Hello! This will be the last chapter of this installment, so there will be some time jumps. See end for more notes

**Minor character deaths mentioned**

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Chapter 9

Eva stood and cheered louder than anyone in the group as Malory finished her valedictorian speech and received her diploma. She had graduated with top grades and couldn't wait to go back to Storybrooke, spend a year in her mother's office, and then run for "Queen of Storybrooke". She smiled out at her twin who was almost obnoxious with her cheering, but also filled her with such love.

Emma kissed Regina as the ceremony was ending and smiled. "That's our third baby graduating college." Eva had graduated from an online school with a degree in social services, seemingly following Emma's path and was now going for a bachelor's in child psychiatry. "I know Eva has more to do, but she made it past the first step."

"And our fourth baby just graduated high school." Regina said, looking over at Oliver, now eighteen, who was laughing with Henry and Lilly, now twenty-eight and little Henry Junior, now eight and a half. "We only have the Quads left and they're already almost twelve."

"And our eldest is almost thirty." Emma said, just watching their kids. "Even baby Corey is ten already."

"I know." Regina said. "I can't believe it's been ten years since mom."

"Yeah." Emma said sadly. "I can't believe it's been two years for dad." She looked over at her mother who was with a twenty-two-year-old David Junior and a seventeen-year-old Ben. "He didn't even get to see Ben graduate."

Regina blinked her tears and put her hand over Emma's. "That was the shocking one." Regina said, shaking her head. "No one expected it."

David had been at the top of his game, sheriff, and making time to be a dad and grandfather when one day, Emma got a call saying he was rushed to the hospital.

"They call it the widow maker." Snow had said, dabbing at the tears in her eyes.

"What? Mom no, maybe Regina can…" Emma saw Snow sadly shake her head.

"Mal tried, baby girl, but it's too late. She was able to give him just enough time to say goodbye. The boys and I each had a turn, but he wants to see you alone."

Emma's eyes filled. "I can't. How do I even start saying goodbye?"

"You just tell him you love him." Snow said, hugging her daughter. "Please go, Emma. He's waiting for you."

Emma took a few deep breaths before going into the room. Her father – her larger than life, always smiling, always supportive father was laying in the bed smiling softly at her. He held his hand out to her. "Come here, Princess."

"Oh, Daddy." Emma said, coming to the side of the bed. "I'm not ready for this."

"I am." He said, holding her hand. "Emma, I've been given a gift to be able to say goodbye and I'm going to take it. Please, just let me talk." He shifted and cupped her cheek. "You are both my greatest achievement and my biggest regret. I never wanted to send you here alone and I hate that I wasn't there to protect you." His thumb rubbed along under her eyes. "But you fought through and became the most amazing person I've ever known. I'm so proud of you, Emma, prouder than you'll ever know. You're an amazing daughter, sister, mother, wife, grandmother, just everything. Never wonder if you've made me happy because you have. You, my darling daughter, have always been and will always be my hero. Now, I won't get to say goodbye to your kids, but please tell them their grandpa loves them very much. I know you'll all be sad for a while, but don't let it consume you. Oh, and please look after your mother."

Emma sniffed and leaned forward, resting her head on her father's chest. "I may not have met you until I was an adult but daddy, you were everything I always wanted in a father and more. Thank you for always supporting and loving me through everything. Thank you for being an amazing grandfather to my kids. I love you so much, Daddy."

David kissed Emma's head and pressed the call button, signaling for the others to come in. Emma held her youngest brother as they watched their father pass on and while they were all sad, they also felt at peace.

"It's crazy how you think certain people will live forever." Emma said, squeezing Regina's hand. "Like Zelena. I mean, that was another shocker."

Regina nodded sadly. "It didn't help that she didn't tell anyone other than Anslie that she had cancer until it was too late. I have to say though, I feel lucky in that we've gotten to say goodbye. It does make a difference."

Emma nodded, looking over at Anslie with Corey and Tori. "It was nice that they got to say goodbye. I'm so glad Anslie knows that she's still and always will be a part of the family."

"Well of course she is." Regina said, smiling softly. "I'm so happy to have her and her kids in our lives. I can't believe Tori is already twenty."

"I know. I remember when I first met her. She reminded me so much of me at her age."

Regina nodded her agreement then looked over to Eva. "I'm also glad Eva and Layla found each other again."

Emma smiled wide at that. "Me too. They're honestly so good for each other. I wonder if they'll ever have a wedding."

"You know it's funny. When they were growing up, I pictured Malory to have the fairytale wedding and Eva to just get hitched somewhere. Now, however, I think Malory and Mason will have a more modern wedding and if Eva does get married, her wedding will be at the castle."

Emma grinned. "I think you're right." She then glanced over and grinned. "And to make this family tree even more twisted, we have Oliver dating Amber. I mean, how weird for Henry to have his half-brother date his half-sister."

"Ugh, don't even word it like that." Regina said with a chuckle. "They are cute though. Them and DJ with Rose, and Ben with Tori. Honestly, maybe we should have gotten these kids out more."

Emma laughed a great laugh at that. It was true that their little slice of heaven did bring about the kids dating each other, but none were blood or even adoption related, so it was all good. "So long as everyone is happy; that's all I care about."

"Emma! Regina! What are you two still sitting out here for?" Lacey asked as she came over.

It was then Emma noticed that every other family was gone from the stadium seating. "We were just talking about old times and all the kids growing up and dating each other."

Lacey chuckled. "I still think it's crazy how both of ours ended up with yours, but the one that got me the most has to be Oliver and Amber. I mean, they're perfect for each other, but it has to be weird for Henry."

"Nah, I don't mind it." Henry said, coming over and sitting by them. "Though, I don't know who to give the big brother speech to." He chuckled. "So, I gave it to both of them."

"Mama! Mommy! We're hungry." Chris called, running over. "Gramma Snow said to tell you guys to hurry up."

Regina smiled and nodded. "We're coming, bud. Is everyone else ready?"

Lottie nodded. "Yes, they're all in their cars."

Emma stood and pulled Regina up, kissing her lips softly. "I think we must go."

Over the summer months, Malory worked with Regina and really caught on fast. The council members all loved her and her plans on making the town better for everyone. Knowing Regina would be retiring soon, Emma had started taking less and less patients. This was why, when Eva came to talk to her, she was alone in her office.

"Mama, I asked her and she said yes!" She came in, pulling Emma up and hugging her.

"Woah, what? Asked who what, baby?"

"Layla! I asked Layla to marry me, and she said yes! I got her a ring when we were in Boston for Ry's graduation and she loves it. Mama, I'm getting married!"

Emma smiled wide, tears in her eyes. "Oh baby, I'm so happy for you. Tell me all about it."

Eva happily sat by Emma on the sofa. "I just asked her. We were eating lunch and I…it all came over me. I just said, 'Hey Lay, wanna marry me?' and she was like 'Yes! Seriously?' and I brought he ring out and she cried and kissed me. Mama, I…oh I just hope we're half as happy as you and Mom have been."

Emma chuckled at her daughter and kissed her cheek. "You will be my love. When are you doing this? What kind of wedding?"

"Well, we want a small one. Actually…we were thinking this weekend at the castle? Just family – everyone who lives here, and Ruby and the girls. That's it. Oh and…mama? Can I wear your wedding dress?"

Emma's head was buzzing. "This weekend? As in three days? Wait…you want to wear my dress? I thought you'd go for your moms if anything."

"Me too." Eva chuckled. "But the more I thought about it, the more I want to be a princess like you. Please, Mama? And don't worry, all you have to do is show up."

There was a puff of smoke and the next thing she knew, Emma was wrapped in a hug. "Oh Emma! They're getting married!"

Emma chuckled at Maleficent, hugging her back. "They are. This fricken' weekend."

"I know! Oh we have so much to do."

"No, you don't." Eva said, raising her hands. "Layla and I are going to take care of everything. You guys just show up at noon on Saturday looking beautiful as always."

"Are you sure?"

"Positive. Mama, I do have to try on your dress."

"Oh, you're going to wear Emma's wedding dress? Oh wow. I'm gonna cry!"

"So am I." Emma admitted. "Okay, let's go check it out. Wait, you have to tell your mother."

"I will when she gets back from work." Eva said, taking both Emma and Mal's hands. She transported them to the attic and started going through the chests. "Where's Layla?"

Mal, who was also looking through things just smiled. "She and Lacey have gone to get Lacey's dress altered. You know how she refuses my help with magic. You two will look stunning together."

"Yeah, she likes to try and do things without it. I get it, but I love using magic."

"Here it is." Emma said, opening a wardrobe. "Regina put a special protection spell on it so it wouldn't fade or discolor." She unzipped the bag and took it out, memories fluttering with the dust specs in the air. It was just as beautiful as the day she picked it out. "It should fit you, though, I was pregnant when we got married, so it may have to be taken in."

"Oh pish-posh." Mal said. "You've always been far too skinny, Emma. Though…I think the twins have bigger boobs than you ever did."

Eva smirked and then looked at the dress. "It's beautiful, Mama. Are you sure I can wear it?"

"Of course, baby girl. It's been up here for…gosh, 23 years. Now, go on behind those privacy screens and let's try this on."

As Mal and Emma waited, Emma flipped through the photo album from her wedding. "I look like a kid."

Mal smiled. "You were Emma. You were a year younger than your girls." She grinned, looking at Emma. "I've seen many people grow up and live lives, but Emma, yours has been the most rewarding. Watching you go from that scared, hurt, guarded eighteen-year-old to this strong, loving, caring forty something year old has been such a journey. I'm so glad I was here to see it."

Emma smiled and took Mal's hand. "I'm so glad you've been in my life, Maleficent. You've been a very important person to me." She cleared her throat. "My children are so lucky to have you and they've promised to watch over you."

Mal smiled and waved her hand. "Emma, I can watch over myself, but I do appreciate it and I will watch over them."

"No one is dying any time soon." Eva said, stepping out. "Well?"

Emma looked up and gasped, her eyes filling with tears. "Oh Eva. You're so beautiful." She stood and went to her daughter, guiding her to the mirror. She took Eva's hair down and then pulled just the sides back.

Maleficent used her magic to let out the bust and tighten the waist. "Perfect."

Emma stepped back and looked at her baby girl. "I can't believe you're getting married."

"I look like you did, ma." Eva said with a smile.

"What is going on up…oh Eva." Regina gasped as she came in. "You look amazing."

Eva smiled wide. "Thank you." She turned. "I asked Layla, she said yes, we're getting married on Saturday, you don't have to do anything."

Regina sat in a chair, stunned. "I…wow. You're wrong though. I'm assuming you're getting married at the castle? We need to dust it out and make sure it's ready."

"Nope, you don't need to do anything. Ry and I can do it; I already asked her."

"That's sweet, but you'll need more magic than that, baby girl." Mal stated. "Get the Quads to help you. They're young and have magic to spare."

"They aren't quite ready to control it, Mal." Emma stated.

"No, but the girls can guide it."

In the end, Regina and Emma needn't have worried as everything was perfect. The brides had even had a memorial to Cora, David, and Zelena, which touched everyone.

Two months later, they had Malory and Mason's wedding, and though it was completely different from Eva and Layla's, it was just as perfect. In the meantime, everyone had gotten together and decided the castle living was getting a bit hard as they grew older and decided to change it to lovely cottages connected by a shared hallway. It was weird to only have the quads at home since Oliver, at eighteen, had decided to have a cottage of his own. However, it was also nice for Emma and Regina to spend more quality time with them.

"Vote for Malory!" Eva called out, handing out buttons. "A vote for Malory is a vote for Storybrooke!"

Layla chuckled and joined in. "Keep the tradition going! Malory will run this town smoother than…um…Eva's legs after she shaves!"

"Layla!" Eva said, laughing. "You need to work on that."

"Mama, I'm nervous." Ry said, sitting next to Emma at Granny's. "Even though she said she wouldn't be, I think mom will be upset if I don't win and regret retiring."

Emma put her arm around Ry. "Honey, that's not true at all. She will not be upset, and she's so happy to be retiring. Sure, she'd be sad for you, but then she'd spend the next four years working on your next election."

Ry smiled softly. "Maybe…maybe this was a bad idea. I'm running for mayor after getting married and I also want to start a family. What if I'm taking on too much at once?"

"Hey, your mom did it; so can you." Emma said and nudged her daughter. "Besides, you'll have Lilly as your assistant, so you'll be just fine."

The door opened and Regina came in with a huge smile. Everyone was staring at her and she looked at her daughter. "Congratulations, darling. Tomorrow, I will be passing the crown on to you."

Malory's coronation went perfectly and Regina was so proud. She loved that she got to pass the crown down to one of her own children and knew Ry would do a great job.

A year later, everyone was gathered around the table after grilling out. It still felt weird to not have David and Zelena there, but it was still a loving family time. Eva stood and clinked her glass. "Hey everyone, we have an announcement."

Malory huffed. "No Eva, I was going to make an announcement tonight."

Emma, who knew Ry's secret looked at Regina who knew Eva's secret and smirked at the girls. "Here's a fun idea. Say your announcements together."

Eva looked at Malory and they both shrugged. "I'm pregnant….what? You're pregnant? I'm pregnant!" They then laughed and hugged each other.

"How far along?" Emma asked Eva.

"Well, because of last time, we wanted to wait to tell everyone. I'm fourteen weeks."

"Shut up!" Malory said. "I'm fourteen weeks!"

Mason looked at Layla and chuckled. "Wow, they really are twins."

Layla laughed and clinked his glass. "Looks like we'll be in this together."

"How…I mean…I thought you'd get pregnant." He admitted, blushing.

"I wasn't sure I wanted to, so she uh…well used her magic on me." She wiggled her brows.

"Ah okay, yeah, I don't need more details."

Nine months later, Regina, Emma, Lacey, Mal, Mason, and Layla were all in the magically enlarged room as Anslie went back and forth between the girls. "Okay, Eva, I think you're going first."

"I'm scared. Mom, I'm scared. What if…what if what happened to Ma happens to me?"

Regina kissed Eva's cheek. "Baby, don't worry about that. Everything is going perfectly."

"Mama, I can't do this." Ry said, fear in her eyes.

"You can, baby girl. I know you can." Emma soothed, sending calming magic through to her.

"Push, Eva. Deep breath and push." Anslie smiled at Layla. "Come here, it won't take long now. One more push, Eva, that's it. Yes! The baby is here." She did her work and soon, the room was filled with the sound of a newborns cry. "It's a girl!" She let Layla cut the cord and put the baby on Eva's bare chest. "You did it, Mama."

"Mama…I'm a mama." Eva said, looking at her daughter. "Layla look, she's beautiful."

"She's perfect." Layla said, tears in her eyes.

"Okay Ry, your turn." Anslie said and just as fast and as easily as Eva, Malory gave birth. "Aww, another girl! Congratulations!" Mason cut the cord and the baby was laid on Malory's chest. "Good job, Mommy."

"That's right, little one, I'm your mommy." Ry said, smiling. "Mason, she's perfect."

Emma and Regina went back and forth, cooing over both their granddaughters. "Do you have names picked out?" Emma asked.

Eva bit her lip and nodded. "I hope this doesn't make anyone upset, but we really wanted to name her Cora Rose Swan-Mills."

Regina smiled, not at all surprised with that. "It's perfect, Bumble bee. Hello little Cora, I'm your grandma."

Malory smiled over at her sister. "That's really sweet." She then looked at Mason who nodded. "We thought about giving her a name honoring Zelena or Grandpa, but we decided on something different. When I was sick, there were a lot of people helping me out, but only one doctor and one nurse who stuck with me the whole time. So, I'd like you all to meet Kathryn Anslie Kingston."

Emma smiled. "Oh honey, Kathryn will be honored."

That night, in bed after healing their babies, Regina held onto Emma. "Honey, I have to tell them soon."

Emma swallowed, a single tear falling down her cheek. "It's not over yet, Regina."

"No, but it's not going to get better. You know this, sweetheart. I'm hoping I'll still be here when the quads graduate, but…honey, I am going to start deteriorating."

Emma nestled into Regina's chest, wishing she could reach in and heal her heart, but knowing she couldn't. "Then we have to live life to it's fullest. We'll tell them, but…not yet. Let the girls enjoy motherhood for a while."

"Okay baby, okay. I'll give it a month and then I'll tell all of them."

Emma just nodded, holding her wife even closer, not able to speak for fear of crying. She knew she would be losing Regina, but that didn't make it any easier.

a/n For those of you who don't want to continue on, I understand and this is your ending. The next installment will be the last and it will be heavy and sad, but it has to end. If you don't want to read it, due to major character(s) death(s), again, I understand. I wanted to give you all fair warning. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this installment.