Chapter 27

Belle blinked her eyes open. As her vision slowly became unblurred her eyes easily found Ruby. She quickly frowned as she realized where she was though. The last thing she remembered was them talking to Daniel…and him taking a swing at Ruby.

Suddenly she realized she had her girlfriend's head on her chest. She was crying and howling historically. Why is she crying? I'm obviously alright...

"Ruby?" she raspily spoke once more, her voice cracking. Finally her girlfriend froze then looked up to meet her eyes.

"You're.. You're alive!" Ruby stuttered and the brunette raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah... Shouldn't I be?" Belle smiled weakly as she tried to clear her dry throat. Ruby quickly helped her take a sip from her bottled water, then Ruby attacked her with a tight hug as she pressed their lips together. "Baby, baby, calm down. Hey, look at me." she cleared her throat as she slowly took the water from Ruby and sipped from the still open bottle "What's happening? Why am I in the hospital?" she emptied the bottle and simply let it fall to the bed.

"Your heart stopped. The doctor said there wasn't anything they could do, but.. You're alive!" Ruby was overwhelmed and could barely string her thoughts together, much less words. "I have missed you so fucking much Belle! Don't you ever scare me like that again!" Ruby admonished and pressed yet another kiss against Belle's lips. "I love you!"

Belle grabbed Ruby's arm as she slowly sat up more in the bed. Ruby moved to sit on the edge beside her, and their eyes locked.

"Just tell me…. what exactly happened? How did I end up here?" Belle asked slowly

"You took a punch from Daniel, a punch intended for me." she spoke solemnly "Anyway,you hit your head on a rock as you fell. The doctor said… " Belle cut her off with a kiss and dried her girlfriend's tears. Belle tried to wet her mouth again, but was still coming up short.

"That doesn't matter anymore, baby. Because I'm back now and I'm not leaving you."

"You better not." Ruby said with a grin

"I need…" Belle cleared her throat and tried again "I need more water." she laughed and Ruby nodded quickly and pressed the nurses bottom.

"Of course! I will always…"

"This is the nurse's desk. Do you need something?" the woman sounded confused over the intercom

"Oh! Yes! Send the doctor in and I need some water!"

"Like a gallon..." Belle added and before she could get the words out, and Granny came rushing into the room shocked.

Suddenly Ruby whole heartedly laughed and felt like herself again. For the first time in months. The nurse came into the room shocked as well, but happy to see that the girl in the bed seemed to be awake and responsive.

Neither Granny nor Dr. Whale could believe their eyes as they walked inside the room and saw Belle awake, alive, and breathing normally.

Granny ran to Belle's side at once and gave her a tight hug, then kissed the brunette on her forehead.

"I knew you were a fighter!" Granny stated with a proud grin and tears in her eyes. She walked over to Ruby's side and swung her arm around her as Ruby laid her head on her shoulder.

They both watched as Belle sat up more easily in bed, while Dr Whale looked amazed at how Belle reacted to a few tests. Ruby still couldn't believe her eyes. Belle, who had just been pronounced dead, was alive, and seemingly normal.

"I knew, she would pull through!" Granny stated again and Ruby simply nodded in response. Her flame is burning stronger than ever. The older woman thought as she studied the girl's adoring face.

"I gotta call Swan." Ruby announced as that thought dawned on her, and Granny just smiled.

Regina felt terrible for wanting to go home, but the pregnancy was making her so tired and nauseous. Even though she had told Emma to stay at the hospital, she had insisted on driving Regina home. As the blonde put the car in park, she leaned forward and placed a kiss on Regina's cheek.

"Rosita is home if there is anything I need help with. You should go back to the hospital. Ruby needs you more than I do, dear." Regina suggested carefully and Emma groaned.

The blonde wanted to be with Regina and with her sister at the same time, but unfortunately she couldn't clone herself. Yet.

"Are you sure?" Emma asked and tugged on her bottom lip when her phone suddenly buzzed. She mouthed 'one sec.' to Regina, and Regina just rolled her eyes at her overprotective girlfriend.

"Ruby, hey calm down. I just drove… wait what? Are you serious? But… How?" Emma said and almost lost her breath. Regina looked anxiously at her girlfriend when she saw a big smile beginning to grow on the blonde's lips.

"Wow, I can't believe it! She really is a fighter! So wow. Well, I'm just gonna help Regina inside and then.. Yeah of course! I'll call you later then, sis. Okay okay. Bye!" Emma ended the call and met Regina's eyes.

"What was that about? " Regina asked with a small smile, praying that it was as she thought.

"Belle is….is alive! And awake!" the blonde stuttered. Regina blinked a few times and embraced Emma in a long hug. "They want her to rest more, and Ruby told me not to come by till later or tomorrow. They have some tests to run and stuff. Something about limiting visitors and Ruby having permanent dibs..."Emma could barely wrap her head around all of this! It helped to have Regina's arms wrapped around her though.

These last couple of months had been rough, with the pregnancy and Belle being in a coma. And Elsa.

Elsa. Emma thought to herself and when the hug ended the blonde looked anxiously at her beautiful girlfriend.

"That's amazing!" she replied happily, then noticed the odd look on her girlfriend's face "Aren't you happy about Belle, dear?" Regina frowned as she noticed the tension in Emma's body language.

"I gotta tell you something and just… hear me out okay?" Emma said and Regina just nodded in agreement.

Emma took a deep breath and started to fidget her shaking hands, but Regina was quick to take the quaking hands into her own. Despite that, Emma didn't dare meet her eyes. Regina didn't push tough, she just waited patiently for her girlfriend to say something.

"When you were with Daniel and didn't respond to me, and you know….. all that. Well I thought we were through… so I started. Gah!… What I'm trying to say, is that I started to hang out with the new waitress at the diner. Elsa. And well, we kinda went out on a date, and I kissed her goodnight... but nothing else happened! I Promise!" Emma said with a shaking voice and looked up to meet Regina's beautiful eyes.

It felt like they looked right through her. Why isn't she saying anything? Emma thought to herself as she felt the panic start to rise in her throat.

"I'm not angry with you, dear. I promise." Regina finally spoke, with a calm tone in her voice, as she smiled sweetly at Emma.

"You're not?" the blonde asked, feeling quite surprised by the reaction. How is she so calm about this?

"No, I'm not. The whole thing with Daniel was terrible, and I'm sorry for putting you through it...I mean you know what I was going through now, but I didn't even think about what I was putting you though." Regina sighed and cleared her throat, carefully trying to get the words right. "But when I eventually told you I needed you, you didn't hesitate.."

"You came at once, and when you found out about my pregnancy you didn't leave then either! You're willing to support me, willing to help me raise a baby that you have no obligations to at all.." as the words came out, both Regina and Emma's eyes started to tear up. I love her so much Emma thought to herself, as Regina spoke up again.

"So you went out on one date with some girl. That doesn't make me angry or upset with you. I'm forever grateful to you for your support and kindness. I can't wait to raise this baby with you!" Wow, she's so freaking awesome!

Emma was probably looking forward to the baby more than Regina, if that was even possible. Either way, Emma's love for her unborn baby amazed Regina. Especially since she thought Emma would bolt as soon as she heard about the pregnancy. The blonde had proven her wrong tremendously and she was fantastic about everything.

She had Googled, and made a list for Rosita, regarding what kind of foods her girlfriend should and shouldn't eat. She was taking full responsibility of the horses and treating Regina like a queen. Regina thought some things were a bit unnecessary, but she didn't say anything. Instead, she tried to enjoy it. Because it's just so Emma.

Emma was already behaving like a mother and the blonde loved the feeling. She had promised herself that this kid, their son, would get only the best. She would spoil him and give him the upbringing Emma herself had only been able to dream about. She was gonna give this kid love and support, warmth and security. And she was would walk through fire if that was necessary. Everything for her son. Their son.

Later in the day Regina was worn out and it broke Emma's heart to see her girlfriend so tired and sick all the time. After some convincing, Regina had finally agreed and laid down on the bed with Emma for a nap. She had fallen asleep in Emma's arms almost immediately, so when the blonde was certain she was fast asleep, she untangled herself and carefully rose from the bed.

Emma stopped in the doorway and just studied Regina's sleeping form for a while. She was 6 months pregnant now, and her body looked more amazing than ever to Emma. Regina was literally glowing and her stomach was really starting to show. She looked absolutely gorgeous. Like a goddess.

Emma felt so happy, though a bit of her was terrified. It wasn't the fact that neither of them were 18 yet, or the fact that she was about to be a mother that scared her. The thing that scared Emma, terrified her beyond belief, was Cora.

She would probably try to tear them apart as soon as she came home again. Emma shivered as she walked downstairs. She just needed some fresh air. I'm not gonna let this anxiety win. The blonde thought to herself as she headed downstairs.

"Rosita?" Emma asked carefully and popped her head into the kitchen.

"Yes, Miss Swan?" the older Latina answered as she looked up from the dishes.

"I'm just gonna go down to the stables for a while, can you let Regina know if she wakes up before I come back?"

"Si si." Rosita nodded and Emma smiled in reply, then went out the back door. Of course Emma wanted to get to the hospital immediately to see Belle, but she knew if the tests were done she still had to give her and Ruby some time alone first.

Emma saddled Rocinante then mounted him. The horse neighed at her and she scratched his neck in response. How could I have been scared of this wonderful horse earlier?

"It's already been a long day. Let's go for a run, boy, okay?" she said to him and nudged his sides with her heels. Emma knew she probably shouldn't go into the forest without telling Regina, but she needed air, and she trusted the stallion with her life. She didn't want Regina to worry about her either. She needed to rest.

The blonde promised herself though, to be careful as Rocinante started to gallop. Emma laughed at the mischievous horse and gave him free reins. He neighed and stamped before he took off in a faster speed than Emma had ever ridden him. She loved the wind blowing through her hair. One day I'm gonna ride like this with my son. My son. The thought still made her so happy, she couldn't find words. This was gonna be so wonderful.

But Cora was still in the picture...sort of anyway, and as she came to mind, Emma urged Rocinante to go even faster. She tried to run away from the anxiety, like she always had. Even though she knew it wouldn't work. It had never worked in the past.

Dr. Whale had finally left them alone after doing so many different tests on Belle, Ruby had lost count. She didn't care though. The only thing she cared about was that her beloved girlfriend was alive and well. So Ruby had dried her tears finally, and was laying in the small hospital bed next to Belle. It wasn't at all comfortable, but she needed to feel the warmth of Belle's body. She had missed that so much.

Granny smiled at the sight as she entered the room. She had dropped by the diner and had brought Belle's favorite with her. A chicken salad and a chocolate milkshake. The brunette licked her lips, but before Granny was allowed to give her the food, Ruby stopped her. What is she doing? Belle thought to herself.

"What is so important that you have to stop me from eating? The doctor said something light was ok!" Belle reiterated with a slightly annoyed pout.

"I want you to have this first." Ruby said and placed a key in Belle's hand. The brunette examined the key. Belle didn't really understand what it was to, but the ridges looked oddly familiar. Suddenly, her mind started to race. Could it be?

"Is this what I think it is?" Belle asked with a big grin and Ruby decided to tease her girlfriend, because that was also something she had missed so terribly, so she just shrugged.

"Maybe, maybe not." Ruby teased and reached for her phone as Belle just rolled her eyes. "Oh, and take a look at this as well." Ruby added nonchalantly and put her phone in her girlfriend's hand. Belle looked down at the screen and gasped.

"Is… Is.. Is this my old house?!" Belle almost screamed.

"Yep!" Ruby answered proudly, and Belle weakly grabbed Ruby's shirt then smashed their lips together. Ruby just chuckled as their lips parted and Belle turned her attention back to the phone.

She looked through the pictures, when suddenly a picture of Emma and Regina popped up. Belle couldn't believe her eyes when she saw the baby bump Regina had.

"What is this?! Is this a joke? How long have I been in a coma?! And how on earth did Regina get pregnant…? I don't understand? Is she with Emma or what? .." Belle stopped talking, realizing it was better she let her girlfriend or Granny answer the questions, instead of rambling on.

Granny reached for Belle's hand and gave it a gentle squeeze before she spoke up.

"The baby's sperm donor is Daniel, but he's out of the picture. Emma is gonna raise it with Regina." Granny said proudly. "And that key in your hand is, indeed, to your old house, dear girl. I bought it for you and Ruby...and I suppose future grandchildren." the woman shared a small laugh with Ruby.

"You...seriously? You did?" Belle stuttered breathlessly. She couldn't believe what she was hearing.

"Oh yeah, and Regina hired some workers to renovate it of course. It's as good as done, and your library is fully stocked! So when you're strong enough, the house is just waiting on us baby." Ruby added and Belle's eyes swelled with tears of happiness.

Cora was in Paris. She had the day off and had just gotten her old local newspaper delivered to read as she ate her breakfast. Even though she wasn't mayor anymore, she liked to keep up with what happened in her hometown. The local newspaper usually didn't have much in it. This time was different though. Cora almost choked on her Coffee as she read the headlines.

"Daniel Spacer, son of Albert Spencer, has been arrested and charged with rape, domestic abuse, battery, and aggravated assault."

"Albert Spencer speaks out about the charges against his son - I'm totally outraged. This is not true."

"After evading law enforcement for several months, Daniel Spencer has been found and placed in custody."

Cora felt her heart break, and she started to panick. Henry, what have I done to our daughter? It felt like all of the motherly instincts she had, more or less, suppressed all these years, started to come back. I'm so sorry Henry. I have failed our daughter. Your pride and joy..

The initial shock made her drop the coffee cup she was holding. Her assistant, Fredrik, ran up to her within seconds, feeling quite confused. He had never seen Cora like this.

"Mrs. Mills, is everything okay?" he asked carefully, yet anxiously.

"Get me my phone. I have to call my daughter!" Cora snapped and the man nodded, then ran like he never had before. It took less than a minute before Cora had the phone in her hands and dialed her daughter's number with shaking hands.

Regina groaned when she woke up to the sound of her phone buzzing next to her. She missed Emma's arms around her.. It was in the middle of the day and she had already slept through most of it. She still just wanted to continue sleeping.

This pregnancy was starting to take a toll on Regina, and she didn't remember the last morning she had woken up without being nauseous. It was even more annoying when it came in the afternoon though. The doctor assured her that the overly nauseous faze could end at anytime….or could continue throughout her pregnancy.

She was thankful though, for Emma's support and kindness and for being able to finish her senior year online. School was something she had promised herself (and her father) to get through. The biggest reason school was so important to her, was that Regina had always wanted to show her mother she could be something, and that she just didn't want to rely on the family fortune. Regina had seen other trust fund babies simply drop out or bribe their way through school. She refused to do either. She wanted to make her Daddy proud.

Regina reached for her phone and answered it without even looking at the screen.

"Hello?" came her groggy irritated voice.

"Regina! Oh my god, are you okay?" Cora asked, her voice dripping with concern. The brunette snapped her eyes open in seconds. In her, nearly 18 years on earth, she couldn't remember her mother ever sounding like this. Or using a concerned tone with her. Not even once. Her mother almost sounded like her Daddy had when she fell off her bike for the first time. What is going on?

"Yes, I'm alright mother, why are you asking? Are you ok?" Regina tugged on her bottom lip then sat up in the bed, wondering immediately where Emma was. She didn't have a good relationship with her mother, but she certainly didn't wish her to be ill in someway, but she must be. Why else would she sound so distressed? Where are you, Emma?

Even though Regina hated to admit it out loud anymore, the fear of Emma running off from all this responsibility was always a nagging feeling she had in the back of her mind.

But as soon as she stood up and saw the blonde riding Rocinante in the paddock, the panic subsided and a small smile spread over her lips.

"Regina? Regina, are you still there?" Cora asked anxiously and her daughter snapped back to reality.

"Yes, mother, I'm still here. Why do you sound so upset? I don't understand? What's going on?"

"Meanwhile, I don't understand why you haven't called me once about... this!"

"About what, mother? What should I have called you about exactly?" Regina snarled. "You have just sent me a few texts here and there, and you have been gone for months! And as I remember it, you told me when I was younger that you didn't have time for small talk when you're away at work!" Regina snapped, feeling her pregnancy hormones making her even more aggravated than usual.

"This is different! Regina Mills, how the hell do you think I felt when I had to read about something like this in the newspaper!" Cora shot back and Regina frowned. She reached for the newspaper Rosita had put out by her nightstand, and as she saw the headlines, Regina gasped. Thank God her name wasn't mentioned!

Emma felt proud after her forest ride, and now Rocinante was trotting with long reins in the paddock, blowing out big breathes. The blonde leaned forward and put her arms around his big neck as she laid against his mane and hugged him.

"Good boy Rico, such a good boy!" Emma smiled before she pulled him to a halt and dismounted the horse. When she had taken off his riding gear, she let him out in the pasture again. Emma glanced at her wristwatch. A small smile started to spread on her lips as she realized she had 2 hours before she she to leave for work. That meant she had some time to snuggle with her girlfriend. My beautiful Regina. Emma thought to herself as she started to jog back up to the mansion.

"I'm gonna take the next plane home. I.." Regina cut her mother off with a growl.

"What are you gonna do at home? Watch over me like a hawk? Hire bodyguards, huh? I can take care of myself! Besides, it's already too late for that!" Regina snapped. "I've been taking care of myself this whole time. Since Daddy's passing, really. I can manage. I'm even coping with a pregnancy and.." Fuck Regina thought to herself as the last thing slipped out.

"You're pregnant?!" Cora screamed but the anger in her mother's voice disappeared as fast as it came. "I'm so sorry for all of this mess, Regina." the older woman's voice sounded pained now. Dull and lifeless. "I hope you can forgive me one day. I didn't mean for this to happen….I'm just.. I'm so sorry!" the woman sobbed over the phone.

Regina frowned and sat down on her bed,placing her free hand on her baby bump. She didn't even know what she should say. She had never heard her mother sound so fragile, aside from the time Henry Mills had taken his last breath. She has also excused herself quickly after that.

"I'm not gonna accept that apology mother. If you had just had let me be, and just accepted the fact I love Miss Swan, none of this would have happened! It's nothing but your fault!" Regina groaned. Cora didn't respond for a while and the brunette wondered if she had actually made her mother break down in tears all over again.

"I know, Regina." Cora was almost whispering now "I just want you to know that... I love you, and I'm gonna explain why I have been like this, but I don't want to talk about it over the phone." Cora sighed and Regina frowned again. Her mother sounded defeated in some way. "It's very personal"

"You have so much dirt on your hands mother, but I'll recommend you stay put. Having you here would only complicate things." Regina said with a low growl in her voice before she ended the call. She threw her phone into the wall as Emma entered the room. Emma was quickly by her side, and met Regina's tearful eyes.

"Hey babe hey! What's wrong?"

Emma embraced Regina when she didn't get a response. She placed tender kisses on her temple while rocking her in her arms. They sat in silence for a while, and it was beginning to drive Emma insane. She didn't dare to push though. She respected her girlfriend too much to do so, because Regina never pushed her.

Although, as each minute passed by, Emma started to get more and more worried. She wondered what in the world could have made Regina so upset. Then it hit her.

Cora.

That made the worry turn to anger, because nobody should cry because of their mother like this. Even though Emma had done that so many times herself over the years, but still.. Her grip around Regina tightened. Because there was no telling what horrible things that woman could have said.

Finally, after what felt like years, Regina pulled away and spoke up.

"Look at the newspaper." Regina said and her voice broke. Emma nodded and she couldn't believe her eyes. What the actual hell?

"They caught Daniel?" she asked, not understanding why it was in the newspaper, but she guessed the reporter, Sidney, could write about anything. Even though Emma knew that, she frowned and locked eyes with Regina.

"Why in the hell is this in the newspaper?"

"My mother used to be the mayor, remember? So everyone knows who we are, and I hate it. What are people gonna say about me? I'm not really named, but people knew he was staying here. I don't want people to look at me with pity in their eyes and.." Emma cut her girlfriend off with a kiss.

"Nobody is gonna look at you with pity in their eyes. I promise, okay?" Emma said. "And if they do, I'll smack them down, deal?"

"I wish it was as easy as you make it out to be… " Regina sighed as she searched for comfort in her girlfriend's arms again. "I really wish… "

As the days went by and Ruby saw how Belle was slowly getting better, the redhead started to work a few shifts here and there, which made Granny so happy. Belle was indeed better, but she was struggling with psychological therapy. It was rough, but the brunette was stubborn as a mule and made progress fast. Ruby was her motivation, and she would do anything just to see her smile.

Granny started to see her family slowly becoming whole again. You should see how I care about these girls, Cora! Granny thought to herself and smirked. But a part of her was worried about the royal bitch, as she called her. I'm not letting you tear apart this family, my family!

Belle was just finished with today's therapy session, and was so exhausted to the point that she could probably fall asleep right here and now. Even if it was in the middle of the afternoon. A groan escaped her lips because the brunette didn't have any responsibilities to preoccupy herself with, and Ruby was working. So she looked through some pictures of her old childhood home that Ruby had recovered during the renovation.

Belle had tears in her eyes as she realized, this house, her childhood home, was hers. Or well theirs. She remembers how devastated she had been when her parents sold it. Even though she knew they had to, due to their old age, and lack of energy to keep it clean. Belle had always dreamed about buying it back one day, and now the dream had came true. She was gonna raise her future children in that house. Together with Ruby by her side. My one true love.

Belle looked through the new pictures of the house and she couldn't believe the transformation it had gone through. Her parents would have loved it! Especially the porch on the front. Her mother had always wanted a porch there, but it had never happened. Now it had.

As she put away the phone, Belle realized that Regina had paid for all this renovation. It Was so unbelievable. I'm gonna pay her back. Someday. Somehow. Even though she won't accept it! I'll find a way!

"Hey there my sexy little bookworm." Ruby grinned as she leaned in and placed a careful, yet loving kiss, on Belle's temple as she placed some books in her lap. Still with a grin on her lips, she sat sat down on the chair beside the bed. "How are you?"

"Good." Belle replied as she started to tell her about today's session. Ruby couldn't get enough of hearing that beautiful voice of hers. A voice she thought she would never hear again. And those beautiful eyes, and that dazzling smile. God, how beautiful is she? I'm so happy to have you..

"Earth to Rubes, hello?" Belle chuckled and Ruby smiled at her.

"Sorry, I just... I got lost in my thoughts." Ruby shrugged, tugging on her lip.

Belle reached for her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. The move itself made Ruby cry. Belle knew her girlfriend was still so upset over this whole situation, because she still blamed herself for it. Belle tried her best to cheer her up. Sometimes it worked, sometimes not. But Belle didn't give up. You didn't give up me, so I'm not gonna give you up! Belle thought to herself as she squeezed Ruby's hand again. "Hey babe, don't be sad. I'm here." Belle said and met Ruby's eyes.

"I just… I can't get that day out of my head. You freaking died.… the doctor pronounced you dead, and they turned off the heart monitor! Belle.. and I thought I lost you…" Ruby stuttered and dried her eyes with her free hand. "Just because I couldn't control my stupid mouth that day.. "

"Rubes.. " Belle said, but Ruby didn't listen. She was too lost in her own head as she rambled on.

"I thought I had lost you forever, Belle. I thought you were gone….and...and I think about that day you got hurt.. I just keep replaying the whole scene in my head, over and over again. When I try to sleep... It should have been me that fell into a coma, not you, Belle. Not you…"

"Schh Rubes, don't say that. Nothing's your fault. I chose to push you out of the way, okay? And I know you would have done the same if the roles had been reversed." Belle said with a gentle tone and Ruby just shrugged, as Belle continued to talk. She had wanted to say this to Ruby for so long, because she needed to hear it.

"Listen, baby, just.. concentrate on what is happening now. Not what has have happened or what could have happened. Think about the present. I'm here. You're here. We have each other, okay? You haven't lost me, and you're not going to. I promise, baby!" Belle said as Ruby leaned forward and embraced her girlfriend.

She couldn't describe how happy she actually was that Belle was still alive. Sadly, no words or promises in the whole world could make that terrible day disappear from Ruby's mind. It would probably haunt her for a long, long time.

About two weeks later Belle was released from the hospital, and Granny decided to take a real vacation for the first time in her entire life. She had put Teresa in charge, and had begged her to keep an eye on Elsa. Granny was thinking about firing Elsa because she had noticed how uncomfortable Emma became in her presence. But she decided to deal with that when she came back.

Leaving the diner in someone else's hands, even though she trusted Teresa, felt weird. This diner was her baby, but she knew she needed to take some time off. Granny wanted to be there for her girls, and her family was far more important to her than work.

Ruby smiled when she saw both Granny and Belle seated by the dinner table as she came downstairs. Belle had made amazing progress in her psychological therapy, and had been released from the hospital the night before.

They had been to their house, and even though they were both eager to move in, they had made a mutual decision to stay at Granny's for a while. Ruby knew Granny appreciated that decision. She loved having her family close by.

"Mornin." Ruby greeted and gave Belle a gentle kiss on her cheek before she sat down next to her. She quickly noticed, while pouring herself a cup off coffee, that her grandmother had those wrinkles in her face, which meant she had been thinking again. "So Granny, what's up? Got something on your mind?"

"It can't be that obvious!" Granny chuckled and Belle didn't understand what was going on. So she gave Ruby a quick glance, with a raised eyebrow.

"I'll explain later." Ruby chuckled and turned her attention back to her grandmother. "Well, I'm sorry, but you are that obvious. At least to me."

"Well.. I've decided to take some time off. I haven't had a vacation since, heck who knows when?" Granny shrugged and both Belle and Ruby shared a concerned look before they looked back at the old woman.

"Why? Are you sick!?" Ruby asked anxiously, and she was about to go into a full blown panic attack.

She was interrupted tough, as she heard Regina and Emma walk down the stairs. They had also stayed the night, and even though Emma was tired, and basically running on autopilot, she still had the energy to help her pregnant girlfriend down the stairs gently.

"Ugh, too early for a discussion." Emma groaned and helped Regina sit down next to Belle. Regina rolled her eyes and poured Emma a big cup of coffee, and some decaffeinated tea for herself. She had avoided caffeine since she had gotten pregnant, mainly because Emma had Googled so much about it, and told her how bad it was for the baby if she drank coffee.

"Who's sick?" Regina asked carefully and Granny just laughed.

"Nobody's sick, but these two seem to think so. Just because, I decided to take advantage of my new workers so I can take a little vacation. Is that so odd?"

"Well, I can understand their reaction Mrs. Lucas." Regina grinned and took a sip of her tea.

"A vacation?" Emma asked now fully awake and sharing a concerned look with Ruby "Granny, what's wrong? How can we help?" the old woman rolled her eyes again and laughs were heard around the table. None from Emma or Ruby though.

After breakfast the lot of them were sitting in the livingroom. Emma was still tired, because she had slept so restlessly the night before. She had most certainly gotten into one of her nightmare periods, because of all the stress she felt about Cora. She refused to tell Regina that though.

So, for the moment, Emma was half asleep, head on Regina's shoulder, and one hand on her girlfriend's belly. Regina was humming something and stroking her arm, making Emma rest more peacefully.

God I love her touch. Emma thought to herself, not realizing the teary look Ruby had in her eyes as she watched them. Emma was completely relaxed, and listening to her sister's calm breathing was almost like music to Ruby's ears. The redhead met Regina's eyes and smiled at her, receiving a smile back. Emma was actually relaxed in her embrace, and Regina could touch her without any trouble. Wow. Just wow. Ruby thought to herself. Look how far you've come, Em!

Granny was also observing Emma and Regina. She remembered the first time Belle and Ruby had snuggled in front of her. It had been a big thing for them, and the old woman could only imagine how big this was for Emma. This was huge. Then Granny thought of the little baby growing in Regina's stomach. A baby her adoptive daughter was gonna raise as her own. Granny couldn't be more proud of her two daughters.

"So, what are we gonna do when you're off work, then?" Ruby asked carefully, her eyes still studying her sister.

"I actually thought about taking us all on a little trip. I think I have enough money saved for renting a cottage for a couple of days." Granny suggested and Regina knew how hard the old lady worked for her daughters.

She wanted to give them the whole world, and it broke her heart that she couldn't. Regina could help though. Regina had money. At least for now, and she wanted to take advantage of that, since she didn't know what would happen with her accounts when her mother came home again.

"I actually have an idea..." Regina smirked and Granny raised an eyebrow.

"Oh, do you now? Well tell us then." Granny replied curiously.

Regina cleared her throat before she spoke again. "I don't know if you remember this but I have a big cottage about 5 miles away from here. It's beautiful. It was mine and Daddy's special little place. It has plenty of rooms for you four and.."

"Oh, I remember that place!" Ruby piped in as she got a glare from Belle, her look told her to keep quiet. So she did.

"But, dear Regina, of course you're invited too." Granny said and gave Regina's hand a gentle squeeze.

She knew Regina was used to being on her own and that broke the old woman's heart. That time over now. She was family now. Especially since Granny was practically about to be a grandmother to Regina's baby.

"Why wouldn't you be invited in the first place, dear? Especially since you expect us to use your cottage, Hm?" Granny chuckled and Regina didn't know how to react.

"Ehm yeah.." she shrugged as she blushed slightly. "I would understand if you guys just wanted family time. I don't know what I was thinking….Anyway, it's just by the water, and we have a big pasture. So I could take Rocinante with me, and if we want to ride together, the farmer who looks after the place when we're not there, has horses we were always allowed to borrow."

"Mm, you're not supposed to ride." Emma said and sat up, suddenly appearing wide awake.

"Well, I know dear, but I meant if you want to ride... Also, Granny, or Ruby or Belle…." Regina chuckled and Emma nodded, then laid her head on her shoulder again. In a matter of seconds she fell soundlessly asleep.

"Wow, awesome!" Ruby almost squealed.

She had hardly been on any trips with her girlfriend, much less with her whole family, before. It had always been quite tough with the money situation. Even before Emma had moved in with them, but now it was almost impossible to do something like this, so she almost started to cry. Belle noticed it, and hugged her girlfriend then placed a kiss on her forehead.

"So, when are we leaving?" Belle asked with a laugh, almost sounding like a kid looking forward to Christmas eve.

"As soon as you want! I'll have the neighbor go prepare the cottage for guests right now." the brunette replied with a smile as she used her phone to text the neighbor.

Regina smiled and felt her heart skip a beat. It had been years since she really felt she belonged somewhere, and had been loved by someone. Her life was really starting to change, from terrible to the much better, Regina thought to herself, as she felt the baby in her stomach kick.