A/N: Alright, here is the last chapter of this sequel! Part 3 is already posted and the link is provided below. BE SURE TO READ IT! Comment, favorite, subscribe, follow, all those good things that you guys do that keep a writer like me going lol :) Thank you all for being so fantastic throughout this journey with me. This story isn't over yet, guys! Love you all.

LINK TO PART 3:

Swan: Freed: s/13872909/1/

While Regina is changing into something more comfortable to make a trip down to the store, she's on the phone with her stunned mother who hadn't spoken since she gave her the news of her engagement.

"Mother, please say something."

"You're not pregnant, are you, Gina?" She whispered in horror.

Regina couldn't hold back the urge to roll her eyes. "Yes, because Emma can magically get me pregnant." Her tone was sarcastic. "No, mother, it's nothing like that."

"I'm sorry, darling, it's the shock. Don't get wrong, Emma is a great catch, and perfect for you, but, don't you think it's a little too soon? You are young, dear, you still have a lot of the world to see."

"Does this mean you're not happy for me?" She asks, holding her phone with her shoulder and cheek, while she pulls up her jeans.

"Of course I am, dear. You know me. I could tell there was something special between you two when you were here in Florida." She pauses. "Have you set a date?"

"No. Not yet. Emma wanted to talk to my father first, ask him properly."

"Oh, that is so sweet!" She could hear her mother smile through the phone. "I am happy for you, darling. You deserve this. And you both must visit again."

"I'll make a note of it and inform Emma." Regina smiled.

"Alright, dear, I have to run, but do call me once you've set a date. We'll need to plan!"

"I will, I promise. Goodbye, mother."

"Goodbye. Love you, darling."

"Love you, too."

Regina drives by the ATM before heading to the grocery store. Her eyes grow wide, she even removes her sunglasses to see better at the amount displaying on the screen. $51,689.16. Now with her new position at work, she made plenty of money to live well, but she never made this much. 'Regina, you're going to have to learn to be rich, too, if you say yes.' Emma's words come to her mind.

And so it begins.

Regina places the last candle on the cake, lit up and ready to go. Twenty-eight candles decorate it as she carries the freshly baked cake over to Emma, placing it on the kitchen island while she sings a quick Happy Birthday to her.

They were scheduled to be at the Swan residence by six or so for the party, and Emma wanted to use it as a chance to announce their engagement.

Emma blew out her candles after making her wish. She dug right in with her fork, eating off of the cake along with Regina.

"Mmm," she hummed. "This is why I want to marry you."

Regina couldn't help but laugh, delighted that her future wife loved her cake. She was nervous about her reaction once she took the first bite, so this was like a weight lifted off her back. "I aim to please, Ms. Swan." She pauses, taking another bite. "The frosting is quite sweet."

"It's perfect. Although… it would taste better off you." Emma smirks.

Regina drops her fork as she blinks. "Oh, no…" She starts backing away as Emma walked toward her with a mischievous grin. "Emma, don't, we have to get ready soon to leave for your party."

"Oh, but you are always so tempting, Ms. Mills… besides…" Emma looked down at her watch, "We have plenty of time."

And before Regina could run, Emma was already scooping her up into her arms and placing her up on the counter. Regina of course, as much as she wiggled, she was a fit of laughter.

"Are you ready to announce to the world that you said yes to being mine forever?" Emma smiled, placing a kiss to the brunette's knuckles.

"As I'll ever be." Regina smiled, watching as Emma exits her V8, looking stunning in a white that resembled her black one that she wore to the masquerade ball. Her hair was once again picked up nicely, without a strand in sight.

Regina exited the car, wearing Emma's favorite blue dress, in the one she was in when they first met, but only without the jacket to accompany it this time. Her hair was straightened and her hoop earrings and matching red lipstick made her features look more glooming.

They were greeted at the door by the same blushing woman, and thousands of guests that Regina didn't even know. Those she did knew were Emma's parents, her cousin Ivy, Ella by her side, Belle and Ruby of course, Dr. Hopper and his lovely wife- Regina would presume to be- Ivy's friends, including the one still pining over Emma- barf- and there was Ingrid, Emma's PA, and… that woman… The Dragon Lady. Of course. Why shouldn't she be here?

"Emma," David smiled, pulling Emma into an embrace that even surprised the blonde. "Happy birthday, sweetheart."

"Thank you, dad." Emma smiled.

"Regina, it's always wonderful to see you." He smiled kindly at the brunette.

"It's wonderful to see you, sir- David." She corrected herself, earning another smile from the man.

"Regina," Mary Margaret strolled over, embracing the brunette in a tight hug, "You look radiant."

Do I? Must be the Emma effect. "Thank you. You look stunning as ever." She smiled at the pixie haired woman.

There were crowds of guests wishing Emma a happy birthday, Regina decided to remove herself out of the way and move toward Belle, who had recently left Ruby's side.

"Gina!" Belle hugged her, careful not to spill an ounce of her champagne. "You look hot, look at you!"

"Thank you, Belle," Regina smiled, a blush setting on her cheeks. "Look at you. I see Ruby is treating you well." She teases.

Belle chuckles, "As well as Emma is treating you, I see. Can you believe how many people showed up?"

"I know. It's pretty overwhelming." Regina breathed.

"Gina," Ruby smiled, joining them and handing a glass of champagne to the brunette. "Looking good. I see living with my dear sister hasn't made you want to jump out the window yet."

"Ruby," Belle scolded her.

Regina chuckled, her eyes moved over to Mal who was making her way toward Emma now. "Can you excuse me a minute, please." She moved quickly through the crowd, clinging to Emma's arm, and meeting with Mal's disapproving gaze.

"Emma, I was so worried." Mal gives the blonde a brief hug and kisses both her cheeks. Emma doesn't release Regina's hand.

"I'm good, Mal," says Emma.

"Why didn't you call me?" Her plea is desperate, her eyes searching green ones.

"I've been busy."

"Didn't you get my messages?"

Emma holds the brunette closer to her, her arm wrapped around her waist, her face remains impassive as she regards Mal. The woman can no longer ignore Regina, so she nods politely in her direction.

"Gina," she purrs. "You look lovely, dear."

"Mal," Regina purrs back. "Thank you."

Out of the corner of her eye, Regina catches Mary Margaret looking toward the three of them, frowning.

"Mal, I need to make an announcement," Emma says, eyeing her dispassionately.

Mal's clear eyes cloud. "Of course." She fakes a smile and steps back.

"Everyone," Emma calls out, standing in the middle of the room now. She waits for a moment until the buzz in the room dies down and all eyes are on her. "Thank you for coming today. I have to say I was expecting a quiet family dinner, so this is a pleasant surprise." She stares pointedly at Ruby and Ivy, who both of their grins are a spot on match. Ivy gives off a little wave. Emma shakes her head and continues. "As you all are aware, Ingrid and I-" she acknowledges the blonde, who is standing with another woman by her arm. "We had a close call yesterday."

Ingrid grins, raising her glass over to Emma, who nods back at her.

"And I can tell you now, from personal experience that when you have a horrific encounter, well it makes you think of the people who love you most in this world and what you need to start doing differently." Her eyes move toward Regina and her entire family, who smile back at her. "So I'm especially glad to be here today to share with all of you my very good news." She stretches out her hand toward Regina, "Regina, would you join me, please?"

Regina's cheeks were crimson red as she walked toward the center of the room to be with Emma, her eye catching a glance of the Dragon Lady's disapproving look again as she did so. But she was happy today, so she smiled, grabbing a hold of Emma's hand proudly.

Emma couldn't be more happier as she brought the brunette's hand up to her lips, placing a kiss to the back of her knuckles. "This beautiful woman-" She glances down at Regina with adoration and love- "Ms. Regina Marie Mills, has consented to be my wife, and I'd like you all to be the first to know."

The room fills with general gasps of astonishment, the odd cheer from Ruby and Ivy and then a round of applause. This was really happening now! Regina would soon be Emma's wife, to have and to hold, forever and always. It was official. Mary Margaret's eyes filled with the happiest tears a mother could hope for, David's smile matched everyone else's except for the only or few of the envious looks lingering in the room.

Emma lifted Regina's head up by her chin and placed a kiss to her lips. Her smile was so infectious.

"You'll soon be mine." She murmured between them.

"I am already yours," Regina whispers, smiling from ear to ear.

"Legally," she mouthed at her soon-to-be-wife, giving her a wicked grin.

Ivy's friend is standing beside her, looking sick to her stomach. Gretchen, the housekeeper, looks like she's eaten something nasty and bitter. And Mal… she is standing there with her mouth open. She's stunned- horrified even, and Regina can't help to feel a small but intense feeling of satisfaction of seeing her dumbstruck face.

Before Regina knows it, she is being passed around by all of Emma's family members, kissed and hugged by all.

"Oh, Regina- I am so delighted you're going to be family," Mary Margaret gushes. "The change in Emma… She's… happy. I am so thankful to you."

"So, where is the ring?" Ivy exclaims, embracing the brunette.

The ring! Regina hadn't even thought about that. She glances up at Emma.

"We're going to choose it together." Says Emma.

"Em!" Ruby pushes her way through, pulling her sister in for a long and strong hug. "You're getting married!"

"Gina!" Belle exclaimed, pulling her best friend in for a tight hug. "Married! I can't believe it! Are you happy?" She looks at Regina expectedly.

"Very happy, yes." Regina can't help her grin. Because she was happy. As happy as can be.

"That's all that matters." Belle hugged her again.

"Hey, sister in law!" Ruby exclaimed, pulling Regina in for a hug next. "I'm glad someone finally made Emma settle down. It was about time." She smiles warmly. "Welcome to the family, Gina."

"Thank you, Ruby." Regina looks around the room, scanning all of the smiling faces and discovers that Mal has seemed to disappear.

"Emma," Dr. Hopper smiles, embracing Emma in a hug. "Congratulations."

"Thank you, Archie." Emma nods to him. She leans in to kiss the good doctor's wife on the cheek. "Leslie, allow me to introduce my-"

"The woman who has finally captured Emma's heart." She smiles warmly at Regina. "It's a tremendous delight."

"Thank you. It's a pleasure to meet you." Regina smiles.

"I'm glad you're alive and well, Emma. My life would have been dull without you in it." Archie jokes.

"Archie!" Leslie scolds him, smacking his arm with her purse. "You and your cricket metaphors, Archie. She rolls her eyes. "Congratulations to the both of you, and happy birthday, Emma." She smiles. "What a delightful birthday present to receive."

"Thank you, Leslie." Emma smiles.

The four of them engrave in a deep conversation about their careers. More Regina and Leslie than Archie and Emma. Regina learns that Leslie is a stay at home mom, as they have two small kids. While Emma learns that Lily's treatments are going well for her, which she is happy to hear about.

Ivy soon pulls Regina away from such dull conversations, handing her a lime martini. "Here." She says, smirking. "It's one of my uncle David's special lime martinis. That's guaranteed to get you buzzed. This is a celebration after all."

Regina takes a small sip of the martini, holy shit! It is strong but good. She took another small sip, careful not to drink too much. This was Emma's birthday party and their engagement party, so she wanted to be lucid. Especially with Mal walking around.

"So, I wanted to ask your advice on something," Ivy says after taking a sip of her own martini. "As you know, Ella and I have been hanging out. I want to ask her to be my girlfriend, but I've been a little distant from the dating scene for a long time. Could you possibly give me tips? What does she like? What would be the perfect date for her?"

Regina smiles, delighted to see Ivy and Ella getting along so well. "Well, I know she loves to dance, and she enjoys being around animals. She loves the zoo."

"The zoo?" Ivy's eyebrow raises. "That doesn't exactly sound like the perfect date."

"You can take her to see a movie. She's a sucker for romances."

"That's good! That could work." Ivy smiles. "Thanks, Gina. I'm so glad Emma is marrying you."

"And definitely try not to stress so much about it. Ella likes you. Trust me."

Ivy's eyes light up like Christmas trees. "Really? Did she say that?"

"She doesn't have to. I can see it on her."

"Thanks, Gina." She hugs her.

Regina accompanies her to the bathroom, and when they step out, she sees Mal walking toward her, so elegant and poise. But with a deathly glare. "I'll meet you back at the party, Ivy."

"Okay." Ivy walks off, but not before handing the brunette another drink and getting one for herself.

It is in that moment that Regina gathers all of her strength. Somehow, she knows she is going to get an earful from this woman, who secretly is in love with Emma. She knows she disapproves of her, but frankly- Regina could care less. She loved Emma and if this pedophile wanted a war, she would get one here and now. Who cares if it was a party. She wasn't going to allow her to intimidate her anymore. Not that she ever did.

"Regina," Mal sneered.

"Malorie." Regina nods, keeping her head held up high, despite her mouth tasting bile.

"I would offer you my heartfelt congratulations, but I think that would be inappropriate." Her clear eyes stare frostly into Regina's, filled with loathing.

"I neither need nor want your congratulations, Malorie. I'm surprised and disappointed to even see you here."

Mal arches a brow. "I wouldn't have thought of you as a worthy adversary, Regina. But you surprise me at every turn."

"I haven't thought of you at all," she lies, coldly. Emma would be proud, she just knew it. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have much better things to do than waste my time with you."

"Not so fast, dearie," she hisses, leaning against her path. "What on earth do you think you're doing, consenting to marry Emma? If you think for one minute you can make her happy, you're very much mistaken."

"What I'm consenting to do with Emma is none of your concern." Regina smiles with sarcastic sweetness. Which Mal ignores.

"She has needs- needs you cannot begin to satisfy," Mal gloats.

"What do you know of her needs?" Regina snarls. Her sense of indignation flares brightly, burning inside of her as adrenaline surges through her body. How dare this fucking bitch preach to her? "You're nothing but a sick child molester, and if it were up to me, I'd reach into your chest and rip out your heart, crush it with my bare hand, and walk away smiling. Now kindly get out of my way- before I make you."

Mal chuckles. "You're making a big mistake." She shakes her long, fine manicured finger in front of Regina. "How dare you judge our lifestyle? You know nothing, and you have no idea what you're getting yourself into. And if you think she's going to be happy with a pretty little gold digger like you…"

That's it! Regina tosses the rest of her lime martini straight to Mal's face, drenching her. "Don't you dare tell me what I'm getting myself into! It's you that doesn't know what type of relationship Emma and I have. And if you ever come near her again, you will regret it." She shouts, realizing this until Emma is standing beside her in shock but also fuming with anger.

"What the fuck are you doing, Mal?" She says, her voice glacial and laced with menace.

Mal blinks up at Emma, "She's not right for you, Emma," she whispers.

Emma's face turns to stone, her jaw is clenched and the vein in her forehead is visible. "How the fuck do you know what's right for me?"

"You have needs, Emma," she says, her voice softer.

"I've told you before- this is none of your fucking business," Emma roars this time. And even Regina steps back a little, wondering how many people have now heard all the commotion. "What is this?" She pauses, glaring at her. "Do you think it's you? You think you're right for me?" Her voice is quiet but still menacing.

Mal swallows and seems to draw herself upright. Her stance changes subtly, becoming more commanding, and she steps toward Emma. "I was the best thing that ever happened to you," she hisses arrogantly at her. "Look at you now. One of the richest, most successful entrepreneurs in the United States- controlled, driven- you need nothing. You are mistress of your universe."

Emma's lips part, her eyes become darker with anger, she takes a step back.

"You loved it, Emma, don't try and kid yourself. You were on the road to self-destruction, and I saved you from that, saved you from a life behind bars. Believe me, baby, that's where you would have ended up. I taught you everything you know, everything you need."

Emma blanches, staring at her in horror. When she speaks, her voice is low and incredulous. "You taught me how to fuck, Mal. Regina taught me how to love." She stepped closer. "It's all empty, like you. No wonder Linc left."

Regina can taste pure bile rise to her mouth. She shouldn't be here as this was a personal matter between them, but she was going to be this woman's wife and she wasn't about to leave her alone through any of it.

"You never once held me," Emma whispered. "You never once said you loved me."

Mal's eyes narrow. "Love is for fools, Emma."

Mary Margaret comes barging through the hallway, her eyes on fire as they glare directly at Mal. She stands before the woman she thought to once be a friend. Regina had never seen her angry before, but she was, oh very angry. If her glaring wasn't evidence enough, the slap across the face Mal received from her, followed by another one sure was.

"Take your filthy paws off my daughter, and get out of my house- now!" She hisses through gritted teeth.

Mal stands shocked for a moment, her hand on her reddened cheek, she's blinking at Mary Margaret but doesn't argue. Instead she hurries out without so much as turning back.

Mary Margaret turns slowly to face Emma and a tense silence settles like a thick blanket over them as mother and daughter stare at each other. After a moment's silence, Dr. Swan speaks.

"Regina, before I hand my daughter over to you, would you mind giving me a minute or two alone with her?" Her voice is quiet, gentle yet so strong.

"Of course." Regina nods, glancing anxiously over at Emma before she leaves mother and daughter alone.

Mother and daughter stare at each other for a moment that seemed eternal. Mary Margaret couldn't believe what she had just found out. How could Emma keep something like this from her? Live with it for all those years of her life.

"How long, Emma?" The woman's voice is soft, it surprises Emma, but Emma somehow knows she is still very upset.

"Six years." Emma murmured, not being able to look at her mother in the eye. Especially after hearing her horrified gasp.

"Six…?" The woman's eyes teared up, burning. "How old were you?"

Emma remains silent.

"Tell me, how old were you when all this started?" The woman's voice is more demanding now.

"Fifteen."

Regina is slowly climbing the stairs to the second floor, she finds herself standing in front of Emma's childhood bedroom. Slowly, she opens the door, entering it. She certainly wasn't expecting this big of a confrontation to happen this evening- but it did. And now Emma's mother knew- maybe not the nature of things, thank heavens, but she certainly knew Emma and Mal once had an affair. Undoubtedly, it wasn't sitting right with her. She can only imagine what was being said to Emma at this very moment.

Mary Margaret was always so kind and sweet looking, she could never picture her mad until today.

At least one good thing came out of this, and that was that Mal was history.

Regina entered the familiar bedroom, her eyes scanning teen Emma's belongings. She looked over to the bulletin board above her desk, and walked right over. She dared to turn on the desk lamp, which illuminated the one black and white photo of the young woman. Then it dawned on her who that woman was… that was Emma's biological mother.

She could see some similarities to herself in her, but she didn't look exactly like her. Thank heavens!

Regina exited the room, thinking that she must find Emma. Maybe her and Mary Margaret were done talking by now. After all, they did have guests to attend to. And just as she was heading her way down the stairs, she saw Emma mid-step.

"Hi." She murmurs.

"Hi." Regina smiled.

"I was looking for you. I thought-"

"I know. I just couldn't go out there with all the guests, you know. I needed to think."

"So, you decided that my bedroom was the best place to do that?"

"Yes."

Emma frowns. "I'm sorry you had to endure all that."

"It's not your fault, Emma." She reaches out to caress her face, and Emma leans in more to her touch. "How's your mother?"

"She's pretty mad at me right now, but she'll be okay." She smiles a sad smile. "I'm really glad you're here with me and that we are in the middle of a party. Otherwise I'd be breathing my last breath."

"That bad?"

Emma nods, her eyes serious.

"I can't say I blame her. But your mother loves you, Emma, no matter what she'll forgive you."

Emma pulls the brunette into a tight hug, her eyes close. "I know." She whispers.

"How do you feel after everything?" Regina asked, looking up into Emma's sad expression.

The blonde sighs. "I feel liberated." She finally smiles one of those megawatt Emma Swan smiles.

"Really?" Regina beams.

"Mal's gone. Our business relationship is over. Done."

The brunette frowns at Emma. "Will you liquidate the salon business?"

Emma snorts. "I'm not that vindictive, Regina," she admonishes her. "No. I'll gift them to her. I'll talk to my lawyer Monday morning. I owe her that much."

Is this really happening? Regina raises a brow. "No more Dragon Lady?"

Emma's mouth twists in amusement and she shakes her head. "Gone."

Regina grins inside, but her voice remains serious. "I'm sorry you lost a friend."

Emma's brow raises, her expression filled with amusement. "Are you?"

"No," Regina smirks a wicked smirk, chuckling. "I'm sorry."

Emma laughs. "Come." She parts from her to hold her hand. "Let's join the party in our honor. I might even get drunk."

Emma drunk? That would be surprising to see.

"Do you get drunk?" Regina has to ask.

"Not since I was a wild teenager." She smirks, walking down the hallway. "Have you eaten?"

"No."

"Well you should. From the look and smell of Mal, that was one of my father's lethal cocktails you threw on her." She looks at Regina, trying her best to keep her amused look hidden.

"Emma, I-"

Emma holds up her hand. "No arguing, Regina. If you're going to drink- and toss alcohol on my exes- you need to eat. It's rule number one. I believe we've already had that discussion after our first night together."

Ah yes. The morning at the hotel that started it all. That memory now makes Regina smile.

Emma's hand came up to caress the brunette's cheek, her eyes soft as they looked into deep, happy brown ones. "I lay awake for hours and watched you sleep," she murmurs. "I might have loved you even then."

Regina's heart flutters inside her chest, even more once Emma leans down to kiss her. That kiss that sends her skyrocketing into outer space and plunging back to Earth. Both share a matching smile before joining everyone at the party.

A few of the guests left hours later, leaving only the closest family friends and Emma's family. Ivy and Ella were giving each other a run for their money on who could drink the most shots. Ruby and Belle were engraved in a conversation with Mary Margaret and David, talking about their vacation time. While the closest family friends mingled between themselves.

Emma glanced over to Regina, a mysterious, amused look to her face. "Come. I want to show you something."

"Okay." Regina blinked, following the blonde through the kitchen and into the backyard. She noticed the lights of the pool house were on, The moon was full, creating a beautiful and soft illumination throughout the night as they walked across the lawn hand in hand.

"Emma, I'd like to go to church tomorrow."

"Oh?"

"I prayed to God to bring you back alive to me and he did. It's the least I can do."

"Okay."

Regina smiles. "Where are you going to put the photos Daniel took of me?"

"I thought we might put them in the new house." Says Emma.

"You bought it?" Regina's eyes are wide.

Emma stops to stare at the shocked brunette, her face full of concern. "Yes. I thought you liked it."

"I do. When did you buy it?"

"Yesterday morning. Now we need to decide what to do with it." She smiles.

"Don't knock it down. Please. It's such a lovely house the way it is. It just needs some tender loving care."

Emma's smile grows. "Okay. I'll talk to Ruby. She knows a good architect, she did some work on my place in Aspen. Ruby can do the remodeling."

Regina grins, placing a kiss to the blonde's lips as they continue their walk toward the pool house. Her grin grows while she snorts, remembering the first time Emma brought her out here, when she was palm twitchingly mad at her.

"What is it?" Emma asks.

"I seemed to remember the last time we were out here, you were carrying me over your shoulder."

Emma grinned, "Oh, yeah. In fact," suddenly, she bent down, scooping Regina up and over her shoulder, even through the brunette's delighted squeal. She chuckled, her palm coming to smack the woman's behind playfully.

It amazed Regina that even with a dress, Emma was able to lift her up with such ease, walking with her over her shoulder in heels.

"You were really angry, if I remember correctly." Regina smiles.

"Regina, I'm always really angry."

"No, you're not."

Emma swats the brunette's behind again as she steps into the pool house. She slides her down back on her feet, cupping her face in her hands and kisses her hard.

Once Emma pulls away, it leaves Regina completely breathless.

"No, not anymore." Emma smiles, her thumb softly caressing away at the scar on her upper lip, careful not to smear any of her lipstick.

This was the woman she loved. Green anxious eyes staring down at her, with the blue light of the pool illuminating around them. This wasn't her white knight or black knight, but a woman- a beautiful, not-quite-so-fucked-up woman- whom she loved.

Regina reaches up to caress Emma's perfect face, brushing back a loose strand of blonde hair that came undone from her perfectly neat hairdo.

"Come," Emma grabs her hand and guides her further into the pool house, where Regina gasps in surprise at what's before her.

The entire place was filled with flowers, wild flowers mixed with a few Christmas lights hanging around and miniature lanterns that glow soft and pale all around the room.

Regina's eyes are positively glowing. "Oh, my God… Emma…" She whips her head to look at Emma who is smiling.

"You wanted hearts and flowers," Emma murmurs.

Regina blinks in surprise, not quite believing what she's seeing right now.

"You have my heart." She waves toward the room next. "And here are the flowers," she whispers.

"Emma, it's beautiful." Her heart sinks and her eyes sting with tears.

"Come," Emma takes her hand, guides her toward the pool, which to Regina's surprise is covered up with a glass floor.

The brunette stops, growing nervous to see Emma step right onto it.

The blonde smiles as she nods her head. "It's okay. Come." She never releases her hand until she is finally on top of the glass floor, right in the middle of the pool.

Regina is overtaken by everything, every beautiful detail of the room and the fact that she is standing in the middle of the pool, she neglects to notice Emma produce a ring from somewhere inside her dress.

"Emma, this is all so-" She gasps, surprised to find Emma down on one knee, holding up a red box, a big engagement ring sparkling right in the middle.

"Regina Mills. I love you. I want to love, cherish, and protect you for the rest of my life. Be mine. Always. Share my life with me. Marry me."

Regina blinks, her tears finally make their way down her cheeks, her smile is so big it hurts her cheeks. As the wave of emotions passes through her body, she is finally able to move and nod her head. "Yes." She says, more tears running down her cheeks.

Emma's smile was big, just like the ring which she slid onto the brunette's finger. It was an oval diamond in a platinum ring. It was breathtaking. Her arms wrapped around the brunette's form as soon as she stood back onto her feet. Their lips met in a passionate kiss, so filled with love and desire for one another. Neither of them cared that Regina's ruby red lipstick and Emma's lip gloss mixed with one another.

Applause and cheers were heard coming from the second floor of the pool house. As both women parted from their kiss but continued to hold each other in their embrace, they smiled at all of the smiling faces looking down at them. Soon, the entire room was lit with various blue, green, red and purple colors of fireworks being set off into the night's sky.

It was like a dream come true, Regina's own fairy tale of a dark broken soul that was able to find hope and love in the end.

"Did you do that?" Regina asked Emma, speaking about the fireworks.

Emma nodded, grinning from ear to ear before kissing her again.

They had come so far together and belonged together. At the end of it all, they were made for each other.

Off in the distance a cigarette bud lit up the darkness of the night, bright orange, right on a hill. The smoke being puffed out of a pair of lips, let it escape its lungs smoothly and slowly. A bottle of cheap bourbon rested against a pair of thighs that sat against a bench. A pair of angry, dark blue eyes watched the fireworks display off in the distance.

Who knew the bitch could fly well? Robin snorts, angry at himself for acting so quickly as to sabotage Emma's helicopter to try and get back at her. That was a dumb move, really. Because he could do better than that. Much better. And he will. Oh, he will…

Fuck! He hissed, his hand resting against his busted rib.

Fucking Emma Swan. Your life should have been mine. But my chance will come… soon… it will be my turn to shine again. Oh, I'm not done with you yet.