Regina Mills

"I've never hated Neal more than in this moment!" Emma screamed as she clenched mine and Ruby's hand.

Ruby and I made eye contact and tried to control our unwanted laughter. I was on one side of Emma, holding her leg up to her chest, while she clenched my fingers so tight I was worried they might break. Ruby was on the other side mirroring my image.

Emma had been pushing for the last forty-five minutes and I knew she was reaching her breaking point. It's now two in the morning and she hasn't slept one wink. Especially after the long day we had setting up Henry's nursery, I know she's hardly keeping her eyes open at this point.

"Okay, come on Emma, I really need you to push with everything you have. He's almost there," the incompetent doctor stated.

I really do believe this man is an imbecile. He didn't bother taking the time to read over Emma's chart before he burst through the doors. Highly unprofessional in my opinion.

"I can't," Emma's head aggressively fell back into her pillow, expressing her defeat.

Her golden locks were matted to her head, drenched in sweat. Her usual pale cheeks were the darkest shade of red I have ever seen grace her face. Tears were clinging to her eyes, but she refused to let one single droplet fall.

"Em, you can do this. You are the strongest woman I know. Think of it this way, the faster you get this little guy out, the faster you can go to sleep," I persuaded with a smirk, hoping to raise her spirits just the tiniest bit to push her through this.

Emma offered me a crooked half smile in return and simply nodded. She took a deep breath before leaning forward once again with determination etched into her face.

"On the count of three you're going to push and keep going until he is out. Take a deep breath," Emma took one long deep breath, "One, two...three, push!" The doctor instructed and focused all his attention between her trembling legs.

A deep guttural scream boomed through the room as Emma pushed with every ounce of energy she had left in her. I was completely wrong, this is the darkest shade of red I have ever seen before.

"I see his head, keep going Emma."

Another scream ripped from Emma's lungs encouraging her grip to tighten around my hand. Her leg that was wrapped in my arm was shaking violently causing my heart to break. I wish I could help her in some way. I wish there was a way to alleviate some of her suffering.

"Here he comes," Whale informed us as Emma screamed out one last time.

The new mother fell back as she panted and gasped for air. Then the hustle and bustle of the room fell silent, all that was heard was the heartwarming sound of an infant's cry. Whale held up the tiny, blood covered infant in the most awkward way.

I thought you were supposed to be gentle with babies? Idiot!

"Here's your son," he stated before handing the baby quickly to the blonde nurse.

The nurse wrapped Henry in a blue and white striped blanket. She placed the newborn upon Emma's chest and whispered, "Congratulations."

Emma's tears were finally streaming down her beet red cheeks as she rubbed her son's back gently. I think the moment and flood of emotions were far too much for Ruby or I to speak. We just watched the precious moment unfold before us. Emma pulled Henry closer as she kissed his tiny little head.

"Hi Henry, I love you so much," she declared kissing the tiny nose that resembled hers.

That's when I allowed my emotions to consume me. Tears trickled freely down my face as I leaned in to caress his tiny cheek.

"Emma he's so precious," Ruby cooed as she leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to Emma's cheek.

"Thank you!" Emma replied proudly as her eyes stayed glued to the little boy wrapped in blue.

All three of us women were blubbering babies unable to control our emotions. It was such a surreal moment, one minute we were guessing what this baby boy would look like and now he's here and more beautiful than I could have ever imagined.

"I'm going to put a diaper on him, weigh him and take his vitals. Then you will need to try feeding him. We suggest skin to skin contact as much as possible right now. We will bathe him later tonight. Are you breastfeeding or formula?" The nurse began rambling off her instructions as she leaned over Ruby's shoulder.

"I decided formula," Emma incoherently muttered as she continued to stare at her baby with nothing but love.

"Okay I will get that all set up for you," she confirmed as she picked up Henry from Emma's chest and moved to the other side of the room.

"What's skin to skin?" Ruby whispered, leaning forward so no one could hear her question.

"Oh, it's where Henry lays on my chest and just our skin touches. It helps keep the baby's body temperature up and helps with the bonding process," Emma explained through a lazy smile.

"Awww that sounds so sweet. Well why you do that, I'm going to get some coffee, Regina would you like some?"

"Yes, thank you."

Ruby nodded and leaned down to kiss the top of Emma's head. "You killed it girl, so proud of you! Love you!"

"Love you too Rubes! Thanks for being here."

Ruby smiled before she left the room, leaving just Emma and I behind.

"Emma he's perfect. You did a wonderful job, I am so proud of you," I praised as too many emotions were consuming my heart.

I began to lean down to seal my words with a kiss, but I hesitated. I wasn't sure if there were too many people in the room to kiss her lips or if I should just kiss her cheek instead. She must have sensed my confusion because she met me half way and captured my lips into a short but tender kiss.

"Thank you," she muttered as she leisurely pulled away and fell back into her pillow.

A rush of heat dispersed violently through my veins while my heart exploded with love. I wanted nothing more than to say those three little words. I swallowed thickly, fighting back those words that were threatening to escape.

The nurse returned and settled Henry back on top of Emma's chest for some skin to skin contact. The poor girl's head bobbed up and down as she fought against her exhaustion. It wasn't long before the gorgeous blonde fell fast asleep.

"May I take him, since she's sleeping?" I quietly asked the nurse, not wanting to disturb my friend.

The woman smiled and nodded. "He needs to eat anyways. Would you like to feed him?" I smiled with such joy and nodded enthusiastically. "Feed him a little bit, try burping him and then continue feeding him. He will probably only drink an ounce since he's so small."

I nodded vigorously like an idiot, eager to hold this baby I've been waiting eight months to meet. I carefully picked the little bundle of joy up into my arms and rested him against my left forearm. My eyes filled instantly with tears and I knew I would love him as if he were my own.

"Hello, my little prince," I cooed and sat down on the leather reclining chair next to Emma's bed.

I gently placed the bottle between his lips and waited patiently for him to respond. His pale dainty lips that resemble his mother's, began sucking immediately. I felt honored that he felt comfortable enough with me to take his bottle.

After I finished feeding Henry, I changed his diaper and cuddled back into the chair with him nestled securely into my arms. Slowly, I rocked the newborn as I became lost in a trance, inspecting every detail of this boy.

His long brown eyelashes, his tiny nose, the way his eyelids fluttered while he slept, the way his eyebrows scrunched when he dreamed. I thought his mother had me wrapped around her finger, I was in trouble with this one. All my mother's harsh words and criticism washed away with one look from this little boy. I know now what unconditional love is and I know I will never be the same.

"Hey," Emma's raspy voice awakened me from my trance.

"Hey, how are you feeling?" I whispered as I continued to rock the sleeping baby.

"Better, now that I've slept. How's our little prince," she asked softly, causing me to freeze immediately.

Does she realize she said our?

"He's doing well. I fed him, changed him and now he's sleeping. He should be up in two hours for his next bottle," I explained while my fingers subconsciously rubbed his tiny back.

"You're amazing."

"Do you want to hold him?"

"No, no it's okay. Don't disturb him."

Her green eyes sparkled through her heavy eyelids. A warm smile graced her face as she watched us intently. That overwhelming sensation of tension was rapidly building between us once again and I cannot help but wonder if she feels it too.

"Ruby went home for now. She said she will be back tomorrow evening after work. We might be home by then." Emma nodded along through hooded eyes. "Em?" I hesitantly mumbled knowing my emotions were slowly outweighing my logical thinking. Too many emotions were bubbling to the surface and I knew I couldn't hold back any longer.

"Hmm?"

"I think we should discuss us-"

"Knock knock," a nurse called out, "Oh good you're up. It's time to check your vitals and check on your baby." The nurse fluttered into the room, unaware of the fact that she completely interrupted my words.

Emma smiled at the nurse and allowed the woman to check on her and Henry.

Maybe that was a sign, now is not the time.

XXXXXXXXX

Emma and Henry were released from the hospital the very next day. The next few days blew passed us in a hazy fog. Henry was up every three hours during the night and even though Emma insisted that she had the night time feedings under control, I still woke up with them and helped in any way I could.

Motherhood came naturally to the young woman. I watched in astonishment how quickly she adapted to her new life.

I stepped into the living room after a long day at work to find Emma fast asleep on the couch with a tiny infant curled up on her chest. The peaceful tranquility that was radiating off of them was contagious. My heart swelled, and those torturous thoughts invaded my mind once again.

I placed my hand against Henry's back, frowning in the process as I noticed how my hand is practically the same length of his back. He was only six pounds when he was born, making his newborn onesies a little bit bigger on him.

Emma startled in her sleep, instantly wrapping her arms protectively around Henry. My lips curled into an automatic smile at her motherly instincts as her thick long eyelashes fluttered open.

"Hey," I softly cooed to calm her half asleep anxiety.

"Hey."

"You look cozy." I squatted down next to the couch, continuing to sweep my thumb across Henry's back.

"I am. Want to get in on this action?"

I fought back my chuckle, so I didn't disturb the sleeping baby. I nodded motivating Emma to squirm closer into the cushions, so I could squeeze next to her. I rested my head on a throw pillow next to the blonde and draped my leg across hers.

"How are you feeling? Still sore?" I mumbled into her ear.

"Yeah," she sighed while her fingers lightly caressed the jet-black strands of her baby's hair.

"Did you take something? Would you like me to grab you some aspirin?" I began to lift myself from the couch when Emma interrupted me.

"Gina, stop. Can we just relax and enjoy this moment before he wakes up crying again?"

"Of course."

I cuddled back into the blonde provoking a sigh of contentment from her thin lips. Something in her tone was slightly off, but then again, I'm sure it's just exhaustion from not having a full night's rest. Or maybe she was stressed about juggling her masters with a newborn and work. My rambling thoughts were interjected when Emma placed a delicate kiss to my forehead.

"I wish we could stay like this forever."