Last chapter! Fairly long but rounds it's all up. Hope you enjoy the ending :)

Chapter 5

Despite the fact that the former Queen had managed to get Rumplestilskin on her side after many years of taunting one another, Regina and Emma had not received any word on the blonde's sons whereabouts. Having lost hope the first time round, the young woman had slipped back into everyday life unaware that her distant and quiet behaviour had not gone unnoticed by her parents and especially her brunette girlfriend.

Sat within the sheriff's station, the blonde looks to the clock in boredom over the lack of call outs or any work in particular. Frustrated, Emma throws a paper ball into the bin then glances towards Graham who is watching concerned.

"Everything okay Emma?"

Sighing, the younger woman simply gives him a don't ask look before slumping back in her chair. "Define okay and I'll get back to you"

"Is something wrong? I mean you're not yourself and I-"

Sitting upright at the sound of heels clicking or more so racing along the corridor, the blonde tilts her head towards the door to see Regina hurry inside the office. "Gina?"

Coming to a stop at Emma's desk, Regina glances at the Sheriff to leave them be before giving a teary smile then holds out a letter in front of the blonde. "We've found him.."

Frowning, the younger woman looks down to the letter before reading quietly. "I am pleased to inform you that your court order has been lifted. The documents that follow provide the information of the whereabouts and legal rights of the child in question.." Looking back up at her girlfriend in shock, the blonde bites on her lip in disbelief to prevent a tremble. "Is this real?"

Nodding with a happy chuckle at the younger woman's response, the former Queen runs a hand up Emma's arm. "It is dear..we have an address and although I cannot bear the thought of what it has been like, I have searched the address and cannot help but feel guilty that I am relieved he is still in a group home. Emma, you can bring him home"

Covering her mouth with her hand at the realisation, Emma then leans against the brunette who holds onto her with a smile. "This is it.."

"Yes it is. Now pass those reports to Graham because we need to leave for Boston"

Nodding slowly, still trying to process, the blonde stands shakily before shuffling the papers into a pile and setting them upon the sheriff's desk. "Okay.."

Smiling, Regina grasps onto the young woman's hand. "Come on..we've got this..you've got this"

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Staring over at the brunette as they drive through Boston, Emma reaches across slowly and covers the older woman's hand which is controlling the joystick with her own. "Thank you..for being here. For doing this with me. Most people would run a mile if this happened.."

"I think it's safe to say we are not like most people dear and..they clearly haven't met you" smiling playfully towards the passengers seat and at the blonde, Regina then drives into a nearby parking space before glancing past Emma and out the window at the building which looked so much like a normal happy home.

Following the former Queen's gaze, Emma gulps slightly and stares up while speaking quietly. "It looks just like a house..like any other.."

"Except it's filled with more than one child-"

"Who are not wanted" the younger woman cuts in sadly before growing teary and getting panicky. "Oh god what did I do..why did I do this to him?"

Releasing her seatbelt and launching herself over quickly, the mayor wraps her arms around the sobbing blonde and presses a kiss to her head while she rubs her back. "Hey it's not your fault, you was doing what was right at the time and now, you are doing what is right now. I am sure he is absolutely fine and if he isn't, we will change that together. We will take him to a home in which he belongs"

Taking deep breaths to calm herself down, the Deputy Sheriff remains still for a moment enjoying the comfort. "I want to take him home more than anything"

Pressing another kiss, this time lingering for a moment on Emma's head, Regina smiles then pulls back and unclips her seatbelt as a hint for the pair to go inside.

Leaving the car, the pair walk up to the front door and ring the bell with the former Queen keeping her eyes fixated on the blonde as the younger woman shuffles on her feet nervously. "Don't worry about a thing, I will do the talking okay?"

Simply nodding, Emma goes a little wide eyed as the door is answered and a young woman appears.

"Hello, my name is Regina Mills and this is Emma Swan, we have come to talk to whoever is in charge of the home regarding one of their children here.." Smiling at the woman, the brunette then nods in thanks as they are welcomed inside.

Taking in their surroundings, Emma remains quiet as she peers through the rooms of the home, smiling a little at the amount of children drawings placed on the walls. Being shown through to an office, the two women sit down and look towards the same woman who had answered the door. "My name is Kelly Jones, I am the owner and management here. How can I help?"

Retrieving some files from her purse, Regina slides them across the desk and questions. "We have reason to believe that the boy in question is living here.."

Peering down, the woman smiles. "Yes he is..a cheeky boy at that. He has been here since he was brought back by a foster family. Unfortunately they only request babies and as time went on and Henry grew into a two year old, they decided to bring him back. Such a shame as he is such a sweet and shy boy"

"Henry..." Muttering quietly at finding out his name, Emma looks down to her lap in guilt before feeling the brunette beside her squeeze her hand.

"Has anyone come forward since to foster or adopt him?" The mayor continues to question, wanting to know as much as possible to prevent any disruption in the boy's life if he is happy.

"No. Not yet..are you looking to adopt Miss Mills?"

"Yes but that's not the whole reason why we are here. You see, Emma here..is..Henry's biological mother and she has been so desperate to find him and bring him home. Due to unforeseen circumstances, she was unable to care for the boy when he was born, however now, she has all the support she needs from her parents, her friends and myself. I have the court papers as the closed adoption case has been lifted which is why we were able to find him"

Nodding as she processes what is being said, Miss Jones bites her lip in sympathy. "Unfortunately Miss Swan, for you to take Henry home, you will need to go through the courts again which means that would not be for a few weeks, if they decide to grant you your parental rights back.."

Appearing crushed, Emma looks up towards the woman opposite the desk then stands shakily. "I..I understand.."

Stopping the blonde, Regina takes her arm before turning her attention to the owner of the home. "I want to adopt him. Now."

Taken aback, Miss Jones looks towards Emma awkwardly. "Well..I...that would still mean that Miss Swan won't be able to have her rights straight away..he would be under your name and care Miss Mills.."

Frowning, conflicted, the mayor looks up at her girlfriend. "That I am leaving up to you..if you trust me enough to do this. I just want you to have him back now..it's just a slip of paper. You're his mother Emma"

Staring back in disbelief at the older woman, the Deputy Sheriff replies quietly. "You..you'd do that for me?.."

"Of course I would" giving a teary smile, Regina strokes her thumb along the blondes arm before also growing quiet and into a whisper. "I'd do anything for you.."

Lowering herself back on her chair, Emma nods then turns to Miss Jones. "Where are the adoption papers?"

Retrieving the documents from a draw, the woman in charge slides them over to the pair and waits as the brunette begins to read and sign. "Unfortunately it is getting late so we will need you to come back tomorrow and we need to do a house and criminal check first"

"I believe that, that is already sorted and a Mr Gold has emailed you regarding the information.." Regina states with a smile.

"I will look into it tomorrow for you then"

"Can we see him? At least for a minute?" Emma asks desperately having traveled a long way in the hope of meeting her son.

Nodding, Miss Jones stands and gestures with her hand towards the door. "After you.." Following the pair out of the officer, the woman in charge grabs the phone off the wall and calls upstairs to bring the boy down.

Gripping the brunette's hand tightly, the blonde swallows hard and waits until she can hear a voice.

"You got it? Just a few more steps Henry..Kelly wanted to see you..there you go"

Glancing up the stairs, Emma stares in wonder as a small boy comes to view holding onto a carers hand while biting his lip as he concentrates on the steps then grins as they reach the bottom.

"I dids it!"

Laughing, the carer walks up to Miss Jones and passes her Henry's hand as the boy looks up and between the trio curiously.

Side glancing her girlfriend, Regina smiles in awe as Emma is fixated, glassy eyed, on the boy.

"Henry? I have some good news for you. These two women want to take you home with them"

Screwing his nose, the small brunette looks at the pair before questioning. "..how long?"

Trying not to let her heart break at the question, Emma quickly crouches down, careful of Henry's reaction while trying to find her voice. "How..how about forever? How does that sound?"

Going wide eyed, Henry slowly smiles. "Really?!"

"Yes dear" coming down to the boys level beside her girlfriend, the former Queen smiles. "We would very much like it if you did and I can promise you now that we would never let you go"

Glancing up to Miss Jones, the small brunette grins. "Yes please!"

Chuckling, Regina looks to the blonde beside her who gives a watery smile before rising up and turning towards the owner. "Thank you for all of your help. We will be back first thing tomorrow"

Screwing up his nose confused at what is being said, Henry then pouts towards Emma. "You come back?"

"Yes kiddo we will, it's just it's very late now and my guess is that you're suppose to be in bed but I promise this time tomorrow, you will be in your own bed and in your own room" the Deputy Sheriff states while rubbing his skinny arms gently.

Nodding, the boy then crashes into her and wraps his arms around the young woman's neck. "I'll be here.."

Squeezing him tightly while trying not to let her emotions get the best of her again, Emma pulls back and stands. "Tomorrow Henry"

Smiling at the pair, the small brunette gives a giggle as the mayor ruffles his hair lightly before waving him off back to bed.

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Laying back against her pillow on top of the bed covers, Emma sighs contently as she watches her girlfriend move around their hotel room while getting changed for bed. "I can't believe this is happening..he's coming home"

Smiling in awe at the blonde, Regina then moves to her side of the bed before laying beside the younger woman. "Well it is dear. This is a fresh start for all of us..and like I have said before, I am with you one hundred percent of the way. We will take him home and then look into your parental rights so we can legally make him yours again.."

Tilting her head to the side, the blonde then reaches for the older woman's hand before locking their fingers tight. "Once we do that, will you..do you..still want to be the other legal person. Henry's other parent? I know it's a lot to ask but-"

"I'd love to Emma. If it is okay with you"

Smiling, the Deputy Sheriff leans over and kisses the mayor on her cheek. "Definitely. Also there is one other thing that's been bugging me since this morning. We keep saying we are taking him home and then I said to Henry he would have his own bed and room but..where exactly is..home?"

Guiding Emma's head to her shoulder with her spare hand, the former Queen begins to stroke her locks. "Let's be honest here, my home is already your home. You may not live there but you may as well be. We haven't spent a night apart since we made it known that we are together"

"True.." Cuddling into the older woman, the blonde releases her hand so she can wrap her own around Regina's waist. "So that's settled then? We are moving in?"

"Yes Swan, you're moving in"

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Closing the car door behind herself, Emma takes a quick deep breath as she once again stares up at the children's home, this time with a teddy clutched between her hands. Feeling the brunette's hand rest upon her back, the blonde begins to walk with her girlfriend guiding her. Hearing the front door swing open, both women jump through their own nerves then smile seeing Miss Jones who ushers them inside.

"There is one happy little boy waiting for you in the next room. We struggled to get him to sleep and then he was up at the crack of dawn packing his suitcase and trying to help himself to cereal so that he was all ready" chuckling at the image going through her head, the owner walks through to the office. "I have one more paper that needs signing and I actually spoke to a Mr Gold this morning..not sure what to make of him, but you guys are good to go. I have set up a little starter pack for guidance in case you get stuck on certain parenting issues and I've included my number along with our councillor. I don't know what you intend on telling Henry about where he really comes from but we are here to support either way"

"I don't want to overwhelm him. I'd rather he settled first.." Emma replies while Regina accepts the pack and signs off on a final document.

Taking the forms and filling them away, Miss Jones smiles as she gestures towards the door. "We are all done. Time to go get your son"

Gripping the teddy slightly, the blonde smiles nervously then heads out the office followed by the mayor. Waiting in the foyer, the two women hear a excited squeal and turn to see the small boy running down the corridor and into their legs, hugging them tightly.

"You came back!"

Sharing a smile, the older brunette then leans down to lift Henry up into her arms. "We promised Henry and we don't break our promises"

Hugging at her neck, the boy giggles. "Thank you Gina" looking across to the blonde, Henry grins. "You Emma"

Nodding with a teary smile, Emma holds out the teddy. Accepting it, the boy then leans across with his spare arm out towards the Deputy Sheriff then cuddles into her when she takes him from her girlfriend. Holding onto him securely, the blonde closes her eyes for a moment and presses a kiss to his head. "Ready to go home?"

Staying put, Henry nods against her and muffles his answer. "Yes mommy"

Hitching her breath at hearing him, Emma rubs his back then follows Regina out while carrying him to the car.

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1 year later...

"Henry?! Are you dressed?!"

Clomping down the stairs carefully, the boy appears in the kitchen all dressed minus some major bed head. "I'm ready!"

Packing up the last of the bags, Regina raises an eyebrow at the sight then chuckles. "Look at you.."

Rounding the island, Emma sniggers and grabs a comb from the kitchen dresser. "Come here kid.."

Walking up to the blonde, Henry bites his lip curiously as he watches the mayor take the bags out into the hall. "Is Mama going away?"

"No. We all are.." Combing down the boys hair, Emma then wraps her arms around his shoulders from behind. "Today is a very special day for us, all of us, because a year ago we brought you home and we became a family"

Nodding, the small brunette holds onto his mother's arms. "You came back for me"

"That's right. You know I hated leaving you behind..but I wouldn't have been a good mother then. I needed you to have a chance at something better. I never stopped thinking about you Henry"

"Yes mommy" turning in her arms, the boy hugs tightly at her waist.

Having watched from the doorway, Regina walks over and runs a hand through Henry's hair while planting a kiss to Emma's cheek. "You two ready to go? I don't think Granny's BBQ will last long with Leroy there. Besides we don't want to stay too long as we need to drive out for our mini adventure"

Glancing up between them, the small brunette grins. "Where we going?"

"We are going to go along the harbour and then stay at the beach. There's a small house there we can use on the other side of town"

Smiling, the blonde questions. "The house? From that night?"

Frowning confused, Henry purses his lip as he stares at the former Queen. "What night mama?"

"The night it all began. The start of us and finding you"

Grinning again, the boy wriggles out from between the pair then runs out the kitchen. "I get my backpack!"

Watching him go, Emma then takes hold of the older brunette's hands and pulls her close before wrapping her arms around the woman's waist. "I love you.."

Rubbing the blondes forearms, Regina smiles. "I love you too dear" leaning forward, the brunette kisses the blonde softly on the lips then moves back. "Now let's go before our son drives off without us"

Laughing, the Deputy Sheriff drops her arms then follows the mayor out, grabbing at her jacket on the way while the older woman clasps her hand to lead her towards the door and where their impatient, foot tapping son awaits.

The end.