Regina woke up and smiled. Today was the day her baby had her Christmas pageant at the daycare. She loved the little shows the kids all put on. Emma got to play Cindy Lou Who this year as her age group did Where Are You Christmas. Regina was thrilled to see the final production as Kat had been rehearsing with Emma, her daughter insisting it had to be a surprise.

"Emma, baby bean, it's time to get up."

Emma groaned and rolled over, covering her head with her comforter.

"Come on, sleepy head. It's pageant day."

"Daddy is coming to see me!" Emma threw off the covers and went to race out of bed, but Regina caught her and set her back on it, chocolate eyes meeting viridian.

"Baby, remember what we talked about? You've got to be happy doing what you're doing. If your daddy comes, it's a bonus. If he doesn't, you still had fun."

Emma squirmed and wriggled to be released. "Yeah, yeah. Daddy's coming. I just know."

"For your sake, I hope so," Regina muttered and shook her head. Grace was performing with Emma so there was a good chance Jeff would come, but Regina didn't want to depend on Grace being there in order for the man to see his child.

Kat came over after breakfast and found Emma looking at her little kindness elves. Emma had freaked out at Elf on the Shelf, crying hysterically until the offending doll was removed from the house. Regina found the kindness elves on accident and decided praising and suggesting acts of kindness all month was a much better production than a naughty elf who terrorized her baby.

"Auntie Kat, did you find Max?"

"Yup, he's in my car just waiting on you to get ready. Let's do your hair up shall we?"

"Don't pull this time. I need my head, kay?"

Kat rolled her eyes. One time, one time when she first attempted the Cindy updo did she pull Emma's hair. Now she wasn't allowed to forget it. She got Emma dressed in her pink flannel nightgown. Not wanting Emma to get cold, she made the girl put on matching pink leggings underneath. They couldn't be seen, but Emma still pouted about it not being part of her costume.

Emma did her best to sit still while Kathryn did her hair. There was a lot of hairspray and tugging involved, but Kat finally got it into the top updo complete with red bow and two braids hanging down. Kat put on Emma's pink slipper socks and made her stand with her giant red Christmas ball ornament to get a bunch of pictures.

"I'm not in it for the pictures anymore. Can we go?"

"Put on your coat, Emma, and your boots. It's extremely cold outside."

"But Mama, my costume!"

"Your costume will be fine. You can take your coat off when we get to daycare."

"Fine, but I not gonna fit in my car seat being dis poofy."

Emma lasted two minutes standing next to Regina once they got to the daycare before racing off to join her friends. The large lobby of the daycare now sported a stage and dozens of rows of chairs. The director, Mrs. Gonzales, walked over and handed her a program.

"Emma has been practicing so hard for her scenes. Did you get to see any of it at all?"

"I briefly heard some of it, but Emma's kept it a secret for the most part. She insisted it be a surprise."

Mrs. Gonzales laughed and shared a wink with Kat. "You're going to be surprised alright."

Regina looked at Kat who just shrugged. The blonde definitely knew what was going on, but the mayor decided to let her baby surprise her if that's what she wanted. She decided to spend her time talking to some of the other parents before the pageant started.

Emma raced over to her mama just before the pageant was about to start. She looked around once she was picked up, anxiously scanning the crowd. "Mama, I don't see Daddy. He gonna miss me."

"Baby, don't pout. I want you to go have fun. Don't worry about it. If he misses it, it's his loss. You're gonna be fantastic."

"But I want Daddy to come." Emma pouted further and twisted this way and that to see if she could spot him.

"Look, Em. Miss Mal is here to watch you."

Kat watched the disappointment flitter across Emma's face. Poor girl just wanted a tiny bit of attention from Jefferson and the man was so intent on making sure Regina didn't forget that their one night stand was just that that he didn't notice how much he was hurting his daughter.

"Hello, Cindy. You excited about your pageant?" Mal smiled at the two ladies who were quickly becoming her world.

"Daddy forgot me again." Emma wriggled down and went sliding across the floor back to her little classmates.

"Did I do something? Emma seems so sad."

Regina felt bad. Mal looked so concerned, and she'd been nothing but wonderful to them. "It's not you. Jefferson promised Emma he'd be here to see her big show. She's been feeling down because he hasn't showed up much. Grace is also in the pageant so we'll see if he shows."

"Poor girl. I know what it's like to miss a parent. Hopefully once the pageant starts she'll forget about it for a bit. Are you going to tape it?"

Kat and Regina produced their cameras, smiling. "Of course. We tape everything."

Mrs. Gonzales walked onstage, the masses quieting down to hear what she had to say. "This pageant is going to combine The Grinch cartoon and the movie into Kid's Korner's own How the Grinch Stole Christmas."

The play was certainly cute. There were a lot more songs than Regina remembered being in the movie. She nearly fell out of her chair when Emma's part came and she launched into her solo of Where Are You, Christmas?

"That's- that's Emma. She can sing?"

"Shh, just listen." Kat scolded, eyes glued to her niece. She'd spent countless hours rehearsing with Emma to get this perfect. She wasn't going to miss this moment.

Regina watched her daughter absolutely blow the crowd away. She was right there with them. Sure, Emma sang in the car to the radio and at home to the TV, but she'd never heard Emma sing like this. The whole pageant took about an hour and a half. She was so awestruck she failed to notice it was over until Emma was sliding across the floor on her socks.

Mal caught Emma, preventing her from crashing face first to the ground on the slippery surface. "You did so well, Emma. Congratulations."

Emma blushed as she was presented with a small bouquet of flowers. "Thanks you. Did you see me, Mama? Did you like it?"

"Oh, Emma. I loved it. You were so good. Why didn't you tell me?"

"I wanted it to be a surprise. Can I show Miss Mal my cubby? She's never been here afore."

"Go ahead, but come back soon so we can go eat lunch."

Emma excitedly directed Mal to her classroom, showing her the art wall, her spot at the group of tables, and her cubby. "Sometimes I sneak out and go see Mama. Daycare gets boring."

"I bet it does. Your artwork is very good though. You did so well in the pageant. What do you say we go find your mother so I can treat you to a cocoa?"

"There you are, Niña. Your Nonna and I have been looking everywhere for you."

"Poppy! You sawed me?"

"We did see you. You were amazing little bean sprout."

Emma blushed and turned her face into Mal's neck, forgetting about introducing herself. Mal decided to do it herself. "Hello. I'm Malina Von Brandt."

Cora looked over the older blonde holding her granddaughter. Regina had mentioned this woman a few times. She'd obviously charmed both Regina and Emma if Emma was allowing Mal to hold her. "Yes, we know."

"Nonna, that's not nice. Did you see my daddy out there?"

Without waiting for an answer, Emma wriggled down and raced off to see if she could find him. Mal nervously looked at Regina's parents.

"I'm Henry, and this is Regina's mother Cora. It's lovely to meet you."

"We should go find Emma. Regina said Jefferson wasn't here, and she's going to be so upset." Mal glanced worriedly at the door. She wanted to go chasing after the girl, but she didn't want to come across as rude to Regina's parents.

"Regina and Kathryn are out there. They'll stop her, but I suppose you're right."

Mal followed Cora and Henry out of the classroom as they all went in search of Emma. Emma raced all over the room. She saw her mama talking to Ingrid and another blonde woman, but she was focused on finding her dad.

Regina had noticed Ingrid about halfway through the pageant. She seemed intently focused on Emma. She couldn't recall Emma mentioning inviting her. As Emma raced off, she turned to confront Ingrid. A young blonde, about nineteen, stepped into her path though.

"Hi, Madame Mayor. I'm Elsa, Ingrid's niece. I can't thank you enough for allowing my aunt to spend time with Emma. It's been amazing to see the turn around."

"I beg your pardon?"

"My aunt has struggled for a long time with depression since her youngest sister, Helga, died. Emma is an absolute ringer for her. When my parents passed, Ingrid took it especially hard. The ice cream shoppe helps her some, but I haven't seen her smile like she has this past month since I was about Emma's age."

"I'm sorry for your loss, but -"

"Please let her keep seeing Emma. Ingrid won't hurt her. I think Emma's healing her a bit. She's been so good for Ingrid. Please. See, this was Helga."

Regina took the proffered photo warily, brows furrowed. Staring down at it, if the girl's hair was slightly more golden than pale blonde, she'd have sworn it was a picture of Emma. "I really am sorry for your loss. Emma seems very happy around Ingrid, but I'd prefer if she called to set up visits rather than just show up at my daughter's events. She didn't have to flirt with me if she only wanted to see Emma."

It was Elsa's turn to look confused. "My aunt has never flirted with anyone in all the years I've known her. If she flirted, then I would assume it was genuine. Ingrid, well, she's a bit odd and I doubt a romance is what she needs at this time, but I can see why she'd have flirted. Please just give her a chance. She hasn't stopped smiling since she's met Emma."

Emma found her dad by the doors. He had his coat on and was standing with Alice who was holding Grace. "Daddy, you here!"

Jefferson turned around, trying not to grimace. He had hoped to avoid this confrontation. "Hello, Emma. You did well tonight."

"Thanks you. Where you going? Mama is having a party now at home. There's gonna be lunch and cocoa and dessert. Wanna come?"

Gracie looked down at Emma. "Please, Daddy! That sounds like fun."

"It wouldn't hurt to spend a half hour there, Jeff. The girls." Alice tried to convince her husband. She knew how badly Emma wanted to spend time with her dad.

"No. We've got to leave for New York, and we still have to pack. We'll see you after Christmas, Emma, just like planned. Be safe."

Emma's beaming smile at Jeff's praise died instantly at his rejection. Jeff gave Emma a quick hug before standing upright again. She tried hard not to cry in front of him.

"Jeff, a half hour. Grace and I are going. Emma, sweetie, we'll be there. You did a great job today."

"Promise to come?"

Jeff sighed in defeat. He couldn't leave for the Christmas he'd planned with his family if his family wasn't with him. "Yes, Emma, but we can't stay long. We really do have to go to New York."

"Maybe sometime I could go to New York with you and Gracie? I miss you."

"We'll see, kid. Maybe."

Emma watched them leave, trying not to feel left out again. Her dad did say he was coming to the party at her house. That was something, even if it's not what she wanted exactly. She wiped away a few tears and looked up to find Ingrid smiling down at her.

"Sweet girl, why are you crying?"

"No reason. What are you doing here? Did Mama invite you?"

"No. I heard you were performing and wanted to see you. Is that okay?"

"How come you like me so much? Mama won't let me eat ice cream a lot."

Ingrid just shook her head, chuckling. "I once had a little sister. Her name was Helga. You remind me so much of her. Seeing you makes me think of her. You are so special, Emma."

"Oh. You miss her? I'd be sad if my sister was gone. I've got my mama though. Do you have yours when you're feeling sad?"

"No. It's just me and my nieces."

Emma raised her arms to be picked up. "You can come see me lots then. I don't want you sad. Maybe you could ask my mama if you can come over and play? I've lots of toys."

"That sounds like a wonderful idea." Ingrid carried Emma back over to Regina who looked extremely pensive.

"Emma, honey, why were you crying? Is everything alright?" Regina wiped tear tracks off her daughter's face before plucking Emma from Ingrid's arms.

"Daddy was going to leave without seeing me. Alice making him come over for the party. Mama, what I do that he doesn't want me?"

Regina sighed and held Emma close. "It's not you, dear. He's mad at me. Do you want to go home so we can meet them there?" Emma nodded and buried her face in her mama's neck. "Ingrid, here's my card again. On the days Emma doesn't have activities and I'm free, we can set something up."

The way Ingrid's face lit up eased Regina's concerns about the woman. She obviously cared deeply about Emma, so she didn't think she would have to worry about Ingrid hurting Emma. Regina wasn't about to leave them alone together for a while until she felt confident about this decision though.

"Mija, is everything alright?"

"Yes, Daddy. Emma found Jeff. We're going to head home and get everything going. Feel free to come over whenever you're ready. Mal, did you want to ride with us?"

"I'd like that. I can always pick up my car later. Emma, you ready for that cocoa?"

Henry felt terrible about Emma being upset. Regina had confided a bit in him about how Jefferson had been treating Emma lately. His girls didn't deserve that. The man may not be a fit father, but Emma wanted him around, wanted his attention. He'd be damned if he continued to do nothing about this. "Niña, I brought a surprise over. You're going to get your Christmas present early."

Emma ran around her house jumping from window to window trying to see when her dad was coming. She couldn't remember the last time he'd been to her house. She wanted to show him everything. She started giving him a tour when her grandpa asked to speak with him.

"It'll just be a moment, Niña. Go find your mama. I believe she has a plate of food with your name on it."

"Don't leave without saying bye, Daddy. Okay?"

Jefferson looked nervously over at Henry. He knew this wasn't going to be a polite conversation. "Look -"

"No, you listen. That sweet little girl cries all the time because she believes you don't love her. We all understand that you only want to be with your wife. That doesn't change the fact that Emma exists. She doesn't deserve the half assed excuses and rude cold shoulder treatment you've been giving her. Step up and be a man. Be a father and a decent human being. Emma is just as much your child as Grace. If you don't start treating Emma better, we'll have a 'talk' again. I won't be so nice next time. Understood?" Henry adjusted and tightened Jefferson's tie almost to the point of choking him.

"Yes, I get it."

"Good, now, I believe my granddaughter wanted to show off the rest of the house to you. I expect a better report on your ability to be a father. Emma should never cry because of your mistreatment again."

Jeff loosened his tie as he wheezed and nodded. He turned to go find Alice and nearly toppled over Cora. A stern glare had him scrambling out of the room like a coward. He put up with Emma dragging him all around the house, pointing out things he didn't much care about just to appease everyone.

After lunch, Henry announced his gift to Emma was outside. Everyone filed out as Henry carried Emma to his truck. There was a trailer attached to the end. He transferred Emma to Cora before opening the door and carefully leading the pony down the ramp.

"A pony! Santa told you! It's even the right kinda and everything. What's her name?"

"That's for you to decide, Niña."

Gracie ran over and the girls started petting the pony, debating on the name.

Regina walked quickly over to her parents. "You got my child a pony? What were you thinking?"

"Relax, Mija. Emma asked for it. She was very specific about which pony too. She wants one so that when she is big enough, she can ride with you and Rocinante. We have a stall for her in the barn and everything."

"Emma asked for a pony? That wasn't on her list." Kat stared in awe at the gorgeous dapple pony in front of her.

"I may have played Santa the first time she went to the mall. I wanted to know what to get her. Emma only asked for the pony after I told her I could bring a person. Honey, you have the kindest little champion in Emma."

"I know that. I am her mother. What'd she ask for?"

They all watched in awe as Emma marveled at her new pony. Emma was such a natural with horses. Regina worried about her baby riding alone though. The pony was incredibly gorgeous. She'd make quite a pair with Rocinante.

"I can't tell you, but it was a gift for you. It took several minutes to coax an answer out of her for a gift of her own."

Emma ran back over. "Mama, come see my pony. Her name is Glory."

It wasn't long before Henry and Cora had to take the pony back to the stables. Jeff left with Alice and Gracie. It left Regina, Mal, Kat, and Emma together. They were in the middle of a movie when Tina burst in.

"Hello, peasants. Miss me?"

"You missed my pageant. Meanie."

Kat raised an eyebrow. "Yes, where were you?"

"Chill out. I had an important audition to do. It was just a bunch of tiny kids singing. What's the big deal?"

"The big deal was that you said you'd show up and you didn't. We were waiting for you. We saved you a seat." Regina shook her head. Same old Tina. She wished the woman would grow up already.

"I know you filmed it. I can watch it later, hon."

Mal glared at Tina. The woman clearly only thought of herself. She obviously wanted Regina, but hadn't a care for the person who mattered most in Regina's life. "You missed a stellar performance from Emma. A video won't do it justice."

"Yeah. You gots to be more 'sponsible. I was so awesome."

Tina laughed. "Humble too."

Emma huffed and cuddled up between Mal and Regina. Tina may be her mama's friend, but she decided she absolutely didn't want her to be her mama's happy. She didn't care about Emma's stuff, and that just wouldn't do. That left her with Ingrid, Mal, and maybe Kat. They seemed much more friendly lately, but it was probably just Emma's imagination. Maybe it was even going to be someone she hadn't met yet.

SantaClausSantaClausSantaClaus

"No! The tables are all wrong. You gots to move them. Kids gonna be running all round. You can't smoosh the tables together like that. Come on peoples!"

Regina watched her daughter yell at the staff setting up the large auditorium in City Hall. It was normally used for town meetings, but today it would host the orphanage Christmas party. Emma had been a grump to wake up this morning, but one would never know now with the tiny blonde barking out orders. It made Regina kind of proud that her daughter could command this much authority already.

The decorators scrambled to rearrange the tables and chairs to accommodate children running around them.

Emma ordered them around about every tiny thing from centerpieces to tablecloth length to plate placement. The caterers had slightly more patience with Emma's demands on where the food went because they didn't want the kids hurt or to have difficulty getting the food.

"You cannot just throw the toys like that. You gonna break them, and I'll make you buy them all new ones. Set them up nicely. The coats and mittens have to be laid out on that table over there. By size, smallest to largest. Come on. You s'posed to know this."

"Madame Mayor, please reign her in. We're trying here."

Regina looked over the young teen who dared voice his distress. Watching Emma, she saw herself so clearly. She may be proud her daughter could take charge, but she wasn't necessarily sure she wanted Emma to become known as evil. She was fine with people calling her the 'Evil Queen', but she didn't want that for Emma. "You'd do well to mind your business if you'd like that recommendation letter to that college you're set on."

The boy scrambled away trying to stay far from Emma. The room was almost all set up. Emma was setting up coats, hats, and mittens just so The gifts were being arranged in a tall pyramid so all a child had to do was point to which gift they wanted.

"Emma, sweetheart, come here please."

"Mom, I need to finish the coats. They don't know how."

"They do know, honey. You've shown them. The kids will be just fine if everything isn't exactly perfect. You have to respect people if you want them to do a good job. I want you to go thank everyone for setting up before you go change."

"But -" Regina raised an eyebrow in warning at her daughter. "Fine" Emma marched off to thank everyone before going upstairs to her mama's office to change out of her pajamas and into her red snowflake leggings and cream coloured sweater dress.

The big wig guests started arriving. Emma glared as they thought it was cute to pinch her cheeks. A man in a Santa suit showed up and Emma eyed him suspiciously. When Sidney showed up, Emma slapped his hands away.

"If you pinch me, you gonna lose your hands."

"Someone is in a grumpy mood." Sidney patted Emma's head before wandering off, ignoring the glare from icy blue eyes he could feel piercing his back.

"Bean, what's wrong?"

Emma looked over at her aunt. "Can you fix my hair? Stupid Sidney messed it up. I told him not to touch me and he did it anyways."

"I know you don't like him, Ems, but you've got to play nice. He helps your mama a lot to keep her spot as mayor."

"He's creepy." Emma huffed and crossed her arms.

Kat sighed and finger combed Emma's hair hoping to calm her mini down. Once the orphans started to arrive Emma's mood improved. At least Emma could play with kids her own age outside from Ruby and Grace.

There were games and a movie set up. Soon the silent room was bursting with noise of the children. Emma ran around playing tag with some of the younger children. After about an hour it was time to bring out the food.

Emma quickly found Mal trying to hide at one of the back tables and brought her up to her table, kicking Sidney off to the back.

"Madame Mayor, with all do respect. That was my seat."

"And now it's not. I want Miss Mal to sit at our table. I told you not to touch me."

"Emma." Regina shot a warning look to her daughter. Her attitude was really pushing it today.

Kat stepped in hoping to somewhat diffuse the situation. "Regina, your battles."

Sidney smirked at Emma clearly expecting that he was allowed to stay seated to the left of Regina. "See, your mother recognizes my importance in her life."

"As if."

Regina just shook her head. "Sidney, please vacate your seat. Emma worked hard on this party and she should be able to decide who sits with us. In the future, please refrain from touching Emma in any way. She has made it clear her feelings, and you need to respect them."

"Miss Mal, did you get some Mexican chicken lime soup? I got to pick the recipe for it"

Mal's eyes widened in shock. "You picked that?"

"I wanted to pick Brazilian shrimp soup, but Mama said most kids wouldn't like it. This seemed like a fair bet without being plain chicken noodle."

"I thought you said she was a picky eater."

"Emma is, but she tends to have a broad pallet when it comes to things she enjoys. Seafood is generally a good option. Fish, crab, shrimp, scallops, lobster in moderation. She likes simple pasta dishes and certain traditional Mexican dishes. Notice her plate is just mashed potatoes, rolls, gravy, and a bowl of soup."

"There's chicken in my soup."

"You eat your food. I'm getting you spaghetti once you're done."

After lunch Regina let the kids run around and play before dessert. Emma brought Mal around the room and introduced her to every single person there.

Kat smiled as she watched the interaction. "Emma really seems to be taken with her. If you don't propose to her soon, Emma just might."

"What?" Regina nearly fell over in shock.

"You are dating her, right? I mean unless you decided to try dating Tina, in which case I direct you to your daughter who clearly is taken with another."

"Who knows? I could have been secretly trying to date you all these years."

Kat was left dumbfounded as Regina went to circulate the room. Was she serious? Did she really have a shot with someone like Regina? She'd just started to see Fred. Ugh. Why was her life so complicated?

A little boy with shaggy brown curls and large doe eyes ran over to Emma. He started playing chase with her. Emma stopped when she noticed the Santa over with her mama.

"I told Santa that my mama wasn't for him. Ugh!"

"That's my dad. Your mommy would be lucky to be with him."

Emma glared at the boy. "No way. You gots a mommy your daddy is with. He is not for my mama. I don't want a brodder."

"You already gots a sister with another mommy. What's the difference?"

"Gracie is awesome. You're a stinky boy and your daddy is yucky. I don't want him with my mama." Emma leaned over and shoved Roland.

"At least my daddy loves me." Roland shoved Emma back.

"Well guess what. Your daddy is my cousin's daddy too. My mama said so, so-" Emma stuck her tongue out at him.

"You lie. You're just a stupid girl. What do you know?"

Roland went to shove Emma but she ran away. Roland chased after her. They darted all around the room. Emma saw the waiter carrying the bowl of pudding up ahead and slid underneath him. Roland wasn't as coordinated and wound up slamming right into him. The waiter went stumbling across the floor, bowl of pudding launching into the air. Both kids stopped short and stared in shock

The bowl of dyed red vanilla pudding launched into the air and headed straight for Santa and Regina. Regina saw the bowl coming and quickly stepped far away. Robin was too busy talking about how great his son was to notice until the bowl landed on top of his head, pudding splattering everywhere.

Kat broke down in laughter along with most the kids in the room. They laughed even harder as the waiter carrying the chocolate pudding slipped and slid along the spilled pudding and crashed into Sidney, dumping chocolate pudding all over the front of his outfit.

"Ooh, I'm telling my daddy it was you that did it."

Emma shoved the boy hard. "Nuh uh. You crashed into him you cotton headed ninny muggins."

"Emma Reine, what on Earth were you doing?"

Emma balked as her mama closed in on her. She quickly worked herself into tears. "He said Daddy didn't love me. That's not true. Right?"

Regina glared at the small boy as she picked up her daughter. This really was the last thing she needed. She ordered the staff to quickly clean the mess up before consoling Emma. "Baby, your daddy does love you."

"Nuh-uh. My daddy said her daddy only loves his real baby. That's why he left Emma behind to go to New York."

"Little boy, I suggest you don't talk about things you know nothing about. I'm going to talk to Mrs. Daniels about you."

Roland's face scrunched up in confusion. "Who's that?"

"He's the fake Santa's boy. He made fun of me because Grace and I don't have the same mommy too. He's mean and I said no Santa."

"Okay, okay, Emma. I'll handle it. Why don't you go find Aunt Kat and start handing out presents while I deal with this." Regina wiped her baby's tears away before setting her on the floor with a kiss to the top of her head.

"What have you done to my boy?"

Regina turned to face Robin who was still in his whole Santa outfit, dripping pudding all over the place. "You need to take your child and leave."

"Excuse me? You make my son cry and we have to leave?"

"This is a party you were not invited to. You do not seem to understand the word no. Your son deemed it fit to tell my daughter that her father doesn't love her. The only way a child repeats that is if his parents were talking about it, and you know nothing about my family. I suggest you leave before you find out exactly why I'm called the Evil Queen."

"I was only trying to provide you a life less shameful than a single mother. The entire town knows her father doesn't want her. Your girl could use some discipline, running wild thinking she can order the world around like she owns it."

"You are a married man, Mr. Locksley. I know of your escapades elsewhere too. I may be a single mother, but I have far better morals than you. Take your son and leave before I call the sheriff to escort you out."

Mal watched the mini meltdown with Emma and how Regina was handling it. Chauvinistic pigs bothered her. She quickly sidled up to Regina. "Everything okay here?" She gave a cold appraising glare to the filthy man.

"We were fine. I was handling it." Robin crossed his arms across her chest and glared at Mal.

"I would go make haste in your exit. The pudding stains." Mal smirked as the man gathered up his son and slinked off.

"You alright?"

Regina sighed and nodded. "I'm fine."

"I'm here. Talk to me, Regina."

"The kids- "

"The kids are busy getting their gifts, now talk to me."

Regina allowed Mal to pull her into a brief hug. "He actually thought I'd agree to have an affair while he still sports his wedding ring. Apparently if you don't mention it, it's okay to pretend your marriage doesn't exist. His son told Emma that Jefferson doesn't love her. He told me being a single mother is shameful. I feel twenty three all over again finding out I was pregnant and everyone judging me, Jeff saying he didn't want to be a father to my child."

"You've proven yourself more than capable of being a successful single mother and mayor. Jefferson could do a lot better, but he's around. Emma is happy and healthy. You are happy and healthy. That's more than some have. Don't let an insignificant flea get to you. He's not worth it."

"Mama, I needs you!"

"My daughter bellows." Regina chuckled as both their attention diverted to the preschooler who was standing on top of one of the gift tables.

Regina helped Emma hand out outerwear and two toys each. Emma was almost sad to see the kids go. "You had did such a wonderful job hosting, baby. You ready to go home?"

"I don't want a brodder or a sister that lives with me okay? You're just mine."

"Fret not, my angel. You're the only sweetheart I need."

"The kindness elves won't be mad because I don't want to take an orphan home?"

"No, they won't be mad, Emma. We're a team, just the two of us, always."

Emma snuggled into her mama. "Always."

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Regina groaned and went to roll over. A warm, sticky weight on her chest prevented her from moving. Slowly blinking open sleep ladened eyes, Regina came face to face with a mop of wild blonde waves. She loved mornings when she woke up to Emma cuddled into her.

Emma groaned and shifted, trying to burrow deeper into her mama. Regina winced as an elbow dug into her ribs. The alarm clock's neon letters shone brightly in her eyes. It was barely 4am. She adjusted Emma into a more comfortable position before sighing contently and returning to sleep for another few hours.

The next time Regna awoke, the bed was empty. There was a distinct chill to the bed that told her Emma had left some time before. 9:17am. "Shit." Scrambling out of bed, she threw on her robe and slippers before racing around the house to find Emma.

"Hi, Mama."

Emma looked up from her spot practically under the tree. She had been colouring in her fairytale book for what felt like forever waiting for her mama to wake up. She wanted to open her reindeer gift box already.

"Good morning, baby. Did you sleep well?"

"I been waiting by the tree real good. I didn't even peek at any of the presents here."

Regina smiled. She'd always placed Emma's presents from her under the tree early and waited to put 'Santa's' presents under the tree on Christmas morning. When she found out she was pregnant, she'd taken to the internet, Pinterest in general, to find creative ways to establish traditions. One of her favourites was the reindeer gift that included pajamas, popcorn, a movie, a book, and a package of gourmet hot chocolate. "Did you want to open your reindeer gift now or after breakfast?"

"After. I still needs a bath and I don't wanna get my jammies dirty."

"Alright then. Let's go make…."

"What we making today, Mama? Santa?"

"Sure, bean. We can make Santa waffles." Regina scooped up Emma and carried her to the kitchen. Once both their aprons were on, she began setting ingredients on the counter. She spotted the pomegranate juice and the cranberry juice, pulling them both out to use in lieu of milk for the red waffles.

"Not dat milk, Mama. Use vanilla cashew milk."

Regina would have preferred using real milk and making it a bit healthier for all the sugar Emma's had and would have lately, but she couldn't deny the pitiful look adorning her baby's face.

Together they whisked the ingredients in two large bowls, one for the white waffles and the other for the red waffle needed for the hat. Regina held the bowl while Emma 'helped' pour the batter into the waffle maker. Emma put three bananas in the slicer for Santa's beard.

"Mama, blueberries for eyes and a cherry for the nose?"

"Excellent idea, Emma. Why don't you pull them out and then set the table while I finish the waffles?"

Regina made one full sized red waffle and a sliver of edging for the hat tails. Two full sized regular waffles served for the face. She cut up the full sized red waffle to use half for each plate as the top of the hat. One the hat tails were on, she drizzled honey all over the lower portion of the face to layer on a heavy banana beard. Once the blueberries and the cherry was placed, she grabbed some orange juice and sat down with Emma.

"What do you want to do today, dear? I've the whole day just for you."

"Open my reindeer gift so Santa knows he got the right house for me, and then we go to Poppy's house and play with Glory."

"What are we going to do after playing with Glory?"

"We make soup and grilled cheese for lunch. You gots to help me make sure I've got everybody's gifts all ready. We play in the snow. Dinner, bath, book, and then movie. Santa's coming tonight."

"I know. Are you excited?"

Emma nodded as she stuffed a piece of waffle in her mouth. "I was a very good girl this year. We going by Nonna and Grandpa after Christmas, right? Ruby will be there. I gots to give her her puppy stuff. We gonna get a puppy too?"

"You just got a pony. Maybe we should focus on Glory and taking care of her before we get any more animals."

"Can we bring her and Roci some apples? She'd like apples right? Or does she need sugar cubes?"

"I'm wise to you my dear. You eat all the sugar cubes yourself. We can bring apples and carrots and Glory and Rocinante can choose what they'd prefer."

"I can't help it if the sugar cubes just call to me."

Regina raised a brow at Emma. "Mmhm, go upstairs and wash your face before you change. Dress warm while I call your Poppy and tell him we're coming over."

Emma got ready in record time. Regina came downstairs from changing to find Emma stuffing her lunchbox with apples and carrots. She couldn't help but chuckle as Emma examined a carrot before stuffing it into her mouth. The snowy drive to her father's house was slow going, but they finally made it.

"Hello Mija, Niña. How are my darling girls today?"

"We broughts treats to feed the horseys. They ready for me?"

"They are, but remember we have to walk calmly into the barn. We don't want to startle any of the horses. It's too cold to go out and ride, but you can pet the horses and brush them if you want."

"I gots to get to know my Glory. Mama, does Glory get her own brushes too?"

Henry smiled and hoisted Emma up on his shoulders as they walked the path to the stables. He wasn't going to risk Emma slipping on unseen ice. Once they were in the barn, he set Emma off and took her hand. The three walked all the way down to Rocinante's stall. "Right next him in this stall is Glory. They're going to be best friends."

Emma took a few moments to say hi to Roci before climbing onto the gated door of Glory's stall. The horse immediately walked forward to investigate Emma. "I brought you lots of treats. Be a good pony." Slowly Emma reached into the stall and rubbed Glory's nose.

"Go ahead in, Emma. Poppy and I are right here."

Regina grabbed some treats from Emma's lunchbox and let her father keep an eye on Emma. She gave Rocinante a carrot before grabbing a stiff grooming brush from his trunk. Emma was doing much the same with Glory. Watching his girls with their horses, Henry couldn't be more proud that he was related to them. There was something so beautiful about watching Regina and Emma with the horses.

"Poppy, can we put the purple blanket on Glory? She's too little to be out here with no blanket."

"I don't have a purple blanket."

"Yes you do. Saw it over there." Emma pointed to a box Henry was having customized for Glory.

"Why don't you brush her, and we can leave the blanket on for a while, but horses are pretty good at keeping themselves warm.

Emma got as lost as her mama in brushing down her horse. The hours flew by and lunchtime quickly approached as the treats dwindled down. Regina had to forcibly carry Emma out of the barn.

"I wasn't done yet, Mama. Why you do this to me?"

"Your mama and I are hungry. It's lunchtime. You can come back whenever you want. Paloma is going to make us grilled cheese and soup. That's what you wanted today, right?"

Giggling, Emma nodded. "Is Paloma your girlfriend?"

"N-no. Paloma is my head housekeeper. She cooks my meals and keeps the cleaning staff in line."

"She's pretty. You sure she's not your girlfriend?"

Regina looked over at her blushing father. "If she is, that's wonderful, Daddy. You deserve to be happy too."

"Really? You wouldn't mind?"

"I had no say in Mother marrying Gold, and you know how I feel about him and his son. I like Paloma. You two make a good little team. If she makes you happy, I'm happy."

The three entered the house and Emma raced to the kitchen to find Paloma. The older woman was from Spain originally and had streaks of grey in her dark brown hair. Emma liked that she had a kind face even when giving orders.

"Niña, don't run in the house. You could hurt yourself. What is on fire?"

"You eat with us, Abuela?"

Regina and Henry walked into the kitchen hearing the tail end of the conversation. They watched coffee coloured eyes widen in shock before the older woman looked over at Henry. "You told them?"

"Emma guessed. Welcome to the family. I shall expect you tomorrow with my father as well."

The little family ate lunch together before all going outside together to play in the snow. They all helped Emma make a little snow family. Paloma taught Emma the Spanish word for snow.

"Nevah."

"Nee-ehv-aye. Nieve."

"Nee-ehv-ah."

Regina laughed at Emma's mispronunciation. Emma tried hard to speak what little Spanish she knew. "Close, baby. Try again."

"Nee-evh-aye. I did it! Nieve. Nieve. Nieve." Laughing, Emma threw a handful of loose snow into the air, letting it sprinkle down on her as she spun in a circle.

"Emma, I know this is you, me, your mama, and Paloma, but who is this one over here?"

"That's Mama's princess. She's gonna come tomorrow. I just knows it."

Henry watched Emma flop down into the snow and start making a snow angel before looking at Regina with a question in his eyes. His daughter must not know what Emma asked Santa for.

After snow angels, Emma insisted they have a snowball fight. They'd been outside for two hours before Regina noticed Emma's nose was bright red and dripping.

"I think it's time to go home, bean."

"What? No! I'm playing."

"It's too cold outside. If we go home now, we can watch one of our new movies before dinner. I'll even let you have extra cocoa if we go right now."

Emma's eyes widened in panic. "Oh no, Mama! You never opened your reindeer box. Do we gots matching jammies again? I hope so."

"There's only one way to find out. We have to go home. Give Poppy and Paloma a hug. Mama needs to get you warmed back up."

"Drive safely, Mija. We'll see you tomorrow."

"Yes, we definitely have to talk about things. Thank you for today."

Emma beamed as she sang along to songs on the way home. Regina was thrilled to see her baby in such a good mood. She got Emma changed into dry clothes and settled on the couch with some cocoa once they got home.

"I gots an abuela and a nonna now. Is Nonna gonna like Abuela?"

"I'm sure she will be just fine, baby. Now, do you want to watch your movie or mine?"

"Gots to open your box."

Regina pulled her box out from under the tree. It was a lot harder than expected to find matching pajamas, but she managed to find some high quality cotton pajamas that were sky blue and had little penguins all over them. They both had matching penguin slipper socks.

"You can either watch Miracle on 34th Street or A Chipmunk Christmas."

"You pick. I make popcorn." Emma grabbed her mama's bag of popcorn and raced off to the kitchen. She managed to dig out a large bowl from the cabinet and pour the bag in before going back to her mama.

They cuddled through the entire movie. Emma didn't want to let Regina go so she could make dinner. Regina managed to carry Emma and cook one handed. She very nearly had to get in the bath with Emma so her daughter would take a bath. The reminder of matching pajamas finally got Emma to let go.

The doorbell rang as they were in their matching pajamas together as Regina read The Wild Christmas Reindeer by Jan Brett to Emma.

"Tinker Toy, what you doing here? We reading."

"It's Tina Bell, but cute, kid. Is your mom here?" Tina didn't wait for an answer as she walked past Emma and went in search of Regina.

"Hey! I said we reading. That means we busy. Go away."

"Emma, that's not nice. Tina, what is going on?"

Tina flopped down on the couch next to Regina. "Cute pajamas. Are you planning on being like Virgin Mary Blanchard and drinking cocoa and watching family Christmas movies while you wait for Santa?"

Regina and Emma stared at her. Emma frowned and had her hands on her hips sporting an angry glare. Regina just raised an eyebrow at her friend.

"Wait, you're seriously doing that? You're young and hot. We need to go out, hit the bar for free drinks. We promised never to become like Virgin Mary."

"I have a family now, Tina. My Emma and I have traditions, and that doesn't include running off to the bar. You're more than welcome to go on your own though, or call Kat."

"Mama, what's a Virgin Mary?"

"Thanks, Tina. A Virgin Mary is a who, not a what. She is believed to be the mother of the baby Jesus who was born on Christmas. You don't need to worry about knowing who that is."

"Mary was a girl in our high school class who thought she was better than everyone else. She was a goody-goody Bible thumper who didn't believe a woman could or should love anyone but a man. Your mom promised to never be like her. Convince her to go out with me, kid. You're old enough to watch yourself, right?"

"My name isn't kid. It's Emma, and I'm five." Emma held up her hand, fingers splayed. "I thought you was one of the princesses who was coming to make Mama happy, but I don't like you. Last year you just came and brought me a present and stayed with us at Nonna's house. Why you be this way?"

Tina sighed. "This is so lame. I'm going to The Rabbit Hole. You know where to find me if you get tired of playing Susie Homemaker."

Regina made sure Tina was gone before scooping up Emma. "I love you, Em. I wouldn't trade you for anything in the world."

"Love you too, Mama. Keep reading."

"Yes, Ma'am." Regina laughed and settled them back into the couch before resuming their reading.

"Time for movie! More cocoa, Mama," Emma practically shouted as the story came to an end.

"I'll make the cocoa. You put on whatever movie you want. Remember we're watching A Christmas Story afterwards."

Emma picked out A Flintstones Christmas Carol to watch. She loved Pebbles and Bam-Bam. She was determined to make it through both movies despite starting to get tired. Regina covered them both in a blanket and got the fireplace going. Halfway through A Christmas Story she could feel Emma losing the battle with sleep so she started finger combing Emma's hair.

"It's okay to sleep, baby. The sooner you sleep, the sooner Santa will come."

"Mmm, Santa bringing your person. Night, Mama."

Regina sat and pondered that for a while. The pieces finally clicked in Emma's head. Yes, Emma was hurt over Jefferson's treatment, but Emma was more upset that she didn't have someone to love her and be there for her like Jeff had Alice. Emma must have asked Santa to bring a person for Regina to love which was why knowing if Santa could bring a person was so important to her. She smiled down at her wonderfully sweet girl who was peacefully sleeping.

After the second round of A Christmas Story ended, Regina carefully moved Emma so that she could stand up and go retrieve Emma's presents. It was near midnight so the soft knocking on the door startled her. If it was Tina, Robin, or Sidney, she was going to lose it.

"Mal? Why are you dressed like Santa? Do you know what time it is?"

Mal smiled sheepishly. "In my family we always had Santa show up at midnight and hand out gifts before we joined in the caroling at City Hall.I thought I could add to your traditions. It was silly of me. I'll go."

"No, wait. Please come in. I was just going to put the rest of Emma's presents under the tree. She's asleep, but I could wake her up to see 'Santa'."

It took one trip with both Regina and Mal bringing full armloads of presents down. Regina tried to have Santa deliver Emma presents like clothes, snacks, practical things so other kids who weren't so fortunate wouldn't feel left out if their Santa didn't bring tons of toys or expensive gifts, but she couldn't help herself. She loved spoiling her baby.

The clock chimed out midnight and Mal smiled over at Regina, tugging her wrist until the mayor was flush against her. "Seems we're under the mistletoe again. Care to redo that kiss?"

Emma slowly blinked her eyes opened at the murmuring that disturbed her sleep. She saw her mama wrapped in a red robe that kind of looked like a dress. Someone in a Santa suit had her pulled close and they were kissing. She ran over and shoved herself in between them, sobbing.

"No! Not you. It can't be Santa. I told him no!"

Regina jumped back in alarm before kneeling down to deal with her distraught daughter who was clinging fiercely to her robe. "Baby, what's wrong? Hey, shh, talk to me."

"I- I asked- I asked Santa to- to bring you a person to make you happy like Daddy has Alice. I made him promise it wouldn't be Santa. Santa can't be our person."

Emma hadn't even glanced in Mal's direction. Her face buried firmly into her mama's neck. Regina rubbed her back and pulled her daughter away a little. "Why can't Santa be our person?"

"Acause Santa would always be gone and Santa for everyone, not just me and you. We need someone just for us."

Regina pulled Emma close again and rocked her until she started to calm down. "Emma, dear, you should look and see who Mama's person is. I think you'll be happy."

"Not if they Santa."

"I am just Santa for the moment. I have clothes in my car if you would prefer."

Emma twisted around in her mama's arms at the sound of the voice. She definitely wasn't expecting this. "Miss Mal! You my mama's person? Why you being Santa?"

"I'd like to think I'm your mama's person, yes. I thought it might be fun to have Santa visit at the very beginning of Christmas and deliver some presents."

"Really? You delivered all these to me from Santa? Did you take the snacks to his reindeer? Mama, can I open some?"

"You can open a few after we let Mal change."

Emma nodded and hugged Mal before the older blonde went to her car to retrieve her go bag of clothes.

"You happy with Mal being my person, Emma?"

"I love her. No more Santa though. Are you happy?"

"Yes, Emma. I couldn't be happier. I love you, and I'm very happy that you're pleased with Mal joining us."

"Oh, like she's gonna live here?"

"One day I would like that. Is that okay with you?"

Emma leaned up so blue eyes were inches from brown their foreheads touching. "You'll still love me, right?"

"I'll always love you most."

"Okay then."

Mal walked back in and Regina directed her to the bathroom so she could change. Emma frantically tugged on her mama's sleeve until she had her attention again.

"I don't have a gift for Miss Mal. What do I do? I don't want her sad."

"She won't be sad, baby. If you're really worried though, you have all day tomorrow to think of something. Maybe you could colour her a nice picture."

Emma shook her head no. "Not enough. I think of something." She ran upstairs to her playroom and tore apart her toy box before finding what she was looking for.

Mal came out of the bathroom in her dark purple silk pajamas. Emma was nowhere to be seen. She walked over to Regina, worry evident on her face. "Did she change her mind? Should I go?"

"Emma went to find you a Christmas present. She's devastated she doesn't have a gift for you." Regina pulled Mal into a quick kiss before she heard the telltale patter of Emma's feet racing across the floor. "Walk, Emma."

"Mama, I simply can't. This so aportant."

Mal waited, breath held, as Emma made a beeline for her. She followed Emma's instruction to close her eyes and hold out her hand. A wooden, violet glittered cursive capital M stood in her hand. Emma beamed proudly at her. She looked over at Regina for some clue as to what the significance was, but the woman had her hand over her mouth and tears in her eyes.

"Dis for you. Mama and me gots our 'nitials up on da mantle. They hidden by the tinsel, but now you has one too."

It took a few seconds to register that Emma was welcoming her into her family. She quickly scooped Emma up and hugged her, trying not to cry. "Thank you, Emma. It's wonderful."

"You staying and watching A Christmas Story with us. I missed Santa, but we can sleep on the couch."

"Em- "

"Please, Mama. Just this once. The fire is still warm and the movie is still on. I didn't get to see all of it."

Regina sighed and nodded. She was too emotional to say no right now. She had Emma bring over a few presents to the couch to unwrap before they all snuggled in together with new mugs of hot chocolate. Emma had her new stuffed animal version of Glory tucked under her arm. There was a Leonardo action figure on the coffee table next to the mugs of cocoa. A stack of seven new books were on the floor. Regina couldn't honestly remember a time she had been happier than in this moment cuddled up to her girlfriend with her daughter across both their laps.

"Mama?"

Both Mal and Regina looked down at Emma. "Yes, bean?"

Emma held up a sprig of mistletoe Regina assumed she must have grabbed on her way back from the playroom. Both women smiled before leaning down to plant a kiss on each cheek repeatedly until Emma could barely breathe from laughter. This was much better than anything she could have ever asked for. As the credits rolled on the movie, Emma snuggled into the women once again, quietly whispering.

"Merry Christmas, everyone."