Regina was incredibly frustrated by her limited mobility. "I don't understand," Emma said, "it's not as if you could move well before the surgery."
"Oh, and you wouldn't be irritated by needing someone to help you do every little thing?"
"You don't need help with anything involving your hands or arms." The mayor glared at the blonde, "yes, if I couldn't get around it would drive me nuts. You will get more mobility back with physical therapy. I realize it's hard to be patient and I'm not asking you to. Now, let's go outside. You could probably use the fresh air."
Regina grabbed the walker she had been able to use since being home and allowed Emma to help her stand. The two sat in the backyard and enjoyed the breeze. "I'm sorry I've been so irritable."
"You don't have to apologize."
"I want to."
"I have a little gift for you."
Regina smiled brightly, "you do?"
Emma handed the woman a box. Regina opened it, "this is one of my heart boxes," she said confused.
"Yeah, I borrowed it. Just open it. I promise you there isn't a heart inside."
Regina opened the box to find a smaller box with a note that read, 'you are the keeper of my heart. Will you marry me?' The mayor opened the smaller box and began to cry. She was speechless upon seeing the engagement ring.
Emma took Regina's hand, "well Madam Mayor, is that a yes?"
"Yes," Regina said emotionally. Emma kissed her fiance and placed the ring on her finger. "It's beautiful," Regina said.
"Do you want to know the truth about the box?"
"This wasn't what you intended to do? I thought it was beautiful."
"That's because I didn't listen to my dad. He told me that I should put my actual heart in the box with the note asking you to marry me. I told him that was too morbid. He thought it would be cool and romantic."
"Your father really needs to get his head out of the Enchanted Forest."
"Well, at least he was excited."
"Maybe something's wrong with him?"
Emma laughed, "you need to get rid of that mindset. You're no longer the Evil Queen. You are the woman I promised to protect and help rid her of her demons. You are Regina. You might be high maintenance, but I love that about you."
"Only you can make a negative look like a positive."
"It's a skill."
"Promise me that you'll never leave me."
"Only if you do the same."
The couple was happier than they had ever been. Regina couldn't help but wonder how long that happiness would last.
A week later, Emma and Regina had a small wedding in their backyard for their family. The two sat for the ceremony because it was still difficult for Regina to stand for an extended period of time. It was a happy day for the family. Yes, that happiness would last. Emma made a promise to protect her wife and make her happy. One thing Emma refused to do in life, was break a promise.