Chapter 14
A year can go by in an instant, David finds but, it doesn't mean it's not full of milestones. Sophie and Eva started to read and write with their big sister cheering them on every moment. He knew that he was blessed to have such vibrant daughters however; he was also acutely aware of the dangers being the only male in an all-female castle can hold. Fights over dresses for example, or rather certain Princesses' refusal to wear one was absolutely deadly. That's why he and his eldest had other plans.
"MAMA I WANT EMMA's DRESS" Sophie jumped up and down in frustration. Her features turning red in exhaustion she batted her hand away from the small pink ball gown that Snow had held up for her, causing one long sigh to come from his wife.
"Sophie. Sweetie how many times? Em's dress is made for her just like yours is made for you. And you said you wanted Pink." She gives a giggle and points to Emma's dress which is on a bed in the girl's joint bedchamber unworn, at least two sizes too big and crucially Lavender.
"I know but, I like hers better!" The dark-haired princess pouted arms folded in steely defiance. Reinforcements would be needed for this particular battle Snow knew:
"Oh, Sophie. You are beautiful whatever colour you wear to the ball tonight. But, this is the only special dress we have that will fit you."
"Really?"
"Really." Snow responded reassuringly rubbing her shoulders lovingly and wiping away newly formed tears from her child's face.
"And listen. When it's over you and your sisters can wear whatever you desire."
"Really?" Eva ran over excitedly in a Red rose ball-gown and matching shoes.
"Don't tell me you do not like your dress either Eva?"
"Oh no! Mama I love it!"
"Good!" Snow beamed. "I promise girls. Everyone can wear exactly what they want as soon as this is over. "Now Sophie, Are you sure you don't want to wear this dress?"
She watches the cogs of her mind working as she ponders.
"I think I'll wear this one after-all Mama."
"That's My Girl! Now hop in quick and you two can go play till we're all ready."
Seconds later they were gone.
"Johanna." Snow called slowly getting up off her knees and straightening her own emerald gown.
"Yes, your majesty." The friendly hand maiden stood sweetly by the door-frame.
"It's Snow Jo."
"Yes Snow?"
"Have you seen my husband and children?"
"Yes."
"Where are they exactly?" Snow jokingly asked knowing full well where they were.
"Coming this way…"
Snow walked past Johanna and into the hall-way to be faced with one daughter who was surprisingly well-kempt barring the knots in her blonde hair and one husband who although, still handsome had a huge baby sick stain on his dress-shirt courtesy of a certain new-born son who was squirming in his arms.
She didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
"Emma please go with Jo to get changed and meet your sisters in the ball-room."
"Mama. Are you angry?"
"No. I just need to have a word with your Papa. Now go on. We'll be there in a few minutes."
"Alright." Emma scooted along to Johanna leaving her father and innocent younger brother at the unreadable mercy of her mother.
Snow walked calmly and solemnly towards her husband and baby.
"You look stunning darling."
"And you look… covered in sick. What happened Charming?"
"We were bouncing or Emma was bouncing and she decided to see what Jack could do. Before I could stop her he had started to make that face…. and."
"Your shirt bore the brunt of it."
"Yes. I am so sorry Snow!"
"Charming… I love you." Snow pressed a long kiss on his lips and stroked Jack's fine blonde head as he gurgled in agreement.
"We love Papa so much don't we my little prince."
"The feeling is eternally mutual. Believe me."
"Hmm… Come on." Snow took his arm gracefully.
"What about my shirt and robes?"
"Blue can fix that."
"Have I told you lately that I love you?"
An hour later the ball was in full procession with the princesses dancing around together in the middle of the floor much to the joy of the guests with Jack being swayed by Johanna and Red.
The perfect time for David to ask his wife to dance.
He taps her on the shoulder lightly making her turn.
"Excuse me?"
"Yes?"
"I was wondering would you have this dance?" He extends an arm.
"Oh I don't know…." She pretends to be unsure but, takes it readily and lets him lead her into the middle of the floor. The ball is silent and transfixed as the prince gives a cue to the orchestra indicating a special song needs to be played.
"What are you up to?" Snow whispers.
"You'll hear." He replies smiling while signalling Maestro.
They bow together and he takes her hand as the music starts.
"Da. Da, Da. Da, Da, Da, Da Da. Da Da, Da, Da Da" The song was gorgeous slowly tinkling and building with each beat.
"You understand now don't you Snow."
She looked deep into him and nodded.
"This is the song you hummed to me when we were first falling. We danced to this at our wedding."
"It's our song."
"It's our song."
"Seven years ago my life changed forever. And in all the chaos and misunderstandings."
"And sick shirts." Snow interjects laughing against him.
"And sick shirts." "I have always had one thing… One constant. You."
"And I've had you."
"Now we have four beautiful children." They both stare adoringly at them as Emma, Eva, Sophie and Jack (with help from Johanna) wave.
"And a happy and contented kingdom." Snow chimes in taking his hand again and allowing him to sweep her across the room in time with the theme which played over and over clearly spelled by Blue.
"How did I get so lucky?" David sighed as they found themselves still dancing all the way out into the moonlit gardens the music and people fading into the back of their minds.
"I don't know." Snow admitted honestly not knowing herself. What had pushed her to sneak into his room all those years ago. Curiosity she had told him that fateful night in his chambers but, was it something more? Destiny or fate? Was the Road to True Love already paved for them? Did she even care? Right now it was all she could do not to drown in his gaze.
"I don't know either." He replied rather huskily as if she had cut off the air supply to his lungs.
"But, I plan on spending the rest of our lives showing you just how much I love you."
"Do you promise?" She looked up at him intently having buried herself in his chest. Just standing still now holding each other.
"I DO." David states with eternal resonance before feeling the inevitable linking of Snow's cinnamon soaked lips against his.
Yes, he could be this lucky until the end of his days.
Hello Everyone! Well this is the end of this particular story (I'm sorry don't hate me please!) I wanted them to end on the biggest high as I hope that's the sort of ending they get in the show. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the reviews and love. I still have two more stories that I will continue to add to until I reach their ending point as well and I'm always full of One-Shots.
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