Guys I am so sorry for the late update I know it was killing everyone! I was waiting for my beta to finish reading it but after tonight's episode (which tore my heart into pieces and slaughtered us all) I knew we all needed this to cheer us up a bit. I should say that everyone was pretty spot on about what's happening in this chapter and a few other people guessed something else too which I thought was a nice twist.

Thank you to all my lovely readers who've kept to this fic and reviewed, and I'm sorry for any grammar mistakes or if this was too predictable, I was so worried it was. But I did the best I could without a second opinion. Please leave a review and tell me what you think!

Disclaimer: I do not own Once Upon a Time

XVI: Miracle

Regina coughed, her hair draped around her face as her hands clutched the bottom of the toilet bowl for support. Her body was hunched over and her head lent over the toilet as the disgusting mess came out. Regina shut her eyes, her hands comforting her stomach in attempts to ease the cramps. What was wrong with her?

This was the second time she had vomited today and she now knew the cause was more than stress. Her fingers dug into the material of her nightgown as she panted, worry consuming her. What if she was...no she couldn't be.

Regina slowly stood up on shaking legs and approached her door length mirror in her room, the dizziness fading. She pulled up the skirts of her dress to reveal her stomach, her hand rubbing over her flat belly as she stared into the mirror. It didn't look any different.

Regina shook her head. It was ridiculous: she wasn't pregnant. It simply had to be stress, besides she had her course…

Regina's eyes widened and she quickly stumbled to her bedside table, her eyes frantically searching the dates on her desk calendar. Her last period finished on the 14th last month on Sunday…which meant she was due sometime between the 4th and the 11th…it was the 25th today. Regina's brain scrambled as she tried to remember when they first had sex, it had been after Regina bought her groceries which she always did every week on Sunday night. Which was two weeks after her course had finished, on the 28th.

Regina's chest heaved as the realisation slowly dawned to her. She was two weeks late and she was never late, she had sex with him four weeks ago. Regina swallowed, trying to calm down her pounding heart. No, she couldn't jump to conclusions. But she couldn't risk it: she had to find out.

…

Regina took a steady breath, her trembling fingers holding the stick. She shut her eyes, counting silently to one hundred and twenty seconds, her thoughts racing. She prayed to god she wasn't pregnant, she couldn't deal with this now. People only just found out about their relationship and now she was pregnant?

Then again, David called and told her that he found out about Mary Margaret's false test results. He was devastated, so would he want a child from her? Her heart leapt at the thought of bearing him, bearing them a child and perhaps raising another son and experiencing the journey of motherhood again. She remembered the joy and happiness she felt raising Henry when he was a baby and couldn't deny the desire to do it all again.

But she couldn't raise a child, could she? Could she juggle her Mayor duties, Henry and her new child?

5…4…3…2…1

Regina's eyes snapped open, her heart pounding before she glanced at the stick. It was pink. She was pregnant.

Okay, calm down she told herself firmly as she stood up, disposing the stick in the bin. Her first thoughts were of David, she had to tell him. Her fingers instinctively went to her locket that hung around her neck at the thought of him. She found it today and found that touching the precious jewel brought her a sense of calmness. Even so, Regina's teeth grazed her lips anxiously. Would he be excited? Surely he would be? But what if he wasn't ready for a child with her, but then if he was ready for one with Mary wouldn't he want one with her? She couldn't get herself anxious yet though, it was still early and like Mary Margaret's home test, this may be inaccurate. But she couldn't help but think, a small smile touching her lips.

Soft skin, chubby hands, delicate fingers around her own, small feet padding down the hallway, round eyes, gurgling laughs and a warm body safely cradled in her arms with David over her shoulder. She wanted this child.

A sudden knock on the door alerted her attention and she made her way down the stairs, her eyebrows pinching into a frown at the sudden guest. She swung the door open and gasped. David was standing there, a bag of Chinese takeaway in one hand and a bouquet of roses in the other.

" What are you doing here? You didn't call," she said as she took the roses from his hand and let him in.

David bent his head down to his level and pressed his lips against hers. Regina's lips moved with his as she stood on her toes, her hand cupping the side of his face for balance. He bit her lip lower lip, savoring her taste as he dragged it through his teeth.

" Mmm you taste nice," she murmured when he drew back. " Like peppermint."

David flashed a smile. " I brought Chinese."

Regina raised her eyebrows questioningly.

" Well," David said as they made their way to the kitchen. " I thought I'd drop in and surprise you, give you a break from the cooking. You did say Henry was out?"

Regina nodded, placing the roses in the vase nearby as he unpacked their dinner. She suddenly felt his hands on her hips, his arms snaking around her waist as he pulled her towards him.

" So we have the night to ourselves then?" he murmured hoarsely against her ear.

Regina's hands found his and she took them off her waist, turning around to face him. " Perhaps, but if I have other plans?"

Her eyebrows were raised suggestively, her lips centimeters from his, her breath skimming his skin. She enjoyed watching the arousal grow in his eyes at her tease before he hungrily captured her lips in a passionate kiss.

" I don't think so," he muttered in her swollen lips between kisses.

Regina laughed in his lips, feeling as if she was five feet from the ground as his hands intertwined through hers, the tingling sensation rushing under her skin. She broke away, her eyes losing themselves in his striking, viridescent eyes, knowing he was everything a perfect father was.

A glittering streak caught David's gaze and they found her ruby, glimmering locket hanging on her chest. He reached for it, rubbing it between his fingers with a small smile.

" You're wearing it again."

Regina looked down at the object with a small smile. " Of course, it means a lot to me."

Regina paused, her eyes noticing her silky, thin-laced nightgown, un-brushed hair and bare feet. David gently tilted her chin up, concern growing in his eyes.

" You okay?"

A small frown creased Regina's features as she straightened her nightgown uncomfortable." I'm just not very presentable, I wasn't expecting anyone."

It wasn't pretty, sexy nor casual, but very comfy and made her feel like a middle ages woman retiring to bed. An amused smile touched Charming's lips, his eyes admiring her outfit. " You look amazing Regina, even in your sleep-wear. Though I will say, it's a nice change to see you without those lethal heels for once."

A small laugh escaped her lips. She watched him reach into his bag and pull out a small stack of DVDs.

" Okay, so I rented out a few movies. Now, I'm not sure how I feel about this one," he said with a small frown, showing her the cover. " But I was told women love this."

Regina's nose wrinkled in disgust. " Twilight? Really dear?"

David let out a small sigh of relief. "I'm glad we can pass this one, it sounded awful. How about titanic?"

Regina looked thoughtfully at the movie, nodding. The history of the boat had always intrigued her. She hesitated as David made his way into the living room, her insides bubbling with excitement at the thought of telling David about their child. But she didn't, fear consuming her again, what if he wasn't happy? Besides, she didn't want to risk ruining this night, so she swallowed her words and followed him.

…

" You know what I don't understand," David asked after a mouthful of sweet and sour pork. " If Rose hadn't jumped back onto the sinking ship, Jack wouldn't have had to save her and instead he would have been able to save himself."

David shook his head incredulously; he sometimes wondered what went on inside a woman's mind. Regina frowned at the comment, taking a sip of wine from her glass. David's knees were drawn back, resting comfortably on the leathery cushion, his arm around Regina's neck. Regina snuggled deeper into his warmth, her head resting against her shoulder and her legs curled to the side.

Regina hummed in reply as the movie came to an end. She shut her eyes in the moment's peace, though she wasn't too fond of the movie, she did enjoy the night with him. She glanced at the clock: 8.30. She had a feeling that she was forgetting something, something important, but couldn't remember what.

" You know what I would love?" David suddenly said, turning towards her.

Regina sat up, turning towards him.

" Some dessert."

A small smirk crept onto her lips as she raised a suggestive eyebrow. " Well then, why don't we make some?"

She slinked off the sofa and made her way into the kitchen, David following. Regina instinctively went to the cupboard and reached for all the ingredients whilst David leant back against the bench and watched her.

" So, what are we making?" he asked once she had placed everything on the counter.

A devious smile graced Regina's lips as she showed him the packet of cooking chocolate. " Chocolate cookies."

…

Regina bit into the moist, chocolate desert, her eyes fluttering shut at the delicious, sugary sensation. She was always one to watch her weight so indulging in sweets was a rare luxury she had missed. She turned her gaze to David who was finishing his piece.

" Like it?" she asked playfully.

" Loved it, your baking skills never cease to amaze me."

A smiled graced Regina's lips. Flour and dough scattered the kitchen bench, the sink piled high with dishes dishes and Regina's skin and nightgown was stained and smudged with chocolate. It wasn't like Regina to make such a mess in the kitchen, but she and David had gotten rather carried away with the baking. Regina's eyes caught the chopping board, dusted with flour and the mixing bowl, smeared with melted chocolate. A small smile touched her lips as the night's memories drifted back.

Her hands pounded and kneaded into the dough, rolling it flat on the flour-powdered board before she felt his hot breath caressing her ear. His hands travelled up her sides and down her arms, resting on the back of her floury hands. His fingers moved with hers as they kneaded and molded the dough, circling small floury lines on the backs of her hands. His body pressed deliciously against hers before his arms slid down to her hips and, brushing away her hair with his free hand, he pressed his lips against her cool skin, peppering kisses down the side of her neck and to her collarbone. A bolt of heat surged under inside her and crackling statics danced across her skin. Her heart hammered against her chest as she struggled to remain focused on her baking.

Her wrists ached for rest as she rapidly stirred the melting chocolate before she dunked her finger in to taste the mixture. His hand caught her wrist and bringing her chocolate, sticky fingers to his lips. Her breath stopping in her chest and her eyes fluttered shut as his tongue caressed her finger. A moan dangerously rose in her throat as his tongue circled over her skin until the chocolate was gone.

Regina shook her head incredulously, it was a wonder how she managed to get the cookies made and baked in time and so she shouldn't be surprised that she didn't get time to clean up the kitchen along the way.

" You've got a little something there," David gestured to the side of his face, an amused smile dancing on his lips.

Regina laughed and brushed a few dough crumbs from her dress. "Dear, there's barely any skin on me that isn't covered with chocolate or cookie dough."

David's eyes were drawn to her warm, chocolate eyes. He doubted anyone had ever seen the Mayor in this state, in her nightgown, carefree and covered in chocolate. Resting his hands on her hips he pulled her forward and pressed his lips against her cheek on the chocolate stain. His lips travelled down until they met her lips in a passionate kiss.

"Mmm," Regina murmured, her hands tugging on the front of his shirt as she quirked an eyebrow. "I do believe you've been trying to seduce me all night."

David raised his eyebrows, his eyes glinting as he replied innocently, " Have I?"

Regina murmured in response, as his lips possessed hers again. He drove her back against the kitchen bench.

"Not that it's working," she protested through his kiss.

David chuckled lightly and broke the kiss as her lustrous eyes devoured him. " My dear Madam Mayor, I do believe you're wrong."

Regina repressed an eye roll, her hands cupping the sides of his face as she pulled him in for another intoxicating kiss. His teeth nibbled on her lower lip and dragged it through his teeth, begging for entrance. Regina complied, parting her lips. His tongue crashed with hers in a passionate dance, his hands travelling down the sides of her curves. Her hand ran down his back and her free arm wrapped around his neck as she deepened the kiss. A groan rose in David's throat when she teasingly pushed her leg between his, a Cheshire cat grin spreading across her face as his fingers intertwined through her curls.

Regina jumped on the kitchen counter, her legs hugging his waist tightly as his hands lifted up the ends of her nightgown. And it was only when she felt his cool fingertips run up her legs and skim across her stomach that she felt the fear tumble on her again. Her eyes flung open and she quickly pushed him off, her chest heaving.

David's eyebrows pinched into a concerning frown as he stared at Regina, who was standing again. She straightened down the ends of her nightgown, her face hardened with worry.

"Regina, is something wrong?"

Her lower lip folded under her teeth as she remembered. Her child…their child. She suddenly felt the need to tell him but the fear prevented her from doing so. Yes, she knew he wanted a child, but what if he didn't want one with her? Somehow the thought of bearing David a child frightened her, it awoke her to the realisation that their relationship was finally real, something she was still trying to get used to. Her life was almost perfect now and she didn't want to change anything for the fear of losing him, but a child wouldn't ruin anything. If anything, it would make their relationship stronger. Regina bit her lip, excitement bubbling inside of her like sparkling champagne at the thought of telling him.

" Regina," David whispered, trying to capture her eyes with his concerned gaze.

Regina looked back up at him, her lips pulling into a radiant smile. She took both of his hands in hers, staring into his eyes. Yes, I'm fine. I just," she paused as she collected her words and took a deep breath. " I have some news."

David cocked his head to the side. " News?"

Regina nodded, preventing an ecstatic scream that was itching behind her lips. " I think I'm pregnant."

David's eyes widened, as if his ears had deceived him. " What?"

Regina nodded, holding her breath. Her smile diminished when she received his silent, stunned stare. Her eyes cringed with worry. "Are you…happy?"

David still said nothing as he lowered himself down so his face was level to her stomach. He lifted up her gown and touched her stomach.

" You're really pregnant?" he whispered.

Regina's face fell and she reached for his hands, pulling him up. "I know you never expected this dear and it's all very sudden, especially for me. We both never intended for-"

Regina's next words were caught in a gasp as she was lifted into the air, David's hands under her arms as he spun her around the air, laughing with joy. He placed her down, capturing her lips in a kiss, his hands on her hips. " Of course I'm happy, God Regina. A child," he paused, shaking his head. " I just…I can't believe it. A child is what I've always wanted."

Regina's face softened with relief and happiness, her hands resting on his hips. "Really? It's all very sudden and I was worried the information would scare you, it certainly scarred me," she admitted.

David brushed a strand of hair away from her eyes. " Of course it scarred me, but I'm also happy and excited. Regina, sometimes I don't think you understand that I chose you. I want to be with you and…and I want a family with you."

Regina's heart melted at his words, her lips softening into a smile. "And so do I, for a long time I told myself Henry was the only family I needed…but I want this child so much."

Suddenly Regina was swung into the air and into his arms, one of his arms supporting her legs and the other wrapped around her waist. Her arm encircled around his neck and her free hand toying with the buttons of his shirt, her legs dangling from his arms. She raised a suggestive eyebrow as he made his way to the stairs.

" And what's all of this dear?"

She felt his lips brush softly against her nose. "Just adding a sense of romance to the night."

Regina laughed, her skin tinkling with excitement. She felt like she was back at firefly hill on her first date with Daniel and knew that this night was far from over.

…

David was kneeling on the soft covers of her bed, taking in his dark beauty. Regina's eyes shut as she yawned, snuggling deeper into the blankets. David brushed his lips against her forehead and than over each of her closed eye, his fingers threading through her lustrous curls. Regina's eyes fluttered and she took his hand in hers; staring into the eyes of the man she loved.

David pulled down the covers and resting both hands beside her, brushed his lips against her stomach. Regina shivered.

"Hey there little one," David whispered, his eyes still on her skin.

Regina laughed, staring at him with raised eyebrows. "I doubt she can hear you dear."

David raised his head, a small smile touching his lips. "I know-wait, she?"

Regina shrugged sheepishly with a faint smile. "Of course it's to early too determine its gender but…I have a feeling it's a girl."

David smiled fondly at her stomach before he settled back down next to her. "A girl, a beautiful baby girl," he murmured to himself. "So have you thought of a name yet?"

Regina rolled over to her side, resting her head on her hand. She frowned thoughtfully. "I like…Narelle. The legends say she's the Queen of the lakes…and it's a pretty name."

David smiled, testing the name out on his lips. "Narelle…it's beautiful," David paused, casting another fond glance at the baby. "A little miracle."

Regina smiled in return, lacing her fingers through his. "Our little miracle," Regina paused, an awful thought suddenly passing her mind. An anxious frown creased her features as the thought grew, clouding her mind like a venomous fog.

David mirrored her worried look. "What's up?"

Regina sat up, deep in thought as her fingers scrunched the bed sheets. Yes, her period as a mother to a baby Henry were the best years of her life. Then he grew up and proclaimed her to be the 'Evil Queen' and Regina feared this new child would do the same.

"I'm still not sure if this really is best for us. My son believes me to be the 'Evil Queen', I'm not so sure if a second time at parenting will be any more successful."

"Hey," David said, tilting her chin towards him. "You'll be a fantastic mother, I know it. I see the way you care for Henry and protect him, and our little Narelle will be lucky to grow up with such an amazing mother."

A smile graced Regina's lips as she gave him a soft peck. "And one wonderful father," she paused, staring questioningly into his soft eyes. "Tell me, how are you always able to cheer me up?"

David shrugged, a playful grin on his lips. "What would you do without me?"

Regina sank back into her covers, snuggling into his warm body as she let out a blissful sigh. Her prince charming…her miracle…there miracle…And as she laid her head on his bare chest and felt his arm encircle her back protectively, she hoped that she'd never have to find out.

…

David frowned as another rumble rolled in his stomach again. He glanced at the clock: 11:00. It had been a few hours since Regina had told him the news and he couldn't get to sleep. Everytime he closed his eyes images of tiny feet padding on the titles and dainty fingers emerged in his mind and David found himself smiling like an idiot.

He stared at Regina again, who was sleeping peacefully like a dark angel. Sleep was impossible right now and he couldn't deny the cravings he had for another chocolate cookie. He slowly removed Regina's arm from his chest then the covers before he slipped out of the bed and padded outside.

David swung the door open, a wave of coldness brushing against him as he scanned the contents of the fridge for the tray of cookies. He finally spotted them and was just reaching for one when he paused. He noticed an apple turnover that stared invitingly up at him. David's tongue moistened his lips, his stomach growling with hunger. He assumed the dessert was for Henry tomorrow night, but was sure the kid wouldn't mind if he had half of it. It was a rather big piece after all.

David reached for the plate and unwrapped the dessert. Too eager to worry about cutting it he held the pastry like a burger and the golden pastry entered his mouth: he bit.

David chewed on the dessert, the sweet, sugary apples and crunchy pastry was absolute bliss. Then suddenly he felt his throat burning as if flaming acid was trickling down his pipe, his insides froze from the poison and his chest tightened painfully. His eyes widened at the excruciating pain before darkness blinded his vision. David collapsed onto the floor, frozen on the marble tiles and the apple turnover still in his fingers.

Yes I am evil another cliffhanger. So did anyone expect that? I've been an aunty for a month now so I just had to add a little baby to the plot. And I was tempted for Regina to have a baby boy and name it Daniel, but I've always loved the name Narelle, my history teacher's called it and ever since I heard it I've just fallen in love with the name haha Anyway please tell me what you think! Maybe your thoughts on what's going to happen next? And let us pray that now with Daniel's blessing Regina will move on, find some love and since swan queen and evil charming are unfortunately, nearly impossible, I'm keeping my fingers cross for hooked queen!

Lydia :)