Well, hopefully I still have readers after that last chapter lol. I got some amazing reviews and I appreciate all of them. I've said it before (I think) but this installment won't be a long one, just a way to close up this story…even if it's taken over seven years of my life. I'm guessing one or two more chapters after this one and the story will be complete. It's so bittersweet.

Read~Enjoy~Review

Chapter 3

"She's sad, Eva. She lost her partner in life of over forty years. Give her some time."

"I know Ry, but she shouldn't be in bed all day every day. She's sad and that's okay but she should come out here and be sad with family, not alone. We can help her, we're in this together."

"Only we're not." Ry said softly. "You, me, Oliver, Henry, the girls – we're in this together because we all lost our mother. Ma lost her True Love, Soulmate, wife, and partner. We don't know that kind of loss."

"Maybe you two don't, but I do." Anslie said quietly as she walked over to the girls. "I'm sorry, I don't mean to eavesdrop but I was coming to see how your ma was doing and I heard you. You're both right, you know. Yes, she is allowed to be sad, and yes, she has all of you, but no, you can't know her pain. Is she at least drinking water through out the day? I mean, it's only been four days, but still, if she's at least drinking water, I personally don't feel we should push her to do more right now. She's grieving."

Eva wiped at her eyes. "I get what you're saying, Aunt Anslie, but I…I miss her. I don't want her to be so depressed that she gives up. I lost one mother, I'm so not ready to lose another one." She held her hand up. "I know, it's all 'I', 'I', 'I', but it's true. She wants to spend time with you, Ry, so you get to see her. We don't."

"I'm so sorry, my sweet girl." Emma said softly as she came out of her room. "Come here, Bumble bee." She said, opening her arms for her daughter. She held Eva in her arms and kissed the top of her head. "I'm so sorry. I've been so sad and tired and you're right, I've only really let Ry in and that's wrong of me."

Eva held onto her mom and let out some tears. "I know you're hurting ma. I'm sorry I just…I miss you too."

"Don't be sorry baby girl." Emma said softly. "I'm not up to a party or even a big dinner, but I should have let you know that you can come see me any time. I never meant to make anyone feel like only Ry could come see me."

"I never said that was the case." Ry said, feeling she had to defend herself.

"I know Honey Bee. This is all on me." She tucked some of Eva's hair behind her ear. "Why don't you get your sisters and the five of you girls can help me decide what to wear for your mom's memorial?"

Eva nodded and kissed Emma's cheek. "Thanks, Ma. I'll go get them."

The twins went to get the other girls and Emma sighed as she watched. "Anslie, I don't know how to do this. I don't know how to be here for them when I feel like my world doesn't exist anymore."

"You know what, Emma? They're not looking for you to be here for them. They are all amazing, understanding adults who want to be here for you. You have every right to stay in bed and be sad. You do and they know you do, and no one is saying you don't. They just care about and love you so much that they worry."

Emma smiled softly. "Thank you. I just…part of me thinks that the longer I do that, the harder it will be." She looked at her. "When does it stop, Anslie? I know you have to know what I'm talking about. When you wake up and for a few seconds you forget she's gone and you smile and look over only to have it all come crashing down on you that she's dead. I need that to stop."

Anslie sighed and started making a cup of cocoa. "Hon, it never fully stops. I'm sorry, but I'm being honest. I still randomly wake up and have that feeling, but it's not as often and…it's hard to explain but even in those split seconds, deep down, I know it's not true." She set the mug in front of Emma. "But what I can tell you is that it does get easier. Once you start going on with your life, it does get easier. The pain will never go away, nor will the feeling of loss, but…but you learn to live with it and be okay with it. I mean let's be honest here, how often do you deeply miss Cora and think about her? How often do you feel her loss? Your parents? Zelena's?"

"All the time." Emma answered honestly. "But you're right, the pain isn't as bad as it was when I first lost them. I just don't know how to live without her, Anslie." Emma admitted, tears flooding her eyes. "Even now, I was in my room trying to figure out what to wear to Regina's memorial and the first thing I think to do is ask her. I can't though. I can't ask her anymore and that kills me."

Anslie wrapped her arms around Emma. "Can I tell you a secret? I still talk to Zelena when I'm alone. I still ask what she thinks and did she find something on TV as funny as I did. I ask her if she saw what the grandkids did today or if she saw the kids. Sure, I don't get a physical answer, but sometimes I feel like she's answering me."

"Did you feel it right away? Because see, I swear I feel Cora, Chris, my mom, dad, Zelena, all of them, but I never feel Regina. That terrifies me."

"Honey, that's normal. I think we look too hard for it so we don't feel it. I didn't feel Zelena until about a week later and it wasn't even when I was talking to her or thinking abut her. It was out of the blue, but so strong. It will happen for you, Emma. I fully believe it will."

"Thanks. I honestly appreciate you talking to me so much."

"You don't have to thank me, Emma, it's what sisters are for. I'm always here, day, night, middle of the night, any time you need me, I'm here." She hugged Emma again. "Now, are you staying hydrated?"

Emma chuckled. "Yes, doc. I may be laying low, but I am taking care of myself."

"Good. Now enjoy some time with your daughters. Oh, and Emma? Don't feel guilty if you actually have fun with them. Don't feel guilty if you laugh or even if you forget for just a moment that she's not here. That's what she'd want for you, I know it."

"Thanks. I needed that. I love you, Anslie."

"Love you too, Ems." She said before heading out, greeting the girls as she did so.

"Ma, Mia had to go out today, so I have Miles. Is that okay? He just wouldn't go with the other kids to Lilly's."

"Of course it's okay, Lottie. Will he come to me?" She asked, holding her arms out.

"Go to Meemaw, sweetheart." Lottie said softly and smiled when he went to her. He may be four, but he was a bit behind in his development.

"Hey Buddy." Emma cooed and smiled when he rest his head on her chest. "You know, maybe this being alone thing is the wrong way to go. I mean I've got what…" She silently counted. "Eight well no nine Grand kids including Henry Jr. Maybe I should spend my days taking turns cuddling them. Cora and Kathryn aren't too old to cuddle, right?"

"Never to old to cuddle their MeeMaw." Eva said with a smile. "Even Henry Junior would still cuddle you."

"Where has he been lately anyway? I swear I heard some shouting and then he left two days ago." Ry stated.

"Henry said it's not his story to tell but we'll find out soon." Emma said with a sigh. "I called Henry Jr. and he did answer, but he said he respectfully didn't want to talk about the fight. He said he was sorry, and I told him that as far as I knew, he had nothing to be sorry to me about." Emma finished her hot chocolate and looked at her girls. "I'm sorry if I've made any of you feel left out. I never meant to shut you out."

"It's okay, Ma. We could have come to see you." Addie said. "Now, let's see what you have in mind."

They all spent the next hour or so just chatting and planning Emma's outfit. "I feel unprepared. Mal and Anslie have done everything and I don't even know what's going on for sure."

"You did the same for Anslie when it was Zelena and for Mal when it was Lacey. They're doing everything Mom asked for." Gabby assured her. "All you need to do tomorrow is show up and we will make sure that happens."

That night, Emma insisted her kids all go home and was sitting in her recliner when there was a knock on the door. "These kids." She said, smiling as she shook her head. "I told them I'd be fine." She opened the door and was surprised to see her firstborn grandson with a baby in his arms. "Um, Hi." She said, stepping back to let him in.

"I'm sorry, Meemaw, I didn't know where else to go." Henry Jr. stated as he came inside. "I don't know what to do."

"Okay, hand me the baby while you take your shoes and coat off and tell me who this baby is." Emma said, taking the little one. "This is a new baby."

"She's two days old." HJ said, taking his shoes off. "She's mine – well her mother said she's mine and dad and mom are mad that I'm not getting a DNA test. The thing is, her mom doesn't want her and honestly, I don't care if she's not mine, I want her."

Emma looked at the little one. "She looks like you. Wait…I'm holding my great granddaughter?" She smiled softly and kissed her forehead. "If only your great grandmother Regina could see you."

"She can, Meemaw. I know she can."

Emma smiled. "What's her name?"

"I wanted to ask you about that. Kimberly didn't name her before she left the Boston Hospital, so they said I can name her. I want to name her Regan after Grandma, but only if you're okay with that."

Emma was touched and she stroked the baby's nose. "Yes, I think that's perfect. Little Regan." She gently rocked the baby as she started fussing. "I think she's hungry. Do you have formula?"

"I have all this stuff, but I don't know what to do with it." He said, holding up a bag.

"Come on, I'll show you." As Emma made a bottle, HJ started telling her what was going on.

"I told mom and dad that I wanted her, that if she is mine, she is my responsibility and if she's not mine, she still needs someone. They are afraid her mom will come looking for money or something, but even if she does, I don't care. She's what's important."

"Why didn't you take her home to them?"

"I'm not ready for the lectures." He sighed. "I'm sorry. I know you are going through your own thing, I just…you were the first one I thought of to help me."

Emma smiled softly and cupped his cheek. "You are my grandson, of course I'll help you. I'm assuming you drove to Boston and back today?" When he nodded, she continued. "Go shower, there's spare clothes in the bathroom, and get some sleep. Let me take care of this precious jewel."

"I can't do that. Grandma's memorial is tomorrow. I really am selfish." He said sadly.

"You're not. Honestly…this is something I didn't know I needed. Go shower and come say goodnight before you go to bed. We'll deal with your parent's tomorrow." Emma smiled as he kissed her cheek before going to the bathroom that magically had his clothes in it. She sat down with Regan and gazed at the little one as she fed her. "I'm terribly sorry that your mother decided she can't take care of you, Regan, but I assure you that you are in very capable hands. Your father is the eldest of nine grandkids and he helped raise most of the others. He's nervous now, but trust in him; he will take very good care of you. Plus, you have more family than you'll ever know what to do with. Regan, you are a very lucky girl and we are a lucky family to have you."

"So, he came here then?" Henry asked quietly from the doorway, Lilly behind him. "Ma, I never told him not to take her."

Emma held a hand up and gestured for Henry and Lilly to sit down. "Henry, I don't need to know what you did and didn't say to him. I don't need to know what any fights were about. The situation is what it is right now. You have a granddaughter – a very beautiful one who takes after her great Meemaw, by the way." She chuckled. "But guys, that is the situation. What you focus on now isn't what was and wasn't said, it's what's going to happen from today on. Are you going to be here to support your son?"

"Mom, of course I am."

Emma held up a hand to stop any further statements. "And are you going to love this little girl as she deserves to be loved?"

"With all our hearts." Lilly stated.

"And Henry, do you really think your mother would have loved you more if you were biologically hers?"

"Of course not, that's not…"

"Then who cares if Regan is biologically his? Henry, if Henry Junior loves her as his own, isn't that enough?"

Henry sighed, Lilly rubbing his back with an 'I told you so' look on her face. "It's more than enough. I owe him an apology."

Emma gently burped the tiny baby. "You just lost your mother. Henry, you are grieving on your own and didn't handle this the way you would have any other day. I'm sure your son understands that. Go home, get some sleep, everything will work out as it's supposed to. These two can stay with me tonight because to be honest, baby cuddles are exactly what I didn't know I needed and I'm going to play the grieving widow card so no one else tries to take her from me. Grandma Lilly, you can have your turn tomorrow."

Lilly smiled and went to Emma, kissing her cheek. "You take all the baby cuddle time you need. I'll get my turn. Come on Henry, your Ma has once again given you invaluable advice and I think you should take it."

Emma smiled softly. "Lilly? Did my 'invaluable advice' sound anything like what you told him?"

Lilly smirked and Henry rolled his eyes. "She said exactly what you said and she was right. I just…" To Emma's surprise, Henry started crying. "I was focused on mom and the loss and couldn't calmly deal with this."

Emma got up and handed Regan to Lilly before going to her eldest and holding him in her arms. "Let it out, Henry. You just let it all out." She said, rubbing his back.

"I'm supposed to be here for you, not the other way around."

"Nonsense. We're here for each other. I know you love your son, and he knows you love him. Henry, it's all going to be okay. For now, you just cry."

After a bit, Henry collected himself. "I called her phone." He said quietly. "As soon as he told me the situation, I called her phone to talk to her and Ma, I was in the middle of leaving a voice mail when I remembered she's dead."

Emma felt her own tears and she nodded. "I know, my Prince. In the last four days, I think I've made her at least six cups of coffee before remembering she's not here. Mal and Anslie have assured me it will get better, but right now, we all have to adjust."

"Dad?" HJ asked as he came down the stairs. "Dad, I'm not bothering her. She invited me in."

"I know son." Henry said and went to his son to hug him. "I'm sorry. Stay here tonight because Meemaw said she needs these baby cuddles, and we'll work this all out. I'm not mad at you; in fact, I'm so proud of you. I'm so sorry for how I acted."

"It's okay, dad. You just lost your mother and this timing couldn't have been worse. I'm going to be a good dad, dad. Regan will never wonder if she's loved or wanted because I love and want her no matter what."

Emma beamed with pride, taking her great granddaughter back. Lilly came and hugged her son. "That's the boy we raised. Help your Meemaw out, get some rest, and like your father said, everything will work out."

After the two left, Emma changed and swaddled up Regan. "Go get some rest, Henry. I've got this one; take it as your one night off."

He came and kissed her cheek. "Wake me up if she keeps you up. Tomorrow is a big day for you too, Meemaw."

She waived him off. "I'm fine."

That night, Emma didn't sleep much even if Regan did. Instead, she once again read her letter from Regina, holding the baby for comfort. She put the paper down and rest her head back against the headboard on her bed. "I don't know how to do this, Regina." She admitted, talking out loud. "I miss you so much it actually hurts. Mal keeps checking, she won't admit it, but I know she does, so I know there's nothing physically wrong with my heart, but damn, it has never hurt like this." She sniffed and kissed Regan's head. "Do you see her? Regina, she's perfect. We…we had a part in this. We are a part of her, Regina. I can see your eye shape and nose and my lips and chin. I know you'd say that's crazy since you adopted Henry, but I see it. She's got Henry's dark eye color and blonde hair with a hint of red which I'm assuming comes from her mother."

Regina watched her wife and great-granddaughter with tears in her eyes. She knew Emma was hurting, but she was damn proud of her kids for how they took care of their Ma. It was weird to watch lives go on without her, but she felt so much better being able to observe. "Mother look. That's your great-great-granddaughter. Henry Jr. named her Regan."

Cora smiled softly. "Emma was right way back when I passed away. Life goes on and Regina, that little girl is just a piece of what came from your life. If she grows up to be half the woman you were, she's going to be amazing."

Regina smiled softly and hugged her mother. "She's a piece of your life too."

"She is. And she's going to get Emma through this, just you mark my words. Some people need space and time alone to grieve, but Emma…" Cora shook her head, a proud look on her face. "Emma needs to take care of people and stay busy. That little girl is going to be completely spoiled by her great Meemaw and she couldn't have come at a better time."

"I wish you could have met your namesake, little one, but don't worry, I'll tell you all about her." Emma shifted to get more comfortable and gazed at Regina's picture. "Once upon a time…"