Behind Closed Doors

Epilogue

"And tonight, they want me to help steal it...whatever it is," Regina explained while Emma began to panic for her undercover lover's safety.

"I'm telling you, these things never end well."

"I understand your concern, but I'm in," she said gently, trying to calm Emma's erratic nerves that were on full display and not fooling anybody.

Emma anxiously shuffled between her feet, not knowing what to say because her parents and Hook were right there. She wanted to express her true feelings, but she just couldn't under everyone's watchful eye. She begged her mind to come up with something reasonable and clever to say, that didn't express how in love with the mayor she truly was, but her brain was an empty jug.

"Okay...well, then I'm in too."

"What?"

"I'm gonna stick by you. I'm gonna get your back while you do this."

"No, it's too dangerous," Regina strictly demanded, vigorously shaking her head in denial and Emma's heart skipped a beat, knowing Regina was just as worried about her wellbeing as she was about hers.

"I said I was a part of Operation Mongoose, I'm a part of it. You wanted my help, now you're gonna get it no matter what it means for both of us," she confidently declared all while Regina proceeded to shake her head. "Whatever she has planned tonight, I'll be there."

No matter what life tosses their way, she and Regina have never left each other's side. They have always had each other's back, always supported one another and have never stopped fighting for each other. And Emma swears she falls in love with that woman more and more every day. 

After they returned from Sherwood Forest, Gold and Regina placed a protection spell around Storybrooke, but only for Hook. They banished him from town, so he could never cross the town line again, no matter what. Last Emma had heard, he was living in New York.

One year after they adopted Roland, Emma confessed to Regina what she really wanted to do with their future.

~~~~

They had just finished their family dinner, and she was watching as their boys cleared the dining room table together. Regina was washing the dishes, while she was mindlessly drying and putting them away.

"Hey 'Gina, what do you think about raising more kids together?" She had blurted out when her thoughts became too loud in her own head.

"Raising more kids?" Her girlfriend incredulously inquired, her hand immediately stilling from washing the pan, so she could turn around and offer her undivided attention. "Do you mean have more children? Like adopt?"

"Well, sort of...maybe?" Emma stammered, setting down her towel so they could discuss this face to face.

"Sort of? Maybe? You're not really helping me understand here, Swan," Regina nervously chuckled. "Do you want to have a baby? You know I can't...because of that potion," Regina shyly whispered, her eyes drifting away from Emma's, trying so desperately to hide away the pain of never being able to carry a baby.

Emma leaned forward, gifting her a gentle kiss to express her love and support.

"Look, as you know, I had a really tough time in the foster system. Some families were alright, but most were awful. I'm not saying my experience is like that for everyone, but if I could contribute to create one more happy home....that would mean the world to me. I feel like I need to give back. So, with that being said...I want us to be foster parents. I want to help out kids that were just like me. I want to give them a stable, loving home."