.
She ran the brush through her hair and smiled at her reflection, at the sleeveless bodice with its square neckline and simple lines. She retrieved a pair of simple nude flats and left the bedroom, her mind made up. If she was having a baby shower, why couldn't Rumpelstiltskin have a peek in her belly? Carefully, she traversed the stairs and entered the kitchen, setting her shoes near the kitchen doorway for later.
"Absolutely breathtaking," he breathed as he turned to face her, taking her in. She blushed prettily at the compliment and sat heavily on her chair at the table.
"Hardly, Rumpel, but thank you," she said, taking a sip from her tea cup and eyeing the plate of eggs, bacon and chocolate chip muffins he set before her. He hadn't been down in the kitchen more than twenty minutes, so he must've had a little magical help this morning, but she kept her opinion to herself. She enjoyed cheating at meals as well now that they had their magic back. "Are you going to be at the shop all day?"
Gold knew she didn't like him to open up the shop on Saturdays, feeling the weekend should be a time to spend with family … her in particular. "Just for a while this morning. I want to spend the afternoon working on the potion, so I will be here when you return from your party."
Belle studied him closely, noting the dark circles and tight lines around his eyes. He had been working so fervently to brew a potion which would let him cross the town line without losing his memories, so they would be able to leave to search for Baelfire. He was losing sleep, he wasn't eating properly, and it was taking its toll. The most aggravating aspect of it was he refused to let her help him. He insisted she rest instead of expending undue energy to assist him.
"You work too hard."
"But it will be worth it," he said, warming her with his smile. "I won't be too busy this morning at the shop. I just need to go over the books. I've been neglecting them since …"
"… since you've been working on our town line dilemma. I know, love." She pushed her empty plate aside and scooted her chair back away from the table. Fighting back her nervous trepidation, she met his gaze, her fingers twisting together in her lap. "Um … Rum? Since you won't be coming with me to the shower, I … uh … I want to give you something. A gift."
He set his tea cup down, his brow knitted together in a puzzled frown. "Sweetheart, you don't have to give me anything." He took her hands in his and kissed her fingertips, worrying slightly over her agitation. His brave, confident wife never let her nerves get the better of her and he could only wonder how serious this was to have her behaving so. "All I need is you, my Belle."
"I know, but there is something you've wanted for a while now and I've been silly not wanting to let you have it. Well, I've changed my mind," she replied, worrying her lower lip and watching the hope bloom on his face. The breath left him in a whoosh when he finally realized what she was saying.
"You mean …"
Belle unclasped their hands and pulled them forward to lay gently against the mound of her belly. "I do. I want you to." She couldn't remember the last time, if ever, that she'd seen such a look of pure joy on her husband's face.
"You're certain?" he asked, nodding excitedly.
She could already feel the magic settling in his fingertips, ready to send it curling throughout her abdomen. "Yes, I'm sure." She sat back in the chair and tried to get comfortable, uncertain of how long it would take. She had to bite down on her lip to stop herself from giggling. The tendrils of magic flowing through her felt as though he were tickling her from the inside.
Belle was mesmerized by the look of sheer happiness on his face as he moved his hands gently over her abdomen, his smile widening as their child moved beneath his hands. "Oh, Belle …" he breathed, his voice thick with emotion. "She's so perfect, and healthy, and so beautiful." A tear escaped the corner of his closed eyes and Belle reached up to brush it away. "Just like her mama."
Gold withdrew his hands and cradled her face in his palms, molding his lips to hers for a long moment. He poured every ounce of love his possessed into the gesture before breaking the kiss and pressing his brow to hers, a whispered thank you, ghosting across his lips.
"I just wanted you to have something special today, Rumpel."
"There is nothing more special or precious in my life at this moment than my girls."
"A girl. You just had to be right. It wouldn't do for the great Rumpelstiltskin to be wrong just this once," she mused, a wry grin toying at her lips.
"I know you wanted a son, Belle. Are you very disappointed?" he asked worriedly as though the blame would be placed on his shoulders.
"Of course not, darling. I would be happy with either, but you are going to spoil her so rotten. You will be wrapped around her little finger and I won't be able to do anything with either of you," she teased, her smile blinding in its brilliance.
"Indeed."
*.*.*
Jefferson knocked on the bathroom door for the fourth time in the last hour. "Rabbit, you're going to be late if you don't come out of there," he called through the wooden barrier. Emma had gone in there to take a shower and go about her morning routine before dressing for the baby shower, and now she refused to come out. "Have I done something to upset you?" he asked, staring at the door as if the answer would suddenly appear in an elegant scrawl on the wood finish.
"I'm fine, hatter! You didn't do anything to upset me; I just need a minute," Emma retorted irritably. "Would you please call Belle and tell her I'm running late?"
"What's wrong? Why is your voice all shaky? Have you been crying?"
Emma scowled at the door knob when it began rattling under his hand. She wasn't being fair to him and she knew it. She stared down at the offending stick in her hand and the unmistakable double lines, a groan issuing from her throat. She wanted to throw up. She wanted to scream. She wanted to climb through the bathroom window and run. Now she could hear Henry on the other side of the door.
"Why is Mom locked in the bathroom?"
"She said she needs a minute," Jefferson huffed, rocking back on his heels and shoving his hands deep into his pockets. He, himself, groaned as he heard the doorbell ring and Grace run to answer it. Oh, he so didn't need this right now.
"What's going on?" Regina asked, her brows puckered as she joined her son and Jefferson in their stakeout of the bathroom.
Henry hugged his mother around her waist and shrugged. "Mom's locked herself in the bathroom and won't come out."
"What did you do this time, Jefferson?" Regina asked, one of her perfectly plucked eyebrows reaching skyward.
Emma dropped down on the closed lid of the toilet and wrapped her arms around her middle, leaning forward and taking deep calming breaths. It sounded more like she was going to hyperventilate.
Jefferson looked appalled. "Why is it everything that happens automatically has to be my fault, Regina?"
"Most things usually are," she quipped icily. Just because she was trying to be a better person for Henry didn't mean she had to be nice to Jefferson Madden. That bridge had been burned long ago when she'd left him stranded in Wonderland with her mother.
He wanted to bang his head against the door in lieu of knocking. "Rabbit, Regina is here to pick up Henry. Are you going to come out and say goodbye?"
Sobbing could be heard through the door.
"Is she ill?" Regina asked, lowering her voice in an aside to Jefferson. The hatter shook his head and shrugged, completely at a loss.
"Mom," Henry called, his turn to rattle the door knob. "Mom, please open the door." The sobbing grew louder and more anguished.
Regina's features twisted in panic. "You broke the savior! She faced a dragon without breaking a sweat and gets broken by the Mad Hatter."
He ignored her and fished his cell phone from his pocket to call Belle as Emma had requested. "Belle, Emma's running a bit behind … no, she's fine, sort of … why do you think something is wrong … no I didn't do anything … she won't tell me. She's locked herself in the bathroom and won't open the door … I don't know …"
"How long has she been in there?" Belle asked, appearing behind him in the hallway in a puff of blue smoke. "Why didn't you call me sooner?"
Jefferson gaped at her, Henry grinned, and Regina took a step back, pulling Henry along with her. "Haven't I asked you not to do that?" he asked in exasperation.
"Emergencies don't count." She shooed Jefferson off down the hall, giving Regina a look which clearly told her to go with him and knocked lightly on the bathroom door. "Em, are you alright? Will you please open the door?"
"A-Are you a-alone?" came Emma's voice, cracking under the weight of her tears.
Belle's fingers twisted together in an effort to quell the urge to unlock the door with magic. "Yes, Em, I sent everyone off to the living room. Will you please let me in?" The door knob rattled as the lock turned, and Belle poked her head through the small opening she made. Emma grabbed her arm and pulled her inside, locking the door behind her.
Belle was taken aback by the condition of her friend. Her hair hung in lank rat tails from not being dried properly after her shower, her face was red and splotchy from crying and her shoulders drooped in despair. She looked nothing like the spunky tough-as-nails sheriff Belle knew. This was Emma at her most vulnerable.
She wrapped her arms around the much taller woman and rubbed soothing circles on her back as Emma wept. "Oh, sweetheart, what happened? Are you hurt?" she asked hesitantly, although she couldn't imagine Jefferson would hurt Emma. He loved her more than his next breath, and his gentle nature would never allow him to hurt a woman, especially one he cared for as much as his future bride.
Emma pulled away from Belle and resumed her seat on the closed toilet, unrolling a length of toilet tissue from the roll to blow her nose. "I've ruined everything. I was too happy, too comfortable with my new life. Every time I let my guard down, I do something to screw it up."
"Emma, I'm sure it can't be as bad as you're making it out to be," Belle assured her, sitting down on the edge of the tub and patting Emma's hand.
"We never talked about this. What if he doesn't want …"
Belle closed her eyes and prayed for patience as she waited for her to get to the point. "Maybe if you told me about the problem, we could find a solution," she offered hopefully.
Emma reached over and plucked the pregnancy test off the counter by the sink, handing it to Belle whose eyes widened to the size of dinner plates when she saw the two blue lines and realization dawned on her. "I'm pregnant. Or at least I am according to that."
Belle wanted to squeal with glee, but thought better of it. She didn't think Emma, in her distress, would appreciate the gesture. "Oh, Honey, this is no cause to be so upset. This is wonderful."
Emma pushed her hair back away from her face, and swiped at her tears with her fingertips. "Is it? Jefferson and I have only been together for six months. He just proposed three weeks ago. I don't want to walk down the aisle with my belly preceding me. And what if he doesn't want another kid?" she asked, her own eyes widening at her next thought. "Oh, God, what are my parents going to say?"
Belle smiled warmly at her friend, and rose to retrieve a washcloth from the towel rack, wetting it with cool water and wringing it out. She pressed it to Emma's flushed face and told her to take a deep breath. "Emma, do you want this baby?"
"Of course, I do. I love Jefferson, and I'll love any child we make together," she said, putting voice to her feelings she hadn't wanted to admit to herself until that moment. "I just didn't expect this to happen so soon."
"Sometimes these things happen whether we expect them to or not. I didn't think it would happen at all for me and Rumpel. Right now, you're experiencing all those lovely pregnancy hormones which are flooding your system and making all your common sense fly right out the window."
"Ya think?" Emma snapped dryly.
"It doesn't matter what anyone else thinks about this, especially your parents. They will be thrilled to become grandparents again and you know it. What matters right now is how you and Jefferson feel. He's going to be ecstatic, Emma."
"How could this have happened?" Emma asked, throwing her hands up as she rose to pace the rug. Belle smothered a smile behind her hand. "Well, I know how it happened, but we were always so careful."
"Always?" Belle asked, quirking a brow.
A rosy blush tinted Emma's face. "Well, there was that one time, actually our first time together and things were moving way too fast and … and … well it just sort of happened and we didn't …"
"How many … uh … how … um …" Belle still felt uncomfortable talking about such things no matter how close she and Emma were.
"How late am I? Two months maybe."
"You need to see the doctor," Belle said, thinking aloud.
"Well, that's not happening today. It's Saturday and I'm sure Dr. Bryan would object to having to see me on his weekend off."
Belle cringed. "Jefferson isn't going to leave it alone until you confess why you're so upset, and you don't want to tell him until you have confirmation from the doctor." She pulled her phone from her purse and dialed Gold.
"Hi, sweetheart … no, everything is fine … I wouldn't know, we haven't made it there yet … yes, I'm with Emma … Rum, would you stop asking questions please … don't get snarky with me … I need a favor … Do you think you could possibly persuade Dr. Bryan to see us this afternoon …"
The line went dead as Gold appeared before her, the phone still clutched in his hand, his eyes wide and zeroed in on her belly. "Why do you need to see the doctor? Are you in labor? Are you alright?" It finally registered on him where they were. "And why are we in Jefferson's bathroom?"
Belle rolled her eyes and moved aside so Gold could see Emma where she was sitting. "It's not for me, darling."
"Why would Miss Swan need to see Bryan? He's general medicine, but primarily an … oh, I see." He searched the contacts on his phone and dialed. "I'll … uh … see what I can do, love." He stepped out into the hall, clearly uncomfortable to have been dragged into this situation.
Belle in turn dialed the number to the B&B where the baby shower was going to be held in less than an hour. "Hey, Red, it's Belle … something's come up and Emma and I are going to be a little late … no, I'm fine … could you just hold down the fort until we get there … Thanks, Red."
Gold knocked on the door to get her attention and Belle opened it a crack. "He can see you in twenty minutes. Do you want me to go with you?"
"No, we'll be fine. Thank you, Rumpel," she said, sighing in relief she'd be able to help her friend. "Now poof out of here before Jefferson sees you."
"She hasn't told him?"
"Go. We'll talk later."
Gold quirked a brow. "It's not good to keep secrets, my Belle."
Belle thought back to a month ago when he'd discovered she'd been keeping secrets from him and she winced at the memory. "I know that better than anyone, but this is Emma's decision. It will be better if she knows for certain before she shares this with Jeff."
Gold gave her a solemn nod and poofed out, leaving her to tend to Emma.
*.*.*
Snow passed another present to Belle as she watched her daughter from the corner of her eye. Emma was acting strange and had nearly bitten her head off when she'd asked if something was wrong. Things had been strained between them since the curse had broken, but Snow continued to hope their relationship would get better with time. At least Emma was trying and hadn't pushed her away completely. She'd just never seen her confident, head-strong daughter quite so distracted.
"You know you can talk to me about anything, Emma. I know something's bothering you," Snow whispered, leaning closer so Emma could hear over the delighted squeals of the women present.
"I'm fine, Mary Margaret. I just have a lot on my mind," Emma said, sipping distractedly at her cup of fruit punch. Thankfully, Red hadn't spiked the punch bowl out of respect for Belle's pregnancy. If she had, Gold would be hunting werewolf on the next full moon. She didn't want to be there, but it wouldn't look good if she skipped out on her best friend's baby shower, especially since she'd been asked by Gold himself to be their baby's godmother.
"Are you and Jefferson having problems?"
"No, nothing like that," Emma retorted irritably. What was it with her mother butting her nose in where it wasn't wanted? She'd taken care of herself this long without her parents and didn't feel comfortable with the endless barrage of questions Snow thought she ought to ask. Great, now she was feeling guilty for thinking badly of her mother. Stupid hormones! No, it wasn't just the hormones. She wondered if she'd ever get over her abandonment issues. She was trying, really, she was; it was just difficult. It had been so much easier before the curse had broken and Mary Margaret had been just her friend.
Belle reached over from her chair of honor in the middle of the B&B's sitting room and squeezed Emma's hand. "If you need to go, I'm certain Red or Mary Margaret can drive me home," she suggested kindly.
"I'm not bailing on you, Belle. You're always there for me when I need you and I'm not going to run out on you in the middle of your baby shower. That's my godchild. I mean, how would that look?" Emma asked, nibbling on a cracker. It was about the only thing she could hold down right now with her stomach protesting every smell which assailed her from the small buffet set up for the shower guests. "It's bad enough we were more than an hour late."
Snow lowered her eyes to her clasped hands where they rested in her lap and tried to keep the pain from showing in her expression. She should be the one Emma confided in and it was wrong of her to feel jealous of the closeness between her daughter and Belle. Belle was her friend, too, and she should be happy Emma had her to talk to. "Why were you late anyway? You're feeling alright, aren't you, Belle?"
Belle worried her bottom lip between her teeth, a sure sign she was evading. "Emma and I just had a little errand to run this morning."
Snow let it drop as Red dropped a gift bag at Belle's side. "So, how's Rump coping? Is he making you nuts yet?" she asked, sitting in the chair to Belle's right.
Belle snickered at Red's nickname for Gold. It was almost as bad as what he called her. But she answered to wolf-girl, so she must not mind too much. "He's very anxious for the baby to arrive, as am I. I feel like I swallowed a watermelon, I don't walk anymore … I waddle, and I spend more time in the bathroom than any other room in the house."
"And it can't help that Bryan told you no more sex until after the baby's born," Red chuckled with a suggestive waggle of her brows.
Belle groaned and dropped her head in her hands to hide her blush. "I am never telling you anything in confidence ever again," Belle hissed in embarrassment.
"Is there a health issue? I've heard of some women being able to … uh, being able to … you know … up until they go into labor," Snow said, turning beet red.
"Oh, my God, please tell me you didn't!" Emma gasped in horror.
Red burst out laughing.
Belle picked up the gift bag and hid her face in the tissue paper, so Emma couldn't see her trying not to laugh.
Emma rose to her feet and glared at the three of them. "Belle, I think I'm going home and have a talk with my fiancée. This has just turned into a TMI moment and I just can't deal right now."
Belle watched her go, hoping her talk with Jefferson went well. Red squealed with delight over the pretty little pink dress complete with frills and ruffles Belle retrieved from the bottom of the gift bag. "Sweet!"
Now that Emma was gone, Snow wanted to know just what was going on with her daughter. Belle shrugged and sat back heavily against the soft back of the chair. "I'm sorry, Snow. You're going to have to ask Emma."
*.*.*
Emma pulled into the long drive and turned the engine off, resting her head against the steering wheel of the little yellow bug. She took a deep breath, trying to calm the rapid tempo of her heart. The test results were wrapped around the home pregnancy test she'd taken that morning and were burning a hole in the pocket of her leather jacket. How was she supposed to find the words to tell Jefferson he was about to become a father for the second time?
She was sure to owe Gold another favor for coercing Dr. Bryan to come into his office on a Saturday to perform a pregnancy test and a prenatal exam once it was confirmed she was indeed pregnant. Eight weeks pregnant to be exact. The fatigue, the nausea and the lack of appetite had been enough to make her suspect, but she hadn't expected the actual test to be positive. He was going to drill her about her upset from that morning and then more over her abrupt departure with Belle without answering a single question he'd asked. It wasn't fair to him, the way she'd acted, but she wasn't used to dealing with panic.
Her head snapped up as the car door opened and Jefferson reached in a gentle hand to pull her out. And then she was in his arms and she was fighting back a fresh wave of tears as he hauled her against his chest and ran a comforting hand over her hair. "Emma, are you alright?" he asked, pressing a kiss to her temple.
"I will be," she assured him, tucking her face against his neck and fisting her hands in the waistcoat he wore over his silk shirt.
When she showed no sign of releasing her tight grip on him, he scooped her up into his arms and carried her into the house, sitting down on the sofa with her on his lap. He didn't say anything for a long moment, content to just hold her tightly in his arms. It didn't matter that it was killing him as he waited for her to open up to him. He would be patient with her. Instead, he chose a subject which would hopefully put her at ease. "How was the baby shower?"
She shrugged out of her jacket and tossed it to the end of the sofa, again snuggling deeper into his embrace and resting her head against his shoulder. "It was good, I guess. Besides the four of us and Granny, Zel, Ariel and Jazz came. Red wanted to invite Ashley, but she's more terrified of Belle than she is of Gold and decided not to come. And considering Belle hates her with a flaming passion, I think it was for the best. But she got a lot of cute and needful things for the baby."
Jefferson kissed her lightly and scooted her out of his lap, moving to her feet to pull off her boots and thick socks, rubbing firmly at her arches. "And did you have a good time?"
She knew what he was doing, trying to put her at ease so she would feel comfortable about telling him what was bothering her, and she loved him all the more for it. "Aside from having to learn something really disturbing about my mother's pregnancy when she was carrying me … yeah, it was ok."
The smile curving his lips didn't match the worry evident in his warm grey eyes. "Good. I think I'll go make … I'll go make tea, hmm?"
"Jefferson, we need to talk," she said, rising from the sofa as he too got to his feet.
She grabbed his hand and winced at the pain flitting over his features, his thumb rubbing over the diamond gracing the fourth finger of her left hand. "It's all my fault. I pushed too hard, too soon."
Realization dawned on her and she was quick to reassure him. "What? No! No, you didn't."
"Then why are you breaking up with me?"
"Jefferson, I'm not breaking up with you," she shook her head, wrapping her arms around his waist and pulling his head down for a kiss. "I'm marrying you, hatter. I'm not going to change my mind. I love you."
"Oh, thank the gods," he breathed against her hair, crushing her to him. "I love you, too, Rabbit. I thought … this morning when you were so upset … I thought you were having second thoughts."
"No," she said, "you're well and truly stuck with me."
"Then would you please tell me why you were such a mess this morning? Even Regina was concerned about you and that's something I never thought I'd live to see."
Emma snorted. "Yeah, well, we'll never be best buds, but at least she's trying to act like a human being." She slipped out of his arms and gestured to the sofa. "I have to tell you something and I think it might be best if maybe you sat down."
He did as she asked, suddenly nervous and unsure of what he should do with his hands. "Would you just please tell me."
Emma picked up her jacket and dug in the pocket where she'd stashed the tests and placed it in his hand, closing his fingers around the rumpled paper. The little stick fell out onto his lap as he tried to make sense of what he was reading. He glanced wide-eyed at her and then down at the little blue lines on the stick, his hand reaching for it. "You … ah … you're pregnant?"
"Are you upset?"
"What?!"
Emma brushed angrily at the tears which sprang to her eyes. "I'll understand if …"
Her words trailed off as he dropped to his knees before her and wrapped his arms around her hips, pressing his face into her flat belly. "Oh, Emma, how could you think I would be upset?"
He pulled at the button on her jeans and eased the zipper down, tugging her jeans down her long legs and helping her step out of them. Lifting the hem of her tank top, he pressed his lips to her bare skin and she could feel the wetness of his tears on her skin. "Hi, baby," he cooed.
"I didn't know, Jeff. We'd never even talked about having children together. Grace is still trying to get used to me being her new stepmother. Henry is being tugged back and forth between me and Regina and I didn't know how you would feel about a new baby," she explained, unable to hold back her tears any longer. Only now it was tears of relief that he was just as happy as she was about the life growing inside her.
He rained kisses over her belly, inching her tank top higher. "Grace and Henry are going to be thrilled to have a new brother or sister."
She was getting distracted as he whipped the shirt over her head and tossed it over his shoulder. He pressed a kiss in the valley between her breasts as she stood there before him in just her bra and knickers, one hand cupping her breast, the other soothing over the flat plane of her belly.
"What about our wedding?" she asked, whimpering softly as his lips found the alabaster flesh of her throat over her pulse point.
"We'll move the date up if you like," he murmured, his arms moving around her to lift her in his arms and make his way to their bedroom. "If you want, we'll go see the justice of the peace tomorrow."
He kicked the bedroom door closed behind him and bore her to the bed, his lips and hands never leaving her. "What about …" But it wasn't important. Nothing was important right now except the fact that he was touching her, that he loved her and was happy she was carrying his child. For the first time she could remember, she had a bright future full of love and laughter and children to look forward to.
A/N: So, were you surprised? Did you like it? This has got to be one of my favorite chapters in the whole fic. It was just so very fluffy. We don't get enough fluffiness. Regardless, I really hope ya'll enjoyed it. We can thank Emilie Brown for the madswan baby idea. The Rumbelle baby and Baelfire are next. Hope you all are as excited as I am.
