Chapter 5

Neal and Emma were back in their apartment and he knew he was on a deadline. He figured Robin was thinking of all the ways he could get away with murder. He saw Emma about to turn on the tv when he called her name.

"We need to talk," Neal said. "It's about the ring."

A curious expression formed on her face. "Okay," she said slowly. She gave him her full attention.

"I didn't mean for any of this to happen. I didn't know you were going to find it so soon and I didn't have to heart to tell you. I didn't want to see the disappointed look in your eyes," he said which caused her worry to set in.

"The ring-

He stopped when Emma's phone rang. She groaned before answering the call. "Sheriff Swan," she answered. It was a call about a break in. She hung up the phone.

"So much for relaxing today," she muttered. She faced Neal again. "Can we finish this later?"

"Yeah," he said.

It took Emma an hour along with to sort the situation out. It turned out that somebody was playing a prank on a neighbor. She was about to head to the vehicle when she heard the familiar sound of heels clicking against the pavement.

"Ms. Swan, I trust this situation has been rectified," Regina said.

"Back to the mayoral voice," Emma replied.

Regina scoffed. "As long as you work for me, yes."

"Anyway, the situation has been resolved. It was a stupid prank," Emma replied. "How did you know about this break in anyway?"

"Do I really need to remind you that I still have eyes everywhere in this town?" Regina questioned.

"No you don't," Emma shot back. She proceeded to head to her vehicle again when Regina noticed something.

"Is everything alright?" Regina asked.

"Neal," she said. "I think I'm going to get him an engagement present. I think he really is upset that I found it early. He said he didn't want to disappoint me."

Regina stifled a laugh. Emma growled a little.

"It's not funny," she hissed.

"Like I said, your timing is impeccable," Regina replied. "If you need someone to help you, I'm willing."

Emma tilted her head to the side. "Robin really has changed you. I remember a time when you wanted to kill me…repeatedly."

"Keep being annoying and I'll have to rethink my decision on allowing you to live," she said in her evil queen voice.

"Whatever," Emma said. "Come on."

They arrived at the jewelry store and Emma went immediately for the watches. She briefly thought about the past but shook herself out of those thoughts. Regina followed her and started looking as well.

A voice startled them. They looked up from the glass case to see the jeweler waiting on them and also looking at Emma's finger.

"I just sold that ring to a fellow a few days ago. He and his friend were shopping for it. He looked kind of overwhelmed."

Emma laughed. Neal would have some trouble shopping for rings. The jeweler went on to say, "Luckily his friend was able to calm him down."

Regina smirked. "What did these two men look like?"

"Both had brownish hair. Medium build. I distinctively remember the one with the accent. He was the one who felt overwhelmed."

Their eye widened at that statement. "I'm sorry," Regina said confused.

The jeweler took a minute to think. "Yes, I recall them looking for an hour for the ring. I believe a Robin was mentioned." He turned his attention back to Emma. "I take it you are the lucky woman."

"That I am," she said trying to keep the sudden anger out of her voice. She didn't say another word and walked out the store.

Regina gave the jeweler an awkward smile and walked out. Emma was pacing with her hands on her hips. She was muttering.

"Emma," she called out.

"I'm going to kill him," Emma snapped. "He let me believe this stupid ring was mine," she continued. She held her forehead. "I just announced I'm engaged."

"First off, I'm sure there is a reasonable explanation why this happened," Regina said trying to be the friend. Emma narrowed her eyes at her. "Although I can't think of one right now. Secondly, you're wearing my engagement ring."

Emma let a low growl rumble in her throat. "I know." She took it off and handed it to Regina. "Congratulations."

Regina suppressed her joy. She couldn't rub in Emma's face. "What are you going to do?" Regina asked.

"I don't know," Emma said.

An idea popped in Regina's head. "How about we have a little fun?"