Emma paid for two rooms at the hotel and called her parents to come over. Regina was surprised that Emma was willing to leave her alone. Snow figured it all out when she walked into the one room, "Cora!"
"Don't freak out," Emma said.
"Really?"
"She doesn't have magic here."
"What's she doing here?"
"I came to do something quite dark. I asked around town and everyone told me to talk to Emma. When I found her at Regina's, she told me everything. I put my heart back in. I'm just here to support my daughter."
"I have an idea," Odette said excitedly, "grandma and gigi can stay in here with me and Faline. Grandpa and the boys can have the other room."
The adults all looked at each other in silence. "That's a great idea, princess," Emma said. She gave her mother a pat on the shoulder, "have fun," and left.
"You know, we should just make the best of this," Snow said. "Regina's health is what's really important right now. I say we put our differences aside and just be here for her, Emma, and the kids."
"Agreed," Cora and David said.
"Cora, I know you probably want to see Regina, but maybe you should wait until after the surgery," David suggested.
"Emma told me the same thing. She's not going to mention to Regina that I'm here. If the kids call then she's gonna tell them that Regina's asleep."
"We have to warn you, she's in bad shape," David said.
"Emma told me," Cora said softly. "I don't intend to take my heart out again. It's what made me treat Regina so terribly. I don't want to hurt her again and that means that I won't hurt you. I know that it will take time to trust me and I understand that."
"Luckily we can be very forgiving," Snow said.
Regina did very well in surgery. Emma was the only one with her for the first few hours after. When Regina was more alert, Emma decided it was time, "honey, I have a surprise for you." Emma opened the door and Cora walked in looking nervous.
"Mother?"
"Hello, darling," she said, "Emma told me everything when I arrived at your house."
Emma took Regina's left hand, "her heart's back in. I saw her do it."
Cora was still standing a few feet away, "I'm going to try to be the mother you have always wanted. I made a mistake when I took out my heart."
"Okay," Regina said, "everyone is giving me a second chance, so I can give you one."
Cora smiled, "thank you."
"Oh, how'd it go last night," Emma asked with a smile before noticing the confused look on Regina's face, "Odette insisted our moms stay in one room with her and Fay."
"We actually had a lot of fun. The girls have big personalities," Cora said.
"You're not kidding," Emma joked.
"Wait, so you and Snow spent an entire night together?" Regina asked.
"Do you really want to get into surprises?" Cora asked.
"Nope," Regina answered.
"Cora, when Regina goes home, we're staying at my parents' loft and they're staying at the house with the kids. Why don't you stay with us?" Emma asked.
Cora was surprised, "I'd love to. That is if it's alright with Regina."
"Of course it is. Just no ripping out hearts or sleeping curses. Actually, no dark magic."
"Deal," Cora said. "I'm going to help Snow and David out with the kids until then. That way they can have a break every now and then."
Emma remembered something, "oh, Blue used magic to put an elevator in my parent's building."
"Thank God," Regina said.
Everyone stayed for an hour because of how tired Regina was as a result of her surgery and treatment.