"Emma? What are you doing here?" Ivy questions as she glances up from her laptop behind the receptionist's counter.

"Just thought I'd swing by," I state while holding up two bags of takeout.

"You better have something in that bag for me as well, otherwise we are in a huge fight," she coldly comments while her fingers continue to tap away against her keyboard, but I know this woman well enough to know she's just teasing me.

"How about," I quickly dig through one of the bags and pull out a plastic container, "a chicken salad wrap with a side of fruit?" I offer while dangling the lunch in front of her face.

"Sold," Ivy snatches the container from my hand and gathers her laptop as well. "Regina is just finishing up with her last patient before break, I believe you know where her office is," she replies as I follow her down the narrow hall toward the back offices.

"Yup," I confirm and squeeze passed her so I can enter Regina's office. I place the two bags on her immaculate desk and begin pulling out its contents. Ivy's eyes are heavily boring into my back so I quickly spin around on my heels to confirm the brunette leaning against the doorway. "What's up?"

"How are things going?" She softly inquires showing off her sensitive side that she hardly ever allows anyone to see.

I smile warmly back at our friend and hook my thumbs into my back pockets as the familiar giddy feeling tickles my gut. "Really well."

"It's been about a month now..."

"Almost..." I slowly drawl waiting for her to elaborate on what she might be hinting towards.

"How long until you tell the rug rats?" My friend rolls her eyes at me as though she's annoyed for having to actually ask the question out loud.

"I don't know," I shrug casually and turn to finish unpacking the food. "I think we will know when it feels right."

"And it doesn't feel right yet?"

"We are getting there. It's barely been a month, that's not very long in the dating world." I set down my container and peek over my shoulder at my friend who is watching me curiously like I'm some strange animal new to this world. "We want to make sure it's right before we drag our children into the mess."

"Emma," Ivy gently whispers, fully grasping my attention. "You and I both know that you two are forever. Look how much she has changed for you, she's not going anywhere and I truly don't believe that she will revert back into her old habits. She was miserable without you and she's not willing to risk loosing you again."

I inhale sharply through my nose as I take a moment to really register my friend's admission. As I look back on this past month, I know I see a significant difference between Regina a few years ago and this Regina I have today. I know winning my heart back is a main priority for her, I just hope that when she finally knows that I'm not going anywhere either, that she doesn't fall back into her destructive patterns once again.

"Emma," Regina's delicate voice rings through my ears and snaps me back to the now. She walks over to me within two long strides and places a loving kiss to my cheek. "What did you bring today?" She hums happily as she peeks into the bag closer toward her chair behind the desk.

"Wraps," I flash her a cheeky smile, because every time I see her, she flips a switch in my brain that instantly brightens up my day. "I ordered you a grilled chicken wrap with avocados."

"Sounds delicious, Ivy would you like to join us?" Regina tosses the invite over her shoulder as she rounds her desk and sinks down into the comfort of her chair.

"No thanks, I have some work I need to catch up on in my office. Enjoy your lunch date," our friend sly comments and slips out the door before we can mutter a word.

After Ivy shuts the door behind her, I continue fishing out napkins and condiments before I fall back into my seat. I pull my feet up onto the soft cushion and crisscross my legs as I lean over Regina's desk. She sits regally across from me, her posture perfect as always and I smile at her strive to always appear professional.

"So...do you know what tomorrow is?" I inquire and pretend like I'm very interested in unwrapping my sandwich, my eyes straining to watch the paper unravel.

I feel her eyes on me, watching, assessing and I don't even have to look up to know there's a smirk tugging at the corner of her mouth. "Yes, Emma, I know what tomorrow is. It's my birthday."

"Oh it is?" I play stupid, my mouth hanging agape for dramatic effect, which earns me a cold grape thrown at my face. We both chuckle and I watch with great interest as she consumes the smallest bite ever so she doesn't make a mess of her face or desk. "So, tomorrow is Thursday and I don't have 'kickboxing'," I make sure to use air quotes knowing they always bring a smug smile to her beautiful face. "...so, I was thinking you should come sneak into my house at midnight."

"But Emma I work Friday, I will be so exhausted," she whines for about a half a second before I lean forward in my seat and cut her off.

"I don't think you will be because the relaxing lavender from your cozy bubbles will soothe your strained muscles. Not to mention the full body massage I have planned. And once your body is completely relaxed, I figured we can cuddle up in our bed and sleep for a few hours before you sneak out in the morning," I explain hoping to persuade her mind into coming over.

"Full body massage, huh?" She playfully remarks as she sways her chair from side to side like she is mulling over this new information.

"Full body massage...no parts will be neglected."

Regina seductively pops a grape into her mouth and hums around the juicy fruit washing over her tastebuds. "I do like the sound of that," she praises, her hips shifting in her chair demanding my full attention.

"Don't," I coldly state and quickly take a bite of my wrap.

"What?" She innocently inquires.

"You know what," I declare and motion toward the spot between her legs that's so obviously being clenched between her crossed legs from her desire. "We don't have time for a quickie."

"Who said?"

"I said," I demand and lean back just a smidge. "Come over tomorrow if you need that issue taken care of."

XXXXXXXXX

All the candles are set. The lights are off, just the trusty moonlight guiding the path from the bedroom to the ensuite where the candles are working hard to set the romantic mood. The bubble bath is fizzing with extra bubbles and do to some last minute changes from the information Regina provided, everything seems to be in place.

The door slowly cracks open while Regina's shadow slides through the small gap she provided for herself. She carefully closes the door behind her and sighs her relief from not being caught. Ava jumps down from my bed and immediately greets Regina at the door. The birthday girl bends down and scratches just below those floppy ears and that's when her eyes land upon the small surprise waiting at her feet.

Regina reaches out with one hand, the other still busy showering the puppy with attention, and retrieves the candy bar resting in the middle of the floor. Those big brown eyes slowly crawl up until she spots another candy bar, then another and another until her eyes land on me waiting patiently in a red silk skimpy lingerie set.

"Happy birthday," I whisper as she lazily stands from her kneeling position with an ever growing smile, showing off her pearly white teeth.

"Thank you," she murmurs and follows the path of chocolatey treats, picking up each one along the way with Ava hot on her heels. Both have seem to taken a liking toward one another with all the sneaking around over the past few weeks. "What's all this?" She quietly asks while holding up the candy bars. My hands reach for her waist and tug her flush against my body, forcing the air from her lungs to brush against my lips. "You look stunning," she compliments, tenderly kissing me as a thank you for tonight.

"So," I unhurriedly pull away from her wonderful mouth, "I know you said you had a visitor come this afternoon and you're really not in the mood, so that's why I exchanged rose pedals for chocolate."

A joyous, carefree laugh bubbles from her mouth and we both wince from how loud it actually came out. "That's so sweet. I love you," she whispers while cupping my cheek and kissing me softly once again.

"You still up for a bath? I have your lavender bubbles and extra hot water," I sing song in hopes of coaxing this sexy woman out of her clothes.

"Of course, I would love to," she happily complies and pecks my cheek one last time before leading the way into the bathroom.

"Go lay down," I instruct the white fluff ball bouncing around my feet and point toward my bed. Ava happily follows my command and jumps back onto the bed, curling up at the foot into a tight ball.

When I enter the bathroom, I softly close the door behind me and discover Regina bending down to tear away her black underwear.

"Someone's eager," I point out as Regina just smirks and carefully steps into the fluffy bubbles, popping some in her awake.

"Aren't you going to join me?" She innocently inquires as her body slowly emerges into the extra hot water.

She's absolutely perfect and I just need a moment to watch as the bubbles slowly envelop her olive toned skin, swaddling her muscles in warmth that will slowly loosen her knots and wash away her stress. Her long eyelashes flutter closed as she leans against the back of the tub, resting her head on the edge as she fully allows her body to relax.

After a moment, she pries one eye open and takes in my lingerie. "Aren't you going to join me?"

"Of course," I assure her with a genuine smile and peel away the silk clinging to my warm skin.

Regina slowly rises from the back of the tub and sits forward, allowing me all the space I need to slip behind her naked body. My entire body relaxes as the hot water swallows me whole and I rest against the tub, pulling Regina's back against my front.

My fingers slide behind her, finding the rough knots inflicting pain upon her tired shoulders. I press a light kiss to her temple and begin working on those tense muscles. A small groan slips passed her lips as her neck rolls from side to side, fully enjoying her birthday present.

"This is so sweet Emma, I love this," she hums, her voice already sounding drunk between my touch and the warm bubbles soothing her soul.

"I'm so glad you're enjoying your birthday present, you need to relax. I know you're stressed with the move coming up at work," my lips seek out her temple for another tender kiss as I whisper into her hair, "and I know you're trying to hide the anxiety for my sake."

"I just don't want to add anything that might screw this up," her head falls back, resting comfortably against my shoulder, "we've been so happy."

"I know," I sigh with another kiss into her head. "But we cant just avoid stressful situations because we are scared they might ruin our relationship. We need to still be open and honest if we want our relationship to succeed."

"I understand, I do, it still doesn't help ease the fear of loosing you again," she confesses as her hands tread through the water, skimming my thighs before she squeezes them with love and affection.

My hands slip away from her shoulders, sliding down to her biceps where I squeeze away some of her tension. I travel all the way down her arms, clenching at the stiff muscles until my fingers dance across to her abdomen. My palms lay flat against her hips, my fingers splayed out as I slowly move up her tight abdomen with added pressure. A small groan stirs in her chest as I make my way up her goddess figure. Carefully, I cup each breast, tenderly kneading them while my lips pepper slow sensual kisses down her neck.

Regina's hands begin to caress my thighs while she absorbs all the attention I'm providing for her body. After I believe I showed her breasts with enough affection, I travel up toward her chest and begin gently massaging that area as well.

"Emma," she chokes out and I can't tell if she's emotional or half asleep from the bubbles and my hands working over her body. I simply hum in response, my lips too eager to move away from her warm neck. Regina takes me by surprise, when she flips over, splashing water over the tub and onto the tile below. "Emma," she repeats, balancing on her hands between my thighs. Those beautiful brown eyes are glossy and pleading as she gazes into mine with a small pout ghosting over her full lips. "I want to come home," she whimpers and it's the saddest sound I've ever heard her mouth utter.

My heart cracks from the vulnerability lacing her words, forcing my hands to fly out from under the water and cup both of her cheeks. I stare right back into those sorrowful eyes while my thumbs caress her flushed cheeks. I know in my heart it's far too soon, but then I feel my heart crack even further from the acknowledgment. If I don't say yes, I know my heart won't with stand the pain and I don't think I would be able to forgive myself.

"Don't you think it's too soon?" I timidly question in fear that I might hurt her feelings because that's the last thing I want to do.

"Yes," her voice shattering on such a small word. She swallows down her emotions and tries her very best to appear calm, but I know her well enough to know she's petrified on the inside. "I known its way too soon, but I can't help how much I miss you and the kids. I hate being apart like this when I know you are mine."

"Regina, I promise I'm not going anywhere. I love you deeply and I'm not about to give up on us again." I lean forward to seal my vow with a kiss that will hopefully convey my love. "I'm sure this is harder for you because you're away from the kids as well, but I just don't want to rush anything." Her face falls, absolutely devastated that I'm rejecting the offer, forcing a pain in my heart that I haven't felt in awhile now. "Can we try keeping it a secret for another month? Just to be on the safe side. Maybe we can start having family dinners to ease the idea back onto the kids, so it's not like, 'okay mom's moving back in, p.s. we are back together!', you know what I mean?"

"Of course," she offers me the best smile she can muster up as she curls her fingers around my wrist. "You tell me whenever you feel comfortable. I'm not going anywhere," she promises with a kiss that starts off slow, but quickly turns into a fiery passion that's borderline frantic.

Regina floats effortlessly through the bubbles, her hands slipping on either side of my hips while her body ghosts over mine. A surge of desperation sparks through my veins encouraging my hands to pull her face even closer to mine. This temptress moans erotically while parting her lips, her warm velvety tongue dipping into my mouth and dominating my willing tongue.

My fingers and toes start to feel all tingly as I groan deeply into her mouth, needing more of whatever she has to offer. Regina expertly sucks my bottom lip into her mouth, biting down with force and allowing her teeth to drag across the flesh, all while she rolls her body against mine. Those perky, hardening nipples skim across mine, sending a shockwave of arousal to clench my gut. The sensation provokes my hips to buck up, seeking more of her euphoric touch.

My fingers slither into her damp locks, fisting a chunk into my hand before I tug with enough force to break apart our kiss. We are both heaving and gasping messes when our eyes meet.

"We have to slow down, otherwise I'm going to take you right now," I profess while loosening my grip on her hair. She simply nods, still attempting to fill her lungs with much needed oxygen. "Unless you changed your mind, I have no problem-"

"No, my cramps have been brutal all day. I just want to cuddle up with you and relax," she states with a lazy grin sliding across her face.

"That I can do," I reply with a quick peck to her kiss swollen lips. Regina spins back around, falling into my arms once again while I snake my arms around her and hold her tight. "I love you," I declare just once more into her ear and appreciate the way her body sinks further into mine.

"I love you too, Emma."

We spend the next half an hour in the tub together, our fingers lazily mapping out every inch of each other's warm skin. My fingers massaged and caressed every muscle to loosen the worries in her mind. Regina's fingers danced across every freckle, every scar, becoming reacquainted with my body once more.

Soon we are stumbling out of the tub, our bodies so relaxed that our minds feel like they are drowning in a heavy fog that makes us appear intoxicated. Very naked, we curl up beneath the sheets, tangling our limbs together as we face one another, sharing the same pillow in the process.

"I'm so exhausted," Regina whispers just as her eyelashes flutter closed.

"Sleep, I'll wake you in the morning. I promise." I kiss the tip of her nose and watch as a content smile stretches into her cheeks.

"Good night Emma, thank you for the best birthday ever."

I frown slightly at her statement because I'm fairly confident she was hoping I would allow her to move back into our home as a present. Despite her best efforts to seem unfazed by my rejection, I know it's still killing her.

"Just one more month and if all goes well, you can move home. I promise."

"I love you Emma," she puckers her lips but is far too tired to move any further, so I stretch the rest of the way and kiss her goodnight.

"I love you too. Good night baby."

The corner of her mouth deepens into a lazy, half smile while her eyes remained firmly shut. "I thought I told you not to call me that."

"You love it."

"That I do."