This was a prompt posted on the SwanQueen Fanfiction Facebook Group. I'm going to admit up front that I do not know the laws/procedures/policies. I will probably look some up, but I'm just going to put a disclaimer out there that this is ALL FICTIONAL. Also, I know fostering doesn't work the way I have it in here, but again, it's fictional. I just wanted this story to work lol. Please don't review/PM with what I got wrong because this, again, is fictional. Also, there's a little bit of Neal bashing in this, only because I feel like I bash Killian all the time, so I wanted to change it up a bit. Anette, I hope I do your prompt justice

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The Heart Has No Borders

Chapter 1

Emma hated her job. She really, truly, despised what she did every working day. When she had first started, the job was everything the blonde had wanted. She caught the bad guys, the ones smuggling drugs or people over the border. She comforted the young girls who had been taken from their homes, being brought here for unspeakable acts of crime. She helped those who were fleeing war and terror and were seeking asylum in a safe country. Yes, Emma loved those days. Now, however, was different. Now, she couldn't even look at herself in the mirror. She couldn't face her friends and family, couldn't face the protesters, couldn't sleep at night with out the help of medication or alcohol. Emma was looking for another job, any job, but once any future employer saw she was part of Border Control, they no longer wanted anything to do with her. She got it. She understood. She was responsible for kids in cages, families being split apart, mothers being away from their babies. It didn't matter that she didn't vote for the buffoon in office or that she didn't agree with what they were doing. It didn't matter that she agreed with the protesters, that she did all she could to make sure the children were comfortable. It didn't matter because it didn't change what her job is.

Emma sighed as she heard the noises in the back of the cargo truck. She had really hoped this was just a drug bust or stolen goods, but she knew it was people. "Please don't let there be any kids." She said quietly, closing her eyes a moment before one of her team opened the door. Chaos ensued, and Emma heard the crying of at least one child. She made eye contact with Lilly, one of the others who shared her view on what they did, and the two of them started helping the people out of the vehicle.

Suddenly Emma felt a hand gripping her wrist and she looked at the woman attached to it. Her breath was taken away at the fear and beauty in the brown eyes looking at her. "Por favor, please, mi hijo…my son."

Emma swallowed and put her other had over the woman's. "Come on. We'll get this worked out."

"No." The woman swallowed, she seemed to be gathering her wits. "I…I can speak English. My Spanish comes out when I'm upset or worried. Look, I've seen the news. I know what happens. Please, Miss, please don't let them take my son from me."

Before Emma could reply, the boy started screaming, feeling hands pulling him from his mother. "No! Mama! Mama!"

"Henry! No, please sir, por favor, don't take him. Please! We'll go back home, we'll go!"

Emma felt physically sick watching this and held onto the woman, not to hold her back, but to hold her up as she seemed to be about to fall. She watched as the boy – Henry, was taken to the temporary 'holding cell' with two other children. She still hadn't said anything, and the woman turned her tear-filled eyes back onto her.

"Please, Miss. He's only five."

Emma looked at her and swallowed the lump in her throat. "I…I can't do anything. I'm sorry." She whispered.

Just then, Lilly came over to Emma. "Emma, talk to Gold. I'm sick of this shit, go talk to him and do something."

Emma saw the hope that was now in the mother's eyes and wanted to smack Lilly for saying that in front of the woman. "What is your name?"

"Regina. Regina Mills. He's Henry. Please talk to this Gold and get me my son."

Emma sighed. "I can't promise, Regina, but I'll try. In the meantime, do as you're told, okay? Don't fight, just cooperate. I'll come find you."

Once everyone was placed in the different temporary holding cells, Emma made her way to her boss's office. She knocked on the door and came in. "Sir? I…I have to talk to you."

"What is it, Swan? You know we're busy."

"I know, sir, I just…I need you to make an exception for one of the children out there. He needs to stay with his mother."

Gold sighed and wiped his face in his hands. "Miss Swan, they all need to stay with their mothers." He said tiredly. "What we're doing is…not okay, but it's orders, Swan. We have to follow orders." He finally looked at her. "I can't make an exception, Emma, but you…you could do something."

"What can I do?"

"Apply for emergency fostering license. Take in the child and then take leave from work, which you'd be eligible for since you'd be a new foster parent. Then, get a good lawyer, Emma. You know they're out there. Get a good lawyer for the mother."

Emma was surprised by what her boss was saying, she never thought of doing that before. But a foster mother? Could she really be a mother to a scared little boy who didn't know her? Yes. The answer was yes. She could do that. "Thanks, Gold."

"I know you hate this job just as much as I do, Swan. It's time we make a change, even if it is just one family." He handed her some brochures that they kept on hand for protesters who wanted to do something to help.

Emma looked at the fostering brochure and then chewed her lip. "How can I be sure I get him?"

"You're going to write his name down for me and I'm going to make sure that's who you get."

Emma did so and then left the office, going outside to the staff break area. She sat at one of the outdoor tables and lit up a cigarette as she went through her list of people to call. A process she thought would take forever ended up not taking long at all. Because she was federal law enforcement, her back-ground check came back fast and clean. They told her they could do a home visit the next day and an immigrant child could be placed with her as soon as the next night. They were in such need of people to take in these children that they fast tracked the process and allowed those who's backgrounds were as good as Emma's to do the classes as they fostered the child.

Emma then called her HR line and requested some time off. It was under FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act) and she'd be able to take up to twelve weeks but would need to use her vacation time to get paid. She didn't mind; she hadn't used her vacation hours for years, so she had enough saved. She'd be approved off the next day as long as she got her paperwork faxed or emailed to them within 3 days. Emma hung up and went to Gold's office. "Sir?"

"Swan. I see you'll be gone for a few weeks." He said, subtly nodding to the other officer in his office. "That's fine. Just make sure you finish your paper work today."

"Yes sir. Thank you."

Emma then went back down where the new intakes were. She headed straight for Regina but was suddenly blocked off. "Swan. I think you're done down here; your part of the job is done."

Emma fought rolling her eyes. "Locksley, as your superior I will tell you when I'm done down here. I need to talk to an intake, not that it's your business. Oh, and also as your superior, I hate to have to keep reminding you that I am Sergeant Swan."

Officer Locksley grit his teeth and swallowed. "Yes, Sergeant." He said before walking away, causing Emma to roll her eyes.

Emma saw Regina and unlocked the gate, motioning her to come over. Regina did so and looked at Emma. "Do I get my son?"

Emma sighed. "Not exactly. I tried, Regina, I really did. However, I…" She bit her lip. She hadn't actually thought about what she had done until now. "I applied to be his foster mother, so he can come stay with me while you're here. I know it's not what you wanted, Regina but…"

Regina let out a sob, holding onto Emma. "Thank you. Miss, thank you so much."

Emma looked around, hoping Robin wasn't watching. "Shh. It's okay, Regina, but no one can know. My captain is risking things by letting me take Henry. It's an exception we're making." She looked around again. "He's going to let me know where you end up, Regina and I'm going to hire you a good lawyer. I…I don't know what will happen, I can't promise you anything except that I will take care of Henry. I'll do my best to take care of you, Regina."

Regina nodded at Emma and seemed to have calmed herself. "Thank you. What is your name?"

"Emma. I'm Emma Swan."

"Emma. Thank you, Emma. Will I be able to talk to Henry?"

Emma looked around again, knowing she was risking a lot staying here. "I don't know if you can today, Regina, but once I have him and once you're at a facility waiting for your court date, I'll find a way for you to talk to him. I'll get you a calling card or something. I'll talk to social services and figure this all out."

Regina nodded. "Thank you. Emma, Henry knows English, but is shy. Very, very shy. He's a good boy. He loves to be read to and is starting to read on his own. He has no allergies and will eat anything. Emma, please take care of my baby."

Emma nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat as she saw the door opening, a truck backing up. "Regina, you'll be leaving now. I'm sorry, I'm so sorry you won't see Henry. Try not to worry too much about him. He will be here tonight, but my friend Officer Graham will make sure he and the other kids are okay."

The guards were starting to transfer the adults onto the truck. Regina nodded at Emma and squeezed her hand. "Thank you. You're our savior." She said before she looked over at where the kids were. She blew a kiss to her son. "Te amo jiho mio!" She called to him. "No tengas miedo. El Cisne te Protegera. Estaremos juntos de nuevo pronto." ("I love you my son!" She called to him. "Do not be afraid. The Swan will protect you. We will be together again soon.")

Henry's eyes were big and full of tears. "Te quiero, mami!" ("I love you, mommy.").

Emma closed and locked the gate and stood back watching. Once the adults were gone, Emma looked over at the kids and her heart was literally breaking. All these terrified kids just watched their parents be taken away. How terrifying! Emma wished she had more room for more kids, but as it was, she knew it would take a lot to get the one extra room she had ready for the home visit.

"Come on, Swan, shift is done. Let's go get a drink." Lilly said as the two walked to the locker room. It was usual for them to go out and drink – heavily – after they dealt with kids screaming for their mothers.

"I can't. I have things I need to get done before tomorrow. Lilly, I…I'm taking leave for a bit. I…fuck Lilly, I'm going to be a foster mom."

"What?" Lilly asked in shock.

Emma told her the story, and in the end, Lilly was just stunned. "I…Emma wow. Why? We see families like this all the time. I know I told you to go do something, but…wow. Are you sure you want to do this? It's a lot of responsibility."

Emma sighed. "I know, Lilly. I know it is." She took her uniform off leaving her in just her tank top and boy shorts. "I don't know what I was thinking, honestly. I went to Gold to try and get it so Regina could stay with her son and I left his office with brochures and phone numbers. I did what he said and fuck Lilly, it was all set up before I realized what the hell I was doing. I think it's too late now, I made her a promise."

Lilly stopped changing and looked at her friend. "Emma, why? What was it about this woman and this child?"

Emma sighed and zipped up her jeans before sitting down. "I honestly don't know, Lil. Something in her eyes. I know we see it all the time, but there was something different. I know they all have stories of desperation, but this was…"

"Different." Lilly said with a little laugh. "Yeah, I you've said that." She pulled her shirt over her head. "I think you are crushing, Emma, but even for you this is extreme."

"First of all, I'm not crushing." Emma said, putting her own shirt on. "Secondly, what do you mean even for me?"

Lilly laughed at that. "Oh, come on. Remember Ruby and the flower fiasco? Ems, you go to extremes to impress the women you crush on."

Emma did remember the flower fiasco. She had filled Ruby's apartment with flowers of all kinds, thinking it was a big romantic gesture. She didn't, however, know that Ruby was allergic to almost every type of flower and it took days for her to be able to go into her apartment after the flowers were gone with out having some kind of allergic reaction. They were now only friends. "Okay, but that was flowers, Ruby. I wouldn't foster someone's kid just because I thought they were cute."

"You wouldn't? You wouldn't take in someone's kid, get them a lawyer, and take time off work to help a woman you thought was beautiful?"

Emma shrugged. "I mean, I would but not because she was beautiful."

"So, you think Regina's beautiful?" Lilly asked with a grin.

"I…I didn't say that." Emma stammered, but blushed a bit. She sighed. "Okay yes, she's beautiful. But honestly Ruby, there's something else there."

Lilly patted Emma's shoulder. "You mean like the bruises on both her and Henry? The haunted look in Regina's eyes, the way she flinches ever so slightly?"

"Maybe." Emma agreed. "Maybe it's…I could see myself in her eyes, Lilly. I had help though, I had my parents and I didn't have to flee my country to get away from my abuser. I also didn't have a child. I cannot imagine having to go to another country where you know the risks, just to try to be safe. Yes, I know, that's what they're all coming here for, but god Lilly, I don't know. I just want to help her."

"Then we'll help her. While you clean up your guest room, I'll call my sister."

Emma froze after standing. "You what? Lilly, you haven't talked to your sister in two years."

"I know, but she's the best and maybe this will help her see that I'm not the bad guy here."

Emma gave her an appreciative smile. She knew there had been a huge blow out between Lilly and her sister over what Lilly did for a living. She knew Lilly actually agreed with her sister on most of her views and still Mal had stormed out and vowed she wouldn't talk to Lilly until she had a different job. Mal was honestly one of the fiercest and best lawyers for immigrants, but Emma didn't know if she'd have time to take on another case. "If she can't take on new clients, it would be a huge help to get her recommendation on someone else. I have money, I can pay them." Emma looked around. "Hang on, Lil." She then went over to Officer Booth. "Hey. I was wondering if you could make sure Henry Mills, one of the new kids, has a good night tonight?"

He gave her a wink. "I've been debriefed. He's in good hands, Emma. See you in a few weeks."

"Thanks, August." She said, patting his arm. "I guess he's really shy, so don't expect much." Emma gave the kid one last look before joining Lilly again and heading out.

Lilly looked at her friend as they walked towards the parking lot. "You'd use that money?" She asked softly, unlocking her jeep and throwing her bag in the back. Since they lived just two rental houses apart, the two often car pooled together. Emma did the same and got in, buckling up.

"Yes. It's been sitting in the bank for over ten years, Lil. It's grown because I haven't used it. He wanted me to use it for something good." Emma answered, her voice cracking a bit. "Well, that's what I believe anyway. If he could have told me that, he would have."

Lilly reached over and put her hand on top of Emma's. "You're right, Em. He was a good man and he'd love knowing you used the money to help another person. He'd be so proud of you, Emma, no matter what you think. We have a bad rap now, people think we're heartless, but he'd know that wasn't true. He'd know that you are one of the good ones."

Emma smiled and patted Lilly's hand over her own. "Thanks, Lilly. I didn't know how badly I needed to hear that." As Lilly drove, Emma went into her own head and thoughts. She could remember that day so clearly from ten years ago. She was 18 and it was the summer between high school graduation and her first year of college. She was invincible, or so she thought. Emma always knew she was bisexual and through out high school she had dated both boys and girls but her full senior year was taken up by her then boyfriend Neal.

Emma had spent the full weekend with him in a small cottage right on the ocean in Mexico and had had fun with him. However, as the time came closer to leaving, she noticed he started acting stranger and stranger. She had even sent her father a text saying she was a bit worried. Finally, when she said they needed to get going, he locked the door and shook his head.

"We're not leaving. I'm not going back there just so you can leave me to go off to school and fall in love with someone else. We're staying here."

Emma looked at him and shook her head, standing up. "I'm not staying here, Neal." She tried to move past him, but he smacked her across the face so hard she fell to the floor. This wasn't the first time he'd hit her. In fact, she was running out of excuses for her bruises to her parents and knew this had to stop. But every time he was sorry. Every time he cried and said he felt horrible and every time she forgave him. This time, however, when she looked up, she didn't see the face of someone who was sorry or felt horrible. She saw the face of pure and raw anger. She was also pretty sure he was high on something and fear trickled into her like icicles at night after a cold rain in November. "Neal, please. My parents will be expecting me."

He grinned. "No, they won't. I've already sent your father a text telling him that we're getting married and staying here. Oh, and I sent it from your phone."

Emma tried hard to look concerned, but really, she felt relieved. Her parents would never believe that and her dad would probably be on his way here now.

"Now get up and get on the bed. I've got some…medicine for you. This way, you'll want to do what ever I tell you to."

"Neal, I don't want medicine. Let's just talk this out." Emma said as she sat up from the floor, moving to stand.

He grabbed her by the hair and pulled her onto the bed, not caring that she let out a scream of pain. "Shut the fuck up and do what I tell you to. You're mine, Emma Swan, you are mine now."

Emma had never heard Neal talk like this and she didn't know what to do. She tried to fight back so that she could run, but he held her down and sat on her legs, so she couldn't kick or get up. She tied one of her arms to the bed and held the other one, tying something stretchy around her upper arm. "Wh…what are you doing?" Emma asked, her voice shaking and eyes filling with tears.

"Getting your veins ready. Now shut the fuck up, bitch, or I may do this wrong and if that happens, you'll die."

Emma looked at Neal, at the face of the boy she thought she knew and loved. "Neal," she said softly, "this isn't you. You have never talked to me like this before. What's wrong? We can talk about it."

Neal looked at Emma and the two locked eyes for a moment before he looked away. "I can't lose you and I know you won't be faithful to me. I have to make you mine." He got some things out and Emma's heart was pounding in her chest.

"I will, Neal. I'll stay faithful, I promise."

" . ." He said, adding water onto the spoon and lighting his lighter under it.

"What is that?" Emma asked in a whisper.

"Heroine. You'll love it." Neal answered as he continued getting the needle ready.

"Please don't, Neal. Please." Emma asked, tears now falling from her eyes.

"Get away from her!" Came a voice from the door way, causing Neal to drop everything as he stood.

"David? What the hell?"

"Daddy! Daddy, I don't want to do this."

David's eyes moved to Emma, softly looking at her. "I know, baby girl. It's okay, I'm here."

That brief moment was all Neal needed to reach into his bag and pull out his gun. "Go away, David. Emma is mine now and you're not taking her from me."

David put his hands up. "Neal, put the gun down. We can fix this. We can all talk about it. The police are on their way, Neal, you don't need them seeing you with a gun."

Emma sniffed, trying hard to untie her hand from the bed. "Neal, please put that down. I'll stay with you, Neal, I'll marry you, just please put the gun down. Don't shoot my dad."

Neal turned and aimed the gun at Emma. "How many fucking times have I told you to shut up?! God, I should just kill you both!"

Before Emma could respond, David was on Neal, wrestling him to the ground and trying to get the gun out of his hands.

"Policia! Police! Stop now! Hands in the air!" Two officers came rushing in, but Neal wasn't stopping his attack, so David didn't feel he could either. He was in danger now if he didn't get the gun from him.

"Neal, please stop!" Emma called out, finally getting her hand free. She went to move towards her dad, but suddenly Neal was kneeling, the gun in his hand pressed against David's chest.

"She's mine." Was all Emma heard before the deafening blast from the gun.

"Daddy! No!" Emma cried and tried to move closer but was intercepted by one of the officers.

Neal looked at Emma, aimed the gun at himself and shot as Emma closed her eyes tight.

"He's alive." The other officer yelled from David's side and then radioed for an ambulance. Emma was ushered out of the room and into the arms of some woman officer who let the girl cry on her shoulder with out asking questions.

For a few hours as Emma waited in the hospital waiting room, they made her go over and over what happened until the doctor came out. Emma's mom hadn't made it there yet, so it was just her. The doctor took Emma into another room. "I'm so sorry, Emma. He's not going to make it. He lost too much blood, there's too much internal damage."

Emma let out a sob, shaking her head. "Can I…can I see him? Can I talk to him?"

The doctor nodded. "Yes. I don't know how responsive he'll be, and I don't know how long he has, but if you want to see him, you can."

Emma nodded and followed the doctor to the room her father was in. With the blanket covering his chest, he simply looked like he was asleep, but attached to all kinds of wires and tubes. She sat on the chair next to the bed and held onto David's hand. The doctors left her alone and she kissed his hand, causing him to open his eyes. "Emmy." He whispered, causing the blonde to look up at him.

"Daddy. Daddy, I'm so sorry. This is all my fault."

"No." He said softly. "Don't blame yourself, Emmy." He sighed. "I don't have much time, Emmy girl. Please let me talk." Emma just nodded, so he continued. "I don't want you to blame yourself, Emma. I don't want you to grieve forever either. You go to college still, you go and get your degree and you become the best officer you can be. I believe in you, Emmy, and I know you'll do great things." He stopped to cough, and Emma wiped at her tears. "You tell your mother that I love her very much. Tell her I want her to move on one day and find happiness with someone else. I give her my blessing, as I give you my blessing, Emmy. Tell your brother I love him and I'm sorry I won't see him play baseball this summer. Emmy, tell your mom and brother, and yourself to move on. I love you all so much."

Emma couldn't stop her sob and she brought his hand up to her cheek. "I love you, Daddy. I love you so much. I…I don't want you to go. I don't want to be without you."

"I'll always be with you, Emma. I'll always…be in…your heart…" He said, with his final breath.

Emma broke down then, moving to lay on the bed with him, curling into him as she cried. The nurses were respectful as they came in and turned off machines, allowing Emma to stay with her father for some time. Her mother came and joined her on the other side of the bed. Her brother, David Junior was too young to be here.

"Emma? Earth to Emma." Emma heard, blinking and wiping away a tear she didn't know had fallen. She looked around and saw they were home. "Where did you go, Ems?"

Emma sighed. "Down memory lane."

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have brought up your father."

"No, it's okay. I just…it seems weird to use the money. It's blood money."

Lilly turned in the seat. "Emma, I know that's how you feel, but it's not. It's partly his life insurance, partly inheritance and partly from Neal's family."

"That's most of it though and the part that feels wrong. Like any money could take back what he did."

"I know, Ems, but they felt terrible. Okay, so put it this way, the money has been gaining interest and whatever, so just don't spend the original amount they gave you. Emma, this whole thing could be the start of a new life. Hell, quit your job and take some time off, you can afford it."

Emma sighed and put her head back on the head rest. "I used to love my job."

"So did I. I put my two weeks in today." She said quietly. "I was planning on telling you tonight. I can't take it anymore and the Maverick county police department hired me starting next month. Emma, you can get in there too if you wanted."

Emma looked at Lilly, chewing her lip. "Maybe. I'll seriously think about it, Lil. Congratulations by the way."

"Thank you. I don't want a big deal made out of it. Now, let's get inside. I'll order supper before I call Mal and you start getting the room ready for little dude."

Emma chuckled and then swallowed. "I'm really doing this. I'm going to have a kid to take care of. What the fuck made me think this was a good idea?" She said sighing.

Lilly chuckled. "You'll be great, Emma. I know David Jr. is older but you're so good with him, you'll be great with Henry." She got out of the jeep and waited for Emma. "You may need to do some shopping though. I don't think the kid would want whiskey and toast for dinner."

Emma sighed. "I need to make a list!"

"Clean the room first. Then you'll have a better idea of what you need. What are you in the mood for, pizza or Chinese?"

"Pizza sounds perfect." Emma said, unlocking her door. "Want a beer?"

"Sure." Lilly said as she sat at the table, ordering their usual through the app on her phone. "Thanks."

Once Lilly was settled, Emma went to the spare room. It had a bed and a dresser – somewhere. It also had all kinds of junk that the blonde had just thrown in the room when she didn't know what else to do with it. Decorations, old clothes, stuff her mother had given her. With a sigh, she docked her phone, turned on the music and got started.

"Pizza's here!" Lilly called just as Emma was finishing putting things in her closet. All the room needed now was to be dusted, vacuumed and get some décor in it.

Emma came out and sat heavily in the chair. "That was a lot of work. I need to not let it build up like that."

"Well hopefully once the kid is there, you won't use it as a storage closet." Lilly chuckled. "Hey, good news. Mal wants to meet with you day after tomorrow to talk about this case. She'll at least talk to Regina and see what her situation is." Lilly said as she dished out the pizza. "She's proud of you, by the way. Proud of both of us, but mostly you."

Emma rolled her eyes. "You've done nothing wrong, Lilly. Don't let her make you think you have."

"I know, Em. We did a lot of talking and she apologized for how she's treated me. I think I may call in sick and be at the meeting with you. I haven't seen her in a while."

"I mean, why not? What are they gonna do, fire you? Big deal, you have another job lined up. Thank you so much for talking to her. Hopefully I'll have information on where Regina is by then."

Lilly bit her lip as she slid her hand into her pocket and pulled out a slip of paper, handing it to Emma. "I talked to the driver before they left, she's staying here in Maverick county at the Maverick county detention center."

"How fucking lucky is that?" Emma asked excitedly. "I can easily get a calling card to her and maybe even take Henry to see her. I mean, I know I have to ask social services what the rules are, but this is going to make this so much easier."

"You're absolutely right, Emma. I think it's all a sign that this is all going to work out."

After eating, Emma made a list of what she needed. "I don't want to get him too many clothes with out knowing his exact size or style, but he'll need at least a few changes of clothes and pajamas."

"Let's go shopping."

Emma looked at the clock. "I think the only open place is Walmart."

"To Walmart!" Lilly said with a chuckle.

A couple hours and a full trunk later, the two brought in the bags of groceries, clothes, and other things she got for the room. They filled the fridge and cupboards before going into the room. As Lilly dusted and vacuumed, Emma put the new Paw Patrol sheets, pillow cases and comforter on the bed. She then hung up some shirts and folded some pants, pajamas and underwear they'd picked out. Henry was five, but he was on the smaller size, so she'd gotten some 3T, 4T, 5T and even 6T just in case, sized outfits. She had found it fun to shop for a little person and smiled as she put up some figurines and toys she had bought him as well. She remembered that Regina said he liked to read, so she got some age appropriate books both in Spanish and English.

Emma then went into the bathroom and put out the children's tooth brush and tooth paste set, the small hair brush, the foot stool, and new blue towels. She smiled and realized she was really going to be a foster mother.

Once Lilly left, Emma chewed her lip as she called her mother. She told her what she was doing and waited to hear how crazy she was.

"Oh Emma. I think that's fantastic! I can't wait to meet the little guy."

"Really? You don't think it's crazy?"

Mary Margaret laughed. "Of course it is. It's nuts, but it's also wonderful. Emma, you're helping this mother and her child, and you know nothing about them. This is what this country needs more of. Are you quitting your job finally?"

Emma sighed. "I'm thinking about it. But part of me doesn't want to only because at least if I'm there, I can make sure everyone is treated right."

"Yes, and I admire that my love, but what happens once you're gone, once they're gone?"

Emma sighed. "I know. I guess I just keep hoping things will change in 2020."

"And if they do, you can always reapply."

"Dad told me to be the best I can be." Emma said quietly.

Mary Margaret closed her eyes and wished she was face to face with her daughter. "Emma, your dad would be so proud of you, you have to know that. But he wouldn't want you to stay there if you were unhappy like you are. He wouldn't like what's going on either. If you're staying there because you promised your dad that you would do your best, you can quit because you've already done it. God, Emma, your dad would just be over the moon proud of you, especially now, especially for what you're doing."

Emma swallowed the lump in her throat. "Thanks mom." She whispered, not trusting her voice. "I appreciate that. I'm on FMLA leave now, using up my vacation. Then I'll probably quit. I just want to make sure I have another job lined up."

"I get that, Emma, but you have the money to not have to work for at least a few years if you didn't want to. I don't think you really know how much money you have."

"I never wanted to know." Emma said with a sigh. "But now, I'm going to use some of that to help Regina."

"Good. Use some of it for yourself too. Listen, I have to make sure David is getting to bed. Call me tomorrow if you have time and let me know what's going on, okay?"

Emma chuckled. "Mom, David is 16, he can go to bed himself, but yes, I'll call you tomorrow. Love you."

"I love you, Emma. With all my heart."

Emma hung up and showered and got ready for bed. She laid and fiddled with the necklace she wore, the one her father had given her for her 16th birthday. It was an elegant swan with the letter 'e' etched into it and it always made Emma think of her father. "Give me a sign, Daddy. Any sign to let me know if I'm crazy or not." She let out a sigh and rolled to her stomach to fall asleep.

It didn't take long for her to start dreaming. A beautiful Latin woman invaded her mind, smiling at her and laughing with her. Then a little boy came in and hugged Emma, calling her Mama. He looked so much like Henry, Emma knew it couldn't be anyone else. She watched the mother and child go and sit on the sofa and then the woman waived for her to come join them. When she did, the woman – Regina, leaned over and kissed her. Emma woke with a gasp as a car horn sounded from outside in the darkness. She smiled as she laid back down. "Thanks, Daddy. I'll do it."