David, Emma, and the kids returned, "we just got some snacks," Emma said. She reclaimed her spot in a chair by Regina's bed and David stood next to his wife who was sitting on the opposite side. Henry sat on the sofa with his brothers. Odette and Faline sat in bed with Regina on either side. "Fay, be careful. Mommy's side you're sitting by hurts."
Faline held a thumb up at Emma as she ate her animal cookies. "Mommy, what's surgery?"
"It's just something they have to do to help me get better."
"Will you come home after?" Odette asked.
"No, I'll be here a while longer."
"How long's a while?" Faline asked.
Emma spoke up, "man, you two sound like me."
"We know," they both said.
"Snow and I were talking," David began, "when you're released, you'll probably still be weak from the treatment. Your house is huge and we think it would be easier for your recovery if you stayed in the loft. We could bring your bed over and Blue offered to use magic so you didn't have to climb the stairs. Snow and I could stay at your house with the kids."
"Really?" Regina whispered emotionally.
"Yeah," David said. "We've been talking and texting a lot with Emma. You're not who we thought you were and our daughter is in love with you. You two have been together for ten years and have five kids. That makes you family. Even though being Snow's stepmother already made you family."
"Thank you," Regina said.
A nurse walked in to check Regina's vitals, "the doctor wanted me to tell you that your surgery is scheduled for tomorrow morning. We keep slots open for emergencies and he wants this done as soon as possible. Another surgeon he works with will perform it. Now, how would your children like some popsicles?"
"Can we, mommy?" Odette asked.
Regina looked at Emma who smiled, "I guess so."
The nurse left and came back with a popsicle for everyone. Including Snow and David. "How did you know our favorites?" Henry asked.
"Your moms bought these for you to have and we told them they could keep them in the freezer we have in the employee lounge."
"Thank you," the children said to everyone.
"Regina, Emma, your children are the spitting image of you," the nurse said. "Especially your daughters."
"Thank you," the girls said with smiles.
"You're quite welcome. I'll see you on my rounds." The nurse left the family so they could visit.
"Grandma, Grandpa, maybe we should stay overnight," Henry suggested.
"Yeah, if mom's having surgery tomorrow then we should stay," Remy agreed.
"You don't have to stay," Regina said. "I appreciate the gesture, but I know you want to be in your own beds."
"It's one night and we've never stayed in a hotel," Oliver said.
"I bet I could find a hotel nearby," David said.
"Then it's settled," Snow said.
"There's a hotel ten minutes away," Emma said.
"Why don't you go get some things for them," Regina said. "They could go with you and spend some one-on-one time with you."
Emma looked nervous, "don't worry," David said, "we won't leave her."
"Come on, kids," Emma said. The kids all hugged Regina, including Henry, before leaving with Emma.
"Thank you for bringing them," Regina told Snow and David.
"Of course," David said, "you all needed to see each other."
"The staff seems really nice here," Snow said.
"They are," Regina said, "they know that the patients here are going through hell and that it's easy for us to lose all hope. Thanks for not saying who you really are."
"I have a feeling we'd end up in the mental ward if we did," David said.
"True," Regina said with a smile. Her smile quickly faded, "I'm gonna be sick."
David quickly lifted the woman and took her to the bathroom. He had to hold her up until she finished. "David, get her something to wash up with. I'll stay with her," Snow said. She leaned against the wall with an arm around Regina, "what does Emma usually do after you get sick?"
"She has me...lay down...and put my...head in her...lap," Regina breathed out in a raspy voice.
Snow was able to move the frail woman so she could lay down. That's how David found them and it broke his heart. He carried Regina back to bed when she was ready and tucked her in. "I'm sorry," she said.
"You can't help what just happened," David said.
"No, I'm sorry for taking away your chance to raise Emma. You would have been amazing parents. I hope you consider giving it another try one day."
"You're forgiven," David said.
"I need to ask you both for a favor. A just in case favor."
"Whatever happens, we'll always be there for Emma and the kids," David said.
"But you are going to get better," Snow added.
"You don't know that," Regina said.
"I have enough hope for the both of us."