I know it's been a little slow, but we're on the edge of some action again. :)

Behind Enemy Lines

Chapter 36

The morning of the wedding, David woke before the alarm to see Regina appearing from the closet, dressed in black slacks and a loose fitted grey shirt with a draping neckline. She was headed toward the bathroom, pulling a gold chain around her neck to clasp when she caught sight of him.

"What are you doing awake? You don't need to be up for another few hours."

He shifted to look at the clock on the nightstand and frowned. "It's six. Where are you going?"

"Kathryn wanted a little extra time to get ready so she didn't feel rushed. We're having breakfast and I'll be spending the morning over there, helping with last minute details."

David propped himself up on his elbows, pouting. "But that means I won't see you until the ceremony."

With the necklace clasped, Regina dropped her arms and walked to the bed, leaning down to give him a kiss. "You're only losing me for a few more hours than we'd originally planned. Hours during which we'd be sleeping anyway, I might add."

David pulled her down to sit on the bed as he sat up fully. "I never sleep as well without you, you know that," he told her, smiling. "In fact, I'm pretty sure I only woke up because you weren't sleeping next to me anymore."

She hummed. "I made it through a whole shower and dressed without you noticing."

"Yes, well I was still exhausted from last night, give me a break."

She smiled mischievously and leaned in for another kiss.

"This is a new shirt," he commented when she pulled back from him. "It's nice, I like it. Soft, too," he said when he put his hand on her shoulder.

"I had to pick up a few new clothes. My old ones aren't fitting as well anymore. Pretty soon, I'm going to have to buy a whole new wardrobe. I miss the silk, but it doesn't hide the curves as well."

He put his hands over her stomach, smiling when he found the curve through the fabric.

"David!" she scolded. "You're going to wrinkle the fabric." But even as she said it, she smiled at him and covered his hands with her own, holding them in place. "I've been reading up and I think I should be able to feel something soon," she told him.

"Like the baby kicking?" he asked excitedly, and she chuckled and shook her head.

"Not quite. I'll be able to feel it before you will. This book has been very...informative. Sometimes too informative, I think."

"I'd like to read it, too," he told her. "If that's okay."

She laughed and leaned across the bed to the nightstand. His hands dropped from her stomach as she picked up the book. "Knock yourself out," she told him tossing it lightly into his lap. "There's a lot to get through, so you may as well start now."

"You know this is meant to be bolstering information, not a replacement for actual doctor visits, right?"

"I know," she said, rubbing a gentle circle on her stomach.

It was still a sore subject and he knew not to press her on it. "Need any more bookmarks?" he asked jokingly, noticing the many sticky notes showing around the edges of the book.

"There's a lot to learn," she told him, swatting at his chest as he chuckled at her. "And you're not the one growing a human being inside of you."

"You love it," he told her, grinning, and a wide smile broke out on her face.

"I really do." She leaned in once more, hand still on her stomach and kissed him again. "Now I have to get going or I'm going to be late." She stood up and smoothed out her shirt. "How do I look?"

"Gorgeous, as always," he told her. "But I can't wait until you don't have to hide our baby anymore."

"Hmm. We'll see." She picked up a sweater from the end of the bed. "I'll see you at one. And please make sure Henry wears his coat. It's cold out there."

"I've got it under control," he smiled. "Call me if you need me to bring something over."

"I will."

~o~o~o~o~

Kathryn was not a fussy bride – something for which Regina was extremely grateful. Getting ready was easy. A few last minute problems popped up, but they didn't seem to faze the bride at all. Regina handled them all anyway as Kathryn continued getting ready. Before she knew it, it was time to put her own dress on. It was slightly tighter than it had been, but it still fit wonderfully, and when she entered the room, Kathryn gasped.

"Oh, Regina! You look beautiful!"

Regina was surprised to find herself blushing. "Not nearly as beautiful as you. I'd say it's about time. I'll go check and make sure everything's in place."

She closed the door softly and turned around, running straight into David. "Oh! David, you scared me. She's all ready – I was just coming to check how it's going out here?"

"Everyone's here. They're all seated, Archie's ready to perform the ceremony, Fred's looking excited – equal parts happy and anxious."

"I'd say we're ready to get this show on the road." She re-entered the room to find Kathryn pacing, her head snapping up, anticipation written all over her face.

"Kathryn," David breathed, stepping in behind Regina. "You look amazing!" He stepped over, kissing her cheek and smiling brightly.

"How's Freddy? Is he doing okay?"

"He's over the moon and waiting for you at the end of the aisle."

"This is really happening." She looked up at him. "Do you remember our wedding? How everything kept going wrong all day? How stressed we both were?"

David chuckled. "You threw flowers at the wedding planner."

Kathryn laughed and nodded. "I did." She looked up at him, smiling. "Everything is different this time – not that things haven't been going wrong, but this time..."

"This time it doesn't matter," David finished, "because all that matters is the man waiting for you in there."

"Exactly. This is how it's supposed to be. You know what it's like," she told him, smiling over at Regina. Taking a deep breath, she stood up tall. "I'm ready."

David held the door open and Regina passed through first, heading to her place and signaling they were ready to start. David and Kathryn trailed behind and David held his elbow out to her.

"You're sure you're okay being the one to walk me down the aisle?" Kathryn asked for the millionth time since she'd first made the request.

"I'm sure."

"Next to Regina, you're my closest friend. And in an odd way, it's sort of appropriate you being the one to give me away. People are going to think I'm crazy, but I don't care. I don't want to walk down there alone and I can't think of anyone else I'd call family save the two of you," she rambled, sounding nervous.

David put his free hand over the top hers. "Kathryn, we're honored, really. You don't have to worry. And this is your day – what other people think doesn't matter. It's like you said – Fred is down there waiting for you. Just take a deep breath and before you know it, the ceremony will be over and you and he can start your lives together."

Kathryn stood on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek just before they reached the doorway. "Thank you."

The music was in full-swing and toasts were done, much to Regina's relief. She was used to speaking to crowds, but doing so in such a personal forum was new. Now, she and David were the subject of scrutiny in town. She hadn't missed the stares throughout the day. People weren't used to seeing their mayor out of her pantsuits, and now with David by her side, flirting shamelessly, quite a few heads were turned their way.

It was toward the end of a dance that Mary Margaret and Malcolm literally bumped into them.

"Oh, I'm so sorry!" Mary Margaret said, apologizing profusely. The two couples stepped together off the floor as the song ended and Mary Margaret kept up her apologies.

"It's fine," Regina bit out, already growing irritated at the sound of her voice. "We're fine."

"So how have you been?" the shorter brunette asked tentatively, glancing quickly at David.

"Good," he replied honestly. He took a deep breath to relax and smiled. "Wonderful."

"Oh, I'm glad!" she said, clapping. "I was worried after...well, it doesn't matter now. You two are still together?" She looked back and forth between the two.

"We are." David smiled genuinely at that and held out his arm. Regina didn't hesitate stepping into him and wrapping her arms around him, his arm settling comfortably around her.

"You look so happy!" She smiled brilliantly at the pair and then looked over to Malcolm who'd remained silent, but who smiled back at her.

"As do you," David told them.

"This wedding has been the topic going around town all week, and it was all so exciting!" the school teacher said. "We weren't going to say anything to anyone yet, but..." she looked up to Malcolm who nodded at her and she turned back to the couple." Oh, I just can't hold it in any longer, and the two of you are so happy, so I don't mind telling you – Malcolm and I are engaged!"

David stiffened slightly next to Regina and she gripped his waist a little more tightly, but she was surprised when he smiled and his smile was sincere. "Congratulations."

Regina nodded, but didn't add anything.

"Well..." Mary Margaret trailed off awkwardly, "I guess we'll be seeing you two later." She smiled brightly at David. "I really am happy that you've found someone."

As soon as she had turned around, Regina made a face. She waited a few beats before saying, "happy you've found someone. Even as mayor people don't like the idea of you dating me."

David chuckled. "My wife – your enemy – just announced to us that she's getting married, and that's what you..." he straightened suddenly and his face grew serious.

Regina interpreted the way he trailed off as Snow's news finally sinking in and brought her free hand up to rest on his chest. "David, I'm sorry. I—"

"No, it's not that," he told her quickly. "Jefferson's here."

"What?!" She turned around quickly, eyes scanning the crowd. Sure enough, Jefferson had made an appearance and was headed straight toward them.