This is a two chapter update. Please read Chapter 35 before proceeding.
Mary Margaret didn't expect the birth of her granddaughter to be one of the most intensely emotional experiences of her life, but then she didn't expect to be this involved. She is completely mesmerized by the vulnerable life in her hands, only becoming aware of her own tears when the infant begins to cry.
"Is she okay?" Exhausted and exposed, Emma's only concern is her baby, her treasure.
The enamored grandmother is positive that nothing could shake her smile. "She's perfect."
Regina kisses the incredible woman in her embrace. She is utterly speechless, elated beyond comprehension, having witnessed the birth of one of her children for the first time.
According to the couple's original birth plan, Emma was going to hold her baby against her skin immediately after delivery, understanding the benefits to both of them. This is especially important now that they are having an unplanned home birth and she was not going to compromise the first few minutes of her daughter's life. The hopeful mother is determined to begin their relationship with no regrets.
Mary Margaret carefully places the screaming baby on Emma's chest and covers her granddaughter's back with a soft towel to keep her warm.
As expected, the child stops crying the instant she comes in contact with her mother's skin.
With her daughter safe in her arms, resting over her heart, Emma's entire body calms.
"That was fast kiddo."
Regina covers her wife's hand, supporting their tiny child, with her own. Finding her voice, she whispers,
"That was fast."
As they gaze at their child serenely, both mothers appear to be radiating a soft light, similar to Emma's ring which has a noticeable glow. In this instance any and all past hurt and darkness that these women had lived through is erased by the love they share for their daughter.
Instantly connecting with her baby, Emma breaks the comfortable silence. "Maybe we should get you into track and field."
"Your mother's only joking sweetheart," Regina assures. If she didn't know better she could swear she spied the tiniest hint of a smile tugging at the corners of her daughter's mouth. "You stay my perfect baby as long as want."
"Your mom's a big softy."
Not only does Regina not argue; the queen doesn't hesitate to agree with her wife's statement.
"Yes I am."
Emma carefully leans her head back against Regina's shoulder to meet her partner's lips. Recalling the first two births of this woman's children, she feels the warmth of her wife's love surround her. Regina might not have been physically present in those moments, but her love was with her. Somehow, it was always with her.
The family is prematurely snapped out of their reverie by the contrasting sound emitted by approaching sirens.
"I think reinforcements are here," Mary Margaret announces. She kisses the proud parents.
"Thanks Mom."
Not ready to lose her friend's support, Regina inquires, "Do you have to go?"
Moved by the question, Snow White answers honestly. "Not if you don't want me to."
Emma offers her mother a warm smile, silently communicating her request.
"I'll be right here," Mary Margaret confirms.
Suddenly, there are no less than four emergency responders in the master bedroom.
Approaching the new mothers, the first EMT snaps exam gloves over his hands.
"How are you Mrs. Mills?"
"A little tired," is Emma's involuntary reply. Actually, she is relieved by the presence of professionals equipped with the knowledge and tools to handle this situation. She'll always be grateful for her mother taking care of her, but she's a bit more secure now that reinforcements have arrived, who are not limited in the same way as Mary Margaret.
A friendly faced female EMT, who seems very intent on snatching the newborn, approaches from the side.
"I see we have a new resident."
Regina is instantly unnerved by the woman's assertive approach and secures her arms protectively around her family. Though she understands that this is all probably protocol, she is not yet ready to be separated from the child with whom she's had only minutes to bond.
Sensing the queen's agitation the advancing EMT stops in her tracks, so as not to appear threatening. "Does she have a name yet?" She hoped that the tranquil approach would ease the potentially dangerous woman's mind.
"Not yet," Emma coolly responds, hoping to lessen her partner's agitation.
Regina swallows the lump in her throat before adding, "We want to meet her sister first."
"You won't have to wait long," a male voice interrupts, startling the focused mothers in the process.
The Mills women had been so enraptured by their baby they hadn't noticed the enormous amount of attention Emma's vagina was receiving.
Shutting off his flashlight with click of his thumb, that same EMT informs, "You're second baby is almost ready to be born."
The female EMT, who had been keeping a safe distance, uses this as an opportunity to seize the new addition.
"I'll just take this little one."
Though not at all enthusiastic about the premature separation, Emma places a soft kiss atop her daughter's head before transferring her to unfamiliar hands.
Evidently, the Mills child is experiencing similar anxiety; she just chooses to express her displeasure about being taken away from the warmth of her mother differently. As her baby promptly begins voicing her outrage an enamored smile graces Emma's lips. Obviously, her daughter had inherited her brunette mother's temper.
Not having been involved with the birth of one of her children before, Regina senses a pull on her heart, stronger than anything she had felt at any previous point in her life. Because of the amount of tears stinging her eyes her voice cracks when she tries to speak. "Where is she going?"
"She's not going far," the professional informs, trying to make herself her heard over the screaming baby. "We need to monitor her to make sure she doesn't require any further medical care." She laughs. "I can already tell she has a healthy set of lungs."
The queen's smile reflects her appreciation.
Understand what heartache her wife must be experiencing, Emma uses this time to reassure her.
"I hate having to let go of them."
Regina places a single kiss on her wife's cheek. "I'm so proud of you."
A new, younger emergency responder approaches, wielding a blood-pressure cuff and digital thermometer.
"I'm just going to take your vitals, Mrs. Mills."
"Your second baby appears crowning."
Inhaling a restorative breath, Emma nods her head. "I'm ready."
Two pushes later, the youngest of the Mills children is introduced to the world.
"Emma, you did it," Regina cheers and kisses her beloved. "They're both here."
Her mind still in a haze, Emma identifies what appear to be three or, possibly, four EMTs huddled around her child.
"Can I hold her?" When Emma's innocent request is ignored her heart begins to race and her questions grow desperate. "What's wrong?" She can feel her throat closing. She cannot breathe. She is certain that she would drown had she not been clinging to her life preserver. "Regina?" Evidently, her wife is suffering the same psycho-somatic response.
"What are you doing with my baby?" Regina demands, though it comes out as a more of a whimper. She can see Mary Margaret, who had been observing from the corner; she appears to be weeping.
She may not have been able to identify who spoke the words, but Regina Mills knew that she would never forget hearing,
"She's not breathing."
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Though she doesn't know exactly how long she had been unconscious—it felt as though no time had passed—she instantly recalls the horrible words, now playing on repeat in her mind.
Disoriented, she inventories her surroundings. She is awake; she is upright, seated in a lounge chair with what appears to be an oxygen mask over her face and…she is alone. With no one around to dissuade her, in one swift movement she removes the mask. Now that her field of vision is no longer obstructed, Regina sees that she is still in her bedroom. With utmost urgency, she locates her heart. Emma is now reclining on their bed, covered with a clean blanket; she is also wearing an oxygen mask. As soon as their eyes meet, both women start to cry.
Still a little weekend, Regina wobbles the short distance to the bed. "Get away from her," she commands, knocking the strangers out of the way. As if magnetized, her arms lock around Emma's trembling form. "Emma," she whispers. At this, the woman in her arms tightens her grip and begins to cry harder. "I've got you."
As much as she wishes she could speak, words fail the blubbering woman, she is too focused on clinging to her steadfast partner.
"Mrs. Mills," a faceless voice begins cautiously, "your little girl is breathing on her own. She's stable."
Filled with more joy than, she is certain, the human brain is capable of processing at one time the queen cries fresh tears of relief, gratitude, happiness, hope and more positive emotions than she can identify.
"She's breathing," Regina repeats, her voice cracking slightly. She continues to cradle her love, who appears to have already been informed of the news. Clearly the queen still needs to process this news as she works through the information out loud. "They're both breathing."
"Are you all right, Your Majesty?" asks a concerned EMT.
Reluctantly, Regina relaxes her near vice-grip on her wife; slowly separating their bodies. She pets Emma's tear-streaked face in unspoken understanding as Emma's hands maintain their hold on her arms.
Regina replies with an innocent request. "Can we hold them?"
"I'm afraid we need to move your wife to the ambulance. Because of the stress of the delivery and the fact that she hemorrhaged, she needs to be under a doctor's supervision."
Regina turns her attention back to Emma, who is lightly caressing her arm in reassurance. Focusing on the undeniable strength of her wife, she rejects fear. Without averting her gaze, she quietly requests, "Please take care of her."
"I promise. We'll take excellent care of her."
Before her brave wife is transferred to the stretcher, Regina hugs her again and kisses her forehead. "I love you, Emma. I have never been prouder of you."
Emma maintains hold of her wife's hand until they begin to move her.
Suddenly cold, Regina wraps her arms around her middle. She knows that this separation is temporary, but she is still left with the longing of someone to cling to.
As if reading her mind, the friendly EMT who had taken possession of her daughter earlier interjects.
"Your Majesty, would you like to hold her daughter?"
She had never believed in love at first sight before, but now Regina Mills is certain that such a thing exists.
"I don't"—she hesitates—"my wife should hold her first."
"Are you sure?"
Regina wonders if this woman is a trained professional after all, she seems to be more like a stranger with candy.
She really wants that candy. Even before first contact with her child, Regina smiles in anticipation.
"Here's your mama," the lady narrates as she places the swaddled newborn in her very over-protective mother's arms.
This is what life is all about, Regina remembers. She is holding her child, the life entrusted to her that she has sworn to protect. This little person is part of her, part of Emma. This is everything.
Through a steady stream of tears, Regina half-heartedly scolds, "Don't you ever scare me like that again."
As if in response, the baby lets out a tiny whine.
Regina expertly pacifies her child, instantly quieting her baby. "I can't live if anything happened to you."
"She may be smaller than her sister, but she's a very strong little girl."
"She takes after her mother." Regina's pride is unmistakable. "Do you want to see Mommy?"
Her stretcher half-way into the hall, Emma had craned her neck to watch Regina's first interaction with their youngest daughter.
Regina has only a few seconds to introduce their baby to her other mother, before the team of emergency responders begin guiding the stretcher down the stairs. She is only too pleased to see her father-in-law, and acting sheriff, aiding in the process.
Entirely uncharacteristic of the hard-hearted queen, Regina continues to coo at the little life in her arms. "It's all right, my girl. Your mother's going to be just fine." When the child fusses, she begins slowly rocking her. "I've got you, sweetheart. I'm taking care of you now."
She had been so engaged by the interaction with her newborn that Regina didn't notice her mother-in-law sidling up beside her.
"Congratulations."
The combination of the gentle rocking and the weight of her baby in her arms initiate a peaceful smile. "Thank you, Snow."
"How are you doing?" She can only imagine how much of a toll the scary situation surrounding the birth of her youngest grandchild had taken on the former villain.
Her serenity unwavering, the queen responds, "Amazing." "How's my other baby?"
Snow White beams at sleepy child in her arms. "She's a very relaxed little girl."
The proud mother's smile mimics her former adversary's. "Do you love your grandma?"
When Mary Margaret catches her friend's eyes, Regina breaks the contented silence.
"Thank you…for taking care of Emma."
"Regina, you did everything." Her tone reflects sincere admiration. "You kept her strong." She looks at the sleepy nugget in her care. "I was just there to catch this one."
Though she would deny it if any one ever brought it to her attention, the queen emits a tiny giggle. Catching her bottom lip between her teeth, Regina gazes in adoration at the child she came so close to losing.
"That's a good look on you."
Realizing she has just been caught doing something less than distinctive of a monarch, Regina acts as though the observation was only her friend's imagination. "What?"
"You're in love."
That simple statement uttered by the one person besides her wife, who knows her best, melts the notoriously icy queen's heart.
"Yes, I am." Her youngest truly is the most precious thing her eyes have ever beheld, Regina thinks as she continues to rock her dozing baby.
Not a minute too soon, the tender moment is suspended.
"Your Majesty, are you ready?"
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The exhausted mothers slept very little after arriving at the hospital, their newborn children requiring a lot of attention. But both Emma and Regina wouldn't have it any other way. Though they had been fearful at first, now they are ecstatic about the twin's early arrival.
As their babies continue to breastfeed, Emma comments to her wife,
"I don't think I'll ever get tired of staring at them."
"Me neither," Regina concurs. She is posed on the edge of the bed, in her favorite position, with her family cradled in her arms. The close proximity helped Regina detect something weighing heavily on her wife's mind. "What's wrong, honey?"
"I was so scared." The admission is only a whisper.
Regina gently rests her chin on her wife's shoulder. "I know."
Encouraged by her partner's understanding, Emma expresses the pain in her heart. "Today, I heard words that I never want to hear again about one of my kids." Regina lifts her chin to place a kiss on the favored shoulder. "And when you fainted,"—the admission is almost too painful to continue—"I fell apart." Regina begins to stroke soft locks in hopes of calming her princess. "My wife and my baby were unconscious." She is crying now. "I thought I was going to die."
Regina rests her head against Emma's. "I'm sorry."
"It's not your fault." She quickly recognizes that she should keep her emotions in check when she's breastfeeding two. "Oh, shit." There is no feeling more annoying than a runny nose and no way to remedy it.
"I've got it," Regina announces, slipping off the adjustable mattress and pilfering tissues from a conveniently located box.
As Regina quickly resolves the situation, both women begin laughing at their silliness—they are both a little loopy; running on less than four hours of sleep will do that. It becomes clear that not everyone is so amused. The youngest of the Mills children had a rough day to begin with, she is not at all happy about the interruption of her meal.
"Oh, honey…" Regina soothes as she careful guides her sweet baby's mouth back to her mother's nipple. "There."
Once everyone is settled, both women willingly fall under the spell of their newborns again. They realized long ago that their children's needs, will always come before their own.
"They look like you," Regina happily surveys.
Emma hadn't even entertained the thought that the twins might resemble her. She would be fulfilled if all of her girls looked like their brunette mother. When she becomes aware of her own smile, she cheerfully accepts, "I guess, they kind of do." Upon closer inspection, she spots a clear difference. "But, I think they have your nose."
"I want them to look like you."
The family rests in the comfort and protection of each other for the next several minutes, enough time for the satisfied twins to drift off.
"I know this should come as no surprise," Emma remarks, "but I can't believe how much I love them."
"I can't believe it either," Regina agrees. "Just when I thought I couldn't possibly love them any more…"
"We met them."
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Promptly at eight, the Charmings arrive with their son, grandson, and very unhappy granddaughter in toe. It had been a great feet for Snow White to stay away from her daughter and new granddaughters for the last several hours, after accompanying them to the hospital that morning, but she respected that the couple desired some privacy in order to bond with their children and be with each other.
Henry had never been this close to newborns and expresses his awe. "Oh, wow. They're so tiny."
David coaxes the little girl in his arms. "See? There's Mommy."
When Charlie removes her face from its hiding spot, against her grandfather's shoulder, Regina's heart skips a beat as she detects that her daughter had been crying. She addresses David. "Would you like to meet your new granddaughter?"
David sets the little girl on the tile floor, before accepting his littlest grandchild.
"This is Stella."
The normally macho prince is instantly reduced to a bundle of fluff as he interacts with the newborn. "Hi, Stella…"
Understanding that her baby is in the very capable hands of her protective grandfather, Regina's eyes fix on the little cherub, who will always be her special girl. "Now, I need to hold my other baby."
Charlie doesn't even wait for her mother to crouch to her level. She must be held, now!
"Oh, sweetheart,"—she begins rocking the little girl—"were you scared?"
At that, Charlie tightens her hold, inducing the same action from Regina, who continues to speak soft words of reassurance.
Poor little Neal remains close to his mother. As much as he wants to wrap his arms around Regina's leg, as he so often does, he understands that Charlie takes priority.
"Congratulations Mom."
"Thanks kid." Emma kisses her firstborn's cheek when he leans down to her level. "You did such a good job taking care of me."
"It was the least I could do," the suddenly shy young man replies.
"Not the least," Emma emphasizes. When she notices Henry's intent gaze, she recognizes his unspoken desire. "Do you want to hold your sister?"
"Yeah," he answers a little too eagerly. Of course he wants to hold his new sister, but he isn't sure if he is qualified since this would be his first time holding an infant.
"Hey, baby girl, this is your big brother Henry."
Encouraged by his mother's trust, Henry accepts the role of protector. Any remaining anxiety is vanquished the second his sister relaxes in his arms.
"Her name is Erica."
Henry sticks to a preferred title as he greets the little girl. "Hi, baby sister."
Though Charlie is still not happy about being separated from her mothers during the night, her curiosity gets the best of her as she rests on her mother's hip, taking in the whole scene.
"Do you want to give Mommy a kiss?"
Emma reaches from her position on the bed, making a "give me" gesture with her hands. She always did know how to win over her baby. The little girl beams, any fear or resentment having dissolved. She wants her mama.
Both mothers simultaneously shower their child with affection to their little girl's delight, hoping to communicate that the twins have not taken her place in their hearts.
"Charlie, you'll be staying with Grandma and Grandpa tonight, because your mother and I have to stay here with your sisters."
"Henry." She didn't waste any time making her wishes known.
"Henry's going to stay at our house," Regina informs.
"I want to stay with Henry."
"It's okay, Mom. I can take care of Charlie." He wonders if the day will come when he ceases to be amazed at how much confidence his sisters give him.
"Are you sure?"
"Sure. We'll have fun together."
"Just don't set anything on fire, please," Emma teases. Unbeknownst to her, as Regina's daughters grow this will prove to be a very real potential.
"We won't do anything irresponsible Mom."
Understanding that her wife is already on board, Regina agrees.
"And you can always call us if you need anything," Henry's grandmother reminds.
"Uh-oh, someone's not happy," David observes. "Do you want to go back to Mommy?"
"I've got you, kiddo." Emma tries, in vain to quiet little Stella. "She's probably hungry."
"Then we should leave you alone," Mary Margaret announces to her family.
Charlie doesn't like that suggestion at all and hides her face in her brunette mother's neck.
"I know, my baby," Regina empathizes. "I know you're tired." As she rubs soft circles on Charlie's back, she tries to think of a way to lessen the pain of prolonged separation. She is Emma's child…, Regina thinks. "Has she eaten anything?"
"She just woke up," David enlightens. "We wanted to visit before heading to Granny's."
"Can you be my brave girl and go with your grandparents?"
Seeing that Henry's attention is divided, Emma suggests, "I'll take her. You go eat."
Henry easily transfers Erica, who is beginning to fuss along with her twin sister, to his mother's free arm.
Perhaps, Regina hopes, all of her children's appetites are in sync. "Are you hungry?" She understands that Charlie is going to require a bit of convincing. "I think you'll feel better if you have some breakfast."
David follows his daughter-in-law's lead. "You can have anything you want."
Seizing his opportunity to shine, Henry interjects, "Do want to come to me, Charlie?"
"Can you go to your brother?" That gentle urging was all she needed. "That's my good girl." Regina kisses her baby's cheek. "I love you." She wraps an arm around her grown son. "Take care of her."
"I will."
Regina is startled by a sudden force against her leg. Thankfully, a welcomed sight beams up at her. No words were necessary, as the two shared a special connection. The queen lifts her favorite little man into her arms, proceeding to pepper his face with kisses as the overjoyed child squeals.
Snow White uses the distraction to her advantage and communicates her endless support to the woman who will always be her baby.
"Thanks Mom."
"Do you want us to bring you anything?"
"You wouldn't mind?"
"Of course, we wouldn't mind."
Hearing this exchange, Regina chimes in. "Hang on, let me find my purse."
"We'll take care of it," David guarantees, not expecting repayment.
Regina knows her in-laws well enough to know that they would only refuse if she offered to pay them back.
"Are you sure?"
"We insist," Snow harmonizes. "What can we get you?"
"I'll just take my usual," Emma requests.
"Regina?"
"Her usual."
David relieves Regina of his enchanted son. "We'll be back as soon as we can."
"Don't worry about rushing," Emma reminds. "I'm going to feed them first."
Mary Margaret places a single kiss on her daughter's forehead. "I'll be back to check on you."
"Thanks, Mom."
Charlie waves to her blonde mother. "Bye Mommy."
"Bye Charlie. I love you."
"Bye, my baby." Regina is glad that there is no limit to how many kisses she can give her children. Plus, they make Charlie giggle; there is nothing cuter. "I'll see you soon, my love." Next, she kisses her son. "I'm proud of you."
"Thanks Mom."
"I love you both."
"We love you too," Henry replies.
"Let us know if you need anything else."
"Thank you, David."
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Later that afternoon, the exhausted parents finally have a short period of peace.
"Now that they're asleep, maybe we can get some rest."
"That's a good idea," Regina concurs. "I feel as though I've been awake for days," she remarks through a yawn—definitely unexpected of someone with her upbringing. "I can't imagine how exhausted you must be." Her wife's love had freed her from the shackles of her past. Now she could simply be. And, right now, Regina is one very tired human.
They are grateful for the private room, which is only appropriate given the family's status in the town. With their daughters asleep, Regina turns off the obnoxious artificial light and settles in the recliner next to Emma's bed.
"I think this could fit us both."
"Are you sure?" The recliner is actually quite satisfactory considering…, but it is not at all ideal given everything the new parents have been through in the last twenty-four hours.
"I'm so tired, I could probably fall asleep without you," Emma admits. She quickly adds, "But I don't want to."
Needing no further explanation Regina sidles up behind her beloved. "You never have to." She wraps a single arm around her wife. "Are you comfortable?"
"Can you hold me tighter?"
Regina closes any remaining distance between them, hugging her woman close. "I've got you."
"I know things didn't go as planned today, but…we did it." Just before sleep claims her, she adds, "We did it right, this time."
"Yes we did."
After two years, I am finally marking this story as complete. Thank you for following, supporting and loving this story. I couldn't have finished it without you :)