"That was really sweet of you for asking Regina to be your maid of honor, Emma. She deserves it I don't think anyone has ever asked Regina to come to their wedding, let alone be a bridesmaid." Snow was beaming at her daughter with pride.
"You think, Mom? I don't know, she seemed a bit off with me. Almost offended that I would ask." Emma mused as she helped her mother get the table set for lunch.
"It probably just caught her off guard, sweetie. Like I said, she's still getting used to people inviting her to things. She's always distanced herself from having friendships and you know, normal interactions."
Emma scrunched up her mouth and then tilted her head to the side as she let out a huff. "I hope you're right Mom."
She felt something was off between them and it was causing her some anxiety. She knew Regina wasn't Hook's biggest fan and had been worried about asking her to participate in the wedding, but she had seemed genuinely pleased for her that she was finally getting her hard won happy ending. Even if her life was still hanging in the balance, she'd decided to take all the happiness she could while she still could and live each moment to the fullest before the final battle. She craved some normality and wedding planning took her mind off her possible impending doom. But there was something worrying her about Regina. She had seen for a tiny moment the anger at her request. Emma hoped she was just imagining things but her gut told her otherwise.
Why would she be angry about being my maid of honor? I mean, I get that she hates, hated.. nope, she still hates Hook, but why? She said she wants me to be happy and I deserve to be happy, but if she's so against this wedding, there must be a good reason. I'm going to check in with her.
Emma finished setting the table and pulled out her phone to type a quick text.
E: You ok?
She waited for the two ticks to appear to show her message had been read but they didn't. After another minute of her staring at the phone, she got a response.
R: Fine and dandy. You?
Emma laughed ironically. She could almost hear the sarcastic tone with which Regina had written the message.
E: Yeah all good here. Need your help with something after lunch. You busy?
She wasn't going to rise to the bait and instead opted to go for a subtle approach. If she could get Regina on her own and face to face, she'd be more willing to open up.
R: Depends what it is.
Emma face palmed herself. Regina was obviously pissed about something.
E: Just some girl time. Shopping, make up tips, walking in lady shoes. Stuff you are queen at and I'm an idiot as you never fail to remind me.
She could imagine Regina smirking at the comment. This was comfortable territory for them both. Their banter was a friendly reminder of how far they'd come together and it was Emma's sure fire way of getting Regina to break her ice.
R: Fine. Be here at 6 and for the love of God, don't invite your Mother.
E: wasn't planning on it but now you mention it...
R: Emma...
E: Relax! I'm kidding! See you at 6. ;-)
Emma pocketed her phone and sat down to lunch with her charming parents and her not so charming fiance.
"Everything alright luv?" Hook asked.
"Yeah, fine. Just some wedding stuff. I'm going to meet Regina later on to get some of the finer details done. You know, the classy bits."
Hook grimaced. "Not my cuppa Swan. If it were up to me, we'd be married aboard the Jolly Roger in nothing more than our birthday suits but I know you women go in for all that fancy stuff and I just want you to have a perfect day."
Emma raised an eyebrow. She knew he meant it as a gesture of love but his comments sometimes came out less than eloquently.
"Thanks, Killian. I will take that last part of your sentence and forget the rest if that's okay." She smiled and ruffled his hair a little. She could handle his rough around the edges quality if it meant he was safe. She couldn't bear the thought of something bad coming to him, again. He was far from perfect and of course, she still had her doubts but she pushed through them and tried to make the most of what she had now because if she was honest with herself, she knew she wouldn't make it down the aisle. She was living on borrowed time.
