Regina woke to soft kisses being rained on her face. It was almost tickling, but she would be dammed if she made any sign of being awake because then Emma might stop. And if she stopped kissing her, she would also stop making that delightful little groaning sound. And Regina was really enjoying that. The kissing slowed down and then stopped. Emma giggled. "I know you're awake, beautiful" she whispered. Regina grinned, but kept her eyes closed. "Aw come on beautiful" she whined, "let me see those gorgeous eyes". Regina slowly opened them and looked at her. She raised her hand and pushed hair away from her face and behind her ear. "I love you Emma" she said softly. Emma felt the tears gathering in her eyes, as Regina's face showed her puzzlement. "I love you too Regina." She went on to explain, "no one has ever looked at me with that much love before. No one's ever looked at me the way you do." Regina gathered her in her arms and pulled her down against her chest. They lay there in silence, just enjoying the closeness. Regina was the first to break the silence. "So Emma," she breathed as she stroked fingers through golden locks, "in a few hours I'm going to be your wife." Emma grinned up at her. "I'm sooo excited!" she replied. Regina nodded. "I thought I would be nervous. I was terrified the first time around. But this feels so right Emma." Emma was nodding her head and grinning as she leaned back in for another kiss. A soft sweet kiss, that Emma eased out of. "Regina?" she asked in a way that reminded her of when Henry used to ask awkward questions. "Yes Emma" Regina replied in the tone that she reserved for those Henry questions. "When we went to bed last night, didn't we have two little people in with us? They don't seem to be here anymore."
Regina looked over to the empty space that their boys had occupied the night before. She was just about to suggest that they look for them, when she heard the door click open. They looked towards it and could see through the widening gap, that Calon was pushing with all his might, while looking upwards, presumably at his older brother. Henry shouted through as the door opened more. "Stop whatever it is you may be doing in there! Can we come in?" Regina blushed at the implication that Henry was making, but Emma just called out "hang on boys; just let me finish kissing your Mom!" "Ew Ma!" Henry cried out as Regina hit a laughing Emma across the arm.
Henry struggled in, almost having to climb over Calon, with a tray loaded with breakfast. All of their favourites were there, as well as a little vase with flowers and a card addressed to them both. Henry set the tray down carefully, then he picked Calon up and placed him on the bed next to Regina. She cuddled him in and held her hand out to Henry. When he went to her, she pulled him in against her too and kissed him "I love you Henry. I love you Calon" she kissed her youngest son too and then let go of Henry's hand so that he could sit on the bed with them. While they started their breakfast, Emma opened the card. She laughed as she pulled it out of the envelope. Written across the top was 'It Must Be Love' - the name of her favourite song and the one that she had tried so hard to make her and Regina's 'song'. The picture was amazing though. It was her and Regina in white dresses looking at each other and Henry and Calon either side of them. They were really well drawn, with lots of detail, but the best part of the picture was the smiles. The family all had huge smiles and it made Emma and Regina smile as they looked at it. Inside, Henry had written, very carefully, 'To the two best moms in the whole world. We love you so much, especially on your special day. Lots of love from Henry and Calon.' Henry had put lots of kisses, but the inside of the card was also covered with lots of little scribbles - Calon's contribution. Regina could feel tears start to make their way down her face, but she was too happy to cry. Emma laughed at her soppiness, throwing an arm around her shoulder and pulling her in for a kiss, but not before wiping a tear from her own eye first.
After a laughter filled breakfast, the family went into full-on wedding day mode. People started to arrive at the house to help get them ready and the family were separated. Regina was in the master bedroom with the hairdresser first, while Emma was in the guest room with the make up artist. Ruby and David were dressing the two boys in Henry's room, then when they were ready, David loaded them into his truck, so that Ruby could help Regina dress. Mary Margaret had also come to help Emma get dressed. It was going to be a feat of engineering to ensure both ladies left the house at the right time to make the ceremony, but without seeing one another.
But they did it. Both arrived at the Town Hall and were in place without seeing the other.
The ceremony was taking place outside, with a Y shaped aisle designed to allow them to walk the first part separately and then join together before making their way to the celebrant. Henry would be stood there too and they would join him for the ceremony. It seemed like most of the town were seated, ready to watch the wedding of the century. The string quartet was playing quietly, until the celebrant raised her hand and silence fell. The first four notes of the Bridal Chorus - Emma's request - played and both brides stepped forward. There was a gasp from the crowd as heads snapped from one side to another, both brides looking stunning. Regina and Emma met half way down the aisle and both stopped. Stunned. Emma looked incredible. She was wearing a thin veil over a small tiara crown. Her strapless ball gown style dress had a small train and the bodice was covered in the silver beading that was duplicated on Regina's dress. Her purple orchid bouquet matched her brides and she fiddled with it as Regina took her in. Regina was wearing a strapless empire waist gown with silver beading around the bust. It flowed simply to the floor, making Regina look every bit the queen that Emma teased her about. Her hair fell loosely and had small white flowers woven through it. Emma's eyes filled with tears as she shifted her bouquet to one arm to grasp Regina's outstretched hand. They squeezed digits as they exchanged watery smiles, both caught up in emotion. Regina turned them so that they could continue their walk down the aisle. They halted in surprise once more when they saw Henry and Calon stood side by side, hand in hand. Regina let go of Emma's hand and lifted it to Henry's cheek. She lowered her forehead to his and whispered "thank you". It was the most sincere he had ever heard his mom and he nodded and kissed her cheek in acknowledgment. Although him going to find Emma had brought much heartache in the early days, Regina regularly commented to Henry that she was forever grateful that he had done it, and wanted him to understand her happiness was all down to him and his actions. The celebrant called everyone to order, fearing that if she didn't get it started soon, emotions would be impossible to control. The couple had chosen to recite the traditional vows. Emma had playfully asked if Regina would promise to love honour and obey her. Regina had suggested Emma spend the night on the couch thinking about why that wouldn't happen! So it was a surprise to her when, during the vows, Emma promised to obey her. She grinned as she said it, but knowing in her heart that Regina would only ever want her to be happy - and that she was an equal to Regina.
Proud Henry passed over the rings at the appropriate time and Calon giggled and danced around them, wanting to be part of things too. Ruby got up to retrieve him, but Emma motioned for her to leave him. Their boys were both there with them as they made their promises: just as they should be. The time came for the pronouncement of their marriage and as they kissed a huge cheer went up from the gathering. Both women smiled at the sound, but continued kissing softly, until they could hear Henry just behind them, clearing his throat dramatically. Emma eased out of the kiss and looked over Regina's shoulder to wink and smirk at Henry, then leaned back in for another quick kiss.
An enormous marquee had been set up in the field next to the Town Hall and while Regina and Emma, plus the boys had some photographs taken, the guests made their way to the reception area. Eventually the happy couple joined them and the party began in earnest. There was plenty of food for all. Music was joyful and once people had eaten, they made their way onto the dance floor. There was a wonderful party atmosphere and faces everywhere were shining smiles.
As the light began to fade, attention was called for people to retake their seats. At the large table where the wedding party sat, Henry stood nervously, clutching a microphone. Regina leaned over "you don't need to make a best man's speech darling. If it's too scary, we don't expect anything from you." Henry nodded nervously, but opened his written speech anyway.
"Can I have everyone's attention please?" he asked with quiet confidence. An immediate hush fell. Henry's speech was important. "Mom and Ma have decided not to have lots of speeches today, but as best man, it's my duty to say something." He cleared his throat and raised the paper to begin reading. "Traditionally the best man's speech contains lots of jokes and embarrassing stories about the groom. Well, I've got plenty to tell you about my moms!" He looked over to his mothers and grinned. Regina blushed and Emma's eyes widened in panic over just what stories he would chose to tell. "But don't worry Mom, I'm just going to tell one story about Ma…" Emma groaned and leaned her head on her new wife's shoulder, muttering "typical!" Henry laughed and continued "I'll get that story over with now Ma and I know it's a story that Mom doesn't know already. Ma proposed to Mom on Calon's first birthday, right after his party was over. What Mom doesn't know is, she almost accidently got proposed to earlier in the day." Regina looked confused and turned to look at Emma who now had her face in her hands. "When we were helping Calon open his birthday presents, I noticed a really small box that didn't seem to look like it would be his. Luckily I picked Ma to ask and not Mom, because it was the ring and it would have spoiled the surprise. Somehow she had managed to lose the ring in amongst Calon's presents!" Everyone laughed as Emma groaned loudly and Regina kissed the side of her head lovingly.
"Okay, that's the worst of the embarrassing stuff moms." He grinned over at them and then picked up the piece of folded paper once more. It was well worn, with words scribbled out and had obviously been handled a lot, perhaps in rehearsing. He coughed away from the microphone and began to read. "Mom, Ma, this is your special day. The day when you've made promises in front of your friends, your neighbours and most importantly, your beloved handsome sons." He grinned cheekily at his parents and Regina and Emma both laughed as they blew kisses at him. "When I went to find my birth mom, I never realised I was also finding Mom's true love. It hasn't always been an easy love story, but it's been the best sort. Because now we're going to live happily ever after. All four of us." He paused when people awwwwd at his words and then he looked out over the people gathered there. "Most of you won't know much about Mom and Ma and their lives before here. Neither of them have great stories about growing up and they have many years of unhappiness behind them. But now that they've found each other, they only have happiness and love ahead of them. Ma. "He turned and looked at Emma. "I want you to know that I love you. I wish you hadn't had to give me up. You would have loved me as a little kid - I was really cute. But all of that is in the past now. You're an amazing mom and I know everything you do, is to make me, Calon and Mom happy. We're really lucky to have found you Ma." He winked at her as he turned his head to look at his Mom. "I love you too Mom. I know in the past we've fought, but honestly, I'm so glad that you are my Mom, I couldn't have wished for better. Thank you for looking after me and loving me." Regina wiped a tear from her eye and Henry ignored the one that lingered on his cheek. "Ma, Mom, you are both my real moms. Calon's real moms. Our family is all about love and I don't think you could find a family that loves each other more. Thank you for asking me to be best man. I'm proud to be able to give this speech and let everyone know that Calon and I love you both so much and we love being your sons."
Regina was openly crying by the time Henry's speech had ended. Emma was casually trying to wipe a stray tear away as she looked proudly over to Henry and mouthed 'I love you' to him. He grinned and then raised the microphone to his mouth once more and said "I now have the honour to ask the new couple to take to the floor for their first dance." Emma looked to Regina, a little panicked. In all the preparation, she hadn't given their dance a single thought. Which meant Regina had picked a song and would be expecting Emma to be able to dance appropriately. Regina picked up Emma's hand and led her to the cleared dance floor. Guests gathered around to watch and Emma felt incredibly self conscious. Until the first few piano chords. Emma stepped back in shock and she held onto Regina's shoulders for support. They were playing 'It Must Be Love' the song that she had been trying to persuade Regina was 'their song' since the very beginning of their relationship. Regina had always refused to accept it….until now. Regina pulled her back in close and started to hum along to the song, nuzzling into her, kissing her below her ear. "Surprise Emma!" she whispered. Emma giggled a little and then leaned her head back to see Regina's face, while still embracing her. Emma opened her mouth to ask what was going on, but Regina pushed forward with a quick kiss first. "Despite everything I've said Emma, this is our song. It's become our song. You sing it to me so often, that whenever I hear it, I think of you." Emma looked sheepish. "Um, sorry?" she offered. Regina laughed and said "yes, you want to be sorry Swan!" They swayed together and Regina began to sing along softly. "I've got to be near you, every night, every day. I couldn't be happy any other way" Emma smiled and kissed Regina's cheek. "As much as I hate to admit it, this song is perfect for us Emma." Emma nodded against Regina's head and she continued "it's not overly sentimental, but it says enough. I love you my Emma." Emma stopped dancing completely, the emotion in Regina's voice halting her movements. "I love you too, my beautiful Regina." She raised her hands to cup Regina's face and pulled her in to kiss. Even though it felt like they were the only two in the universe at that moment, Emma stayed mindful of the fact that they were standing in front of friends and loved ones, kissing, so she kissed her new wife languidly but chastely. She was about to pull back and dip her bride, put on a bit more of a show for those watching, when she felt a charging mass to the back of her knees and she needed to grab onto Regina to stay upright. Bored of watching his moms, Calon had escaped from the current person watching him and decided to join them. Emma turned and bent over to pick her son up, so that he could dance with them to the end of the song, while Regina looked over the crowd, searching for Henry. When she spotted him, she held out her hand to him and he joined them, the four of them holding each other as the last notes of the song played. The crowd gathered round them applauded as it finished and Regina encouraged others to join them and dance. As the next song began, Henry offered to take Calon off so that they could continue dancing. "Don't want to be seen dancing with your moms kid?" Emma teased him as he blushed. "Or just worried that we'll show you up?" Henry poked out his tongue, his little brother copying him when he saw it and he led Calon away from them. Emma pulled Regina back to her, looping her arms around Regina's waist, as Regina's arms rested on Emma's shoulders. Emma laid her head on one of the arms around her shoulder and closed her eyes. Regina kissed her softly and leaned her face into Emma's neck and the two danced slowly, just holding onto each other.
Eventually the party started to wind down. People were starting to leave and Calon was lying across Regina's lap, sleeping. Ruby and Granny made their way over to the new brides and congratulated them with kisses to the cheek, before taking the boys away, so that they could begin their honeymoon. They made sure to say goodbye to the last of their guests and then they slowly made their way to Regina's car, brought for them by David after the ceremony. Emma opened the passenger door for her new wife and then got in herself. They linked hands over the seat and took a moment to just gaze at each other. Emma lifted Regina's hand to her mouth and kissed the brand new ring that sat on her third finger. "Thank you for becoming my wife today Regina. Thank you for giving me my happily ever after." Regina smiled shyly and went to reply, but Emma was quicker. "This is the happiest day of my life, beautiful." She leaned over and kissed Regina, pressing her tongue against Regina's lips until she was granted entry. They kissed lazily, fingers grasping and stroking, until Regina pulled away. "I'm not a big believer in fate Emma, but it seems my happiness has always been about you. The first time I felt truly happy with my life was when I adopted Henry - your son. Then it was you who persuaded me that I could have Calon and manage - and look at the happiness he's brought me. And then, without meaning to, I fell in love with you. Head over heels Emma. I love you so much my Emma. I'm so excited to be your wife." And she launched herself over the seat until they were pressed against the window, up against the steering wheel and as uncomfortable as it was possible to be. They laughed as Regina pecked Emma on the lips and crawled off her. "Come on then, my wife, take me away on honeymoon!" Regina ordered. Emma had asked early on in their wedding arrangements, if she could organise the honeymoon as a surprise. Regina had felt nervous at first, wondering if trusting Emma with this was a sensible idea. But then she rationalised - she was organising a ceremony where she would be publically binding herself to this woman for the rest of their lives. She would trust Emma to plan a few days away. Emma started up the car and they roared down the main street, heading out of town. "Um, Emma, are we not going to go home and pack? Maybe get out of these dresses?" Emma looked over at her wife and linked their fingers together. "Suitcases are packed and in the trunk. Don't worry, I've packed everything you need, including that small bag that Ruby said you would want, but wouldn't let me look in…." her eyes shifted sideways to see a wry grin appear on Regina's face. "And as for the dresses. I don't know what universe you live in that you think I won't want to strip that incredible dress from your body and kiss every piece of skin that is exposed." Emma felt a shudder run through Regina at those words. "And if we go home and take the dresses off, then we'll never get away, so, even though this thing is making it nearly impossible to drive, we are staying in them until we get there." She grinned and squeezed Regina's hand, feeling her squeeze back in return. "I can't wait to get you out of that dress though, beautiful" Emma said. "I can't wait for you to see what's underneath it darling" Regina drawled, as Emma nearly drove them off the road.