Chapter 27
"I can't believe Zelena did that!" Emma says in disbelief as both she and Killian sit with Regina in preparation for signing the paperwork with the owner to accept their offer.
It was later in the afternoon of the same day that Regina and Robin had made up. The real-estate agent knew her sister would try to make an offer again to ruin the couple's chance of buying the house, so as soon as she was dressed, she called them to her office and got the landowner on the phone. She'd told them what happened and that everything was fixed.
"Aye, I never thought she'd sink so low."
"I can, she's never been afraid of playing dirty."
"Regina, we're so sorry. I don't know how I can thank you…" Emma hugs her friend for a long time.
"Don't worry about it too much, but we've got to get these documents signed before she tries to make another offer."
"I'm just happy that you and Robin patched things up, love."
Regina smiles. "Me too."
The property owner walks into his agent's office and greets each of them with a strong handshake.
"This is Mr. Hyde," Regina says, introducing them.
The man with glasses and red hair smiles at the couple before sitting down. "Pleasure to meet you both," he says. "I'm happy to see that my grandmother's house will be going to a family who can enjoy it for many years."
"Mr. Hyde's grandfather actually built the house," Regina explains.
"With his own two hands. He and my grandmother raised a fantastic family of four there, one boy and three girls, the boy being my father."
"It certainly is a beautiful place," Emma compliments.
"That's why it's so hard to let it go," Mr. Hyde grimaces. "But neither me nor my twin brother, Jeck, want it any longer. We're scientists by trade and travel too much to maintain a household like this."
Regina begins sorting the paperwork and explaining where each of them must sign.
"By the way, did you ever find out about the anonymous buyer Regina?" the property owner asks. "It's a real shame they dropped out at the last minute. That was quite an offer."
The three friends look at one another with nervous glances. Clearly, Mr. Hyde wanted an offer that was better and meant more money for himself, anyone would. They were still worried that he would change his mind and want to find the other buyer. Regina swallows. "Yes, but the person would not treat the house like Killian and Emma would."
"How do you know that?"
"Let's just say, Regina's a good judge of character," Emma cuts in quickly.
"Aye, besides your grandfather built the house meant for a family and we're certainly a growing one," Killian adds.
"I extend my congratulations to the both of you, how many months are you?"
"Six and a half," Emma says, running her hand over her swelling abdomen.
"I do hope you use the room right above the garden, that was the family nursery and it really is the best place to bring a new baby home too."
"We'll consider that thank you," Emma smiles, signing her name on one of the dotted lines. Killian follows suit. "My son has already claimed his room."
"Ah yes, you have a son too?"
"Yes, and it will be great for him to have a yard to run around in."
Mr. Hyde smiles earnestly and he hands over the deeds for the land and signs a few forms. Regina sorts them accordingly and then looks at those around her.
"Well, all that is left is payment,"
Emma reaches into her purse and grabs her chequebook. She and Killian had worked out how much each of them would pay the down payment. She writes the amount out and signs her name before handing it to Regina. Killian follows her actions, paying for his half. Regina then hands the cheques to the man.
"Well, congratulations, you are now the owners of this house," Regina says proudly
Mr. Hyde smiles at them and hands the expectant couple the keys to his house. Everyone stands up and Killian shakes hands with the scientist.
"I hope you enjoy the house," the now former owner says. "May you have a wonderful life there."
"Thank you very much," the docks man responds.
Mr. Hyde then shakes Emma and Regina's hands before exiting her office. The moment he's gone, the blonde wraps her arms around her boyfriend, letting the tears flow and he picks her up, despite the extra weight she was carrying and kisses her passionately.
"We did it!" she gasps, still dizzy with the news. "We own a house!"
"We do indeed Swan, perfect for our little princess," he puts her down and places his hand on her stomach. The baby was a little overwhelmed by the change in gravity and was letting her mother and father know about it.
The couple then turns to Regina, Emma embracing her tightly.
"I can't believe you were going to give up Robin so that we could have the house… There's no way we can repay you for that…"
"There's no need to. I'm just happy that you and Henry can start anew, and hopefully have a better future."
Emma just hugs her friend for a long time. "There are no words to describe how grateful we are. We should have a room just for you when you come to visit."
"That would be nice, I'd like a fruit bowl and a full-length mirror in there if that's possible."
The three of them laugh and suddenly Regina gets an idea.
"There might be one way to repay me,"
"And what might that be?" Killian asks.
"Dinner and an ice cream sundae at Granny's would be great."
They laugh again before Regina files the paperwork away and they go to pick up Henry and Robin.
…
Later in the evening, the five of them sit in a booth at Granny's, eating burgers and onion rings and drinking strawberry milkshakes. They all laugh and talk about what they plan to do with the house as well as the next big step which is packing and setting a moving date. Henry leans his head on Regina's shoulder, while Robin has his strong arm around her and she feels the warmth and happiness that comes from having a family like this, feeling love and compassion. She may still have a sister and a mother, but as far as she's concerned, they aren't her real family if they threaten their other friends or just generally make her life more difficult. She now knows that the world may be hard to her, but it's testing her, to see if she realizes what she has and values it. The hurdle seemed to be conquered and now that she and Robin were on the right path again. Nothing could go wrong.
Or so she thinks…
Sorry if the chapter is a bit shorter. There will be a time jump in the next chapter to speed things along a little bit.