Much like "A Cop's Duty, A Brother's Love" where David gets shot, this was another one-shot that wasn't an original idea meant to go in Together. I just had the idea and decided to run with it. I hope you guys enjoy!
Takes place in the spring following the end of "New Beginnings and Happy Endings."
"You know, Killian, I thought this was supposed to be a surprise party," David joked as he helped set up the table in the garage.
"You know I can't keep anything from Emma. Besides, if I didn't tell her, Mary Margaret would have, mate," Killian reminded him.
David shook his head just as Emma and Mary Margaret came into the garage carrying cake and food.
"Swan, this is your party – you should let us do all of this," Killian pointed out.
"I tried to tell her that. But you know she can't stand doing nothing," Mary Margaret added.
"You do know that I'm right here, Mary Margaret?" Emma defended.
"Come on, Emma. Even you admit how stubborn you are," David told her with a chuckle.
Emma rolled her eyes before she muttered, "You're the one to talk."
Just then, Liam came running into the garage.
Anna Elizabeth followed close behind and told him, "Liam, Mom isn't opening her presents yet."
"I want her to see my present first," Liam argued.
"Liam, when it's time to give Mommy her presents, yours will be first," Killian told him.
The dark-haired boy nodded in response.
Just then, David asked, "Hey, Anna Elizabeth, where's Evie?"
"Talking to Jason on the phone," Anna Elizabeth responded.
David nodded, and Killian then asked, "So, what do you think of Jason, mate?" with a teasing smile.
"Just wait until it's your turn, mate," David refuted with crossed arms.
"Ok, you two, chill," Emma said just as Robin and Regina arrived.
"Hey, Emma. Happy Birthday," Robin told her with a smile.
Emma smiled back in response.
Regina repeated his sentiments before she added, "We would have been here earlier, but since someone ruined the surprise, we didn't think it was necessary," with a glare in Killian's direction.
Killian rolled his eyes in response before Robin added, "That, and we were talking to Roland," with a knowing look toward his wife.
As Evie bounded into the garage, Mary Margaret said, "Ok, then, everyone's here. So, let's get started."
"Not quite, love. A few more people are coming," Killian stated.
"But I thought that Belle, August, and the kids weren't coming home from Disney World until the day after tomorrow," David observed.
"I wasn't referring to my sister," Killian clarified with a sly smile.
Emma narrowed her eyes at him as she questioned, "What did you do?"
However, her question was answered when Nick, Noah, Courtney, and the kids came into the garage.
Emma's eyes widened as she asked, "Guys, you're here?"
"I know that we're all normally super busy, and all you get is a phone call or card, but Killian said that he wanted to surprise you this year," Noah explained.
Emma turned to flash a smile at her husband as she told him, "Thank you," as she squeezed his hand.
"You're welcome, love," Killian told her.
She then went over to her father, brother, and sister-in-law and wrapped them in a hug.
Emma wasn't surprised when Katie's arms came around her as well while Faith just stood there and offered a small smile.
As she pulled away, she said, "I'm so happy to see all of you."
"That goes for us as well. Besides, this is the first time I get to actually celebrate my favorite daughter's birthday," Nick told her with a grin.
Emma smiled genuinely at him because she knew that he was serious despite his teasing tone.
Anna Elizabeth then piped up, "Can we eat now?"
"Yes, love, we can eat," Killian told her as he chuckled, along with everyone else.
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Emma came in the house to find Faith sitting at the table with her head laying on crossed arms.
"Hey, kid, I thought you were with Anna Elizabeth and Evie."
Faith sat up and shrugged. She then said, "They're just so… peppy."
Emma grinned as she responded, "They've always been that way. Mary Margaret and I thought that they may grow out of it, but obviously not."
She then added, "And Anna Elizabeth is a cheerleader, so it comes with the territory."
Faith simply nodded in response before she laid her head back down.
As Emma watched her and thought for a moment, she realized that it was more than simply Anna Elizabeth and Evie being too peppy.
"You're overwhelmed aren't you? With all of this family that you have now," Emma carefully perceived.
"Like you would know," Faith told her.
"Better than you might think, kid."
Faith rolled her eyes before she snapped, "Don't act like you understand. Noah and Courtney try to, but it doesn't work. Noah was adopted as a baby – he never remembers not having parents. I get that his mom died, and it is really awful, but at least he knew her. I will never have a chance to speak to my mom or my dad again."
With that, she stormed from the kitchen and into the backyard.
About 20 minutes later, Emma went to go check on Faith.
"Hey, kid, do you want some cake?"
The auburn haired girl shook her head in response.
Emma looked at her curiously for a few moments before she carefully said, "Your parents are worried about you."
"They're not my parents," Faith pointed out.
Emma considered her words before she asked, "Do you know that the only people I'm biologically related to that's here is my dad and my son?"
Faith gave Emma a strange look as she observed, "Wait, what? That can't be right."
Emma simply nodded in response.
"But that doesn't make any sense. What about David and Anna Elizabeth and Regina?" Faith asked, hopelessly confused.
"You see, Faith, you know that I've only known my dad and Noah for a few years and that I was adopted. But what you don't know is that Mom – being David's mother – didn't adopt me until I was 14."
Faith's eyes widened in response.
She then asked, "Really?"
"Yep," Emma responded.
Faith nodded before she observed, "So, like, Regina must be Mary Margaret's sister."
"Actually, she's not," Emma began. At Faith's furrowed brows, she continued, "You see, Regina has known Mary Margaret and David since they were kids. And then when I moved here, I became friends with her as well. We've all known each other such a long time and we're so close, that we're practically family."
Faith looked down as she said, "That must be nice."
Emma squeezed her arm as she told her, "Look, I do know how you feel. It can be overwhelming when you've had no one and suddenly you do. And you probably also think that Noah and Courtney will eventually give up on you and send you back. But I'm here to tell you that they love you so much – they were so excited to adopt you and your sister. You have to believe that."
Faith took a few minutes to take in Emma's words before she sighed and admitted, "I know that they do. They're great, and I love them, too, even if I haven't told them. But it's hard because…" trailing off.
"They're not your parents," Emma finished.
Faith nodded before she explained, "Katie was only three when she died – she hardly remembers them. But, I do, and I feel like I'm betraying them somehow," desperately trying to keep her emotions in check.
Emma squeezed Faith's hand as she told her, "You asked earlier about Anna Elizabeth being related to me, and well, she's not. I'm going to tell you the same thing that I told her when she came to the realization that Killian and I were her parents."
"Did you guys adopt her?" Faith questioned.
"Sort of," Emma began. She then took a breath and further explained, "Her parents were killed in a car accident when she was four. Killian's older brother was her father, and since Killian was her godfather, he became her guardian. A little over a year after that, he and I were married.
When I was pregnant with Liam, Anna Elizabeth began to realize that Killian and I were now her mom and dad. Even though she was only seven, she had the same thoughts that you do."
"What did you tell her?" Faith genuinely questioned.
"Killian and I told her that we both love her like she is ours. We knew that we wouldn't ever really replace her parents, but since they couldn't be here, we were going to take care of her like she is ours.
All of that is still true to this day. Even though Anna Elizabeth's memories of Liam and Elsa are scarce, she still thinks about them. She can still honor their memory while seeing us as parents. You don't have to let go of your parents – in fact, they're probably happy that you and Katie aren't in foster care anymore and that someone loves both of you and are taking care of you two."
"You really think so?" Faith asked.
"I know so," Emma assured her with a smile.
Faith offered a smile – a real smile – in return.
She then said, "Thank you, Emma."
"You're welcome, Faith."
Emma then began walking back toward the house, but Faith's voice stopped her.
"Did you really mean it?"
When Emma turned back around, she questioned, "Mean what?"
"In the kitchen earlier – that you guys are my family?"
Despite Faith's strong exterior, Emma could hear the vulnerability in her voice.
The blonde grinned as she answered, "Yeah, kid. You're stuck with us now."
Faith returned Emma's grin in response.
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After everyone else had already left, Noah pulled Emma aside and said, "Faith told Courtney and I what you said to her. We both really appreciate it – we've been worried about her. She hasn't had the easiest time adjusting."
"It was really no problem. I care about her, too," Emma began.
She then grinned and continued, "She reminds me of myself when I was first adopted."
Noah returned her grin before he turned somber and said, "Yeah, I think she needed someone to talk to who really understands her."
"Hey, you and Courtney are amazing parents – Faith told me as much. She's just overwhelmed with the big family, and she misses her mom and dad," Emma reassured him.
"We do get that – she just tends to keep everything inside," Noah explained.
"Don't worry. She will come around, and she will learn to completely trust you. She's already getting there," Emma told him.
Noah took in her words before he said, "You know, Anna Elizabeth and Liam are both really lucky to have you as their mom."
"And Faith and Katie are really lucky that you chose to be their dad," Emma replied with a smile.
Noah smiled back at her as he said, "Believe me, I'm the lucky one. Despite everything, Faith and Katie are both amazing – I love being their dad."
"And that's why everything is going to be okay," Emma told him.
Noah's smile grew as he said, "You know, you're pretty good at giving advice."
Emma returned his smile as she said, "That's what older sisters are for."
Just then, Courtney got Noah's attention.
He quickly turned back to his sister and told her, "Happy Birthday, Emma." He then pulled her in for a hug.
As they pulled away, she said, "Thanks Noah."
He smiled at her before they exchanged goodbyes and Noah left to follow his family. However, Faith soon came running back through the door.
To Emma's surprise, the teenage girl wrapped her in a hug. As they pulled apart, Faith said, "Thank you, Emma. For listening and talking to me."
Emma smiled as she replied, "You are more than welcome, kid. You know I'm here for you if you need me."
Faith returned Emma's smile as she told her, "You're a pretty cool aunt."
Before Emma could reply, Noah was calling Faith's name, and she was out the door.
Once they had left, Killian came up to Emma and wrapped his arms around her.
Emma then told him, "Thank you for the almost surprise party and for getting my family here. I loved every minute of it."
"I'm glad, love. All I want is your happiness," Killian said, as he moved a piece of hair behind her ear.
Emma then reached to cup his cheek as she told him, "You know, I was reminded today that there was a time where I never thought any of this would ever even be possible.
But now, I have so many people who love and care about me. I am surrounded by such an amazing family who I know I can always count on. I hope to never take any of you for granted."
"I don't think there's any chance of that, darling. Because we are the lucky ones to have you in our lives," Killian told her with love and sincerity.
She smiled at him as she said, "And that is worth more than any present."
She then closed the distance between them for a kiss. Like so many of their kisses, it was filled with love and passion. Killian wrapped his arms tightly around her and deepened the kiss as Emma wrapped her arms around his waist as well. The kiss went on before Emma felt something in his back pocket.
She slowly pulled away and giggled as Killian chased her lips.
"That's bad form, Swan."
Emma grinned before she showed him the envelope.
"What's this?"
Killian looked at it for a moment before he told her, "That is a letter from Sharon."
"A letter?" Emma questioned.
"Aye, love. I suppose it's for your birthday," Killian answered.
Just then, Emma's phone rang in her back pocket. She quickly grabbed in and supplied, "Looks like I'm about to get my answer."
Killian went to go check on the kids as Emma answered her phone and said, "Hey, Sharon."
"Hi, Emma. I just wanted to call and wish you a happy birthday. I feel terrible that I missed your party."
"Please don't apologize. It's perfectly alright. I didn't even know that Dad and Noah were coming. I'm just happy to hear from you," Emma told her.
"You are my only daughter, Emma, and I love you," Sharon told her.
Emma couldn't help but smile at those words. She then told her, "I love you, too…Mom."
"Oh, Emma, you don't have to call me that. I know how close you were to your adoptive mother," Sharon said.
"I want to," Emma began before she elaborated, "I learned a long time ago that family isn't always blood. We aren't family because we share DNA – we're family because we can count on each other, and because we love each other. No matter what. That is way more important than what my birth certificate says. You are my mother."
Emma could hear the emotions in Sharon's voice as she asked, "Do you really mean that?"
"Absolutely," Emma replied.
There was silence for a moment before Sharon told her, "This is the last thing I ever expected myself to say, but I am so happy that you found me, and that I get to be your mother. I know you will always see Ruth as your mother, but I hope you can find room for me as well."
At that point, Emma was struggling to hold back tears as she replied, "Of course I can."
Emma then heard silence, and she knew that Sharon was contemplating something before she finally said, "I had hoped you would. In fact, it's why I sent you that letter."
"Oh, yeah. Killian gave it to me earlier, but I haven't read it yet. What is it?" Emma told Sharon.
"You know that I always wanted what was best for you, even though I wasn't the one who could give it to you. Shortly after I made the decision to give you up, I wrote a letter that I wanted you to have one day when you old enough to understand why I did what I did.
Unfortunately, I stuck inside my copy of Emma, and by the time I gave birth to you, the letter was forgotten. It had gotten lost in the move to Wisconsin, and Dylan only recently found it. With everything that's happened since you found me, the letter probably will only feel redundant at this point…" Sharon was cut off.
"No, I want to read it," Emma began. She then took a deep breath and continued, "I shouldn't be surprised at this point – especially since you gave up a job in one of the fashion capitals of the world to be close to me – but it just reaffirms that you really did put me first. I'd love to read it."
"I'm really glad to hear you say that, Emma. The letter is one part of your birthday present," Sharon told her.
"What's the other part?" Emma asked.
"The copy of Emma I was reading when I was pregnant with you. I know that your name was chosen simply because I was put on the spot, but I still want you to have the book. Looking back now, I have always loved that name, and I am glad I chose it. Even though I was giving you away, I still wanted to be the one to name you – so you could at least have something to show that I really did love you," Sharon answered.
As touched as Emma was by the gesture, she still had to ask, "Are you sure? I know how much you love that book."
"I can always get another copy of it. You should have the one that inspired your name," Sharon replied.
Emma smiled as she answered, "Thank you so much, Sh…Mom."
"You're so welcome," Sharon began. She then continued, "I have to go now. Happy Birthday, Emma. I'll talk to you soon. Goodbye."
"Bye," Emma replied before hanging up the phone.
She then looked at the envelope in her hand. She walked over to the couch and sat down before opening the envelope and taking out the letter inside.
She carefully opened the worn paper and began to read.
Dear Emma,
When you read this letter, I hope you can forgive me. Giving you away was the easiest decision I ever made. Not because I didn't love you, but because of how much I do.
The only way I could give you the life that you deserve is by giving you up. I couldn't be a mother. I wouldn't have any idea how to raise a child. My own mother blamed me for my father leaving, and I resented her for it. I didn't want that for you. I wanted you to have your best chance. All I ever wanted for you is to be cared for and loved.
It is my hope that when you read this letter, you have a family. A father. A sister or brother. And most of all, a mother. A mother who would understand what it means to put your child above everything, even it seems selfish to others. A mother who would understand why I didn't even hesitate to give you away. A mother who will love you like her own flesh and blood.
I hope she teaches you all the things that only a mother can. I hope she wipes your tears, takes care of you when you're sick, and gives you the best advice. But most of all, I hope she teaches you to be strong, kind, understanding, and forgiving. I hope she teaches you the meaning of family – something I never really had.
Your life won't always be easy. People will try to tell you that I was selfish in giving you away. They will try to tell you that you weren't good enough for me to want you, and that you will never be good enough or worth it to anybody. You will be tempted to believe it, and you may start to believe it yourself. I know this because you get from me. You will have heartache, pain, and disappointment. Sometimes things will not turn out how you want them to, and it will make you question everything. Sometimes everything won't be alright.
Despite all of this, you will come out stronger than ever. Whatever you go through will make you resilient. It will make you a conqueror, and you will be able to face whatever life throws at you. It will make you realize that you do have a place in this world, and that you do matter. It will make you see that life is difficult, and make you appreciate what you have even more. It will make you see just how precious that you are.
I do love you, Emma, and that is at the heart of all of this. The only thing I could do for you is to let someone else take care of you. I was simply a means for someone else to have a beautiful and amazing daughter. And perhaps one day, an equally amazing wife and mother. It is my hope that you can understand this.
When, not if, you do become part of someone's family, I want you to know that you deserve it. You deserve to be someone's reason for happiness. You deserve to be someone's everything. You deserve to be someone's missing piece. You deserve to be the person that someone else has always wanted and can't live without.
More than anything, I hope that your life is everything you want it to be and more. I hope you are surrounded by people who constantly tells you how loved that you are, so that you will never forget it.
Love, Sharon.
As Emma folded the letter, she couldn't help the tears that began to flow. She had spent so much of her life believing she wasn't good enough. She had spent so much time being afraid to trust people for the fear of getting hurt. And she knew so much of that had stemmed from the fact that her parents had given her away. Though Emma had managed to work through those insecurities, they were never far from her mind. Especially today, because she knew that Faith was dealing with the same thing.
But now, she knew that all Sharon ever wanted for her was for her to have a family. And she had found them, and Emma was grateful for them every day. They didn't always get along, but they were amazing. She had built a life and had two amazing kids with the man she loved, and she was surrounded by her brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews. Her parents were only a phone call away, along with her grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
It had been seven years since she found her birth family. It had been a decade since she realized that Storybrooke was her home. It had been over twenty years since Ruth adopted her. Yet, it was still surreal at times that Emma had gotten what she had always wanted as a child, but stopped believing it could happen.
Her birthday was always a reminder of how much her family loved her. But the truth was, they didn't need a special day to tell her that they loved her – they did that anyway. Maybe not always with words, but with their actions.
She thought about what she had told Sharon. Family was the people who were there for you during whatever life threw at you. Family was the people who would always stand by your side. Family was the people who may let you down, but the love you had for them could overcome anything. Her family was the living proof that the people who are family aren't always blood.