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The three girl's lives followed a routine. Every morning, Regina would make Mal breakfast before work, Mal would take Lily to either daycare or preschool, whichever day it was, before work, and she would stay until Regina got off work. They would go home, and on Tuesdays, they would wait for her at the diner. They would go home and Lily would talk about her day, recalling vividly the crafts, stories, and games they played at daycare. They would both put Lily to bed and then find something more grown up on television to watch.
Regina was at work when she first got the text. She opened her phone and scrolled to Mal's name.
I felt it kick! It read. Regina nearly had a heart attack in the halls of the courthouse. She composed herself and steadied her breathing.
Are you serious?! I wish I was there. I miss you both.
You saw me this morning.
I know, but this case is really boring and my client is infuriatingly arrogant. You make much better company.
Regina shut off her phone as she was called back into the courtroom. She couldn't hide the grin going in, but quickly wiped it away.
Regina bolted out the door and clung to her purse, jacket, and phone, too excited to waste time putting her things in order. She hopped into her car and drove off to Lily's daycare. The exterior of the building was grey and dull-looking, no bright colours or any indication that it was a space for children, other than the sign outside that read Storybrooke Daycare. She walked into the building and swiftly picked up Lily, ignoring the suspicious and judgemental stares other parents gave her.
She drove a little over the speed limit, but she couldn't wait. She parked and led the girl into the booth they always sat at. She noticed Lily looking grumpy, but didn't question it.
Lily coloured on a provided colouring page while Regina scrolled through her phone, looking up everytime the chimes above the door sounded. After four people entered, Mal came in and sat down beside Regina and across from Lily. The two women leaned over the table and lightly kissed, before they asked how Lily's day had gone. The girl only grumbled and scribbled over her page.
"She's been in a mood since I picked her up," Regina whispered. Mal nodded.
"Are you being grumpy," Mal asked Lily. She glared up at her and then down back to her drawing.
"You know what yo should do when you're grumpy? You know what you gotta do? Just keep swimming, just keep swimming, just keep swimming, swimming, swimming," Mal sang. Lily looked up and immediately giggled.
"You aren't Dory, mommy," Lily said informatively.
"Oh, then who am I?"
"You're mommy." Regina laughed at their exchange. Lily went back to colouring, but now humming "Just keep swimming," and smiling lightly.
"It works every time," Mal whispered into Regina's ear. She laughed, then laid her hand on the other woman's belly.
"So how is it?" Mal grinned.
"Great, of course." Suddenly, Regina felt something push on her hand. She gasped quietly.
"Is that…"
"Yes." They both smiled and Regina found herself completely absorbed to the life developing in her lover's belly.
"Regina, what are you doing," Lily asked, confusion imminent on her face.
"I'm feeling the baby kick your mommy's tummy. Do you want to feel?" Lily nodded and ran to the other side of the booth, where she lightly placed her hand where Regina directed it. She jumped back and giggled.
"Hello, baby." Mal laughed and let the two girls feel, while the other patrons of the diner tried to ignore them.
Lily ran back to her seat once she saw Ruby coming around the corner with a notepad in hand.
"Hi Ruby! Regina's baby is kicking mommy!" Lily waved to the young woman talking to Granny. She looked at Regina quizzically, then at Mal, then back at Regina.
"Surrogacy," she stated. Ruby made a sound of realization, then nodded.
"Hi, munchkin. How are you?"
"I'm good. How are you?"
"I'm good," Ruby said while laughing.
"You guys ready to order?" The two women nodded.
"Chicken nuggets and french fries please," Lily exclaimed.
"Burger and french fries please," Mal said.
"Garden salad. Thanks Ruby." Ruby nodded and hopped back behind the counter. Lily sipped her orange juice while going into excruciating detail about her day at daycare. Regina and Mal nodded along to her stories. Soon, the food arrived and Lily played her chicken nuggets, while Regina and Mal talked about their day.
"I defended a doctor who almost lost his medical license for drinking on the job." Mal laughed.
"That must've been fun," she remarked sarcastically.
"Oh, it was," she said with as much sarcasm as Mal did. Regina glanced beside her to Mal. Her shimmering blue eyes, her full, red lips, her angular eyebrows, her jarring cheekbones, her hair tied back behind her head. She looked quite menacing if you weren't Lily or Regina. All the reason she loved her more.
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Ruby babysat Lily while they took a day away alone. Regina was driving the two to Boston for an ultrasound and then to tour the big city. The highways were incredibly busy for a Sunday afternoon, and the sweltering heat didn't help. Mal chugged her water bottle as sweat gathered on her forehead. Regina smiled and softly and kissed her cheek.
"What was that for?"
"Because I love you." Mal's smile small but heartfelt. She kissed Regina on the ear and laughed softly. Regina was about to kiss her fully, but Mal backed away.
"Hey, eyes on the road," she scolded. Regina laughed heartily and rolled her eyes amused.
They were early for their appointment, but the nurse led them right in. The doctor came after Mal situated herself on the table and she wheeled in an ultrasound and pulled on gloves. After asking a couple questions, she pulled a bottle from the side of the cart.
"This will feel cold," she said, squirting a cold clear gel over her stomach. She grasped Regina's hand excitedly and watched the machine as she hovered the wand over the baby.
"There's it's heartbeat." Regina gasped loudly and pet the top of Mal's hand. Both women began to grin.
"Would you like to know the sex?" Mal looked at Regina who furrowed her brows, then nodded.
"Yes, please."
"Congratulations, it's a girl." Regina grinned wider and kissed Mal gently, then nuzzled their noses together. The doctor printed off a picture and gave them each one. She left while Mal changed and Regina talked with her.
"I can't thank you enough for this. I love you. So much." She said as Mal grabbed her purse from Regina's hands.
"Don't thank me. I would do anything for you," she whispered, pressing their foreheads together. Regina kept grinning as she led Mal out and to the car, about to soak up every hour, every kiss, and every word she says with fervour and eagerness.