Dreaming Out Loud

Next To Me

Chapter 41: Next To Me

"So...it's over? That wave...it's really over?" Jefferson asked, as they emerged from the basement level of the hospital. David nodded.

"Emma broke the curse," he confirmed.

"But how...the apple..." Jefferson rambled almost manically.

"Regina wanted me to eat the apple, but before either of us could stop him, the kid took a bite," Emma told him. Jefferson's mouth was ajar, as he looked at Henry, who just smiled at him.

"God...I'm so sorry. I helped her get the apple...I was so stupid to trust her!" he lamented, as he sat down in a chair and put his head in his hands. David exchanged a look with Snow and she nodded to him, as he sat down beside the Hatter.

"Look...what you did wasn't smart, but I get it. You did something desperate for your child. I've done the same. You made a mistake, but it doesn't change that we're still friends," David told him. Jefferson looked up at him with tears in his eyes.

"I betrayed our friendship and was almost the reason the curse might have never been broken," he reminded. David nodded.

"And you're clearly extremely regretful. A lot of people have been hurt by this whole situation and driven to do things they wouldn't normally do," he said, as he looked up at his family, who all smiled at him.

"We forgive you. Now let's go get something to eat at Granny's. Then first thing tomorrow morning, we'll go get your daughter back," he said, as he clapped him on the shoulder.

"What if Grace doesn't want me back?" Jefferson asked, as they stood up.

"She's your daughter and she loves you," David replied.

"But she's been living with another family for twenty-eight years. What if she wants to stay with them?" he wondered.

"She might not want to stop seeing them completely, but I know Grace from my days as Mary Margaret," Snow chimed in, as he looked up at her.

"She's a very sweet little girl and she's going to be overjoyed to have you back in her life," she assured. David smiled and put his arm around her waist.

"Yeah, so let's go. I really need some onion rings after this day," Emma agreed, as she put her arm around her kid.

"So that's it...I've just been adopted by this crazy family?" Jefferson quipped. David smirked.

"Yep...you're screwed. Did I use that right?" he asked his daughter, who rolled her eyes playfully.

"Yeah Dad, you used it right," she confirmed.

"Wow...you really are a grandpa. Between trying to use your kid's lingo and watching you try to use a phone, it all makes perfect sense now," Jefferson deadpanned.

"Excuse me for not having curse memories for all this stuff," David retorted.

"I, for one, like that you don't have curse memories," Snow chimed in, as he looked over at her.

"And I need you to know that I love Mary just as much as I love you, my darling," he assured her. She melted into his at that and they kissed tenderly. When their lips parted, Snow rested her head against his shoulder, as they continued on.

Before the diner, they made their way up a few floors to check on Maleficent. When they arrived, they saw her happily cradling a newborn. She gave them a curt nod from the window of her room and for now, they left her to be with her baby, whom the nurse revealed she had named Lily.

Soon, they arrived at the diner and were welcomed again with open arms by Red and Granny. The curse was broken at last and though they knew there were still obstacles in their path and much healing to do for many, they were finally together as a family. Whatever danger or uncertainty the future held would be faced together. For now, they enjoyed just that, being together and were surprised to see Belle and Gold when they arrived at the diner as well. Granny still gave the Dark One some wary looks, but for the most part accepted it when Snow and David welcomed him and Belle into their circle.