One day a year- part 2

Maritza asked for a oneshot of a sequel to Ch2369 "One day a year" where the Charmings are celebrating Emma's 5th birthday. Snow thinks about what they've been through in the last year.

Guest: I think I've covered just about everything I can with that conversation in various chapters.

I just wanted to say thank you for everyone's support while my life has been so hectic recently. Things are about to calm down for a period before I enter the proper grownup world in August. I don't know what will happen to my writing then, but I shall cross bridges as I come to them. Until proper decisions need to be made, I shall continue to enjoy writing, and hope you enjoy reading.

"She's out for the count." Charming said, sighing happily. Snow turned and faced him, but there was something different about her smile. Something distant. Charming came over and wrapped his arms around Snow, holding her close to him.

"What are you thinking?" He asked. He knew her well, but he couldn't quite read her mind. Even if, to Snow, sometimes it felt like he could.

"It's been one heck of a year, huh?" Snow commented. Charming nodded in agreement. They couldn't quite believe a whole year had already passed since Emma had broken the curse and the Evil Queen had fled Storybrooke back to the Enchanted Forest. One day, the people would have to return to their realm and defeat her for good. But for now, the people were just enjoying the relative peace.

"She was so closed off when we got her back." Snow said quietly. "It took her ages to open up about the homes she'd been in." Snow shuddered at the memories of Emma describing the horrid things that happened to her in some of her foster homes. "She wouldn't accept cuddles for weeks, and it took her at least two months before she would initiate contact with either of her parents. What if we'd not found her until later? What if she was even more hurt? What if-"

"Hey." Charming said, kissing Snow's temple. "None of that. There's no point in dwelling on what ifs. We found Emma early. We got to her when we could. She's home now, she's safe. She's had a fabulous fifth birthday with mountain loads of presents, cake and even the bouncy castle that she wanted. She's happy, Snow. She's happy, healthy and loved. We can't ask for any more." Snow nodded, leaning against Charming's chest. He was right. Emma was home, and she was happy. Despite all of that, there would always be a little bit of both Snow and Charming that would feel guilty for not finding her earlier.