"We should probably call Esme," Robin said as he slowly, and begrudgingly, pulled away from the soft embrace of Regina. He felt an overwhelming sense of content now that he knew that she was going to be his wife.
"Why is it so important to you?" Regina purred as she gently ran her thumb along the outline of his lips before gradually running her fingers through his hair.
"Why is what so important to me?" Robin asked. The sight of her precious and beautifully rare smile ensured that he was completely lost in the moment. He smiled as he looked into her eyes while she looked at him quizzically, yet with eyes full of love.
"Because I love you," Robin repeated.
"Will you love me any less without a piece of paper?" Regina said as as her smile grew. She wasn't entirely sure why she was smiling; she just couldn't quite help herself.
"A piece- Regina, marriage isn't about a piece of paper," Robin exclaimed. He knew that she was teasing, he need only look into her playful eyes to see that, however he couldn't help getting slightly more frustrated than her was sure Regina had intended. He wasn't frustrated at Regina, but at the fact he hadn't been able to get Regina to understand the significance to him of what he had proposed.
"Regina, I don't care about a piece of paper," Robin explained, as he gently stroked Regina's cheek with he back of his forefinger.
"That piece of paper doesn't tell me how much I love you, nor does it tell me how much you love me. My heart tells me that. Every bone in my body tells me that. What marriage does is prove to you, that I am devoted to you, and our family," Robin continued as he took both of Regina's hands in his.
"Regina, I have failed you. Many years ago, I promised to spend every moment of every day making you happy, and recently I have failed quite spectacularly. But you agreeing to be my wife," he explained as he removed his hands from hers and gently placed them on her waist. "you being my wife isn't actually for you." He gradually and gently pushed Regina closer and closer to the nearest tree, an action to which her smile changed; it changed from being full of love to full of desire. It was tantalising. Teasing.
"Oh wasn't it?" Regina giggled as she ran her hands from Robins hands the whole way up his arm, gently brushing her nails against his soft skin.
"No," Robin said as he slowly lowered his head to hers, and very softly kissed her neck.
"Then why?" Regina asked as she rolled her head back, enjoying the heat of Robins breath on her neck.
"You show me what strength is," Robin said as he kissed Regina firmly on the lips before pulling away.
"You show me what love is," Robin said as he repeated the same action.
"You make me better," Robin said. He barely had enough time to finish the sentence before Regina pulled him firmly into her. He steadied himself and Regina against a tree, and the two's lips met. Passion quickly grew to hunger, and the two needed, and wanted, each other greatly. As Robin slowly lowered his hands from Regina's waist, Regina tugged at his shirt. Robin, however, remembered their three very worried children and felt that they should know the good news. With that reminder, he slowly, and particularly begrudgingly dragged himself away from his beautiful fiancé.
"Kids," Robin announced clumsily, still pressed tightly against Regina; feeling her chest rise and fall with every breath. Regina giggled; his announcement was childlike. As if the word was more of a reminder for him than for her.
"The kids. Right. Do you want to do the honours?" Regina asked, as she took a moment to catch her breath. As Robin took a slight step backwards, Regina flirtatiously reached into his trouser pocket to bring out the cellphone that she knew Robin could barely use.
"You better. I'm still not used to this new….this new umm…" Robin stuttered as the feel of Regina's hand teased him; thus forcing the word to leave his brain.
"Cell phone," Regina finished as she pulled out the phone and began to dial.
"Cell phone. Right," Robin laughed as he gently brushed the hair out of her face. Regina stared at him for a moment, placed her hand gently on the back of his neck and kissed him softly.
"I love you Robin Hood," she whispered in his ear. He looked at her, exuding joy and warmth.
"And I love you, Regina Mills," Robin said as he used both of his hands to hold her delicate face. The two continued to stare at one another, blissfully lost in one another's eyes like giddy, lovestruck teenagers. That is until they heard a familiar voice.
"Mom? Robin?"
"Henry?" Regina asked as she whirled around to face the general direction she thought the sound had come from. As she turned around to face the direction her back had been, she saw Henry traipsing through the uneven, muddy forrest ground.
"Is everything okay?" Regain asked worriedly as she left the embrace of Robin and moved towards her son.
"Funny, I was here to ask you guys that. Are you guys good?" Henry asked both Regina and Robin. He wanted desperately to overlook the somewhat compromising position that he had found his mom and Robin in. Regina looked back to where Robin was standing and smiled somewhat as their eyes met.
"Yes, we are good," Regina said with a smile. She kissed Henry on the forehead and smiled as Robin placed his jacket around her while Henry gave her his scarf. Amidst all of the pain and heartbreak that had preceded that moment, she had forgotten that she was freezing; primarily due to the fact that she was wearing her bed camisole and a bedgown with some very unfashionable slippers. An outfit choice that was neither attractive nor warm.
"Good, Esme wants you home. Both of you," Henry said as he grabbed each of their wrists and slowly pulled them in the direction that he had just come from.
"What? Henry the town hall has been ruined-" Regina began but Henry continued to power through the leaves and twigs and dragged them both with him.
"Doesn't matter," Henry simply stated as he struggled to navigate the cold, slippery, leaf covered ground.
"Henry, we don't even know-" Robin began but Henry gave him a defiant look that signalled he should stop. What he was going to say was that he and Regina had not yet decided if they would get married today. Yes, she had agreed that they would get married, but Robin felt that she deserved better; he wanted her to have the day she dreamt of. As much as it pained him to admit it, he wasn't entirely sure that that could be achieved; not today.
"Esme, has sorted everything," Henry said as he turned around and smiled.
"She has?" Regina asked with a hint of surprise. Regina knew that Esme wanted her to have a perfect day, but she also knew that Esme had been struggling to adjust to being back home. The woman that returned from Messenne, the one what was vulnerable and open with her family, disappeared, especially after Hope's arrival. Although Regina hated to admit it, Esme had most certainly inherited her mother's defensive instincts; Hope's arrival had forced Esme to hide her vulnerability and protect her family. It had also caused a slight wedge between Robin and Esme; something that was unusual for the two as they were usually very close.
"Yup. Now, you need to poof back home because Esme wants to help you get ready," Henry said as he kissed his mother's cheek.
"And Roland and I are going to help you get ready at David's," Henry said as he turned to Robin. As Regina and Robin remained still, somewhat in shock at the sudden haste of events, Henry shot his mother a look that she knew all too well.
"Mom! Go!" he chastised. He continued to stare at her until she laughed a little with Robin before she poofed herself away in a glorious cloud of deep, purple smoke.
"And I come with you?" Robin asked. Henry simply nodded and the two walked towards Snow and David's house. He was actually glad of a few moments alone with Henry; the two had become more distant than Robin would have liked, much like he and Esme had. Robin was well aware of the change in his relationships; he struggled to maintain his relationship with his family in light of Zelena's wickedness. He was angry that he had given the witch exactly what she wanted these last few months, but she would not take his family; he simply would never let her.
"Henry, do you mind if we talk?" Robin asked the young man he had grown to love as a son. People were always keen to distinguish between the two - a biological son and a step-son - but Robin had never saw it as that. Perhaps it was because Regina had loved Roland as a son from the beginning, or perhaps it was because Henry was such a wonderful young man; but he had never thought of him as anything other than family, It was for this reason that Robin had noticed the slight changes in his, and Esme's, behaviour around him; he wanted that to change.
"Sure," Henry replied simply.
"Listen mate, I know things have been tough-" Robin began but Henry interrupted him by putting his arm around his shoulder.
"Robin, Esme explained everything so don't worry I understand. It may take a little time to get used to our new normal but we'll get through it. We're family," Henry said, to which Robin simply put his arm around Henry and patted his back; the common way for men to show their affection.
As they were about to enter Snow and David's apartment, they met a very flustered and rushed Snow.
"Everything alright?" Robina asked as Snow attempted to scurry away.
"Me? Oh yeah, I just forgot something," Snow said as she attempted to conceal a folded piece of paper in her hands. However, as she fumbled to conceal it, she dropped it, and Robin dutifully picked it up. As he lifted it, it began to unfold, and revealed an image that had Robin spellbound. It was an image of a day that Robin had barely remembered; the first time Robin proposed. They were seated in their meadow, surrounded by gorgeous flowers. Regina looked glorious; beaming with happiness and as her hands gently held Robin's face as they kissed, her green emerald ring was just visible.
"How-" was the only thing that Robin could say. This page, the one that looked ancient and crumpled, was from the book. Only, it hadn't been there before.
"I don't know. I picked the book up off the floor of Henry's room and it was opened at that. I thought it would be nice for Regina to have. I thought it might give her some hope…. unless you want it?" Snow asked. She saw the happiness that had come across Robin's joyous face, and felt obliged to offer the image to him.
"No, no. You're right. She deserves this," Robin said as he continued to stare at the image and smile. Henry, shielded from the image by an unknowing Robin, couldn't see the image that they were discussing.
"What is it?" Henry asked as he leaned over Robin's shoulder in an attempt to catch a glimpse of it.
"It's our happy ending," Robin said with a smile, before folding the page up once again and returning it to Snow.
"Take this to her. Thank you," Robin said before walking through to David's apartment with Henry. As Snow scurried along the corridor and out onto the street, she saw the beautiful day that had transpired and laughed slightly at the irony. Many years ago, it was Regina who had ruined her wedding to David. Yet now, Snow was rushing to give Regina one little thing that she genuinely thought would make her day that little bit more special. Snow laughed; although she liked to think that it was a wonderful reflection on her, it was truly a testament to Regina and the person that she had become. Regina had finally become the mother that Henry deserved and the woman she wanted to be; Snow was glad that she was now getting to see the benefits of goodness.
As she entered Regina's house, she was greeted by an oddly calm sound of laughter.
"Regina?" Snow called as she wondered where Belle and Granny had gone.
"In my room!" Regina responded. Snow walked towards the room, with the page carefully in her hand and smiled at the sight she was greeted by. Granny and Belle were in their best clothes and look stunning, but both were fussing over Esme who sat on a chair in front of Regina's vanity table. As Regina stood to the side and joked with her daughter, Granny carefully applied some blush to Esme's cheeks while Belle gently pulled the curlers out of her hair. After a few moments of spraying hairspray and perfume, Esme slowly got up and all four women gazed at her; their mouths covered in disbelief.
"Oh Esme," Regina whispered as she struggled to fight back yet more tears. She looked stunning. Her gorgeous brown hair fell down past her shoulders in gentle, soft curls. Her makeup was subtle, yet elegant and her gorgeous green eyes were set off by the brown shimmer that Granny had gently placed across her lids. All of this complimented the delicate, rose pink dress that she wore. Falling slightly below her knees, the strappy top melded to her slender frame before flowing from her waist.
"Mom, don't cry!" Esme remarked as she went to her mom and wrapped her in a hug. As Regina enjoyed her embrace for a moment, she was reminded of everything that she had missed out on in Esme's life and was simply grateful that she was here for this.
"Now come on, time to get you ready," Esme said.
"Oh, wait. We are going to let you two do that together, but I, well Robin, just wanted to give you this," Snow said as she handed Regina the crumpled piece of paper. Regina initially looked confused as to why a piece of paper was so significant that Snow had to return home. However when she opened it, she found out why. As Regina continued to stare at the image in disbelief, Esme joined her mother and stared at the image.
"Mom, what is this?" Esme asked, baffled by what the page meant. This looked like Regina's memory; the one where Robin proposed. But that hadn't been in the book before, Esme was sure of it. Esme looked from the image to her mother; Regina was smiling as she gently ran her fingers delicately across the page.
"He was right" Regina laughed; she couldn't help but smile as she reminisced about that moment; a moment that, although it had long escaped her memory, was now a very permanent part of her life. This page was the epitome of that.
"Thank you," Regina said, as she looked at Snow. Snow and Regina stared at each other for a moment; both of them understood the deeper meaning behind the common phrase. Regina, much like Snow, would never forget the woman she once was; she knew exactly what she had done to Snow. In many ways, what Zelena had done to her was exactly what Regina had done to Snow all those years ago, and so Regina needed her to know how grateful she was. Grateful for her forgiveness, her support, and more importantly, her friendship. Snow understood this, and simply hugged her in response. Esme smiled at the encounter; although Regina was most definitely genuine in her gratitude, but she wasn't particularly affectionate. Nevertheless, Regina smiled and chatted as she walked Snow and the others to the door. Esme waited in Regina and Robin's bedroom, slowly gathered her things and imagined all of the scenarios that would soon unfold.
"What are you smiling about?" Regina asked as she laughed slightly and lent on the doorframe with her arms crossed.
"Me? Nothing!" Esme laughed but Regina wasn't convinced. As she continued to stare at her daughter, Esme knew that Regina wanted her to continue.
"I'm just excited, that's all! Aren't you?" Esme asked.
"I'll be more excited when-"
"When you're up that aisle and exchanging your vows, I know. And I promise you, that is exactly what is going to happen," Esme swore as she grabbed her mothers hands and brought her to the vanity table. As Regina sat at the table and stared in the mirror she relished in the reflection. Not hers, but what she saw. Esme was joking and smiling as she gently pulled the curlers out of Regina's hair; the two gossiped and laughed so much that Esme had to reapply Regina's blush pink lipstick twice. This image was something Regina had dreamt of ever since she found out about Esme.
"So where exactly am I getting married?" Regina laughed as Esme gently applied some blush to her cheeks.
"It's a surprise," Esme whispered whimsical and with a slight giggle. Regina gazed at her daughter in utter amazement. How could it be that less than a year ago, Regina didn't even know that she existed. But now, as she sat there and stared at her daughter, there was nothing she wouldn't do for her, nothing she wouldn't give for her. Regina had imagined this day for years, but maybe the reason it hadn't happened earlier, maybe the reason for all of those bumps in the road was so that Regina could sit on a vanity chair and smile as her daughter helped her get ready for her wedding. Maybe Robin was right; it was all about timing.
"You ready for your dress?" Esme asked. With that, Regina's heart fluttered slightly; she was excited and nervous and happy all at once. Those butterflies then multiplied once Esme unzipped the dress bag. As Regina stepped into the soft, white dress, Esme gently pulled the zip up and the two walked to the mirror. Both were taken aback by the reflection.
"Mom, you look… stunning," Esme whispered as she struggled to stop her voice from cracking. Regina's dress was stunning. It was a simple, A-line satin gown. The exquisite lace bodice fitted her perfectly and gently expanded once it reached her hips into a gorgeous princess-like gown. There was nothing overtly extravagant about it, no embellishments or diamonds, but that seemed perfect. The Evil Queen loved decadent outfits but this dress was a true symbol of how Regina had evolved. It was modest, elegant, stunning; like her. Regina, however, was smiling for a very different reason; the reflection. Regina was startled by how Esme was an almost perfect combination of Robin and herself; her raven hair and eyes were Regina's but her nature and facial features were all Robin. Regina allowed a slight tear to fall down; something Esme was quick to notice.
"Hey! No tears! What's wrong?" Esme said as she pulled Regina around to look at her and gently patted the tear; trying to remove as little makeup as possible in the process.
"No, no. Nothing's wrong. I… I just never thought i'd have this," Regina said as she smiled and cried some more while Esme got more tissues from Regina's bedside table.
"Have what?" Esme asked as she handed her mom some tissues.
"Robin. Henry. Roland. You. I dunno, it just… i'm just so glad that you're here," Regina said as she ignored the tissues that Esme had handed to her and pulled her daughter into her arms.
"Me too mom. Me too," Esme said, as she gently hugged her mom back, trying not to damage Regina's dress. As the two enjoyed the comfort in their bond, one that was getting stronger by the day, the two jumped at the rude yet familiar buzz and bleep of Esme's knew phone.
"Oh!" Esme shouted as she jumped, before she realised the source of the noise.
"Stupid phone. Mom, do you see it?" Esme said as she frantically searched for the source of her annoyance. She wasn't sure exactly how, but she was almost certain Henry had purposely picked the one sound that would anger Esme most; it was a horrendous foghorn that blared at full volume.
"It's on the bed," Regina said as she giggled at her daughters anger.
"Stupid thing. Ugh! Mom, can you turn this off? It won't… it won't work!" Esme asked as she frantically tried sliding her finger across the screen, just like the phone told her to do, but it wasn't working. Regina laughed as she took the phone out of Esme's hand and stopped the incessant bleeping that she also found exceptionally irritating.
"Thank you!" Esme said, exasperated as to why something that Regina had made look so simple had taken her so long to figure out.
"What was that alarm for?" Regina tried to say through her laughs.
"Hey! That's a very fancy phone, it's gonna take me a while to get used to it!" Esme said as she playfully slapped Regina's arm. She then hurried through the room and frantically grabbed as much as she could before eventually heading towards the door. It was not until she got to the door that she realised she had forgotten one fairly fundamental thing; the bride. As she turned to get her mother, she laughed as Regina had remained in the spot where Esme had left her; albeit somewhat confused at Esme's sudden haste.
"Oh, that alarm was my reminder that you and I have to leave," Esme said as she grabbed her mom's hand and pulled her through the house to the door. The house wasn't as messy as Esme thought it would be, which was perfect. She and the boys hadn't really had enough time to plan a proper honeymoon for the two; the least she could do was make sure they didn't come home to a huge mess. Although Esme had initially grabbed Regina's hand simply to prompt her to move, Regina didn't let go, not even once they had left the house. Thus,as the two women walked hand in hand through the street, Esme felt comfortable enough to ask her mom a question.
"Mom?" Esme said as she turned to her mom.
"Yeah?" Regina said with a smile. Prior to Esme's question she was blissfully out of tune; she didn't have one worry in her mind and that was absolutely fine.
"Back at the house, what did you mean when you said 'he was right'?" Esme asked. She thought it had been odd at the time, but she didn't want to ask her mom something that was clearly personal infant of Granny and Belle.
"Oh. Well, you remember the story in the book about when I left that tavern, the one Robin was in?" Regina explained as she linked her arm with Esme's and continued to walk.
"Yeah?" Esme answered.
"Well a couple of years ago, I told Robin how I wished I had gone in. If even for a second, maybe things would have turned out differently. But he said, maybe its all about timing. I never really understood what that meant until now," Regina explained but as she looked at Esme, who's brows were furrowed, she laughed and continued.
"When I saw you standing next to me, I realised that Robin was right; everything that has happened has brought you here. It's brought you home. There is nothing that we want more than that," Regina said as she gently placed one of Esme's curl that had fallen out of place behind her ear.
"I'm glad I get to be here too," Esme said as she playfully nudged Regina's shoulder. Esme was an affectionate person, she found great power and comfort in the simplicity of a hug, but she was not a huge fan of the mushy gushiness.
"So, lovely as it is, exactly how far do we have to walk?" Regina asked; half joking half not. She had been holding the beautiful lace train of her dress the entire way and so her hand was gradually beginning to cramp and the heels she was wearing were more for look than practicality.
"Not far," Esme said with a laugh as she slowly pulled Regina off the road and into the forrest.
"Wh- No, no no. The forrest? I'm in heels!" Regina protested.
"I am too! Don't worry the terrain is pretty level-"
"You are so your fathers daughter," Regina mumbled as she clung to Esme's arm for balance as she tried to navigated the twigs and slippery autumn leaves.
"I've been called worse," Esme laughed as she watched Regina trudge through the forrest. As the two rounded a corner, Esme watched in delight. Although they were hidden behind a wall of trees, Regina still had a spectacular view of what Esme had been working so hard on. There was a beautiful, natural canopy that the trees had made just east of the town centre. The huge, aged oaks had formed a stunning, wide corridor, which provided Regina with a unique and perfect aisle. Granny had helped Esme carry over a few chairs, which they had then draped with some willow and honeysuckle that she had found a few meters or so west. Esme had scattered some rose petals to differentiate between the beautiful yellow and orange leaves below the chairs and the aisle. The trees that were predominantly leafless flooded the area with intricate patterns of warm, yellow sunlight while also enclosing the open space. At the end of the aisle was the arch that Esme had brought from Granny's and had decorated with some beautiful green crawlers and whatever flowers they could find. The area looked stunning; Regina was astounded.
"Oh Esme…" was all Regina could manage to say. Robin would love this; it was perfect in every way.
"You like it?" Esme said as she beamed with pride.
"Like- I love it. This is more than I could ever im-" Regina began but once again, the beauty of the place quite literally took her breath away. More surprising than the beauty was the fact that the seats were filled. Storybrooke was an exceptionally small town, and Regina knew that she had tormented almost all of its inhabitants; thus to see almost everyone there to celebrate with her was something Regina had only ever dreamed of.
"Good," Esme said as she gave her mothers waist a tight squeeze before giving her a gentle kiss on her cheek.
"You have nothing to worry about, okay? Everyone asked to be here; they want you to be happy," Esme implored, hoping to relieve some of the worry that was still creeping into her mothers expressions.
"Everyone?" Regina asked as she eventually saw Henry and Roland walk towards them. The sight of them both in their suits was the one thing that left Regina unable to control her emotions and a tear of joy gently cascaded down her cheek as Henry pulled her into a tight embrace.
"You look gorgeous mom," Henry said as he clung to his mom.
"Thank you honey," Regina whispered as she returned the favour and clung to her son.
"Yeah everyone," Esme said. "I've protected this space with every protection spell imaginable so Zelena won't be able to try anything," Esme explained.
"It's true. We used every spell in Belle's book both on her cell and here so you're good to go," Henry explained. Esme and Regina laughed at his sportsman like response; he seemed so grown up in his suit yet so young as he held his mothers hand.
"Gina, you look really really pretty," Roland said as he wrapped his little arms around Regina's waist. Regina thanked him before she crouched down and kissed his cheek; an action that caused him to giggle. As the family began to laugh simply at Roland's little giggle, Snow slowly and quietly walked towards them carrying Hope. Her little dress matched Esme's and she had a pretty white bow that was clipped to her fair, brown hair.
"Oh Regina, you look stunning," Snow said as she handed Hope to Esme, who happily bounced the baby girl.
"Thank you," Regina said, feeling somewhat self-conscious as the nerves began to build.
"Enjoy this," Snow said simply, after which she hugged Regina and returned to her seat.
"Okay guys, you ready?" Esme asked her family.
"Almost. Hey mom?" Henry asked.
"Yes?" Regina said sceptically.
"I know I was supposed to walk down with Roland but… I would really like to be the one to walk you down the aisle. Would that be okay?" Henry asked tentatively. He looked a Esme for a moment; unsure as to whether his last minute plan would disrupt her perfectly planned day. Esme, however, had the same expression on her face as Regina; they were both teary eyed and had ridiculous smiles on their faces.
"Oh Henry," Regina said, as she pulled Henry in close to her. She could burst with pride at the incredible young man that he had become; he had loved her long before she even deserved it and she could never thank him enough for that.
"Is that a yes, because we've really got to get going," Henry said as his mother squeezed him slightly too tight.
"Yes, that's a yes," Regina laughed as she carefully wiped her eyes. With that, everything moved so quickly. As Esme, and Hope, ran to the corner of the top of the isle, she gave a little thumbs up to Snow who pressed play on Henry's phone before taking her seat. A beautiful, orchestral song echoed through the picturesque setting as Esme ushered little Roland, and his white satin pillow that contained the rings, down the aisle. It was then that Esme began to slowly walk down the aisle, carrying the cherubic baby Hope in her arms. Then, it was Regina and Henry's turn. As the two turned the corner and neared the top of isle, Henry extended his arm and smiled.
"You ready?" Henry asked as he glanced at his mother. She had this look on her face; one that was so full of emotion that it made it difficult for even him to decipher how she was feeling. But despite the nerves that he knew she must be feeling, she was happy. She was his mom, he knew her better than anybody, and he just knew that today was a day she had been waiting years for. It was a day everyone had been waiting for; but especially Regina.
"Ready," Regina said as she beamed. How could she not be? Her daughter had planned a truly perfect day, her son was walking her down the isle, her other soon to be son was standing beside the man she was going to love for the rest of her life and she was surrounded by people that had given her the best gift she could receive; forgiveness. The entirety of the walk down the isle, all Regina could do was stare at Robin and the spectacular, pride-filled smile that was spread across his face. Regina knew that she was wearing the same, ridiculously wide smile as Robin; she just didn't care. She didn't care if she looked ridiculous. She didn't care if everyone stared. With every step that she and Henry took, she was one step closer to marrying the man that she knew she was born to love. As she and Henry neared the end of the aisle, Regina's hands trembled slightly as Henry hugged Robin before transferring Regina's hand form his own to Robin's.
As Dr. Hopper stood smiling below the arch, Robin beamed with pride as he held Regina's hands. As he looked to Regina's right, he saw his eldest daughter holding his youngest daughter and as he looked behind him to his left, he saw his son proudly holding the hand of his son-to-be son. This was his family. This was his life. He couldn't be happier.
"Well, thank you everybody. Please be seated," said Dr. Hopper as he addressed the crowd that had come to celebrate Robin and Regina's day.
"Today, we are here to celebrate a day we weren't always sure would happen…" he began, however his somewhat questionable start was met with confused glares from Regina and Esme and so he quickly continued the speech he had meticulously planned.
"..but one that I am so glad has come," he said as he smiled warmly at Regina, hoping that somehow his smile would reflect how proud he was.
"As much as I would like to ramble on, I am under strict instructions to keep this concise," Dr Hopper said as he nodded playfully towards Esme who laughed.
"And so, I believe that you two have prepared some vows. Regina?" Dr. Hopped said as he gestured towards Regina before taking a slight step backwards. This was the part that Regina was least looking forward to; doing this in front of so many people. She hadn't imagined having so many people at her wedding - at least not since she was a young girl - and she was grateful. She was so very grateful for their support and their forgiveness. But she was also nervous. She had been so isolated and so closed off for so long that opening herself up, telling everyone how she felt, somehow seemed odd. It went against everything that she had been forced to get used to for years. As Regina struggled to remember the words she had written down and practised hundreds of times, Robin squeezed her hand and began to talk.
"Actually, I would like to go first if you don't mind?" Robin said as he asked Dr Hopper, who simply nodded in response.
"Well, who would have known we would ever be here? A common thief marrying an ex evil queen," Robin began as the crowd murmured with laughter.
"Regina, I have loved you for as long as I can remember. I know that we have been through so much and that sometimes it seems like anything and everything is trying to keep us apart. But we have overcome all of it. We have overcome every obstacle. We have endured every trial. And the reason we are together is because we are meant to be. Every single day, I am mesmerised by you. I am continually astounded by how much you love our children, how unfathomably strong you are and how you have overcome the darkness that once consumed you. It has been my pleasure to by your side as you walk into the light, and I swear to you now, that for as long as you will have me, it would be my stand by your side for the rest of our lives," Robin said. As Regina's smile grew with every word, Robin gently wipes away a tear that was slowly making its way down her cheek. As she continued to stand in one place, silent, Robin laughed.
"Now it's your turn," he whispered.
"Oh, umm. Well, i'm going to keep this short," Regina said. Much like they had done with Robin, the crowd muttered with some laughter; clearly aware that Regina was uncomfortable and trying to make light of the incredibly personal moment.
"Robin, I love you. And there is nothing that I want more than to spend the rest of our lives together. Growing old. Raising our kids. Our family taught me to be happy; and for that I will be forever grateful," Regina said and with that she squeezed Robin's hands; willing him to realise that there were so many things that she wanted to say but couldn't. What she said wasn't even remotely close to the vows that she had written days ago, and rehearsed for hours; but it was concise and it was beautiful. So beautiful that almost everyone who had attended the ceremony could practically feel the love between the two. Esme glanced at Henry from across the aisle and as their two eyes met, Esme saw that Henry was the happiest that he had ever been; after all, not only had his mother changed the type of person that she was, now, with Robin, she had finally got the happy ending that she deserved.
"Well I guess now it's my turn again," Dr Hopper interjected as he stepped forwards to address the town once again. It was then that he continued with the typical wedding questions. As Robin and Regina exchanged their "I do's" neither of them could help but smile. For Robin, it was an odd yet wonderful moment. This was his second wedding, and although he truly loved Marion, the love that he felt for Regina was different; incomparable. He couldn't distinguish the reason why. It just was. And it was wonderful. He had loved Regina long before he met Marion, yet despite everything that had happened that made him lose Regina, they found each other once again; they were fated. Robin had always known that, there was just something in his gut that knew he and Regina were simply meant to be; so that moment, the second that he said 'I do' felt like the final piece in a puzzle. For Regina, this day marked the beginning.
"Well now that that's out of the way, it is with great pleasure that I now pronounce you man and wife!" Dr Hopper exclaimed and just as he was about to open his mouth to continue, Robin had already pulled Regina into him tightly. With one hand on her waist and the other gently cupping her chin, Robin finally kissed his wife. As the two kissed, everyone who had attended the wedding got to their feet and cheered and clapped. Esme, Roland and Henry threw confetti over the newlyweds. Although both Robin and Regina knew that their kiss had probably gone on for long enough, neither could bring themselves to pull away. They were happy. Not only had their friends been able to see them do something they had longed to do for decades, but they had their family surrounding them. They were under no illusions that things would indeed be difficult, but somehow, that just didn't matter. They knew that they could face anything so long as they had their family and each other. Now they did. And so marked the beginning of the Hood-Mills family.