Sorry I haven't updated in a while but school started this week so I've been super busy. Updates are going to be less frequent…you can blame stupid school :( Enjoy! And I'm sorry it's like super long!

Chapter 42: Riding and a Wedding

Mandy and Jake had been going to the stables every morning; they even invited Henry since he was dying to learn. She was desperate to get better and learn how to ride as well as her parents, although Jake told her that would be impossible in just four days. She was slowly overcoming her fear of heights as long as she and the horse were going slow.

"Great job, Henry! That was an awesome jump." Jake congratulated him. "I've never seen someone get the hang of riding as fast as you did."

Henry smiled at his accomplishment. "I guess it runs in the family."

"It runs in my family too and I'm still trotting." Mandy frowned.

"We're just taking things slow, Mands. You're doing so well for someone who is scared." Jake said trying to reassure her that she was doing great.

Mandy huffed. "This sucks."

"Once you get over your fear, I'm sure you'll be an excellent rider." Henry said trying to give her encouragement.

"Yea, yea, yea…"Mandy waved him off. "I want to move on."

"Are you sure?" Jake asked.

"Positive." She said firmly. "So do I just kick the horse three times then?"

"Yes, but only if you're sure."

Mandy kicked the horse three times and took off in a canter. She was startled by the difference in speed at first but got used to it. So far so good. She went around the field a few times before stopping next to Henry and his horse.

"That was good. Were you scared at all?" Jake asked.

"At first." She admitted. "But it didn't seem that fast after a few minutes."

"See. I knew you could do it." Henry said smiling.

Before Mandy could thank him, a loud rumble of thunder was heard with a flash of lightning. Henry's horse began freaking out and rearing up uncontrollably.

"Henry, control your horse!" Mandy screamed. "You're starting to freak Caster out!"

"I don't know how to stop him!" Henry yelled. He was scared out of his mind. "Jake, do something!"

Jake tried to calm the horse down but nothing seemed to be working. "The thunder spooked them."

Henry couldn't hold on anymore from the constant jerking backwards and began slipping. Mandy was also trying to control her horse from bolting and hold on when she saw Henry slipping. She wanted to keep both hands on the reins but she knew if she wanted to save Henry she would have to let one hand go. She reached out her hand just as Henry was about to hit the floor. It felt like déjà vu for him, since that was how they met. Before she could set Henry down gently, she fell backwards off the horse as they both fell hard to the ground. Their horses took off running once they were free of their riders.

Jake didn't know who to check on first. He was just as scared for them, as they were themselves. He ran over to Henry since he was the closest. "Hey buddy, are you alright." Jake helped him sit up.

Henry began rubbing his shoulder. "Yea, pretty sure. Go check on her."

He nodded and moved on to his girlfriend. "Mands? Are you okay?"

Her eyes were open and she was having trouble breathing. "Did you get the wind knocked out of you?" He asked.

She couldn't say anything only patted his hand signaling he was right. He let her remain still until her breathing had improved and she was able to speak again. Henry found his was to her other side, still clutching his shoulder.

Jake helped her sit up. He thought she was going to cry because most girls would have but not Mandy. She didn't care about her injuries; she wanted to make sure Henry was okay. He assured her he was and that it was nothing.

Mandy lightly put her hand on the shoulder that was bothering him and she saw him wince in pain. "Fine, you say?"

"Okay, not fine but I will be."

She didn't believe him and began healing his shoulder. "Stop trying to be all macho, everyone feels pain Henry." He thanked her once again for saving him from falling off the horse. It would've been worse if she didn't slow down the fall.

It began to rain as the storm was quickly approaching. The boys helped Mandy up carefully. "Are you sure you're not hurt?" Jake asked once she stood up.

Mandy took off her helmet and handed it to him. "I'm fine, really. Can we get out of this rain?"

They started to walk back to the barn when it started to pour. As they were running, Mandy felt a little dizzy but didn't want to alarm Jake and Henry so she kept it to herself. They made it back to the barn but were completely soaked.

"Should we wait out the storm?" Jake asked them as he looked outside.

"Mandy can poof us home, right?" Henry asked.

"Yea, sure." With a wave of her hand they expected to be at Regina's but were actually a block away still outside.

"I thought we were going your house?" Jake questioned.

Mandy shrugged. "We were supposed to. I probably wasn't concentrating enough."

"Do you want to try again?" Henry asked.

"We're almost there. Let Mandy conserve her energy." Jake said as they both turned to walk towards the mansion.

"Wait!" Mandy said causing them both to turn around. "Let's not say anything about this little incident or the one at the stables."

"Why?" Jake asked.

"If they thought we got hurt, they might want to supervise us riding or they might not let us ride at all. I don't want either of the two happening." Mandy said trying to keep the water out of her eyes.

"Neither do I." Henry admitted.

"Alright, we won't say anything." Jake agreed although he still was unsure about the whole idea.

Henry ran the rest of the way home but Jake stayed with Mandy who didn't feel like running. When they finally got to her house, Regina was waiting at the door with her arms crossed.

"She doesn't look too happy." Jake whispered to her as he opened the gate.

"No, she does not." She said as she passed him. She quickly walked up the path and under the awning as Jake followed.

"Why didn't you come home as soon as it started raining?" She asked not giving her daughter time to say something before her.

"We were having trouble with the horses. They weren't cooperating when we tried to get them back in the barn." She said. It was only half a lie. "Sorry."

Regina sighed. "Get in the house. Both of you." They went in without another word. "Take your shoes off."

"You must be Jake." Daniel said coming out of the living room. "Nice to finally meet you."

Jake shook his hand. "You too, sir. Sorry, my hands a little wet."

"It's quite alright. Why don't we get you cleaned up and then we can have a little chat?" Daniel said leading him through the kitchen. He looked back to Mandy who mouthed the word 'Sorry' to him before he disappeared behind the door.

"Where's Henry?" Mandy asked.

"He went up to get changed. I suggest you do the same." Regina said pushing her lightly up the stairs.

She turned mid-way up the stairs. "I'm gonna get a shower. Could you tell Jake I said goodbye and that I'm sorry he got stuck in an awkward conversation with dad?"

Regina smiled. "You're not going to try to save him?"

Mandy smirked. "I'd only lose."

Regina nodded in agreement. "Yes, you probably would."

Jake came out from the laundry room where he put his clothes in the dryer and changed into something of Daniel's. Daniel was sitting at the kitchen table, waiting for him to come back out. Jake took a seat across form him. He was sweating, although it looked like he was still wet.

"Now" Daniel began. "I don't want to be that dad who threatens his daughter's boyfriend but I will hurt you if you break her heart, understood?"

Jake nodded. "I…" Daniel held up his hand. "Let me finish." Jake nodded again without attempting to speak this time.

"You are to be a polite gentlemen to my daughter at all times and don't try anything on her. Remember, just because I'm not there doesn't mean I don't have other people to be my eyes…"

Jake nodded. "And don't even think about doing that yawn move…" Daniel added. "So tell me about yourself, boy."

Jake could feel the sweat dripping from his forehead. "Well ugh…my name's Jake…I'm 17…um I live with my parents…there's really nothing else."

"No vandalism or burglaries, no arrests?" Daniel questioned.

"No, I would never get away with something like that. My parents would kill me." Jake said in defense.

"If they don't, I will. Remember that." Daniel said firmly.

"Look, sir. I like your daughter way too much to screw it up. I will do whatever she wants to make her happy. This might sound stupid but when she's happy, I'm happy." Jake replied.

Daniel nodded. "You're a decent guy, Jake. I can see why my daughter likes you."

Regina came into the kitchen. "Your clothes are dry Jake. I will be taking you and Henry home so you don't get wet any more today."

Daniel stood up and Jake followed suit. "We'll have future talks Jake, hopefully all good."

Jake nodded. "Looking forward to it, sir." He tried his best to sound happy as he shook his hand before walking out of the room.

"What did you do to the kid? He looked like he was still wet." Regina said when Jake left.

Daniel just shrugged his shoulders and smiled. "What any good father would do for his daughter."

Mandy was in the shower. She hoped Jake could survive this talk with her father and that it wasn't too awkward for him. As the hot water hit her body she felt the room spinning. She wanted to get in and out as fast as she could. She ran into Daniel when she stepped out into the hall.

"Please tell me you didn't scare Jake away."

Daniel laughed. "No, he seems like a good kid. Your mother took him and Henry home."

"Okay good. I hope you didn't say anything embarrassing." Mandy said walking into her room as Daniel followed her.

"Nothing too bad. Just that if he tried anything I would hurt him. Ya know, normal dad to boyfriend stuff." He replied.

Mandy laughed but quickly put her hand on her head to steady herself.

"Is something wrong?" He asked noticing her pained face.

"Nah, just a slight headache. I think I'm just gonna take a nap." Mandy said waving him off.

"Maybe you should take some medicine. You might've caught a cold out in the rain." Daniel suggested.

"Okay." She agreed. She didn't feel like fighting with him.

"Do you know where your mother keeps the medicine?" He asked since he has been there only a few days.

She shook her head slightly. "No, I've never been sick while with her…like 'cold' sick."

"Alright, you lay down and I'll go look for the medicine." He instructed. She didn't object; she felt horrible and all she wanted to do was sleep.

Daniel was in the foyer pacing back and forth when Regina came through the door. "Hi Sweetheart." She greeted him.

"There you are! I've been waiting forever!" He exclaimed.

"I stopped in to talk to Jake's mother for a bit. Is everything okay?" She asked.

"I think Miranda is sick and I've looked all over this house for some medicine but I don't know what to give her." He said shamefully.

"That's because you're new to this world and haven't learned everything yet. I'll get the medicine and meet you up there." She kissed him on the cheek before heading into the kitchen.

She found Daniel lying beside their daughter's sleeping form.

"Regina, why does she have huge bump on her head?" He whispered.

Regina bent over her daughter to see. "It wasn't there earlier."

"She said she had a slight headache and it looked like she was dizzy." Daniel said.

Regina sat on the edge of the bed and lightly shook Mandy awake. "Honey, you need to wake up to take this medicine."

Mandy groaned. "I'm not sick."

"Where did you get this bump on your head?" Daniel asked.

Mandy knew she had a bump but she wasn't expecting her father to go searching her head and she really didn't feel like talking at the moment.

"Tomorrow…I'll tell you tomorrow." She said groggily as she kept her eyes closed.

Regina and Daniel both looked at each other, knowing what the other was thinking. Daniel lifted Mandy up so he could sit behind her. Mandy didn't fight him, only groaned.

Regina held her chin to try to keep her from dozing. "Miranda, you know better than to keep secrets from me. Now tell me where you got the bump on your head."

Mandy's eyes were struggling to stay open. "I fell off the horse."

"She probably hit head and has a concussion." Daniel said to Regina.

"Honey, I need you to stay awake. I know you're tired but we need to ask you a few more questions." Regina said softly. "How did you fall off?"

"There was thunder, scared the horses. Henry was falling I had to save him, and then I fell backwards. I couldn't breathe for a few minutes and a little dizzy. Can I go to sleep now?" She asked resting her head on Daniel's chest.

"Should we take her to the hospital?" Daniel asked.

Regina shook her head. "I think she'll be fine with rest. I'll heal her injury and she should just sleep it off."

Regina did heal her injury and told Daniel to leave her rest but he insisted he stay with their daughter just in case she needed anything. She thought it was the cutest thing and didn't push him any further. She knew what it felt like to worry about her sick child but knew that this was Daniel's first time dealing with it. She let them alone for the rest of the night.

Mandy woke up the next day still feeling like shit. She rolled over and saw her father lying next to her. He was asleep but her sudden movement had caused his eyes to flutter open.

"Morning, honey. How are you feeling?" He asked.

"A little better." She lied. "Why were you sleeping in here? Did you have a fight with mom?"

"No nothing like that. I just wanted to make sure you were okay." He said as he sat up.

She snuggled closer to him. "Thanks daddy. You didn't have to do that."

"Oh but I do. You're my daughter and I'm here to make sure you're happy and healthy." He held her tightly.

"I'm kinda hungry. Is there anything to eat?" She asked.

"Well that a good sign." He smiled. "What would you like?"

"Oh, you don't have to get me anything. I'll find something." She said sitting up and about to get out of bed but he stopped her.

"No, I want you to stay in bed. Tell me what you want." He said as he stood up and made his way to the door waiting for her response.

She smiled at his fussiness over her. "Just some toast will be fine."

"That's it?" He asked surprised. "You're getting more than that."

"I'm not that hungry though." She protested.

"I'll surprise you." He said before shutting the door. He shut the door so fast she didn't have time to tell him not too.

Daniel turned to walk down the hall and saw Regina.

"I was just coming to check on the two of you." She said meeting him in the hall. "Is she up? How is she feeling"

"She is. She said she felt better. I was just going to get her something to eat." He told her.

"I'll go get it." She offered but he declined. "No, I want to."

Regina smiled and planted and long, warm kiss on his lips. "Alright, dear. I'm going to sit with her until you come back." He nodded and continued his way downstairs.

She was about to open her daughter's door when she heard quiet sobbing from the other side. When she did open the door, she saw Mandy rolled on her side facing away from her.

Mandy looked over her shoulder when she heard the door open and tried to wipe away the tears she had on her face. "Hi." She whispered.

She made her way over to the edge of the bed and took a seat. "Honey what's wrong? I thought you were feeling better."

Mandy rolled to face her and shook her head. "My head really hurts. I didn't want dad to make a big deal out of it."

Regina saw how much pain she was in and wanted nothing more than to relieve her of it. "Come here." She held her arms out for Mandy.

Mandy sat up and rearranged her position to wrap her arms around Regina's waist. There was something about the way Regina held her that made her feel better, safe even. Regina rested her hand on the back of Mandy's head, sending magic through her. She could feel the hot tears through her shirt. "Honey, you mustn't cry. It will only worsen your headache."

"I'm sorry." She sobbed. Regina just stroked her hair and told her that everything was going to be alright.

Daniel walked in with a tray of food and looked at them in confusion. "What the hell happened? She was fine when I left her."

"She still doesn't feel well." Regina answered still stroking her hair. "She calmed down though. I think the magic is finally helping."

"Can I still learn to ride." Mandy whispered through her tears as she looked up to Daniel and then to Regina. "I'm getting better. I cantered yesterday. Please don't tell me I can't" She begged.

"Shh, honey." Regina soothed. "We wouldn't do that."

"It's great that you want to continue with your lessons." Daniel said with a smile. "And I would like to see you in action once you're completely better."

"You will." She smiled. "Thanks guys." She said through a yawn and rested her head on Regina's lap.

"She's sleeping again?" Daniel asked.

"The magic I used made her tired. She needs a few more hours of rest before she will be good as new." She answered him as she rubbed Mandy's arm lightly. Daniel nodded and helped readjust their daughter back under the covers.

He moved the hair out of her face and kissed her forehead before turning to Regina. "Will she be okay for the wedding?"

Regina nodded. "It's not for two days. She should be fine by then; I'll make sure of it."

He squeezed her hand. "We'll make sure of it." He corrected her. "You don't have to parent alone anymore, Regina."

She had been doing it by herself for so long that she didn't expect anyone to help her but now that Daniel was back she finally could relax a bit. "I'm really happy about that."

He leaned in to kiss her; she deepened the kiss by pulling his head closer to hers. They were really getting into it when they were kicked off the bed. They looked up at Mandy who still had her eyes shut.

"If you two are going to have sex again, I would not like to be present this time. Thanks."

Daniel's face turned red and he got out of there quick. Regina leaned over her daughter. "You're lucky you don't feel well…" Mandy smiled. Regina kissed her cheek. "Get some rest."

She walked to the door when she heard Mandy say, "Try to keep the moaning to a minimum."

Regina smirked; she was used to her daughter's little comments by now. "I'll sound proof the room, dear. Don't worry, you won't hear us."

Mandy groaned and buried her face in the pillow. "That's disgusting!"

Regina laughed. "That's what you get. Now sleep!"

Mandy felt a lot better by the time the wedding day came. She and Cora helped Regina get ready even though Cora kept giving Regina a hard time about the marriage. Mandy told her to stop and surprisingly she listened with a few grumbled complaints. She shooed Cora out because she was getting on Mandy's nerves. She was happy to leave and join Geppetto, who was talking to David and Snow.

Regina was looking in the mirror, straightening her dress out. She kept it simple, just a plain strapless white dress with a few rhinestones here and there. She kept her hair down and she decided not to wear a veil, much to her mother's dismay. It took her a few minutes to notice Mandy's reflection in the mirror.

"What are you doing?" She asked making eye contact through the mirror.

"Looking at the most beautiful person in the world. Is that a problem?" Mandy said crossing her arms.

Regina turned around. "I hardly think that's accurate."

She shook her head. "No, it's accurate. Dad's gonna flip when he's sees how amazing you look."

"Don't exaggerate, Miranda." Regina said rolling her eyes before pulling her to stand in front of her.

They both looked in the mirror. "You look beautiful, dear. I love you in dresses; I wish you'd wear more of them."

"You got me in two dresses. That's enough for a lifetime." She sighed. "You're lucky I love you, or the dresses wouldn't be happening."

Regina hugged her from behind. "I love you too, dear. Thank you."

A knock was heard from the door and Emma peeked her head in. "Are you two almost ready? They want to start soon."

"We'll be right out." Regina said still hugging her daughter. Mandy quickly freed herself from Regina's grasp and pushed her along.

The few people that attended watched as Henry and Mandy made their way down the aisle. When they heard the music play for the bride to walk down the aisle they rose to their feet to watch Regina's entry. All eyes were on her as she made her way down the aisle but the only eyes she was focused on were Daniel's.

"How does she look fabulous in something so simple?" Emma whispered to Snow.

"She always looked good in whatever she put on. She's beautiful, isn't she? I've always admired her beauty as a young girl, still do." Snow whispered back without taking her eyes off her step-mother.

Regina finally stood across from Daniel and they waited for the minister to get through his little spiel before they got to the vows. Henry handed them the rings and Daniel slipped it onto Regina's finger and took her hands in his.

"I've waited a long time to be standing across from the most beautiful woman in the world. I just want to tell you that I love you so much, Regina. Nothing you do will change that. Thank you so much for giving me such a beautiful daughter. I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you and Miranda… and even Henry. You're the love of my life, Regina. With you, I am whole, you are my every heartbeat. I love you!" Daniel said from the bottom of his heart making Regina, Mandy, Snow, and even Emma to cry.

Regina squeezed his hands tight. "Daniel, it pained me every day to live without you but knowing I get to spend the rest of my life with you brings happiness to my life. I love you so much Daniel. Words can't describe how much love I feel for you. You inspire me to be a better person. When I look in your eyes, I find my way home. You provide a safe place for me, unlike I've ever known. I get to spend the rest of my life with you and I've truly waited a lifetime for this. I love you, Daniel. Always have, always will."

The minister was about to say the final words before he gave them permission to kiss but they couldn't wait any longer and their lips found each other's in an instant. Everyone started clapping and wiping away their tears.

Regina and Daniel forgot they were in front of a group of people until they heard the clapping. They turned to smile at their guests. Mandy was overjoyed and way to excited about her parents' marriage that she ran up and hugged them both.

"I'm so happy for you two!" She whispered.

Henry didn't feel like being left out so he ran up to them joining in on the hug which they greatly welcomed him.

Regina was making her rounds, thanking everyone for coming and making sure they were enjoying themselves. She was talking to Dr. Hopper when Snow asked to speak with her. Regina wasn't going to let this girl ruin her day again but she agreed to speak with her.

"Regina, I am so happy you and Daniel finally got to be together. I just wish all this happened sooner." Snow said sincerely.

"Let's not bring up the past, Snow. At least not today." Regina said which Snow agreed. "Well you look radiant, Regina. This is the happiest I've seen you in a while. I hope you and Daniel are happy."

Regina grabbed her hand. "Thank you, Snow…really. I know you want things to be better between us, and frankly so do I."

Snow smiled. "You do?"

Regina nodded. "I think I've finally found it in my heart to forgive you…and to answer your question from the therapy session…I did love you in the beginning. It wasn't until you got older that I couldn't bear to look at you anymore. I'm sorry for the way I treated you over the years, Snow."

Snow instantly wrapped her arms around Regina's neck, almost knocking her over. Regina was surprised by her stepdaughter's sudden hug, but embraced it anyway.

Regina patted her back. "Alright Snow, this is enough affection for one day."

Snow pulled back. "Sorry, I just got caught up in the moment."

Regina smiled. "Run along, Snow. I'm sure your Prince is looking for you." Snow nodded and walked away with a huge smile on her face.

Regina watched her step-daughter as she walked away. Her thought were interrupted by a voice from behind.

"You finally forgave her…" Cora said making Regina turn around.

"Yes, I thought it was about time." Regina replied.

Cora took her daughter's hands in her own. "The way you and Daniel looked at each other and the vows you gave to one another were beautiful. I can see now that you two belonged together from the very beginning. I'm sorry I screwed that up."

Regina hugged her. "Thank you, mother."

Jake was walking past the back door when he was pulled in by someone.

"Hey, what's going on?" He asked before he saw it was Mandy.

"I feel like I haven't talked to you all day." She said wrapping her arms around his neck.

"That's because I've been with my parents and you've been with yours." He said wrapping his own arms around her waist.

"Well we're alone now…" She got on her tippy toes and kissed him.

He pulled back. "We can't do this…your father will kill me."

"What are you talking about?" She asked confused.

He didn't want to tell her about the awkward conversation he had with her dad. "Never mind, we just can't do this."

"What, kiss?" He nodded. "I don't care what my dad says; I'm going to kiss you whenever I feel like it, understood?" He nodded again. "Good, don't worry about him. I'll take care of it." She stood on her tippy toes once again and kissed him over and over again. He didn't pull back this time.

Emma came in and saw them making out. "Hey! Knock it off! Regina's about to give a speech so get your asses out there before you two get caught!"

"Geez, Emma. Calm down…We're coming." Mandy replied.

Emma grabbed her hand and pulled her with her. "I'm not leaving you two alone any longer. You were all over each other."

Mandy rolled her eyes. "Last I checked, you weren't my mother."

"Regina and I co-parent basically." She said still pulling her along with Jake following.

"Only Henry." Mandy pointed out.

"I don't think your parents would mind me stepping in to break up your little making out session with Jake." Emma shot back.

Mandy was going to reply but Regina was about to give her speech.

"I want to take a moment to thank you all for coming to our wedding. I know you didn't have to but I truly appreciate it. We've all been through a lot together, good and bad, and I'm happy to say that this is one of those good times." She turned to Mandy. "I want to thank my daughter, Miranda, for bringing back the love of my life. I can't thank you enough, darling. I love you so much." Mandy smiled before Regina turned back to everyone else. "This has been an amazing day and I hope you all enjoyed yourselves."

"Let's give a toast to the bride and groom." Snow shouted. "To Regina and Daniel, may your lives together be the happy ending you've been searching for." She said holding up her glass.

Everyone else joined in. "To Regina and Daniel." Once they took a sip of their drink, they all began to sway back and forth before falling to the ground one by one.

When they awoke, the sun was beginning to set. They looked around confused.

"What the hell happened?" Emma asked and she tried to get up.

"How long have we been asleep? It was the middle of the afternoon before what ever happened." Jake asked.

Mandy groaned and rubbed her head. "I just got over one head injury…now I feel like I got another one."

Jake helped her up. "You did get hurt when you fell off your horse, didn't you?"

Mandy felt bad for lying to him but she didn't want him to worry. He sounded mad though. "Yea, but my mom took care of everything..."

"Jacob." His mother called him.

He sighed shaking his head and went over to his parents to help them. She knew he was upset with her but she had to focus on what happened to everyone.

She ran over to her parents who were just getting up. "Are you guys okay?"

"What happened?" Daniel asked.

"I think someone gave us a minor sleeping potion in our drinks." Regina answered as she shook dirt off her dress.

"But why?" Daniel asked confused.

Emma ran up straight to Regina and looked her dead in the eyes. "Henry's missing."

Okay, I know this chapter is super long but I don't know when I'll be able to update again. Hopefully before the long weekend is over but I'm not making promises. I know I could've ended this story right after the wedding but I wanted to take you all on one final journey before we come to an end, hope you all don't mind…let me know what you think. You can probably all guess what happened to Henry…lol