" … and so, Gil Hodges managed the Mets to their first World Series victory in 1969," Sam finished with a smile.
"And it was against the Baltimore Orioles," Liam added. He then stated, "See, I told you that she knew about baseball."
Sam - as well as David, Killian, and Alex - all chuckled before Killian offered, "So you've said many times, lad - as you do have an inclination to always be right."
Liam only rolled his eyes and huffed. He then proceeded to prove his father's point as he argued, "That's because I am right about Sam being cool."
"Thanks for the endorsement, Liam," Sam told him with a smile as she stifled a laugh while the others smiled and shook their heads.
The teenager nodded before he then asked, "How long did that guy manage the team?"
"Let's see - he started in 1968, and he finished in 1971 - the same year that Nolan Ryan got traded," David explained, crossing his arms over his chest.
"Didn't he play on four different teams throughout his career?" Alex questioned, placing his hands in his pockets.
"Aye, he did," Killian began before he elaborated, "After the Mets, there were the Angels, the Astros, and the Rangers."
"He had a pretty amazing career," David commented. He then turned to Sam and surmised, "And I imagine that you created a created a drink in honor of him."
With a smile, she answered, "Yeah, I did. Since the colors of those teams overlap, it was pretty simple to make. I actually picked two different flavors of alcohol, along with just regular juice."
She paused to chuckle before she continued, "Ethan was worried that the two different kinds of alcohol would be a bit much, but I figured out how to balance it perfectly."
Everyone hummed and nodded in reply before Alex spoke, "You know, I don't think I would have expected someone to get so, well, excited about mixing drinks."
Sam's brown eyes widened slightly before she began profusely apologizing, "Oh, I'm so sorry if it was too much. I doubt you guys want to hear about all of that."
David then assured her, "It's really no problem. It's actually pretty interesting, and it's clear that you love what you do."
"Really?" Sam questioned, her voice full of both surprise and curiosity.
"Aye, love. It is rather interesting, and it's nice to hear someone talk about what they're so passionate about," Killian told her with a smile.
Sam smiled back in response before the dark-haired man continued, "As long as someone doesn't get any ideas," offering his son a teasing grin.
Liam rolled his eyes before he pointed out, "You and Mom would ground me if I got caught. And I would prefer to actually think straight," placing his hands in his pockets.
Everyone couldn't help but chuckle at his rather blunt words. Alex then offered, "That's actually probably a good thing."
"And it's pretty responsible," David added, casting a mischievous grin toward his brother-in-law.
Killian rolled his eyes before he defended, "I was plenty responsible at his age." He then scratched behind his ear and added, "Most of the time," causing everyone to laugh.
When they had sobered, Ethan walked over and announced, "Alright, my brother and sister-in-law are both, like, super anxious for Elsa to smash this cake."
"Thanks, mate. We'll be right over," Killian told him before he, David, and Liam crossed the yard.
Alex moved to follow them when he saw his daughter running toward him. She clutched her father's shirt and exclaimed, "Daddy, I really want cake! When are we gonna get some?"
He couldn't help but chuckle at his seven-year-old before he told her, "Very soon, honey. I promise."
Kimberly nodded, making her black curls land in her face. She pushed them back before she said, "I'm gonna go play with Leo some more."
"Before you do that, there's someone I'd like you to meet," Alex began, looking up at Sam, who nodded happily.
He then continued, "And she's excited to meet you."
"Who is it, Daddy?" Kimberly asked, her brown eyes going wide.
Alex smiled as he answered, "Remember when I told you that Uncle Ethan got married to a really nice lady?"
Kimberly bobbed her head before she said, "And she's my aunt now, right?"
"Yeah, she is," Alex replied with another smile before he nodded at Sam.
She then bent down and told the little girl: "And I'm really happy to have another niece."
Kimberly spun around and wrapped Sam in an enthusiastic hug. Sam stiffened for a moment before she returned the embrace.
"And I'm glad you're my aunt, Aunt Sam!" Kimberly exclaimed, and Sam couldn't help but smile at her words.
When they pulled back, Kimberly tilted her head for a moment. She then asked, "Aunt Sam, why do you have an earring in your nose?"
"Uh…well…you see…" Sam stammered, not entirely sure how to answer.
Alex quickly jumped to her rescue: "That's called a nose ring, sweetie. It's something that some grown-ups get because they like it."
"Oh," Kimberly answered, seemingly satisfied - until she asked another question, "Do you like your nose ring, Aunt Sam?"
She was still a bit uncertain on how to answer. She then felt Ethan give her shoulder a comforting squeeze, and she was able to answer: "I like it very much," smiling at the raven-haired girl.
Kimberly nodded before she said, "I like it, too! It's pretty, like my earrings."
Before Sam could manage a response, Kimberly had moved her hair aside and pointed to one of her earrings."
"See! My earrings look like cupcakes!"
Sam chuckled before she spoke, "Well, they are very cute earrings. I like them very much."
"Thank you, Aunt Sam," Kimberly replied with a bright smile. She then looked up at Alex and asked, "Can I go play with Leo now?"
"Go ahead. I'll be there in just a minute - I want to talk to Uncle Ethan and Aunt Sam," Alex answered, ruffling his daughter's hair.
"Okay, Daddy," Kimberly said before she scampered off.
Sam then rose to her feet, and Alex offered, "Sorry about Kimberly. She can be, uh, a little blunt and outspoken."
"Oh, it's really okay. It was a little, uh, nerve-wracking, but I know that kids are just naturally curious," Sam began. She then took a breath and continued, "And thanks for helping to explain this to her," motioning to the silver hoop.
"You're welcome. It was no problem," Alex replied with a smile. That smile changed to a grin as he inclined his head toward Ethan and teased, "If it's any consolation, you're alreadyway better with her than he was when he first met her."
Ethan rolled his eyes before he defended, "It's not my fault that being a doting, well, anything, wasn't written into my DNA." He then grinned and added, "I'll just have to settle for being funny Uncle Ethan."
Alex shook his head while Sam let out a giggle. He then said, "I'm really not sure how you put up with him, Sam."
She shrugged as she answered, "I love him - despite those rough edges."
Alex then smiled as he sincerely spoke, "I haven't got the chance to say so, and I wanted to tell you guys congratulations on getting married. I'm not sure I quite believed it at first, but I can see how in love you guys are."
Ethan and Sam exchanged a sweet smile before he offered, "Thanks, man. Really."
Alex nodded before he walked off to join Evie and the kids.
Ethan then turned his attention to his wife and told her, "You really were good with Kimberly, you know," running his hands up and down her arms.
With a sigh, Sam admitted, "I'm not sure if that - or Leo asking why I had colored on myself - brought more anxiety. I mean, Elsa's curious, too, but she can't talk. At least not much, anyway."
"I know that kids can be a little overwhelming if you aren't around them, but you're okay, right? I mean, like, you're not worried or anything, are you?" Ethan said, running his fingers through her hair.
With a smile, Sam told him, "I am, actually. Everyone's been so great, and I know it's not just because they feel like they have to, you know? They're genuinely nice people."
Ethan smiled back at her before he kissed her forehead. He then said, "I'm glad it's all working out for you, babe. And that you're happy."
Sam eyed him curiously for a moment before she asked, "What? No "I told you so?""
"I wouldn't do that to you," Ethan began, only to receive a raised eyebrow from his wife. He then continued, "Okay, so I would, but not about this. I know you've been freaked out about all of it."
Sam sweetly smiled at him before she pulled him in for a kiss. When they pulled away, she told him, "Thank you, Ethan. For everything. I couldn't do this without you."
"Sure thing," Ethan replied with another smile. He then encircled her waist and said, "Come on, I think it'll actually be fun to see our niece make a mess with cake."
Sam giggled before the two of them joined their family gathered around Elsa's high chair. They settled in next to Regina and Robin.
Anna Elizabeth finished adjusting the high chair while Calin uncovered the cake. He then placed it in front of his daughter.
He pulled up the video camera on his phone and coaxed, "Alright, sweetie, you can eat the cake."
Elsa looked up at her father before turning her attention to the cake. She poked at one of the flowers, getting the icing on her finger.
She waved her finger around, making everyone laugh, before she stuck it in her mouth. She then made a squeal of approval before she stuck another finger in the icing.
Anna Elizabeth laughed before she said, "There's more than icing, Elsa."
The baby girl looked up at the sound of her name and proceeded to show her mother the icing on her finger before she stuck it back in her mouth.
Everyone looked on with amusement as Elsa continued eating icing. She soon became bored and finally went for the cake itself.
Laughs, smiles, and soft cheers ensued as Elsa dug her hand into the layers of icing and came out with a fistful of chocolate cake.
She happily ate that piece before diving in for more, all while Calin captured it on video, along with taking some pictures.
"That is gonna be one messy kid," Ethan commented, and he couldn't help but chuckle.
Sam chuckled as well before she said, "Maybe, but I think she's having fun."
Robin then looked over at the young couple before he added, "I really believe that's the purpose of children. To have fun and get messy while doing it."
Sam, Ethan, and Regina laughed at that before Sam asked, "Don't you guys have a grandkid who's like two?" motioning between Regina and Robin.
With a nod, Robin then answered, "He's actually almost three, and he's about as energetic and messy as you'd expect."
Chuckles ensued once more before Regina said, "And he loves animals. Roland and Rilynn live in the city near the zoo and an aquarium, and they take Luke very often."
Sam smiled as she spoke, "Oh, I bet he loves it. I know that it was one of my favorite things to do as a kid."
She then giggled and added, "I even had one of my birthday parties at the zoo. Complete with a themed cake."
The others laughed at that before Robin spoke, "And on that note, I see that Anna Elizabeth is cutting the regular cake. I think I'll go grab us a slice," looking at his wife.
Regina nodded at him before Ethan chimed in, "I think I'll go get us some cake, too, babe," kissing the side of Sam's head.
She nodded as well before Ethan and Robin walked off.
Regina then said, "So, Sam, how do you like Storybrooke? I know it's a big change from Providence."
With a chuckle, Sam conceded, "It's definitely a change of pace. This place is very quaint, but I like it here."
Regina nodded before she said, "I always compared Storybrooke to Mayberry, and the description is a pretty accurate one. Except I wouldn't compare Emma and David to Andy and Barney."
Sam then started to giggle, and Regina found herself chuckling as well. Once they stopped, Regina continued, "But I really do love living here, and I love being so close to my family."
"I can see that," Sam spoke with a smile. She then commented, "And I have to say that I'm still getting used to being part of such a big family. And you guys are a family, even though many of you are not actually related."
"I can see why you'd be overwhelmed," Regina conceded. She then told the young woman: "For us, family has never been whether or not we're actually related. Frankly, I'm not sure they'd be less annoying at times if we did share DNA, but I really wouldn't trade them for anything in the world," smiling as she finished.
Sam offered another smile as she said, "Well, I'm really glad to be part of it. In a weird way, I feel like I fit right in."
The brunette tilted her head in confusion before it dawned on her. She then perceived, "You mean because you aren't exactly the poster person for the girl you bring home to meet your family."
"That's…one way of putting it," Sam commented as she planted her hands on her hips. She then continued, "But I can see that even though this, well, fear wasn't completely unfounded, it was a bit premature. You guys have all been so welcoming."
With a nod, Regina then replied, "As you may have noticed, I'm not the most warm and fuzzy, touchy-feely person. But I think you know that I do love my family and that now includes you."
Sam couldn't help but chuckle at her words before she spoke, "Well, thank you, Regina. I can't wait to get to know all of you better."
She then chuckled once more and added, "Even the kids who ask a ton of questions that I'm not always sure how to answer."
Regina chuckled as well before she said, "You'll figure it out soon enough." She then posed, "Speaking of kids, are you and Ethan going to have any? I know you two haven't been married that long - and you two aren't exactly traditional - but it's bound to come up at some point."
Sam rested one of her hands on her arm before she spoke, "We have talked about it. Quite a lot actually, and that just isn't the kind of life we want together. We want our lives to be about us and not about kids."
With a nod, Regina then spoke, "Being a mother isn't for everyone. My own mother is a testament to that."
With a tilt of her head, Sam then said, "If you don't mind me asking, what exactly happened with you guys?"
Regina sighed before she replied, "My mother brought me into this world, and she did what she thought was best for me. But more often than not, it was really what was best for her. I no longer resent her, but it was her choice to no longer be part of my life."
"Oh, Regina, I'm so, so sorry," Sam sympathized. She then said, "But I do understand what that feels like - my dad didn't want me either."
She then took a breath and continued, "And I don't think it'd be fair for me and Ethan to put a kid through that."
Regina nodded in agreement before she surmised, "Well, I think you two will have a wonderful life together."
Sam offered a bright smile in response. Regina smiled back as she continued, "Years before I married Robin and became a mother to Roland, I was an aunt to Jamie, Evie, and Anna Elizabeth, even if they didn't call me that. And I really loved it, and I think you will, too."
She couldn't help but chuckle as she added, "Once you feel comfortable around them."
Sam chuckled as well before she said, "I do think I'm getting there, and they are pretty cute," placing her hands on her hips.
Regina nodded and offered another smile in response before Robin and Ethan walked back over.
They handed their wives the cake before Robin spoke, "Now that everyone has had cake - and that Elsa has sufficiently enjoyed hers - it's time to open presents."
"Which Anna Elizabeth and Calin will open because Elsa can barely talk, let alone open a present," Ethan matter-of-factly offered with a shrug.
Sam elbowed him in the side before she pointed out, "That is your niece, you know."
"She'll forgive me," Ethan replied with a mischievous grin before he planted a kiss on Sam's forehead.
She shook her head at him while Robin and Regina chuckled. The four of them then began eating the cake.
A couple of hours later, Elsa happily played with her new toys while her parents and the rest of her family enjoyed the company as well as the cake and finger foods.
Ethan and Sam sat a table with Anna Elizabeth, Calin, Gia, and Alexandra. The latter was getting ready to leave.
"I'm so glad that I could come to celebrate little Elsa, but I need to get home," Alexandra said as she stood up.
Anna Elizabeth and Calin stood up as well before the curly blonde offered, "And we're so glad you could come. It's always good to see you."
"And I'm just as happy to see you guys," Alexandra replied with a smile. She then moved her blonde hair behind her shoulder and continued, "And I hope you two like the dress I picked up for Elsa. I saw it, and I just thought it was adorable."
With a smile, Calin assured her, "It definitely is, and Elsa will be just as adorable in it." He then paused and added, "And we appreciate you getting it for her."
"Of course," Alexandra told him, smiling as well. She then hugged both he and Anna Elizabeth before she told them, "You guys better keep me up to date on your precious daughter and what's going on with you two."
"You got it," Calin told her with a smile.
With a grin, Anna Elizabeth then added, "And you keep us up to date with Mr. Five-Star Chef."
Alexandra shook her head and rolled her eyes before she deadpanned, "Very funny." She then planted her hands on her hips and cautioned, "But don't jinx it. We haven't been together that long."
"I know, but I can see that he makes you happy," Anna Elizabeth genuinely offered with a smile toward her friend.
Alexandra smiled back before Gia teased, "And since you can't cook, he's probably a keeper."
Everyone else couldn't help but chuckle while Alexandra shook her head once more. She then pointed out, "You're not much better at it, you know. You nearly burned down your apartment while making yourself dinner."
"Which is how I met Aaron because he rushed over to check on me after smelling smoke. So that episode didn't end too badly," Gia responded with a wide grin, earning more chuckles.
Alexandra then announced, "Alright, I really do have to go, but before I do," pausing to turn and face Sam. She then continued, "I'm so glad that we got to meet you, and it's been awesome getting to know you."
Sam smiled brightly as she responded, "And it's been fun getting to know you, too. I wasn't sure there was anyone - well, at least not anyone that I know - that would know as many neat and quirky facts about art as I do."
"That's why I majored in art. And I've now worked my way up to curator at a museum," Alexandra said, a proud smile making its way across her features.
She then took a breath and changed the subject: "And it's no rush on that signature cocktail for Trevor's restaurant. He just came up with the idea, and he isn't in any hurry."
Sam absentmindedly ran her fingers through her hair as she replied, "I'll honestly probably have something for you guys by later today or tonight."
Ethan then chimed in, "I can pretty much guarantee that she will because all she does is come up with new drinks that me and the new guys have to remember."
Sam elbowed him before she reminded him, "I made charts for all of you to make things easier, and they haven't complained."
He only shrugged his shoulders in response, earning an eye roll from his wife.
Chuckles ensued at the interaction before Alexandra bid her goodbyes and began heading to her car.
Gia then asked, "So, Sam, exactly how many drinks have you created?"
"Hmm, let's see," she began, doing the math in her head and on her fingers. She then answered, "37. And counting."
Three sets of wide eyes appeared before Calin commented, "Wow. That is a lot - no offense, but I can see why Ethan gave you a bit of a hard time about it."
"See? My brother gets it, and he's hardly ever on my side," Ethan said, gesturing with both hands.
Sam rolled her eyes in response. However, a moment later, she sighed and conceded, "I guess you guys aren't completely wrong. I do tend to be a little, uh, overly zealous when it comes to creating new drinks."
"Hmm, that sounds a little familiar," Gia teased with a grin as she threw a look Anna Elizabeth's way.
She rolled her eyes before she defended, "I was never that bad, Gia."
Gia raised both eyebrows as she pointed out, "Oh, please. You, like, freaked out if your ponytail wasn't high enough or tight enough when you cheered."
"I hated wearing my hair up, and I had to make sure it wouldn't come undone," Anna Elizabeth argued with crossed arms.
Everyone couldn't help but laugh before Calin kissed the side of his wife's head. He then told her, "I think you just proved her point."
With a sigh, Anna Elizabeth resigned, "I guess she does have a point. Even my students know that Ms. Anna Elizabeth likes things a certain way."
"But I'm sure they still love you," Sam offered with a smile.
Anna Elizabeth smiled back as she replied, "Yeah, they do. And I love them."
Gia rested her chin in her hand as she surmised, "I think kids are, like, drawn to you or something. I'm pretty sure you were Liam's hero."
The curly blonde let out a good-natured giggle before Ethan chimed in, "But he probably wouldn't admit it. He couldn't even admit that he had a crush on Grace when you guys got married."
Sam shook her head while Anna Elizabeth, Calin, and Gia chuckled. Calin then offered, "In his defense, he was a 14-year-old kid who has an inclination to be stubborn."
More chuckles, as well as hums in response, ensued before Sam ran her hand through Ethan's hair and teased, "I'm not sure you're much better than a teenage boy. When you do admit your feelings, it's always spur-of-the-moment."
"I thought one of the things you liked about me was my spontaneity," Ethan told her with a grin as he squeezed her hip.
She couldn't help but smile as she replied, "I guess I do."
She then kissed him sweetly, a kiss he happily returned. When they pulled away, they rested their foreheads together for a moment before turning their attention back to their family.
"And here I thought that Anna Elizabeth and Calin were the princess and prince of PDA and being all lovey-dovey," Gia quipped with a mischievous grin.
The others only shook their heads in response. Despite herself, Anna Elizabeth became curious and asked, "Then who is the king and queen?"
"That'd be your parents. I mean, it's sweet, I guess, but I thought it was a little weird at first," Gia told her, shrugging as she did so.
Anna Elizabeth then told her, "Like you and Aaron don't hold hands and sneak kisses. You two are engaged," a smiling making its way across her features.
Gia averted her eyes for a moment before she looked back up at her friend and defended, "I mean, we do, but we're still not as bad as you two."
Anna Elizabeth couldn't help but chuckle before she said, "Touché. I really can't argue with that."
Gia only smiled triumphantly in response. She then spoke, "And we're just as happy as you guys, but don't expect some big fancy wedding."
With a chuckle, Calin then said, "We wouldn't dream of it, Gia."
She only rolled her eyes before Ethan piped in: "I mean it worked perfectly for me and Sam, so I don't see why it couldn't work for you and, uh, your fiancé."
"His name is Aaron," Gia pointed out, glaring at him. She then took a breath and explained, "And it's gonna be a while before any real wedding planning happens. He's working on his Master's Degree, and I'm working super hard on this promotion. I really want to be able to help more kids."
"Which is amazing, and I'm sure you'll get there. You and Aaron don't have to be in any hurry," Anna Elizabeth assured her friend. Gia smiled back in response.
Just then, Emma and Killian walked over. He then spoke, "As enjoyable as this party has been, love, I think everyone's getting ready to be on their way."
"Okay, Dad. I'll just grab Elsa, and we'll come say our goodbyes," Anna Elizabeth replied as she stood up.
He nodded before he addressed Sam: "It was lovely to meet you, lass. I hope we'll be seeing you and Ethan again soon."
She smiled brightly at him as she spoke, "As soon as we can find time - I really loved hanging out with you guys."
"We did, too, kid," Emma told her, smiling as well. She then paused and continued, "And you should probably get used to it because you're stuck with us now."
"And I'm sure my wife means that in the best way possible," Killian added with a grin toward Emma. She rolled her eyes before she hit him in the arm.
Everyone chuckled at the interaction before Emma and Killian bid their goodbyes. Anna Elizabeth scooped up Elsa before she and Calin followed.
Gia then chimed in, "She's not kidding, you know. About being stuck with them, so I hope you really do like them."
Sam couldn't help but giggle before she said, "I really do like them. They've all been so great, and I'm really glad to be part of the family."
She then grinned and added, "And I'm sure you feel the same way under all your bluntness and opinions."
Gia couldn't help but smile as she conceded, "Yeah, I do." She then took a breath and admitted, "Things were rocky for me when I first moved here, and I lashed out and became a trouble-maker. Unfortunately, Anna Elizabeth got caught in the middle, and it didn't end very well. Emma and Killian could have just written me off - and frankly Anna Elizabeth could have too - but they gave me a chance. And now, we're here."
Sam remained quiet for a couple minutes as she thought over Gia's words. She then smiled and said, "Yeah, they gave me one, too."
Gia offered a smile in response while Ethan encircled his wife's waist and kissed her on the cheek.
The three of them then looked over as everyone else called out their goodbyes and began waving.
Sam smiled brightly as she waved back, all the conversations from the last few hours flowing through her mind.
She wasn't quite sure what she'd be walking into when she arrived in Storybrooke, Maine, but now she knew, and the thought made her smile wider.
She was part of something that she never expected: a boy-and-girl-next-door, close-knit-that-includes-everyone, blood-doesn't-make-you-related family. A family that she knew would always be by her side.
A/N: Hey, y'all! I hope you guys enjoyed reading "Part of Us" and getting to know Ethan and Sam a little better as much as I enjoyed writing them. Next up, I'll be updating Captain Swan One-Shots as I write another part of "Love in the First Degree." Until then, my lovelies!