Read~Enjoy~Review
Chapter 13
"Is everything set? Everything going as planned?" Emma asked Ruby as she came into her room.
"Yes, Emma, relax. The back yard looks amazing and the food smells delicious. Chloe is almost done with her hair and Izzy looks amazing in her little suite. The boys are being boys and sneaking some drinks, but I warned them not to drink too much and sent David out by them."
"And my moms?"
"Mary is ready as she's the one doing Chloe's hair, Amanda is just finishing her makeup and Olivia can't wait for you to come down and see her."
"So, it's okay if I do that now? You guys will be okay?"
"Yes. Go. I'll be fine with Chloe, Izzy, and Mary."
Regina was at her mother's house with Zelena and Mal getting ready. They weren't keeping all traditions, but Regina had insisted on not seeing Emma until the wedding and Emma didn't argue. "Is everything all set?" Regina asked nervously as Zelena finished with her hair.
"I just talked to Ruby and yes, everything is going great."
Mal smiled softly. "I'm so happy for you two, Regina, though I can't lie; I thought we'd have been doing this years ago."
"Me too." Regina sighed. "But we're doing it now, so that's all that matters."
"You're right." Mal stated. "And then off to the Florida Keys for your honeymoon? That's amazing."
"It is. Work was great at giving me time off and Emma doesn't start her job until the end of October, so it's perfect."
"Is she excited about the job?" Zelena asked.
"Yes. She's excited to finally use her degree. I'm a bit worried though." Regina said with a chuckle. "I mean, I'm scared she's going to want to adopt every kid she comes in contact with."
Mal smiled. "She's going to be a counselor at the new youth center, right? I mean, that's fantastic, but with her degree, can't she be a proper psychologist?"
"She could be if that's what she wanted, and maybe she will one day, but for now, she wants to start here. I think it's great that they reached out to her only five minutes after she submitted her resume. You know Emma, she could work in a cushy office and charge a ridiculous amount of money to see people and hear them talk about their problems and she'd do a great job at it; or she could have a cute little office where she's getting paid minimum wage to talk and help down and out kids feel better about themselves. You tell me which one sounds more like Emma."
"Definitely the second." Mal said with a chuckle. "I'm just glad you both are happy."
"Me too." Regina smiled. "So happy."
Emma went and checked on everything outside before softly knocking on Olivia's door. They weren't having an aisle per se, instead the small group would be seated at their tables and there was a small stage where the ceremony would take place. This way, Emma didn't have to hurt anyone's feelings about who would walk her. Instead, they'd each come in on different sides of the stage and meet in the middle. The wedding party would be first, Ruby, Preston, Jacob and Ryan would stand on Emma's 'side' while Zelena and Maleficent stood on Regina's. The only one's walking more would be Izzy and Chloe to give Regina and Emma time to get ready. Though Izzy was Emma's sister and Chloe her daughter, they agreed to stand on Regina's side to even out the numbers.
Olivia had asked Emma to come see her before most of the guests arrived and Emma was more than happy to have some alone time with her mother. Sure, Amanda was just as much a mother to her as Olivia, but Olivia was the one to find her and rescue her all those years ago. "Hey mom. You look great." She wasn't lying as she looked at her mom, her hair grown out to her shoulders and curled and her blue/grey dress sparkling. She kissed her cheek and then sat down on a chair in the room.
"You look beautiful, Emma. Stunning." Olivia said, watching her baby girl. "Honey, I just wanted to have a little chat. I have something special for you and wanted to give it to you in private." Olivia reached over and grabbed a small box. "The day that my approval came through to adopt you, I happened to see this online and got it, knowing the right day would come along. Today is that day." She handed the box to Emma.
Emma opened it and felt tears in her eyes. It was a sliver chain with a heart on it. On the front, it had Emma's birthstone, while on the back, she read the inscription. "Born not from the blood of my body but the love of my heart." She looked at her mother. "Mom, it's perfect. I want to wear it today."
"Let me help you." Olivia said and wheeled over. Emma adjusted herself so that Olivia could reach and clasp the back of the chain. "Emma, I love you so much and I'm so glad to be celebrating today with you. I almost don't want to 'give you away' to Regina and keep you forever."
Emma smiled and hugged Olivia. "Mom, you can't get rid of me that easily. I'll always be here. I love you more than words can say."
The ceremony was beautiful and filled with love, tears, and emotion. The vows were perfect, and the kiss was the same. They took pictures afterwards and Emma was happy to get one of her whole family along with individual ones. There was a wine reception as the food was prepared and Emma hugged all her brothers to thank them for being there. Chloe and Izzy were having fun dancing already and Emma no longer felt bad for not inviting extra littles to stay. Because she and Regina were leaving the next day, she didn't want anyone else responsible for taking them home.
Dinner was amazing and Emma was glad they spent the extra money on the good food. Soon, there was the sound of glasses being tapped and Cora stood up. "I just want to say a little something." She said, taking the mic from the DJ. "Years ago when I first met Emma, I knew she was the one for my baby girl. She was this adorable, shy, almost awkward young thing who could make my Regina light up just by looking at her. I knew there'd be hard times, but I also knew they'd get through them. The path they took may not have been what everyone wanted, but it was what they needed to get here today. Regina, I am so proud of you my love. You have become the most amazing woman and I'm so glad to see you so happy. Emma, thank you for officially joining our family. I'd also like to thank Olivia, Amanda, David, and Mary for being amazing people to not only Regina, but to Zelena and I as well. It wasn't easy when I finally left my marriage, but Olivia and Amanda helped me more than they could ever know. Chloe, I'm so happy to officially be your Gramma Cora, even if that's what you always called me. Anyway, I just want to toast to Regina and Emma; may your days be filled with love, laughter, and possibly more children." She winked at them and the crowed laughed.
Regina smiled and held her glass up, mouthing 'I love you' to her mother before turning and kissing Emma.
Amanda stood up next. "I'm going to keep this short and sweet. Emma and Regina, I've been waiting for this day forever!" She said and the group laughed. "You two are the kindest, most caring, amazing, loving couple I've ever met. You're so good together and you bring the best out in each other. I can only imagine the amazing things you'll both do in the future. Congratulations to the both of you."
Emma smiled. "Love you, Mama." She said, blowing her a kiss.
Amanda handed the mic to Olivia who smiled at her wife and then at her daughter. "Emma and Regina. There is so much I could say, but I don't want to take up the rest of the time. Emma, you were the first blessing in my life that I didn't even know I needed. I will never forget the little girl that sat on the bench in the station that morning, looking at me with her big beautiful eyes. They say when a mother gives birth, the love for their child is instant and I believe that because, though I didn't give birth to you, my love for you was just as instant. I honestly feel that because of you, my next blessing was in my life. I wasn't looking for love, wasn't looking for a relationship, but seeing you with Amanda made me realize just how much I loved the crazy new detective from the south." She smiled at Amanda and kissed her cheek. "Then, my third blessing came into my life. Preston honestly completed me and having him, having us – this family, was everything I never knew I needed. Chloe came into our lives and I just couldn't get over how my blessings grew. I was so proud of you with her, Emma and still am. You are one heck of a mother – though, to be fair, since you have three moms, you really wouldn't have a valid excuse not to be." She smiled and chuckles could be heard. "I always feared the day you'd find your partner and get married as I always figured you'd be off living life and forget about us. However, if I'd have known it was to be Regina, I would have known I had nothing to fear. Regina, I cannot thank you enough for being exactly the kind of person Emma needs in her life. You make a great partner for her and a great stepmother for Chloe. I'm so happy and so proud to add you to my list of blessings."
There were cheers and Emma couldn't stop herself from going to her mothers and hugging them both and then Cora. Regina did the same and then they went back to their table. "We just want to thank everyone for coming today and celebrating with us." Emma stated.
"Thank you to our family for being so supportive through the years and for always being here for us."
"And thank you to our friends for doing the same. We love you all."
After dinner, the tables were cleared and the D.J. was all set up. "Announcing, Mrs. And Mrs. Benson-Mills!" Emma and Regina came back in the tent after freshening up and smiled as they held hands. "The first dance is theirs, so let's give them some lovin."
The music started and Emma smiled as she wrapped her arms around Regina. It had taken a while to pick a song, but once this one came up, the both knew it was perfect.
When I'm lost, in the rain, in your eyes
I know I'll find the light to light my way.
When I'm scared, losing ground, when my world is going crazy,
You can turn it all around yes
And when I'm down you're there pushing me to the top.
You're always there givin' me all you've got.
For a shield from the storm, for a friend for a love to keep me safe and warm, I turn to you.
For the strength to be strong, for the will to carry on,
For everything you do for everything that's true I turn to you
(I Turn To You -Christina Aguilera)
When the song was done, Emma looked out to Amanda and smiled. The D.J. got on the mic again. "Amanda, Emma would like this next dance to be with you. Our girl went to her country roots tonight and though this is her 'Mama, daughter' dance."
A slower version of Faith Hill's You Can't Lose Me started and Emma pulled her mom to her to hug her before they started dancing.
A little girl, a little small for her age
A little too slow for the field day race
Momma's waiting at the finish line
And wipes the teardrops from her eyes
She says, "You did just fine honey, that's okay
Sometimes life's just that way
You're gonna lose the race from time to time
But you're always gonna find
You can't lose me
When they were done, the DJ then took to the mic. "This next song is for Emma and her mother Mary and for Regina and her sister Zelena."
Mary came out and so did Regina and Zelena as 'I Hope You Dance' by Lee Ann Womack started playing.
I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens
Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance
Emma then took a break as the DJ announced the next song was for Regina and Cora. Emma smiled as the song "You're Gonna Be" by Reba McEntire started and Cora's eyes filled with tears.
You're gonna see that sometimes bad is good
We just have to believe things work out like they should
Life has no guarantees, but always loved by me
You're gonna be
Someone's everything
You're gonna see
Just what you are to me
You're gonna fly with every dream you chase
We just have to believe things work out like they should
Life has no guarantees, but always loved by me
You're gonna be, always loved by me.
When they were done, Emma took David's hand and brought him out to the dance floor. "This is David's pick for his father daughter dance." Emma smiled as "My Wish" by Rascal Flatts started.
I hope you never look back, but you never forget
All the ones who love you, in the place you live
I hope you always forgive, and you never regret
And you help somebody every chance you get
Oh, you find God's grace, in every mistake
And always give more than you take
But more than anything, yeah, more than anything
My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to
Your dreams stay big, your worries stay small
You never need to carry more than you can hold
And while you're out there getting where you're getting to
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too
Yeah, this, is my wish, yeah, yeah
When that dance was done, Emma took the mic. "I know this is a lot of dances, and I appreciate everyone's patients. The next one is…well it's hard for my mom, but I insisted we do this. Mom?"
Olivia wheeled out to the floor and as the song that she picked "In My Daughter's Eyes" started, she took a breath, put on the brakes of her chair, and stood. Emma's eyes were wide as Olivia stepped towards her, tears in her eyes. Emma wrapped her arms around her and supported her as they danced, both crying tears of love and happiness.
In my daughter's eyes
I am a hero
I am strong and wise
And I know no fear
But the truth is plain to see
She was sent to rescue me
I see who I want to be
In my daughter's eyes
In my daughter's eyes
Everyone is equal
Darkness turns to light
And the world is at peace
This miracle God gave to me
Gives me strength when I am weak
I find reason to believe
In my daughter's eyes
And when she wraps her hand around my finger
How it puts a smile in my heart
Everything becomes a little clearer
I realize what life is all about
It's hanging on when your heart is had enough
It's giving more when you feel like giving up
I've seen the light
It's in my daughter's eyes
In my daughter's eyes
I can see the future
A reflection of who I am and what will be
And though she'll grow and someday leave
Maybe raise a family
When I'm gone I hope you'll see
How happy she made me
For I'll be there
In my daughter's eyes
When the song was over, there was not a dry eye in the place and Emma held her mother close to her. "I love you so much."
"I love you, too Emma. I'm sorry, but I need to sit."
"It's okay." Emma helped Olivia to her chair as the DJ started some dance music. "Mom, that was amazing."
"I'd been working on it with my physical therapist. I wanted to surprise you."
"You did. That was honestly the best gift ever."
Olivia smiled. "I'm so glad, baby girl. Now, go have fun." She hugged Emma again and watched her go before looking at Amanda. "Give me about an hour and I'll be ready to dance with you."
Amanda smiled, tears in her eyes still. "Baby, you don't have to. I don't want you wear you out."
"I want to. I want to dance with my wife on our daughter's wedding day."
"Then we will."
A bit later, Chloe came up to Emma and tugged her skirt. "Mommy? Why didn't we have a special dance?"
Emma smiled. "We do baby, but we were waiting just a bit so others can dance. Regina and I have a special song picked out and the three of us are going to dance."
"How are we gonna do that?"
"I'm going to hold you and Regina will have her arms around both of us."
Chloe smiled. "Okay."
Regina took that moment to go to the D.J. "I know you've all had to sit through some very special dances, but we do have one more. We wanted to let you all dance for a bit first. When I came back into Emma's life, it was different than the first time in a few ways, but mostly because it wasn't just Emma anymore. I knew that and accepted it and honestly, I loved it. I knew that with Emma came a very special little girl who I hadn't seen since she was a baby and who I knew I would love instantly. Chloe is honestly the best little step daughter I could ask for and Emma and I would like to have a special dance with her."
The crowed cheered as Emma carried Chloe to the dance floor and "Slipping Through My Fingers" by Abba started. The three danced and all of them felt the love from each other.
Schoolbag in hand
She leaves home in the early morning
Waving goodbye with an absent-minded smile
I watch her go with a surge of that well-known sadness
And I have to sit down for a while
The feeling that I'm losing her forever
And without really entering her world
I'm glad whenever I can share her laughter
That funny little girl
Slipping through my fingers all the time
I try to capture every minute
The feeling in it
Slipping through my fingers all the time
Do I really see what's in her mind
Each time I think I'm close to knowing
She keeps on growing
Slipping through my fingers all the time
All the adults had tears in their eyes and memories in their minds as they watched the group. In the end, Chloe was happy and hugged both Emma and Regina.
The night was perfect and went on until around midnight when the last of the guests left. The wedding planner advised that no one was to worry about a thing outside as it would be gone by noon the next day. Chloe was out like a light and had been since about ten thirty. "I've got her, Emma." Amanda said as she lifted the little one to take her up to her bed.
"You guys will be okay for the next week?" She asked Olivia who nodded.
"You bet and you'll be home to see Preston and us off?"
"Wouldn't miss it." Regina said with a smile. "We get the house to ourselves for a couple days." She said, wiggling her eyebrows and making Emma chuckle.
"Good, then you can work on those grandkids your mom wants." Olivia joked and Emma noticed Regina's smile fade just a hint.
When they got to their room, Emma turned to Regina. "Baby, you know it's okay if you don't want more kids, right?"
Regina smiled softly. "I know." She let out a sigh. "I…Emma I want kids and I know you want kids. I know we'd both be happy adopting, but you know I always wanted to be pregnant at least once."
"I do know that, Regina and I told you I'm okay with that. We can start looking for donors right away if that's what you want."
"It's just…I found out my eggs are bad." She said, sitting down on the bed. "I know we'll be happy adopting, I just need to process the fact that I won't be able to get pregnant."
Emma sat by Regina and took her hand. "You still can. I mean, I have great eggs but a horrible uterus. We can take my egg, mix it with the junk and put it in you."
Regina chuckled at Emma's words. "Really? You'd be okay with that?"
"Of course, I'm okay with that. You'd be carrying my baby." Emma said with a wink. "I want a huge family, Regina and the fact that you and Chloe are onboard with that is amazing. We will do whatever we need to do to get you pregnant."
"I love you, Emma Benson-Mills."
Emma smiled. "I love you, too. I was thinking about that; the name thing. What if we dropped the Benson-Mills and we all just became Mills?"
"Emma, I'd love that, but I know how much the Benson name means to you. I was actually thinking maybe we all become Benson."
"That's very sweet, and it does mean a lot to me, but here's my thinking. Preston is a straight guy who will, hopefully, get married one day and pass on the name. You and Zelena are both women and I'd hate to see the Mills name die out. Besides, Benson would make a cool name for a boy."
Regina chuckled. "I get what you're saying, and if that's what you really want, that's what we'll do, but I really don't mind the Benson-Mills. Besides, Chloe's already gotten it down when writing her name."
"Okay, we keep it Mills-Benson."
The two left early the next day for the airport and a wonderful week was spent in the Florida Keys. The two spent the time relaxing, tanning, dolphin watching, and just having fun. They had to buy another suitcase so they could fill it with the gifts they got for everyone.
Once they got back, Emma spent a full day with her brother, sad he'd be leaving for school. "I'm going to miss you, Preston." Emma said as they sat on a bench at a park. "Seriously, I am so happy for you, but I'm sad you'll be so far away."
He looked at her and gave a smile. "I'll miss you too, Emma. It was not an easy choice, but it makes the most sense for my degree." He turned more towards her. "Emma, I'm sorry that I ever said that you were the favorite and all that."
She sighed and took his hand. "We've already talked about that, Preston. I'm sorry you ever felt like second fiddle to me. I'm sorry I've needed so much attention and I'm sorry if I ever made you feel not good enough."
He pulled her into a hug. "You never have, Emma. Ever. I hate everything you had to go through, but I'm so damn happy you're my sister. I seriously could have never wished or asked for a better sister."
She wiped her eyes. "You're not dying, Preston." She said with a chuckle. "We'll see each other again and often. Chloe, Regina and I love you so much."
"I know, I just…I don't want to leave things unsaid. Emma…" He paused taking a breath. "Shit just always seems to happen and I hope to all the gods that it's done, but if something does happen, I want you to know how I feel."
"It's sad that we have to think like that, but you're right." Emma said with a sigh. "Preston, I'm so glad you're my brother. I love you and always have with all my heart. Please be careful but have fun. Live your life to its fullest and do everything I never got to do." She added with a chuckle. "Go to parties, make amazing friends, be respectful of girls, don't become a father, and get rest. You can't do good in school if you're not rested up."
He smiled and hugged her again. "Thanks, Ems."
Chloe gave Preston another hug before he got in the car. "I'll miss you uncle Preston." She called, waving as they left. She then looked at her mom and hugged her. "I'm sad."
"I am too, baby." Emma said, lifting her up on her hip, though she was getting a bit big for this. "He needs to live his life though." She kissed Chloe's forehead. "You better never leave me to go across the country to school though; that is simply not allowed."
"I never wanna leave you, Mommy. I'll stay with you for ever and ever."
Emma smiled, wishing that she could forever hold her baby to that promise. They came inside and Regina smiled over to them.
"So, out to dinner or delivery?"
"Can we get pizza and watch a movie?" Chloe asked as Emma put her down.
"We sure can." Regina said. "Chloe honey, we wanted to talk to you about something."
"Okay." Chloe said and sat as Emma ordered the pizza.
"I know we talked to you before, but I wanted to make sure you're sure about what you said. Are you sure you're okay with your mom and I having another baby?"
Chloe looked at Regina and smiled. "Yes. I want a little brother or sister." She then bit her lip and Regina couldn't help but think how much like Emma she was.
"Something is on your mind." Regina coaxed, pulling the girl on her lap. "You can tell me anything you know; I'm not an evil stepmother."
Chloe smiled and then started playing with Regina's ring. "You'll be the baby's Mommy, right?"
"Mhm."
"And my mommy will be the baby's mommy too?"
Emma listened from the doorway, not wanting to interrupt. Regina nodded again.
"Well, I just think that maybe…I mean if I can call you my mommy instead of my stepmom, maybe I'd feel better."
Regina smiled, swallowing a lump of emotion. "I would love it if you saw me as your other mom and we dropped the 'step' part. Chloe, I see you as my daughter, not my stepdaughter. I know this is still new and I know I missed a lot, but I love you as if you were mine."
Chloe looked at Regina. "You do?"
"I sure do. Cross my heart."
"So, you and mommy will be my mommies just like the baby's mommies?"
"Yes, sweet girl. I promise you that your mommy and I will always love you just as much as we will any new baby."
Chloe hugged Regina and Emma came in smiling. She sat by them and looked at her daughter. "Honey, babies need a lot of attention because they can't do anything for themselves. But I want you to know we will always have time for you. So, if you ever feel like you're not getting the attention you need, I need you to be honest and tell us. I don't want you to be afraid of getting in trouble for being honest."
"Okay Mommy, I will be."
As the three of them cuddled and watched a movie, Emma couldn't help but hear Preston's words in the back of her mind. Shit always happened and part of her would always be waiting for the other foot to fall.