You were walking across the street as you saw Jefferson reunited with his beloved daughter. You wanted nothing more than to join them, but you stayed back. He needed time, besides, you weren't sure you'd be welcome. After all, before the curse, you'd left the two of them. No word as to why, you just left although you expected Jefferson knew the reason better than anyone.

You let out a sigh and turned away from the happy reunion. You held back tears when you heard a familiar voice call out your name. For a moment, you stood frozen in place, kicking yourself for not walking away sooner. Taking a deep breath, you turned toward where the voice came from. "Y/N! It is you!" Grace cried, running to you and wrapping her arms around your middle. "Hello, Grace." You wanted nothing more than to break down and cry as you hugged her back.

Grace smiled up at you and you returned the gesture before bringing your gaze back up to her father. He was staring at you, his cerulean eyes wide with surprise and hurt. You slowly removed Grace's arms from you and took a step back. Her brows scrunched in confusion. You gave her another smile, trying to show her that you were alright. "I have to go, Grace. You need to spend time with your father. I'm certain he has missed you." Another glance at Jefferson had you practically running in the opposite direction. You would think after 28 years, you'd be ready to face the man you once loved. Apparently not.

Jefferson watched you go, unable to force your name from his lips to stop you. "Papa? Why didn't you say anything to her? She looked so sad," Grace said and Jefferson scoffed softly. Children had a way of making things sound so simple and Jefferson wished, in this case, life was just that easy. His only wish for over 28 years was to have his family back together. Now, he had Grace but you were still gone. There, but not available to him. And it was all his fault.

*flashback*

"How many times must I apologize? It isn't like you didn't know where we were! I left a note for you!" you whispered harshly, trying not to wake Grace. "You cannot take my daughter from this house without me! What if something had happened to you? To Grace?" You shook your head, tears threatening to spill over. Jefferson never yelled at you and he'd never gotten so upset about you leaving the house with Grace. It was ridiculous.

"Papa? Mama? Is everything alright?" a small voice asked. Jefferson whipped his head around. "Y/N isn't your mother, Grace. Your mother wouldn't have taken you out there with the Evil Queen running around." Grace cocked her head in confusion. Neither of you knew that Regina had left her castle. "But you love her, don't you? You're going to get married one day and she'll be my new mama." You smiled at her softly before Jefferson spoke again. This time, his anger was apparent. "No, Grace. Y/N cannot and will not replace your mother!" You felt your heart crumble as his eyes flashed with anger.

Grace ran back to her room in tears and Jefferson turned back to you. His eyes instantly softened when he took in your trembling form. He could almost feel the pain radiating off you. He regretted his words the minute he'd said them. After all, he really did love you and he wanted to marry you. He was being unreasonable and he knew it. Still, he was too angry and prideful to admit his wrong at that moment. So, he stormed off to bed. That was the last time he saw you.

*end flashback*

You slammed the door of your home closed behind you. Your breathing was heavy and you felt on the verge of a panic attack. You felt so weak and foolish. You placed your hands on the table in the front hall before looking up in the mirror. "You can't replace her," you told your reflection. That had become your mantra since the curse had been broken. Any time you thought about running to Jefferson, you reminded yourself of the horrible things he'd said to you.

"You can't replace her. You can't r-" A knock on the door cut off your mutterings. Drying your eyes, you slowly opened the door only to come face to face with Jefferson. "Y/N." His voice sounded as broken as you felt. "J-Jefferson." You felt your lip start trembling, another sob trying to escape. You cleared your throat and stepped aside. "Come in." The two of them stepped into your small home, Grace immediately making herself at home, playing with your dog.

You watched her for a moment, feeling Jefferson's intense gaze on you. "Tea?" you asked, not looking at him. "Please." He followed you into the kitchen and watched as you flitted about nervously making the tea. The silence weighed down on you both until you couldn't take it anymore. "What are you doing here, Jefferson? We didn't leave things on friendly terms."

"We didn't leave, Y/N. You did." You snorted out a wry laugh. "Because you told Grace I could never replace your dead wife! I loved you Jefferson! I thought we were happy and then you say that? I never wanted to replace her. I only wanted to be part of your life and Grace's life. I never expected to fall in love with you, but when I did, I thought you loved me too." You ran your hand through your hair and lowered your voice.

"I did...I do. I was angry that night. I didn't think before I spoke. I know you weren't trying to take her place, in the family or in my heart. You loved me even knowing I was a poor widower, barely able to feed my daughter. You didn't care. You have your own place in my heart. A place that shattered when I woke up the next morning to find you gone. I looked everywhere for you so I could beg your forgiveness and bring you home. Then the curse hit and I was too late."

Throughout his speech, you both began crying. "Jefferson..." He brought his gaze to yours. "Is there any part of you that still loves me? That still loves Grace?" You sniffled and laughed softly. "Of course there is. I never stopped loving either one of you." Jefferson slowly closed the distance between you, giving you ample opportunity to back away. When you didn't, he wrapped one arm around your waist and pulled you to him. His free hand cupped your cheek. "I love you, Y/N and if I ever say anything stupid like that again, feel free to send me packing."

"Noted. Now, shut up and kiss me," you said and his lips pressed eagerly to yours.You felt the sparks that you missed so much. It just felt right, being in his arms. You smiled into the kiss, but had to break apart when the kettle began whistling. Not letting you go, Jefferson held your gaze. "Will you come home, please?" You bumped his nose with yours. "I already am," you answered, snuggling deeper into his arms.