Part III: The Wedding
BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!
Regina rolled over in the bed and picked up her phone, hitting the snooze button. She set it back down and curled up on her side, reaching out to the other side of the bed. It was empty and cold, making her frown as she tried to figure out where Robin was.
Then she remembered - they had spent the night apart to follow tradition ahead of their wedding.
She was marrying Robin that day.
BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!
Regina silenced her alarm and this time sat up, stretching. She had a lot to do before the wedding and knew Anna had her on a tight schedule. Mary Margaret had promised her a big breakfast so she wanted to get ready to meet her friend, even though the butterflies in her stomach threatened to keep her from eating anything.
She changed into a simple long sleeve shirt and yoga pants, wanting to be comfortable before she got all dolled up for the wedding. Regina picked up her phone and texted her matron of honor, asking if she was ready for breakfast. A few seconds later, Mary Margaret responded.
Yep. I checked with David - Robin and his groomsmen already had breakfast so we're in the clear. I'll meet you in the lobby with Ruby. Do you want to text Kathryn?
Regina smiled and texted back that she would let Kathryn know. Once she texted her bridesmaid and friend, she grabbed her room key and wallet before heading down to the lobby for some breakfast.
"There's the bride!" Mary Margaret declared, beaming as Regina approached her. She pulled Regina into a hug. "I can't believe this day is finally here!"
"Neither can I," Regina admitted. "I've been dreaming of it for so long."
Mary Margaret chuckled. "I thought you didn't like to dream about your future wedding."
Regina knew she had often told Mary Margaret that when they were growing up, normally after hours of listening to whatever her friend had deemed her "dream" wedding that week. And when she was younger, it was true - she hadn't dreamt about her own wedding. When she started dating Robin, though, that all changed - though she never told anyone about those dreams.
"I may have planned my wedding with Robin a few times as a teen," she admitted. "Though I think this topped anything I ever imagined."
Mary Margaret squeezed her hand. "Good. You and Robin deserve your dreams and so much more."
"Ugh, who invented this ungodly hour?" Ruby asked, stumbling from the elevator and towards them.
Regina rolled her eyes. "It's nine AM, Rubes. Most people are at work by now, not just climbing into bed."
"I don't go to bed at nine AM," her cousin insisted. "But I also don't usually see it either."
"It's not that bad," Mary Margaret insisted. "You'll be fine."
The elevator opened again and Kathryn stepped off, smiling. "I'm ready to get today started. Are you?"
"Regina and I are," Mary Margaret replied. "Ruby is almost there."
"Let's see if a big cup of coffee helps," Regina said, looping her arm with her cousin's as they started to walk toward the cafe serving breakfast.
They were shown to a table and handed menus. Mary Margaret leaned closer to Regina. "Remember, you want to eat big now. It won't affect your dress and it will get you through the day. Okay?"
"I definitely second that," Kathryn said. "I'm glad I had a big breakfast and a semi-big lunch or else I probably would've passed out during my wedding. Remember?"
Regina nodded. "Alright. I'll order something big. Promise."
"Good," Mary Margaret said. "No hungry bride."
"Until the reception at least," Kathryn joked as the waitress approached to offer them coffee.
Ruby nodded. "Bring me the biggest cup you have. Please."
The waitress chuckled. "Not a morning person, huh?"
"Not in the least," Ruby replied. "Thank you."
"Coffee for the rest of you as well?" the waitress asked, looking from Kathryn to Mary Margaret to Regina.
They nodded before Regina added: "You can make ourselves regular sized, though."
"Will do," the waitress said with a laugh. She walked away to get their coffee as they turned back to their menus.
"The omelets look good," Kathryn said. "And they have a very impressive selection."
Ruby nodded. "I might get one too."
"What about you, Regina? I know you like omelets," Mary Margaret said, looking over her menu at the bride.
Regina bit her lip, looking over the omelet menu. Many were tempting but she worried it wouldn't be as filling. "I think I might get one of the breakfast dishes - the eggs, sausages and hash browns," she said.
"That does sound pretty filling," Mary Margaret replied, nodding. "That might be the better bet."
"Then I think that's what I'll get and pray my dress fits afterwards," Regina joked, closing the menu. Her bridesmaids rolled their eyes.
Regina perked up when her grandaunt entered the cafe and she waved at her. Granny approached them, smiling. "Do you mind if I join you?"
"Of course not," Regina said, looking for the waitress. "We'll get you a chair and a setting."
A server came over and helped them fit Granny at their table. She asked for coffee and Regina handed her unused menu to the older woman. "I already know what I want," she said.
"Something filling, I hope," Granny said, opening the menu and looking over the choices.
"It's been covered," Mary Margaret assured her.
Granny nodded. "Good. What's next after this for you?"
"Hair and makeup," Regina said. "I believe Anna got an appointment for you as well."
"Oh, yes. I recall her mentioning that. Well, that should be fun," Granny replied, grinning at them.
Their waitress returned with all their coffees, placing the biggest mug down in front of Ruby. "That's the biggest we got," she said.
"Bless you," Ruby replied. "Do you have sugar?"
"Here you go," the waitress replied, tossing several packets onto the table. "Are we ready to order?"
Regina turned to Granny. "Are you ready? If not, we can wait a bit longer until you are."
"I'm ready," she said, closing the menu. "I'll have the short stack, please, and a fruit salad."
The waitress nodded, writing that down. "And for the rest of you?"
One by one, they gave her their orders and she nodded along. When she was done writing, she promised to go put their orders right in with the kitchen and said it wouldn't take too long. She walked away and Regina relaxed in her chair, sipping her coffee.
This was the perfect way to start her wedding day.
"Oh, Regina, you look beautiful!" Mary Margaret said, standing behind Regina and admiring her reflection in the mirror. She pressed her hands to her heart as she tried not to cry.
Regina smiled as she took in her appearance. "It looks even better than it did the last time I tried it on."
"You look like a queen," Ruby agreed. "David is going to have to pick Robin's jaw off the ground when he sees you."
Before she had started dress shopping, Regina did research and immediately knew she didn't want a ballgown. While she wanted to look elegant and regal, she didn't want to deal with several layers of skirts and possibly look like a Disney princess. That was Mary Margaret's style, not hers. So she at first thought she would want a mermaid dress and tried a few on. But she found them too restricting and she wanted some room for her legs to move.
It was Clorinda, the sales associate who helped her, who had found the solution- an A-line dress. The skirts weren't as full as a ballgown but not as tight as mermaid. Regina had tried on one and immediately loved the skirt style if not the dress itself, so she continued to look through the A-line dresses until she found her perfect gown.
Her wedding dress was made of lace with a split skirt, revealing a simple chiffon skirt underneath the lace. The silver beading where the skirt gathered at her hip to start the split matched the beadwork around her sweetheart neckline, drawing the eye to her bust without being too provocative. Ruching on the bodice showed how the dress hugged her curves, making her feel like a goddess. Her shoulders were bare but she bought a white cape to wear with the dress for pictures and then figured she would be warm enough once she was at their reception.
Regina smoothed down the skirt, pleased with it. "Yes, he's going to be awestruck. I'm awestruck looking at the whole package, as Clorinda always called it."
"You definitely are the whole package," Kathryn agreed, clasping the pearls Granny had lent Regina around her neck.
"I feel like it," Regina replied, gingerly fingering the long lace of her veil. The lace had been made with a snowflake pattern, fitting for her Christmas wedding. It was attached to the same pearl Alice band Evangeline Blanchard had worn over a century earlier when she had married Raymond. Regina had always admired it and both Leopold and Mary Margaret had happily given it to her, insisting they would've done it even if she weren't marrying into the family. So that served as her something old while new pearl earrings adorned her ears.
And for her something blue, she had an old blue pocket square of her father's incorporated into her bouquet handle. Even if he wasn't there to walk her down the aisle, it still felt as if he were there with her.
Granny stepped closer to her, looking close to tears. "You look absolutely beautiful, Regina. I know your father would've been so happy and proud if he were here."
"I'd like to think so too," Regina replied, a lump forming in her throat. "I really wish he were here."
"I know," Granny said, pulling her in for a hug. "He looked forward to the day he could walk you down the aisle, especially if Robin was at the other end."
"Especially?" Regina asked, soaking in the love and comfort from her grandaunt.
She felt Granny nod. "He loved Robin as a son and knew you would be in good hands with him, even when you two were teenagers."
"So Daddy would approve?"
"Absolutely," Granny assured her. "And that's what I told Robin when he first told me he wanted to propose to you, then repeated it again when he told me he was going to propose to you."
That confused Regina and she pulled back. "Wait, you talked about it twice?"
Granny nodded. "He first talked about proposing back when you two were in college. I told him it was best to wait but that when he was ready, he would have the family's support - including Henry's."
Regina smiled at the thought of Robin, barely twenty, talking with Granny about marriage and wanting to spend the rest of his life with Regina. And even then she had wanted to spend the rest of her life with him, though she had been developing a deep friendship with Daniel that would ultimately play a part in splitting her and Robin up. Life then took them in different directions but then fate brought them back together again.
They were meant to be and that was a comforting thought.
Someone knocked on the door and Mary Margaret opened it, letting Anna in. The wedding coordinator smiled at Regina. "You look beautiful, Regina. It's almost time so are you ready to head to the chapel?"
"I am," Regina said, taking a deep breath. "Time to get married."
The photographer stepped forward. "Alright. Then I'm going to ask Granny to cover your face with the veil so I can get some pictures followed by the maid of honor handing over the bouquet so I can get some pictures."
"I can do that," Granny said. "How do you want us to stand?"
Once they were positioned, the photographer snapped several pictures as Granny gently laid the lace over Regina's face. It slightly obscured her vision but Regina knew no one would let her walk into any walls or fall. She happily accepted her bouquet of roses and squared her shoulder. "Let's go."
Granny and Anna guided her from the room and they headed to the doors leading to the wedding chapel. Regina knew Robin and David were already inside, waiting for her at the altar, so was unsurprised when only John and Tuck greeted them. "You look beautiful, Regina," John told her.
"Thank you," she said, trying to get a good look at him through her veil. "From what I can tell, you look very dashing."
He chuckled. "Thank you. But if you think I look dashing, wait until you see Robin. He definitely cleans up well."
"Oh, I know," she said, memories of Robin in a tuxedo flashing through her mind. She was glad for the veil as her tongue darted out to wet her lips at the thought.
"Okay, wedding party, time to line up," Anna announced.
John moved away from Regina, taking his place alongside Ruby while Kathryn paired up with Tuck. Mary Margaret stood in front of Regina, everyone waiting for their cue to head down the aisle.
Butterflies took off in Regina's stomach as she eagerly waited to stand next to Robin and make her vows to him.
Music washed over her and she watched as Kathryn and Tuck started to walk down the aisle. Ruby and John were behind them and soon Mary Margaret stood at the entrance. She glanced back at Regina, giving her a bright smile. "See you up there," she said.
As she walked down the aisle, Granny patted Regina's arm. "We're next."
"I know," Regina replied, gripping her bouquet tighter. She turned to her grandaunt. "Thank you for walking me down the aisle."
"I'm honored to do so," she told Regina, patting her hand. The music changed to the bridal march and Regina took a deep breath as Granny said: "Here we go."
They walked down the aisle together as the people around them stood. Regina's eyes locked on Robin as she approached the altar and her heart skipped a beat. She could see his sappy smile even through her veil and was pretty sure there were tears in his eyes.
It filled her with even more love.
She and Granny reached the altar and Robin stepped down to greet her. Granny flipped Regina's veil over, uncovering her face, and then kissed her cheek. "Congratulations, sweetheart," she whispered.
"Thank you," Regina whispered back.
Granny then took her hand and placed it in Robin's. She reached up and patted his cheek. "Take good care of her," she told him.
"I will," he promised, hugging Granny with his free arm. She then stepped back and Robin helped Regina up the step leading to the altar. Regina glanced over at her groom, taking in his crisp black tuxedo, white cummerbund and white bowtie.
He looked very dashing.
The officiant greeted them as everyone behind them sat down. "Dear friends, we are gathered to celebrate the love shared by Robin and Regina as they pledge to spend the rest of their lives with each other.
"As I'm sure everyone in this room knows, Robin and Regina have had a long road to this point," he continued. "They are childhood sweethearts who went separate ways but who life has brought back together. Now they are ready to start the next chapter of their life together, an act of love and devotion witnessed by you, those they hold dear."
He adjusted his grip on his book, extolling the virtues and benefits of marriage. Regina did her best to listen to him but her mind kept wandering to Robin beside her and the feel of his hand in hers. She had fantasized about this moment often when she was younger and it was so much better than anything she had imagined.
This was real and true.
"Robin, Regina, I believe you have written vows," the officiant said. "Regina, you may start."
She nodded, handing her bouquet to Mary Margaret so she could take both of Robin's hands as she faced him. Regina looked into his blue eyes and for a moment, everything melted away. It was just him and her. Taking a deep breath, she started to talk to him and only him.
"Robin, you arrived into my life when we were children and changed everything forever," she said. "I can't explain it but we just clicked. There was nothing I couldn't tell you and nothing I couldn't do with you by my side. You were my rock, my person, my everything. Falling in love with you was as natural as breathing and being loved by you is a pleasure I could never describe.
"We've certainly had our ups and downs...and by downs I mean a decade long period where we didn't see or talk to each other," she continued, pausing as he chuckled softly. "But we found our way back to each other. And once again, you arrived back into my life and changed everything. Once we made peace with our past, it was like old times again. There was nothing I couldn't tell you and nothing I couldn't do with you by my side. You gave me the courage and strength to make the changes I needed in my life in order to be happy and to really live."
She paused, fighting the urge to cry so that she could finish her vows. Tears filled her eyes and her voice still shook as she spoke. "I don't have to imagine my life without you in it because I've already lived it. And I never want to experience that again. Mary Margaret is right - we are soulmates, two halves of one whole. So I pledge to always be there for you, to be your rock, your best friend, your confidant, and most of all, your wife."
"Robin?" the officiant asked, his voice sounding distant. Robin nodded, clearing his throat as he prepared to speak.
"When I came to America, my life was dark. I had just lost my parents and had to leave the only home I had ever known to come live with my aunt and uncle. Christmas that year seemed fated to be terrible...and then you sat down next to me at the Christmas party, gave me a cookie and said you were sorry about my parents," he said.
She smiled, a few tears rolling down her face as she recalled their first meeting under the Blanchard's Christmas tree. Regina had been fascinated by Mary Margaret's cousin, who she had always heard about but never met as Leopold and Eva always went to England to visit his sister and her family. But when she saw how sad he was and knowing he had just lost his parents, she had known he had needed a friend. She had never been very good at making friends - they seemed to find her - but she just sat down and started talking to Robin.
The rest was history.
"You were the first person who I felt really saw me and listened to me," he continued. "And in that moment, I no longer felt alone in life. You were there. You cheered me on or cheered me up, you knew what I needed even when I didn't know I needed it, and you were right there no matter what I decided to do. With your hand in mine, I thought I could take on whatever life threw at me."
He reached up and wiped away some tears from her cheek even as tears filled his eyes. "My own doubts got to me though and even though you always saw me, I couldn't see me. So I went to go find myself and once I did, I then needed to find home. And that's when life brought me back to you. You are my home, Regina. Wherever you are, that is where I belong. You anchor me and help me focus on what I want from life. And what I want is to be your husband, to have a family with you and to grow old with you until death, rather than my stupidity, parts us."
Regina was tempted to kiss him then and there but she reminded herself that she needed to wait until she was prompted. She silently urged the officiant to move faster so they could get there sooner rather than later.
"Now we will have the formal vows," the officiant said, much to Regina's relief. "Do you, Regina, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband, to live together in matrimony, to love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, in sorrow and in joy, to have and to hold, from this day forward, as long as you both shall live?"
"I do," she said, her voice steady and firm even with the tears still spilling down her cheeks.
The officiant repeated the vows for Robin and he held his head a bit higher as he responded, no hesitancy in his voice as well. "I do."
"Then I'm going to ask for the rings," the officiant said, holding out his hands. Two gold rings appeared in his palm and he held them out. "Regina, take Robin's please."
She picked up the gold band, simple but perfect for him. The only embellishment was the engraving on the inside - To a new adventure.
"Place it on his left ring finger but only up to the knuckle," he instructed. As she did that, he said: "Repeat after me."
Regina did just that, holding onto Robin's hand as she said: "Robin, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love with the pledge to love you today, tomorrow, always and forever."
Once Regina was done, she slid the ring on the rest of the way. Robin adjusted it so it rested comfortably on his finger before picking up her ring. It was gold like his but it was studded with rubies. Like his, hers was engraved with the words To a new adventure.
Robin placed the ring on her finger and repeated the same vow she had made. He slid the ring down her finger and she adjusted it as well, the weight already comfortable and familiar to her.
"With the exchanging of vows and rings, you have sealed your commitment to each other before your friends and family," the officiant said. "So by the power invested in me by the State of Maine, I now declare you husband and wife. Robin, you may kiss your bride."
"Finally," Robin said under his breath, scooping Regina into his arms. She happily threw hers around his neck as Robin kissed her, sealing their marriage vows. He dipped her as applause surrounded them.
They were husband and wife.
When they broke the kiss, Regina became aware of the chapel yet again. Feeling as if she just stepped out of a dream, she took in her cheering friends and family. They were all on their feet, clapping loudly for the newly married couple.
Regina looked up at Robin, who smiled so brightly it rivaled the sun. He took her hand and laced his fingers with hers before lifting their arms into the air, as if they were wrestlers who had just won an important match. Their guests cheered even louder and someone let out a sharp whistle.
"Ladies and gentlemen," the officiant said, speaking louder to be heard over the din. "It is my honor to present for the first time Mr. and Mrs. Robin Locksley."
The music started up again and Regina took her bouquet from Mary Margaret. "Congratulations," her friend said.
"Thank you," Regina replied, clutching her bouquet tighter as Robin helped her down from the altar. With her hand still tucked into his, they walked back down the aisle with matching smiles to go with their matching wedding rings.
And now that they were married, it was time to celebrate.
"Thanks for being so great!" the photographer said, checking the last picture he took. He smiled. "Why don't you head inside and warm up?"
"You don't have to tell me twice!" Granny started to walk up the path back to the lodge, leaning on Leopold's arm.
Bouncing on the balls of her feet, Ruby chuckled as she looked at the other members of the wedding party. "I think my grandmother has the right idea. Shall we?"
"Yes," Kathryn agreed, tightening her white fur-lined wrap around her shoulders. It added a festive look along with the dark red gowns her bridal party wore.
Tuck held out his arm to her. "May I help you back to the lodge?"
"Yes, thank you," she said, taking his arm. Behind them, John did the same with Ruby and David held out his arm to his wife.
Mary Margaret turned to Regina. "You two coming?"
"Right behind you," she assured her friend, taking Robin's arm. He had put on a black wool coat that paired well with his tuxedo as well as a white scarf and gloves. She had on her white fur-lined wrap as well as white gloves but was starting to feel the cold.
It was going to be nice to get inside and get warm.
She held up her skirts as they headed up the path to the lodge. Robin leaned down and whispered: "You look beautiful."
"You look very dashing," she whispered back. "I think we could give Harry and Meghan a run for their money, don't you?"
He chuckled. "Yes, I do."
David held open the door for them and they stepped into the warm corridor. Regina let out a soft sigh. "That feels better."
"I wish you had bundled up a bit more," Robin told her, pulling her in for a warm hug.
She shrugged. "I'm fine. I'm used to Maine winters."
He chuckled. "True."
"Why don't you two come in here?" Anna opened the door to the room where Regina had gotten ready earlier. "You two can get ready for your reception and have a few moments of quiet."
"That sounds wonderful," Robin agreed, escorting Regina into the room. Two glasses of champagne sat on the vanity, waiting for them. He picked them up and held one out to her. "Looks like we can start the toasting early."
She grinned as she took the flute. "I'm not complaining."
- "Neither am I," he replied, holding up his glass. "To you, my bride."
"And to you, my groom," she said, holding out her glass as well. "Here's to many years together."
He clinked his glass against hers as he leaned closer. "Many, many years."
They shared a sweet kiss before drinking the champagne. Robin took the empty flute from her and set them aside. She smiled as she took off her wrap. "Tonight should seal that."
She expected Robin to agree and was surprised when only silence greeted her. Regina turned to find him staring off into space and she realized her mistake just as he said: "The cottage only promises that you will find true love and be happy for as long as you both shall live. It doesn't promise how long that will be."
"Right," she said, knowing his parents barely had a decade together. She stepped closer to him. "I'm sorry."
She placed her hand on his arm and he covered it with own. "It's okay. I know what you meant," he replied. "I just wish they were here."
"I know," she said softly. "I wish they were too. I'm sure they would be so happy and proud."
"That's what Uncle Leo said," he told her. He chuckled. "He said my mother would've probably cried through the whole ceremony."
She laughed before saying: "It's funny but also sweet."
He nodded. "It is. Did Granny say anything about your father to you before the wedding?"
"She did," Regina replied, recalling her words. "But you already heard it."
"When I told her I was proposing," Robin recalled, nodding. "I didn't realize your father was our biggest fan - though we probably shouldn't tell Mary Margaret that. She likes to think she is."
She pretended to lock her lips and threw away the key before bursting out in giggles. "I don't know what's going on. I'm really giddy today."
He raised an eyebrow. "And you don't know why?"
"Well," she said, tugging on the coat he still wore. "I may have an idea."
"That's what I thought," he replied, kissing her again. She leaned against him, fisting his coat as they deepened the kiss.
After a few moments, they broke the kiss and leaned back as they smiled at each other. "We're married," she said.
"We are," he replied. "You're stuck with me for life."
She hummed. "I think you may have gotten the raw end of this deal."
He shook his head. "I've hit the jackpot."
"Robin? Regina?" Anna opened the door, peering into the room. "Everyone has gathered for the cocktail hour but we're getting ready for the main event. Are you two almost ready?"
"Yes," Robin said. "Can we have, like, fifteen more minutes, please?"
She nodded. "Fifteen minutes is perfect. I'll be back then."
Once the door was closed, he sighed. "I guess we need to leave this little bubble."
"Yeah," Regina agreed. She then gave Robin a coy look. "Unless you want to just sneak off to the Christmas Cottage now."
He chuckled. "That's a tempting offer but I also really want to celebrate with our families and friends."
"They are giving up their Christmas for us, aren't they?" Regina let out an exaggerated sigh. "Fine. You should probably take off your coat. Then can you help me with my veil?"
"Why? What's wrong with it?" he asked, frowning as he shed his coat.
She turned so her back was to him. "Nothing. But I've decided to take it off and just let Evangeline's band really shine during our reception."
He kissed her cheek. "Whatever my wife wants."
"You're the best," she said, telling him how to unhook the veil from the band. He did so and set the lace down on the vanity in the room.
Regina checked her reflection, making sure the band was straight. "I really love this band. I am so glad your uncle agreed to let me wear it."
"Well, you've always been a Blanchard," Robin replied, wrapping his arms around her. "Now it's official, even if the last name is different."
"Does this also make you a Mills now?" she asked, teasing him.
He nodded. "Yes, it does. We've fulfilled the town's wildest dreams."
She hummed, looking into his eyes. "You know what name I prefer most though?"
"What?" he asked, swaying with her now.
"Locksley," she said with a smile. "I think it's the perfect name for our new chapter in the Blanchard and Mills story."
He paused, his gaze softening as his eyes watered over. "I agree."
She closed the gap between them and kissed him, pressing her hand to his cheek. He held her closer as he pressed his forehead to hers. "I love you," he whispered.
"I love you too," she replied. They stood there for a few more minutes before she pulled away, holding out her hand. "Time to join our party."
Robin took her hand. "Let's go celebrate."
"Ladies and gentlemen, give it up for the bride and groom - Robin and Regina Locksley!" the DJ announced.
Robin and Regina danced into the room together as their family and friends cheered them on. They reached the dancefloor, where their wedding party joined in their little impromptu dance party while everyone else kept clapping in time to the music.
Unlike Mary Margaret and David, Robin and Regina had decided not to drastically transform the ballroom. Instead, they had chosen a theme of red and green for Christmas and asked for Christmas lights to be hang around the room. The hotel had obliged and also offered to set up a Christmas tree for them as well, which Regina appreciated. She saw it shining in the corner as they danced in the center of the room and smiled, feeling very Christmassy at the moment.
The DJ lowered the music before leaning closer to his mic. "Alright, it's time for our bride and groom to share their first dance as husband and wife. So, Robin, please escort Regina to the middle of the dance floor and we'll get this party really started."
"Milady?" Robin bowed to her, holding out his hand.
She smiled, curtsying before taking his hand. "My knight."
As their guests awwed in the background, Robin led her to the center of the dancefloor. He pulled her into hold and winked at her. "Here we go."
The opening to "Only You" began to play and they started to move down the floor in the basic foxtrot steps. Regina's dress flowed around her as they transitioned into feather steps, their bodies pressed together though they had deviated from the proper foxtrot frame by looking at each other rather than having their heads turned away. Eudora had been reluctant when they asked not to do that but Regina was glad she had ultimately agreed.
It would've been a crime not to be looking into her husband's eyes as they shared their first dance.
Once again, the rest of the world melted away. Gone was the ballroom, their wedding party and their guests. All that existed was her, him and the music surrounding them. Happiness filled her and she almost felt as if she were dancing on clouds rather than wooden planks.
Robin twirled with her, the two pausing as they elongated their back legs. It pressed them even closer and he kissed the tip of her nose, making her smile. "Dork," she whispered.
"You love it," he whispered back. He then pulled them back into hold as they continued dancing around the floor.
Yes, she did love it.
She loved him.
Regina closed her eyes, trusting Robin to lead her where she needed to be. She also trusted her body to remember the moves it needed to do after all the practice sessions they had done. For now, she just wanted to focus on him and how good it felt to be in his arms. Regina let out a soft sigh, full of love and joy.
"Time for a twirl, love," he whispered to her. "You might want to open your eyes for this."
She did as he said, smiling at him. "Thanks for the head's up."
"Just looking out for you," he replied, winking before spinning her as they continued to move down the floor. They returned to hold and he grinned. "Perfect."
The song neared its end and Regina felt disappointment wash through her. She never wanted it to end, to just stay in Robin's arms all night. He held her closer, as if reading her mind, and then whispered: "I can't wait for tonight when I don't have to let you go until morning."
Her heart skipped a beat and she smiled. "Me too."
"Time for our grand finale," he said, doing one more spin as he held her close. He then dipped her, gazing down at her lovingly as the music ended.
She stared into his blue eyes and never wanted the moment to end. It was just him and her.
Forever.
Applause shattered their private little world and Robin righted her as Regina remembered they had an audience. They took a little bow together as the DJ jumped back into action. "Talk about your first dances! I think that's going to be one we're all talking about for a long time to come," he said.
"Now, we're going to ask everyone to have a seat while the bride's aunt and the groom's uncle say a few words," he continued. He then glanced at a card handed to him by Anna. "Also, servers will be coming around with your salads and to confirm your choice for entrees."
"Well done, darling," Robin said, wrapping his arm around Regina's waist and kissing the side of her head.
She leaned against him. "Same to you."
Granny approached them and pulled Regina into a hug. "You two were amazing," she said.
"You two always seem to dance so well together," Leopold said, clapping Robin on the back. "Maybe you should go pro."
"Don't tell Eudora that. She'll have us signed up before we can say anything else," Regina replied, pulling away from her aunt.
Granny chuckled before shooing Regina and Robin. "You two go take your seats. Leo and I have some words to share with you."
"Come on, Regina," Robin said, taking her hand. "We don't want to get on Granny's bad side."
"Listen to your husband. He's a wise man," Granny replied, winking at them.
Regina grinned. "I know he is."
They took their seats at the head table, holding hands as they watched Granny and Leopold take center stage. He took the microphone first and everyone gave them their attention. "As the DJ announced, I am Robin's uncle and this is Regina's aunt. As most of you probably know, Robin's parents - my sister and her husband - died when he was just a boy and so my late wife and I raised him," he said.
"And I helped my late brother as he raised Regina," Granny added. She then made a face. "The less said about her mother, the better."
Robin snorted before whispering: "I think that's the nicest thing one can say about Cora."
"I'll say," Regina agreed, holding his hand as Leopold and Granny continued giving their speech in a tag-team style. They both expressed how proud Robin's and Regina's parents would've been and that they would've loved to be there to celebrate with them.
"Though while they aren't here physically, I know they are here with us in spirit," Granny said. She pressed her hand to her chest. "You two carry them in your hearts and so they will always be there. And now, you carry each other in your hearts. So remember, even if you feel alone, you will never truly be alone."
Everyone applauded and Regina touched her hand to her heart, feeling tears well up in her eyes. Robin leaned over and kissed her cheek, whispering: "It's okay, sweetheart."
"I know," she whispered back. "These are happy tears."
When the applause died down, Leopold raised his glass. "So since David and Mary Margaret will toast Robin and Regina later, I am going to ask you all to raise your glasses to Elizabeth and Richard, Robin's parents," he said.
"And to Henry, Regina's father," Granny added, raising her own glass as well.
Robin and Regina stood with their glasses, prompting everyone else to do the same. They all raised their grandparents as everyone said "cheers." As they drank to the dearly departed, Robin and Regina clinked glasses before taking their own sips.
They sat back down as Leopold and Granny thanked everyone. A few moments later, a server placed a salad before Regina with a smile. "Enjoy," she said.
"Thank you," Regina replied, glad she would get a chance to eat after all. Despite her large breakfast and rather big lunch, she found she was hungry again and the salad looked delicious.
She took a few bites, though, when Anna approached Regina and Robin. "You should probably start circulating throughout the room. It's going to be easier when everyone is seated."
"Can you have them hold our salads?" Robin asked, looking just as hungry as Regina. "We would like to finish them."
"I'll see what they can do," Anna replied, though her response didn't instill confidence in Regina. She took another bite before following her wedding planner, hoping she got to eat something before the night was over.
Regina did get to finish her salad at least, enjoying it while Mary Margaret and David prepared to give their speeches. Beside her, Robin did the same before leaning over to say: "I'm going to see if they can bring food down to the cottage for us. We're going to need it."
"Good idea," she said, eager to share a quiet meal with him later. At least she was certain they would get some food, even if she had to ask Granny to bring them something. She hated to inconvenience her aunt but she knew Granny would deliver for them.
"Alright, ladies and gentlemen, I am going to turn the microphone over to our lovely matron of honor," the DJ said. "Please give it up for Mary Margaret!"
Regina put down her fork to join with the others applauding Mary Margaret, who now stood in the middle of the dancefloor. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly before raising the microphone. "I want to thank everyone for being here to celebrate two of the most special people in my life, Robin and Regina."
Everyone applauded again and when it died down, she continued. "Regina's been my best friend practically my whole life. And I've no doubt subjected her to a lot in the years we've known each other. I'm very lucky she's put up with me, honestly."
"Eh, she put up with me," Regina told Robin. "It's probably a fair trade at this point."
"I'm also lucky Robin put up with me, too," Mary Margaret said. "He came to live with us after my aunt and uncle died and there were two ways our relationship could've gone. Thankfully, he decided to let me befriend him and he became more than a cousin to me. He's my brother."
Robin pressed his hand to his heart. "I don't know who she's going to make cry first - me or you."
"You," she said, patting his other hand. "But I won't be far behind you."
He chuckled, leaning closer to her as Mary Margaret's speech continued on. "I've always believed in true love and the magic of fairy tales. And I believe that I held onto that belief even into adulthood because I got to witness Robin and Regina's story. They clicked from the moment they met that first Christmas and immediately became inseparable. As close as I am to both of them, they have always been a couple degrees closer with each other. I call them two halves of one whole and that they are always stronger together.
"Yes, they spent some time apart but I think they both needed to do that so when they reunited, their love would be so much stronger," she said, smiling. "And they proved my theory that both are stronger - and happier - when they are together."
Robin took Regina's hand and kissed it. "She is right about that."
"So, Robin and Regina," Mary Margaret said, addressing them directly now. "I wish you two nothing but a lifetime of happiness and love. I ask everyone to join me in toasting two souls who have found their mates. To Robin and Regina."
"To Robin and Regina," everyone chorused. The sounds of clinking glass followed as everyone took their seats. Robin and Regina obliged with a sweet kiss as Mary Margaret switched places with David.
David laughed a bit before beginning his speech. "And now I have to follow up my wife's wonderful speech. Can I just say ditto and be done with it?"
"No," she yelled. "If I have to do it, then you have to do it."
"Fine," he replied, sighing as everyone else laughed. He pulled out some index cards. "If you'll excuse me, I'm not one for memorizing speeches so I have notes."
David held up his index cards and began. "Unlike my wife, I did not get the chance to witness Robin and Regina's early romance. By the time I met Mary Margaret, Regina had long moved to New York City and was on her way to establishing a career in corporate law while we never quite knew where Robin was until his latest postcard arrived from wherever his help was needed then. When I met them, I met them separately - I met Regina at a nice lunch in New York and I met Robin when he briefly returned to Storybrooke to visit his uncle and cousin.
"I finally saw them in the same room when I married Mary Margaret," he continued, shuffling his cards. "And let's just say it was tense between them."
"That's one way to put it," Regina replied.
Robin nodded. "I was an arsehole."
"I was a bitch," she reminded him. "We were evenly matched and certainly not at our best."
"As a cop, I'm not usually one to believe in miracles," David continued, drawing their attention back to him. "But that Christmas, I witnessed one. A snowstorm bore down on Storybrooke and trapped Robin and Regina in the Christmas Cottage. When they returned, they had changed. The tension was gone and they no longer sniped at each other. Instead, they were friendly and had a natural ease around them. I was finally able to see the Robin and Regina my wife knew and missed."
He paused, moving to his next index card. "As our wedding day approached, I watched as they grew even closer and saw how much they cared for each other. Then at our wedding, they pretty much disguised their confessions of love for each other in their speeches for Mary Margaret and me...we knew what you were doing, you two. You didn't fool anyone."
Everyone laughed as Robin and Regina pretended to act innocent, purposefully looking everywhere but at David. He chuckled before finishing his speech. "People constantly tell Mary Margaret and me that they want the kind of love we share. But I think I can speak for my wife as well when I say that we want the kind of love you two share, the love gives you strength to be yourself and to seek your happiness. And I know that no matter what happens, you two will always come out stronger together. To Robin and Regina, congratulations."
"Congratulations," their guests cheered, raising their glasses again and drinking to Robin and Regina.
This time, she and Robin linked arms to drink from their champagne glasses as their photographer took some pictures of them. He gave them a thumb's up before wandering off. Regina turned back to her salad to find it gone. She groaned, realizing a server must've taken it while they were listening to the speeches.
Just great.
"Alright, ladies and gentlemen, the servers will be bringing out your entrees. I will be playing some soft music while you eat and then we'll reopen the floor after dinner for some dancing," the DJ announced.
Regina relaxed against her chair, looking at Robin. "You think I can finish my chicken?" she asked him.
"I'll be impressed if I can even take a bite of my steak," he replied, dashing her hopes. He sighed. "In fact, here comes Anna."
Their wedding planner stepped up. "Hey, you two, so, there's a table that is looking to leave so they can get home for Christmas…"
"We'll come say goodbye," Regina said, mentally kissing her dinner goodbye as Robin helped her up. They followed Anna to the table in question as everyone else ate around them.
At least they would get to eat a slice of cake.
If not, she would not be responsible for her actions.
Regina got her cake. She and Robin cut it and then feed each other pieces, honoring their promise to each other not to smash it in each other's face. Instead, he placed a little frosting on her nose and she did the same to him - just like they always did at their birthdays. They then got to finish the cake as they talked to a few more people who decided to leave so they could celebrate Christmas at home in the morning.
At least cake was portable.
She just finished the cake as the DJ called all the single men to the floor as well as the bride and groom. "It's time for the groom to toss the garter," he declared.
Robin helped her sit in a chair set up by staff before kneeling in front of her. "How far up did you put it?" he asked.
"Far enough to make it entertaining but not too far to be obscene," she told him. "Though it may have slipped while we've been dancing."
He nodded as he reached under her skirt. "Good to know."
Regina felt his warm hand against her leg and bit her lip, trying not to think about his hands on her later that night. She swallowed as he found the garter, slowly lowering it down her leg. "Are you enjoying yourself?" she asked.
"Yep," he replied. "Aren't you?"
"I am," she replied. "But I am losing feeling in this leg."
He nodded, understanding her and sliding the garter off her leg. Robin held it up as he stood, letting her lower her leg. Blood started to flow through it again and she sighed in relief.
"Alright, lads," he said, looking at the group gathered in front of him. "Who's ready to catch this?"
Several hands went up and he chuckled. "Well, good luck then."
He turned around and counted down from three. Robin then tossed the garter over his head and Regina watched it arc in the air before landing in the crowd. The man dove for it and there was a frenzy before John emerged triumphant, the lacy garment in his hand as he crowed his victory.
Robin and Regina clapped as the DJ congratulated John. He then called up the single women to the dance floor. "Let's see which one of you catches the bride's bouquet," he said.
"Don't get your hopes up, ladies," Ruby said, standing on the floor. "That bouquet is mine."
Regina rolled her eyes as she accepted the bouquet from Anna. She took her place in the center of the dance floor. "Here we go. Three, two, one, CATCH!" she said, tossing the bouquet over her head.
When she turned around, she expected to find a similar scene to when the garter had been tossed. Instead, most of the women stood there with disappointed looks and Ruby with a scowl on her face. They all stared at Belle, who held the bouquet as she gave them all a sheepish smile.
Huffing, Ruby turned to Regina. "If you were going to lob it directly at someone, you could've sent it my way, cuz."
"I didn't lob it directly at anyone," Regina replied. "I just tossed it over my head. Belle clearly picked the right spot."
"The results are non-negotiable," the DJ said. "I'm going to invite our lucky bachelor and our lucky bachelorette to the ballroom while asking our bride and groom to stay. What we're going to do is that I'm going to ask Regina to dance with the lucky man who caught the garter and Robin to dance with the lucky lady who caught the bouquet. You two okay with that?"
Robin glanced over at Belle. "Are you okay with it? You can say no. It's okay."
"I'm sorry, am I missing something here?" the DJ asked, covering his microphone as he looked between them with concern.
Regina leaned closer. "Belle is our colleague and technically Robin is her boss."
"Oh," the DJ said. "I can see how that can be awkward."
"I'm fine, Robin. I trust you to remain a gentleman at all times," Belle assured them, smiling.
Robin nodded. "Then I think we're good."
"Okay," the DJ said, heading back to his booth. "Then I know the perfect song. Don't worry, you four, I'm not going to make you do anything crazy."
"I was worried about him," Belle admitted, making them all laugh as a nice ballad began to play.
John turned to Regina and bowed. "I hope you don't mind dancing with me. I know I'm not as good as Robin…"
"Oh hush," she told him, placing her hand on his shoulder. "I'm happy to dance with an old friend, John."
He grinned as they started to sway on the floor. "This reminds me of middle school. Remember?"
She laughed, nodding. "Oh, so many awkward school dances. We had them down to an artform."
"We did," he agreed. "You, me, Robin, and Mary Margaret. The four of us were awkward middle school dance champions."
"Too bad they didn't give our medals for that," Regina joked.
John nodded. "I'm really glad you and Robin reconnected and fell back in love, Regina. I've always been rooting for you two."
She smiled. "Thanks, John."
"And now I can't wait until you two are parents," he replied. "You're both going to be amazing."
Warmth spread through her. "I hope so."
The song ended and John leaned down to kiss her cheek. "Best wishes to you and Robin. You two deserve it."
"Well, I can't wait to dance at your wedding," she told him.
He chuckled. "Just as soon as I find the right person."
"I'm sure you will," she assured him. "And you'll probably find them when you're least expecting it."
"Probably," John agreed as Robin approached. He held out his hand. "Just telling your lovely bride how happy I am that you two made it after all."
Robin smiled, shaking their friend's. "That makes two of us. Thanks for standing up with me."
"It was my honor," John replied. "I couldn't think of a couple I would want to support more."
He excused him as he left the dance floor and Robin turned to Regina. "May I have this dance?"
"You may," she said, taking his hand and letting him lead her to the center of the floor. He pulled her close and wrapped his arm around her. As they held each other's hands, she rested her head against his chest and closed her eyes.
"Tired?" he asked, rubbing her back.
She nodded. "It's been a long day."
"It has," he agreed. "That bed is calling my name."
"Men and their one-track minds," she teased him, smiling.
He laughed. "We can just sleep if you want. We may just need to sleep. After all, we both know the cottage's magic works as long as you're in the cottage."
"True," she said, "but I also really want to experience our wedding night."
"No rule saying we can't nap before consummating the marriage," he said, holding her a bit closer.
She grinned. "True."
They continued to hold each other as the song changed, not caring that it was more upbeat. As much as Regina had enjoyed celebrating with their family and friends, she was ready to retreat to the cabin and spend her first night with her husband.
"Alright, ladies and gentlemen, we're nearing the end of the night," the DJ said, playing Here Comes Santa Claus at a low volume. "We're all going to turn in so Santa Claus can make his deliveries tonight to the good girls and boys of Storybrooke. But before we go, it's time for the last dance."
Donna Summers' voice filled the ballroom as the song started off slow. Robin and Regina once again took centerstage as they swayed with each other. Other couples soon surrounded them while the remaining guests lined the floor joining in once the tempo picked up and the couples separated to continue dancing.
Everyone drew closer to Robin and Regina until the happy couple were completely enmeshed with their friends and family. She ended up dancing with Tink and Mary Margaret while he twirled Granny around a few times. Laughter echoed over the music and though Regina was certain they were all tired, they all were happy.
It was all she wanted on her wedding day.
Soon the music ended and the DJ invited everyone to "farewell" the bride and groom. People stopped to say goodbye to Robin and Regina, who exchanged a lot of hugs and kind words while Anna stood by with their coats. Once the last person filed out of the ballroom, either to head to the lobby or to their room, she handed them their coats. They donned them and she nodded. "Time to go."
"Wait," Robin said, not moving just yet. "What are we about to be pelted with again?"
"Rose petals," Anna reminded him. "Should be relatively painless."
Regina chuckled. "Trust that my cousin will find a way to make it hurt."
He sighed, nodding. "I'll cover you and take the blow."
"Aww," she said, kissing his cheek. "Thank you."
They thanked the DJ and the staff before Anna ushered them out of the ballroom. Robin took Regina's hand as they approached the lobby, finding many of their guests waiting in two lines. Everyone cheered and threw their rose petals in the air as the happy couple passed them. As predicted, Ruby hurled hers at them and Robin blocked the petals with his shoulder as Regina gave her cousin a look.
Once they reached the doors, they paused and waved to everyone. Robin then opened it, letting in a blast of cold air. It felt good after all the dancing they had done and so Regina didn't mind the short walk from the lobby to the waiting car. The driver opened the door for them and helped her into the car along with Robin, who slid in right after her.
Within seconds, they were on their way to the Christmas Cottage. Robin wrapped his arm around her shoulders, holding her close. Butterflies took off in Regina's stomach and she felt like she did the night she and Robin had lost their virginity to each other. It seemed fitting though and she smiled as the car turned down the dirt road to the cottage.
After all, it was the first night of the rest of their lives.
A/N: Robin and Regina are married! Now, they just need to eat something and maybe grab a nap before they can really enjoy their wedding night.
Which, of course, will be a good bulk of the next chapter. If you're reading on FFN, you may want to just switch to AO3 or Wattpad the get the full experience.
See you all then!
- Mac