As realisation dawns on Emma's sickness and her and Regina's respective pregnancies, they decide to have it out with the Sorcerer, the only one anywhere near to having the answers. Snow visits her ex to agree sharing their son's time. Belle reaches full term with her own pregnancy and now needs to set out her true feelings for Olivia.
Meanwhile, Snow gets some disturbing news.
ED Note: My sincere apologies for the long delay getting this chapter out. Truth is, way back in November the laptop I use gave me that dreaded 'Hard disk not found' only message when I tried to boot up. I assumed I'd lost all of it until I took it to a wonderful man who found out it was something easy to fix and hardly charged me a bean. I think I'm in love!
So after such a long gap I've given you a longer chapter, positioning everything for the final and epilogue.
Love, Fi xxx
Storybrooke Hospital
Merlin had only arrived from New York late the previous night, Annabelle there to meet him. And judging by the texts he'd received since yesterday, and the women who Kathy, the senior nurse, told him were waiting in Whale's office, he had a fair idea what was to come.
"Good morning, ladies. I'm told you jumped the patient queue this morning?"
"With good reason!" The brunette huffed as Emma, sitting next to her, nodded. "You weren't being honest! With either of us."
"I've never lied to you, Regina. I'm incapable of lying; you should know that by now."
"Maybe-" She grumbled, her eyes never leaving him. "But you lied by omission."
"In what way, Emma? Care to explain?"
"Until Regina read her patient records, you never told her that her blood's become contaminated with mine! Which leads me to ask, how did you get my DNA?"
"Frankly, I didn't even know what we were dealing with till recently, or whether it could be detrimental to her foetus. Or foetuses, now I've heard about your own pregnancy from Annabelle. Congratulations, by the way?"
"She said I've got blood issues too and that's why I'm so sick! But then, you probably knew that already, didn't you? Which leads me to wonder what else you're hiding!"
"She only told me this morning that your blood results differ markedly from the records they have on file here; from the ones they had when you last gave birth. She's only kept me in the loop because you have magic, like Regina. Your unborn child has it too, though it's bound, much like yours was."
"Don't change the subject, Merlin - I've been seriously ill! And I wasn't when I was carrying Hope or Henry. Anna said it's possibly something to do with my blood."
"Hyperemesis gravidarum? Yes, she told me. But you should kniow every pregnancy's different. Even now, no one's sure what causes it, but it's surprisingly common and many believe it's caused by a rise in levels of a particular hormone,"he looked at Regina. "But in your case Emma, I'm not sure that's the only reason."
"Meaning?" Regina gave him a steely glare matched by Emma's."I notice you're choosing your words carefully! It's been months since you first told me about Emma's DNAs inside me. But you also said mine was in her! You said it, and I'd never forget something like that. And that was over three months ago! You say you never lie, so how come you already knew Emma had some of my DNA, when she wasn't even pregnant then?"
Ah, she's got me there, he thought. He'd really wanted to avoid telling them, knowing their likely reactions. But then, he'd always vowed to only tell the truth, avoiding where necessary, but never lying. It was something he'd always promised Zeus.
"Emma, I'm afraid I have a confession to make. You remember when I last visited your home, when I came to check on Snow, as she was staying with you at the time?" She nodded. "Back then, I already knew about Regina's blood issues, and suspected you were directly involved somehow. So, I took the liberty of slowing down local time when I was with you, just long enough to take samples from you while you remained frozen. You may remember I did something similar after we first met, in Camelot?"
"You took blood from me, without even asking permission?" Emma's eyes nearly popped out of her head. "How dare you? You're supposed to be one of the good guys! Seriously?"
"I assure you Emma, no blood was taken, only small locks of hair. From under your hairline at the back, I should add. Plus, several swabs of your saliva using cotton buds. It was all over in a couple of minutes, no more, and I then restored normal time, and treated Snow straight after that."
"Even if it was only hair, how dare you even think of doing something like that without asking me?"
"I'm sorry, but I felt it was in a good cause. Had I asked, I would've had to explain what I suspected about you, Regina and the baby. It could've caused further issues with your husbands, and I'm quite sure Killian wouldn't have been as understanding as Robin."
She wanted to yell at him, punch him even. But it was only hair and spit, and she had more serious things to worry about."So, what did you find out about me?"
"During the time the two of you were being physically intimate, you almost certainly exchanged certain body fluids over and above mere saliva, if you get my drift? I only know that because I watched you in the dreamcatcher. Not just the parts we agreed could be shown to Killian, but prior to that. The parts Robin watched?"He noticed them almost blanche at the stark reminder, realising what he must've seen."That exchange, coupled with your magic, has somehow made permanent changes to your blood type and surprisingly, your DNA. From your records here, you were previously an 'AB' Emma, and Regina was an 'A'. However, from samples Anna took recently, you're now nearest to a group we call 'RH-null'. It's rare, but not too rare fortunately, and found in less than half a percent of the population. On the good side, in the medical profession we sometimes call it 'golden blood'? It's lifesaving and can be given in most transfusions when a patient's blood group is-"
"Dammit Merlin, I don't need a biology lesson!"Emma cut him off."Whatever's caused it, how do I get through this bloody sickness?"
"We don't know for sure, Emma. But your combined DNA has somehow enabled Regina to not only conceive when she shouldn't have been able to, but to also hold onto it. Following tests, as your blood group is now virtually the same as hers, it's my belief that if the pair of you were to undergo a direct transfusion, preferably vein-to-vein to save time, you could both benefit through each other's different antigens and antibodies, to build up more immunity."
"You're proposing we swap blood? What'll that do to the babies; mine in particular?"
"'Exchange' blood Regina, not swap. And it's only a small amount. For one thing it should help with her sickness as she'll have more antibodies to suppress it. It may even help with the hormone imbalance. As for magic issues, I now believe Emma's competes with that of her foetus even though it's completely unaware. A temporary cuff like you wore before may well help. Although, as you're already past your first trimester I believe it'll be safer for me to use mine to bind the little one's magic."
"What do you think?"Emma gave her a concerned look." Should we even be considering this?"
The former mayor looked back at the only true friend she'd probably ever had. She looked tired, listless, with rings under her eyes. And her skin had lost its glow. Underneath it all she was one of the most beautiful women she'd ever known, inside and out. She couldn't bear to see her like this.
"When do you want to do this, Merlin?"
"Well, there's no time like the present."
~oOo~
Half an hour later…
"You know Swan, that first week Henry brought you here, I said you kept getting under my skin."She stared at the IV line leading from her right arm to a blue machine. Another IV ran from it, and up into Emma's left. Two longer lines connected Regina's left arm to Emma's right, via a similar green box. "But I never thought you'd take me quite so literally?"
They'd both been connected to the pumps fifteen minutes earlier by Merlin's daughter, who'd given them an odd look before she stepped out to update her notes, leaving them alone with only the thrubbing noise of the pumps to break the silence.
"Ha, bloody ha! You really think this'll help with the sickness?"
"I haven't a clue. We'll see, I guess. Will you be telling Guyliner?"
"You'll be telling Robin, so do I really have a choice? He'd probably then tell Killian anyway, so I guess I'll have to. And as I promised him, I wouldn't hold anything back in future, it'll only make things worse if I do."
More silence followed as they stared at the pumps, Emma trying to read the monitor.
"How much blood did she say you're giving me?"
"None, as we're giving it to each other. Weren't you listening? She said it'll take about an hour for a quarter of a litre. That's about half a pint. So just lie still, and we can get this over with and get out of here."
During the next silence, both women, now getting seriously bored, started looking at their phones and social media. After another twenty minutes, Emma broke it:
"Thanks, by the way?"Her voice was almost a whisper as she gave her a serious look."For doing this when you didn't have to."
The brunette reached out to take her hand. "Seeing as you helped me get pregnant and hang on to it in the first place, an hour's bloodletting seems a rather small price to pay."
Emma intertwined their fingers. "You know, I started thinking about that 'other' Storybrooke Henry went to when he did that timeline jump? You know, the one with the other version of all of us, where you and I were married with our own kids?"
"How could I forget? He seemed to positively delight in showing me the pictures. And to make things worse, he told Robin. I'm beginning to think he just likes torturing me."
"Yeah, I got the same treatment. Still, it's incredible don't you think, that somehow, somewhere, the two of us made babies together with no men involved? Merlin told him that even he doesn't understand how they did it, even if magic was involved."
"When it comes to the two of us, nothing surprises me these days."
"You said yesterday Robin knew about me and the baby and he's just…accepted it? Merlin's right, I can't imagine Killian doing something like that. What did he say when you told him?"
"Oddly, he half expected it. When he joined me for the very first scan, the sonographer told us the baby looked too small for eight weeks. More like four or five. If it had been-"
"It wouldn't have been Robin's? Oh Gina, I'm sorry."
"It's history now. That's why I drove all the way to New York at Merlin's suggestion and took more scans using decent equipment."
"That explains it,"Emma nodded, putting two and two together."When I saw you turn up, I somehow knew you hadn't driven all that way just to see Snow. Why didn't you just tell me?"The wide-eyed response connected the dots."Hang on a minute - you thought even back then the baby could be mine?"
"The thought never entered my head till Merlin told us about the other Storybrooke! Besides, apart from Robin, you're the only one I've had sex with since-"She stopped herself, remembering what she'd done to Graham Humbert."Well, in a very long time."
"I still think you should've told me."
"And what would that have achieved, apart from guilt all round? Nothing. To my shame I never told Robin the real reason I drove down either. But he'd already guessed, damn him! Do you know something? When we first thought there was even a remote possibility this baby may not be his, do you know what he said? He said even if it wasn't, he'd still love and treasure it regardless, to the end of his days." She gave a sad smile. "He's wonderfully forgiving. I really don't deserve him, and I'm blessed to have him. How he's put up with me all this time, I'll never know." She rested a hand over her swollen belly. "One thing's for sure, she's going to have the best father in the world."
"She?"
"Forget I just said that! It was a slip of the tongue and Robin doesn't want to know till she's born, so don't breathe a word!"
"My lips are sealed," Emma grinned, her first genuine smile of the day. "And you're wrong Gina, you deserve him, no matter what you might think. You make a pretty awesome mum yourself. After all, you did a brilliant job job with Henry."
She smiled back at the genuine compliment, lifting her hand and kissing the back of it, before looking down at the other woman's still flat belly."This one's future godmother helped along the way."
"Really?"The blonde turned their linked hands back to her, returning the kiss, holding it to her cheek as the brunette nodded."Thanks, I'd love to be a godmum."
Unfortunately, Annabelle chose that moment to walk through the swing doors.
"Right ladies, I make that forty-five minutes so far?"They separated hands as she spoke."With the pumps speeding things up, that should be more than enough. Now, if you give me a minute, I'll take samples and then get those IVs out of you. After that, you're free to go, though I would suggest you have a hot drink before you leave, to stop you feeling faint. Any questions?"
"Yes. Apart from you and your dad, who else knows?"Emma waved a finger between her and Regina."We want this kept strictly confidential till we're ready."
"No one, as far as I'm aware, though I can't speak for my father. Because magic's involved, we won't be putting this on the system as anything other than Jane Doe one and Jane Doe two. Though I'd strongly urge you both to become blood donors after this. You now have a relatively rare blood group, and you never know, if either of you, or one of the babies, were to ever need transfusions in future?"
"Makes sense,"Regina watched as the medic worked quickly, using a syringe to draw off some blood from a little tube attached to one of the pumps."I'm told you're still living at Charming's?"Adding, "So I take it you're officially dating? Under the circumstances, I'm surprised he didn't think to bring you with him to yesterday's family gathering?"
"He asked, but like him I was working here most of the day. Plus, I didn't want to cause any tension while Emma's mother's here. It seemed for the best."
"But you should come next time,"Emma added, surprisingly."What's it been now, four months? Neal's forever singing your praises, yet I barely know you. How about we fix that? I'm not drinking for obvious reasons, but we should do lunch? Maybe Regina could come join us?"
"I'd like that."Anna beamed a megawatt smile, delighted to be invited by David's daughter, and reminding the Saviour just how beautiful Merlin's daughter was."To be honest, I've probably been avoiding talking to you properly, because of everything you'd all been through before I got here. Dorothy and Lily told me quite a bit. But yes, I do think it would be good to talk."
"So, you don't actually deny you're dating?"Regina repeated, still grinning as Anna slid the canula from her arm, pulling the tube away before doing the same with Emma's left.
"Yes, I guess we are. It's been a few months, and we've been on holiday together already. But it's been a horrible year and we're both a bit raw. You know, I only found out my fiancé was cheating on me just a week before our wedding?"They could see a definite flash of anger in those steely blue eyes at the memory."My sisters were livid when they heard, and when Charlie, my brother found out, he said he was going to wring his neck! Not a good thing to hear, when you consider he's the only one of us with not just light but dark magic too! Emma, your dad's been wonderful with me and so understanding, even though he's had his own problems to deal with."She pulled out the last of the IVs."Now, anything else you need before I finish the notes?"
"A mirror?"Emma huffed."It's bad enough the state I'm in, but if I'm going to go for lunch with you two, I'll need about a week to get ready! I look like a bag of shit right now."
"Nonsense! You're just tired; and that's hardly surprising seeing as you've been so ill."Merlin's daughter twirled her fingers, and a mirror with a handle appeared in her left hand. She handed it to the other blonde."I'll give you some anti-emetics to help with the sickness and vomiting; though I do think with a good night's uninterrupted sleep, and perhaps a day at a health spa with some decent food inside you, and you'll be as right as rain."
"Holy crap!"Emma ignored the encouragement as she looked at all the bags and dark lines under her eyes, the result of too many sleepless nights due to being sick. And at her dank hair and pale skin."This'll take more than a night's sleep. I'm hideous!"
"Don't be ridiculous, Swan!"Regina chided."She's right, you just need decent rest and you'll soon be back to your annoying self."She climbed off the bed, standing."Everything else is superficial."She looked at her face more closely, before performing her own spell. "Allow me?"
Henry had only taken the cuff off Regina yesterday, and she'd performed little of her own magic since, but she instinctively knew what she was doing. After all, she'd performed the same on herself often enough in the past.
Emma felt the transformation immediately. Looking back in the mirror, the bags under her eyes had now reduced considerably, presumably by some sort of magical concealer. And her blonde hair looked washed and shiny. It wasn't perfect, but she looked so much better.
"There, pretty as a picture!".
"Thanks." She rose to get off her own treatment bed, grabbing her friend's offered hand to help her stand. "I have to admit, I'm feeling a bit better than when we got here."
"Well, that's hardly surprising! You do now have my superior royal blood in your veins, after all?" Regina gave her a supercilious grin." Clearly it's started doing its thing already." Both women now stood only feet apart, facing one another with cautious smiles, but as Annabelle noticed, still holding hands? "Though quite what yours is doing to my body now, heaven alone knows!"
The Nolan Farm. Later that morning
"Snow?"
David was more than surprised to find his former wife standing on the other side of the farmhouse door, with an awkward look on her face.
"Hello David. May I come in?"
"Erm, of course,"he stepped aside to let her through."You don't need to ask. You do still have a key, don't you?"
"I gave it to Neal yesterday, for him to give to you. It seemed the right thing to do, considering…" As she followed him into what'd been her cherished home until seven months ago, the first thing she noticed was the change of colour on the freshly painted walls as they walked from the hallway into the kitchen. Even the ceiling beams and panels had now been painted a soft ivory white. There were several unfamiliar paintings on the walls. And as they passed the doorway to the living room, she could see all new furniture and carpets. "You've redecorated?"
"Yeah. We got some ideas when we went to Europe on holiday a few months ago. Though Neal had a hand in some of it. We thought it was about time."
"It looks lovely."And yet another sign he'd moved on from her."All very…modern?"
"Thanks."He watched her eyes taking in the kitchen makeover as he filled a kettle to make tea. But she hadn't looked directly at him once."Though I'm fairly sure you didn't come to talk about furnishings?"
"No,"she finally looked up at him."I guess I wanted to come and apologise in person. For leaving Emma's just after you arrived, walking straight past you without saying a word? It was rude of me and I'm sorry."
"Don't worry about it. I guess it still feels awkward being back here?"
"But it's been seven months, David! We've both moved on, we're adults, and more importantly we're still Neal's parents! When I moved to Portland, I thought I could have him and Emma come down to see me regularly, but I realise now that I was being naïve. It's only fair I come up here to get to see them more often, and now, what with Emma expecting again, I want, no, I need to be able to help her through it."
"I agree. She's strong all right, but she still needs her mother."
"There's another thing. After the transplants Merlin used magic here to help heal me and make sure there was no organ rejection. He said if I don't come back here or somewhere with magic regularly, at least twice a year, things will only deteriorate and probably shorten my life. I want to be around for our grandchildren, David. So with that in mind, we're going to be in each other's company from time to time, so I have to be comfortable with that, no matter who you're with."
"So that's why you're here? To help you get over us?"
"Partly, yes. And to agree our times for sharing him over the holidays and the next few months. I'd love him to come to Portland more during the school breaks, and when I do Henry's offered me the use of his other grandfather's old place on the hill whenever I want. It's where I'm staying over Christmas."
"Good idea and yes, he told me that you're not going back till the New Year. I gather Granny and Marco are staying at your swish new hotel over Christmas?"
"Ruby invited them. Belle's staying home too, as Gideon's back for the holidays."
"Henry tells me she's pregnant by some guy she went sailing with to Cuba?"
"Jerard, yes. He's lovely. Once he found out, he decided to stay in Portland with them, so he can help raise the baby."
"So, they're an item, her and this Jerard?"
"Not as such, but it's complicated. He's still standing by her, though."
"And how about you; are you with anyone? Ruby?"
"No. I don't think any one person could ever truly be with Ruby, with her nature. Even though being away from magic her wolf's been supressed, she's still a bit…wanton? I'm not exactly with anyone myself, though there is someone in my life right now that I'm quite keen on. As I said, it's complicated. So, you and the beautiful doctor? Are you an 'item' now?"
"We're dating, but taking our time. I even met her brother and sisters in England. They're an impressive bunch, all with magic of their own, like their father. And mother, as it turns out."
"And Lily and Dorothy?"
"They're both still working and living here, though planning to move out once they find the right place. They're together, like Anna and me, but it's early days and very casual."
"Well I'm glad you found someone who deserves you." Even if it can't be me.
"I want the same thing for you, Snow. Anyway, let's talk about Neal?"
Swan House
Emma had just told Killian what she'd learnt and done at the hospital. And Regina's unwitting involvement. Like her, she'd decided that after everything he'd endured this year, he deserved only the truth. And he'd listened, staying silent, taking it all in. After which he stood, staring out the window.
"I thought you should know everything. At least say something? Anything?"
"Honestly Swan, I'm not sure what to think." He sighed, loudly. "And after this transfusion, or blood swap, or whatever you want to call it, you're clearly feeling better than you were. If that means the baby's better off as a result, I can hardly complain."
"Killian, I swear I've hardly even seen Regina, since New York. That's six months ago! In fact, we've been avoiding each other ever since. I-"
"There's no reason to reopen old wounds, Swan. It is what it is, and I believe you."
"For the record, she's as embarrassed by this as I am. You do know, she's asked for us to be godparents to their baby? As in, both of us, like she's Hope's?"
"Aye, Locksley asked me last week, and I said yes."
"I'll keep my distance from her in future, if that's what you want?"
"What'd that achieve? Your blood now flows through her veins, and vice versa. As the truth stone proved months ago, you two will always be connected, one way or another."
"But you're the one I want to be with! I've told you that enough times, already. I've got you, she's got Robin, and we're both happier that way."
"I believe you, Swan. What do you want me to say? That I'm perfectly happy my wife's former lover's blood now runs through her veins and makes her feel physically better? That it's perfectly okay that you have a part of your DNA in her baby, technically making you a third parent?"
"No of course not! I just – hang on? I never told you about that last bit. I only found out myself yesterday."
"Locksley and I talk. I've known for a couple of months."
"Yet you never told me?"
"I wanted to see how long it'd be before Regina told you. And you, me. And now you have."
Storybrooke Hospital. Two months later…
"That's it Regina, you're almost there. Brave girl. One last push and we'll be there!"
She did as she was told, just about tolerating the searing pain down below as she finally gave birth. But all that was forgotten the moment the midwife finally delivered.
"Congratulations Lockleys! You have a beautiful baby girl!"
"You hear that Regina? A girl!" An ecstatic Robin looked on open-mouthed, tears in his eyes, as the nurse wiped clean the new born, before swaddling her and placing her on her mother's chest. "And look at her? She's stunning, just like her mum."
A currently less than stunning, sweaty and exhausted, teary-eyed new mother beamed at their baby. "Hello my angel! You're the treasure I thought I could never have. Welcome to the world, my darling."
After what felt like only moments hugging their precious new family member, one of the nurses collected her to quickly check her over and weigh her. After she was deemed just about perfect, she was swaddled in and passed to Robin, who beamed as he cradled her.
"Hello, precious one. I'm papa..."he kissed a tiny cheek."The only man you'll ever need! Apart from your big brothers, of course."Regina grinned as she watched him, already smitten as he walked his baby around the room, cooing and telling her about their little family, and all manner of nonsense, before finally sitting back on the bedside next to Regina, raining kisses on her yet again.
"She's opened her eyes!" He announced it like it was miraculous news; like the most important thing in the world.
"Blue, like her father's! Looks like she'll have Roland's dimples, too. Maybe my hair in the future, looking at her?" As he carefully handed her back into her mother's arms, she studied the little face, relieved she didn't have blonde hair. At least not yet.
"She's perfect, Gina. I feel like I've fallen in love all over again. You're remarkable, you know that? But then again, you always were."
"I only did what most mothers do normally, so I think basic biology's had a hand in it somewhere? But thank you. So, are we agreed on her names?"
Portland Harbour – later that evening
Snow finally ended the call, pleased Emma was feeling much better than she was over Christmas, all trace of her pregnancy sickness and lethargy now gone. She'd just told her all about Regina's new baby and recent events. Then that, as Killian was going to be away sailing for the best part of a week, she planned on bringing Neal and Hope down to Portland, to stay over the weekend.
For Snow, after one of the worst years of her life, things were starting to get better.
"You look happy?" Olivia walked in from the kitchen, coffee in hand. "Good news?"
"Yes. That was Emma on the phone. She said she's coming down for the weekend and bringing Hope and Neal with her. Plus, her best friend's just had her baby."
Because time had stood still in Storybrooke for twenty-eight years before Emma broke the first curse, Snow looked pretty much the same age as her daughter. So as there was no way in hell she'd pass as her daughter, to anyone outside they'd pretended she was her younger sister. It was an elaborate, but necessary deception which fortunately Neal went along with, knowing the risk of their real identities being uncovered.
"Emma. Your sister? Great. I remember you saying she was pregnant."
"Five months now. She was seriously sick for the first three, but she sounds so much better, like her old self. And her friend Regina, someone we've known for many years, had a baby girl. Which is surprising as she once made - er - was told, she could never have."
"That's wonderful. I just spoke to Ruby, and she said your bookings are up? What with the café doing well and Belle's shop having a brilliant month, everything's looking rosy. I told her we should go all out and celebrate tonight, but what with the baby nearly due she's not in the mood. I also asked Ruby but she's out on a date tonight. How about you? Fancy going for a few cocktails? We could have a meal after, although Jer's already offered to do us something on the boat tonight. He mentioned lobster, and you know what I'm like about seafood. Fancy joining us?"
"Sure, why not? I could do with a break, and Susanne's covering tonight. We can toast Regina's baby."
~oOo~
So later that evening, after a few drinks in a nearby cocktail bar, Snow and Olivia found themselves back on the yacht.
They'd done this quite a few times since he'd first arrived in Storybrooke. And more often than not, after seafood and champagne, they'd wound up in bed after. Sometimes the three of them. Twice just Snow and the playboy sailor. Even once as a foursome just after he'd arrived and when Belle was earlier in her pregnancy and not so uncomfortable. Nine months ago, the former princess and heir to the White throne had never imagined herself having sex with anyone other than David, her one true love. But that felt like an eternity ago, and she was a very different woman back then. But now, partly thanks to her friends, she'd changed her attitudes completely. Seeing how Ruby and Belle were with their sailing friends, especially their easy, honest and open attitude to physical intimacy, she'd decided to embrace it for herself.
And that's how, a few hours later, she'd found herself in his bed on board once more, lying on her back with the equally naked chestnut-haired woman on top of her, as Jerard, who always seemed inexhaustible, ploughed into them both, in turn, from behind. It all felt so good, although she did feel a bit of a hypocrite when she recalled having once lectured Belle and Ruby about sexual hygiene. Especially as in the heat of the moment, when he'd earlier tried to leave the bed to find more than one condom. Surprisingly, it was the women who were having none of it, not wishing to ruin the moment and both being on the pill anyway.
"Oh god, that was good..."Snow was relieved when Olivia finally climbed off her after Jerard, also spent, collapsed onto the bed to her right, Olivia to her left."Though I was getting crushed towards the end?" She looked to her side, to the tall muscular blonde man panting heavily, catching his breath. "Where do you find all the energy? How do you manage to recover so quickly?"
"Oh God, please don't go asking him that?" An equally breathless Olivia groaned. "He'll go on about his 'magic powders' from his mystic mate in New York, even if it is bullshit!"
"C'est vrai!"Jerard defended himself."It's true, I swear! In fact, I bought another year's supply when I called in before I came here."
"Magic powder?"Snow grinned."Surely you don't believe all that nonsense? How much have you been spending on snake oil cures? I'm sure you can buy Viagra or something similar over the counter easily enough. Sounds like someone's been leading you on."
"Madame, I've never had problems getting aroused, as I think I've proved? Viagra and that sort of thing is only for gaining one's ardour, whereas what my friend gives me is a special mixture that allows me to prolong and hold back, as it were, and give me more energy to keep going. I've been using it for three years with no side effects and can only swear to its efficacy. The Dragon mixes it up just for me, for my specific requirements."
"The Dragon? New York?"Snow remembered the mysterious mystic who'd helped Merlin operate on her during the transplant; remembering how the Sorcerer claimed he had another form of healing magic that worked out here. "Small, Chinese, rope beard? Wears red robes?"
"Sounds like you know him? I swear he has magic, but Livvy thinks I'm insane."
"Yes I do, cos you are!" The taller woman nodded. "But if his 'magic' makes you really believe you're a god between the sheets, I'm hardly going to complain now, am I?" She rolled onto her side to face at the woman beside her. "What about you, Snow? Do you believe in magic?"
"I do, actually."
"Then you're as mad as him!"
"Probably. But as you said, if it works?"
"I'm surprised Ruby didn't want to join us tonight?"Jerard changed the subject, hoisting himself up to rest against the headboard, picking up his wine glass from the little side table. "Anything to do with that handsome fellow I saw her with earlier? I rather fancied him myself. Livvy certainly does!"
"That's Max, one of her Canadian cousins. It's only a few months ago she discovered she even had family in Ottawa? And quite a lot of them, apparently. He's going back in a day or two, and she wanted to introduce her granny to them. They're planning on taking a week soon to go visit them again." In truth, her oldest and best friend seemed surprisingly smitten, even infatuated, by Marcus's son Max, who'd recently come to Portland to meet her and was a werewolf lycanthrope like her.
"I agree with him, he's drop-dead gorgeous!" Olivia chipped in. "Tall, muscly. And those eyes? Reminds me of a bear, somehow – no wait, not a bear – a wolf! He's beautiful."
"Someone sounds rather smitten herself. I thought you only had eyes for Belle these days, present company excepted?"
"I do and I'm still drawn to her, but I haven't been pushing, what with the pregnancy, work, her boy and everything? I said I'd wait till she's ready, if she's even interested in me now. Until then…"she rolled onto her back, dragging Snow with her until she wound up fully on top of her, the taller woman clamping her legs behind her calves. "I guess I'll just have to wait. Good job she's not the jealous type, eh?"
Storybrooke - One month later
Four weeks after the birth, Honour Maria Locksley was christened in a little ceremony at the church where her parents were married four years earlier. Attended by a small gathering including Robin's closest friends, partners and the godparents. After, at a celebration of the day back in Mifflin Street, Emma stood back watching as her new goddaughter was passed between her husband and the Briar trio (the other godparents) while Archie Hopper took photos and tied up Regina in conversation.
That's when someone tapped her arm, shaking her out of her thoughts .
"More juice, Emma?" She looked to her side to find Robin offering her a fresh glass. "Sorry I can't offer you cider, for obvious reasons."
"Thanks." She took it gratefully, all thoughts of alcohol banished until after the birth of her own child. "I'd probably throw up if I tried it, anyway."
"Regina told me you were feeling better?" He at least looked sympathetic. "Marian suffered dreadfully when she was carrying Roland. Luck of the draw, I guess."
"I am, and I haven't been sick once since the transfusion," she stopped herself elaborating, bearing in mind what she'd done with his own wife to bring about the change. "It's just that, even the smell of booze these days still seems to make me want to hurl?"
"Well at least the blood swap helped." He gave her a sad smile. "You're looking a hell of a lot better than you did back then Emma, no offence."
"None taken." An awkward silence followed. It was rare for Emma to talk to Regina's husband. Even rarer since the events of the last year. Though everyone knew Ingrid's potion was the cause, she still felt awkward and ashamed by the whole thing. "I admit, I was surprised when Regina asked me to be godmother. I'm assuming she checked with you first?"
"Honour's lucky to have all of you." He ignored the question. "Rory and Mulan were pleased to be asked too. And Philip."
"It goes without saying Kill and I will be asking you two to be this one's godfather,"she rubbed her tummy, now showing."That is, if you'll agree?"
"Of course I will,"he looked down at her stomach. "And thanks. Hopefully Honour and this little one will go onto become good friends."As he said it, he had no idea just how true that would be in the future as he watched Mulan pass the baby back to Killian."Now I don't wis h to be rude Emma, but it feels like you're the only one holding back from cuddling your goddaughter? It was the same when you first came to the hospital. In fact, I don't think you've held her since she was born, though Killian has frequently. Something wrong?"
"No."She denied it, but the man's face showed he was unconvinced."It's just…"her shoulders sagged as her voice turned to a whisper."Quite frankly, I don't know how you can even bear to look at me?"
"Sorry?"
"After everything I did to you! To your marriage, and Honour? I told Killian all about the blood, the DNA and everything, but even though it was unintentional, potion or whatever, it still screwed things up for you."
"Really? You do realise that beautiful little bundle over there wouldn't even be here had it not been for you? Regina could never have successfully conceived, let alone held onto her, had it not been for that unfortunate, but thankfully brief few weeks you shared. And yes, while it was very painful for some of us to go through, even worse to watch on a dreamcatcher, something wonderful finally came out of it. So, in a way I should be thanking you."
"You forgiving me is more than enough, trust me!" She still kept her voice down." As for Regina asking me to be a godmother, I'm amazed you went along with it? I mean, know she can be persuasive, but-"
"She didn't! I was the one who suggested it." He enjoyed her surprised look. "Emma, regardless of how and why it happened, you're an intrinsic part of this baby and a part of Regina's life. Literally! I know you and I have never been close; partly I think, due to your longstanding feelings for her, which I'm sure you'll deny. But I'd like us to become better friends, nonetheless."
"I'd like that…" she nodded, giving him another sad smile. "Even if I don't deserve it."
"Well maybe you can start to earn it, instead? One good way would be by by taking up your godmother duties and giving Honour a proper cuddle?"He turned to the group clustered around Emma's husband, the one currently holding the baby."Oi, Jones? it must be Emma's turn to hold her by now, surely? She's barely had a look-in!"
"It's okay Robin!"Emma started to protest."There's no need. I can wait."
"Nonsense,"he collected his four-week-old from the former pirate's arms, cradling her and turning to the Saviour."She needs to get to properly knowallher godparents. Here?"He gave her no choice but to open her arms to take the baby from him and as she did, starting to cradle her to her chest in turn, she noticed how closely Regina and Killian were watching.
"Hello there young lady?" She started awkwardly. "I'm, erm, Emma. God-Mum number three?" At the sound of her voice, the baby's bright blue eyes opened wider. "Oh my, you are a pretty little thing, aren't you?" Up close, she could see small similarities between her and Hope. It was in the pale skin tone, unlike Regina's, and the wisps of grey, blonde hair poking through under the darker hair. Hope had started off dark, though the blonde grew through within her first year. Would this one be a blondie too in the years to come? The young eyes seemed alert, curious, almost like she was assessing her. But it was what happened next that threw her completely, making her jaw drop. For she suddenly felt a strong fluttering sensation below. Like a bubbling, low in her belly? She remembered the odd feelings, the movement, from when she was carrying Hope. Was her own unborn finally making its presence felt? At twenty-four weeks, it was about the right time.
"You okay, Swan?"
"I think I just felt the baby kick! As in ours?" Honour was still staring up at her, bright eyed. Was that a smile, or wind? "I know this is gonna sound crazy, but I think ours knows I'm talking to this one?"
Killian thought something uncharitable. Though he smiled and said nothing.
Portland – one week later
"You'll be gone a whole month? Again?"
Snow stared at her, then back to Margaret, Ruby's manager. Ruby had just told her that she was going to be leaving shortly to spend four weeks in Quebec, meeting Granny and Marco on the way up. "I didn't think it'd be so long. Maggie, are you going to be okay with this? It's not like I'm going to have the time to step in and help you, what with running the hotel and everything."
"It'll be fine, Snow. We've got the staff trained up now, and Dennis has the kitchen covered."
Olivia chuckled as she sipped her tea. "You really are taken by this Max guy, aren't you?"
Even Belle, sitting at one of the tables close by, was surprised. "Not like you, Rubes? I never imagined you turning into a one-guy or one-girl kind of girl? At least not since-"She stopped. Olivia knew nothing about Dorothy. "Well – ever?'
"It's not like that," Ruby seemed to be acting unusually coy. "I just grew up never having family around, apart from my granny. I wanna see more of them."
"Good for you," the bookshop owner, her pregnancy now to term and a day overdue, smiled. "All mine are gone too, part from Giddy. I'm just sorry you're not going to be here for the birth. Make sure you come back soon."
Although she hadn't admitted it to Snow, Ruby had fallen hard for Marcus's thirty-two-year-old son, having feelings she hadn't felt since she'd met Dorothy. But sadly, that was the past. A past that was supposed to have been her happy ever after with her one true love. But that all got destroyed by her wolf nature. But Maximus Stone, Max, a second cousin and a lycanthrope like herself, was so very different to Dorothy. He had the same nature. and they'd even talked about it openly a few weeks ago during one of their numerous calls. And he'd even confessed he had feelings for her too. Could there be a future for them together?
"What do you mean, I'm not going for another two weeks! You'll definitely be having it by then unless you're giving birth to a bloody elephant! And of course I'm coming back, I've got a café to run!"
~oOo~
As if to prove her point, Belle's waters broke only hours later, while sitting at her desk in the bookshop. And she was rushed to hospital, Olivia and Jerard following close behind.
Gabriel Maurice French was born the following day.
Only two days later, she was back home in their apartment with her baby. And the following day her older son had been collected from his private school by Baelfire, who now sat in an armchair taking his turn to cradle the three-day-old, his four-year-old half-brother sitting beside him on the armrest. Belle sat on the sofa opposite, Olivia close beside her, as Ruby poured wine and Snow handed around glasses.
"One seriously handsome little fella you got here Belle?"He smiled as Gideon stroked his tiny brother's hair.
"Yes. I think he looks like his father."Belle left it hanging, waiting for the obvious question. But he didn't ask. "Jerard, the owner of the yacht charter business in the shop next to mine downstairs?"She smiled at the woman next to her, gathering her hand."Jer and Livvy here stayed with me all the way throughout the birth, bless them."
"Ah,"was all he said, as he took a glass from Snow, knowing it was none of his business. He knew from Gideon that his former stepmother had become close friends with the beautiful chestnut-haired woman opposite, and her boyfriend. But he didn't want to ask awkward questions. "It's nice he's around. So, you and Jerard? Are you two an item?"
"No, not like that, but he's lovely, and a very dear friend. He'll be based here and helping me raise Gabriel. We named him after his father, and mine, both now passed, sadly."
"Speaking of Jer-"As Olivia suddenly got up again, while still holding Belle's hand, Neal was struck by just how attractive the leggy, chestnut-haired beauty was."You've just reminded me. I promised to take over minding the shop for an hour, and I should've been there ten minutes ago! He needs to run errands so I'll have to love you and leave you?"To his surprise, the woman then leant over and kissed Belle, not on the cheek but full-square on her lips! And the former librarian didn't seem the least surprised, just smiling back at her as she rose again. Interesting. "I'll see you guys later. Neal, it's lovely to finally meet you. Giddy, you fancy coming sailing with Jer and me tomorrow?"
"I'd love to but I've only got till Monday with mum and Neal, as I'm back at school on Tuesday. But tell him I want to?"
Two minutes later, after Olivia left and Gideon had gone to change. Snow asked him something that'd been on her mind.
"Neal, did your father know Belle was pregnant?"
"Of course. He also knows she's just given birth, because I told him before I came to pick up Gid. Why?"
"Because he's the Dark One for Christ's sake!"Ruby answered for her."The guy who nearly killed me and threw us, physically I might add, out of Storybrooke?" He's-"
"My past!"Belle interrupted her."He's moved on Rubes, as I told you. We both have. Apart from Giddy, whatever we had is history."
"Yeah, it's true he's changed, Ruby..." Neal chipped in. "It's the main reason I was sent back. To stop him going back to his powers and the Dark One getting out again. You wouldn't recognise him now! In fact, he's getting married again this summer." They all looked surprised. "To one of his partners in the law firm, a former Scottish queen, no less? She's already got a kid too. Henry's coming to the wedding, and Gideon, obviously."
Belle looked almost sad at the news. "Then you must give him my congratulations? I'd like to write him a letter before you go, if you'll pass it on?"
"Of course. And I know papa wishes you well with this little one. But what about you, Belle? You said you and this Jerard guy weren't together. But judging by the way Livvy just kissed you, is that where your interests lie these days? Women only?" It was cheeky, but the look on his face told her he was just curious.
"Not that it's any of your business Bae, but if they were, I'd hardly get pregnant by a guy and have a baby now, would I?"
"Fair enough. But she did seem to be mooning around you. So I just thought-"
"Let's just say I've been keeping my options open?"
"That sounds pretty mercenary of you, Belle!" Snow spoke up, disapproving. "Especially after everything that woman's done for you recently, what with managing the shop, decorating and all." Now she'd gotten to know them over the last few months, she grown increasingly fond of Olivia, and Jerard, and sometimes felt a bit jealous of her obvious adoration of the former librarian. "You do realise that girl's still in love with you, don't you?"
Belle really didn't want to be having this conversation in front of Neal, who'd no doubt say something to Rumple.
"I know. I think, what with the business, the baby and everything, I've been putting it off? But yes, we do need to talk."
"Well do it sooner than later, because it's unfair to keep her hoping. Just let her down gently?"
Later that evening…
After Neal had left, and Gideon had settled into his room, Belle yawned as she stepped out from the little nursery she'd made next to her private living room, to find Olivia there waiting for her.
"Right, well I've fed and changed him. He should be out until his 2 o' clock feed, with any luck." She slumped onto the sofa, exhausted. She'd only given birth three days ago.
"I've already offered to do the next one for you Belle, so you can get some decent sleep? The offer still stands. Jer said he'd step in too, when you're ready."
"I know Liv, and I'm grateful but I haven't got him off the breast just yet, though I'll try and express tomorrow. Just give me some time before we try him on a bottle?"
"Of course." She noticed how, even though she was shattered, Belle seemed unusually twitchy. "You said we needed to talk? We can save it till tomorrow, if you're too tired? After all, I'm-"
"No," she cut in, interrupting her. "It's fine. And yes, I do need us to talk to you without everyone else around."
To Olivia, that didn't sound too good.
"Listen Belle, I know where this is going, and it's fine. I'm a big girl, I get it! I've got feelings for you, which you don't have for me. It's okay, I just have to-"
"Liv, please? I-"
"I've been dumped before! By guys and girls, so I can live with that. It's one of the reasons I was first drawn to Jer? Because it happened to him too. So, we-"
"Livvy, please just…just stop talking? I'm trying to explain! Just let me speak?"
Olivia brought a hand to her mouth, pretending to close it with an invisible zip.
"I've got feelings for you, too! Really!"Olivia's face softened slightly. "I think I've probably had feelings for you ever since we first left here for Havana? And if I'm honest, you're probably the first woman I've ever felt something for, and I'm obviously not talking about sex, although yes, that's always lovely. I'm talking about something much...deeper?"
"You do? Despite my...reputation?"
"Yes, but the trouble is, there's so much about me and my past, that I just can't tell you! Things that I'll never be able to tell you. Because if I did, first you'd almost certainly think I was insane and want to have me locked up. And second, if you knew it could lead to a whole host of problems for a lot more people. It's one of the reasons I've been holding back."
"I guessed, because you've always been cagey about your past! Even Snow and Ruby do it to me when I ask anything about how you're all connected. When that guy you said was Snow's ex-husband came over and picked up her son, or Emma her sister came, I noticed how you always wanted to keep Jer and me away? Like you didn't want us to find out something important?" Belle lowered her head, avoiding her eyes. "You know what Jer thinks? He thinks you're probably part of some big government witness-protection programme, organised by whoever's trying to keep you safe! And that guy we saw this morning? The other Neal? You called him 'Bae' once, and you did it when he was here last time? I know you said he was also your ex-husband's son too, but we reckon he's too old to be that, so he's probably acting as some sort of go-between for all of you?" It wasn't true, but Belle didn't confirm or deny it, still avoiding her gaze. It was a useful excuse after all? "And that's fine by me. There's things I'll never know, but I can live with that. We've all got our secrets. I've a few of my own I'd prefer to keep that way."
"So, you're saying you're okay being in a serious relationship with someone you don't really know?" Belle finally looked up. "Someone who'll be able to share her past with others, but not you?"
"I know enough. Provided you can be honest with me going forward, and you won't need to suddenly up sticks and run away from here and start another life elsewhere? Yes, I can live with that."
"Then you're a better woman than I am, Olivia Bishop." She wiped a stray tear from her cheek, before taking her hand and lifting it to her lips, giving it a small peck .
"I very much doubt that!" Olivia smiled, stroking her fingers through Belle's rich brown hair before reaming it over her shoulder. "You know, if it means I can be with you I'll even be monogamous from now on. Just you and me? And for me, that's really saying something! "
"It certainly is!" Belle's face broke into a broad smile. "While that's lovely, I'm not sure I'd want you to change your nature from the woman I've started to fall in love with?" It was the first time either of them had used the 'L' word, and Olivia's eyes widened, her jaw dropping at the frank admission. "While I think we should probably stop seeing any strangers from now on, or inviting anyone back here, I don't think we need to limit ourselves entirely, do you?"
"Entirely? You mean Jerard?"
"Yes. He's been our lover since we sailed, your best friend for years and my son's father. You're pretty much inseparable. I'd hate to be the one to break up something like that."
"You know something? He could see my feelings for you were growing, even back in Cuba. He was the one who told me to come up here, take a chance and see if it went anywhere. He also said he'd be perfectly okay keeping his distance, if it meant my happiness."
"He's lovely. I admit I didn't want to get pregnant again, but if it had to happen, I can't think of a better father for Gabby."
"But perhaps there's a little more to it, Miss French? We've all shared a bed enough times for me to know you're also pretty keen on him."
"I don't deny it, Miss Bishop! And it's not as though either of us is completely 'gay-gay' now, is it? I know I don't have the feelings for him that I have for you, but why limit ourselves unnecessarily?"
"My, my, you really have come over to our way of thinking, haven't you? What about Ruby and Snow? You want them included in our little…ménage in future?"
"I'm not sure. Ruby now seems to be taken up with her Canadian cousin and as I said, I don't want strangers or one-night stands. As for Snow, I know you three have recently had more fun on the schooner without me, not that I minded. I also know she's got more than a soft spot for him. We'll see how it goes."
"So should we say something to everyone, about us?"
"Why don't we go on a proper date, first? Just the two of us. Somewhere romantic?"
"Seems funny, us going out on a date after everything we've been through already." Olivia couldn't help chuckling as Belle started yawning again. "But yeah, I'd really like that. Still, you've been yawning your head off, so I guess that's my cue to go."
"Stay?" Belle pulled herself closer, putting an arm around her waist. But seeing the look on the other woman's face, added. "Just sleeping mind, definitely nothing else! My body's nowhere near right yet, I'm way too tired, and I need to be up again in four hours to feed."
"Just sleep, no problem."
Storybrooke. The Nolan Farm – July
"We'll be sorry to see you go. The place just won't seem the same, and frankly I'm going to miss working with you both. Neal will too. But we wish you the best, obviously."
David had just been told over dinner that the woman who'd showed up at his door in tears a year ago to the day, and her girlfriend, were moving out in a week's time. The woman who'd been so badly betrayed and humiliated by Ruby's infidelity, not just with Snow, but others and David had bonded from the start and even become close as they helped each other through a difficult time. They'd even become lovers for the next six months. They weren't in love, but they both needed and welcomed the comfort. Lily joined them too, a short time after, as she sought to overcome her own post illness traumas and demons.
"David, I only said we're moving out. I never said anything about not working here!" Dorothy grinned, covering Lily's hand with her own. "We're only going to be living the other side of town, but I'd still like to carry on working here, if you'll have me?"
"Sure, I just thought what with you clearing Lily's flat in New York, that you'd probably be going to settle somewhere on the outside? Where everything's...normal?"
"We thought about it," said Lily. "Mum's based near here anyway, and dad's going to be back regularly. And it's not like there's anything for me in New York. Now he's taken Emma's added darkness out of me," she noticed David wince at the reminder of one of his and Snow's worst decisions ever when she was still unhatched. "I'm feeling something I've never felt before. Wanted? I've got family now, so I want to settle somewhere I don't have to pretend to be something I'm not. Besides, I've loved being here with Dot. And you, Anna and Neal, obviously. Working the farm's given me something different. Something to live for. That is, if the job's still going?"
"Of course it is! Frankly, I need all the help that I can get, what with me now working part-time at the Sheriff's Office, Hank leaving and Emma due anytime time. Mayor Phil's asked me if I can step into the top job to help. Mulan doesn't want to do it, and Emma can't. He wanted me to do full-time but what with the farm and everything…"
"All the more reason to have the girls working here then." Annabelle added. "Where are you going to be living?"
"The Briar's old place, now they've moved to the bigger blue house on the cliff road. Mal and Merlin offered to help us buy it and your grandson's giving us a good price." Dorothy kissed her girlfriend's cheek. "Having a girlfriend who happens to be the daughter of two rich, powerful parents, who still feel guilty for not having raised her, has its perks?"
"Just a 'girlfriend'?" Anna smirked, pointing to their hands, having spotted something on Dorothy's finger.
"Oh yeah…you noticed." Dorothy looked a little sheepish as she showed off her new ring. "She proposed last night. How could I refuse?"
"Brilliant!" Anna was the first on her feet. "I had a feeling it was coming. Congratulations!"
"That's wonderful news!" David moved around the table to hug her, embracing Lily in turn. "You're so well suited. You told your parents yet, Lily?"
"Not yet. I'll be seeing mum first thing, so could you keep it to yourselves for the moment? We don't mind Neal knowing, obviously. Or Emma."
"My lips are sealed. I'm meeting her in Granny's tomorrow, so I'll tell her to keep it to herself till you say so. She's due anytime now. You heard about Granny selling up the business?"
"No," Dorothy looked surprised. "I knew she's been away for a few weeks, but not that she's quitting."
"She's selling tit o Mike. Their chef? He owns part of the business anyway since her heart problems six months ago. She and Marco are going to go live in Ottawa. She's got family there, apparently."
"I do feel a bit guilty for avoiding her since…well, Ruby and everything? She was really nice to me when it was all happening, but I still didn't want to go back. Too many memories, I guess."
"I understand. But-"David was interrupted by his phone, picking it up to answer when he recognised the ringtone.
"Emma? How are-"
"Not Emma - your dashing son-in-law?" The former pirate answered. "She's beside me. She did call but she's just started another contraction. We're at the hospital.
"Contraction? I'll come staright over." All the women's eyes rose at the news.
"No need mate, she's in good hands with the nurses. She just wanted to let you know."
Meanwhile, in Portland...
Snow didn't recognise the number when it rang, only the area code.
"Hello?"
"Hello. Am I speaking to Mary Margaret Blanchard?" She vaguely recognised the voice.
"Yes. Who's calling?"
"Paul Davis. Morrison Blackwell's? We briefly met last year. I was a junior associate under Johnny Morrison."
Morrison Blackwells was the law firm that she last visited nearly a year ago, to handle her divorce.
"Yes, of course. How's Johnny?"
"Sadly, Mr. Blackwell was killed in a road accident, two weeks ago. I've been handling his affairs temporarily."
"Oh, how awful! I'm very sorry to hear that. Please send his wife…Maisie? Mary? My sincere condolences?" As she spoke, a group of nearly a dozen new guests walked through the revolving door into the reception. "Paul, sorry, I don't mean to rush you, but it isn't the best time to talk. Can you tell me what it's about, or should I call you back in the morning?"
"Oh, erm, well I'm afraid I'll be away then for the next two weeks. So, I think, erm-"
"Then please get to the point? Why are you calling me at seven o' clock at night?"
"Sorry," he sounded hesitant, weighing his options. "It's about your divorce last year. I've discovered something of concern."
"My div – what is it? What's wrong?"
"Well, I've been going through the records, and I just discovered that Mr. Blackwell didn't transfer the final signed divorce papers to the Court for final approval and signature. They're sitting right here in front of me. Unsigned."
"He didn't…"Realisation dawned. "You're telling me we're still married?"
"I'm afraid so."
~oOo~