A/N: It is an epilogue. Finally, I completed this story for now. I know it is so long since I updated this story. Too many stories to tell you. New MacBook laptop, Accepted for MA in teaching in my home state and will be enrolled in upcoming year, work as an associate teacher and retreats. Too many things to do in my personal life. I took a long break to take care of myself and re-evaluated myself before this year of 2020. It's a lot of things to take in and let the past go. I ceased my friendship with someone I cared and we severed our ties for good. I feel like I am alone over again and have some friends who I keep in touch. I know it's a lot of things to say but that's all I say since I took a long break. Again, thank you for your patience and looking forward to the posts of my stories in the near future. Keep an eye on those posts on Instagram (SwanQueenFF.) I hope you have a wonderful Valentine's Day!
The clock tower had been ringing during the nighttime. The stores on the Main Street went closed but the Christmas lights still flickered on the windows and doors. In the middle on Main Street, it was the beautiful snowy Christmas tree standing tall with the colors of the lights. The star shone through the night on the top of the tree. Among the abandoned cars that were parking on Main Street and the townspeople got ready to get dressed for the Annual Christmas Ball.
Cora was lucky to host her enormous party for the townspeople and of course, she made sure that everything went smoothly before the guests arrived in their formal ball clothes. Amy was a volunteer to serve the drinks in the front foyer when the guests arrived from their walkway on the driveway. It was the driveway that led from Main Street. But it was not off from the street and it was around in the corner near The Nolan's residential street.
Outside in the front yard, the people were laughing and chattering on their way to the mansion. Some sang the carols on the stairs to greet the newcomers. David and Ruby were on the duties for the people to park their cars. Brad was helping them out too. Neal was the charge of the catering since he had some experience working with the fancy parties before and supervised over Cora's checklist.
Everett and Julie helped the guests to find their tables. Henry Sr. wandered through the tables and checked on everyone. Henry Jr. was with his grandmother, Mary Margaret to prepare the speech for Cora and gathered the raffle tickets outside of the ballroom doors. He was enjoying his time to greet new faces. Mary Margaret felt proud of herself as a grandmother beside Cora too.
Zelena was off to work with the musicians on the stage and ushered some children to meet some musicians. She was not technically working but enjoyed herself while wandering in her emerald chiffon ball gown. Her friends came to greet her and left to get some appetizers from the buffet table. Cora supervised on her eye but greeted her people with a warm smile. Everyone knew her as Regina's mother and wife of the former mayor.
Lastly, Regina arrived in her red Valentino evening gown with half-naked shoulders. Her hair was in a curly updo. She represented herself as a mayor of Storybrooke with a warm smile until she met her mother at the entrance of the ballroom. Cora kissed her cheek and whispered in her ear.
"You look so lovely!"
"Thank you, mother. You look dazzling and well-matched with Daddy." Cora looked over her shoulder to see her husband laughing at someone's jokes by the table. Henry Sr. wore the dapper tuxedo in a black and white and his hair was tucked nicely. Of course, he owned the gold cuff pins on his cuffs. It was representing the town's mascot from Storybrooke High School and it was a gift from Regina and Zelena for his birthday.
David and Ruby chatted while looking for coming cars through the driveway and saw Emma's rental car, the black Mercedes SUV. The window was opening to reveal Emma's face. They grinned widely.
"Hello, Dad. Ruby."
"You look so hot in that suit!" Ruby chortled. David blushed but Emma was more blushing.
"Thanks, Ruby. Do you mind to lead me to the parking spot? Looks like that is full." The golden-haired actress pointed to the full parking lot. Ruby nodded before taking a walkie-talkie to call Graham for searching on the empty spot.
David took his time to chat with his daughter for a short time before Ruby led her to the end of the parking lot on the C lot which was on the right in front of the mansion.
"Emma, do you have everything with you?"
"Yes, I do. Thanks to Zelena and Henry. I can't wait to get Regina a wonderful night."
"I'm so happy for you both! See you inside!" David gave Emma a kiss on her cheek and swayed his hand to go through. Ruby was confused with their conversation and asked him.
"What's going on?"
"Emma is planning to propose Regina tonight."
"Oh, no fucking way!" Ruby excitedly shouted. He grimaced at the loud sound and pushed her away to walk together toward the mansion. Their duties were done for a night. They later barked in a burst of laughter when they entered the foyer to meet Mary Margaret in a blue sweetheart evening gown with a black silk scarf. Her hair was styled in pixie cut curly on her good side. The jewelry showed the diamonds on her ears, neck and right wrist. She matched up with her husband, David in the blue full tuxedo suit with a white-collar under.
To everyone, they looked so majestic in the photo. Mary Margaret air-kissed on Ruby's cheeks and took a look on her red strap chiffon evening gown with the gold belt buckle. Her hair was full of red highlights that matched her gown. She didn't wear pieces of jewelry at all.
Cora came out from the ballroom to see Mary Margaret and David. Ruby was called by a waiter for more help in the kitchen since Granny Lucas volunteered to cater few desserts.
"Oh, there you are! MM, do you know where is the backup microphone and equipment? Those didn't work."
"Yes, I think it is in the 'man cave' room. David, can you get it? It is in the closet behind the billiard pool."
"Sure, honey. Let me get it." David nodded toward the ladies and left for the music equipment. Cora was relieved that Mary Margaret has everything in the mansion and continued.
"Will you be honored if you take an introduction speech this year? I am so exhausted from greeting everyone and oh! I saw Emma. She looks so radiantly beautiful!"
"I will be glad to take your speech. And unfortunately, I didn't see her. Is she here?"
"Oh yes, she is with Henry Jr. I think my husband is in there too. Let us find them." Cora rolled her eyes before chuckling. Mary Margaret smirked before nodding toward the ballroom.
Everyone mingled with others around the tables and the chattering got loud. The musicians struggled to set their things up. Henry Jr. talked with his blonde mom about his first sleepover with Neal in the treehouse. Everett chimed in the conversation while comforting his wife, Julie beside him. Regina was somewhere in the room to be seen. Zelena finally did her thing with the music equipment but joined in the conversation with Julie about the ideas of the play.
Julie minored in Theatre Arts in her undergraduate years at Boston University before meeting her husband at the special event when she graduated. Neal gathered the remains of the raffle tickets that are torn and moved to the back room so he could count the raffle tickets before handing it over to Regina for the end of the party.
Mary Margaret was surprised when she saw her oldest daughter wearing the burgundy tuxedo suit with the black heels. Her hair was the fishtail braid on her left side. She looked beautiful with the gold diamonds on her ears. Emma almost matched Regina's outfit that Mary Margaret saw earlier at the party.
Cora leaned toward her and whispered, 'I got a rumor that Emma is planning to propose Regina tonight at here.' Before she tilted herself away, Cora sent a heartwarming smile toward Emma who was glancing over them. Mary Margaret slowly grinned at herself before nodding toward her children then searched for her husband. David carried small cases for the music and sent them to settle it up.
Henry Sr. appeared in their view and kissed his wife on the lips. He nodded toward the Nolan children and winked at his grandson. Henry Jr. chuckled before kissing his mom's cheek and went away to hang out with his new friends on the kiddie table.
Neal patted Emma's shoulder with a grin. He knew what's going on with her and waggled his eyebrows then sharply nodded to Regina's wandering body. The golden-haired actress rolled her eyes at Amy who was coming over and replied.
"You can't stop doing that, Neal?"
"Well, I am so happier for you both. If she says yes, I will take you for drinks to celebrate your victory on the proposal."
"Umm... Regina and I haven't talked about the marriage since I arrived here, do you know?" Emma glanced over at her mom who was smirking at them. Neal blinked for a few seconds and realized that Emma and Regina didn't talk about the future but he slapped on her arm with a quiet sneer.
"Didn't you fucking discuss this topic with her before you go ahead to propose?!" Neal widened his eyes with a red flag. Emma gulped before shaking her head to say no. He went shocked and decided to not talk about it. Neal just walked away with Everett toward the bar. Julie heard the conversation between them and raised her eyebrows before glancing at Regina's destination toward them. Cora and Mary Margaret took their time to mingle around with their husbands.
Amy just went shocked when she heard that Emma didn't talk to Regina about the marriage and knocked her head with her palm then shook her head while walking back to her table when she saw Brad sitting there.
Emma rolled her eyes at herself for being stupid on her talk with Regina. But she didn't pay attention when Regina appeared in her sight. The brunette mayor started to be concerned about her lover and asked.
"Is everything alright?"
It startled Emma out of the blue when her emerald eyes finally noticed her standing in front of her. She heard her son snickering beside her and looked down at him with her eyebrow raising up.
"What's so funny?"
"Mom scared you."
"Really? I thought that I am Mom?"
"Nooo! You are Ma. Regina is Mom." Henry nodded with his determination. Regina smirked at the blonde woman and mocked.
"Yes, I am Mom."
"Shut up, Gina." Emma murmured before shoving her son away to his table with his new friends. He went along with his uncles a few days ago and found himself in a group of new friends he made. Emma felt so happier that Henry found his time to befriend with everyone's kids. To her silent shock, Emma found herself surprised that some friends she knew back in high school were still here and married even they have their own kids in Henry's age.
Regina rolled her eyes before comforting Emma's right arm before sending a smile toward the guests who complimented them on their matching outfits. Emma startled out of her thoughts and heard some words from the guest who complimented on her burgundy tuxedo.
"This is a gorgeous suit!"
"Thank you, ma'am." Emma sent a smile. Regina smirked with a glance on her suit and hummed with her approval. Some guests came upon them with the compliments but left quickly as the music started in the ballroom. Mary Margaret was in the corner, chatting with her husband and she glanced over at Everett and Neal who argued over the music book. Amy was lucky that she was a volunteer to help out as she can. Brad hung out with his friends somewhere in the ballroom.
Henry played the cards with his friends on the table. Cora smiled at the party as Henry Sr. kissed on his wife's cheek and whispered in her ear.
"What a wonderful party!"
"Thank you, darling." The oldest matriarch of the Mills family chortled with a peck on his lips. Zelena saw them and gagged in a silent mock. Julie was right next to her and laughed. Regina tugged Emma out of the dance floor and found their table in the front. Emma was a gentlewoman to pull up the chair for Regina and comforted her with a kiss on her cheek. Everyone voiced their hearts at their table while watching the women sitting next to each other. Ruby waggled her eyebrows at Emma and looked toward Regina.
The music began with the Christmas songs. It was a perfect night but not yet over. Mary Margaret decided that it was time to open the night and walked upon a stage. The applause went loud in the room as she stood behind a microphone. The band ended softly as they let Mary Margaret take over the stage for a few minutes.
"Merry Christmas, everyone!'
The people applauded with their cheers. Cora rolled her eyes at her husband. Henry Sr. snickered before taking his seat beside his oldest daughter, Zelena on the second table from the left by Regina's table.
"Some of you know me, Mary Margaret Blanchard-Nolan. But I am sure that the rest of you didn't know that I happened to be a 3x great or something like that granddaughter of Leopold Blanchard, a founder of Storybrooke. I am very honored to be here beside my family heritage for this beautiful town. Again, I am honored to take this place for Cora Mills, who happened to be a wonderful host of this Annual Christmas Ball. Please give her applause."
It did. Emma applauded louder. Regina tried to shush her but kept giggling at her mimics. Ruby rolled her eyes before looking over at Belle who was quietly talking with her girlfriend, Lily.
"Now, I cut this speech short. I hope you enjoy this Ball. I wish you the best of holidays. Be safe. Have fun!" Mary Margaret announced as the caterers began delivering their meal on every table.
The band rose up with some Christmas music. Some danced on the floor. The kids chased over each other and laughed. Some older people chatted at their table as they caught up with their life events. Ruby was arguing with some caterers about the delivery of the poor vegan meal toward her girlfriend, Lily. Granny Lucas rolled her eyes at herself for having a tempered granddaughter before chatting up with Cora in the corner about the catering. Henry Sr. was welcoming himself to dance with Mary Margaret for a dance.
David was chatting with his son, Everett about his work toward the law firm. Neal was in the band for a while. Amy took a break from working as a volunteer and caught her fiancé to discuss their next adventure. It left Regina and Emma sitting together and chatting with Kathryn on their life events.
It was almost over for the ball to wrap it up. The band went silently as Neal appeared up in the front and cleared his throat. Emma pecked Regina's cheek and went back to the bathroom for preparing herself. Henry Jr. returned back to his table but grabbed his drink before joining his brunette mother at her table. He wanted to stay with her and see Regina's reaction toward the proposal.
Cora and Henry Sr. tried to get someone to film a scene. Mary Margaret and David did too. Everett and Julie looked at each other with a grin. Amy whistled as she watched her baby brother taking up on the stage.
"Hello. It's almost over for this Ball. So, do you have a good time?"
The townspeople cheered with their drinks up in the air. Brad nodded with his salute. Amy laughed at him but paid attention to Neal. The brown-haired man chuckled as he looked around in the room.
"Alright, I don't have an announcement but I am sure that you are aware that my oldest sister has returned back from California a few weeks ago. For me, I am so happy that she is here. We've been not seeing each other for long time since Emma left this town ten years ago. Now, I am surprised that I have an awesome nephew, Henry Jr." He pointed toward him and Henry Jr. stood up with his waving hand. Regina smiled at him.
The applause was heard. Emma heard it too but she breathed deeply as she came back closer to the stage. Neal spotted her lurking in the backstage and he got a nod from Emma. He grinned as he continued speaking.
"So, I hope you have a good time today. But this is the one that it would be a great memory for this year's Annual Christmas Ball. Please welcome Emma Swan, my oldest sister!"
Emma exhaled deeply as she came upon the stage. The band quirked up with the beats. The applause went over the sound. Neal patted her back before leaving away. Mary Margaret kissed on his cheek and smiled. Emma looked around in the room and gestured toward the band behind her.
"Give some applause for the band! They worked hard all night. They sounded amazing!" She nodded excitedly and clapped for them. The band whistled some tunes. Emma scratched her ear with her anxiety with a sheepishly smile. Henry Jr. sent her a thumb up.
"Before we wrap this party up, I wanted to send my thanks to Cora and my mom for this beautiful party here! Also, the credit to my siblings who came to help the women. Lastly, for Henry Sr., I want to thank you for your blessed heart to see this party into the magical place that we came together to celebrate Christmas. But not this one to be last, I came here a few weeks ago to be reunited with this amazing woman that I left for ten years. I deeply regretted that I didn't come back but I did with my son, Henry. I wanted to show him where I grew up with a wonderful and loving family that I missed in my whole ten years."
Emma paused to take some breath but her eyes spotted the cameras in the air. It caused her to feel nauseous for a moment but her heartbeat into the rhythm. She sent a shaky laugh as her eyes went into Regina's brown eyes.
Cora and Mary Margaret smirked at the flushed blonde woman on the stage. Henry Sr. started to hold back his tears as he waited. David nodded as Ruby quietly discussed the permit on the beach from a few days ago.
"Uh. I'm grateful for my son to meet his other mother. I have been self-discovering on my own as I am with Regina. For me, I have one big regret and I haven't been faithful to her a long time ago. I've been struggling with my thoughts and feelings toward her since I have Henry as a single parent. But now, I realize that it is better if I have someone equally as I do parent our son together. Henry embraced Regina as his biological mother since we told him on the first day. He knew that he has the best family at this time. I changed my regret into a wonderful blessing to have Regina in my life. I thank Henry Sr. and Cora for having Regina in our life and also thank you for your blessing. So, this time, Regina. I'm going to have this life with you and besides our son together. I know it's very fast but I don't mind it too." Emma smiled with tears trekking on her face. The audience was crying too. Regina clasped her hand on her mouth as she cried. Zelena clapped.
"Regina Maria Mills, will you be my Christmas love for the rest of our life with our son?"
Regina shut her eyes as she sobbed. Emma was in her personal space as she waited. The brunette mayor finally nodded and said.
"Yes, I will! Yes, I will marry you."
Emma grinned before putting a diamond ring on Regina's left finger and kissed her. Regina embraced Emma in her arms. Behind them, the people cheered and their families wept with the joy. Henry jumped with hooray and ran after them for the group hug. The ladies chuckled when their son tackled them tightly.
Regina smiled up at Emma and kissed her again. Emma swooned at their kiss and Ruby whistled some calls. The music resumed up with a Christmas song, Winter Wonderland.
It finally was about time Emma returned home with her son. Actually, to Regina. It is their happily ever after. They fulfilled their love with happiness and regrets. Now, this time...
Will they stay together or will they fade away?
A/N: You may continue to celebrate this story. Long live Swen!