Thankfully Graham didn't ask many questions when I arrived at work. He asked how I was feeling and said he was glad we were better. After that, we went about our day like normal. I knew he wouldn't pick up on my mood changes but that wasn't going to be the same for everyone. Ruby, Granny, and Mary Margaret would be the difficult ones to dodge.

Mary Margaret. Leaning back into my chair, I thought about the schoolteacher. Knowing that she's my mother and David's my father will make seeing them again interesting. Even with magic gone, and their memories altered, they are still drawn to each other. I looked at the red string around my wrist. Just like Regina and I are drawn together.

"I'm placing an order for lunch. What would you like?"

Graham's voice drew me from my thoughts. "Uh, grilled cheese and a Pepsi." He gave a nod before calling in the order. How am I going to dodge Ruby's questions? That'll be fun.

"Ruby said the orders will be ready in fifteen, maybe twenty, minutes. Will you pick it up?"

"Yeah, sure." Guess I'll figure it out quickly.

Before I left for the diner, I decided to check in with Regina. How's your day been? Heading to the diner to pick up lunch. Graham seems pretty chill. -E

Good. He seemed hurt the day I ended things. My day has been good so far. Very busy catching up on everything. Your day? -R

Good. I'll have to keep cool around Ruby and Granny though. They already know I was crushing on you before we got sick. Oops. -E

Of course they did. You'll have to be careful around Mary Margaret as well. She might be naive, but she can pick up on love quickly. Are you going to be alright seeing her now? -R

Panic radiated through the string. Yes, I'll be fine. It will be weird but I'm keeping my word. We'll break the curse together when you're ready. -E

Thank you -R

You're welcome. Talk to you later? Once Henry goes to bed? -E

Yes. I'd like to keep some of our routine. -R

Me too. -E

Entering the diner, the door didn't close before arms wrapped around my neck. "LG! It's good to see you alive and well!"

"Hey, Ruby." I patted the woman's back. "Yes, I'm still alive."

Stepping back, she smirked. "Spill. Everything."

"There's nothing to spill. I have an order to pick up." She's Red Riding Hood. She can turn into a wolf. Hopefully she doesn't try to rip Regina apart.

"What's that look?" Ruby's head tilted. "Something happened over the past few days."

"Nothing happened." Stepping past her, I grabbed the two to-go bags and put money on the counter.

Green eyes narrowed. "Liar." Smiling, the young girl studied me. "Something happened. I just hope it was good. You got this, LG."

"Bye, Ruby." I smirked, shaking my head.

"You love me!" She called as I left.

On my way back, I called Regina and put the call on speaker. "I hope you're not driving with one hand, Deputy."

Regina's tone caused me to shiver. A mischievous laugh nearly caused me to swerve on the road. "I felt that."

"Y-you're going to make me wreck." I laughed nervously. Good God, this woman is going to be the death of me. Such a sweet death that would be. "I have both hands on the wheel. You're on speaker."

"Good. Was there a reason you called?"

"I, uh…" Shit. Now I don't remember why I called. "Uhm, oh, Ruby! She can see that I have feelings for you. That they've changed over the past few days. I just wanted to give you a heads up. She's not going to gossip around town."

"Thank you for the update."

Pulling into my spot, I sighed. "I'm back at the station." I paused, taking Regina off speaker and placing the phone to my ear. Wanting to hear Regina's voice speak to only me. Let it envelope me. "I hope you have a good rest of your day."

"I hope the rest of your day goes well too. I'll talk to you later tonight."

Warmth filled my chest knowing how she felt. "Until then."

The rest of the day went by normally. I clocked out and went back to Mary Margaret's. I sat in the bug looking towards the front door as melancholy swallowed me. This isn't my home. Not anymore. My home is in that white house with Regina and Henry. Waking up, making coffee, cooking breakfast, and spending time together. Laughing, talking, and playing video games. Gripping my keys, I almost started the engine when Mary Margaret pulled up beside me. Damn it.

"Hey! Welcome home!"

Putting on a smile, I opened the door. "Hey." Grabbing my bag, I followed the shorter woman inside. "How was school?" She's my mother. Regina's enemy.

"Pretty good. Everyone was glad to see Henry back. I sent all the missed work home with him." Hanging her coat, Mary Margaret rummaged through the fridge, gathering things for dinner. "I'm glad you're feeling better."

"Yeah, me too." I tossed my bag onto my bed and took a seat at the table. "Anything I can help with?" Feeling my phone vibrate, I pulled it out.

Is everything alright? I felt an overwhelming sadness coming from you a few minutes ago. -R

I'm…okay. I'll tell you more tonight. I promise. -E

I believe you. You'll keep your word. We'll talk tonight. -R

"That's your "Regina smile." Mary Margaret raised an eyebrow. "Did something happen over the past few days?"

You have no idea. "We talked a lot."

"Are the two of you together?"

Yes. Sort of. "No." That hurts. One word hurts so much. Even though it's a lie.

"I'm sorry, Emma. I know you have feelings for her."

I don't just have feelings for her. I love her. Glancing down to the red string, I smiled softly. And she loves me too. I'm in love with your enemy. Once you remember everything, you'll have to come to terms with it. "Everything happens for a reason."

Nightfall came and everyone finally went to sleep. My stomach fluttered seeing Regina's face come up on my phone. "Hey, Henry finally fall asleep for good?"

"Yes, I waited an hour to make sure he was out. How is it being back home?" Home. Can I get all emotional, dive into the deep end, yet? "There's that feeling again. Emma, talk to me."

"This isn't my home. Or it doesn't feel like my home." I guess I'm all in now. "That's what you felt before. I realized this isn't my home. I was about to turn my car around and come back when Mary Margaret pulled in beside me." The silence between us felt like an eternity. "Regina?"

"I'm still here." A pitiful laugh escaped the woman's lips. "The house feels empty without you here. That was one thing Henry asked about on the way to school."

Shifting in bed, I put the phone closer to my ear. "What did he say?"

"He made it clear that he wouldn't be opposed to having two moms because you make us both happy."

I couldn't help but laugh imagining Henry saying it so bluntly but trying to keep some innocence. "I can only imagine his expression."

"I said I don't believe you'd be moving in anytime soon and he was alright with that as long as it happened eventually." It was my turn to be silent. "Emma?"

"How do you feel about that? He is your son. I gave up all rights when I placed him for adoption."

"I'm not against us raising him together. In the past, you've been on my side of things. As long as that continues, I don't see why we couldn't make it work."

"I would be good with that." Maybe I can have a family with them. "A friend of mine in Boston moved in with her girlfriend after three months of knowing each other and got engaged in six. Granted, they were together three years before getting married."

"Are you proposing to me, Miss. Swan?" Regina purred.

"What? No! I'm just saying…stop laughing at me." I fought a laugh of my own but failed. My face is so hot right now. "I'm saying that in same-sex relationships, things seem to move faster. Probably because there's a deeper connection made quicker than with straight couples." I paused letting the information sink in. "I mean, we're clearly supposed to be together. We know that but no one else does."

"The only person's opinion that matters is our son's."

Our son? Excitement and terror lurched my stomach. "Our son?"

"Too much too soon?"

"N-no. I just…I never thought I'd hear you say it." I paused. "I like it. Especially since I'll be raising him with you."

"I like the sound of that too. We'll reevaluate you moving in once we've talked to Henry. Does that sound reasonable?"

"Yeah, of course."

"How is it being around Mary Margaret now that you know everything?"

"A lot of things make sense. Why she's so good with birds and other forest animals, why she can't lie, and a few other things."

"Is it difficult not telling her everything?"

"Not exactly. She's never mentioned wanting kids so it's never come up. Besides, I want to be next to you when everyone finds out so I can protect you. There are a few people in town I'm worried about."

"Hearing you say you want to protect me…" Regina's voice trailed.

"Makes you feel loved?" I offered.

"Yes. It's something I've not felt in a very long time. There's a difference between the love of a child and the love of a partner."

I'm grinning like an idiot. "True." I'm her partner.

Xxx

I groaned when my alarm sounded. For a split second, I expected to see Regina's guest room. My stomach fell when I didn't. Rubbing the sleep from my eyes, I scrolled through messages and emails. Graham's going to be at a meeting so I've got the morning relatively free. Rolling out of bed, I showered, made lunch, and went to work.

Entering the station, I hung my coat, put my lunch in the fridge, and turned everything on. Taking a seat, I went through any paperwork that I hadn't finished. Leaning back in my chair, I thought more about the conversations Regina and I had. She named Henry after her father and Daniel. I wonder if he knows. If not, I wonder if she'll tell him.

"Hello? Anyone here?"

Snapping out of my thoughts, I sat forward. "Back here."

Turning the corner, David came into focus. "Deputy, just the person I wanted to see."

I've seen him around town now that he's out of the hospital. It's weird knowing he's my father. "How can I help?" I motioned towards an empty chair. "Take a seat."

"Is Mary Margaret single?" Right to the point. Noticing the look on my face, he tried to backpedal. "I ask because you're her roommate."

"I, uh, I think so? Possibly?" Can he know this information? If they kiss, will it break the curse? "Why?"

"There's just…" his voice trailed. "Something about her that makes me want to know more."

Disgustingly sweet but I get it. That's how I feel about Regina. I hold onto every word she says and I want to know everything she wants to tell me. "Was there anything I could help you with besides my roommate's dating status?"

"Not really. I was nervous to ask her on a date. I wanted to know if I even stood a chance."

You made a baby together. I'm pretty sure you have a chance. "Just be yourself and not an ass. How have you been doing since you left rehab?"

"Good. I've got most of my mobility and stamina back. Some days are harder than others." He paused. "You helped find me, correct?"

"I did, yeah. I'm glad you're doing better." Oh, right! They kind of kissed already. Mary Margaret performed CPR. The curse wasn't broken then.

"It's greatly appreciated." David smiled. "I wonder what woke me up after so long."

Probably the fact that your true love was reading your story to you. "No clue."

"I'm back!" Graham called from the main entrance.

"Back here."

"Ugh. I wish you could-" Rounding the corner, the Sheriff's words halted when he saw our visitor. "Oh, David. I didn't recognize your truck outside. How are you?"

"I'm well. It's new." He paused. "Well, new to me."

"It looks nice. Can I help you with something?"

"Thanks. I came by to ask Deputy Swan something."

"Please, call me Emma." Deputy Swan sounds weird.

Looking between us, Graham spoke. "Is everything okay?"

Getting to his feet, David started for the door. "Oh, yeah. I wanted to know something about Mary Margaret. Have a good rest of your day."

"Thanks." Graham and I spoke in unison.

Graham waited until David was gone to finish his earlier statement. "I wish you could go to the town meetings for me. I love my job but the meetings are so boring."

I wouldn't mind seeing Regina more. "I wonder if I could?"

Graham's brow rose in disbelief. "You'd really go to them for me?"

I shrugged. "Sure. They can't be that bad."

Leaning forward, he grinned. "Okay, I'll find a reason to send you in my place next time. Twenty bucks says you're bored out of your mind."

"Deal." That's going to be an easy twenty bucks.

Xxx

Saturday night came and I found myself lingering on the porch. Tonight we're telling Henry that we're together. I wonder if that will lead to the truth about Storybrooke. Either way, Regina and I will do it together. Ringing the doorbell, I waited. Hearing a familiar set of heels clicking across wood floors, my heart started to pound. I think I'll always be excited to see her. My jaw slacked seeing Regina standing in a black dress with blue sleeves. The neckline dipped into a low V while a collar piece wrapped around her throat. "Wow…"

"Well, that's certainly a good reaction to my outfit." Regina smirked, taking my arm to guide me inside. "Come inside. Dinner is almost ready."

"Uh, right." Closing the door behind me, I tried to create a coherent sentence. She looks gorgeous. Sliding out of my coat, I heard the oven timer.

"Make yourself comfortable. I need to check dinner." Giving me a once over, the older woman smirked mischievously. "You look good as well. Leather jackets really do suit you."

Pushing up my sleeves, a nervous laugh escaped my throat. "Thanks." Heat burnt my ears.

"Emma!" Nearly tackling me, Henry wrapped his arms around me.

"Hey, kiddo." Squeezing tightly, I quickly swept my other arm under his legs and dipped him back; holding him upside down. Laughter filled the house.

Bringing food to the dining table, Regina's brow rose. "What are you two doing out here?"

"Nothing." Henry and I answered.

Shaking her head, the shorter woman held back a laugh. "Put him down. Dinner is ready." She entered the kitchen. "Children. I'm surrounded by children."

"You love us!" Henry grinned, sitting at the table.

Blood drained from my face. I need to change the subject. "How was school? I know it was a short week." I took my normal seat.

"Good. I'm almost caught up on all the work I missed."

"That's good. Is there anything I can help with?"

Henry thought for a moment. "I don't think so. I did the hard stuff first."

"Smart kid." Hearing heels click, I looked up to see Regina entering with three cups. "You get that from your mom."

Looking between us, Henry beamed. "She is pretty smart. Isn't she?"

Dark eyes narrowed. "The two of you are up to something." Regina's gaze fell on Henry. "Or at the very least, you are. What is it?"

"Nope. Nothing. I'm innocent."

"Uh-huh. I'm sure." Taking a seat, Regina took each of our plates and served us the chicken and rice bake.

"This smells great." I'm starving.

"Thank you. This is one of my winter meals because it's simple but filling."

"It sticks to your bones." Henry added.

"Can't wait to try it." My eyes rolled back as the first forkful touched my tongue. "Mmmm!"

"Remember to chew, Miss. Swan." Regina teased. Henry chuckled as he ate.

"I've been meaning to ask, since the Thanksgiving event was so well taken by the town, would you be interested in doing something like that for Christmas?" Regina sipped her drink. "If you are interested, we'll need to put that in order now."

"I…I would love to do something like that. Possibly do it on the twenty-third or twenty-fourth? Letting people with friends or family Christmas plans have them. I can ask Ruby and Granny tomorrow. Do you think we could pull that off in two weeks?"

"We pulled Thanksgiving off in a few days. Two weeks should be plenty of time."

"I can help too!" Henry chimed in. "I can help Mary Margaret decorate."

Mary Margaret and David. Henry's their grandson. Christmas. Oh, God. Two weeks is too soon to break the curse. We can't. But keeping Henry from his grandparents…

Regina's brow rose. "Emma, are you alright? You look a bit faint."

Glancing at the red string, I swallowed. "Yeah, I'm fine. I just realized this will be the first Christmas I'll be around friends who I don't work with. People who I feel are like family." Hopefully spending Christmas with someone I love.

"That is definitely a big change." Regina paused, trying to gauge my reaction for the next topic of discussion. Giving a slight nod, I smiled. "Speaking of big changes…"

"Yeah?" Excitement shone in Henry's eyes.

"Emma and I-" Regina began, choosing her words.

"Yes!"

"Henry!" Regina and I spoke in unison. I laughed while Regina scoffed.

"I'm sorry." He grinned sheepishly.

"He knows, Regina." Shaking my head, I laughed. "He's a smart kid."

"Well, that handles the first part of this discussion." Regina smirked. "How would you feel if we went public with our relationship?"

"I'm okay with it." Looking between us, Henry smiled with a nod. "It just means I can spend more time with both of you together." He paused, meeting his mother's gaze. "Does that mean…"

"Not now. We've not even gone public yet. In due time."

I smiled watching the two of them. He really wants me here. I knew this was going to go well but I'm glad it's out. Eventually, the curse conversion will come up. But maybe after Christmas.

"Does that mean the three of us can spend Christmas together?"

"That depends," Regina's attention moved onto me. "Would you like to spend Christmas with us?"

Warmth enveloped me. "I guess we're going to have a Swan-Mills Christmas."