We finally made it to the end! I will be posting an epilogue! Just a reminder, there is a third story in the works, I'm just not sure when it'll be posted, as it's still in the early planning stages. It'll most likely be up next year. Make sure to subscribe so you don't miss it.

Thank you to everyone who has been apart of this very long journey, even since A Queen Without A Crown. I couldn't have finished this without your inspiring feedback and the motivation to continue. It's been a crazy two years since I started this story and I can't believe I'm almost done!

Thank you!

Chapter 50 A Wolf in Her Path

"That's it everyone, small strokes of your brushes," Ms. Ava, the art teacher commented as she walked along the row of artists with their easel, observing each one. She came to a stop at the end of the row and slid her glasses from where it had been hanging on its chain.

"How exquisite, Ms. Mills," she observed with an air of awe in her voice. Regina looked up at her with a shy smile.

"I took your advice about just letting the brush flow and relaxing my grip."

"I can see," she smiled, taking in the exquisite detailed blades of the grass field, the green color contrasting beautifully with the blue sky. A brown horse was galloping, its mane and tail being swept back by the wind. "Wonderful job this week. Your techniques have really improved and it shows in your art."

Regina was a bit embarrassed at the compliment, but she nodded her thanks and focused on finishing. She couldn't wait until she was able to bring it home and display it in her studio. It had been months until she had gained the courage to sign up. It took both Mal and Emma's constant encouragement to overcome her fears and now that she was finally doing it, she couldn't help but feel silly for waiting so long. Learning to paint was even better than learning to draw. It gave her a sense of freedom to further express herself.

She's really come a long way since she came home 4 months ago, making more and more progress each day. There were still times she was a bit jumpy or fearful but it was far in between. The nightmares had lessened. They hadn't completely stopped but they weren't as vivid as before. Emma was always there for her afterwards, listening to her talk about them until she could no longer fight the pull of sleep. Talking about her trauma had become easier. There was a lot that she still couldn't fully talk about, but she was opening up more and more to Emma and even Mal during their zoom sessions. Emma was even starting to share her own childhood traumas now. She had gone through so much as a kid in foster care and Regina could see the haunted pain in her eyes from time to time. Especially if they were having family time, Emma would just sit back and become quiet as she watched them with a longing expression, the kind that made Regina sick to her stomach, because she had never experienced something as simple as going to the movies, having family dinners or even having someone go to her school events.

Soon it became her and Henry's mission to help Emma experience as many family activities as she can. Tonight they were attending Mary Margaret and David's housewarming party at the new house they had bought further into Storybrooke's farmland.

Her relationship with Margaret was still a bit strained, but the anger she felt towards her wasn't consuming her anymore. Instead, it left a deep sadness in her for what had happened to them. Their relationship had evolved, but it would never be the same.

"Alright everyone, finish up. Class is almost over. If you're done with your paintings, you're welcome to stop by tomorrow and pick them up once they're dry."

Regina put down her brush and observed her work. She was definitely done. It was ready to come home. She put her supplies away and left her painting on its easel so it can dry and be ready for pick up tomorrow.

She had gone home to drop off her supplies, change and then pick up the housewarming gift she had made for them. Her class had run a bit late so she insisted on Emma and Henry going without her. She would meet them after.

After changing into a dress and a blazer, she stepped into her office, welcoming the organized chaotic mess it had become over the months with supplies and used canvases strewn about, it was nothing like the controlled and clean state of what her office had once been. This was more her.

She put her supplies away and approached the easel that displayed a medium sized canvas. She picked up the painting that she had been vigorously working on. It was a patch of snowbells growing in a field covered in snow. The sky was gray, the land was cold and frosty but in the middle of it all, was a beacon of hope; Snowbells growing and thriving under the harsh winter. Their new farmhouse could be seen in the background. The details were immaculate. It was one of her best works and she hoped both David and Mary Margaret would like it.

She packed it up in a protective cover and took it outside to the Benz. It was getting colder and the fall festival would soon be upon them. Another experience she wanted to share with Emma.

She made it to the farmhouse in no time, navigating through the dark trails. It was pretty remote but it suited Mary Margaret and David perfectly. He always talked about having a farm like he did as a kid.

She parked the Benz beside the yellow bug and stepped out into the chilly fall air. She pulled the painting from the trunk and approached the farmhouse. She could already see the lights from the party, people laughing and talking under the stars. It was beautiful. The minute she approached the porch Emma was rushing down and kissing her cheek in greeting.

"I've missed you, beautiful. How was class?"

"It was fun," she smiled as Emma took her hand and led her through the guests and over to the food table. "I made a lot of progress with my technique. Ms. Ava complimented my painting."

"That's amazing! I can't wait to see it."

"Regina?" Mary Margaret was approaching them, her swollen belly visible even beneath the layers she was wearing."Thank you for coming."

Regina nodded, appreciating the fact that Mary Margaret didn't attempt to hug her.

"I'm sorry I'm late," she said as she held out her canvas. "I brought you a gift."

"Oh, Regina, you didn't have to."

"Trust me, you'll want this one," Emma smiled.

Mary Margaret took it, thanking her and then uncovering the canvas. She gasped, moving closer to the lantern on the table to get a better look.

"It's beautiful," she whispered and then looked up at the brunette with teary eyes. "You made this?" Regina nodded, suddenly reminded of all the trauma between them. Her eyes averted over her shoulder to see David approaching them. Her heart sped up a bit out of habit and she took a fearful step back. Emma placed a comforting hand on her lower back.

"You're safe," she whispered in her ear as David greeted her with a smile and then looked at the painting Mary Margaret was showing him.

"Regina, this is amazing!" He praised her and she visibly relaxed, reminding herself that David was a friend. He would never hurt her. "Look at the detail, honey," he said to his wife, tracing over the petals of the snowbells. "And there's our house!" The younger woman had tears in her eyes as she silently observed the painting.

There was a much deeper meaning to it. One that only the two of them understood. It was a symbol of their lost sisterhood, rising from the ashes and thriving through the harsh cold. A beacon of hope for what they had lost. Hope that they could at least have some kind of friendship even if what they had was gone forever. It was Regina's silent way of forgiving her.

"I think I know the perfect place for it," Mary Margaret said, her voice heavy with emotion. "Can I show you?"

Regina nodded, knowing she wanted a moment alone for the two of them. She followed her into the house and watched as she removed a painting that hung above the living room mantel and placed Regina's there instead. Somehow it completed the room as if it was always meant to hang there and lookout over the heart of the farmhouse.

Mary Margaret took a step back beside her, observing it and unable to stop the silent tears from streaming down her cheeks this time.

"I don't deserve your forgiveness," she whispered and Regina could hear the familiar self loathing in her voice, the kind that she herself had battled with for years.

"It's not my forgiveness that you need anymore," she said. "You need to learn to forgive yourself."

Mary Margaret scoffed in disbelief. "How?"

"With time," Regina said softly. It had taken so long for her to forgive herself and Mary Margaret, but she had finally reached a place where she was able to let go of the trauma, of the pain, and most of all the anger. She hoped Mary Margaret could too.

Mary Margaret dried her tears and then looked at her with a small smile.

"Thank you," she whispered and by the deep emotion in her voice, Regina knew she wasn't just thanking her for the painting. "I um… have something for you,'' her voice shook as she continued to wipe her tears. She disappeared into one of the rooms of the house for a moment and then came back with an envelope in her hand and her other hand resting on her belly.

Regina took the envelope to see her name in cursive written on the front. She gave her former stepdaughter a questioning look.

"Daniel's father has been looking for you since you've returned from the cabin. So he reached out to me. I'll give you a moment alone."

Regina was too stunned to say anything as Mary Margaret walked away and exited the house, leaving her alone with nothing but the comforting sounds of the crackling fireplace.

She took a seat on the couch, her finger ghosting over the neat cursive of her name. She hasn't seen Daniel's father since the trial after the accident. He had accused her of murdering his son. He had been so angry at her, she had been too ashamed to face him; even as the years went by, she kept her distance from the Storybrooke stables.

She took a deep breath and after a few hesitant moments, she carefully opened the envelope.

Regina,

I've thought about writing this letter for years. In fact I started over more times than I can count. It's been years since the last time we saw each other, and I admit I had let my grief and anger over the loss of my son take over. I shouldn't have yelled at you. I shouldn't have blamed you for his death. It was an accident. It took me years to accept it… to realize it wasn't your fault.

When you had married the mayor, I thought about the worst possible reasons as to why you accepted his proposal. I wrongly assumed you were marrying him to keep from going to prison, for his money and wealth, and for the title of the Mayor's wife. I never knew that he had blackmailed you and… I don't think I need to bring up the rest of the horrors you went through. I followed along with the Mayor's trial a couple years ago. I was angry at you, but I would have never wished for anyone to pay the way you did. Not that you deserved it. Of course you didn't. You were telling the truth about the wolf the entire time and no one believed you. Everyone believed his false records. Shamefully, even I did.

I'm just trying to say I'm sorry for the way I treated you. Daniel wouldn't have wanted me to blame you or yell at you the way I did. He loved you. Oh, child he loved you so much, I don't even know if you knew just how much. I'm sorry that his life was taken. I'm sorry you lost everything.

Please come see me as soon as you're able to. A new development has just taken up precedence in my life, and I'd like to consult with you. Not only that, I have a feeling you might need some kind of closure from me.

Sincerely, Samuel Colter

She fought against her tears, wiping her eyes and shoving the envelope in her coat pocket. She could remember waking up in the hospital and Daniel's father bursting in with a fit of rage over his son's death. He had blamed her. He had called her a monster just like the rest of the court did.

She didn't want to see him, but she knew facing him was facing a part of her past. She wanted to talk to Mal and to Emma before making any kind of decision. She could feel herself trembling, and for a moment she felt like the room was spinning. She closed her eyes, trying to calm the panic racing through her. She suddenly felt cold as if someone had dumped a bucket of water over her. Her mind seemed to have distanced itself from her body.

She wasn't sure how long she sat there until Emma was suddenly kneeling before her, taking her clammy hand and combing her hair behind her ear. She placed a warm palm on her cheek, the warm touch breaking the barrier of ice that seemed to have enclosed around her.

"Regina…" her calm steady tone broke through the haze. "You're having a panic attack. Let's breathe together. Can you start counting us down?"

She let out a breath that turned into a sob. She hasn't had a panic attack in months. The fact that she was having one now made her panic even more. Tears were streaming down her cheeks and Emma was suddenly sitting beside her and fully pulling her into her arms. She held her tightly, pressing her against her chest and taking deep breaths.

"In… Out… One," she whispered in her ear. "In… Out… Two. Come on, baby count with me."

The sound of Emma's voice, the feeling of her arms wrapped around her, and holding her against the warmth of her body, pulled her from panicked trance and she started following along. They counted together, Regina's voice trembling along with Emma's steady one.

They counted until she was sagging against Emma and burying her face into the crook of her neck. Emma kissed her cheek and then pulled away to look at her.

"What happened, love?" she asked.

Regina shoved her hand in her blazer pocket and pulled out the envelope that contained the letter. Maybe, long ago she would have shut down, shook her head and buried it deep down inside her. Now, she was handing the letter to Emma who took it with a confused frown as she opened it up to read.

"Daniel's father gave Mary Margaret this letter to give to me. He wants me to see him," she explained when Emma was putting the letter back in the envelope after she finished.

"And what do you want?" she asked, looking into her eyes.

Regina shook her head, feeling more conflicted than ever. He had been cruel. He had shouted at her, blamed her and made her feel like the monster he said she was. She blamed herself for Daniel's death for so long and his anger towards her only increased that guilt. And now, here he was asking forgiveness and for her to see him in person.

"I… don't know," she sighed. "I need to think about it."

"Do you want to go home?" Emma asked. Regina shook her head. She didn't want to ruin the party. She was sure she could stick it out for a few more hours.

"No, that won't be necessary," she replied with a small assuring smile. "I just got here and I don't want to worry Mary Margaret."

"I'm sure she'll understand."

Instead of answering, Regina leaned up and kissed her lips. What started out as a sweet peck, turned into a more passionate kiss that neither one of them wanted to end. It was Emma who suddenly gained an awareness that they were in Mary Margaret's living room and that there was a very lively party going on outside. She pulled away and Regina nearly pouted. Instead she looked into those green and cupped Emma's cheek, her thumb tracing her bottom lip. Sometimes it was still so hard to believe that she actually had this now. Someone who truly loved her. Someone who fought for her. Someone who helped her learn how to love herself when she had been sinking into darkness. Someone who believed in her.

"I'm ok, my sweet Emma," she whispered, the endearment replacing the concern in those green eyes with relief. Emma kissed her thumb and then her lips.

"I'm just checking in, beautiful. How about we rejoin the party?"

Regina nodded, getting up and taking Emma's hand as they exited the house. The party went off without a hitch, everyone enjoying the new house and beautiful land the couple had bought. Regina actually had fun reconnecting with old friends. There were several instances where she grew uneasy at a certain touch or gesture of a hand, but she was able to keep herself grounded. She was getting better at that.

When it was time to go home she followed behind Emma's yellow bug with her Benz. Henry was fast asleep in the back seat, exhausted from all the food and excitement. Her mind was full of the letter that was burning a hole in her pocket. She couldn't decide whether she wanted to see Samuel. The last time she saw him he had been so full of anger and grief over the loss of his son; Anger that had been directed at her. She hasn't even visited Daniel's grave yet since coming home. She hasn't been ready. She knew she'd gain closure, but she just couldn't bring herself to go into that direction quite yet, just like meeting with Samual.

She didn't even see it. It jumped from the woods so fast, Regina barely had time to slam on her breaks. A wolf jumped out in the road and stopped to stare at her, its yellow eyes gleamed back at her through the headlights of the car.

"Mom! What's going on!" Henry had woken up from the abrupt stop. He sat up and leaned forward to see the wolf staring at them. "Cool," he whispered as if he were afraid to scare it off with his voice.

Yellow gleaming eyes flashed in her mind, and not the eyes of this wolf. The one who had jumped out in front of her and caused her to fatally swerve years ago. She froze, not even registering the wolf running off until Emma was running towards them.

"Henry, are you ok?" she asked, turning to check on him.

"Yup," he nodded as her eyes swept over him for good measure and then she was unlocking the door for Emma.

"Are you ok?" she asked, her eyes wide and full of fear. Regina switched on her emergency blinkers and stepped out of the car. Emma hugged her tightly; the poor woman was trembling.

"We're fine," her voice shook. "There was a wolf in the road."

"I know. I also saw you slam the breaks," Emma took a breath of relief that no one was hurt. She peered out into the dark foliage of the woods, almost as if she were expecting it to come back. "Regina, isn't this a bit strange?"

"What do you mean?" she asked, frowning in confusion.

"The night you get a letter from Daniel's dad, there's a wolf in your path."

"Are you saying it's a sign?"

"Maybe?"

"I think it's magic!" Henry piped up from the window, easing the tension and causing both of them to chuckle.

Regina shook her head in denial. She didn't believe in that stuff. It was just a wolf that she nearly hit with her car. Why were they always jumping out in front of her? She could have… She stopped; not allowing herself to finish that thought when she had Henry in the car with her.

"It's just a coincidence, dear," her voice didn't even sound confident to her own ears. "Let's go before another car comes down the road." Emma didn't argue. She rushed back to the bug while Regina got behind the wheel of the Benz.

It was only a coincidence…. She kept repeating in her head as she followed Emma back to town. Somehow deep down, she kind of believed Emma was right.

Regina couldn't sleep that night. She kept dreaming of the wolf on the road. It was as if it was trying to lead her somewhere, but she couldn't keep up. She'd run down the pavement looking for it until it faded off in the distance. She woke up in the early morning hours, breathless as if she had been running in her sleep. She needed some air. She needed to clear her head, because she had a feeling the dreams meant that she needed to face her fears. She needed to visit Daniel's grave so that she could get her closure.

She slowly slid off the bed, being careful to not wake Emma who was fast asleep on her side of the bed. She quickly got dressed and then left Emma a note that she was going for a run. The cold crisp morning air filled her lungs as she took a deep breath and let it out. She did a quick breathing exercise to calm her mind before doing some stretches, and then started off with a light jog. The sun hasn't even risen yet. The town was still asleep, leaving the streets silent aside from the few early birds on their way to work.

She approached the cemetery just as the sun was rising, and stopped the moment she was standing outside the entrance. A chill worked its way up her spine as she peered out at all the graves. She could see Leopold's mausoleum looming in the distance. Mary Margaret was now the keeper of the key and she left it unlocked for those who wanted to pay their respects to Eva. Regardless, she wasn't here to visit her. She was here to finally visit Daniel.

She was getting nervous, and she decided maybe she'd come back another day. Her heart was suddenly beating fast in her chest. She was trembling and her legs felt like they might just give out. She took a step back, deciding she wasn't ready to visit him just yet. She turned, about to walk back home when she suddenly heard the crunching of leaves as if someone had taken a step toward her. She immediately spun around and came face to face with those yellow gleaming eyes from last night.

The wolf was in her path again. She froze in fear, too afraid to make any sudden movements. She reached out a hand, hoping it would back off. Her other hand slipped into her hoodie, grasping her phone in case she needed to call for help.

The wolf howled, which scared her so bad she fell back on her behind. It came up to her and Regina froze, trying to remember to breathe as it sniffed her face and then stepped back. It looked into her eyes and for a moment her fear seemed to have washed away. For some reason a feeling of safety descended upon her, and she knew it wasn't here to hurt her. Emma's theory that it could be a sign to visit Daniel and talk to Samuel wasn't just a silly notion. Henry said it was magic, and for once maybe she started to believe it. The wolf turned and ran off, and she was compelled to get up and run after it. It stopped, and she let out a sob as she realized exactly where it had led her to. Daniel's grave. She fell to her knees before it, a hand reaching out and tracing his name on the tombstone. When she looked up the wolf was gone.

She looked around and saw no trace of it. She took deep several breaths, trying to calm her racing heart and focused on the grave before her. There were fresh flowers laid on top and she knew Samuel had been here recently to visit his son.

"I'm sorry it's taken so long for me to come back to you. I'm so sorry," she couldn't help but cry. She was never allowed to mourn his death. She didn't even get to attend his funeral and for years she was afraid of coming to see him because that would mean she would have to accept his loss.

"I was afraid," she admitted, wiping her tears. "That coming here would force me to relive that night; to grieve the way I should have when I lost you. I was running away even when I was trapped. I blamed myself for what happened for a very long time. I blamed Mary Margaret, and at one point I even blamed you. Now, I know it was no one's fault. It was just a damn wolf in the road."

Silence washed over her except for the sound of birds chirping in the trees as the sun continued to rise. A piece of her heart felt at peace. She has been avoiding this part of her recovery for so long, she hadn't realized until now how much of a weight it had become.

"What happened after…" She shook her head at the chain of events it had led to; what her life had become because of that damn wolf. "I'm finally at peace with myself. I finally got to grieve and I learned to accept the past. And I'm finally free in more ways than one."

She placed a hand on his name again, feeling the cold cement beneath her fingers. She closed her eyes and thought back to when they were just kids, growing up and falling in love. That goofy smile. Those blue eyes, and messy brown hair. She missed him, but now his loss was something she can cope with. He was at peace, and finally so was she.

She found herself at the Storybrooke Stables that afternoon, dressed in slacks and a blazer. Her make up was impeccable, because it had served as a mask for years when she was afraid of being vulnerable in front of people. Regina pulled her peacoat tighter around herself as she stepped out of the Benz, her gloved hand holding the letter, and looking up at the stables with apprehension. Of course she was nervous, but she knew this was something she needed to do.

She walked towards the entrance, the familiar scent of horses and hay washed over her and with it came an onslaught of memories of growing up here, taking classes, competing, and meeting Daniel.

This place had been her whole world, and she ran far away from it. Time had gotten away from her, and she was realizing just how much a part of her had been longing to come back. She approached the fence of the paddock, leaning against the rail and looking out at all the horses that were trotting, grazing and frolicking in the grass. She could see herself racing through the empty fields with Rocinante, the feeling of the wind in her hair and the sense of freedom that only came when riding on top of a horse.

She now understood why Mal made her work so hard with the horses back at the cabin. She was trying to remind her of her love for them. She helped her rediscover her passion for riding. Maybe now, she wouldn't let time get away from her. Maybe she could finally walk through these stable doors again without the past pulling her under.

"Regina," a gruff voice sounded behind her, startling her for a moment. She immediately turned to face Samuel Colter. He was older than from what she last remembered. His dark hair was now graying. His blue eyes, so much like Daniels, were surrounded by fine wrinkles. His face aged with time and grief. He let his beard grow out, giving him a scruffy weathered appearance. Regina couldn't help but think he looked exhausted.

She was speechless for a moment, unable to say anything as they just stared at each other. His eyes swept over curiously because the last time he must have seen her, she was a child who braided her hair and wore jeans and flannels for riding despite her mother's disapproval. Here she was dressed as if she were on her way to a business meeting.

"You're grown up," he stated, breaking the silence. She nodded, tears burning the corners of her eyes. "I've seen you around through the years especially near town hall with the… I guess it's just different when I'm actually facing you."

"I got your letter," she stated, pulling it from the pocket of her peacoat as if showing him the proof. He nodded and gestured for her to follow him. She followed him inside the stables, the scent of hay and horses taking her back in time as she followed him to his office. He gestured for her to sit down. She took a seat, her eyes roaming the walls of the office. There were old photographs framed as well as certificates of past students. There were trophies and ribbons placed on shelves. It was chaotic, but it showed years of riding classes and competition winners. Her eyes landed on a dusty frame, a girl she no longer recognized sitting upon Rocinante with a first place trophy and flowers donning both of them.

Samuel took a seat in his chair across from her and made a lazy effort in clearing the paperwork from his desk. She's never seen his office this out of sorts. In fact, why weren't there any clients or students out in the fields?

"Why am I here?" she asked, getting right to the point.

"Well," he said, scrubbing his face with his hand and then facing her. "I was never good at apologies. I know a letter could never make up for my behavior towards you."

"I know how sorry you are," she said, losing patience with the old man. "I understand why you blamed me. I was the one who was driving. Your grief drove you just like it drove me all those years ago. I got my closure with Daniel. I don't need it from you."

He just took her biting words, not even willing to retaliate in any way. She knew she was being short with him. She couldn't help but let her anger from all those years ago resurface. She had been a child and he tore his claws into her without an ounce of remorse. He blamed her for something out of her control and assumed the worst of her for marrying the mayor of Storybrooke.

"I have something for you."

She raised an eyebrow as he pulled several documents from the clutter on his desk. He handed it over without a word. She hesitated, looking at him suspiciously before taking the forms. Her mouth dropped open in shock. She was so stunned she could even find words.

"I'm moving and instead of selling, I'm giving you the stables as a final peace offering."

"Why are you doing this?" she asked, her cold mask slipping and finally letting him see the heartbreaking nostalgia she was feeling since stepping foot on his property.

"I can't hold onto this place anymore. It's too painful… I don't want to sell it to someone who will strip away its memory… Daniel's memory. You're the only person I trust to keep him alive in these walls, in the horses, and in the students. Daniel was always meant to inherit this place, but since he's…" He stopped, unable to finish that sentence. "I want you to have it, Regina. It's what he would have wanted. It's what I want."

She was conflicted. She didn't know whether to accept this offer or not. What would she do with the stables? Teach classes? Or hire people to teach and she'd run it from the sidelines? Would she be hosting competitions? She shook her head, suddenly overwhelmed with this turn of events; Of what it would mean for her to accept it.

"I… I need to think about this," she said, shakily, handing the papers back to him. "I need time." This time her voice was stronger with confidence in her decision. Samuel nodded in acceptance, taking back the papers and dumping it on its pile of junk.

"Take all the time you need. You know where to find me."

For the rest of the day Regina found herself falling into a daze. Ever since she came back from seeing Samuel, she's been distracted. She couldn't stop thinking about Samuel's offer. She wasn't sure if she was even ready to take on the responsibility, let alone start teaching again. She hadn't even talked to Emma yet. She just needed to process this on her own. She found herself secluding herself in her studio, immersing herself in a new painting for the rest of the day.

She hadn't even realized the day had passed her by until Emma was leaning against the open door, giving the threshold a soft knock to gain her attention. Henry had been at the arcade this afternoon and would be meeting them for dinner at Grannies later. Emma and Regina had the house to themselves, except Regina had kept to herself as Emma ran a few errands. She didn't say anything when she came back and shut herself away. Somehow, Emma knew she just needed some space.

"Can I come in?" she asked, her green eyes tender but also full of concern. Regina nodded, placing her brush into the gray paint of her color pallet and coloring in the wolf's fur. Emma approached her, kissing her lips and then looking at the painting she was working on.

"Is that the wolf from last night?" she asked.

"In a way," she nodded. "There always seems to be one in my path these days."

"What do you think it means?"

Regina shrugged, looking at the gleaming yellow eyes she had replicated.

"I passed the cemetery this morning during my run, and a wolf led me to Daniel's grave. It was strange; Almost like what Henry described it… Magic."

"You talked to him?" Emma whispered in astonishment, because she knew how much of a big step this was. Regina had been wanting to see him, to gain her closure, but had been too afraid. Regina nodded, putting her brush down and giving Emma her full attention. "I did and I realized that when I was finally able to grieve for him, I couldn't let that grief go, until now."

"How do you feel?" Emma whispered, taking her hand and squeezing it in comfort.

"Free," she whispered, her eyes tearing up and her voice trembling with that single word. "But I'm conflicted. I went to see Samuel."

Emma's eyes widened in surprise. "And what did he want?" she asked.

"He…" She shook her head, still in disbelief at what he had presented to her. "Emma, he's giving me the stables."

Emma had the same reaction as he did. Her mouth fell open and her eyes were full of shock. She stumbled her words a bit before she was able to even form a sentence.

"What… what did you say?"

"I told him I needed to think about it," she said. "Imagine what accepting the offer entails? What that would mean for me? I'll be running the place… I'll be teaching again."

"Is that why you're hesitating, love?" Emma asked and Regina let out a sigh. She stood from her stool and beckoned Emma to follow her to the living room so they could sit and talk.

"I was forced to be a professor. I was forced to teach," she said as soon as they had made themselves comfortable. Regina was still dressed in her slacks and blouse but had removed her blazer. "This time I would be choosing to become a teacher. I would be managing the place and hosting competitions." She stopped as she realized what she just said. "It would be my choice."

"That's right." Emma smiled. "No one could tell you what to do here. It's all your choice, babe." She kissed her cheek and Regina leaned into the affection, looking into those green eyes

"Despite being forced into it, a part of me did love teaching," she admitted. "Especially when I was helping Mal with her group of teens."

"The riding classes would range to different ages, right? You'll work with both kids and adults."

Emma had a point. She especially loved working with kids. Taking this job would mean working with little ones as well as teens and even adults. The thought suddenly warmed her heart as she thought about Garret and Aaliyah. She had learned a lot about herself working with Mal's group. Suddenly the decision didn't seem so scary anymore, but she still wanted time to think.

"Whatever you decide, I'll support it a hundred percent," Emma kissed her lips again, bringing a hand up to cup her cheek and drawing it out. Regina leaned into it, kissing her back and feeling a desire within her stir. Lately she's been having certain urges. She's been thinking more and more about it, especially after a night of lovemaking. She was just afraid of making that first step towards it.

Emma pulled away before anything could escalate. Her hand was still cupping her cheek, a gesture that had once been used for control and power over her; a rough hand forcing her to look into cold eyes. Now she was staring into warm green eyes with the gentlest touch of her hand against her skin.

"We need to go meet Henry," Emma reminded her.

All through dinner Emma could see Regina silently mulling over her decision in accepting Samuel's offer. On their walk to the diner, Regina had told her more about her meeting with him. Emma pointed out that it seemed as if Samuel wasn't just passing her the stables, he was passing on his legacy to her in place of his son. Regina grew extremely quiet after that, only speaking when spoken to. That meant she was really thinking about her words. Emma already knew she was going to accept it, she just needed to come to that conclusion herself. Regina never had the freedom to come into her own. She was never able to choose major life decisions without her mother or even Leopold dictating her choice. Regina was a bit slow deciding these kinds of things for herself, but it was progress in her recovery. She would get there eventually and Emma would support her.

Henry was chattering excitedly about the arcade and the games he had won as they walked home that evening. It was getting colder and colder these days, the chilly air of fall slowly turning to winter soon. The Harvest Festival was coming up soon, the town already starting to prepare. Fall decorations were put up on Main St and city hall.

They were just passing the community center when Regina finally spoke up.

"Can we stop for a moment. I forgot to pick up my painting today."

"Hell yes! I've been waiting to see it!" Emma exclaimed excitedly, making Henry laugh. "You're just telling us now that it's been done?"

"My mind has been occupied," she admitted more seriously and Emma's eyes softened. She knew exactly what had been on her mind.

"Alright, Mills," she linked her arm in hers. "Lead the way."

She led them to the building and to the room where the art class was being held. The room was empty except for all the canvases that were leaned up against the wall. There were so many different ones, but Emma right away spotted Regina's amongst the others. She had a certain way with details and colors. It was gentle yet exquisite. Sometimes it felt like she could reach out and feel the true texture of the object she had painted.

"Wow!" Henry exclaimed, approaching them and looking at all the different ones. "These are so cool!"

Regina smiled and went over to the one Emma guessed belonged to her. A canvas with a painted field and a brown horse running with the wind in its mane. Rocinante. Perfect to hang in her new office at the stables if she were to decide to take up the offer. Emma came up behind her shoulder and kissed her cheek.

"It's beautiful," she whispered, extremely proud not just for the painting, but for how far Regina has come. She had fallen so deep into her trauma and somehow pulled herself up. Standing here, looking at this painting gave Emma hope that Regina would continue to make small steps in her recovery, and she had a feeling she was just about to make the ultimate step in figuring out exactly who she was meant to be.

Emma had wanted her to find Regina… And even if she was unsure about taking this next milestone, Emma knew she had already found her.

Next - The Harvest Festival