Granny and Snow were shuffling around the diner, fitting all the dishes with serving spoons. Ruby, Dorothy and the Dwarves were helping David and Henry with the final touches on the tree. Bing Crosby's Christmas Hits sauntered through the air. Snow was falling outside, and lights twinkled in the distance. Regina and Emma walked into the diner, hand in hand. Grumpy smiled when he saw Regina had brought her signature dish, Lasagna! He hurried over to her, she was smiling at the excitement in his eyes. "Mmm. Smells incredible, Gina." "It's the red pepper flakes." His smile dropped, as he remembered his first encounter with this woman and her Lasagna. Regina chuckled, "Red pepper flakes, gives it a kick." He could see the playfulness in her eyes, and reached in for a hug. Never did he think he would see this day! Emma shook her head, and took Regina's Coat. They said their hellos, and began to indulge in the feast prepared. The air was buzzing with chatter and laughter. They talked about their traditions and memories from Christmas last, as well as their hopes for the future. Regina was taking this all in more than anyone. It was the first Holiday she had ever really enjoyed. She finally had a family. A family that loved her. Emma saw her taking in the moment and grabbed her thigh beneath the table. Regina places her hand on Emma's and leaned into the Woman's shoulder. She breathed her in. She smelled like Cranberries and Vanilla. Regina never thought she looked more lovely.
David broke the chatter with the clink of a spoon on his glass. Everyone hushed and looked to him. "On this most Special day, I would like to have a toast to my beautiful daughter and the Woman she loves. I've watched you both all night, and I couldn't be happier for the love you share. Thank you for bringing such light to my little girl's life, Regina. I've never seen her happier." Regina smiled through tears, and raised her glass as she squeezed Emma's hand. Everyone followed behind her, as she drank to the most powerful magic known to her; Love.
The whole crew gathered around the tree and began to exchange gifts. This was Snow's favorite part. She loved to see the joy giving gave, as well as the joy receiving thoughtful gifts brought to the faces of loved ones. She watched everyone intently. David watched her, watching them. He had never loved her more, than in these moments. Pure selflessness and motherly love, for everyone in that town. Regina and Emma laughed as they watched Henry open the vintage comic books they got for him. His eyes lit up brighter than the tree. He ran to them, and almost knocked them over with his hug. He was so big now. They were equally as proud of the Young Man he was becoming. He winked at Regina as he slid the small box in her hand, as he slipped away. Regina clinched it in her hand and slid it in her waist band. She leaned into Emma's hair and kissed her ear.
"Dear. Take me for a walk. I want to see the sky." Emma smiled and kissed her cheek. She stood up and took her hand, guiding her to the door. Once they were all bundled up, they snuck out the back door, and into the street. "Tonight has been one of the most beautiful of my life. I never thought I would have this. Sometimes I still don't." Regina seemed almost wounded by this, not looking at Emma, but squeezing her hand tightly in her own. Emma stopped Regina, turning into her, sliding her arms around her waist and looking deeply into her eyes. It wasn't often Regina was this vulnerable, but when she was, Emma drank it in with all of her. Emma brushed the bags from Regina's face, and placed her hand on her cheek. "Regina, I love you. I promise to always try and keep you this safe, this happy. You deserve the World, and I want to give it to you. I wish I could spare you from all the pain..."
Regina smiled an all knowing smile and placed her fingers on Emma's lips. "I know. It matters not. It all brought me here to you, to this." Emma smiled, and kissed Regina's gloved, dainty, beautiful fingers. Behind them, the lights lit up the square. Regina pulled Emma into her by her scarf. She kissed her hard, with all the passion she had. The moment was perfect. The timing was now. Regina pulled away from Emma with a final seductive lick of the lips. Emma moaned in disappointment. Regina smiled as she grabbed Emma's hands and placed them on her chest. "Emma Swan. Savior of Storybrooke, and of me. I love you in a way I can't explain. In a way magic can't duplicate. You made me see who I really was, and face the things that made me that way. You fought me, quite literally, many times. You fought for me when nobody else would. You refuse to take my shit. You accept me as I am, completely. Even on the bad days. You're my best friend, and my most treasured lover. You're everything I ever wished in a partner. You're selfless and kind. You're beautiful. You're strong. Stronger than I ever was. You're a great Mother. I could quite literally go on for days. Try as I may, I can't seem to find the words to convey how much you are to me. So I'll just ask you to stay. Forever. Be mine. Forever. Marry Me, Emma?" Regina slowly pulled the red box from her pocket and opened it. Never leaving Emma's gaze once. Which was a mixture of shock, excitement, confusion and most of all, love. Regina couldn't breathe. All she could do was stare at the Woman before her, and for the first time in her life, pray! Pray that she'd say yes.
Emma began to cry. Regina was perplexed and alarmed. Emma threw her arms around Regina, knocking the box to the ground. Regina held her right. Emma whispered through her tears, "Regina. Nothing would make me happier." Regina breathed and began to cry with her. They held one another there, silently. Clinging to one another for support, for life. For everything. They then heard thunderous applause and cheers from their family. The whole town was in the square, cheering them on. They broke their hug, wiping one another's tears as they smiled and waved to the crowd. Regina recached down and picked up the box, laughing. "In true Swan fashion." She slid the ring out of the box and onto her fiancés finger. It fit perfectly. Regina admitted, and then kissed the ring on her hand. Emma smiled at the sentiment. At the vulnerability. At the acceptance and love from all those she held dear. Henry ran over and engulfed them in a bear huh that lasted many minutes. "Operation Mom Squared- Complete." Henry couldn't help but laugh as he said it. Regina pinched his cheek and gave him a wink. Emma exclaimed, "You knew?!" "Mom. I'm the Author, remember? I also picked out the ring." "Kid. You're the best!" Emma engulfed him and Regina in a hug so tight, she thought she'd crush them. Her heart had never been so full.
They all returned to the diner for Champagne and Cake. They were toasting and laughing the newly engaged couple. Red was already talking with Regina about wedding plans, while Emma was happily discussing the food menu with Granny. Snow was cleansing all the wrapping paper and tissue paper from around the tree. She stumbled upon an envelope and picked it up. It was addressed to Regina and Emma. Snow didn't like the feeling she got when she saw it, but tried to convince herself it was just her past attempting to steal her joy. So she sighed and smiled, and walked over to the two Women. "Gina, Em- This was left for you." Regina took the envelope, looking at Emma questionably. Emma shrugged, as if to say she wasn't sure what it was. Regina and Snow looked at one another with concern. Regina sighed as she opened it. Emma looked on over her shoulder. "Tee Hee. Te Hee. A riddle from me. Everything is not what it seems. Page 23, Page 23. A wedding gift from me. What's to be? What's to be?"
