Regina spun Emma around as they danced along the beach. It was nearly sunset, but both girls were too busy looking at the other to notice. Emma burst into a fit of giggles. She loved it when Regina spun her around and the wind rushed through her hair. It was a magical feeling--almost as if she was floating on air, only to be pulled back to Earth by a strong and beautiful force. That was the best part--being pulled back into Regina's strong, gorgeous arms. She was really going to miss her.

Neither girl was prepared for their amazing summer to come to a close. Regina dreaded leaving the beautiful beaches in Cape May. It was her dream to live on the beach with a beautiful woman by her side. The more time Regina spent with Emma, the more she envisioned the blonde accompanying her. She loved hearing Emma's giggles as she would twirl her, she loved holding her in her arms when the chill set in, she loved the sand between her toes, she just loved everything about the summer she had shared with Emma, and she wanted it for the rest of her life.

Regina wasn't the only one. Emma was dreading having to go back to the noisy streets of Boston. There was something about the peaceful, easy beach life she had been living this summer that she loved. It topped the hustle and bustle of city living, and Emma was ready to slow down. She couldn't think of a better person to do so with than Regina.

As the sun finally set on not only another amazing night, but their seemingly endless summer, both girls were brought back to reality. Their senior year was approaching, and it was time to say goodbye--for good.

They sat in silence, watching the waves roll in and out. Neither girl was sure of what to say. There were no words to express how much their summer of love meant to them or to say how much they were going to miss it. Emma was the first to speak.

"I really must be getting back. I promised my parents I would be back by dark."

"Yeah, I should be going as well. Mind if I walk you to your room?" Regina asked trying desperately to get as much time with the blonde as possible.

"I would be honored to have such a delightful escort," Emma said with a serious face. She was fighting the urge to bursts into a fit of giggles.

"What about handsome? You forgot to say handsome!" Regina tried to match the blonde's seriousness, but failed.

"Of course. My ever so dashing knight in shining leather." Emma couldn't hold back her laughter any longer. Regina stood, holding out a hand to help the blonde to her feet. She then held out her arm to Emma. Emma linked hers with Regina's and they set off toward their hotel. The pair walked as slowly as they possibly could, stretching out the remainder of their time together.

When they reached Emma's room, both girls were on the verge of tears. Emma placed her hand on Regina's face; she stared into her gorgeous chocolate eyes, memorizing them.

"Regina Mills. Thank you for giving me the best summer of my life. I am so happy that I met you. You have changed my outlook on life, love, and happiness. I will never forget you."

A tear slid down Regina's cheek and rested on Emma's hand. She looked back into the beautiful blue-green eyes in front of her, staring deeply as if searching for some answers. "Emma Swan. It is I who should be thanking you. You melted my frozen heart. You taught me how to have fun without breaking the rules. But most importantly, you taught me how to love. I am so thankful that you saved me all those weeks ago. I have never been so happy to have almost drowned. You're my savior, Emma. I owe you my life, but all I have to give you is my heart. I want you to have it."

Regina took out a pen and grabbed Emma's arm. She drew a heart on Emma's wrist, then kissed the back of her hand.

"Miss Swan, it has been a pleasure."

"Well, knight, the pleasure has been all mine. You saved me, too, so let's call it even." Emma grabbed the pen and Regina's arm. She drew a heart on her wrist and mimicked Regina's actions. She didn't let go of Regina's hand. Instead, she pulled the brunette closer and wrapped her in a hug. "Goodbye, knight in shining leather. I will treasure our time forever."

"Goodbye, savior. I will always love you."

Regina pulled back from their hug and connected her lips to Emma's. The kiss was short and quick, but it was full of unspoken words and emotions. Their summer may have been over, but their love was just blooming.