Shorter than normal, but we're almost at the end. Like one chapter almost.
Regina laughs as Rosalie takes the place of Emmett.
"Your daughter is the bane of my existence," Rosalie deadpans.
"I take it things went well, then?"
"As well as they could." Rosalie spins Regina and pulls her back into her arms. "I want your permission to marry her," she says.
"No."
"What? Why?"
"She's not allowed to get married until she's ninety."
"You know I'll take her to Vegas without telling you, right?"
"I know."
Rosalie scoffs and says, "You're unbelievable, but you and my mother will get along wonderfully."
"When are they coming to visit?"
"I don't know yet."
"Okay, well, can you at least wait until after the honeymoon?"
"That was a given. Kate's been dying to see Emmerson since I first told her about him."
"She won't be an issue, will she?"
"Kate's a nuisance in the same way Isabella is."
"Ah."
Rosalie stops their dance and hugs Regina.
"I am blessed to have you as my mother-in-law," she says.
"Are you getting sappy on me?"
"For now," Rosalie teases. "But don't get used to it."
"Never." Regina pulls back and kisses Rosalie on the cheek. "And for the record, no one else on this planet will ever come close to being perfect for my daughter. You're a blessing to my family, Rosalie. Never forget that."
"Okay, okay. Enough of that." Rosalie spins Regina into Emmerson's awaiting arms, and she adds, "You two have fun," she says.
"Your mate is in the kitchen," Emmerson says.
"Stealing cookies?"
"You know it."
Bella yelps as Rosalie yanks her out of the kitchen.
"What is wrong with you?" Rosalie asks.
"Oreos, Rose. Oreos," Bella says.
"Your obsession is concerning."
"There is nothing on this earth better than that cookie."
Rosalie stops and turns, arching an eyebrow.
"Well. Maybe your cookie."
"Isabella!"
"What? Your cookie makes me melt."
"I'm regretting every moment spent with you at this reception."
"Wanna get out of here?"
Rosalie hesitates, and Bella slides closer. She backs Rosalie into the wall, knowing her mate was allowing her to be in control, and she kisses the underside of Rosalie's jaw.
"You wanna make a run for it, don't you?" she whispers.
"I asked your mother for permission to marry you."
Bella freezes, and she backs away slowly.
"Did she say yes?"
"She said no, but I doubt she'll cast a curse over it."
"It's a testament to our relationship that you can make jokes about that."
"Considering all the other crazy-to-believe things about my life, that one was easy."
"Wait, does this mean I have to ask your mother for permission?"
"I would suggest you make sure she doesn't try and kill you first."
"Kill me?"
Rosalie expertly maneuvers out of Bella's arms and heads back outside. Bella frowns after her and jogs to catch up.
"Wait! What do you mean to kill me?"
At the town line, Regina and Emmerson stand side by side behind their car. Isabella walks up to them with her hands in her pockets, and she sighs dramatically.
"I can't believe you're married."
"Me either," Regina admits shyly. "But it's a good thing, right?"
"Of course. Emmerson isn't the worst you can do."
Emmerson flicks Isabella on the ear, and he says, "Listen to Ruby and Hook while I'm gone."
"Yes, sir."
"And check on Miller Heights for me?" Regina hurries to add.
"Yes, ma'am." Isabella shakes her head and pulls them into a double hug. "Be safe on your trip, okay?" she asks.
"We'll be back," Emmerson promises. "It's just two weeks."
"I know. Don't come back with another child."
"No promises," Emmerson jokes.
Regina smacks them both on the back of the head when they separate, and Isabella bows.
"Your Majesties," she says.
"Don't make this any weirder than it needs to be," Regina mutters.
Isabella salutes and returns to her family – their family. Emmerson stares at all of them gathered near the town line, all eager and happy to see them start their next journey, and he puts a hand over his heart.
"Don't leave us with this one too long, Honeycomb," Alia says, jerking her thumb at Isabella. "She's a nuisance."
"Hey!"
Regina laughs and says, "We won't be, but I just want to say thank you to all of you. Each one of you means so much to me, so much, and I'm proud that this family remained strong even when we were falling apart. This is a new start for all of us, and I look forward to what comes next."
"My wife took all the good stuff," Emmerson jokes. "And yes, I will be saying my wife for the next several years just because I can. But in all seriousness, this is the greatest moment of my life. Seeing you all here, all of you makes it worth the pain and heartache from before. This world, this realm, is where I grew up, but being here with you all makes it feel like a home. Nothing matters to me more than the woman beside me and each one of you in front of me. I want forever with all of you, and I'm grateful for you."
"For fuck's sake, you two! You're going to Hawaii, not another planet," Rosalie calls out. "We'll be here when you get back!"
"But take your time!" Ruby adds quickly.
"Thanks, guys," Emmerson says dryly. "Truly."
"We're leaving now," Regina says.
Emmerson snorts and follows his wife to the car. He opens the door for her, making sure she's inside before it closes it, and he waves one last time before he gets behind the wheel. Emmerson slowly drives over the boundary, shuddering at the feeling that covers his body, and he relaxes once it passes.
"I hope our love story makes it into a storybook one day, Mrs. Mills."
"Why is that, Mr. Mills?" Regina asks.
Emmerson grabs her hand and intertwines their fingers.
"Because I finally found my happily ever after, and the whole world deserves to hear about it."
Rosalie stretches out on the grass as she stares at the sky. Isabella rolls on top of her and lays her head on her chest.
"Did you imagine your life would end up like this?"
"Not in the least."
"Do you regret it?"
"If you had you asked me that yesterday, my answer might've been yes."
"And now?"
"I'm happy where I am."
"Me too." Isabella looks up and rests her chin on Rosalie's sternum. "Did you mean what you said? About us getting married?"
"Did you?"
"Stop deflecting," she laughs.
"Of course, I was serious. I am serious," Rosalie says. "I want to get married, though I might not want to do it in the same place."
"Yeah, it was a bit odd doing it at Granny's Bed and Breakfast."
"I'd want to do it here."
"The clearing?"
"Yes. It's our spot."
Isabella hums and goes back to her original position.
"Can I wear a suit?"
"Yes."
"Can I pick the colors?"
"No."
"Can I pick the food?"
"Yes."
"Fine. I accept your terms."
"You say that like you have a choice."
"When it comes to you, the only choice is moving forward with you by my side."
Rosalie tugs Isabella up until their face-to-face, and she says, "I love you."
"I love you too."
Rosalie pulls Isabella down for a kiss, and she doesn't see the flick of Isabella's wrist. She does, however, notice the fireworks, and Rosalie sighs in exasperation.
"Just think, you have an entire lifetime of this," Isabella whispers cheekily.
"A small price to pay," Rosalie whispers back, connecting their lips once more.