Chapter 55
6 months later...
Daniel and Erica went for a run on the docks. "Come on dad," she called out as she started to jog in place. He caught up with and stopped to catch his breath.
"Go easy on your old man. I'm not as young as I used to be," he replied.
She stopped and put her hands on her hips. "You don't look a day over 40."
He chuckled and started walking toward the bench. "Thanks," he said. She sat next to him putting her head on his shoulder.
Daniel just smiled at the thought of having his daughter back. It was a rough couple of months before things turned around for her. He was especially thankful for Mark. He seemed to be one of the very few to break through her wall.
"What are you thinking about?" she asked.
"It's good to have you back," he said. "I didn't think I would ever see you smile again."
She sighed. "You weren't the only one. It affected me more than I thought possible. At least I had you all there with me."
"And Mark," Daniel added.
Erica laughed. "True. I think you've rather grown fond of him." She tilted her head up to look at her father.
"I do. At least I don't have to go the traditional route with him," he said. "He's proven himself to me."
Relief flooded through her. "That's still embarrassing so thank you for not doing it. However, don't get my brothers to do it," she admonished.
"I'll make sure they are on their best behavior," he said. He looked at his watch. "We better head back before your mother calls." They walked into their house and Daniel called for Regina.
"In here," she yelled in the kitchen. She turned around with her grandchild in her arms feeding him. Daniel chuckled.
"Where's Henry and Rachel?" he asked.
"They went to Granny's for breakfast. I just wanted to give them a little break," she answered. "How was your run?"
"Dad couldn't keep up," she teased. He nudged her in the stomach.
"I did my best," he argued. Regina laughed.
"I'm sure you did dear," she said before looking down at the baby. "He's done. Aren't you Aaron?"
The baby gurgled and Regina began burping him. "You two go and get cleaned up." Erica left. Daniel just watched her as she burped Aaron. "What?" she asked.
"Just remembering," he said.
She smiled. "Me too. They grow up so fast. Daniel, our first grandchild. I know I'm going to spoil him. One day this house will be full of children." The baby burped and Regina saw him yawn.
"He wants to sleep now," Daniel said. "I'll take him." He put Aaron into his bassinet in the living room. "Have you heard from Mark yet?"
"He should be on his way. Go take a shower before he gets here," she said. Daniel kissed the side of her head and went upstairs.
Regina looked down. "You look so much like Henry. I remember your daddy used to kick up his little feet when he wanted to be picked up just like you do," she whispered.
She started to hum a song not realizing Henry walked in. He leaned against the entry way and listened. After a few minutes, he sat next to her.
"Henry," she said surprised. "Where's-
"At Emma's. I dropped her off. I remember that song. It's been a while since you sang it."
"It has been. Think you carry on the tradition," she said.
"Of course," and he started to hum it. They watched him for a few minutes until the doorbell sounded. Regina quickly answered and let Mark.
"You made it," she said. "Erica will be down in a minute." She escorted him to the living room. Henry greeted him and went over to shake his hand.
"Did you have trouble finding Storybrooke?" Henry asked. Regina rolled her eyes and both men laughed.
"No thanks to Mrs. Richards," he teased.
"Regina and you're lucky I like you," she said narrowing her eyes. "I'll be right back."
Henry smirked. "Are you sure you don't want to back out of this family? I would totally get it," he said.
Mark shook his head no. "I'm fine where I am. Face it Henry, you're stuck with me as an in-law."
"Possible in-law," he corrected. "Don't screw it up."
Erica came downstairs and seemed surprised to see Mark there. "Hi," she said. "What are you doing here?"
"I came to see you," he replied.
Regina came into the foyer to see Daniel coming down the stairs. "He's here," she announced. He seemed a little sad. "Hey, you won't lose her. She's still a daddy's girl."
"How did you know what I was thinking?" he asked.
She wrapped her arms around him. "I know you my dear stable boy," she replied giving him a quick kiss. She let go of him and grabbed his hand. They walked into the living room.
"Hello Mark," Daniel greeted. He said hello and they talked for a few minutes.
"You two go and have a good time," Regina said. "We'll see you later."
Mark drove them to the stables and they walked out to the pasture. Erica wondered why they were out here. "Mark..."
"I wanted to do this somewhere special. You know how much I love you. These past few months I learned that there is no life without you in it. I'm hoping you will do me the honor of becoming my wife," he said.
He pulled the ring from his pocket and waited nervously. She nodded her head yes and he slipped the ring on her finger. He picked her up and spun her around. He set her down and kissed her.
"I love you," he said.
"I love you too," she said.
An hour later, they arrived home to find Daniel and Regina in the backyard. They went out back and one look told Erica they are already knew.
Regina went up to her and pulled her into a tight hug. "Congratulations darling," she said.
"Thanks mom," she said.
Daniel approached and wrapped his arm around Regina. "Welcome to the family. I know you're the right man for our daughter. All I ask is that you love her like we do."
"I will sir," he responded.
Erica hugged Daniel. "Thank you daddy."
"You're welcome. I know you'll be happy. That's all I ever wanted for you. Now you have it."
She walked back to Mark. Daniel looked between them. "I'll tell you what I told Regina a long time ago. True love is the most powerful magic of all."
THE END
