As promised, Emma was home by noon. She entered the mansion and could immediately smell cheese. A smile crept onto her face, as she made her way to the kitchen.
Upon entering, she noticed Regina standing there with her back towards her. The brunette hadn't heard her come in, due to her headphones.
Emma slowly made her way towards the brunette, who jumped when Emma wrapped her arms around her. "I didn't hear you come in." The blonde chuckled at Regina's statement.
"Obviously," she said. The brunette playfully rolled her eyes and turned around to kiss Emma.
"Happy birthday, my love." The two smiled at each other and stayed in that position a little while longer.
"Come on, let eat. After all, I made your favorite; grilled cheese." The blonde pecked Regina's lips once more, before following her to the dining room.
Regina handed Emma a glass of wine and took one for herself, before sitting down across from the birthday girl.
Halfway through their meal, Emma frowned. "Babe, where's Chiara?" Regina smiled.
"Your parents are watching her this afternoon and Henry's picking her up after school." Emma let out a relieved breath.
"So, now that we're alone… I wanted to give you something." The blonde said.
Regina frowned. "You do realize it's your birthday, right?" Emma rolled her eyes and nodded.
"Does that mean you don't want it?" Regina's eyes widened.
"Of course, I want it, Emma. Everything you give me is always so perfect." They looked into each other's eyes lovingly.
Emma stood and walked around the table, kneeling next to Regina. She pulled a small box out of her pocket.
"Most people fall in love, get married, have kids, fight and get a divorce, but we are definitely not most people. We started with the divorced couple fights, had our kids and then fell in love. I think it's time we take this relationship to the next level."
She opened the box and handed it to the brunette. "Regina Mills, will you marry me?" Regina had tears in her eyes. For the first time in her life she couldn't speak.
"Yes," she whispered, when she'd finally regained her ability to talk. Emma took the beautiful ring out of the box, placing it on Regina's finger and kissed her passionately.
"This is without a doubt the best birthday ever!" Emma said when they broke apart. Happy tears were running down both women's cheeks.
Regina admired the ring. It was a simple band with the words 'True Love' engraved on the inside. It had a black diamond surrounded by two white ones.
"It's beautiful!" Regina said, looking up into Emma's eyes. The blonde was smiling widely.
"I love you, baby." Emma said, before once more kissing the brunette's lips.
"I love you too, my darling."
They spent the rest of the afternoon almost glued together, until their children entered the house. "Happy birthday, Ma!" Henry yelled, upon entering the living room, where the women were sitting on the couch.
He placed his sister into his blonde mother's lap, before kissing her cheek.
"She said 'yes', Henry," Emma said, still smiling widely. The young boy chuckled.
"Of course, she did, Ma. You two are perfect for each other." He said, before turning to his other mother. "Congratulations, Mom. Now, we can be a real family."
Both mothers smiled at their children. This was how it was meant to be. This was their Happy Ending.