We've come to the end of this amazing journey. Longer final chapter. See end for more notes.
**Major character death. I'm sorry***
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Chapter 4
The next morning, Emma was up early with Regan. She changed her, fed her, and laid her back down, stroking her cheek before going to shower. Today wasn't going to be easy, but maybe officially saying goodbye would help her. As she was putting her make up on, she realized how many wrinkles she had and gray hairs and sighed. She had been so worried about getting old simply because she didn't want to age and die, and in that time, Regina had gotten sick, and she lost her. Emma shook her head at her reflection. "I'd trade my youth to have her back. I'd take any wrinkles, gray hair, whatever it took to have her back."
"It doesn't work like that, Ma." Oliver said from the doorway, giving Emma a small smile. "And mom wouldn't want that. A deal like that has so many loopholes."
Emma sighed. "I know, kid. I just feel like I've focused on the wrong things."
"Ma, you were her rock through everything. Sure, you worried about getting old, but who doesn't? Mom knew you loved her, but more importantly, you showed her." He gave a smile. "Seriously, I've had to learn not to compare every relationship to yours because it's one in a million."
Emma smiled softly and opened her arms, hugging her baby boy. "Thanks, Oliver, but please don't stop looking. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with being happy with yourself, but don't pass on things because you never know how it may work out."
"Actually, I was going to ask you something. If this is completely inappropriate, please let me know but Lizzie wants to come to Mom's memorial today…as my date."
"First date at your mom's memorial?" Emma asked, but smiled.
"Nah. We've actually been dating for about a year; I just was wanting to make sure this was something before I brought her to meet everyone." He pulled away from the hug. "Don't get mad, but she had met mom."
"Wait, mom met her, but I haven't?" Emma tried not to show the hurt, but it was there.
He put his hand on her arm. "You were supposed to but had to cancel on dinner that night because one of Ry's kids were sick and they had to go to some work thing for Mason. Then, mom got sicker, and I didn't want to take time away."
"Oh, well that makes sense. Ollie, of course she can come as your date. Your siblings each have a partner, and you need someone to lean on too. Just remember, we're trying to keep it positive for her since that's what she wanted."
"I know and thanks. I think there will be a lot of people there."
"I'm sure most of the town will be there, at least from the Enchanted Forest and the Original Storybrooke. Heck, even those from other realms since she was 'Mayor', as she preferred to call it, to all of them." Emma sighed and sat on her bed. "I'm exhausted just thinking about it. All the 'I'm so sorry's' and 'how are you holding up?' I just…well I'm not looking forward to that."
"You don't have to, Ma. You just do what you can handle and tell me when you've had enough. I'll take over."
Emma smiled at him. "Thanks, Ollie." She peaked over and saw Regan was still asleep and then took Oliver's hand. "Ollie, I need to ask you something. Now that Mom is gone and I'm older, I just…I need to know. With everything that has gone on in our lives, have you ever felt left out? Honestly, you're the only one I worry about that."
Ollie shrugged and gave a grin. "No. Were there times where I'd have liked a little more attention? Yes. However, I also got away with more because you were busy with the quads." He smirked. "But no; when I really needed you or Mom, you were always there. Don't worry, I will never look back and think I had it bad because that's simply not true."
Emma smiled and hugged him again. "Thanks for that, kid." She ruffled his hair. "You know, mom was so proud of you for becoming Mayor. She was proud of Ry, sure, but you made us both so proud."
"I know." He said and smiled. "Mom told me in her letter. I didn't do it for you or her, but I am glad I made you both proud."
"That wasn't the only time we were proud of you, bud. You got amazing grades, you were in that excelled program, graduated with the highest GPS in Storybrooke history, you were and still are an amazing brother to all your siblings. Oliver, you're such a wonderful young man."
"Thanks, Ma." He said and looked at the clock. "Meet us in the great hall in half an hour, ma. Bring HJ and the baby. We're all having breakfast."
"I will. I love you, Oliver."
"I love you too, Ma."
Emma went to check on HJ and smiled when she sat on his bed to wake him up. "Hey, sorry to wake you, but they're having a breakfast in the great hall. I thought you may want to come and introduce your darling daughter. She's been fed and changed; I just haven't dressed her yet since she fell back to sleep."
He rubbed at his eyes and sat up. "It's morning already? I thought you'd be waking me to take care of Regan."
"Oh, she was just fine all night. She only woke up once to be fed. She's a precious little thing."
He smiled at her and then hugged her. "Thank you so much, Meemaw."
"No thanks needed. Honestly, it was so nice to cuddle with her. Do you have clothes for her, or should I pull out some of the Quad's old clothes?"
"I don't have anything yet, other than what the hospital gave me."
"No worries. Let me go find something while you get ready. Can you listen out for her?"
"Yes, thank you so much. I'm sorry to be doing this to you now after losing Grandma."
Emma gave him a hug. "Honestly, it's good for me. A while ago when your great grandmother passed away, she reminded me that life goes on. Regan came just when I needed that reminder."
He smiled at her. "Grandma would love her, right?"
"She'd adore her." Emma said with a sad smile. "I'm going to find some clothes for her, you get ready."
Half an hour later, Emma and HJ walked into the great hall, HJ pushing Regan's stroller. Everyone was there and it warmed Emma's heart as her kids all fussed over HJ and Regan. She went and sat by Mal who stood and hugged her before sitting down. "Emma, you look…well you look more rested than you have in a while."
Emma smiled as she sipped her coffee. "It's amazing what a night with a new baby will do for you."
"She's a beauty." Anslie stated, handing Emma a plate of food. "Eat up, Emma."
"I'm not really hungry." Emma said, but one look from both women had her picking up a piece of bacon.
"That's better." Mal said with a smile.
"Hey everyone." Henry Junior said when everyone was seated. "This is not my day, so I don't want to make a big deal out of anything, but I also don't want to keep repeating things." He said and smiled down at the baby in the stroller. "This is my daughter. Meemaw Emma and I decided to name her Regan, after her great grandmother." He smiled at Emma who smiled back with happy tears in her eyes. "Grandma Gina would have loved her, and I truly feel as though she's watching us right now. I know giving my daughter a name after such an amazing woman may be giving her big shoes to fill, but let's face it; everyone here is a part of the two most incredible women and Regan will be surrounded by people to guide her on the right path."
"Very well said!" Mal said, holding up her coffee mug. "Congratulations, Henry and welcome to the family Regan."
Everyone chatted as they ate and though Emma mostly picked at her food, she did manage to eat enough to make Anslie happy. She went to turn to Regina to remind her that she loved her and their family when she remembered Regina was gone and today was her memorial. The realization hit her like a bucket of ice water, and she felt her eyes fill and her chest ache.
"Ma? Are you okay?" Gabby asked, noticing the change in her mother. "Do you need some air?"
Everyone seemed to look at Emma and she couldn't take it. "No. I need Regina." She said before getting up and rushing out of the room. Here she thought she had finally accepted that Regina was gone, but the hurt was just as fresh and real as the day it happened. She ran to Regina's apple tree and fell to her knees in front of it. "Regina, I need you. Why did you leave me? I can't do this without you." She sobbed, her hand on the tree to steady herself.
Regina watched with tears in her eyes and an ache in her heart. She hated that she couldn't talk to Emma, hold her in her arms and tell her she was okay. Snow came and sighed, putting her hand on Regina's back. "Send her a sign, Regina. She needs to feel you."
"How? I don't know how."
"Reach out with your love and let the universe take over." Regina, not really knowing what she was doing, closed her eyes and sent her love out there. Snow smiled. "It's working. Open your eyes."
When she did, Regina could see Emma had stopped crying and was looking at her hand in amazement. In it, was the brightest, most perfect apple she had ever seen. It wasn't apple season, there were no apples or even buds on the tree, yet this had fallen right into her lap.
"I love you so much, Emma. You can do this."
Emma closed her eyes and held the apple to her chest. "Thank you, Regina. I needed that more than you know."
"I should go check on her." Maleficent said. She had told the kids to give her time, but now, she figured Emma could use someone. She saw each of Emma's kids wanting to protest and go see her themselves, so she held her hand up. "You are all amazing, but your mom needs someone who she won't feel guilty for being sad around. She knows you have all lost your mother, and won't allow herself to feel her pain over yours. Please, I have known her for so long, let me go to her."
Ry nodded. "You're right. Please go to her, Mal. Thank you."
Maleficent made her way to Emma and sat on the ground next to her. "Where did you get that?"
"Regina." Emma said and then smiled at Mal. "I think she sent it to me. It's the only explanation, Mal. I was sobbing and yelling at her for leaving me and this…this fell into my lap. There's no buds or apples in the tree, so it had to be her."
Mal smiled softly. "Does that make you feel better?"
Emma nodded and wiped at her eyes. "In a way it does, but in another way, it makes me miss her even more. I'm sorry for running out."
"Hush, baby girl. You have no reason to be sorry. I saw it, you know. That moment when you remembered. You were watching your kids and grandkids and you looked so happy. You went to turn to talk to her and remembered. Emma, it's okay to be sad, mad, upset, even scared, or lonely. It's okay. Just promise me that once you've taken time, you'll find me or Anslie and talk to us." She tucked some grey-blonde hair behind Emma's ear. "We're here for you just as you've been here for us."
"I just…" Emma tried taking some deep breaths. "It hurts, Mal. It hurts so much, and I feel terrible when I cry in front of the kids because they lost someone too, but gods, it hurts. Especially when something like that happens; when I forget for a moment and then remember. I…I wish it would have been me and not her and I know that's selfish, but I do."
Mal wrapped her arm around Emma, literally pulling her into her lap and holding her close. "Emma, it's not selfish. I think everyone feels like that. I felt like that when it was Lacey, we both know Anslie felt like that with Zelena. It's normal, baby girl, and so is the hurt. It will get better, but until it does, you come to me day or night and you let me hold you while you cry. I promised Regina that I would take care of you and I meant it."
"You did?" Emma asked curling up in Mal's lap as if she were a child.
"I mean, I'd have taken care of you anyway, but yes. She called for me when you were out here talking to your parents. She said she knew this would be hard for you because it would be hard for her if it was the other way around." Mal smiled softly and kissed Emma's temple. "She was scared you'd go back to your old ways, Emma, and before you get upset, you should know that I've been scared of that too."
Emma sniffed, keeping her eyes closed. "I hate that I made her worry like that, but I do get it. I'm not mad about that at all." Emma bit at her lip. "Mal? If HJ wants to take Regan and live back at his place with is parents, do you…do you think maybe you…"
"I'll pack my bags and move right in, baby girl. Regina also gave me permission to do that." She said with a chuckle. "Though she made me promise not to have my wicked ways with you, as if I was young enough to still do that."
Emma chuckled. "I can see Regina saying that. Mostly because she made me promise not to have my way with you or Anslie. She said I can move on emotionally, but not sexually." Emma sniffed. "I will never be with anyone else like I was with Regina. I can't and don't want to but…but you've been my friend since the day I came to Storybrooke and I really don't think Regina would mind if we used each other for comfort, you know?"
"I know, baby girl, and I agree with you." She waived her hand. "It's done. I've put my things in your spare room, and we'll figure the rest out later. For now, we have a memorial to get ready for." She stroked Emma's cheek. "Emma, it's okay if you break down today. No one will be upset, and I'll be here to hold you."
"I will be too." Anslie said as she had just heard the end of their conversation. "I'm sorry, I don't mean to intrude, but everything is cleaned up and the kids wanted to start setting up out here."
Emma sniffed and wiped at her face. "It's okay." She stood and went to Anslie, hugging her. "Thank you for being here."
"Hey, why don't you move in with us?" Mal said with a friendly smile. "Three spinsters living together, a dragon, a magic user, and a doctor – it sounds like the premise for a good tv show."
Emma laughed, a real, genuine laugh, which caused Mal to smile. Anslie smiled as well and nodded. "I'd like that. Thank you for including me."
Emma sat with Mal to her right and Henry to her left as the memorial started. Her family surrounded her, and the yard was full of everyone who came to pay their respects. Each child gave a small speech, remembering the good times with their mom and Emma felt like she'd never stop crying as the memories were clear to her as well. Mal squeezed Emma's hand before standing to go to the podium.
"I want to thank each and everyone of you for coming today. I think it's safe to say that I knew Regina the longest out of everyone who is left and I knew her through many different parts of her life. I knew the young girl who was so innocent and scared to the woman who was filled with hurt and anger, to the woman who let herself be loved and love with everything she had. I saw her be an amazing wife, mother, friend, and grandmother. I saw her live and I saw her die, and, in that time, I saw her overcome so much. I saw her find the kind of love that I didn't think could exist in any world. I got to witness a true miracle in the relationship between her and Emma and I am beyond blessed that I was able to be here for all of it. We all know she had a past; but we all know she was much more than that. She was truly an exceptional woman, and in her kids, I still see her." She turned to the apple tree, wiping her eyes. "I love you, dear friend. You left a hole here when you left, but I can't thank you enough for letting me be a part of your wonderful life." She then looked at Emma, and when the blonde nodded, she sat back down.
Emma made her way to the podium, tissues in hand and faced the crowd. "It means so much to me to see all of you here for my wife and my family. There's so much I could say, so much I've said in my head ever since she left us, but I don't want to keep you here for hours." She said, wiping at her eyes as the group chuckled. "Regina was a Queen. We all know that, and we all know she did a wonderful job with this town. She was a mother who loved her children fiercely and tenderly. She was a grandmother who always had time for each and every grandchild. She was a sister and a daughter, a friend to so many." Emma swallowed, the lump in her throat growing. "She was my personal Savior, my best friend, my lover, my partner, my other half in everything. She made me love myself at a time where I never thought it possible. I don't even feel 'love' is a big enough word to describe how I felt towards her. I adored her, cherished her, admired her, treasured her, and fuck, do I miss her." She said, not able to stop herself. "They say the pain gets more bearable, but I'm not sure I believe that. I feel like a piece of me is forever missing because that's how close we were. She was mine and I was hers and I really don't know how I'm going to do this without her, but seeing all your faces, all your support, it means the world to me. Thank you for being here and for loving Regina." She faced the apple tree. "I can't wait to see you again, my love. You forever have my heart." Emma then went and sat down, letting Henry put his arm around her as she cried onto his chest. "Henry…I can't…I can't talk to them."
"It's okay, Ma." He said and Lillian got up and faced the crowd.
"We all thank you for your support and invite you to a light luncheon. Please understand however, Emma is not in the right frame of mind for visiting right now. She appreciates you all being here, and your understanding."
"Come on, Emma." Mal said, taking her hand. She looked at Henry. "I've got her; don't worry." She wrapped her arms around Emma and used her magic to transport them. In the woods, Mal just held Emma as she sobbed, letting her own tears fall. She had loved Lacey more than anything, but even she knew, there was no greater love than what Emma and Regina had. "Emma honey, I want you to let it out, but you also need to breathe."
"I…I…I…can't…" Emma sobbed, fear now joining her emotions. "Mal…help…me…"
"Okay baby girl, okay." She pressed her forehead against Emma's as she let calming magic flow through to her. "Deep breaths now. Come on, do it with me." Mal said as she took some deep breaths. Once Emma was breathing normally, the blonde basically passed out in Mal's arms. Mal stroked her hair and kissed her head. "I wish I knew how to help you." She whispered before transporting them back to Emma's house. She laid the blonde in bed and tucked her in before going to find Anslie. "I know she's sad and I know she's grieving, but I'm worried about her." Maleficent whispered to the other blonde. "I used my magic, and I don't sense anything, but can you maybe just do your doctor thing and check her out?"
"Of course." Anslie said, touching Mal's arm. "Let's go." The two went into Emma's room and Anslie did her basic checks; blood pressure, pulse rate, breathing. "Medically, she's fine." Anslie said, stroking Emma's cheek. "Maleficent, it's the heart, the love that's broken. There's no medical way to fix that. Some don't believe it, but people can die of a broken heart. They blame it on not eating, or depression, but the truth is, they don't know how to live with such pain." Anslie wiped at her eyes. "I…Maleficent, I don't know how to help her."
Mal sat on the bed and took Emma's hand in her own. "Neither do I." Her tears fell as she watched the blonde sleep. "Wait…remember this morning at breakfast? She had said that Regan helped her."
"That's right. I'll go find her."
Mal watched Emma as Anslie made her way back out to the crowd. She found Henry Junior and pulled him aside. "Henry, Emma's…well she's…" She let out a breath. "Her heart is broken. Maleficent and I were wondering if we could borrow Regan to see if she can help Emma like she did last night. I know she's your baby and not…."
"Hey stop, it's okay. Yes, please take her in there. Do whatever you think will help Emma."
"Thank you." Anslie said as she took the baby. She came into the room and gently laid the baby on Emma's chest. Though Emma was sleeping, her arm instinctively covered the little one and a small smile could be seen on her face.
"That girl is going to be Emma's saving grace." Maleficent said, smiling softly as she stroked Emma's cheek. "We love you, Emma. We know you're in pain, but it's not your time yet. Please, please don't leave us."
It took a few months, but Emma pushed through it. She was glad she did because she loved watching Regan as she grew. The little one was now baby babbling away, loving tummy time, and always lit up when she saw Emma. Emma helped Henry Junior learn how to take care of her baby and it felt good for her to have things to focus on. Though she still cried most nights, having Mal hold her helped her get some sleep. She didn't feel guilty because it wasn't anything more than a supportive friend and she knew Regina would approve. Regina sent her signs almost every day and that helped Emma as well. She'd sit on the bench and talk to everyone they'd lost and truly felt as though they were surrounding her.
When Regan was five and in school, Emma sighed as she came home from her doctor's appointment, Mal coming in behind her, tears still in her eyes. "I have to tell them." Emma said quietly.
"You're sure you don't want to fight it?" Mal asked, though she understood Emma's reasonings.
"If it had a better success rate, I would but Mal…why spend the last of my life fighting something when it would only make me sick and only give me a thirty percent chance of winning? I'd rather spend the last days of my life being with the ones I love and not being sick."
"I hate this world." Mal grumbled. "I hate fucking cancer and I hate that I have to watch everyone I love die."
Very rarely did Mal show emotion, so when she did, Emma held her tight. "I'm sorry, Maleficent. I'm so sorry. I can't imagine what this is like for you."
Mal let out a sigh. "Don't you apologize, Emma. It's not your fault." She pulled away. "I just…I need some time."
Emma gave a nod. "Take all the time you need."
As Mal left through the back door, shifted, and let out a roar as she flew away, Anslie came in and sighed. "Not good?"
Emma shook her head. "The chemo did nothing and the cancer spread everywhere." She took her coat off and then the scarf, replacing it with her hat that she preferred. "I did try, Anslie. I did three rounds."
"I know, Em." She said, sitting next to Emma with her arm around her. "You fought a good fight and I respect your choice. I just…I'll miss you."
Emma hugged her friend and let a few tears fall. "Watch over them, all of them, and Mal. She's lost so many."
"You know I will. God, I don't know what…it's going to be so weird without you."
"Mama?" Ry asked, coming in with Eva. "Not good?"
Emma shook her head as Anslie got up and excused herself. "I'm sorry girls. I just…it spread and I can't keep doing this."
They sat on either side of Emma, holding her. "It's not your fault mom. I just…I don't know…gods I'm being selfish, but how do we go on without you or mom here?" Eva asked, holding Emma close.
"It's up to you two now. You two and Henry. You have to help Oliver and Lizzie with their new baby, help the girls with their families. Please, keep everyone together. I know that's a lot to place on you, but I'd hate for you all to fall apart."
"We will, Ma. Please don't worry about that. You and mom instilled in us how important family is." Ry said, her head on Emma's shoulder. "You know who you have to talk to though."
Emma sighed, closing her eyes. "I know. I never should have gotten so close with her. I hate that I'm doing this to all of you, but she's so little."
"Regan adores you, ma, and there's nothing wrong with that. We will make sure she always remembers you."
"And her other Grandma. She loves stories of her." Emma said, wiping her eyes.
"She will know all the stories."
That night, Emma spent time with each of her kids, explaining her diagnosis and doing her best to comfort them. She didn't do letters like Regina, but she gave each of her kids and grandkids little trinkets and as much time as they needed. The next day, she sat with Regan and did her best to explain things to her.
"So, you'll be with Grandma Gina and I won't see you no more?" She asked with tear filled eyes.
"That's right, my love, but it's not happening tonight. But don't you worry, you have the best family around to take care of you and remind you about me."
Regan wrapped her little arms around Emma's neck. "I'll never ever forget you, Mama Emma." Regan never caught on to 'Meemaw' and instead, had always called Emma Mama Emma and it warmed Emma's heart.
Emma sat on her bench with her cocoa, looking out to the sunset. "I'll be joining you all soon. I can feel it." She sighed. "When I lost you, Regina, I couldn't wait to join you and I still can't wait to see you again but…but now that it's here, I'm not ready." Her eyes filled with tears. "I'm ready to not be sick and in pain, but I'm not ready to leave everyone here. Mal is taking it so hard, and I can't blame her. She's lost so many in her lifetime, and she's not even close to being done yet. Regan…gods I'll miss that little one. All of them; Henry, Eva, Malory, Oliver, Gabriella, Charlotte, Adelaide, all the grandkids, the in-laws." She shook her head. "I'll miss them so much." She sat quietly as she finished her drink. "I'll see you all soon." She said, before heading into the house. She lay in bed and cuddled with Mal, comforting her as she felt the woman crying. "I'm so sorry, Maleficent."
"It's not your fault, Emma." Mal said, sniffing. "I'm going to miss you so much. You're so special to me; you always have been."
"And you're special to me. I really hope I'll be able to watch over you like I know Regina has been doing. Mal, my kids and grandkids have promised me that they will watch over you as well. Lean on them, okay? They love you so much."
"I will and I promise I'll keep them safe. They're my little dragons too you know."
Emma smiled in the dark. "Make sure Regan never forgets me?" Emma asked, her voice breaking.
"I swear it. Even Ollie's little one will know all about his amazing grandmothers."
"Ma? I wanted to show you something." Henry said, coming into Emma's room. "Is this a good time? I know you haven't been feeling well."
"It's always a good time for me to see my son." Emma said, sitting up a bit. "Come sit."
Henry sat down and laid a rather large book on Emma's lap. The girls, Oliver, and I wrote this and Mia drew the pictures. It's the story of you and mom…well I admit, your back stories aren't as graphic, but it's more the friendly version that we can read to our kids and they can read to theirs and on and on. It's not quite finished yet but…but I think you get the point."
Emma started looking through it, tears in her eyes as she read about when she first came to town, first met Regina, first kissed Regina. She read about her experience being pregnant with the twins, which made her laugh, read about their wedding, Oliver's birth, their family trip to Disney, all the weddings and babies of their friends, the birth of the Quads, including Emma's scare when she had to be taken out of the room, riding on the back of a dragon. She read about life with the family, Cora's death, David's death, Zelena's death, Snow's death, but in that were all the births and all the fun times. It was fascinating to see their lives through her children's eyes. The end was still open, and Emma knew why. "You'll keep going with this, right? Keep adding to it?"
"Yes, Ma. Your lives aren't over just because you're gone. Your legacy remains strong, and we will keep adding to it and our kids will add to it. The point is you will never be forgotten."
Emma smiled at her son and held her arms out. When she hugged him, she didn't want to let go, however, she eventually did. She went back to the beginning of the book where it talked about when she found out Regina's son was also hers. "You know that I always loved you, right? I didn't send you away because you weren't wanted."
Henry sighed but smiled a little. "I assure you that I've never thought you didn't love me. You gave me my best chance and Ma, if you wouldn't have, none of this would have happened." He said, pointing to the book. "It was meant to happen the way it did. That's one think you and Mom taught me, that life may suck sometimes, but there's a reason for everything."
Emma looked at her son; her aging man of a son and smiled, cupping his cheek. She still saw the baby, the cheeky little toddler telling Snow she had a 'big ass'. The brave boy who was strong while his sister fought for her life, the teenager who left and came back home to have a family of his own. "I'm so proud of you, Henry."
Henry smiled and kissed her forehead. "I've always been proud of you, Ma."
Emma went to bed that night, filled with such love, not knowing she wouldn't wake up.
Suddenly it was bright and warm, and Emma knew she had passed. Fear overtook her for just a moment until a calm more calming than anything she'd ever felt before replaced it. "Regina?" She called, hoping against hope she'd see her partner again.
"I'm here, Emma." Regina said, stepping closer. Her smile was beautiful, her eyes sparkled, and she was young and healthy again.
Emma looked at herself and felt for her hair. It was back and it was thick and beautiful and blonde. Her body felt lighter, free from any pain and she ran to Regina, wrapping her arms around her and just holding her. "I could spend eternity doing this." Emma said, not wanting to let go.
"I hope so, because I never want to let you go."
SQSQSQSQSQ Years later SQSQSQSQSQ
"Nana Ry, Auntie Eva, please read us the book!" Mason the third called out as he, the other great grandkids, and all the others gathered. They were all there for a reunion as some generations moved away, but always came home once a year on Regina and Emma's anniversary. There were some as young as 2 all the way up to Regan who was now 30 with a family of her own. That was just the third generation. The second generation were also there, along with the original Swan-Mills kids.
Henry, now old and gray, smiled as he handed his sister the book. "You guys tell it the best."
"Okay everyone, let's gather around Mama Mal and have story time." Eva called out, using magic to get her and her sister chairs as they'd never be able to get up again if they sat down.
Maleficent was nearing the end of her life and liked to spend her day in dragon form. She'd stayed and watched over the clan as she had promised and as they had promised, they all watched over her. She glanced to the family plot as the girls gathered the kids, smiling as some used her body to lean on in the shade.
"Once upon a time, there was a Princess named Emma and a Queen named Regina. Their story is one of hurt, healing, and true love…"
***Notes***
Oh my gosh you guys, what a ride! This was bittersweet for me to write because this arc has meant so much to me. Just over seven years ago I posted chapter one to Working With a Queen and I never could have imagined everything that came after it. I want to thank all of you loyal readers for sticking with me on this journey, for all your reviews/comments/kudos/follows/and favorites. Every single one of you helped me along the way. I will say, I am glad I finished it the way I did because it puts a true ending to this and that makes me happy. Thank you so much for your love through out the last seven years. I'll miss these women so much, and their family, but it is time. Love to you all!