The next day, she was happy to discover that there were no deliveries to the hospital. That would at least give her a little time to get over her frazzled nerves. In fact, there were few orders at all, so half-way through the day, once she was finished with her deliveries, she decided to go back to the shop and relieve her parents of their post.

"I got it, Mom," she assured the woman. "You guys should go home and relax for a while. I'll close up tonight. It's just another five hours, and it hasn't been busy at all today. I'll be fine."

"Alright, dear… If you're sure…" her mother replied skeptically.

"Have a good night, darling," her father said, kissing her cheek. "We love you, and we'll see you tomorrow morning."

"Go on, guys," Emma laughed. "Get out of here."

So they gathered their things and left, leaving the blonde on her own in the shop. Two or three customers came in during the next two hours, so Emma began to grow bored with her surroundings. Still, she was happy she had something to do, other than sit at home, stressing and moping about the beautiful nurse she had become so infatuated with.

Just when her thoughts turned back to the beautiful woman, filling the silence in her head, the phone rang.

"Hi," the woman on the end of the line started. "I, um…"

Emma swallowed hard as her head went into a spin, recognizing the voice immediately. What the fuck do I say? her mind instantly demanded. Game plan! Quick! What she came up with: play it cool and pretend you have no idea who's calling!

"Yes, ma'am?" Emma answered, her voice nearly cracking as the words came out.

"I, uh…" Regina tried again. "My name is Regina Mills. I was looking for Emma Swan. Would she happen to be there at the moment?"

"Hi, Regina!" the blonde said, forcing herself to sound chipper and carefree.

"Oh! Emma! I… Hi…"

"Looking to order some flowers?"

"Not… Not exactly…"

"What can I help you with, Miss?"

"Emma… You don't have to call me 'Miss.'"

"I call everyone 'Miss,'" Emma replied slowly, unsure of what else to say.

"I'm not everyone…"

"No… No, you're not."

Emma's breath caught in her chest as she waited for the woman's reply.

"Emma?"

"Yeah?"

"Are you the one giving me flowers?"

"Of course I am, Regina. I'm your florist. It's kind of my job," the blonde laughed brightly, thankful to have come up with such a smooth response so quickly.

Stick to the plan, Emma, she told herself. Just play it cool.

"Yes, I know that. But are they from you?"

Emma paused and froze up, given that she'd hoped the woman would have let the subject drop after she'd played it off as nothing. Now what the fuck do I say? she was desperate to know. She had no answers, so she simply blurted out the first nonchalant thing that popped into her head.

"Now, why would I do that?" When there was an awkward silence on the other end of the line, Emma realized that the woman was likely embarrassed and possibly even offended by the question, so she sighed sadly and said, "I'm sorry. There are plenty of reasons why I would do that."

"Like what?" the nurse finally asked, sounding unsure.

"Firstly, you seemed to be a little down before the first delivery, and I would do anything in my power to cheer you up and see you smile. Second, you're sweeter than sweet tea, and I just couldn't it. Third, you are absolutely stunning, in every way. And fourth, it's the only way I know how to express myself."

Oh, fuck.

There was another long silence on the other end of the line where Emma became sure that she was going to die of embarrassment. It seemed to go on forever, but when it ended, the wave of relief that crashed over her, washing away her shame from head to toe, was intense enough to take her breath away again.

"That is the most touching thing anyone has ever said to me." When the florist remained quiet, Regina added, "Thank you, Emma."

"I didn't say it to flatter you," Emma told her. "I said it because it's true, and I think that if you have a strong enough desire to call to confront me about it, you deserve my honesty."

"You weren't going to tell me."

"No… No, I wasn't."

"Why?"

"Because I… You… You've never noticed me. You've always assumed they were from someone else, and I just figured… Maybe the mystery of it made you feel good. You always seemed so happy to get them. Sometimes, you looked so sad, and I just… I just wanted to make you feel better. To see you smile."

"Emma…"

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have told you any of this. It's stupid. I should've just let you think they were from someone else so I could keep bringing them to you."

"Meaning you won't again?"

"What…?"

"I didn't say I wanted you to stop."

"I…"

"Emma."

"Yeah?"

"You did cheer me up. I'm going through the darkest part of my life right now, and you've been the only light I could see."

"Are you… I mean… I'm not trying to intrude but… Are you at least… Are you alright? I mean… Is there anything I can do for you? Any way I can help?"

"That's what I'm trying to tell you. You are helping."

"But I… They're just flowers. They're… They're nothing compared to-"

"They're everything to me, Emma."

"I…"

"My mom's dying…"

"Oh, my God, Regina. I am so sorry. Is there anything I can do? Can I-"

"She doesn't have much longer. That's why I transferred to Mass General. To be close to her."

"I'm so sorry…"

"Your flowers reminded me that I wasn't alone."

"You still aren't..."

"I… I don't want you to stop sending them… You've made me so happy… Even when I'm hurting so badly."

You've. You've made me so happy. The words played over and over again in Emma's head as she tried to formulate an appropriate response, but nothing came out. As embarrassed as she was, the words wouldn't come. She desperately searched for them, but they escaped her, and her face turned red from frustration. What can I even say to that? What can I even do for her?

Before she could come up with anything remotely intelligent, the florist heard the soft bell ringing to announce a customer's entrance.

"Shit," she muttered, too softly for either to hear. "I'm so, so sorry, Regina, but I've got to go. I've got a customer. I promise I'll see you tomorrow."

"I… Bye, Emma."

Regina, who sounded more embarrassed than irritated, hung up before Emma had a chance to reply with her own goodbye.

Once the customer had been served and had left happily, Emma sat down on the counter and sighed, hanging her head in her hands as she thought about Regina's words. She just needs support right now, she reasoned. I just need to be there for her. As a friend. That's all this is. But inside, of course, she hoped for so much more, and that desire took over her entire being. As frazzled as she was, she managed to come up with a plan for the next day that involved a great deal of courage and bravery.

First thing in the morning, Emma arrived at the hospital, but entered through the back. She was lucky enough to find Doctor Grayson in the hallway around the corner.

"Doctor Grayson, could I have a word?" she asked shyly, standing beside the woman, who unfortunately looked quite busy as she scribbled frantically on the clipboard she was holding.

"Of course, dear," the woman said with a smile, looking up to meet Emma's anxious gaze. "What's going on, sweetheart?"

"Regina told me that her mom is sick and that she's being treated here. Do you happen to know what room she's in?"

"She told you that?"

"She did."

"I'm surprised. She's very closed off about it. Sadly, I have to say that I've found her crying in the bathroom numerous times. I tried to comfort her, but she never wants to talk about it, which I certainly don't blame her for. The only time I see her really smile is when you deliver those flowers," Doctor Grayson told her. "She showed me your notes. They were lovely, dear. You did a great job. I assume that's how you two ended up finally talking?"

"Sort of…" Emma replied slowly, biting her lip. "But listen, I really need to know what room her mom is in. I'd really like to at least do something for her, you know?"

"She's in room 524. She's resting, though, so you'll need to be quiet, alright?"

"Of course, Doctor Grayson."

"Sweetheart, you can call me Angelica. I've told you that several times."

"I know… I just-"

"Really, dear. Angelica is just fine."

"Thank you, Angelica… Thank you so much. For everything."

Before Emma turned away, the woman touched her shoulder and pulled her back gently, saying, "What you're doing for Regina's mother – and what you've done for Regina – is very sweet, Emma."

"I just hope she doesn't think I'm… You know… I don't know. I just… I don't want it to be too much, you know?"

"Oh, I'm sure it will be perfect, coming from you."

Biting her lip, Emma nodded her head weakly and turned to go back to her truck. After several trips and numerous full carts, the nurse's mother's room was completely surrounded with beautiful white roses. Luckily for her, the woman did not wake up or even stir in her bed. She simply continued to breathe deeply in her sleep, looking more peaceful than she probably felt. Next, she snuck back out into the hallway to find Doctor Grayson, praying she wouldn't run into her crush. The blonde found the doctor near one of the other desks in the back and was relieved to find that she was alone.

"Angelica?" she said slowly, showing her nervousness by biting her lip again.

"What is it, dear? How'd it go?"

"It… I… I think it looks good, but I… There's a part two to this plan, and I… I sort of need your help…"

"What can I do for you, sweetheart? I'd be glad to do anything I can to help."

"Would you mind making sure that she's not around the front desk for maybe 20 minutes or so? Please? I want to do something for her too."

"Oh, Emma. You are just too sweet, aren't you?!" the doctor exclaimed, clapping her hands together once in gesture of excitement. "Of course I'll do that for you!"

The blonde couldn't help but grin happily, completely elated by the woman's response. She ran out to her truck, which was parked in the back, then drove it around to the front of the building, waited a few minutes, and started to unload the next cart of her delivery. After about fifteen minutes, the entire front desk and the area behind it was completely covered in soft pink roses, with a note that simply read, 'To keep you smiling.'

As soon as she was sure that everything was arranged perfectly, she stepped around the corner and waited with her cart (which was filled with the actual deliveries for the day). A few minutes later, when Regina rounded the corner on the other side and stopped in front of the desk to stare breathlessly, Emma casually pushed her cart out into the lobby.

At first, Regina didn't hear or notice her, but eventually, she saw the shadow of the florist standing with her cart appear on the floor beside her and quickly turned around.

"Oh, my God," she breathed. "Emma…"

"Someone must really fancy you," the blonde replied with a wink and a casual smile. Then, she added, "I think you should go see your mum. I'm gonna go finish these deliveries."

With that, Emma turned and did exactly that. A half an hour later, she made her way back to the nurse's mother's room, where she found Regina on her knees, crying quietly as she covered her face with her hands. As soon as the woman's devoted florist saw this, she instantly dropped to her own knees beside the nurse and put her hand on Regina's shoulder.

"Regina? Are you… Did I-"

But she was quickly cut off as Regina pushed her hand away, spun around, and threw her arms around Emma's neck.

"Oh, Emma," she whispered into the woman's neck. "No one's ever done anything like this for me. She's going to love it. Thank you so much."

Regina seemed to be content to leave her arms around the caring florist, but Emma pulled away slowly and lifted the woman's chin. Once their eyes met, the blonde used her thumbs to wipe away the nurse's tears.

"I would do anything to see you smile," Emma said softly. "Please don't cry, sweetheart."

But Regina was too overwhelmed with emotion to respond, so she simply sniffled and moved closer and fell into a tight embrace, which the other woman returned tenderly as she rubbed her hands over the woman's back to comfort her.

When she finally pulled away of her own accord to look back into Emma's eyes, the brunette was no longer crying, but her eyes were still red and wet.

"I… Regina… I have to go finish these deliveries, but I'll be done by five, okay? And… And if you'd like to… I'd love to see you again tonight…"

"Regina?" the woman on the hospital bed said softly.

Startled by this, the two quickly rose to their feet just in time for the nurse's mother to open her eyes and look around the room.

"Oh, my!" her mother exclaimed. "I… Where did these all come from?!"

"Mom… This is Emma. She's the florist for the hospital, and after I told her that you were sick, she was kind enough to bring you flowers."

"Oh, my goodness!" the woman cried. "You didn't have to-" she was interrupted by a deep cough that shook her body before continuing "-to do that, but I… I'm so, so grateful. They're absolutely beautiful. As are you, my dear."

"Emma has been bringing me flowers for quite some time now," her daughter explained with a gentle smile.

At this, the woman's eyes widened. Suddenly, it all sunk in. The flowers. The tenderness in Regina's voice. The way Emma was gazing lovingly at her daughter.

"She seems like a wonderful young lady, Regina," her mother commented. Then, looking at Emma, she added, "I hope that you will continue to treat my daughter the way you have been, Miss. If not, I'll come back and haunt you from my grave. Is that clear, young lady?"

"Mom!" Regina cried, turning bright red. "It's not like-"

"Absolutely clear, ma'am. I will," Emma cut in, her voice stony and serious. "I would never dream of hurting your daughter. Although, you should know that nothing is going on between us, but she is certainly someone that I care for deeply, and I would do anything to make her happy."

"That sounds like love to me," the older woman chuckled, smiling at both of them.

Regina looked horrified, and protested, "Mom…"

"Don't let this one go, Regina," her mother ordered. "Is that clear?"

"I…"

"Regina. Don't think you can fool your own mother. I might be ill, but I'm not stupid, or blind. I can see the way you look at her."

At this, Regina's mouth fell open, as did Emma's. When they shared a glance, the nurse's mother's smile brightened proudly.

"You too make an adorable couple."

"Mom… We're not-" Regina tried, but was quickly cut off again.

"You take my daughter out for dinner, tonight, you hear?" the woman cut in, clearly addressing Emma.

"I… But she…"

"Don't let her stay here and mope around like she normally does. Take her somewhere nice."

"Mom! She doesn't have to do that!" Regina cried, still red from embarrassment.

"No, I don't have to," Emma agreed, turning to the brunette beside her. "But I want to, if that's agreeable to you."

"Why don't you cut out early, Regina? I'm sure Doctor Grayson wouldn't mind. You work enough overtime, I think. Let this fine young lady take you out and show you a good time."

When the woman winked at her, Emma blushed as well, then turned back to face the nurse.

"Regina?" she asked shyly. "Do… Do you want to?"

"Of course she wants to!" the brunette's mother answered for her. "Now, get this girl out of here before she turns into a crazy cat lady, without the cats."

At a loss for words, Regina stepped closer to the bed and kissed her mother's cheek and gave her a weak smile.

Before she could pull away, the woman said in her ear (loudly enough for Emma to hear her too), "It's okay to kiss on the first date, dear. Especially if she looks like that one."

Completely mortified, Regina muttered, "Okay, Mum. I love you, and I'll come back to check on you later tonight."

"Don't you dare! You're not scheduled back here until the morning. I'll be fine. I'm feeling alright. I'll see you when you come in for rounds, darling. Go have fun."

After another wink from her mother, Regina finally turned around and followed Emma out of the room. Once they were out in the hallway and the room's door was closed, they stood staring at each other, both still red in the face from embarrassment.

"I… Listen… If you don't want-" Emma started.

"I do…" Regina replied slowly.

This brought a smile to Emma's face and made her just a little less nervous. At least, she was just confident enough to continue down the hallway beside Regina. Once they were at the front desk and Regina had received approval from Doctor Grayson to leave early, the nurse signed herself out and followed the florist out the front doors (after first taking one last long gaze at her floral display).

"Where do you wanna go?" Emma asked, looking over at the brunette nervously.

"Anywhere, with you," Regina confessed shyly.

"Let's get lunch? I don't have any more deliveries today. If you want to meet me at the shop, I can drop off the truck, and we can take my car somewhere."

"What's wrong with the truck?"

"Well, I don't know… I mean… It's kinda silly…"

"I don't think it's silly."

"It is, though," the blonde protested, glancing over at where the vehicle was parked.

"Alright, well why don't we do this? Let's take my car. I'll bring you somewhere."

"Actually… In that case… Would you mind bringing me home real quick? I'm thinking maybe we could grab some food and sort of picnic by the water?"

"Oh, wow… Emma, that's… That would be…"

Seeing that Regina was obviously pleased and flattered by this idea, Emma bravely took the woman's hand, squeezed it gently, and said, "Lead the way, Princess."

Once they arrived at the park near the water, the two set down their basket of food on one of the picnic tables and looked around, then sat facing each other.

"It's beautiful by the water," Regina said breathlessly, staring out at the boats in the harbor.

"It is, with you here," the blonde replied shyly, dropping her gaze to the table.

"You're too sweet to me, Emma…"

When Emma finally raised her eyes, she said, "Nothing could be too sweet for you, my dear."

At first, Regina hesitated, but her eyes dropped – all too obviously – to Emma's smooth, pink lips. When the blonde saw this, her tongue slipped out and wet them subconsciously as her own eyes began to stare at Regina's in return. Instead of making the move she clearly wanted to, the brunette leaned in and kissed Emma's cheek, letting her touch linger there for a little longer than necessary.

Once they'd finished eating, Emma turned around – her back was facing the water – and looked out at the boats. After a long, contented sigh, she looked back at Regina, who was looking at her, rather than the water. When she realized this, Emma blushed, but was brave enough to speak.

"Come sit with me?" she offered, patting the spot on the bench beside her.

Regina nodded and moved to do exactly that. When she was beside Emma, her hand dropped to the bench, where – of course – it accidentally bumped her companion's. She moved to pull away, mumbling an apology, but Emma caught her hand before she could move it out of reach.

"It's okay," Emma told her softly. "You don't have to be nervous."

They sat like that for a while, just watching the calmness of the gentle waves and avoiding each other's gaze. After some time, Regina gained the courage to look over at Emma, then suddenly found herself unable to look away. The woman's profile, her gentle smile, her shining eyes… It was all too much to tear her own eyes away from. As fearful as she was that the blonde would notice her staring, she still could not force herself to drop her gaze.

And of course, Emma did notice.

"I…" Regina started, trying to think of something to cover up the obviousness of what she'd just been doing. Thankfully, she noticed a few tiny crumbs beside Emma's mouth, and said, "You've got… You have… There's…"

When Emma looked confused, the brunette reached out and used her thumb to brush the remainder of the woman's sandwich away from her cheek.

"Oh… Oops," Emma muttered with a blush. "My bad."

"No, it's… It was cute," the nurse told her with a small smile.

Even though the crumbs were gone, Regina's hand lingered, with her thumb resting on Emma's cheek. Unintentionally, she found herself leaning in, but when she noticed what she was doing, she immediately pulled away.

"Hey," the blonde said gently. "It's okay. We don't have to do anything you don't want to, alright? It's fine that you're just doing this for your mum."

"What?!" Regina gasped. "I'm not!"

"You're not?"

"Of course not!"

"But I thought… It seemed like…"

"I'm doing this because I want to be around you."

"I… Oh…"

As soon as Emma dropped her gaze and looked embarrassed, Regina touched her cheek again and said softly, "Emma. Look at me." When the woman lifted her head, she continued, "You are the most wonderful, caring person I know. There's no one I'd rather be here with. No one."

Her date opened her mouth to speak, but no sound slipped past her lips. Instead, she continued to stare at Regina's face, and then at her lips. Once Regina realized this, she leaned in once again, this time not stopping when their faces were close.

Once her lips were hovering in front of Emma's, the brunette brushed her thumb over the florist's cheek once more and whispered, "Is this okay?"

Emma nodded slowly as her face grew hot with anticipation. This is way more than okay, she was thinking, as her breath caught in her chest. I can't believe this is really happening. After this, she swallowed hard and pushed her fear back down into her stomach. Then, her lips parted just in time for Regina to catch them with her own. The kiss was slow, unhurried, and they made it last. Regina only pulled away to whisper the woman's name against her lips.

Now, Emma really could taste the sound of her name on the nurse's lips, and it made her stomach turn.

"I've waited forever to hear you say my name like that," Emma confessed, once they'd finally separated.

Regina's face was also red, but she managed to reply smoothly, saying, "And I've been waiting forever to say it."

"Really?"

"Of course," the brunette replied with a wink. "You're the sweetest, more adorable florist I've ever met. How could I not have been crushing on you?"

"I… had… no idea… If I'd known, I would've-"

"I didn't know you were crushing on me either. Not until the last note you left me. I had no idea. I thought you were just… you know… being nice."

"More like infatuated," the florist laughed, shaking her head. "I haven't stopped thinking about you since we met."

"What? Really…?"

"Really."

The next kiss they shared was deeper, more intimate, and it sent shivers through each of their bodies. When they moved away, they were both breathless.

"So… dinner at my place?" Emma finally offered with a shy smile.

When Regina nodded her head happily, the blonde tucked a few stray hairs behind the woman's ear and kissed her cheek.

Back at Emma's apartment, when she put her MP3 player on shuffle for the two to listen to while making dinner, the same ironically fitting song poured through the speakers.

Now take your time to answer me

For the beauty of romancing

Is to calm your trembling hand with mine

While beggin' love to fill your eyes