After she'd washed in the basin and changed into her one clean shirt – the green flannel that made her eyes pop, she decided to head downstairs to the bar.
Gran had checked her in without too many questions after seeing the exhausted state of the woman. That hadn't stopped her from casting a sideways glance or two as they ascended the stairs to a room at the back. "People don't usually do much sleeping in these rooms," she laughs once she'd found the Bounty Hunter to be innocent enough.
"Doesn't matter much to me ma'am. A bed will be a blessing after the last three days."
"Well a bed, a bath and a hot meal," Gran concluded. "You wash and I'll serve you up whatever you like at the bar when you're ready. You did our town a real service today. Belle French is a good friend of my best girl Ruby. Yep, that's the one," she said proudly pointing out the lengthy dark haired girl in a red boa excitedly entertaining a group of young men. Instinctively, Ruby looked up to their position on the banister and waved, flashing a wolfish grin at the Bounty Hunter. Sensing the lingering look of the women next to her Gran added, "I'm afraid Mr. Gold's tab doesn't extend to the girls." Gran wasn't blind as most common folks were, she'd been in the brothel business her whole life and ever the lonely woman had stumbled into her bed throughout the years. Nothing to be ashamed of, in fact the girls often preferred a female customer who was ready and willing though it was rare in these parts.
Too bad the blonde mused, it might just relieve the faint ache she still felt behind her left temple from her earlier altercation in the street.
"Anyway, I know the people appreciate what you went through to bring that scoundrel in so tonight our home is yours," and at that Gran unlocked the room she kept for honeymooners. As she took a look around the rose patterned walls and the quilted bedspread, the blonde felt a warm gratitude for the older women who clearly didn't have to give her the best room in the Saloon. With a smile that was all too rare she took off her hat and extended her hand, "Emma, ma'ma. The name is Emma and this is the nicest place I've stayed since I can remember."
"Oh no need to butter me up sweetheart, you're family now," she laughed. "Well, that was a hell of a beginning and just in case you haven't heard it already, welcome to Storybrook Emma," and with that the white haired woman smiled and placed the key on the dressing table before leaving.
Emma jingled the gold key in her hand at the memory and decided a whiskey was in order as she descended into the bustling crowd.
She'd intended to go back to her work after the crowd dissipated. She made it inside and sat staring at the columns and figures for the better part of an hour but she was thoroughly distracted and it itched at her skin like a bad sunburn.
Needing to escape the noise of the rowdy saloon she walked to the far end of town. It was dark now and she hasn't intended to enter the stables but the flickering light caught her attention. As she slid back the barn door she heard the coo of a soft young voice near the last stall. She approached slowly sensing what and whom she'd find. On any other night she would have demanded he exit without even requiring herself to enter, instigating an all too familiar fight these days with the young body who until recently had always clung to her side and hidden his shy face in her dress.
He stood atop an old wooden step stool trying to brush from the neck down to the powerful horses front leg in an odd S shape. This made her laugh. Of course no one had shown him how to brush from the neck to the barrel and all the way to the rump and why would they. Ever since Daniel's horse had rolled, crushing his strong and handsome frame instantly Regina had cast off her equestrian upbringing. Henry was only two years old at the time. She'd been lucky enough to have three great loves and since one had killed the other she vowed never to let Henry near enough to be hurt by a horse. This is what she'd told herself over and over again as he seethed and slammed his bedroom door in the past few months when she'd found him spending time with the local horsemen. She'd outright forbade it as his interest grew and in his childish fervor he even likened her the Evil Queen from one of his picture books.
Though she liked to think of herself as a strong independent woman who was strict only to protect him, it stung to be made the villain. Truth be told her child was the sun to her lonely planet and she'd have given anything to see his smile in recent days as she saw it now in the lantern light.
"I had a feeling I'd find you here young man," she said finally announcing her presence. At the sound of her voice his smile disappeared and a pain hit her square in the chest. This was becoming all too familiar.
"Ma.."
"Henry," she warned softly.
"I told that bounty hunter that I'd settle her horse up nice Ma."
She rolled her eyes, of course he had.
"I know, I know but she ain't got.."
"Doesn't have," she corrected.
"..she doesn't have anyone else to do it," he whispered. "And I know what you're always saying Ma 'bout staying away from horses and I know I'd be in trouble but she was so brave today bringing that horrible man in after he attacked her and everything and we never have visitors let alone real life heroes! And I, I.." he stumbled, "I thought settling in her horse was the least we could do to thank her," he said with his head hung low.
And there he was, her sweet thoughtful boy. God she loved him fiercely, so much that she hated herself for what came next. "Well, I suspect that our hero might want someone a bit more experienced tending to her horse Henry."
"I'd be more experienced if you'd let me learn!"
"Let's not argue over this again Henry and not around the horse. We can talk about it on the way home, its long past your dinner anyhow," holding out her hand for him to join her.
"But I'm not even done," he whined, "and you're always saying not to leave a job unfinished!"
"Seems he's doin' a fine job to me ma'am," a honey laced voice chimed in from outside the stall.
Both mother and son turned to take in the sight of the Bounty Hunter, freshly washed and almost glowing in the lantern light. Her golden hair shone from under her hat after an obvious comb and her eyes sparkled in contrast to her clean flannel. Sensing the Mayors shock by her sudden presence, Emma took the silence as an opportunity to squeeze behind the dark haired beauty into the stall between mother and child. She intended to survey his work up close. The windblown sent of the trail mixed with the lavender soap she'd used at Granny's hung in the air as she gently brushed past the Mayor. Regina's breath caught at the brief contact and she cleared her throat to cover whatever nonsense was causing her to be so self-conscious in this woman's presence. Emma pleasantly noticed.
"Now Bug, that's his name. Bug, he's not too fussy when it comes to being brushed down. It's a real treat when he gets this kinda attention," she smiled at the boy. And with a gentle hand she guided his and the brush from the front of the horse to the back.
Regina stood transfixed in the lantern light and watched for reasons unknown. She was letting this woman, this bounty hunter, this hero? ha! This stranger help her son brush down a very large horse. Nothing in this moment made sense. Why was she just standing there putting the fate of her child in this strangers strong yet seemingly capable hands. Why was she letting her teach him how to groom a horse with stroke after powerful stroke that hinted at taunt muscles that pulled just beneath the fabric of her shirt. Why was she impressed by the gentle unassuming way she encouraged her son onwards. And why, god, why couldn't she take her eyes off of the sand dusted freckles across her cheeks and the sweet smile this foreigner gave so freely to her child. It was only when the blond turned her smiling green eyes to Regina that the earlier annoying itch returned. But this time it was clearer, lower, warmer and "Uhm," she cleared her throat. "I believe that's enough Henry," she said in her best authoritative voice.
"Yah, I do believe you've done a great job here kid. What do I owe ya?"
He looked between the two women wide eyed.
"Oh, he won't be accepting your money."
"No? How about a sarsaparilla then as a thank you for your kindness?"
"Perhaps tomorrow if you're still around, its well past Henry's supper time."
"Oh you haven't eaten yet kid? Why don't you let me buy you and your mother supper. Or rather let Mr. Gold buy it for the three of us at Granny's" she winked at him.
"While I appreciate the offer Ms…" she trailed off realizing she'd never gotten the woman's name.
Remembering herself, she removed her hat and shook her head back in one slight well practiced movement that settled her light curls about her face and shoulders. Regina could only stare in wonder.
"Swan, Emma Swan," Emma said staring deeply into the Mayors darkened eyes again.
"Ms. Swan," Regina repeated coolly, mentally scolding herself. What is wrong with you she screamed inside. "I'm afraid Granny's establishment is entirely unsuitable for young boys."
"Well," she said sounding a bit disappointed, "suit yourself. But thank ya all the same.."
"Henry!" he piped up having been too transfixed by the woman's attention to noticed his mothers odd behavior.
"Thank ya, Henry."
"You're welcome ma'am, I mean Ms. Swan," he gushed.
"Emma" she laughed ruffing up his hair.
"Emma," he bounced on his toes.
Sensing the Mayors growing frustration at their exchange she offered to at least walk them home. It was a lovely night and she felt a second wind as she watched the brunette try to regulate her emotions to the offer. She had this effect on women if she was being honest. She always had but there was something about this gorgeous tan skinned woman - the tension of her jaw, the way she held her head and spoke in commands, the obvious protective love she exuded for her son, the way her chocolate eyes challenged Emma's every time they'd met. Why not take a stroll with this mother and child. That struck her. Mother and child, stroll, new town, a challenge, attraction, the Mayor – you're either deliriously tired or plumb stupid Swan. She'd just come to check in on Bug after her drink to make sure they were ready to leave in the morning. She'd remembering giving the reins to a nice redheaded man who offered to hitch him up earlier. She thought he said his name was Archy.
"Thank you for the offer Ms. Swan but I'm sure we're safe considering the criminal is now locked up," at that she hurried Henry out of the stables. Pausing near the bar door she looked back and added, "Well, the only criminal we know of. For now," she added threateningly with perhaps a hint of a wicked grin behind her eyes. "Good night."
"See ya tomorrow for that drink Emma!" Henry shouted from outside the stables.
"G'night," she offered into the now empty barn.
She heard mother scolding child in harsh whispers as they pulled into the distance. She wondered thoughtfully back into the stall and took a moment to finish brushing down Bug. After she gave him the carrot she'd brought down with her she threw her arms around his large neck and buried her face in his soft mane. "Great Bug, a beauty and a bitch. Just my type," she laughed, gave him a final pat and stuffed her hands into her pockets as she strolled back to Granny's alone and hungry.
Authors notes: It's been a long time since I've updated so thanks for reading! Any constructive feedback is greatly appreciated!