This is for regal_artist, my giftee for Love from OQ!

Regina takes herself in the mirror. The dress is simple. A full, tule skirt in a tame shade of silver. The top is what makes it pop, covered in a million tiny sequins. Her hair pulled back in a bun, clipped with a silver barrette shaped like a feather. The makeup is perhaps the only thing she went "all out" on. Her favorite lipstick from Youngblood, paired with MAC's Vino lip liner. Not a lot of (waterproof) mascara, allowing the silver eyeshadow she borrowed from Mal to make her eyes stand out. There's no hair stylists or makeup artists, everyone's in charge of their own.

It's the second time around for both. She convinced herself from the moment he proposed that meant it should be small. Regina would've been fine with going to city hall and just getting it over with. Robin insisted that even if this wasn't their first wedding, it deserved to be celebrated in some respect. So, they compromised. Small ceremony at the Hamilton House gardens, surrounded by beauty and nature (important to Robin). Reception to follow indoors (a must on Regina's checklist) with informal food, fun and dancing.

"Mom." Regina turns around, beaming at the sight of her son. Henry's gray button up and khakis are simple, but still make him look so grown up. "Are you almost ready?"

"I am, sweetheart." She walks closer, cradling his face and letting out a tiny sigh. "How are you already eleven?"

Henry rolls his eyes. "Mom."

"I know, I know, you hate when I get sappy…but a lot is different now. For both of us. Are you sure you're okay with this?"

Henry nods, finally smiling himself. "I love Robin, he's really great and I know he loves you. Plus, I'm finally getting the little brother I always wanted."

Regina chuckles. "Where is Roland anyway?"

"His mom took him to get ready. Marian's really nice, you know?"

"She is."

Regina was nervous enough to step back into the dating pool, let alone date someone with a kid. In a way, Robin got off "easier". Daniel is dead. Sure, it is a lot to live up to a ghost, but Regina is around Marian. She's heard all the horror stories. Jealous exes, constant drama. It was one of the many reasons that she held Robin at arm's length for so long.

Then she met her. Marian is kind, accepting. She cares about her son's wellbeing and was willing to get to know Regina so she could be a part of Roland's life. Robin and Marian have worked to be the co-parents their son deserves. They get along so great, Marian's attending the wedding.

Regina lets go of her son's face. "I just want you to know, a lot may be changing, but I'm not going anywhere."

"We're just adding more people to our family. It'll be nice, you know? More people at the dinner table."

Regina lets out a deep breath. "Yeah. That sounds so simple, but it's going to be nice."

"It will."

In the distance, her phone buzzes. Regina scans the room and sees Robin's face lit up over it.

"That's him."

"I'll leave you lovebirds to it." Henry makes a face, making Regina laugh harder. "Off to find Roland and Marian."

He slips out of the room. She presses the green talk button, holding it to her ear.

"Hey," Regina whispers. "You on your way?"

His accented voice washes over her with familiarity. "Nearly forgot the marriage license, so I had to turn around and grab it. Crisis adverted."

"Thank God." She looks out the window, down at the large field where they'll soon be wed. White chairs set up evenly, leading up to the gorgeous arch. All the flowers in bloom, varying from bright oranges to rich purples. "We're getting married, Robin. Can you believe it?"

"Took you long enough to say yes."

She smiles. "Well, you had to prove yourself to me."

"And have I done a good job?"

Regina doesn't even have to think. "Amazing." She sighs contently. "Now, get off that phone before you get pulled over for distracted driving. I don't want anything delaying this day further."

"Your wish is my command, milady." He's quiet for a moment. "But seriously, Regina. Nothing is going to ruin today. I love you."

"I love you too."

She hangs up and resumes looking in the mirror. Regina grabs the small jewelry box from the end table. Teardrop pearls hanging from a silver hook. She gently pushes them in, making sure the back is secure.

"I'm doing this," she tells herself. "I'm actually getting married."


Regina checks her phone for what has to be the tenth time.

"We should've started the ceremony 15 minutes ago."

Mal shrugs. "Every wedding starts a little late."

"It just doesn't make sense. Robin was heading straight from our hotel. It's only a 20-minute drive. That was over an hour ago."

"Maybe he got caught up in traffic."

"Doesn't explain why he's not answering his phone. If it were dead, it would just go to voicemail. But it rings."

"I'm sure he's fine, Regina. Just take some deep breaths. Any minute now, Robin will run in here with some crazy story to tell."


"Regina," Marian whispers. "I'm getting worried."

Regina doesn't say a word. She stares at her phone. 7:00 PM. They should be at their reception right now. Starting their first dance. Instead, she sits in the bridal room, still in her dress. All the guests have gone. The only ones left are Mal, Marian, John, Roland and Henry.

"I'm sure there's some explanation," John says. "This isn't like him at all."

Mal nods. "For once I have to agree with John. Nothing would keep him from this day."

Regina merely blinks. She flinches when she feels someone tugging on her dress, then looks down to find Roland standing there. The 8-year-old rubs his eyes, his button down already discarded and he's back in a Batman t-shirt over his khakis.

"Regina," he says, softly. "Where's my daddy?"

"I…"

She doesn't want to say she doesn't know. How can she not? This is her fiancé. She's agreed to spend the rest of her life with this man. After years of being on guard, she would not let herself fall for a man that would just leave her at the altar…

Would she?

"Roland, sweetie," Marian takes her son's hand. "Why don't we get some food for everyone, hm?"

John follows her out and Henry takes her place beside Regina. He puts a hand over hers.

"Mom, are you okay?"

She looks up at him, pursing her lips.

"That's a dumb question," he whispers.

She shakes her head. "No, my little prince, it's not. The truth is…I'm not okay."

"No one would expect you to," Mal says. "I mean, seriously, what the hell is going on?"

"I thought you had hope."

"I'm trying, Regina, I really am. You know I love Robin, I thought he was perfect for you. But something isn't adding up here."

The dress she once loved is clinging too tightly now. She grabs at it, trying to make room to breathe. Henry places a hand on her back and without thinking, she pulls away. Her breath is barely even at this point, she can feel a panic attack coming on.

"Mom…"

"I….I need some air."


Regina sits in one of the dozens of chairs set up. Her hair is now pulled from the feather barrette, falling a mess around her. Mud cakes the bottom of the tule, the so-called waterproof mascara running down her cheeks. The dark lipstick is a mess on her hands.

Her breathing's returned to normal as she stares at the arch. Five hours ago, she was supposed to stand beneath it and promise her life to the man of her dreams. She loved Daniel. They built a beautiful life together. And when she lost all of that, she wasn't sure she'd ever open her heart again. Then Robin fell into her life.

Or more accurately, she collapsed into his.

Her pantsuits had fit a little snug. A lot of late nights at the office, which lead to eating whatever was hot and available after midnight. The only options were fast food. Then there was coffee and donuts in the breakroom most mornings. The never-ending carousel of office birthdays with sheet cake. Henry always ate healthy, but she was just too busy.

After splitting yet another seam, she headed to the gym. She used to go daily before getting such a demanding job, before Henry came along. It had to be like riding a bike.

She cranked it up on the elliptical, her go-to machine from back in the day, pushing past when her body begged her to stop. When the half-hour was up, she pushed herself off the machine, took two steps and crashed right onto the floor.

When her eyes opened once more, Robin was staring down at her, a gentle smile on his face.

"First time?"

"No. Just…out of practice."

Regina resisted his offers for informal training, but he seemed to be there every time she was. He showed her the ropes and a slow friendship formed. Their boys are three years apart yet became fast friends. It took two years before she even considered a date. Another three before she'd say yes to marrying him.

"Did I wait too long? Did that somehow scare him away?"

If she had opened her heart sooner, maybe they'd be married by now.

"Or maybe he just would've left anyway."


The venue is gracious and lets them stay until midnight. Regina is hollow as she walks out, still in the silver dress. They were meant to go straight from the wedding back to the hotel, now she'll do that alone. Mal will keep Henry, Roland and Marian have long gone. Robin's not answering his ex's calls either which rings alarm bells. No matter what, he always puts Roland first.

Regina slinks through the honeymoon suite, feeling a bit of relief that John called to warn them. Any trace of a happy, romantic night is erased. She slowly steps out of her dress and kicks off her flats. The earrings fall onto the nightstand. Rather than digging for a night gown, a naked Regina collapses onto the bed, staring at the ceiling fan above. Hunger pangs her stomach, but she isn't even sure what she'd eat. What's the right food for when your fiancé leaves you at the altar?

She forces her eyes shut in attempt to trick herself into exhaustion. This day needs to be over. Maybe if she sleeps, it'll all be a terrible dream.

Her phone buzzes once more and she jolts up in bed. Her purse shakes from the vibration, calling her closer. Regina moves one leg off the bed, then the other, slowly walking across to where her bag was thrown. She digs out her phone, her heart crashing in her chest when an unknown number takes over the screen. Regina nearly presses ignore, but her finger lands on the green, no words coming out.

"Is this Regina Mills?"

"Um, yeah."

"I'm Ingrid Hanover, calling from York Hospital. We have Robin Locksley here."


Regina paces the waiting room. The only other clothes she had in her suitcase were for their honeymoon to London. In her haste, she threw on his gray hoodie and her comfiest pair of jeans. A pair of flip flops was all she could bother with.

"He's alive, Ms. Mills. I don't want you to worry."

As if that brings any comfort. Her fiancé was missing for over eight hours. She was convinced he abandoned her. And meanwhile, he was here.

Why didn't she think to look? How could her mind go straight to him abandoning her?

John had searched after the first three hours, though, and there was no evidence of an accident. They hadn't recovered the rental car or any bit of him. What else was she meant to think?

She hasn't had the time to call anyone. They're probably all sleeping anyway. She's left to deal with this pain just as she has most of it…alone.

"Ms. Mills."

Regina nearly trips over her own feet, looking up at the doctor. She rushes over to him, hugging the sweatshirt closer to her.

"What's going on? Where is he? Why did it take so long for you to call me?"

"We didn't know who Mr. Locksley was at first." Regina raises an eyebrow. "We found him in the middle of the road, he was a victim of a hit and run. He had no identification in him. According to Mr. Locksley, he was crossing from the gas station to the flower shop."

"He…he's awake?"

"He was. That took time. When he came in, he had a broken leg, internal bleeding and a few shattered ribs."

Regina silently sobs. "But…"

"He's okay now. He pulled through the surgery just fine and woke up around 11 PM. Was able to tell the police where his car was and they found it, with his ID and marriage certificate." The doctor chuckles nervously. "Quite a wedding day, huh?" Regina simply stares at him. "Right, sorry. As I said, Mr. Locksley is resting now. Typically, visiting hours would be over…but I understand what a trying day this must have been. If you'd like to see him…"

"Yes."

She's lead down a couple of corridors until they reach Room 318. He opens the door for her and she steps inside, audibly sobbing this time. With slow, shaky steps, she moves forward. An IV is jabbed in his arm. That gorgeous face bruised, a black ring around one eye. The lips she's kissed so many times, now scarred with blood. His leg is elevated, showing off a bulky cast.

Regina drops into a chair by his bedside, grasping his hand. Her engagement band sparkles under the monitor's light. Not what on would expect, just like she wanted. A silver band, with diamonds that make up a flower. She saw it in an antique shop and knew it had to be the one. Robin remembered and purchased it without her knowing.

"I'm so sorry, my love," she whispers. "I…I should've looked harder. I just…I'm so sorry."

The damn breaks and the tears begin to fall. She lays her head against his chest, needing to feel the rise and fall. His hand tightens its grip on hers and she sobs harder, clinging to him.

"I'm just so sorry."

"Regina."

That only leads to more tears. She never thought she'd hear that voice again. Regina doesn't lift her head, keeping her hand in his.

"I should've looked harder…"

"There's no way you could've known, love."

"I just…"

"Regina, please," he whispers. "Please just look at me."

Regina sniffles, looking up at him. He uses his free hand to stroke her cheek.

"You didn't do anything wrong. I was the foolish one who thought I could cross that busy street."

She sniffles. "What the heck happened?"

"I was running low on gas, so I stopped to get some. Then I saw the florist. And it…" He shakes his head, groaning a bit in pain. Regina sits up, squeezing his hand tighter.

"Should I get the doctor?"

"I'm fine, love. Some water, please?"

She spots the pitcher on the table and leaps into action, her hands shaking as she pours from the pink pitcher into a plastic cup. Regina brings it back to him, holding it to his lips. He takes careful, small sips before gesturing that she can take it away. Regina lowers herself back into th chair.

"Anyway, I saw the florist and I know we agreed that flowers are a waste…but it just seemed wrong that you wouldn't have something to carry on your wedding day."

Fresh tears take over. "You were going to get me flowers?"

"Just something small, I was thinking something white to match your dress. And I can't remember exactly what happened next but before I knew it, I was here. In a lot of pain and nowhere near our venue."

Regina bites her lip, carefully tracing the bruises on his cheek. "I'm just glad you're alive."

"I can't imagine what you must have thought…"

Regina clamps her eyes shut, shaking her head. He grabs her hand once more, causing her lip to quiver.

"I…I shouldn't have let myself go there. I should've looked harder…call the police…"

"And said what?"

"You were missing and that wasn't like you! If I had looked harder, maybe they would've…"

"Love, they didn't even know what to look for."

"But I did! I knew you and I just got so scared that you…"

"And you have every reason to think that."

Regina opens her eyes. "How? How can you be so understanding? I thought you were gone, that you abandoned me, our life together."

"Explain to me why you thought that."

"Robin…"

"It's important, love. Just tell me."

Regina sighs, attempting to compose herself. She ends up pouring herself a cup of water, slowly pacing the room.

"We had just spoke on the phone, you were fine physically. And I tried to just tell myself it was traffic or something…but there was just this…I don't know. Something in my gut saying you weren't coming. And then more time passed. Your phone wasn't dead, you just weren't answering. I gave it more thought, all the time I spent saying no…what if you were the one that changed your mind?"

Robin nods, only to then hold his head once more. Regina drops down in the chair beside him.

"Are you sure there's nothing I can get for you?"

"They gave me medication not long ago, love. Scratches are a part of life, I believe you're the one that taught me that."

She bites her lip, blushing a little. It's exactly what she snapped at him after she collapsed that day and he pointed out a small bump on her knee.

"I should've had more faith in you," Regina whispers. "In us."

"Regina, it was our wedding day. You were there, alone. I can't imagine how scary that was."

"You were the one getting hit by a car!"

"What happened to you is still traumatic. Especially given how you lost Daniel. Waiting for him to come home and then the…" He trails off at the haunted look on her face. She can still hear the police's footsteps ascend the stairs. "The point is, I am so sorry this is how the rest of our lives started. This isn't what I wanted for us. We should've had the perfect wedding day."

Regina nods, gripping his hand once more.

"Well," she whispers. "Luckily for us, this wasn't our wedding day. We never actually said I do or signed any paperwork."

"I can't say I'll be in much shape to do that any time soon."

Regina shrugs. "We already wasted five years, what's a few more months?"


Robin's settled into her bed just a week later. His leg will be in a cast for awhile longer and he must head back to the doctor often for follow ups, making sure the accident didn't cause any brain damage. There's going to be some physical therapy as his leg heals up. Roland will visit, but mostly spend his time with Marian as he heals.

For now, he's close. She knows he's going to be okay. He won't leave her sight if she has a say in it.

"Are you sure you don't want anything?" Regina asks for what has to be the millionth time after he arrived home.

Robin chuckles, shaking his head. "Love, you've given me everything I could need." He gestures to the nightstand. "Water, my pills, the remote. You've about smothered me with pillows, both by head and leg…"

"I just want you to be comfortable."

"And I want you to relax." He pats the empty spot on the bed next to him. "Sit, please."

"Robin…"

"Henry's still with Mal. The crowd's gone for now. Just lay down."

She sighs, dropping down. He carefully pulls her into his side. She rests her head on his shoulder. Robin kisses the top of her head.

"I can't stop this running checklist," she admits. "Your appointments, refills…shit! Did I call Gold to confirm it's okay for me to work virtually for now?"

"Only about a dozen times. I think if you call him one more time, he may fire you."

Regina rolls her eyes. "Okay, I don't think you need that neurologist. Your memory is just fine."

Robin laughs, giving her another kiss. "You just need to relax. You've barely gotten sleep since it happened."

"How can I? There's so much to get done."

"The world will still be there tomorrow, darling. And you'll be more equipped once you've got a bit of sleep." He pauses. "And take a bath."

"Is that your clever way of saying I stink?"

"No, just that a good soak usually helps you relax. If I recall, one of our shower gifts, no pun in intended, was that collection of bath salts."

Regina nods. A nice, long bath does sound pretty good right about now.

"Go," Robin urges. He grabs the remote. "I'll watch soccer while you do."

"If you're sure…"

"I am." His lips gently press around her. "Now, go."

Regina reluctantly rolls away from him, pausing when she sits upright.

"There's one more thing."

"Regina…"

"No, it's important." She looks back at him. "I spoke with the venue. They feel really bad about what happened and they're willing to give us a 75% refund."

He raises an eyebrow. "That's mighty generous."

"Your accident made the paper, it's pretty clear we didn't make it up." She runs her fingers across the heavy cream bedspread. "They said alternatively, we could get a full refund if we got married there. Their next opening is in February."

"Oh?"

"I…I told them I'd accept the refund but when we do get married…it should be elsewhere."

"Are you sure? You loved that place."

"It's gorgeous, perfect, everything we wanted…but every time I think of it, I think of sitting there, waiting for you to arrive. The panic attack I had where we were supposed to say our vows. I just…I'm sorry, Robin. I know you really liked it but…"

"We'll find somewhere else," he assures her.

"Really?"

"It's just a venue. There's millions across the country. We'll find one that's not littered with bad memories."

It's her turn to kiss him.

"You really are the best," she whispers.

He smiles, stroking her cheek. "I won't be if you don't hop in that bath."

Regina smiles. "As you wish."


On their second wedding day, they get ready together. Partially because Regina is scared to let him out of her sight, the rest because Robin is still using a cane and needs her help. He holds onto the dresser as she pulls the pants up his legs.

"I know vows say sickness and health, we're really starting with that, eh?"

"I guess so."

She doesn't wear the gorgeous silver dress this time. Instead, she opts for a light blue cocktail dress that she found off the rack at a department store. Her natural curls cascade down her back, soft makeup lighting up her face.

This wedding is smaller than their last, in the park where they've taken their boys plenty of times over the years. Just the people that matter to them in attendance: Mal, John, Marian, Henry and Roland. The reception is a picnic, catered by the local diner. Nothing fancy or even what most would consider a wedding.

"Are you sure it's okay we're doing it this way?" Regina asks. "I know how badly you wanted us to have a real one. It's not much different than eloping."

"I think if anything, these past few months have taught me that all that fuss isn't us." He twirls his cane a bit. "All we need is each other, and our boys."

She smiles. "Yeah."

Regina drives them to the park, their boys aflutter with excitement in the backseat. She holds Robin's arm as they make it up the path lit up with tealight candles, while he balances his cane with his free hand. The boys sit with the rest of the guests on the benches, a disposable camera in Mal's hand.

Their officiant gives them a small nod. "Are we ready to do this right?"

"Well, so long as there's no cars nearby," Robin teases.

Regina rolls her eyes, griping tighter to his arm. "Believe it or not, I'm ready to spend forever with this man."