"Today, we push forward, the beginning to a brighter future for teens that have been neglected and left behind in the foster system. A safe haven and a place where they can turn to and hopefully find a family of their own. We are here to guide them toward a brighter future and offer an opportunity instead of drowning in a broken system where there is no way out, no matter how much effort is involved. I am so proud and honored to finally open this facility after three long years in the making."

The crowd applauds their approval while the press flash an obscene amount of cameras in Regina's face, along with everyone else who is standing in front of the new building. She smiles, that beautiful heartfelt smile for the public and pivots on her high stilettos so she can cut the red ribbon and officially open Wonderland; named after Tilly.

With a small team and a lot of Emma's patience, Regina was able to create a home for teens who have been neglected in the foster system. The whole project is to keep the young adults off the streets, in hopes that one day they won't turn to drugs or alcohol. The facility was developed to resemble an apartment building with one bedroom studios. The building contains a common room for the teens to hang out together and really develop relationships, a fitness center and an office for Dr. Hopper to help counsel each and every person that stays there.

Regina herself would be more than capable to fund the entire facility, however, there were quite a few celebrities that also pitched in to help contribute to keep the facility up and running for teens from the ages of fifteen to eighteen. Once a teen turns eighteen, they are more than welcome to stay, so long as they maintain a part time job while continuing school and paying a small rent fee of one hundred dollars a month, just to help them understand responsibility and prepare them for the real world.

"What do you think?" Regina timidly questions, her pinky finger finding comfort in Emma's as she attempts to read Tilly's expression.

"I think it's beautiful," she breathlessly whispers. "And I love the name, it's a classic," she laughs lightly and steps around the couple to continue touring the building by herself.

"I am so proud of you, really this is amazing," Emma gushes, even though she has been by Regina's side every step of the way and helped with a lot of the decisions through the journey.

"Thank you, for everything," she whispers, gently cupping those pale cheeks and leaning in for a sweet kiss that lingers for a moment, even if the press is snapping picture after picture of them.

After three years of being official in the spotlight, Emma has grown accustomed to the paparazzi always following them around. When they planned their wedding, they decided on a private event on an island with a few close friends and lucky for them, they were secluded enough that nothing was leaked to the public. It's been two years of marriage with a brand new home that they purchased together, leaving Mary Margret and Guy the house Emma and her mom invested in together and four years sober for Regina. Every year on Henry's birthday, Emma still buys a cake for Regina as well, with a number candle that signifies how many years sober she is and that cake means more to Regina than any other cake she has ever received for a birthday. She looks forward to that cake every year and it's just another thing that keeps her motivated for another year sober.

"I am so proud of you, honey," Mary Margaret praises, effectively breaking apart the two lovebirds as she usually does these days. "All of this is just so wonderful." She steps forward, tugging her daughter in law flush against her body, knocking the wind right out of Regina's lungs.

"Thanks ma," Regina softly murmurs, gently wrapping her arms around the dainty woman and relishing in the motherly love washing over her. Even though it's been three years since she's last spoken to her own mother, every day seems to hurt a lot less with Mary Margaret by her side.

"Truly wonderful," Guy compliments as he presses a small kiss to Regina's temple while his girlfriend continues to squeeze the singer.

"Our turn, our turn," Jefferson teases as he weasels his way into Regina's embrace with Ruby right alongside of him. "You really out did yourself, didn't you baby girl? This is all so spectacular."

"Thanks Jeff," she exhales against his broad chest and still thanks her lucky stars for this man in her life.

"Ruby, how's Henry?" Regina inquires as the lanky brunette offers a quick hug as well.

"Just fine." She pulls out her phone with this dopey grin plastered across her face. "She just sent me this picture with the three of them," she swoons, still head over heels as ever for that blue-eyed beauty.

Regina and Emma lean into Ruby's side and smile a mile wide when they observe the sweetest picture of Belle, Henry and the most precious three month old baby girl with raven locks and sparkling blue eyes just like her mother, all taking a selfie together.

About one year ago, Ruby and Belle decided they wanted to start a family together, even if Regina and Emma urged them to marry first. However, both women aren't keen on labels, both free spirited souls which meant they both weren't concerned with a big fancy wedding. Since Ruby still works a lot of hours for Regina and Belle's job as a bartender is very flexible, Belle was the one who carried their baby girl, Scarlett.

"They are so adorable," Regina breathlessly whispers, her eyes lingering between Henry and Scarlett and reminding her how big her son is now.

"Uh, nope," Emma suddenly pipes up, shoving Ruby's phone away. "I can't. Henry looks huge compared to her and I could've sworn he was just that small."

"Yeah...that was like a solid eight years ago," Ruby mocks, provoking a deep groan to erupt from Emma's mouth as she rolls her eyes and sulks.

"Stop," she whines, but her childish behavior doesn't last too long before her mother chimes in.

"Well then maybe it's about time you gift me more grandchildren," she firmly states, her eyes dancing with the prospect of more babies.

"Isn't there some huge event we should be apart of?" Emma feigns oblivious as she quickly shuffles away from the group and heads toward the facility without another word spoken on the matter.

XXXXXXXXX

"Thanks again for watching Henry," Emma says as she places one last kiss to Scarlett's chubby cheek and hands her over to Ruby, who is already flashing a thousand watt smile at her baby girl while a certain shaggy dog is watching the exchange closely.

"Anytime Ems," Belle happily states, ruffling Henry's shaggy, chestnut locks that drive his mother and Regina a little mad from always hanging in his eyes.

"Alright, I'll see you two Monday evening on set," Ruby announces as they step onto the porch and wave their goodbyes for the evening.

Regina softly closes the door behind their friends and slowly exhales a deep sigh of relief that everything went smoothly today. "Did you have fun with Belle and Scarlett," she tenderly inquires, pushing off the door and gently sweeping her fingertips across Henry's forehead so she can peer into those dark green eyes.

"A-yup! Scarlett actually giggles now, she's more fun this way," he chuckles while Regina and his mother smile down upon his ever growing face.

"The older she gets the more you'll enjoy her, kid," Emma explains, running her hand through his hair and frowning at the length. "You need a haircut," she mutters, for what seems like the hundredth time this week, forcing her eight year old to jerk away from her touch.

"I like my hair like this," he insists, shuffling away from the foyer to retrieve his DS on the couch, with Lola trailing obediently behind, because ever since the day she was introduced to the new home she has been glued to Henry's side.

"Nuh-uh, small child, you have homework," she states with her most authoritative tone while she folds her arms across her chest.

"But mom," he whines, spinning around on his heels to begin their on going battle of dominance in their relationship. "It's Saturday and I can do it tomorrow."

"I rather have you do it now and get it over with. It should've been done last night, but we decided to take you to see the project Regina has been working on."

"I still think I should've went today. It would be so cool to be famous like you and Regina. It's not fair," he whines yet again. "You guys get to do everything and I always have to stay home."

"Henry, we are just trying to protect you. We've been through this," Emma exasperates, because honestly, ever since Henry started school, his classmates and their families have always bombarded Henry with information regarding his famous stepmom and he has always been a little envious that he can't be as cool and famous as she is. "Anyways, that's not what we are discussing now. Homework, go get it done."

"But mom-"

"Henry, please stopping arguing with your mother and just listen," Regina interrupts knowing that both mother and son are too stubborn to drop the argument without a good fight.

He groans, just like he always does, because apparently turning eight these days actually feels like turning thirteen, and Emma and Regina have been trying their best to keep his emotions in check. Truthfully, he's not that spoiled and he does have chores and rules in the house, but dear god is he moody and always ready to put up a fight. And every time Emma complains to her mother about her son's attitude, she laughs and says, "yup, I remember those days". So, at least they know that Henry's not the only one with an attitude and they aren't just terrible parents.

Henry stomps toward the dining room to start his homework while Regina and Emma follow along toward the kitchen to prepare dinner together like they do most evenings so long as one of them isn't working.

"So," Regina starts off the conversation casually, but Emma knows her wife well enough to know there's suspicious intent behind her words.

"So," she deadpans, drifting through the kitchen to gather their necessities for taco night.

"Are you going to rudely ignore your mother every time she makes a comment about babies?" She timidly investigates, knowing it's a very sore subject that always leaves her feeling like she's tiptoeing on eggshells.

Emma sighs heavily, like there's this extra weight crushing her lungs and she just wishes she could find some relief from the pressure, because it's been far too long now. "I just...don't think it's anyone's damn business. It's between you and I and I really don't need everyone else's opinion on the matter," she bitterly bites out and no amount of therapy seems to be helping ease the tension.

Regina sighs and slowly steps behind her wife's rigid body, pressing her front against Emma's back, effectively pinning her to the counter as she presses a tender kiss to her shoulder.

"I understand, but Em, she's your mother. You need to stop snapping at her," she whispers so softly, brushing away the long blonde hair to rest over one shoulder so she can place another loving kiss to her wife's neck. "Maybe if you tell her what's been going on, maybe she will stop pestering us. She's your mother and you two usually share everything."

Emma sags heavily against Regina's familiar warmth and sighs out her relief because the pain does subside whenever Regina is holding her so close. "I know, but...I just have a hard time talking about it to anyone besides you. It takes a lot for me to even discuss it with Archie."

Right when Emma thought the couple sessions could end with Dr. Hopper, they were hit with something neither one was ready for. Regina still continues to see Archie once a week for herself and maybe it's the simple routine that makes her feel grounded and safe from relapsing, but she will proceed with whatever schedule that makes her feel protected from the disease. However, sometimes Emma visits Archie alone and sometimes she asks Regina to come along, either way, she doesn't mind the extra therapy session a week, so long as Emma needs her, she vows to always be by her side.

"Em, look at me," she gently requests, encouraging Emma to set down her knife and spin around in Regina's embrace. "It's been really hard on both of us and I understand that two miscarriages back to back must be even harder for you since it was your body-"

"I know, but they were your babies too," she chokes on her own words with those pesky tears filling her eyes like they do every time they discuss this nightmare of a topic.

They had decided right after they were wed that since Regina was still starring in her medical drama, that it would be wise if Emma would carry their baby. It was ideal, because she could still continue to work and Regina didn't have to worry about screwing up the plot of the show with her ever growing bump and they were ecstatic. Both women were overjoyed with baby fever, discussing themes, names and everything under the moon with every person they knew. When Emma found out she was pregnant, they immediately called every loved one. Unfortunately, fate took a twisted turn and when Emma was three months pregnant, she lost the baby.

It was horrific for everyone around them and both women had a very hard time bouncing back from the loss. Yet, as soon as Emma's body was cleared to try again, they did, without a moment of hesitation, except this time, they kept their lips sealed on the matter and refused to tell a soul that they were trying again. Emma found out she was pregnant again on the first try, and this time she made it one week longer than her previous pregnancy before she lost the baby again. Regina paid for every procedure to see if they could figure out if it was something in Emma's body, but all they came up with was that it was just nature because all her test results were normal.

Maybe Regina was so concerned with Emma's feelings, but she didn't relapse during their horrendous time, in fact, she didn't even think about it once. And despite everything, Emma noticed and made it a point to express how proud she was of Regina.

"I know they were my babies too, but it was a lot for your body and knowing that you-"

"Mom?" Henry's voice booms through their home and slices through their private moment, unknowingly.

"I'll go," Regina whispers and presses a sweet kiss to her lips. "I know you hate when he sees you crying."

Emma nods along and quickly wipes away her tears as her wife exits the kitchen. She wishes she could be stronger for them, but it kills her everyday that she will never have a chance to know those beautiful babies. She had a very hard time with Neal's passing and it seems that maybe she doesn't handle loss quite as well as she does with other tragedies in life. She always thought of herself as a strong woman, but this has really taken its toll on her.

"Where's mom?" Henry questions the moment he spots his stepmother entering the dining room.

"She's cooking," she nonchalantly replies and steps beside him, peering over his shoulder to inspect his math homework. "What's wrong?"

"I don't get this problem," he grumbles, slamming his pencil against his workbook. "It doesn't make sense. I have to fill in these blanks using the chart, but the chart is blank."

Regina furrows her brows and slides into the chair beside him as she snatches up the sheet and reads everything over. "Well, first, I think it would be wise if you take the information provided by the questions to fill out as much of the chart as possible."

Henry nibbles on the corner of his lip and quickly begins filling out the chart like Regina instructed. He peeks through his long lashes and waits for more guidance to proceed.

"I believe the next part, is all guess and check. It seems a little ridiculous for someone your age to figure this out by guessing, but there's no mathematical explanation for the process," she huffs in annoyance as her eyes roam over the sheet once more.

She folds her arms over the dining room table and waits patiently for Henry to work out the problems on his own. He talks to himself as he comes up with reasonable explanations, all while Regina smiles down upon the cute little crinkle in his forehead from concentrating so hard.

"Is this right?" He optimistically asks, holding the paper up so she can read over his answers.

"Perfect," she proudly states while planting a loving kiss to the top of his head.

"Thanks mom," he sweetly responds, bumping his head against her shoulder playfully, until the phrase replays in both their minds and causes them both to stiffen. "Bah...uh...Regina," he stammers to correct himself, causing a deep blush to corrupt his cheeks.

"That's alright Henry," she says, even though her voice just cracked and her heart is racing and pumping adrenaline through her veins. "You know you can call me whatever you feel comfortable with," she reiterates, because they have had this discussion several times, mostly when Emma and Regina were first wed, because he was a very confused little boy.

Except he always stuck with Regina, maybe out of habit, maybe out of comfort, and Regina was fine with it, because in the end it's whatever makes him feel comfortable with another parent in his life and that's never going to change the love and bond they do share. After all, the first five years of his life were just his mom and grandma and Regina would never want to step on any toes.

"I know. It just slipped out," he shyly explains, ducking his head down to hide away from the embarrassment staining his cheeks.

"It's okay, nothing to be embarrassed about," she reassures him and pulls him close to her chest as she kisses the top of his head again. "Whatever slips out is fine by me, because you'll always be my little man and I love you."

"I love you too, Gina," he shyly whispers, the cute little nickname always spilling passed his lips whenever he says, I love you.

"You better, mister," she teases lightly and slowly pulls away from their embrace. "Okay, finish up your homework while I check on your mother to make sure she doesn't burn down the kitchen."

"It was one time," Henry chuckles, sounding exactly like his mother whenever she defends herself with this past story.

"I know. I know, it was the bag of popcorn's fault," she muses, ruffling his hair until it's sticking out in every which way.

She struts happily into the kitchen, where Emma has already started preparing the meat and has her back turned. She smirks to herself and sneaks up behind her wife, startling her almost right out of her shoes.

"Jeez! You scared me," she breathes out rapidly and peeks over her shoulder to find utter smugness consuming her wife's entire face. "What happened?"

Regina wraps her arms around Emma's waist and peppers her neck with warm, sensual kisses. "Henry called me mom," she whispers and it's impossible to hold back the giddiness lacing her words.

"Seriously?" Emma abruptly spins around, her hands immediately drawn to the round bottom that she uses as leverage to tug her wife closer. "What did he say?"

"I helped him with his homework and then he said thanks, mom," she ecstatically explains, watching in amusement as Emma's stunning green eyes sparkle with excitement. "He quickly tried to cover it up and then I told him, whatever makes him feel comfortable. I don't ever want to push."

"I know, but you've been around since he was two, that's six years now. You always play with him, help him with homework, kiss his scraped knees, tuck him in every night, right beside me. You deserve that title," Emma sincerely states, causing Regina to drop her gaze to the floor because this subject always seems to make her feel overwhelmed and shy all at the same time.

"Just because I am a second parent in his life, doesn't mean that he has to call me mom. You are his mother."

"And so are you, now," Emma tenderly whispers, nudging her nose against Regina's before she captures those full lips. "I think he will on his own time. I think we have done the right thing, allowing him to come around on his own terms."

"I couldn't agree more."

XXXXXXXXX

She closes her eyes and allows the familiar melody to wash over her and drift her mind back to a time where it all began. She sighs, happy, content, but more importantly in love. Her eyes flutter to life, sparkling with adoration as she pushes off the doorframe and saunters into the music room.

"Piano man he makes his stand, in the auditorium. Looking on she sings the songs. The words she knows, the tune she hums."

"Well listen to you," Regina praises with an ever growing smile as she slides onto the bench beside Henry. His fingers slowly shy away from the piano while his cheeks burn through every pigment of red known to mankind. "Sounds like you finally memorized the whole song by yourself," she compliments and kisses the top of his head to ensure her love and how proud she truly is of him.

"I think so," he murmurs, shrugging his shoulders as his fingers sneak back onto the keys. He gently presses down and closes his eyes to pretend like Regina isn't sitting right beside him, because he's painfully shy and does so much better without an audience. "But oh how it feels so real-"

Regina's fingers dance along the piano to play along as she sings, "lying here with no one near."

"Only you and you can hear me," Henry whispers with his eyes still closed and Regina just melts inside for how much she adores him. "When I say softly, slowly."

"Hold me close," Regina and Henry sing softly in unison as they both play the piano together, except someone barges in and ruins the moment.

"Oh Tony Danza!" Emma enthusiastically shouts, leaping into the room and startling both Regina and Henry.

"You're so embarrassing, mom," Henry mutters under his breath and shakes his head.

"Did you honestly have to ruin the moment? Henry was doing so well on the piano," Regina praises while Emma chuckles and drops a kiss on top of her son's head.

"Sorry, kid. I had to. It's been awhile since I teased about that song. But seriously, you sounded amazing. I am so proud of you," she raves, kissing his head just once more before he slinks away from her.

"Thank you," he shyly whispers, gazing heavily upon the keys again.

"Okay, lets start again, Henry," Regina encourages and he doesn't even skip a beat before his fingers dance to the perfect rhythm again and they are singing softly together.

XXXXXXXXX

"Good night Henry, we love you," Emma sing songs as she does every night before her and Regina step back into the hallway.

"Wait mom!" Henry abruptly calls out as she flips the light switch off, prompting Lola to peek up from her spot at the foot of the bed to check his safety. "Can...can I, uh...talk to you a minute...alone?" He shyly questions, his eyes just barely peeking out from under his comforter.

Emma glances back at Regina for a brief moment, but there's nothing but a genuine smile gracing her wife's face. "Good night, Henry," she softly says, which the eight year immediately shouts back to her before she steps down the hall and disappears into the master bedroom.

"What's up, kid?" Emma happily asks, bouncing through his room and sitting at the edge of his bed, mindlessly patting Lola's head and ensuring her that Henry is alright.

"I-I called Regina, mom, today," he whispers under his breath like he doesn't actually want his mother to hear his confession.

"I know," she nonchalantly replies, "she told me." She reaches through the night and runs her fingers through his hair. "You know you don't have to feel embarrassed by it."

"I know Regina wants me to call her mom, but like um...are you okay with it?"

She frowns at the compassion wobbling in her son's voice and proceeds to tread her fingers lovingly through his hair for comfort. "Of course I'm okay with it. Why wouldn't I be, bud?"

"I-I don't know. Your my mom and I don't want you to feel bad."

"Oh Henry," she coos, bending down to place a gentle kiss to his forehead. "I won't feel bad. I know I'm your mom and I know that you love me and what we share is very special. You're my best friend and nothing could ever change that, okay?" He nods, while she watches his cheeks burn crimson even for how dark it is in his room this evening. "Let me ask you something?"

"Okay..."

"Do you want to call Regina, mom? Or do you feel like you have to?" She tenderly questions, hovering right above his nose as she peers deep into his eyes.

"I want to."

"Why?"

"Umm...I don't know," he mumbles, shrugging his tiny shoulders, but she holds his gaze waiting for him to explain. "Because she takes care of me, like you do. And I just...I don't know, she feels like my mom, too. I don't remember my life without her around. She's always been there," he mumbles quietly and Emma smiles knowing that he doesn't remember the year apart when Regina was in rehab or that time they never speak of when Regina was struggling with pills.

"She has always been there and she has loved you from day one. You kind of stole her heart and turned her into a big softy," she teases, her giddy grin dancing across her face which instantly produces a matching smile upon her son's face. "She was all cranky when I first met her and then I brought you around and she turned to putty. She loves you so much Henry and you probably feel like she's a mom to you, because she looks at you like you are her son. She doesn't see official labels or feels the different blood running through your veins. All she sees, is her son, a handsome boy that she loves with all her heart."

"But...you're sure it doesn't bother you?" He timidly repeats just one more time to ensure his little heart.

"I swear," she vows, leaning in one more time to kiss his forehead. "I love that you love her enough to call her mom," she whispers so delicately before she kisses his head again and slowly pulls away. "Feel better?"

"Yes," he nods happily and smiles from ear to ear. "I'm going to start calling her mom from now on."

"Perfect, good night bud. I love you and I'll see you in the morning," she says as she steals Woody from the nightstand and tucks him into her son's side for comfort.

"Night mom, I love you, too."

Emma smiles, fully proud of herself for the love and family she created as she leaves her son's room. She is practically skipping her joy back to her bedroom and quickly shuts the door behind her, so excited to retell the conversation she had moments ago with her son. When she turns around, she finds the bedroom empty, which produces a deep frown upon her lips because she watched Regina disappear in here.

"Regina?" She calls out softly, scurrying toward their ensuite. "Regina?" She calls through the closed door, knocking softly against the heavy wood.

"Uh...just a minute," her wife calls out and she isn't ignorant to the panic stealing Regina's voice away.

"What's going on? Can you open the door?" She quickly requests, her heart for some strange reason thumping a tad harder from the unknown.

"Yeah...uh...just a second," comes muffled through the door, along with some ruffling around which doesn't help alleviate the panic starting to ripple through Emma's system. Maybe twenty seconds later, which feels like a lifetime to Emma, the bathroom door is swinging open and revealing a disheveled Regina, sporting a rather deep shade of red across her cheeks. "Hey."

"What's...going on?" She skeptically investigates as her eyes trail behind her wife for any suspicious activity.

Regina inhales sharply and Emma knows it's that kind of breath that stings her lungs and crackles in her chest. "I know you wanted me to wait, but I couldn't any longer," she breathes out in a rush, provoking Emma's brows to pinch together in confusion.

Regina carefully slips one hand into Emma's and guides her into the ensuite, forcing Emma's heart to fiercely bang against her sternum. Her wife slowly removes one hand from behind her back to reveal a pregnancy test and just like that Emma's heart stops beating and free falls into the pit of her stomach. She closes her eyes immediately, because she isn't sure if she even wants to know.

"I'm pregnant," Regina delicately whispers and Emma knows she's just ghosting over her lips from the warmth of her breath tingling against her flesh. Emma squeezes her eyes even tighter and she fights off all the emotions bubbling up to the surface, but then her wife is brushing her velvety lips against her own and washing away all her fears. "And I know you had your heart set on carrying again-"

"No," she firmly states, stealing the rest of Regina's words right off her tongue. "I had my heart set on raising a baby with you. It doesn't matter to me who carries. As much as this kills me to say, maybe those other babies weren't meant to be, maybe it's best I didn't carry to term, maybe something was wrong and I wouldn't want them to suffer through life," she confesses, with hot tears gliding down her cheeks. "It doesn't matter how we get our next baby, as long as I have you by my side."

Regina pouts, cupping wet cheeks as she wipes away the tears coating Emma's face. "I love you," she chokes out, enclosing the minimal gap between them to lovingly capture Emma's dainty lips.

"I love you, too," she vows, tugging her wife flush against her body. "This one is going to make it, I can feel it," she whispers.

"We are all going to make it," Regina promises with all her heart and seals her declaration with a soft kiss.

A/N: Oh boy, what an emotional roller coaster this story was, but I hope I was able to help people understand addiction. It's messy and it's hard and I just thought it was something that needed to be talked about. I want to thank everyone who stuck it out and stayed with this story from beginning to end. I am so attached to these characters that I kept putting off this ending because I couldn't say goodbye. You guys are all so important to me and my motivation to write, so thank you oh so very much for all the love support.