Okay, but this just sucked.

Emma groaned very, very quietly as she slid out of bed. Why the hell had she booked herself for a photoshoot this early? She didn't care it was good money. Right now, it was inhuman. A sunrise shoot. Paah. Sunrise photoshoots were overrated.

Emma groggily rubbed the sleep from her eyes and tried to somehow blink herself awake. She wasn't doing a very good job. She had definitely grown too comfortable over the past week. She had reveled in the little mini vacation she'd carved out for herself.

She stretched her arms high above her head and let out a sound Regina had described as an 'old man sound. She wasn't entirely wrong.

Emma turned her head and looked at the reason she wasn't particularly eager to get out of bed. Regina was all curled up, hair fanning out on the pillow and one arm bend. She had kicked off the covers sometimes during the night, revealing the t-shirt and grey panties she was wearing for bed. She looked awfully sweet like that. Emma was itching to go back to bed with her. To snuggle up with Regina in her arms and sleep for at least four more hours.

But unfortunately, she could not do that. Because she had been stupid enough to take on a client for a photoshoot at sunrise on a beach at Bumfuck somewhere. Emma's client were this rather cute couple who was celebrating their recent engagement with a romantic photoshoot on the beach during sunrise.

Very cute. But damn, Emma wished that she hadn't said yes. It was too fucking early. And Regina looked so cute. And she was all asleep.

Emma wanted to snuggle with her all morning.

As on cue, Regina muttered something in her sleep. It was too muffled for Emma to hear what she was saying, but that didn't matter. Emma smiled when she saw Regina roll onto her other side. She was doing that thing again. The thing where she cradled her belly with an arm. Yep, she did that in her sleep. Seeing Regina being all maternal and protective even while sleeping always made Emma feel quite weak in the knees.

She quietly grabbed a set of clothes and her camera bag and left the bedroom. She made a point of closing the door behind her. Didn't want to accidentally wake her up this early. Regina should sleep as much as she possibly could.

In the bathroom, Emma shivered as she shed her nightwear and stepped into the shower. Maine was definitely getting colder. Taking pictures on a beach this early would turn her into a popsicle by the time she was done. Hopefully, she could reward herself with a cup of cocoa from Granny's Diner later. Accompanied by Regina.

Emma smiled. Not because of the warm water pouring down and heating up her skin. But because Regina was still here. And her father.

It had been a week since Henry had collapsed on the street, and he had only been released from the hospital yesterday. Not because of complications, but because Doc, the cardiology doctor had been extra careful. He had wanted to keep Henry in for a little extra observation after the procedure. It hadn't been said out loud, but Emma knew why Doc was extra careful. Because Henry had been gone for a moment. His heart had stopped beating. They did not talk too much about that, though. Regina had gone sickly pale when Doc had started talking about it, and so Emma had (very politely) asked the doctor to focus on the positive things. Like the fact that Henry was alive and well. And now with a pacemaker. He had passed all tests in flying colors, and Regina had been overjoyed when she at last could escort her father to his rented room at Granny's Diner.

Emma was not sure when they would be going back to Madrid. Doc had told Henry that he needed to give his body time to recover after surgery and the heart attack he had suffered. Henry had mentioned something about staying in Storybrooke for one more week. And as for Regina, she hadn't mentioned anything at all.

Emma hoped that meant that Regina was in fact going to stay in Storybrooke for the rest of the pregnancy. She would absolutely love if Regina stayed and gave birth in Storybrooke. But of course it was up to Regina. Emma was not going to pressure her into staying. But she could see how comfortable and relaxed Regina was here. And Emma's mother loved doting on her. She treated Regina like a princess. Made her favorite dishes. Served her hot cocoa and offered her an extra pillow to support her back whenever Regina was sitting down. And last night, she had offered to teach Regina how to knit. To Emma's delight, Regina had gone all in on the offer. Had been extremely eager and excited to learn how to knit. And Emma's mother had of course been a very patient teacher.

Basically, Emma's mom was mothering the heck out of Regina every single day, and Emma loved to see it. But that didn't mean that Cora wasn't a thing. As soon as Henry's operation was over, Regina had gotten Henry's blessing to call her and tell what had happened. Cora had actually been quite shaken by it. Had even asked to get on the phone with Henry. The two of them had talked and Henry had told Cora that he was absolutely fine.

Cora checked in daily. Asked how Henry was doing. Emma could see how much Regina appreciated Cora's concern. Lily was also checking in regularly. She had of course met Henry at the baby shower, and she had clearly taken to Henry right away. Of course. Henry was so loveable. Emma couldn't imagine anyone not liking Henry. He was such a dear old man, and Emma was so, so relieved that he was alright. That no harm had come to him.

Henry was surprisingly chill about the whole thing. Remarkably calm for someone who had suffered a heart attack.

Once dressed in a warm sweater and jeans, Emma ventured downstairs. She had expected to find the kitchen empty and dark, but to her surprise, she found her mother there. She was sitting at the kitchen table with what looked like a bag of frozen peas pressed against her fingers.

"Hi, mom," Emma croaked. It was still early. "What are you doing here so early?"

"Oh, you know. Just the old joints playing up," her mother said lightly.

"Oh." Emma nodded and went over to the coffee machine and switched it on. She could squeeze in a quick cup of coffee before she had to leave. "Is it very bad?"

"No, no, it's getting better now. The ice pack is helping," her mother smiled reassuringly.

"Good." Emma was satisfied with that. But she was sad that her mom had experienced pain in the first place. Arthritis was something her mother had been battling for about a year or so. Her flareups were always worst in the autumn and winter, and Emma's dad often joked that it was Emma's mom who needed to move to a warmer place and not Emma.

"What an early job you have today, sweetie," her mom commented as she pressed the ice pack firmer against her swollen joints.

"I knowwww," Emma groaned and felt her entire face twist out of shape as she yawned. "It's inhuman."

Her mother chuckled. "It was tough getting out of bed then, huh?"

"Yes. This is the last time I'm taking on a job this early." Emma poured herself a black cup of coffee. Usually, she drowned her coffee in both milk and sugar, but today was definitely a black coffee kind of day.

"Just remember the money, sweetie. The more money you earn before you and Regina leave for California, the better."

"I know, I know, it's just a little urghh." Emma gave no further explanation and instead buried her nose and mouth in the cup of coffee. It was scorching hot, but right now, that was exactly what she needed. This shot of liquid adrenaline. Pure fucking fairy dust. She tried not to groan into the cup of coffee.

Realizing that she was inhaling more than drinking the coffee, Emma lowered the cup and took a breath. Choking on the coffee was not a part of her morning routine. She noted the pale pink lipstick mark on the cup and cringed. "Is my lipstick smudged?"

"Not at all. You look just fine. What kind of job is it that you have to do?"

"Uh, a romantic sunrise shoot at a beach for a couple." Emma gulped down another mouthful of coffee.

"Oh, I see. That'll make good money."

"Yeah. I just wish it hadn't been this early," Emma said flatly.

Her mother chuckled. "You'll be fine. You can always take a nap when you get home."

"I'll definitely do that!" Emma said firmly. God, she could positively hear her bed calling out to her. No, scratch that. It was screaming for her.

There was a gentle creak on the staircase, and when Emma turned around, she was quite surprised to see Regina coming down the stairs. Her hair was tousled from sleep, and she had thrown a bathrobe over her t-shirt and panties.

"What are you doing here?" Emma croaked. "Go back to bed!"

"I didn't want to miss out on saying goodbye," Regina said sweetly. "I've just made a rule that we kiss each other goodbye before any of us leave."

Emma might have melted a little bit.

"That is a good rule," Emma's mother praised with a soft smile on her face. "One that every couple should have."

"Agreed," Emma grinned and opened her arms. "Come here then, beautiful girl."

Regina's bare quietly slapped against the kitchen floor as she went over to Emma and right into her open arms.

"Gotcha!" Emma joked as she wrapped her arms around Regina's smaller body. "There's no escaping now!"

"Bien. No estaba planeando escapar."

Emma kissed the top of Regina's head and tugged her a little closer. She closed her eyes and rested her chin on the top of Regina's head for a moment. Regina smelled so good. Of warm bed and lavender. Emma wanted to stay here forever.

"What time are you going to be home?" Regina asked.

"Hopefully around ten."

"Bien. Should we meet for brunch at Granny's then?"

"That sounds great!" Emma perked up. Brunch was always something to look forward to. And brunch with Regina was even better.

"It's a date then," Regina chuckled, lifting her head. "Now go. Otherwise you'll be late for work."

"I'll cancel and stay home," Emma said goofily, arms locking around Regina.

"No, you won't. You love your job, querida."

That was true, Emma did. But right now, she loved the idea of staying home even more.

Regina turned to Emma's mother. "Mary Margaret, does your fingers hurt?"

"Just a little bit, dear. It's the arthritis."

"May I see?" Regina went over to her. Emma's mother removed the ice pack and Emma saw how Regina examined her mother-in-law's swollen joints.

"That looks really painful," Regina said, voice full of compassion. "My abuela suffered from arthritis too. She always used a hot pack infused with aloe vera."

"Aloe vera? I've never considered that, but it sounds interesting."

"If you like, I could try making one for you later?" Regina offered. "Abuela taught me how to make them."

"Why yes, that would be lovely, Regina. Thank you!"

"It's nothing." Regina smilingly brushed away the thank you's.

"Can you make one for me too?" Emma asked innocently.

And was rewarded with a stern look from Regina. "You, mi amor, do not have arthritis." She wagged a finger in Emma's face. Then grinned and touched her baby bump. "Little one is agreeing with me."

"Can I say goodbye to him- or her- too?" Emma asked. It didn't feel right to leave the house without having said goodbye to their baby."

"Sure. Knock yourself out, querida."

That was exactly what Emma did. She placed her hands on Regina's round belly. "See you later, little one. Be good for your mom while I'm gone, okay?"

"Ooof," said Regina, and Emma immediately understood why. The baby had just kicked. Quite enthusiastically.

"Did that hurt?" Emma asked as she slid her fingers up to the spot where the baby had just kicked Regina.

"A little."

"Be nice," Emma warned and tapped Regina's belly lightly. "No hurting your mom, okay?"

"I think it might be a little too early to discipline our child, mi amor."

"Nonsense. It's working," Emma said stubbornly and bowed her head so she could bestow a kiss on Regina's belly. "I love you."

"Me or the baby?" Regina teased.

"Well…."

"I'd chose my answer very carefully, querida."

"Both of you," Emma grinned as she rose to her full height and wrapped her arms around Regina again. "Always both of you."

"Good. Now kiss me and get out of here. You don't wanna be late for work."

"Yes, ma'am," Emma joked. Then she kissed Regina. Just a sweet little peck on the lips. "I'll see you later. Go back to bed."

"Will do. I still have a few hours of sleep in me."

"Urgh, I do not want to hear it," Emma groaned. She drained her cup of coffee and went into the hallway to put on her boots and thick coat. Regina walked her out. She was standing in the door waving as Emma left. Very domestic…

One hour later, Emma was standing on an unspecified beach somewhere in Maine. It was exactly as cold as she had feared. Even more of a wakeup call than the coffee had been.

The couple she was there to photograph were lovely, though. The guy introduced himself as Evan. He was a tall, dark haired man with strong features. His fiancée, Sarah, was a tiny thing. Blonde and fair. Emma could imagine that she completely would disappear in his arms.

"Well, shall we get started?" Emma asked briskly once the formalities had been tended to. The sun was starting to come up, and the colors were perfect.

"Yes, let's do it," Evan said enthusiastically and touched Sarah's arm. "Come on, honey."

Emma hid a grin behind her camera as the couple walked through the sand and closer to the water. The guy seemed very enthusiastic, whereas the woman seemed like she wasn't entirely awake yet. Poor thing.

"If you could just stand right there," Emma instructed once the couple were standing with the sunrise directly behind them. "And Evan, if you could wrap your arms around Sarah's waist."

"Easily," Evan said, and Sarah grinned a bit when he slipped his arms around her.

"And just look at each other and smile. Perfect." Emma lifted the camera and snapped the picture. She could sense that this was going to be an easy job. Evan and Sarah seemed easy to work with. They trusted her to know what would work and what wouldn't. Emma had once worked with an incredibly difficult guy who constantly had questioned every pose. And obviously, he had thought that his own ideas were better than hers. Emma was all for her clients having their own ideas, but that had been extreme. When she was done, she had gone straight into her darkroom and cussed for five minutes straight.

But that wouldn't be necessary here.

"And if you take each other's hands and move further away from each other," Emma called.

Evan and Sarah did as instructed.

"That's it! Perfect!" the camera clicked as she snapped the picture.

The next pose was of them standing with their sides to the camera. They were looking at each other. Evan had his hands on the sides of Sarah's neck and Sarah rested her hands on Evan's waist. They were looking into each other's eyes and Emma was very satisfied as she took the picture. The result was going to be beautiful.

Then of course there was the obligatory closeup of Sarah's ring. It was huge chunk of a diamond. She dreamily thought of how cool it could be to give Regina something similar. One day.

"Alright," she said after a good while of shooting pictures of the couple in various cure poses. "I know that this seems inhuman, but I think I need you guys to walk into the water."

The suggestion was well received. None of them complained. Although Sarah looked slightly miserable when walking into the cold water. But she perked up when Emma asked Evan to pick her up. She even squealed a little, and Emma grinned behind the camera as she photographed the happy couple in the water.

"Alright, Evan, spin around, but be careful not to lose your balance, okay?"

Evan spun around slowly, and Emma took picture after picture.

"Perfect!" she said. "And one with you both in the water, please!"

The photo shoot continued. Emma gave instruction after instruction to the couple. The mood between the three of them was good. Sarah and Evan were chill and laid back and Emma was relieved. Getting up this early was one thing. Working with a difficult couple this early was something entirely different.

"So when are you guys getting married?" she asked in between takes. Evan and Sarah were drinking coffee from a thermos, and they had been nice enough to ask her if she wanted a cup.

"April 15th," Sarah said dreamily.

"Oh, a spring wedding. That sounds nice," Emma smiled.

"Are you married?" Sarah asked curiously.

"Ah no, but my girlfriend and I are expecting our first baby. She's thirty three weeks along, so things are getting pretty exciting and- oh my god." She laughed heartedly when realizing that she was babbling. "Look at me going on and on. I'm so sorry about that!"

"Don't apologize," Sarah smiled. "Of course you're excited about your first baby. I'm so happy for you both. Do you guys know what you're having?"

"No, we want it to be a surprise." Emma grinned from ear to ear. Just couldn't help it. Henry or Elena? She couldn't wait to find out.

"Sarah and I are hoping to extend our family soon too," Evan said, slipping an arm around his fiancés shoulder.

"That's right." Sarah giggled in that typical I'm-so-in-love-I-can't-stand-it way. Emma recognized it because she had caught herself grin in that way many, many times too.

"Alright guys. Should we continue?" she asked. "I'm thinking a few more where you're in the water. The colors are really good right now!"

Sarah and Evan willingly stepped into the water, and Emma found herself capable of forgetting how cold it was as she resumed photographing. Doing what she loved made her forget anything else…

It was a very happy Emma Swan who some hours later could drive back to Storybrooke after a very successful photoshoot of the happy couple. Evan and Sarah had been kind and patient and easy to work with. And excited to see the result.

Emma was planning on working in her darkroom to get the pictures developed today. But first brunch with Regina, of course. That was her number one priority.

She smiled as she parked the car in front of Granny's Diner and went in. Regina had texted her to let her know that she was waiting for her there.

She left all her camera gear and exited the car without locking the car. It wasn't necessary. There were no thieves in Storybrooke. At least not that she knew of.

The little bell above the door to the diner chimed as she went inside. She had expected Regina to be seated at their usual booth in the corner, but instead she found her girlfriend standing at the counter, talking lively to Ruby's grandmother. It looked to be a good conversation. Both of them were smiling a lot, so instead of interrupting, Emma went over to 'their' booth where Henry was seated. He looked very healthy. Color in his cheeks and bright and alert eyes.

"Hey, Henry." Emma spontaneously leaned in and kissed his cheek. Just like Regina would have. "How are you feeling today?"

"I am feeling very well, thank you, Emma, dear. Regina is ordering brunch for us. How did your photoshoot go?"

"It went very well!" Emma sat down across from Henry.

"It was an engaged couple, correct?"

"That's right," Emma confirmed. "Very lovely people. And the pictures turned out great."

"Of course they did. All your photography's are magnificent. I only wonder which photographer will be good enough to take engagement pictures of you and Reggie?"

Emma laughed and felt her cheeks pinken. "Uhm, one thing at the time, Henry. I don't think Regina and I are quite- oh!" she huffed when she saw the amused gleam in Henry's eyes. "You are teasing me!"

"Sí. No pude resistir. Te pusiste todo nervioso."

"I am not flustered," Emma grumbled. Even though she totally was.

Henry laughed softly.

Emma clicked her tongue at him, silently scolding him for making her think about engagement. It was much too soon for that. One thing at the time. They were about to have a baby. And Regina was still only twenty. Getting married was probably not ranking highest on her list. Which Emma completely understood. Getting married wasn't ranking highest on her list. At least not right now. She'd had enough wedding planning for the moment.

But later… Yeah, later. She was definitely planning on proposing to Regina. At some point.

As summoned by her thoughts, Regina came to their booth. She was all smiles and kissed Emma on the cheek. "Bienvenido de nuevo, querida! How did it go?"

"The photoshoot was a roaring success," Emma grinned. "You look great." Regina was in a black skirt and a wine red blouse. She had curled her hair and rolled it into a soft bun at the nape of her neck. She looked very mature. Older beyond her years. And hot. But Emma couldn't exactly say that in front of Henry.

"Of course it was," Regina said briskly as she sat down next to Emma. "You're brilliant. Are you going to work in the darkroom later?"

"Yeah, that was the plan. Or did you have something else in mind?" if Regina wanted to hang out and do something, Emma was more than willing to postpone the darkroom.

"No. I have plans with Mary Margaret," Regina chuckled.

"Another knitting session?" Emma guessed.

"Sí, exactly. I'm not sure little one will be needing socks in California, but it sure is fun to learn."

"You'll become a professional knitter in no time," Emma half-teased.

"I'm gonna knit you a sweater," Regina mock threatened, and Emma laughed. She would actually love to get a sweater Regina had knitted.

Their friendly little banter was interrupted when Granny came to their booth. She was carrying a lavish tray full of all kinds of good things. Fluffy pancakes. Scrambled eggs. Crispy bacon. Sausages. Slices of toasts. Yoghurt. Emma's mouth was watering at the sight of the food. She had only gotten some coffee earlier. The early hour hadn't quite agreed with her stomach, but now she was incredibly hungry.

"There we are," Granny said as she sat the tray down on the table in front of them. "Brunch with two coffees, one chamomile tea and a cream soda."

"Thank you, Granny," Emma grinned. "That looks really good, but…" she frowned softly as she looked at the stack of pancakes. "I think you've given us a double stack of pancakes, though."

"Yes, that was intentional, girl," Granny said and let out her usual barking laughter.

Emma turned her head and looked at Regina. "Did you order extra pancakes?"

"No." Regina shook her head.

"The extra pancakes are on the house. As is the rest of the brunch," Granny chuckled.

"On the house?" Emma blinked. This was not normal for Granny. Sure, Emma had gotten a few things on the house over the years, but only when she had begged for it. Or done Granny a favor of some kind. Granny wasn't the type of woman who gave meals on the house just like that.

"Yes, family don't have to pay for meals, and as it would happen, I have just hired this young lady," Granny smiled and winked at Regina.

"Huh?" Emma turned her head and looked at Regina. "You've asked to get a job here?"

"Sí." Regina looked very satisfied with herself. "I figured that since I am going to stay here for a while, I might as well do something useful with my time. I can't sit on my butt until the birth. I would go nuts."

"Does that… Are you going to stay here?" Emma grinned from ear to ear now.

"Sí, querida. I've decided to have the baby here in Storybrooke. I feel so comfortable here with you and your parents. I know I would have daddy nearby in Madrid-" she shot her dad a fond look. "But I think it would be a terribly anxious time for you and I. So much distance between us so soon before the birth. The whole being apart thing isn't working for me anymore."

"For me neither." Emma covered Regina's hand with her own. "I'm so glad you've decided to stay."

"Me, too." Regina beamed. "It seems like the right thing to do. Stay here. Give birth. And move to California."

"That's a neat little list," Emma chuckled. "But you're not going to do anything too strenuous when working here, right?"

"I'll be waiting on tables, querida. Like I'm used to. It won't be strenuous."

"I've promised to yell at her if she becomes too enthusiastic," Granny said helpfully as she walked off.

Henry found that to be amusing.

"Oh. Well then." Emma laughed. "I guess I don't have to worry about anything."

"That's right, you don't," Regina confirmed and turned her attention to her father. "Will you come back to Storybrooke before the birth, daddy?"

"Perhaps I will stay too," Henry said fondly. "The doctor did say that I am supposed to rest. And Storybrooke is so peaceful."

"¡Oh, me encantaría que te quedaras!" Regina looked all excited. "The doctor is right, you do need rest. Plenty of rest! And if you go back to Madrid, we both know what'll happen.."

"I would most likely start working again." Henry almost looked sheepish.

"Sí exactamente. And that is what we want to avoid," Regina said firmly, wagging a finger at her father.

He ignored that. "Should you be working, Reggie? I mean, in your condition…"

"My condition is pregnancy, not illness," Regina said briskly. "And I need to earn money before the big move."

"Reggie, if you need money-"

"No. Absolutamente no. No quiero tu dinero, papi."

"Lo sé, pero-"

"No."

"Very well." Henry switched to English and gave up. Smiling, he shook his head. "My stubborn girl. My stubborn, proud girl."

"I make my own money." Regina lifted her chin.

"Sí, Mija. Of course."

"Good." With that settled, Regina started eating.

So did Emma and Henry.

Emma was most satisfied with everything. Regina was staying here for the rest of the pregnancy. It sounded like Henry was going to stay too. She hoped that he would. Regina needed her father close. If he did not stay, she would probably worry that he for some reason wouldn't make it here before the birth.

"Oh, by the way, I'm going to cook tonight," Regina announced after having taken a sip of her tea. "I already cleared it with Mary Margaret."

"What are we having?" Emma asked excitedly. Regina was suck a fucking good cook!

"Pasta alla vongole, mi amor."

"Yum! I can't wait! When are you starting work, by the way?"

"Tomorrow afternoon. I might have to do some night shifts once in a while, but that doesn't bother you, does it?"

"No, definitely not," Emma said immediately. Of course she didn't have a problem with Regina working late night shifts here. This was Storybrooke. Not Madrid. She had been iffy about the night shifts in Madrid. Because well…. It was a big city. And there had been incidents of drunken people not wanting to leave and all that. Regina had told her about that a good while ago.

But this was Storybrooke. Peacefully and calm Storybrooke. Nothing bad happened here.

"These pancakes…" Regina shook her head slightly as in awe. "These are so good."

"I know. Maybe Granny will share the receipe with you if you're lucky."

"Sounds like it's something I have to work extra hard for," Regina joked.

"I don't share that recipe with anyone," Granny said firmly as she came over to their booth. "Everything alright down here?"

"Sí, everything is more than alright," Regina assured.

"Everything is so delicious, señora Lucas," Henry added and smiled at Ruby's grandmother.

"Please, call me Eugenia," Granny said and returned the smile. "Everyone else does."

"Eugenia," Henry repeated. "Everything is delicious, Eugenia."

"Happy to hear it, Mr. Mills."

"Henry," he corrected.

"Henry." Granny looked satisfied with that and took off.

Emma dug into the pancakes yet again. For a while, none of them said anything as they ate. Too busy enjoying their food. But it didn't escape her notice that Regina's cheeks were reddening, and she kept pulling at the collar of her blouse. She was probably boiling on the inside. At least that how she had worded it last night. Feeling warm was one of this week's symptoms, and boy, was that true! Regina had been kicking off the covers almost every night, and one night, Emma had woken up to her disappearing from the bedroom and venturing out in the garden. Like a ghost in the night. The bedroom had been too hot to sleep in, Regina had said. To which Emma boldly had suggested that she should sleep naked then.

Regina had laughed and laughed. And hadn't slept naked.

A small piece of pancake lodged itself in Emma's throat, and she had to cough. She probably shouldn't be thinking of Regina being naked in the middle of breakfast.

"Are you alright, querida?"

"Yep, I'm fine," Emma croaked and reached for the coffee. "I'm just…" picturing you naked. That's all.

Regina tilted her head as though she found Emma to be pretty strange. But then again, she had no idea what was going on inside Emma's head. Had no idea what kind of thoughts were forming in Emma's dirty, dirty mind. Definitely not appropriate to think about right now...

To Be Continued…