Time Lords always do — when they’re looking. And by Rassilon, he has been looking. Afraid of what he’ll find. Afraid he can’t both save Pond’s baby and the naughty friend he loves.
He didn't recognize the child, but then, he hadn’t yet felt how time courses through River's veins. But now — now he can see.
Mels. Melody. The only water in the forest. His bespoke psychopath. His convicted murderer lover, intact. He failed to save the child.
A smile floods his face, and he runs towards her with open arms.