Two years after Robin returned from death, the day of the Royal Wedding has finally arrived.
What awaits our Locksley-Swan-Mills trio?
The Earl of Locksley Inn, Sherwood Village
Dawn broke over the forest at a quarter past four in the morning, a slither of piercing golden sunlight bursting from the darkness and over the horizon. It was to be a perfect August day in the small village, with no cloud in the sky. A perfect day for a royal wedding.
In the large coaching inn, that had become the centre of their community since being built from nothing just two years ago, the former outlaw, the proprietor of the inn that bore his true title woke to the sensation of a heavy lump beside him under the covers. Remembering their talk last night, Robin looked down lovingly at his still sleeping son, remembering how, as a toddler, the boy often used to climb into his bed first thing of a morning. Now, he savoured this rare event.
Roland had stayed in Sherwood last night, as his father went off to his final night celebration downstairs with his friends. His father's stag night had been the previous evening, so this was a quieter affair. Nonetheless, many old friends had showed up, some having missed the previous night, to give him their best wishes on his forthcoming marriage.
Despite having gone to bed at a decent time, the noise of all the roistering down below had woken Roland around eleven o' clock. He'd sneaked out to find out what all the commotion was about, only to discover his father and friends singing loudly, beers in their hands, as various people stepped up to a hastily prepared stage, to make speeches he couldn't quite hear, and raising their glasses to toast his dad. Somebody spotted him at the top of the stairs and yelled. "Guys, Roland's up! Come on down, mate!" There was a loud cheer from the largish crowd gathered around his father, all recognising the boy immediately. Robin looked up to see his son, dressed in his pyjamas. He'd had around five pints of ale and now felt reasonably tiddly, though not too inebriated. Filled with love at the sight of his boy, he yelled up. "Come and join us then, Roland!"
"You know Rob..." Little John, who'd come from Arendelle especially for the wedding, whispered a beery breath in his ear. "He's almost a teenager now. What say we give him his first ever pint, in celebration? A one-off?"
Robin had been too comfy to argue, though still had some sense about him to the man behind the bar, "Gilbert, could you water one down for Roland, please?"
Roland beamed at his father, delighted to be treated as something more than a child. The next hour became a new experience for him, hearing the men tell fairly risqué stories and tales from their past, often including his father in various plots. He never ceased to be amazed at how many people loved his dad, the hero.
An hour later, the overtired boy had taken himself to bed. However, as the crowd dispersed downstairs, Robin checked in on him. "You OK?"
"I can't sleep. I was just thinking; everything changes tomorrow, doesn't it? For you and me."
"How do you mean?"
"Well, now we're just us, the Locksley men and the Swan-Mills family. Once you're married, it'll change…"
"I don't see why? Do you regard Margot as your sister? She's not a Swan-Mills."
"Of course I do! She's different though."
"How so? Because she has a different birth mother? Or what about Honour? She adores you as her big brother. Or Faith, or Hope? Don't you think they're a part of your family?"
Sorry dad, I guess I'm not explaining this very well. I love them all and I've got no problem. It's just, I keep thinking about my real mum. Marian. About not wanting to forget her. Technically, if she were to come back, like you did, you'd still be married, wouldn't you? I guess I just…I dunno…just wish I'd had a chance to get to know her. I heard Henry's dad came back a few days ago? It just reminded me…"
Robin climbed onto the edge of his son's bed, wrapping an arm around his back. "Roland, I know we don't often talk about your birth mum. That's my fault, because losing her was one of the most painful episodes of my life. She was my true love then, just as much as Regina and Emma are now. And being with her gave me one of the most precious things of my life. You. And just know that my Marian will be looking down on us, from somewhere, and she'll be wanting you and I to be happy. I grieved badly for her for so long, yet I trust Merlin that we'll see her again one day. Now, why don't you come and share my bed tonight, and I'll tell you a few things about my Marian? Or are you too big a man these days to snuggle up with your old dad?"
The dimple-cheeked boy grinned, "Never, papa! Never."
That was last night, his last night as a bachelor, and his last night as a widower. As he looked down on his son's sleepy features, his mind raced back to his birth long ago, in that little woodland cottage. He thought of his long departed love.
Marian, I hope wherever you are, you can see this? Our beautiful boy. He'll be a man soon, yet he still reminds me so much of you. I've tried my best raising him the way we agreed. He's wonderful. Today I'm going to be marrying not just one, but two people who've loved him and protected him when we couldn't. I love them, Marian, but never think that means I ever stopped loving you! There'll always be a large piece of you in my heart and I just hope Merlin's right. That we do get a chance to be with all our loved ones in the future. I pray we'll meet again!
The boy started waking, groaning and rolling his body away from the golden light piercing through the windows. As his vision cleared, he smacked his lips. "Dad? Wassa time?"
"Time for you to have another hour in bed, my boy! You sleep. I'll bring some tea up soon."
Hmm, thanks. You were up watching the sunrise, again?"
It was his second-favourite time of Robin's day, sitting in woodland watching dawn break. His favourite was climbing in to bed with Emma and Regina, but he certainly wasn't going to think about that now! "Yes, my lovely. I'm just going to check a few things downstairs. You rest."
"This is really it, isn't it? The big day! You worried?"
He smiled down, stroking the back of his head. "Absolutely terrified! But I'll survive..."
Mifflin Street
It was another two hours before the alarm went off next to Emma, following by her usual groan at being rudely woken. Under the sheets, latched to her side, Regina said something incoherent. It was their second night without Robin in their bed and, somehow, as with Emma when she worked her night shift, it never feel complete. Like a part of them was missing. It took a minute before Regina's brain clicked in, remembering why they'd set an early alarm. Their getting married!
"Mmff. Coffee!" she groaned. "Robin, pleeeeassee?" she called, before remembering he wasn't there. And more importantly, the reason why. "Emma, we need to get up before the children. Come on, we've lots to do!"
"Relax. We've got…let's see…five and a half hours? Loads of time." The blonde moaned. However, they hadn't factored in Honour running into their room screaming at them in excitement. "Mummy, mamma, get up!" A moment later, she'd jumped on the bed. "Wedding day! You're going to be marrying daddy today!"
"Yes, darling," gasped Regina. "But please give us a chance to wake up first? Mamma here's getting older and needs her beauty sleep!"
"Oi, bit…loving wife!" the blonde rasped, her throat dry. "I'm awake. Honnie, did Henry come home?"
"No. He stayed with Mister Gold, mamma. And Roland's with daddy. Is Henry's daddy going to be coming to the wedding?"
God, I bloody hope not! I didn't invite him! Emma thought. "Henry is, but I don't think his father's coming. There's not enough seats, for a start…" she prayed the youngster wouldn't ask any more questions. Fortunately, a loud rap on the door knocker stopped them. At this hour? Who the hell? Regina rose, put her dressing gown on and went to answer it.
"You took your time!" said Snow White, standing on the porch, having already put two large boxes and holdalls on the steps. "I've another one in the car."
"Snow, it's not even six thirty, what are you doing here so early?"
"We've a lot to do! David's gone to Sherwood to meet Roch, as his team gets there at seven. I've got the salon girls arriving here at nine-thirty to get your hair and make-up done, and the limousine will be here at eleven thirty…"
"Nine-thirty, that's three hours away! Why on earth would you…"
"We need to bathe and change all the girls, so I came a little earlier to help; especially seeing as we'll have the wedding breakfast in an hour…"
"Snow, what are you talking about? Wedding breakfast?"
"You've forgotten? What happens on wedding mornings back home? All the women of the combined families gather and breakfast together, before everything starts. Surely you remember your first wedding?"
"I try to put that one out of my mind! I married under duress, unless you'd forgotten? And no, I didn't have a wedding breakfast, as you put it, mainly because my mother kept me locked up until the service!"
Snow winced at her stupid faux-pas. "I'm sorry Regina, really! I seem to remember your mother said you were feeling sickly, probably due to your nerves. I didn't realise at the time…"
Regina rolled her eyes. "It's in the past, where it should remain! So, who can we expect at this breakfast? Is it here? Am I expected to cook?"
"Of course not, I'm cooking! Nothing much, just heating up some croissants, pain au chocolate and a few things Pierre Roch sent us yesterday. Plus, a little champagne and orange juice? I invited Robin's sister and cousin to join us. And Zelena, of course, though she said she couldn't make it." Regina's sister had returned from California yesterday and Regina had, after checking with Robin first thing, dropped Margot off so she could spend some time with her birth mother. She was grateful Robin wouldn't be around to see the former Wicked Witch in his own home!
"Pierre Roch has actually made us a wedding breakfast?"
"He did. Robin asked him to put something together for all of us, as a surprise, though I'm not quite sure what's in it. It's all in boxes in the car. I'll bring them in…"
Up in the bedroom, Emma could hear her mother's voice downstairs. However, before she opened her eyes, preparing to get out of bed, she heard another, deeper voice now getting louder in her mind.
Robin?
[Morning, my love! You hearing me okay?]
He was using his telepathic link. [Rob, that you?]
[t's me. Where are you? What are you doing?]
[Lying in bed, just where I should be at this time of the morning! Gina's downstairs, and it sounds like mum's just arrived. You?]
[Up since four. Just checking in with you both, and making sure my lovely brides-to-be aren't having second thoughts? I'm not used to waking up without either of you these days. Roland's quite a snorer]
She smiled. [Takes after his father! I'm missing you too, babe. Still, we'll make up for it tonight, if we're not too shattered!]
[I can't wait. Tell me what you're wearing, right now?]
[Wow, that was a change of topic, Locksley? Gina's purple nightie. The short, silky one]
[Ooh, that knee length one? I like you in that. Shows off your legs. Perhaps I should just poof over and get a closer look?]
Emma chuckled, now enjoying this weird mental 'flirting'. To an outsider, it would look just like she was lying in bed, with her eyes closed.
[I'd like that, but with mum downstairs and the girls milling around, we might have a problem. Shame though. Guess what I've got on under the nightie?]
[I know you too well. Absolutely nothing? Au naturel?]
[Right again] she felt mischievous. [And do you know what I'm planning to do to myself right now, as you and Gina aren't here?] Her right hand moved down between her thighs.
Robin's telepathic sense could tell she wasn't pretending!
[You, are a very bad girl, Emma Swan-Mills! How dare you arouse your fiancé, when he's in a public place with no chance of relief? You'll have to be punished later]
Emma's mind raced to that fierce love-making session they'd shared two weeks ago, when he'd smacked her soundly on the backside, several times, at the request of Regina, who had revealed a little-known, carefully hidden aspect of Emma. Namely, that she occasionally liked rough treatment, and rather enjoyed being a submissive from time to time. Or a dom. Or hell, anything that involved having sex with her two loves!
[Promises, promises. I'll hold you to that!'] she teased. [Anything else you'd like to do...after the wedding?]
[I'd like to do everything. I want to make love to you, while you're still in your wedding dresses! I want you screaming!]
[S till in our dresses, huh? Another little fantasy of yours, Mr. Locksley? Banging the virginal brides? Who says we're both going to be wearing dresses? Perhaps I'm going to be wearing a tux? Perhaps, I don't want to be made love to? Perhaps I just want to be fucked senseless till I'm brain dead? Perhaps I want to-]
[CAN YOU TWO PUT A SOCK IN IT?] Regina's voice invaded their minds. [I'VE GOT SNOW-FUCKING-WHITE STANDING HERE! She's in the kitchen with me, no doubt wondering why I've suddenly stopped talking, gone red in the face, with my eyes closed and gripping the ruddy worktop!]
Robin sniggered loudly while Emma desperately tried to stop herself laughing. [Good morning to you too, my queen Only you could yell silently! My apologies, but you know, you really do need to keep that wife of yours in order? She's quite the dirty minx]
[May I remind you, thief, she'll be your wife too in a few hours' time? And I don't need you two putting smutty thoughts in my head, while I'm trying to talk to this annoying woman down here! Did you know your sister and cousin are coming over in an hour? I didn't! Emma, kindly take a shower, cold preferably, get dressed, and come downstairs please? Quickly? And stop making Robin frustrated! At least…not until tonight!]
[Gina, you said you had a red face?] asked Robin, grinning. [So she was making you horny too?]
He felt the Saviour snigger.
[Oh, do shut up thief!]
The Jolly Roger – One hour later
"So, you're definitely staying here, sulking, instead of going to the wedding?" Rosie sounded exasperated, "are you sure you still don't have feelings for her?"
"Quite sure, thank you, love. I may no longer have feelings for her, but my attending would be a distraction. You may have received the invite from your sister but I'm certain that, as far as I am concerned, Snow White was merely being polite. You should go. Your father and your family are anyway, but I am more than happy to stay here and look after my boys. Ruby's dropping Nathaniel off around ten thirty. Some of the men have volunteered to help me, anyway. We'll be fine, so you go with Ruby and Dorothy and enjoy yourself."
"You sure? I do kinda want to spend some time with Anna and Charlie, but I don't want to…FUCK!" she gasped in shock, as an unexpected magic swirl suddenly appeared on the foredeck, quickly dissipating to reveal an excited man and a woman, less than twenty feet away.
"Wooo, shit! So need to get used to that!" yelled Neal, wobbly on his feet as the mist disappeared.
"Baelfire? What the bloody hell?" Killian gasped in astonishment. "I heard you're back, though it's normally thought good form to ask a captain's permission, before you board his ship!"
"Apologies, Hook!" Neal chuckled. "Sorry, Captain Two-Hands, but I'm trying out new magic here and haven't quite mastered this teleporting stuff yet! I'm just grateful we didn't wind up in the drink over there," he pointed to the side. "Sorry Seff!" he said to his companion, who just seemed to shrug it off. Then he spotted Rosie. "Sorry, I didn't mean to disturb you, Miss..."
"Mrs. Jones. Neal, this is my wife, Rosalind! Rosie, this 'surprise' uninvited guest is one Neal Cassidy. Otherwise known as Baelfire, otherwise known as the father of Emma's son Henry, and himself the son of the Dark One!"
"Ex-Dark One, Jones!" Said the tall woman in blue standing next to Neal. "You seem to be unaware of recent events." She looked at Rosie. "And you must be one of the Sorcerer's daughters? I can tell by the eyes."
"You know my father?" Rosie asked the amazingly stunning blonde, feeling slightly intimidated, which was rare for her.
"Do not be alarmed. Yes, I know Merlin very well indeed. I even met your mother once. A remarkable woman. You share her look."
Killian stepped forward. "Rosie, this is Persephone, the Goddess of the Underworld. Perse, I hadn't expected to see you here? I assume you came with this rogue?"
"I did, Mr. Jones. I came with Neal to assist him before I have to go back. I'm sure my father will insist."
"Well, you certainly don't do house calls, love. I assume it's for a reason?"
"It is," Neal jumped in. "I need to travel to another realm. Merlin suggested we talk. I'm surprised you're even here, although I did get to meet young Nathaniel the other day…"
'Aye, mate. Much has changed since you departed. I've two sons. Nathaniel, who you met, and Liam, asleep downstairs. So, to which realm do you need to travel?"
"DunBroch, on the Sceptered Isle. It's a coastal city in need of some…assistance."
"I know it. The home of Queen Merida? I vaguely recall her father, a ferocious man but a decent cove. How soon do you need to travel? Why you, and for how long?"
"It's a request from Zeus..." as though that explained everything.
"Perhaps we could discuss this after the wedding?" Rosie pleaded. "Time's getting on."
"Aye, lass, though as I said before, you should go to this wedding today. Your family's going to be there, anyway. I intend to stay back here. I would merely be a distraction."
"You're taking about Emma's wedding, right?" asked Neal. "I'm with you there. I may be Henry's dad, but I don't think I'll be exactly welcome, even though my papa and his…friends are invited. I'll stay here, if you don't mind? Perse, what about you?"
"You two need time to catch up. However, in all my years, I've never attended a marriage between three people. So, as this good lady is planning to go to the event, perhaps I could join you, Rosie?"
The Earl of Locksley – around Ten Thirty
"Wow, Roland, you look so grown up!" Mulan pulled her favourite merry man in for a hug, kissing his forehead. Robin's son wore a navy-blue morning suit, with white shirt and bow tie, grey waistcoat and trousers. "You're looking more like your father every day."
"Well I see a lot of Marian in him." Little John turned him to straighten his bow tie. "She'd be proud!"
It was then Robin appeared, walking down the inn's staircase into the main bar area. He beamed with pride at his son, before walking over to join them.
"Indeed, she would John. And seeing him like this, she'd be as choked as I am right now!" He wound an arm around his son's back, kissing the top of his head.
"You both look very distinguished!" Mulan added.
"Thanks." The former outlaw looked at his closest female friend, after his fiancées of course. "I guess you're the only one around here who knows what it's like Mu, marrying two people? Any tips?"
"Apart from the obvious one, none. Love and respect them equally. You know the rest."
"I do. I saw Phil in the park yesterday, playing with your Li. He's proud as punch she's trying to talk! Quite the impressive young lady."
"She takes after Rory," she smiled. "She's forever talking to her; and now she's walking, she's quite the handful. I see your little mites are changing too?"
"Hope seems to be the talker, and Faith the walker. I think they and your Li will be quite the naughty little coven in the future?"
"Dad," Roland interrupted. "What time are we leaving for the service?"
"Soon enough. I need to talk to a certain chef and make sure things are on track. You go with Elsa's sister. John and I will see you by the lakeside. John, where on earth is Anna?" his tone starting to betray his nerves.
Mulan rested a hand on his arm. "You feeling nervous?"
"Honestly? I'm bloody terrified, Mu! The last time I did this was a little ceremony in the middle of the forest. But for this one, everyone's turning up! I just pray Regina and Emma do too."
The former warrior grinned before kissing him on the cheek. "They will. You're worth it."
Sherwood Lake – One hour later
With half an hour to go before the service, Robin and Little John, now resplendent in their morning suits, left the inn and walked across to the large manicured lawn in front of the lake.
Merlin had clearly been busy! A raised white stage now stood by the water's edge, surrounded by a semicircle of raised platforms, forming a large temporary ampitheatre, so all the several hundred guests could see the wedding service from above, rather than just the giant TV monitor which now stood nearby, for other members of the public to easily see the entire thing. Several hundred people had already gathered, as a large cheer went up at the arrival of the groom and best man.
Bloody hell, this is getting real!
Quite a few of them came forward to slap him on the back and wish him well. Some he hadn't seen in a long time, greeted him as they stepped up onto the walkway leading to the stage. Robin felt humbled by the experience, that so many could think enough of them to show up. Cheers continued as guests recognised him and the pair stepped among them to be greeted with handshakes, hugs and kisses from so many. As he reached the altar, Archie Hopper stepped forward, greeting him with a warm handshake.
"A wonderful day for a wedding, Robin. And hello, your Majesty!" he greeted John with a deferential nod.
"None of that nonsense, Archie, you should know by now. I'm just John to you! Otherwise, you'll have to keep calling Rob here 'Your Lordship' until he gets spliced, and then he'll be 'Your Majesty' too. And we both know he hates all that stuff!" The conscience of the town grinned back at him with a nod, taking the groom's hand to shake.
"Thanks for doing this, Archie! I have to confess I'm feeling a little overwhelmed here. We've got quite the crowd."
"Yes. And quite a few arriving. The stands here should take about three hundred, and the lawn over there about the same. A lot of people have a great deal of affection for you three these days, and they just wish you well. So, don't feel too uncomfortable. You're among friends now."
The three heard another loud cheer go up from the crowd. Looking down the ramp, Robin saw Snow White, accompanied by Prince Neal, steadily walking up and towards them, stopping to greet everyone they recognised, until eventually reaching the nearest guest seats to the stage, reserved for family. Neal was, like Roland, wearing a full morning suit while Snow wore an elegant eggshell blue knee-length dress with matching dress coat, forgoing the hat but in its place, a tiara.
Robin stepped forward to greet her. "Good morning, Snow. I have to say, you look beautiful today!" Before placing a small kiss on his future mother-in-law's cheek.
"Thanks," she pinked. "You've scrubbed up rather well yourself, I must say!" She looked admiringly at his suit.
He leaned over to her, to whisper in her ear. "Any last words? Any sage pearls of advice?"
"Just love them, Robin. Love them equally, and till the end of your days! Everything else flows from that." She whispered back, as another cheer went up. He looked across to see the Sorcerer and his family make their way forward, this time with his daughter Annabelle on his arm. Immediately behind them walked two women, with their arms linked. One he recognised as Rosalind, Annabelle's sister and wife of Killian Jones. Although he didn't recognise the other one, an astonishingly beautiful taller woman, who, unlike the other women, seemed to be wearing some sort of pale blue long gown. "Who on earth's that?" he muttered, as Snow turned to see where he was staring.
"That's Persephone, goddess of the Underworld!" whispered Snow, "She came down with Henry's father, but don't be concerned, apparently she and Neal are an item now!"
"A goddess attending our wedding? What the hell?"
A minute later, after Merlin and Anna greeted the groom and best man, Rosie and Persephone stepped forward, Rosie greeting him with a hug. "Hello Robin. I hope you don't mind us attending? Killian and Neal both thought coming here would be a distraction, all things considered. so Perse kindly agreed to partner me!"
"Plus, despite my age, I've never actually witnessed a polyamorous wedding before," the goddess added, offering him her hand. "I hope you don't mind?" The goddess seems to flirt effortlessly with him, a not altogether unpleasant experience.
Robin gave a polite short bow, placing a small kiss on the back of her hand. "No, not at all! We're very honoured to have you here, Persephone." The elegant woman in front of him was astonishingly beautiful and it was obvious to him she had massive magical powers. "Please do take a seat and make yourself comfortable. You're welcome to join us for the wedding lunch afterwards? I'm sure my brides won't mind."
As the pair moved aside, he then saw someone he instantly recognised. Charlie Sage was slowly escorting an older gentleman up to the stage. The same silver-haired, twinkly-eyed old man he thought there was a fair chance he would never get to meet in the flesh again. He felt his throat dry up.
"G-grandpa?"
"Surprised?" said the genteel, rather dignified man with the walking stick. "Didn't think I'd miss a Locksley wedding now, did you Robbie?" said Christian Locksley, the current real Earl of Locksley, the grandfather he'd met when he and Roland had travelled to England last year. Robin rushed up to him, taking him in his arms , hugging him gently, a tear rolling down his cheek.
"It's wonderful you're here! But how? When?"
"This morning. An hour ago, by portal, courtesy of Merlin and this remarkable young man here, who collected me." He winked at Charlie over Robin's shoulder. "Your Emma wanted it to be a surprise!"
"It most definitely is!" Robin sniffled, hugging him again as Snow stepped closer. "Robin, I think Lord Christian should sit next to David and I, don't you? As our Guest of Honour?"
"Thanks Snow," he beamed with happiness at the old man. "We have so much to talk about later, grandpa!"
As Robin and John continued to greet new guests, another loud cheer was heard in the distance as several black limousines pulled up near the front of the inn.
Looking over the crowd, John saw Alan-a-Dale wave his arms to send a message in semaphore. "Right, Merry Men - the bridal party's arriving! To positions, everyone!"
~oOo~
Out of sight of the groom and the crowd, the first long, black limousine pulled up onto the lawn outside the inn, directly in front of the doors.
Maria and Caroline Locksley were there to greet them. Out of the first vehicle stepped Queen Elsa of Arendelle, and from the other side, Maleficent, the former Mistress of All Evil. The pair wore matching ivory, mermaid-style, off-the-shoulder satin bridesmaid dresses, clearly bespoke.
"You two look magnificent!" gasped Caroline in admiration.
"Thank you, darling," said Maleficent in her husky accent. "You know, it's the first time I've ever allowed myself to wear matching outfits with another woman. They are rather wonderful. In another time, seeing her in that, I'd be quite keen to seduce young Elsa here myself!" she smirked as the queen blushed, giggling. "But you need to see our brides. They are truly a vision!"
Behind them, out from the second car stepped Margot and Honour, resplendent in their younger bridesmaid dresses, of similar colours to the older women, but in a different, suitably discrete style, earning various 'oohs' and 'aahs' from the women gathered nearby. "Over here, my dears," said Maleficent, so they could make way for the bridal car.
The final, longer limousine pulled up, it's windows darkened to prevent passengers being seen. Opening the front passenger door, Prince Charming stepped out, resplendent in his own morning suit. He'd been tempted to wear his old military uniform, until Snow advised this was to be a modern ceremony. David opened the nearest rear door, whispering something inside before the figure of Emma Locksley-Mills carefully turned to manouver herself out, without damaging her train. David bent down to half lift her out, as she held it carefully. Once clear, she straightened, turning to see Regina exiting from the other side, with Henry appearing to assist her too. As she also straightened, and carefully walked around to stand next to her wife, Maria looked in awe at the pair of them.
"You two look utterly fantastic!" It was only then she noticed they were both wearing nearly identical wedding dresses, with only minor details separating them. They also wore a silver crown and tiara, the only symbol of their royal status. "Wait...you both chose to wear the same dress?"
"Yes," said Regina, looking with pride at Emma. "We're already married, to each other, after all! It was originally an idea of Snow's. A symbol of our unity."
"Yeah, and the fact this is the only dress we both fell in love with, and neither of us wanted to part with it!" added Emma, with a chuckle.
"Well I think the pair of you look divine," Caroline agreed. "My cousin's clearly going to have a heart attack when he sees you!"
"I certainly hope not, It'd put a real damper on the wedding night!" countered Emma, with a wink. Just then Will Scarlett and his wife, Queen Anastasia, stepped out from inside the inn, holding Hope and Faith in their arms, both one-year-olds looking seriously cute in their baby bridesmaid outfits.
David checked his watch. Stepping closer to Emma, he placed his hands on her upper arms, and gently pulling her into his embrace, careful not to mess up her makeup, before placing a warm kiss on her forehead. "My darling girl. I may have missed out the first time," he looked across to Regina. "But I'd always hoped and prayed that one day I'd get the chance to walk my brave, wonderful daughter down the aisle. You have no idea how proud I am to be your father! I love you."
Well, that choked Emma right up! Even Regina had tears in her eyes! Emma placed her head against his chest, savouring their moment. "I love you too, daddy! But I'll still give you hell if you ruin my makeup through crying!"
"Ditto!" added Regina, sniffling, before smiling at the pair. David released his girl, before surprisingly, moving in front of Regina, pulling her in for a similar hug. "And as for you, lady - we've had an interesting past, haven't we? But I can honestly say you're the best daughter-in-law I could ever want. I love you too, Regina!" he kissed the top of her head, the safest place not to affect her makeup. Regina stayed silent, merely relishing the warm embrace.
After that, he stepped back and looked at the watch again. "Right then, ladies, we've one minute to go. Let's get this show on the road, shall we?"
~oOo~