ENCHANTED FOREST

"How's our boy doing?"

Rebekah closed her eyes, chuckling at his insistence that they were having a boy when Rebekah could feel it in her heart that they were having a baby girl. "I wouldn't know, seeing as we are having a girl," Rebekah replied as Jefferson wrapped his arms around her waist, hands resting on her growing belly. Jefferson chuckled, pressing a kiss to her neck. "But our girl is doing just fine," she assured him.

"Do you still feel the fluttering?" Jefferson asked, his hands slowly dropping as he moved to stand next to Rebekah while she made her afternoon cup of tea.

She grinned, excited to tell Jefferson what she had heard the fluttering actually was. According to the Blue Fairy, the sensation Rebekah had been feeling was their baby moving around inside of her. Jefferson had been in a panic when Rebekah had told him about the strange feeling she'd get sometimes and had even gone as far as to send word to Snow White and Prince Charming to send a doctor. When the Blue Fairy was brought the message, she knew exactly what was happening. Early in the morning while Rebekah worked on their garden, the fairy had paid her a visit and explained that the fluttering sensation was perfectly normal.

Rebekah pressed her hand to her belly and looked up at Jefferson. "Yes," she answered his question.

She watched as his brows knit together in worry. "I'll write to Snow and Charming again," Jefferson said, the irritation clear in his voice, upset that they hadn't sent a doctor by now.

"You don't have to," Rebekah said, taking his hand and resting it on her stomach. After the Blue Fairy explained to Rebekah what was really happening, the little flutters turned into full blown kicks to her stomach. And now, she was no longer the only person to feel the baby's movements, and seeing Jefferson's eyes widen in shock when her stomach moved, Rebekah knew he was able to feel it, too.

"What was that?" Jefferson asked, his hand moving around her stomach to follow the movements.

Rebekah gave into a little giggle and moved his hand for him to the spot their girl was kicking now. "She's moving," she explained. Jefferson looked back at Rebekah, eyes filled with excitement and a little bit of fear. "She's okay, Jefferson," she assured him. "She's only kicking."

"He is only kicking." He smirked.

She playfully rolled her eyes with a scoff and pushed his hand away from her belly only to have him pull her close to him while he grinned at her. "I don't care if it's a boy or girl, Bex." Jefferson spoke honestly, "I just like riling you up."

Rebekah kinked her brow up saying, "You don't say?"

Jefferson nodded, hand moving back to her belly. "Have you thought of any names?" he asked.

She moved her hand on top of his. "For a girl, yes," Rebekah said causing Jefferson to laugh. "I swear! It's a girl, Jefferson!"

He pressed a kiss to the tip of her nose and urged her to tell him the name she picked. "What is it? I'll agree to anything you want except for Regina or Cora."

"Oh, God no!" Rebekah laughed loudly. "I would never name our daughter after those two wicked women."

"So, let me hear it. What names have you thought of?"

Rebekah grinned happily and grabbed at his hand, pulling him away from the kitchen and into the living room where she kept a list of names she had come up with. They sat down on their couch and Rebekah handed Jefferson the list of names that she had been working on.

"Hmm," Jefferson said, eyes scanning down the list. "You have quite a few," he teased. Jefferson then let out a loud laugh, looking to Rebekah with a shake of his head. "Gertrude, really?"

Rebekah swatted at his arm. "It's a Mills family name! It was my great-great-great-great aunt's name."

"We are not naming our daughter Gertrude," Jefferson told her. And normally Rebekah would have tried to argue with him – but Jefferson had just said the words; our daughter. Finally! She was tired of all this boy nonsense! "I like the name Paige," he said with a little smile. "But...I think I found one that I really love."

Rebekah moved closer to him and craned her neck to look at where his finger was pointed. She grinned, pressing her head to his shoulder now. "I really do love that name, too," She admitted.

"-Well, then that settles it," Jefferson said, making a show out of tearing up the list of names causing Rebekah to playfully gasp. "Our daughter will be named Grace." He moved a bit so that Rebekah could rest her head on his chest while he pressed a kiss to the top of her head.

"I love you," Rebekah said, feeling perfectly content.

He chuckled, pressing yet another kiss to the top of her head. "I love you, too."

At the sound of the kettle going off, Rebekah groaned. The water was ready for her tea, but Rebekah's feet were so tired and swollen that she just wanted to stay on the little couch with Jefferson forever.

"I'll get it, Bex," Jefferson told her, sitting up a bit and moving her legs to rest on the spot where he had been sitting. "You rest." She smiled up at him, lifting her chin a bit so that he could meet her lips in a kiss. He chuckled, doing just that. Rebekah grinned against his lips, relishing in the feeling. When he pulled away her lips formed into a little pout causing Jefferson to laugh. "Do you want or tea or not? Because I'd rather kiss you all day if that's what you'd prefer."

Rebekah pursed her lips together now and pressed her hand to her stomach. "Grace wants some tea...and maybe a few biscuits."

"Grace wants that, hm?" Jefferson smirked.

"Well, mama would love to spend the rest of her day kissing Papa but Grace wants what she wants," Rebekah replied with a shrug causing Jefferson to chuckle. He kissed her again quickly and then headed to the kitchen area. "Don't forget the--."

"Cinnamon, I know, I know."

"I love you!" Rebekah shouted with a grin.

He shouted his love for her back and Rebekah pressed her hand to her stomach, feeling Grace kicking wildly. "Yes, I know that I was the one who really wanted the tea and biscuits, but that will be our little secret from Papa, okay Grace?" The baby kicked again and Rebekah felt her entire body warm with happiness.

She wanted nothing more than to feel this way for the rest of her life.

_________________________________

STORYBROOKE, Maine

It had been two weeks since Graham had died. And in that time, Rebekah had left Jefferson's house once to go to Graham's funeral, as well as gather some of her things so that she no longer had to borrow his clothes to sleep in. Jefferson didn't seem to mind; but they also hadn't talked about the giant elephant in the room. Which was what he had said to her before Graham had died, about how he didn't have feelings for her. More importantly, that he had feelings for someone else.

She should have left the morning after Graham had died but Rebekah could barely manage to pull herself out of bed to clean herself up. Jefferson had been taking care of her, making sure she was drinking water and eating as well. He would make her tea and brush out the tangles in her hair. He'd bring Rebekah to the bathroom so she could shower or bathe and let her borrow anything she might need. A spare toothbrush, toothpaste. Rebekah was stuck using men's deodorant, of course, but she didn't mind that seeing as it smelt like Jefferson.

Jefferson had been doing everything he possibly could just to make Rebekah feel...anything. Anything other than sorrow and misery and grief and the dull ache in her heart that would cause her eyes to swell up with tears and leave her feeling broken and so very alone.

Graham had been her very best friend. He had been like a brother to her. Her family.

You're my family. I know that.

He had told her that the day he had died. But those weren't the last words he said to her. No, those would haunt her forever. I'm not going mad, Rebekah. I'll prove it.

Rebekah closed her eyes, feeling the tears forming again. She took in a few deep breaths, in and out, in and out. He had been sick – something had been wrong with him and Rebekah just...left him. He had needed her and she had left. "In...out...in...out." Rebekah whispered as she drove to her apartment.

She had gathered her things while Jefferson was still asleep and snuck out of his large mansion. Rebekah knew nothing about Jefferson – the only thing drawing her to him was the connection she felt they had. But Jefferson had told her that he did not want her. That he wanted someone else. So why did she still stay with him when he was a stranger to her? They never spoke about his life...she knew nothing about him but somehow, she blindly ignored all of that.

Not anymore.

Mr. Gold had texted her asking her if she was up to starting work again and Rebekah saw an opportunity to finally get out of bed. A part of her wanted to wake Jefferson, but he had been losing so much sleep – Rebekah knew it because each night she'd hear him drift off to sleep and she'd let the tears fall and then her body was so overcome with sadness that it shook with grief. Jefferson would wake up and pull her body closer to his and press kisses to the top of her head, and it wasn't fair to either of them to keep going on like this.

Jefferson didn't have feelings for her but when he would do stuff like that – it confused Rebekah. She knew it was probably out of pity or guilt, but a part of her hoped it was something else – something more. And those thoughts weren't good. Because he had made it clear to her that night that he didn't have feelings for her.

And it wasn't fair to Jefferson to lose sleep and have to take care of a weepy woman who couldn't seem to take a hint that he wasn't interested.

It was the best for both of them that she was leaving.

The one time she did leave and had planned on going back home was the day of Graham's funeral. Jefferson had asked her if she wanted him to go with her – and Rebekah knew that she needed to say no. She told him that she would be fine on her own, but after having to read the eulogy at Graham's funeral that Regina had asked her to write days earlier – Rebekah knew she could not be alone. She knew that there was no way she could sleep in her own bed alone and not break down mentally.

"I once read a quote that said, 'Grief is like the ocean; it comes on waves ebbing and flowing. Sometimes the water is calm, and sometimes it is overwhelming. All we can do is learn to swim.'" Rebekah had read during Graham's funeral. "I feel like I'm drowning right now." She admitted, her eyes had gone to Emma's who had been trying to stay strong, "Graham...was a brother to me. He was the family I chose. And now that he's gone...it feels impossible to fight my way to the surface and breathe. But I also know that Graham would be so furious with me if I didn't fight. We don't have to fight right away." Rebekah watched as a single tear rolled down Emma's cheek, "We can grieve for as long as we want to...but we need to swim. Because if we don't...we'd be disappointing Graham."

The crowd of people who came to Graham's funeral seemed to agree with her and had nodded their heads in agreement.

"Graham didn't think he had a heart," Rebekah had said, "But...he had the biggest heart of anyone I have ever met. Why he'd think that is beyond me – but...we knew." She had looked around at everyone and saw them all with tears on their cheeks and red noses. "We loved him. He kept us safe...and we will never forget him."

She had gone to stand next to Emma instead of Regina after she had finished reading the eulogy. And Rebekah had felt her sister's cold glare directed at her, but refused to even look at Regina. Instead, she stayed with Emma, Mary-Margaret, and Ruby. The waitress linked their arms together and Rebekah had laid her head against her tall friend's arm.

Regina had tried to convince Rebekah to come home with her and Henry after the funeral, that she could stay with them for however long she needed to, that she needed to be around family. But the first face that flashed in her head upon hearing the word family was Jefferson. And it made her want to go home to him instead of her actual family.

But she had overstayed her welcome and knew it was time to go home. But she couldn't get out of the car. Rebekah had parked in front of her apartment building and closed her eyes, keeping her hands on the steering wheel and stayed frozen in her seat. It wasn't until someone had opened her passenger door that she had even opened her eyes.

"Are you okay?"

Rebekah took in a deep breath and quickly wiped away her tears with both hands and looked to the person sitting in her car now. "I'm okay, Paige." She said, looking down at Henry's friend from school who had a very worried look in her eyes.

Paige frowned, clearly not believing her. "No one has seen you since Graham's funeral. Where have you been?" she asked.

Rebekah licked at her lips and fixed her hair, pushing it behind her ears to try and make Paige believe that she wasn't an utter wreck right now. The sweet girl didn't need to be worrying about her. Rebekah just wanted Paige to be a kid and be happy. Not worry about her school friend's mess of an aunt. "I just needed to take some time to myself. But I'm back now."

"Where did you go?" Paige asked next.

"I stayed with a friend."

She frowned again. "Henry was really sad with you gone...we all were."

Rebekah smiled softly, pressing her hand to Paige's cheek. "I missed everyone, too," she told the young girl. Paige looked down at her hands, not seeming to believe Rebekah's words. She frowned and then said, "I'm supposed to meet with Mr. Gold this afternoon. How about until then, I take you to Henry's castle. I bet he's there."

"Will you stay?" Paige asked Rebekah.

"Yes."

"You promise?"

Rebekah nodded her head, feeling incredibly guilty for not coming home for so long. "I promise."

Paige picked at her cuticles. "I don't think my mom and dad would want me to not go to school. If they found out, I would be in a lot of trouble."

Rebekah smiled genuinely now. "Well, I guess it's a good thing that I have some pull at your school. You do remember that Mary-Margaret and I are good friends, right?" Paige grinned and nodded her head. "I'll give her a call and let her know that I'm spending the morning with you but that I'll drop both you and Henry off at school before I go meet with Mr. Gold."

Paige bit down on her lower lip in excitement. "Okay."

Rebekah found the will to get out of her car and finally go to her apartment. Maybe it was because Paige was holding onto her hand. Maybe it made her feel less alone in the world. She didn't know. But Rebekah instantly felt like she needed to be strong for the young girl, to push aside her grief and let Paige know that she was just fine and didn't need to worry anymore.

Once they were inside the apartment, Rebekah told Paige to go find some snacks for them to bring to the castle; and while the little girl was doing that, Rebekah changed her clothes and called Paige's parents, letting them know what she was doing. She had never planned on calling Mary-Margaret, but on the off-chance that Paige heard Rebekah on the phone, she didn't want her to think that she was telling on her to her parents.

"I think that will be a good thing," Paige's father told Rebekah. "She's been awfully worried about you. We all have."

"I know," Rebekah told him, apologizing for being gone and not checking in with her friends and family. Well, she didn't feel bad for not checking in with Regina. But not talking with Henry since the funeral was weighing heavy on her heart. Rebekah agreed with him, "Hell, the whole town should have a morning of fun – but I can't exactly fit everyone in my car...and Henry's castle isn't that big either."

Mr. Grace had chuckled and told Rebekah to call if she needed anything and Rebekah promised him that she would call him as soon as she dropped Paige and Henry off at school.

When she hung up with Mr. Grace, Rebekah left her bedroom and headed into the kitchen where Paige was packing snacks. They left together, Paige instantly grabbing for Rebekah's hand on their way out of the apartment.

It warmed Rebekah's heart; and in that moment, she didn't feel the pain of losing Graham.

_________________________________

ENCHANTED FOREST

Rebekah had been working in the garden when she started to feel the pain more aggressively. She was aware of what those pains signaled, but Rebekah refused to believe what was happening was actually happening. Jefferson wasn't home yet from meeting with Snow and Charming's guards to bring the supplies they would need once she finally did give birth – and the Blue Fairy said that she still had at least two weeks before the baby would come.

She took in a deep breath and rubbed at her large belly, trying anyway to soothe the pain. What she wanted was a long bath but she was warned against heavy lifting during this time and she really preferred not to walk up and down the stairs to try and fill their tub with fresh water from the hot springs.

A thought came to her mind. Why not just go to the hot springs?

A promise she made Jefferson tried to talk her out of the plan. I won't go anywhere, I promise, Rebekah swore to her fiancée. But her feet ached and she was in pain and the hot springs always felt so nice and what was the harm of venturing out a little past the magical barrier that kept Regina from being able to locate them? She had gone plenty of times to get water from the hot springs and even she and Jefferson had spent a few nights soaking in the water. Regina hadn't showed up in those times.

Rebekah closed her eyes tightly when another round of pain began, this time in her back. She took deep breaths; in and out, in and out. When the pain began to settle (only slightly), Rebekah had made up her mind. She'd go to the hot springs and try to relax.

However, the journey to the hot springs was rougher than she had expected. She stopped at least ten times to press her hand to a tree and bend over a bit when the pain was excruciating. Rebekah could see the area that the hot springs were hidden and forced herself to get up and walk forward. She took a few steps but stopped at the sensation of something wet running down her legs. It had happened early that day – but these days Rebekah would sneeze and her bladder would release a little bit. She had brushed it off as another accident and cleaned herself up and went on with her day.

Rebekah lifted her skirts to see what was dripping down her leg only to panic when she saw long streaks of blood running down her leg. She gasped, the fear causing her pain to only worsen. Rebekah tried to calm herself down, assuring herself that it wasn't that much blood, that it wasn't like blood was oozing out of her. Just a few drops down her leg.

She probably just put too much stress on herself and by doing that; she put too much stress on her body.

"It's okay, Grace," she whispered, rubbing her fingers across her belly. "We're okay, almost there."

But she couldn't move. Instead, she collapsed just as she heard someone shouting her name.

Two voices...no, three.

Rebekah could feel herself being lifted. Her eyes were a blur of tears and she could faintly hear Jefferson whispering in her ear that it would all be okay. Her eyes drifted shut and she didn't know how long it was until they opened again.

But when they did, it was because of severe pain that made her shoot up and grab at whatever was next to her for strength. It was Jefferson.

"-What were you doing so far from home?!" he said in frustration. But Rebekah could hear more concern in his voice than frustration. "You promised you wouldn't."

She was breathing in and out, the pain overwhelming. Rebekah gripped onto his hand tightly and suddenly her body was telling her to push. "Jefferson!" She cried, her fear taking over. Snow White and Prince Charming walked into the room with their palace physician and Jefferson moved to sit behind Rebekah, somehow knowing that she needed him to hold her in this moment.

"It's okay, it's okay." Jefferson whispered in her ear, "I'm here." Rebekah knew that Jefferson was trying to be strong in that moment for her, but she could hear the fear in his voice. No matter how brave he was trying to be in that moment, she could hear the worry.

Rebekah shook her head, "I can't do this." She cried.

"You can, sweetheart. I promise, you can," Jefferson said, locking their hands together while she sat between his legs. He pressed soft kisses to her temple. "You're doing so amazing."

Rebekah felt tears fall again. "I'm scared."

"I'm here." Jefferson said again, and it was enough to help ease a little bit of her fear. She knew he was just as scared, but he was there and he was with her. That's all she needed in that moment to chip away at the fear.

The court physician looked up at Rebekah and nodded his head. "It's time to start pushing."

"No." Rebekah shook her head over and over, "It's too early!" And then she let out a long cry at the pressure and knew that there was no arguing. She needed to push. Now.

"I love you. I'm here." Jefferson whispered and pressed a kiss to her shoulder. "Our Grace is coming."

And that was all she needed to hear to start pushing.

It felt like centuries, but finally, Rebekah was holding Grace in her arms. A little girl with a head full of hair and a tiny nose and little fingers and little toes. Rebekah pressed a kiss to her forehead and whispered how happy she was to finally hold her. Jefferson had his chin resting on Rebekah's shoulder and she could feel his tears of happiness rolling off of his face and onto her arm.

"She's beautiful," Jefferson said, his voice breaking a little. "God, Rebekah...she's here."

Rebekah let out a watery laugh and nodded her head, "Our girl is here. Our Grace." She smiled down at the baby. "And I was right!" She joked causing Jefferson to let out a loud laugh. "I told you she was a girl."

He pressed another kiss to her shoulder and whispered again how much he loved her.

"Gracie girl," Rebekah said quietly. "This is your Papa." She sniffled, still overcome with emotions. "He's the bravest man I know. And you are going to love him so very much." She moved her head a bit, giving Jefferson room to press a kiss to her cheek. "Do you want to hold her?" Rebekah asked him.

He nodded his head eagerly. "Are you sure you don't want more time, though?" Jefferson asked.

Rebekah chuckled and motioned for him to move out from behind her and take their daughter. "Jefferson, we have the rest of our lives with her," she reminded him.

Jefferson got up and looked down at Rebekah, hesitantly putting out his arms, waiting for her to place Grace in his arms. She moved forward a bit but felt another sharp pain and Jefferson quickly sat next to her so she wouldn't have to move too much. She smiled, putting on a brave face and let Jefferson take their baby from her arms.

"Hi, Grace." Jefferson cooed down at their baby girl. "I love you so much."

"How are you feeling?" Snow White said to Rebekah, wiping away beads of sweat that were still falling from her head. Rebekah smiled and told Snow that she was fine. "David is fetching some water so that you can clean yourself up. Will you need help?"

Rebekah didn't even feel like she could move so she nodded her head. "I would like that, thank you."

"I don't mind doing it," Jefferson said, listening to the two women talk.

Rebekah shook her head. "No." She said in a stern tone, "No, I don't want you seeing me right now."

Snow White chuckled when Jefferson asked Rebekah why. "Trust me, Jefferson – you'll thank both of us later." She smirked down at Rebekah who turned red in embarrassment. Snow helped Rebekah up once David came back with the water and helped her clean up a bit. The court physician looked Rebekah over and saw that she was perfectly healthy.

"For the next six weeks, I want you to take it easy." The man said, "No heavy lifting and no...physical activities." Rebekah's face turned red once again, getting what the man said while Snow White giggled like they were both young girls.

Jefferson, though Rebekah had asked him not to, had handed Grace off to David and came running in the room when Snow called for David to help getting Rebekah back into her bed. She groaned in embarrassment, wrapping herself in her robe even tighter, even though she was completely covered. "Jefferson! I told you not to come in!" she scolded him.

He shook his head with an amused smile. "Bex, you're going to be my wife; I am going to help you whether you like it or not. Besides, I've seen you naked many times before." He smirked, walking closer to her and Rebekah held her hands up.

"Six weeks!"

He raised his brows. "What?"

"You can't touch me for six weeks."

The physician shook his head and tried to correct Rebekah, "-Now, I didn't mean he couldn't physically touch you. I just meant no-"

"I know what you meant!" She cut him off, "And he," Rebekah gave Jefferson a pointed look, "Knows what I mean. He's just trying to rile me up. It's one of his favorite pastimes." She playfully glared, and her fiancée shrugged innocently. But as soon as they both heard their daughter crying in the next room, Jefferson sprung into action and went to go get her. Rebekah let out a sigh of relief that he was gone and happily let Charming lift her up in his arms to carry her back to hers and Jefferson's bedroom.

Grace stopped crying the second Rebekah was in bed with them, and Jefferson placed the baby in her mother's arms. "She missed you."

Rebekah smiled down at her daughter, "I'll always be here, Gracie girl." She promised in a whisper. "No matter what."

_________________________________

STORYBROOKE, Maine

Paige had told Rebekah all about what had been happening in town for the last two weeks and all she had learned in school. It was odd how comfortable the young girl was around her school friend's aunt, but then again, Rebekah felt equally comfortable around Paige as well.

"Mrs. Blanchard is letting us read a book all about animal facts," Paige told Rebekah as they pulled up to the abandoned playground that Henry loved so much.

"Is that so?" Rebekah said, turning off her engine. "And what is your favorite animal fact?"

Paige pursed her lips and thought on her answer. Rebekah smiled at that. She, too, tended to purse her lips while she was thinking of an answer.

"Oh!" The young girl said in excitement, "Did you know that green sea turtles can hold their breath underwater for like, five hours?!"

Rebekah chuckled. "I did not know that."

"Also, some sea turtles can weight up to 2,000 pounds!"

She grinned down at Paige and pushed the young girl's hair away from her face. "Well, Missy Paige, I think I see marine biology in your future with how much you already know."

"That's what Mrs. Blanchard said!" Paige grinned.

A knock at her window caused Rebekah to look away from Paige. Emma stood at the door and Rebekah moved to get out of the car. "Paige, why don't you go find Henry?" she suggested to the young girl once they were both out of the car. Paige ran off to the castle that Rebekah knew Henry would be in. "Hey," she said slowly as she turned to face Emma. "How are you doing?"

"I'm fine," Emma shrugged. "I'm more worried about Henry."

Rebekah frowned, "How is he?"

Emma mirrored her frown. "Not so good. I brought him some old walkie talkies of Graham's for Operation Cobra," Rebekah blew air out of her nose in amusement, "-But Henry isn't interested. Henry thinks that the curse," she used air quotes, "Is what killed Graham." Emma bit down on her lower lip. Rebekah could tell that she wanted to say something else but was holding back.

"Out with it," Rebekah said with a soft smile.

She sighed. "He thinks that...Regina killed Graham."

"I don't understand," Rebekah said, looking past Emma to where she could see Henry and Paige sitting in the castle. "Why does he think Regina killed Graham? He knows that's not true...right?"

"I told him multiple times that the autopsy said he died of natural causes but...he's so set on this whole curse thing that...I don't know," Emma shrugged again. "Maybe this is just his way of grieving – I haven't been around him as long as you...but I do know that he's missed you."

Rebekah looked down at the ground. "I missed him, too...it's just been...hard." She settled on the word. "I've known Graham for as long as I can remember – he was my best friend and...being in town just," she shook her head, "It's hard – but it doesn't excuse the fact that I wasn't there for Henry when he needed me. I'm back now."

Emma leaned against Rebekah's car. "Where were you?"

"It doesn't matter." Rebekah brushed off the question only to have Emma raise her brows, giving Rebekah a pointed look. "-I stayed with someone for a bit. But that's over and I'm back and my focus is going to be on Henry and my job and everything else."

Emma nodded her head and pressed her hand to Rebekah's arm. "Well, I'm glad you're back." Rebekah moved her hand to rest on top of Emma's and gave it a little squeeze as she smiled. "-I should get going. The station isn't going to run itself."

Rebekah felt her heart sink momentarily but the sound of Paige laughing made the pain hurt a little less.

"Mr. Gold thinks I should take over for Sheriff." Emma told Rebekah causing her to look at the blonde with wide eyes, "I know – it's totally crazy. He said that since I've been acting sheriff for the last two weeks that technically it's my job."

"You should do it." Rebekah said suddenly, "Graham would want you to. Hell, he trusted you enough to be his deputy...you'd make a wonderful sheriff."

Emma smiled. "You think so?"

"Yes," Rebekah said in a sure tone. "I can't think of anyone else keeping the town safe with Graham...gone." She looked down at the ground.

"Listen...I'm here if you need to talk." Emma said softly, "So is Mary-Margaret. So...don't feel alone, okay?"

"I know," Rebekah said with a soft smile as she looked back up at Emma. The sound of Paige laughing caused Rebekah to look over at the castle to see the young girl trying her best to make Henry laugh as well. "I better make sure those two don't try and slay a dragon or something," she teased causing Emma to laugh. "I'll see you later, Emma."

"See you later, Bex."

Rebekah felt her heart sink again at Emma calling her by the name Jefferson had been calling her for the last two weeks. It was odd hearing it said by anyone else. Henry called her that, as did Paige. And the night Graham died, Rebekah was pretty sure that Emma had called her Bex, too. Maybe that's why it hurt to hear it said. It didn't cause sadness when Paige said it earlier – but hearing Emma say it again brought her back to that night. And Rebekah just wanted to forget.

"Bex!" Paige said causing Rebekah to look over at them. "Henry said you can do a cartwheel! Can you teach me?"

Nope, it didn't cause her pain to hear Paige call her that name. It had to be because Emma had called her it when telling her that Graham had died.

"Only if Henry tries, too!"

She watched as Henry smiled briefly and Rebekah took that small little smile as an invitation to come over. Rebekah showed them both how to do a cartwheel and Henry seemed to light up when Rebekah whispered to him that she'd teach him how to do a backflip after school.

Rebekah would have taught Paige, too. But she didn't want to risk the girl getting hurt and her parents never trusting Rebekah to be alone with her again. For some reason, Paige felt like...family. Maybe it was because Henry was so close to her? Either way, she felt a connection to the little girl and didn't want to do anything that might make Mr. and Mrs. Grace not want Paige to be around her.

Paige was such a sweet little girl. Light brown hair with big green eyes and a laugh that made Rebekah grin so hard that her cheeks began to ache. No, Rebekah didn't want to lose the opportunity to spend time with Paige. That was not a risk she was willing to take.

When she dropped the kids back off at school, Rebekah had asked Henry to wait in the car for a bit so they could talk. The boy was solemn, sitting in the backseat with his arms crossed.

She moved a bit so that she was facing Henry. "You mad at me?" Rebekah asked her nephew.

He huffed, "No." Now that Paige was gone, Henry was sure giving his aunt attitude.

Rebekah couldn't help but chuckle. "Kinda seems like it."

"You left. My mom said that you were fine but--." He stopped himself suddenly. "Just...you can't leave again, Auntie Bex. I thought she killed you, too."

"Henry," Rebekah sighed, turning more in her seat to look at her nephew, making sure that his eyes were on hers. "Your mom did not kill Graham." He didn't argue. He just grabbed his book bag and got out of the car. "Henry!" Rebekah shouted as she got out of the car to follow after him. He kept walking and Rebekah had to run so she could get in front of him. Her hands went to his shoulders to stop him from walking. "Regina may be a lot of things...but she wouldn't kill Graham, okay?" He avoided her eyes and Rebekah sighed. She kneeled down in front of him so that she was looking up at him. "Henry," she said his name softly. "I miss Graham, too."

"He was good," Henry said, eyes misty with tears.

"He was." Her voice broke a little but she stopped herself from crying. She shook her head and sniffled a little before looking back up at Henry. "How about I pick you up after school and we go to Granny's and get some ice cream sundaes?" He didn't smile; he only nodded his head. Rebekah frowned but moved forward and pulled Henry into her arms, hugging onto him tightly. "I love you, buddy."

"I love you, too," he said back to her, finally giving into her hug.

"I'll see you later." Rebekah kissed his cheek and Henry made a huff about it, embarrassed that Rebekah would do such a thing in front of his school! She laughed and ruffled his hair before standing up and told Henry to get inside. He smiled, waving to her as he ran into the school. Rebekah inhaled deeply and closed her eyes now that she was alone.

Before she could get too into her head about Graham, Rebekah's phone rang. "Hello?" She answered it, seeing that it was Mr. Gold.

"I was just checking in to make sure we were still on for meeting at the house?" Mr. Gold asked. Rebekah assured the man that she was on her way and was very excited to see the work that had been put into the home while she was taking her break.

Two weeks with hardly any contact with anyone – two weeks of feeling guilt and pity and anger and agonizing sadness – was over. Rebekah was ready to focus on work and her friends and family.

But would Jefferson be a part of that mix?

His words replayed in her head as she drove to meet Mr. Gold.

I'm sorry if I misled you, Rebekah. That wasn't my intention. But I have feelings for someone else.

I don't want to spend the night with you anymore, Rebekah – I want to spend the night with her.

He didn't want her. Rebekah had to keep reminding herself that.

It was the only way she'd be able to stay away from him.

_________________________________

ENCHANTED FOREST

They had just set Grace down in her crib for the night and were watching her to make sure she was sleeping peacefully when Jefferson asked her an absurd question.

"When can we make another?"

Rebekah turned her head sharply to look at Jefferson and let out a loud laugh only to have Grace make a fussing noise. Rebekah grabbed Jefferson's hand and led him out of their daughter's bedroom and into their bedroom. "You're joking, right?" She turned to face him.

He smiled, shaking his head. "Grace needs a little brother or sister."

She laughed again and shook her head. "Grace is barely a year old. I don't think she is old enough to have a say in this." Jefferson moved forward and into Rebekah's space, wrapping his arms around her waist. He smiled down at her and Rebekah rolled her eyes at his persistence. "You're not going to win this, Jefferson."

"Hmm." He moved forward, pressing a soft kiss to her lips. "We'll see."

He had won. Four months later she was visited by the court physician who informed her that she was with child. Jefferson was ecstatic. But Rebekah had a strange feeling about this pregnancy. It felt...off.

"Do you know how far along I am?" Rebekah asked, pressing her hand to her abdomen.

"Given what you told me, I'd say you're about eight weeks pregnant."

She swallowed hard, fear settling in her stomach while her fiancée happily asked the physician questions while Rebekah sat in their bed. Snow White had come with the doctor and when Jefferson went off to check on Grace, her oldest friend took a seat on the bed and grabbed Rebekah's hand.

"What's wrong?" she asked, clearly seeing that someone was bothering Rebekah.

"It doesn't feel right," Rebekah whispered.

Snow White frowned. "Did you...have this kind of feeling when you found out you were pregnant with Grace?"

She sighed, "I mean, I was scared, yes...but I never doubted in my mind and heart that it was supposed to happen. I knew that I was meant to have Grace. I don't have that feeling with this baby." Rebekah shook her head. "I don't know – Grace only just turned one and...it doesn't feel right."

"Do you think you're worried about Grace not feeling important?" Snow White wondered out loud.

"No! That's not it. It just...I don't know how to explain it, Snow. I just...it doesn't feel right," Rebekah repeated again.

Snow White squeezed her hand and gave Rebekah a reassuring smile. "I'm sure everything will be just fine. And when that baby is born you will love it just as much as you love your Grace."

Four weeks later, Rebekah woke up to the feeling of something sticky between her legs. She looked over at the spot on the bed next to her and saw Jefferson sleeping peacefully. The young woman moved her hand to try and wipe away the stickiness between her legs but only seemed to smear it. And then there was a sudden cramping that caused her to let out a low hiss.

"Sweetheart," Jefferson said in a sleepy tone, rolling over on his side to look over at Rebekah just as she pulled down the covers to see blood-soaked bedding. Jefferson inhaled sharply and quickly sat up, pulling Rebekah up a bit to get her out of the mess. He helped her off of their bed and Rebekah stood there frozen, holding onto her lower abdomen in pain. "It's okay," he whispered. "It's okay." But she could hear the pain in his voice.

"I'm sorry," she whispered as he picked her up in his arms and took her out of the room to wash away the blood.

Jefferson had sent word to Snow and Charming's castle and they arrived as quickly as they possibly could. But by that time, Rebekah had already lost the baby.

Snow White and Charming watched Grace while Jefferson continued to clean up Rebekah and care for her. But she had yet to say anything to him since she had apologized.

Jefferson washed her hands, trying to gently scrub the blood stains off of them. Rebekah stared blankly ahead at the wall and let Jefferson continue on even though she really just wanted to go back to bed and never get out of it again. She closed her eyes when Jefferson brushed her hair back, letting him get out the tangles while she stayed in the tub. The water was no longer warm, but when Jefferson had asked if she wanted to get out, she shook her head slowly.

"I shouldn't have pressured you," Jefferson said, his voice rough and Rebekah knew that he must be crying. "It was too soon and...I'm sorry."

She shook her head. "No." Her voice was raspier than usual. "Don't be." And then her voice broke and the tears started to fall.

Jefferson moved himself and got into the tub with Rebekah, pulling her body against his chest and letting face smother against his neck as she sobbed loudly. "I'm here," he told her, rubbing her back as he held her close. "I'm here. I love you. I love you so much."

"I'm sorry," Rebekah whispered, lifting her arms to wrap around his shoulders.

"Shh," he whispered. "It's okay."

Rebekah didn't know how to explain it – she didn't know how to tell Jefferson that she believed that she had cursed this pregnancy from the day she found out about it. Rebekah had told Snow that it didn't feel right. Had she done this? Was it her fears that caused her to lose the baby? Jefferson had wanted another child so badly and she had ruined that for him. How could he love her still? How could he hold her in his arms and whisper to her that it was all okay? How could he apologize to her?

Snow and Charming stayed with them for a few days but soon had to go back to the castle and Rebekah stayed in bed for quite some time. Jefferson would take care of Grace while Rebekah lay feeling completely numb and lost. Jefferson tried hard to be there for her; she knew that. But there was nothing he could say to console her.

It took Grace wailing one night and Jefferson's inability to comfort the baby for Rebekah to finally force herself out of bed and out of the bedroom. Jefferson was sitting in the rocking chair trying to calm their daughter down but it wasn't working until Rebekah came into the room that Grace finally stopped crying. Jefferson looked up at his fiancée in shock. "Bex," he said in a whisper.

She moved her arms out, motioning for him to bring her Grace. He did. It was the first time she held her daughter since she lost the baby. Grace snuggled up to Rebekah the second she was in her arms. "Hi, Gracie girl."

"Mama," her baby girl said, pressing her hands to Rebekah's face. It was the first time that the word came out clearly and Rebekah couldn't help but gasp softly. She looked to Jefferson who was grinning.

"She's been saying it for a few days now."

And then the guilt set in. "I am so sorry, Gracie girl." Rebekah whispered, pressing a kiss to her daughter's head. "I'm here. I'm right here." She lifted her head up and looked to Jefferson. "I should have been there," she whispered. "For the both of you. I'm sorry."

Jefferson moved forward and pulled both of his girls into his arms, holding onto them tightly. "You don't ever have to apologize to me, Bex. I'm just glad you're back."

She moved her head slightly so she could brush her lips against his. "Let's get married."

Jefferson chuckled. "I thought we were already planning on getting married."

"Tomorrow." Rebekah told him, "I want to marry you tomorrow."

He frowned, worry in his eyes. "Are you sure?"

"I want to be your wife, Jefferson. We've waited long enough."

He grinned and moved forward, pressing his lips to hers and they both laughed when their daughter let out a squeal of a giggle. "I think Gracie approves," Jefferson said with a laugh.

The three of them went to bed together, Grace snuggled up against her father's chest and Rebekah curled into his side with her hand pressed against their daughter's back.

Losing their unborn child was devastating. But Rebekah knew that Grace needed both of her parents. And that with Rebekah locking herself away in her room – it wasn't healthy for either of them. And God, she really did miss Jefferson. Even with him next to her each night, she had felt so far away.

"I love you, Jefferson," Rebekah whispered.

He sighed happily. "I love you so much, Bex."

_________________________________

STORYBROOKE, Maine

She left.

Jefferson didn't expect her to stay with him forever but he at least thought she might tell him that she was going back home. Rebekah had been so quiet for the past two weeks and it scared him. It took him back to when they lost their unborn child when Grace was only a one year old and needed her mother more than anything. Rebekah had locked herself away, didn't eat, barely drank when he'd bring her water; and it wasn't until one night when she heard Grace crying that she finally snapped out of it.

When Rebekah grieved, she grieved hard. She blamed herself for everything; she felt all the sorrow and pain and refused to let anyone in or help her through it.

She had thought that it had only been a week or two of her locking herself away. But it was over a month and a half. Jefferson had sent word to Snow and Charming and asked for their help which they provided with Snow coming to visit but Rebekah had a vacant look in her eyes and Jefferson could tell that she wasn't really seeing Snow.

But when she snapped out of it, Rebekah went on with life as if none of it had happened. They did not talk about their unborn child that they lost -- they did not discuss trying to have another baby – they just went on with life and watched as their daughter grew into a little girl.

And now? Rebekah didn't have that to get her through this. Yes, she had Henry. But Jefferson didn't think it would be enough. He didn't think that Rebekah would ever get over losing Graham. For the twenty-eight years that everyone was cursed; Graham had been Rebekah's best friend, her shoulder to lean on, someone who was like a brother to her. And now he was gone. And no amount of time with Henry would make Rebekah forget about that.

And now, because he was so worried about her, he was...stalking her. No, he wasn't stalking her. He was just staying in the woods near the house (their house) that she was helping renovate with Mr. Gold. Jefferson sighed in relief when he saw her car pull up to the house. He was so relieved that he almost walked out of the woods and went to her. But he stopped moving when Mr. Gold walked out of the house. Jefferson hadn't even seen his car; his focus was only on waiting to see if Rebekah would show up.

Rebekah wasn't in any of the clothes she had brought over to Jefferson's house, so it was clear that she had been home. Which likely meant that she would be staying at her own place from now on. It left his heart aching and his chest felt like it was tightening. He didn't want Rebekah to leave. He had woken up with her in his arms everyday for the past two weeks and this morning when he didn't. It was like he was transported to the very first night without her after Regina had found them.

So, when Mr. Gold left two hours later and Rebekah stayed behind and sat on the porch by herself, Jefferson felt his legs pushing forward and went to her.

"Hey," he said softly.

But Rebekah didn't look up.

"Bex?"

"Don't call me that." Her voice was cold.

Jefferson inhaled sharply. He knew it would happen – that his words would come back to haunt him, and finally Rebekah was letting her anger towards him show. "Okay," he said.

She looked up. "Why are you here?"

He licked at his lower lip, shoving his hands in his pockets. "I was just taking a walk."

Rebekah rolled her eyes at his lie. "Well, you should keep walking, Jefferson," she told him, eyes narrowed in a glare when she looked him in the eyes.

"Rebekah," he said her name in a sigh.

"I'm sorry if I misled you." She quoted what he had said to her that night. "That wasn't my intention."

He looked away and bit the inside of his cheek. The scar on his neck felt like it was burning again and he wanted nothing more than to have Rebekah press her lips softly against the scar – it was the only time he didn't feel the pain. But Jefferson knew that wasn't going to happen now. He moved his hand to his neck and rubbed roughly against his scarf.

Jefferson couldn't find the words to make this okay and Rebekah didn't give him anymore time to think of something to say. She got up from the porch and headed back to her car and after getting inside and turning it on, she drove away.

I'm sorry, Jefferson whispered as he walked away, I love you.

And he prayed that she'd forgive him – because he wasn't letting her go again. He refused to walk away from her, from them. He had tried to push her away before because he was afraid of getting hurt but it hurt more to be away from her. Jefferson was not going to lose her again.

Because he loved her and they were meant to be.

In every realm.