The upraised arms were a bit of a surprise, but Regina swallowed it and wrapped Emma up in a hug that was not maternal, not patronizing, not grudging, but in every way willing and genuine. She wasn't quick to let go either.

Since Kashaw's disappearance at least, Regina had been suppressing an inner wailing, that she might lose Snow (again), that she might lose Dyson, or never see Henry and Emma again. Swan's arrival quieted the screaming cyclone. Yes, she was one more person to lose, but she was also one more person to help if she did lose someone, and one more reason to stay good.

So when she released Emma, she was smiling warmly and even briefly lifted a hand to touch her cheek. "We have a lot to talk about. This place isn't even the half of it."