I can see both sides to this one- On re-watching I thought it was a little weird that he called her ‘Mom’ the 1st time around because he had indeed been working to be rid of her for almost a year 🙄
Having said that, I dont think he had really thought through exactly what would happen when the curse was lifted & after all the Mob was what, an hr ❓ or 2 at most after the curse was lifted, that’s a lot of change in a very short time for a kid (Or Emma lol 😉 ) to have take in.
Another thought- we haven’t seen the ‘final battle’ beginning yet, so who or what will that be against if not Regina????