"I Do"
Mr. and Dr. Henry Mills request the honor of your presence
at the wedding of their daughter
Regina Mary Mills
to
Robin Michael Andrew Locksley
Thursday, June 8, 2017
108 Mifflin Street
Storybrooke, Maine
Three o'clock in the afternoon
Reception to follow at
Enchanted Forest Pavilion
815 Pavilion Road
Storybrooke, Maine
Cocktail hour beginning at 6 o'clock in the evening
Semi-formal attire
Women may wear fancy hats to the wedding ceremony if they so choose
Sunlight woke Regina as it warmed her face. She stretched under the covers as she laid in her childhood bed, remnants of her past surrounding her. Her pile of stuffed animals, dolls lining shelves of her wall, pictures, awards and a few posters leftover from her teen years all stared back at her as she stirred.
Hanging from her closet door, however, was the sign of her future—the dress she would wear later that day when she became Mrs. Robin Locksley.
She sat up, smiling as she wrapped her arms around her knees. The day had finally arrived and she was overwhelmed with excitement, feeling her body hum with it. Robin was everything she had ever wanted—kind, intelligent, supportive, funny and charming. When she was with him, she felt she was her real self for he accepted her completely. Even after she had told him about her inability to have children. His response, she realized now, had really sealed it for her. Robin hadn't viewed her as damaged nor her condition as a dead end to their dreams for a family, making her realize the same truth as well. For the first time since she had received her diagnosis, Regina had finally accepted that she could be a mother and could have the family of her dreams.
Her door creaked as it opened right before her father poked his head in. Henry smiled. "Good morning, sweetheart. Do you want pancakes?"
"Pancakes sound wonderful," she replied, smiling at him. "They can't affect me fitting into my dress now, right?"
"Exactly. And you won't be doing much eating later," Henry said. "Come on. It'll be like old times."
She pushed back her blankets and followed her father down the stairs and into the kitchen for breakfast. As he pulled down bowls and retrieved the ingredients, Regina took a seat at the table. She reached for the unity candle she and Robin would light later that day, admiring it once again. Little pearls created a heart that surrounded a quote written in gold lettering: Love never fails.
"Excited, sweetheart?" Henry asked, mixing the batter.
"I am," she said. "Though it must seem strange. Nothing is really changing after all. Robin and I have been living together for a year now. We've been acting like we're married."
Henry shook his head as he flipped the first few pancakes. "Everything is going to change. It's hard to describe but you feel it. After everything is said and done, it's just something you know."
Regina smiled. "Well, I look forward to it."
"You should." He set a plate of pancakes down in front of her before drowning them in syrup, just like she liked when she was a child. "Enjoy."
The two sat at the table together, enjoying their pancakes and each other. Henry pushed his empty plate away, watching her with misty eyes. "I can't believe I'm giving you away today. My little girl is leaving."
"I'm not going anywhere." Regina stood, going to stand behind him. She hugged him. "You'll always be the most important man in my life. And Robin knows it."
Henry chuckled. "I love you, sweetheart."
"I love you too, Daddy," she whispered, growing misty-eyed herself. She stood there, just hugging her father as the clock ticked away the minutes to her wedding.
Robin stretched out under his blankets as he slowly returned to consciousness. His arm swept Regina's side of the bed, feeling her cold sheets. Everyone had been adamant that they spend the night apart and not see each other until she walked down the aisle, so she had spent the night at her parents'. They had still texted well past midnight but it just wasn't the same.
It would all change that night. She'd be back in their bed and his arms for the rest of their lives.
He couldn't wait.
The door creaked open and a sleepy Will appeared, letting in the aroma of sausages. "Your grandparents are here and making breakfast," he said.
"I'll be down in a few minutes," Robin replied. "Try to save me a sausage, will ya?"
"Can't make any promises." Will winked before closing the door behind him.
Robin pushed back his blankets and stood, popping his back. He ran a brush through his hair to tame his bedhead before joining everyone downstairs.
"There's the groom!" Grandma Ellie hugged him once he entered the kitchen. She was still dressed casually in a floral top and khaki pants, no doubt planning on changing into her gown later.
He hugged her back. "Good morning, Grandma. You didn't have to come over and cook us help yourself."
"Hush," she said, stepping back to the stove. "A big day like today deserves a proper breakfast. There's coffee, help yourself."
Robin thanked her, pouring himself a cup of coffee. Once it was lightened with milk and sweetened to taste, he joined the others at the table—Grandpa Roland, Will and John.
Grandpa Roland squeezed his shoulder. "Excited?"
Sipping his coffee, Robin nodded. "I've been waiting a long time to marry Regina."
"When did you know?" Will asked. "How did you know you wanted to marry her?"
"When? I guess November, after our big fight. I was so miserable without her and everything seemed so bleak when I thought my stubborn pride and baggage had ruined the best relationship I had. And then she forgave me, I forgave her and we move forward. That night, she fell asleep in my arms as we laid on the couch and I promised myself I would never lose her again. I saw my future so clear then and I just knew." He smiled at the memory, how the glow from the TV had illuminated her skin and how she had had a soft smile as she rested her head against his chest.
John studied Will. "What? You thinking of proposing to Ana?"
"I am," he replied, ears tinged pink. "Never thought I'd be a forever kind of guy—that's Robin and David—but I can't imagine being with anyone else but her."
Grandma Ellie set a plate of sausages down on the table before squeezing Will's shoulder. "You've grown into a fine man, Will Scarlet. She'll be lucky to have you."
Will thanked her as David blew in, panting. "Sorry I'm late. Mary Margaret wasn't feeling well. Did I miss anything?"
"You're just in time for sausages," Ellie said, guiding him to the table. "Eat up, all of you! We have a wedding to get ready for!"
"Thanks, Grandma," Robin said, reaching for a sausage. He had his own to do list, wanting to shower and shave before the photographer—Tink, he believed—showed up to start documenting his special day. And then in just a few more hours, he would be pledging to spend the rest of his life with Regina. As he looked around the table, he knew he wanted no one else by his side but them.
Chaos ruled the Mills household. Regina had stepped out of her bathroom, wrapped in her robe and towel around her head, and into a mess. Ruby was having trouble with her zipper, Kathryn believed her dress was too long and Mary Margaret's morning sickness had returned. Lily and Mal were arguing about her makeup while Cora struggled to explain to the hairstylist exactly what she wanted.
Nova, Tink's assistant, huddled in a corner as she clutched her camera close. Regina remembered she had been nervous at Mary Margaret's, which had had more crying and less yelling. She looked at Regina with wide brown eyes as her brown curls curtained her face. "Can you make them stop?"
"I know just what we need. Wait here and I'll be right back," Regina assured her.
She headed downstairs, encountering Robin's cousin Anne when she hit the landing. Anne glanced up the stairs as the sound of the dysfunction in Regina's room wafted down. "Everything okay?"
"Right now, no, but I know someone who can fix it," Regina replied. "Are the girls here?"
Anne nodded. "We went and got their hair done elsewhere. I hope you don't mind."
"No, but I can cover it for you," Regina offered.
"That's okay. It was Grandma Ellie's treat."
The sound of patent leather soles racing toward them made Regina look up as Lucy and Daisy barreled into her. "Aunt Regina!" they chorused.
She chuckled as she crouched down to hug them. She leaned back, admiring the crème dresses with tulle skirts and lacy cap sleeves she had picked out for them when she was in England back in March. Their matching blonde hair was plaited and wrapped around their heads. Silk crème flowers were tucked into the braid. "You both look beautiful," she cooed.
"What about you?" Daisy asked. "Why aren't you in your dress yet?"
"Because I have a few more things to do before I put it on. I want to look extra beautiful for your Uncle Robin," Regina explained.
They nodded and Regina turned to Anne. "You can wait in the living room. My father will be happy to get you anything you need while you wait for us to take pictures."
Anne nodded, ushering the girls away as she explained that Aunt Regina needed to finish getting ready. Regina hurried into the kitchen, where Granny was finishing the last of the favors. She already wore the midnight blue satin gown with lace sleeves she had bought for the wedding.
"Granny, SOS," Regina said. "I need you to help me get everything under control."
Sighing, Granny nodded as she put down the ribbon she was using. "Lead the way."
They headed upstairs, where Granny took charge. A picture of the hairstyle Cora wanted was located while Mal and Lily reached a compromising regarding her makeup. Granny had Kathryn and Ruby switch dresses, revealing theirs had been mislabeled. By the time she was leading a pale Mary Margaret downstairs for some tea and crackers, all was right in the world.
For now, at least, Regina amended.
She was the last to have her hair and makeup done. As her hair was curled and pinned up, her bridesmaids—including a returned Mary Margaret—gathered around her. They all wore the gold hearts she had given them the night before, each engraved with their first initial, and their dresses. Mary Margaret's fell beautifully over her baby bump and Regina made a note to suggest Cru consider a maternity line.
"Well, Miss Bride," Kathryn said, "only a few more hours until you're Mrs. Robin Locksley. And we're all honored to stand by your side as you marry the man of your dreams. We want your marriage to start off right, so we've made sure to adhere to tradition."
She held out a little cardboard box. "I wanted something old because I found these in my attic and thought them fitting."
Curious, Regina opened the box and laughed as she pulled out two braided bracelets—gold ribbon entwined with a red one. "Our friendship bracelets!"
"Yep," Kathryn replied. "I don't remember how I came to have both, but I thought they were fitting as I stand up for you today."
Regina hugged her as Lily bounded forward, holding a little blue bag. "I have something new. I paid for half, Mom paid for the other so I guess it's from both of us."
"Thank you," Regina said, pulling her goddaughter in for a hug. "You are an amazing young woman."
"You don't even know what it is yet!" Lily laughed.
She shrugged. "Doesn't matter. I'm sure I'll love it."
Regina opened the bag, pulling out a little blue box. When she opened it, everyone gasped at the two exquisite diamond posts sitting inside. "Oh, Lily…" she sighed.
"I knew they were perfect the moment I saw them," she said. "They'll look perfect with your dress."
Everyone watched as Regina put them on, admiring them. Ruby nodded in approval. "Good job. Anyway, looks like I'm next."
She stepped forward, holding a black velvet box. "Granny and I wanted 'something borrowed' for we both agreed you should wear Great-Grandmother's pearls."
As she opened the box, Regina gasped as she ran her fingers over the polished pearls she had always admired on both Granny and her mother as the two shared them when either had a special event. She had longed for her chance to wear them and tears sprang to her eyes as she looked up at her cousin. "Thank you."
Nodding, Ruby took the pearls out of the box and clasped them around Regina's neck. She then pulled her cousin in for a hug. "They look beautiful on you and you're not even in your dress yet!"
"I guess I'm last, though I hope not least," Mary Margaret said, stepping up as Regina pulled away from her cousin. She held out a wrapped box. "Your something blue."
"I'm sure it's great," Regina said, undoing the paper. She lifted the lid and pushed aside the tissue paper, finding a handkerchief inside. It was robin's egg blue with white lace around the edges. Her new initials were embroidered in the corner—RML.
She picked it up tenderly, smiling. "It's gorgeous, Mary Margaret."
"So you're really taking Robin's name?" Ruby asked. "I know we've been calling you Mrs. Locksley but it's official? You made your decision?"
"I have." She had debated with herself for almost a year. But when it came down to it, she wanted to be Mrs. Robin Locksley. A piece of paper wasn't going to erase her Mills' identity and she would always have her family. She and Robin, though, were making a family of their own and she wanted to have his name.
Though he had been supportive of her keeping her last name, the smile he had given her when she told him her decision was blinding. She loved that smile.
"Well, then, Mrs. Locksley-to-be, let's get you into that dress!" Kathryn said, starting to guide Regina toward her closet.
"Wait, there's one more present," Cora said, entering the room. Her brown hair was done up in a French twist with curls cascading out of it. She wore a gold dress with a short-sleeved jacket and a floral design on the skirt. As always, her makeup was impeccable.
She held out a wooden box wrapped in a white ribbon to Regina. "This is a memory box for you to collect mementoes of your life with Robin. I have one your grandmother gave me and every so often, I like to go through it and remember the life your father and I have built together. It makes me fall more in love with him. I want you to have that with Robin."
Tears pricked Regina's eyes as she hugged her mother. "Thank you so much, Mother. I love you."
"I love you too," Cora whispered back before pulling away. She brushed away Regina's tears. "Come on. It's time to get you into that gorgeous dress."
Regina turned around to find Ruby and Kathryn carrying it from her closet to her bed. She took a deep breath and tugged at her bathrobe. "Okay, let's do this."
Standing in front of Regina's vanity, Robin put on the cufflinks his grandparents had given him as a wedding present. He had his gray silk vest on over his crisp white shirt, which was tucked into the sharp gray pants. All that was left to put on was his suit jacket, silk tie and the new black shoes waiting by the door. Then he would head downstairs and wait for Regina to walk down the aisle to him.
A knock drew his attention as he placed the tie around his neck, turning up the collar. "It's unlocked and I'm decent," he called out. "Come in."
"Robin," his mother said, standing in the door with her hand still on the knob. She wore a pastel blue dress with short sleeves and her blonde hair was pinned up in a bun. A black velvet box with a bow on top was clutched in her free hand.
When Robin and Regina had put together their guest list, he had debated with himself about inviting his parents. It had been easy to rule out his father—he had finally come to accept that he would never have much of a relationship with George Locksley. Yet Robin had been close to his mother before everything went south with Marian and when he thought about it, he had realized he had wanted her at his wedding. He wanted to have his father-mother dance with her. So they had sent her an invitation.
Thankfully, she said yes and had agreed to their request that she not bring her husband with her.
Susan Locksley stepped closer and Robin saw the tears welling up in her eyes. "You look so grown up," she said. "Where did my little boy go?"
"I'm still here, Mum," he replied softly. "I still love you."
She sobbed and he gathered her into his arms, holding her close. "We can start over, Mum. We can rebuild our relationship. You just have to accept that Regina is now also part of my life."
"I know, I know. But will she forgive me? After how horrible I've been to the both of you?" Susan pulled away, tears streaking her cheek.
Robin grabbed the box of tissues he and Regina kept in their room and handed them to her. "If you make the effort to have a relationship with her, she'll do so as well. She wants that, trust me."
She nodded, wiping her cheeks. "I'll try, Robin. I promise you."
"That's all I can ask for," he replied. "Now, what's in the box?"
"It's a gift for you on your wedding day. There's also a very late housewarming gift for you and Regina downstairs, but you can open that when you get back from your honeymoon," Susan said, handing him the black velvet box.
Removing the bow, Robin opened it up to find a beautiful gold watch sitting inside. His mouth fell open and guilt gnawed at him. "Mum, this is…this is beautiful and so expensive."
"Hush," she said. "I've been saving up for your wedding since you started dating Marian. So I had plenty to get myself here, to get a dress, to pay for the hotel and to buy you that watch as well as your wedding gift. Don't worry."
"Thank you, Mum." He pulled the watch out and placed it on his wrist, closing the clasp. "I love it."
She nodded before reaching for his tie. "May I? For old times' sake?"
"Wait!" Tink darted into the room, camera in hand. "This promises to be picture gold!"
"Mum, Tink. Tink, my mother," Robin said, introducing them. The two women smiled and nodded at each other.
Susan reached for his tie and deftly did it up as Tink took pictures. Tightening it, she glanced up at Robin. "This definitely brings back memories."
"It does," he agreed. "Thanks, Mum."
She brushed away some imaginary lint from his shirt and smoothed away nonexistent wrinkles. "There. Now, I'll let you finish and then I'll see you downstairs for the pictures."
His mother left but Tink stayed behind to get more pictures of him as he finished getting ready. "You excited?" she asked.
"Absolutely," he said as he tied his shoes. "I get to spend the rest of my life with Regina."
She chuckled. "You know, I knew it when I snapped that first picture of you two. I thought you two were madly in love and that you had better odds than the bride and groom."
"You knew Marian's marriage was doomed?" Robin sat up, studying the petite photographer.
"It was obvious. Remember she only wanted staged shots? She wanted to present the picture of happiness and love, not the reality. Whenever I caught her with her groom, it wasn't the same as when I caught you and Regina out on the patio," Tink explained.
He sighed. After the trial, he had banished all thoughts of Marian from his mind. But hearing Tink's take made him feel a little bit sad for her and definitely sad for James. They had lived out a farce that probably should've been stopped before it really began.
At least he knew what he had with Regina was real.
Robin put on his jacket and once he was certain he looked fine, he smiled at Tink. "Shall we head downstairs and get some pictures?"
"Yes," she said, checking her phone. "Nova just texted me to say they're wrapping up at Regina's so they'll be on their way soon."
His stomach flipped at the thought that he'd see Regina again soon and he nodded. "Then we better hurry up. Come on."
They hurried downstairs where everyone else was waiting. His groomsmen were all in their gray suits and had pinned on their white carnations already. Grandpa Roland pinned Robin's to his lapel before grinning at his grandson. "You look very handsome, my boy."
"Thanks, Grandpa," he said, grinning. "It runs in the family."
Grandma Ellie cleared her throat. "I hate to break up this lovefest but guests are starting to arrive. We want to get some pictures in, right?"
Tink was creative about where they took their pictures so as not to interfere with the guests. Group shots were done in various rooms in the house as well as on the steps leading to the house. But one of the best shots, in Robin's opinion, was the candid of all of them sitting at his kitchen table drinking lemonade as they waited for word that the bridal party had arrived.
David's phone chirped and he pulled it out. "That's Mary Margaret. They're here."
"Okay, Robin," Tuck said, pulling out his book. He wore a gray shirt with dark gray pants and a white sash around his shoulders. "We should take our places under the trellis."
Robin nodded and hugged his mother as well as his grandparents one more time. "Next time you hug me, I'll be a married man," he told them.
He stepped outside, glad to see most of the guests were there. Many of the women had taken them up on the option to wear hats and he spotted Merida wearing a tartan one. It made him smile and shake his head.
Mulan and Alan were serving as his ushers, seating his family, coworkers and friends on one side of the yard while August and Belle were seating Regina's family, coworkers and friends on the other as a violinist and flutist played classical selections. He smiled at all of them as he and Tuck walked down the white runner laid down on the grass, leading to a trellis covered in ivy and white roses. They stood under it and waited for the procession to begin.
The musicians noticed them and changed to Pachelbel's Canon in D as Grandpa Roland escorted both Grandma Ellie and Granny down the aisle. Granny beamed at him, mouthing She's beautiful before taking her seat. Will followed behind them, escorting Susan to her seat. Tears once again filled her eyes and Robin knew she was going to cry during the wedding.
"Saw Regina," Will whispered as he took his place next to Robin. "We're going to have to find your socks when you see her."
"Ha, ha," Robin replied sarcastically as he watched Lily come down the aisle, clutching a bouquet of bright red roses.
Lily took her spot across from Robin as David escorted his wife down the aisle. If he hadn't told them that she had been sick, Robin would never have known. Mary Margaret's cheeks were pink and she glowed as she floated down the aisle. She grinned at Robin as she stood next to Lily while David clapped Robin's shoulder. They had tried to convince Mary Margaret to sit for the ceremony, but she insisted she could stand so they had caved.
Ruby and John were next down the aisle. She winked at Robin and he winked back, feeling like Ruby was a sister rather a friend. Kathryn walked solo down the aisle, taking her place next to where Regina would stand in only a few short minutes.
Daisy and Lucy skipped down the aisle as they scattered white and red rose petals along the runner. Regina's young cousin, Little Xavier, followed behind them. He clutched a white pillow with two gold rings on them, looking very serious as he did so. At the rehearsal the day before, he had grown upset that he might lose the rings and ruin the wedding so they had assured him he would not have the actual rings. Yet it seemed he was still concerned. It was adorable, Robin thought.
Once the children were in their seats, the music changed to the Bridal March and everyone stood. Robin took a deep breath and as Regina appeared with her parents at the end of the aisle, it was stolen away.
Regina stood in her living room as she heard Pachelbel's Canon start up. Butterflies filled her stomach as she realized it was really happened. Robin was waiting under a trellis for her and watching as their loved ones led a procession that would end with her walking to him, ready to spend the rest of her life with him.
Cora flitted around her, making sure every strand of hair was in place. It had been curled and then pinned close to Regina's head, a few tendrils hanging down to brush her shoulder. She had decided to forego the traditional veil and instead wore a fascinator with tulle coming down to cover her forehead, making her feel like she was living in the Roaring 20s. And she had also decided to not use the traditional bouquet, instead preferring the growing trend of wedding corsages. White roses were mixed with baby's breath and resting on her wrist as red roses trailed down from it on a ribbon.
Henry stood in front of her, holding her hands. "You look like a queen, my dear. Will is right—Robin is going to be knocked speechless."
"Well, let's hope he can at least say his vows," she quipped, though her lip quivered and she feared she was going to walk down the aisle already crying.
Her parents chuckled. "I'm sure he will," Cora assured her.
"Hey," Kathryn said, poking her head in from the kitchen. "I'm ready to head down the aisle and then Daisy and Lucy are right behind me. You ready?"
Regina took a deep breath and nodded. "Let's do this."
She took each of her parents' hands, having decided that she wanted both of them to walk her down the aisle. Henry and Cora had both played such important roles in her life, she couldn't imagine one without the other.
They walked together through Regina's kitchen—and she noticed a large fruit platter resting on the table but otherwise there didn't seem to be any dirty dishes waiting for her, for which she was grateful—and paused at the door leading to the backyard. She looked around at the guests gathered, excited to see a sea of hats, but was unable to identify most of them from the back. They also kept her from seeing Robin, which disappointed her a bit.
Kathryn was halfway down the aisle when Henry opened the door, helping Regina over the threshold as Cora minded her dress. The three of them made it down the few steps before situating themselves at the end of the white runner leading to Robin. She finally saw him, all dressed up in his gray suit with his hair brushed and shining in the early summer sun. He was still watching Kathryn as she took her place and he gave her a smile.
At that point, the musicians changed to the Bridal March and everyone stood to watch Regina walk down the aisle. She tightened her grip on her parents' hands as they glided forward and she kept her eyes focused on Robin. His mouth had fallen open as he watched her approach. Even from a distance, she could see his blue eyes shining with tears.
The space between them grew smaller and smaller with each step. Regina's heart pounded in her chest and she felt a lump form in her throat as they reached the end. Henry stepped forward at the same time as Robin, two men meeting to shake hands. "You two love each other and take care of each other always," he said.
"I know we will," Robin replied before turning to Cora. He hugged her and they kissed cheeks. "Officially joining the family now, you know."
"Oh, Robin, you've been an official member for almost two years now." She patted his cheek before hugging Regina. "I love you."
"I love you too, Mother." Regina held on a bit longer before reaching out to take Robin's hand.
He smiled at her. "You look beautiful."
"You clean up nicely yourself," she said, grinning at him as they approached Tuck for the ceremony to begin.
Tuck smiled before clearing his throat, looking over them to their guests. "You may all be seated and we'll begin."
Once everyone was sitting, he continued: "Friends and family, we're all gathered here today to witness the marriage of Robin and Regina. And it's fitting that we're here in their backyard, in the shadow of the house they have turned into a home together. It is their future together, the future we are here to celebrate.
"However, before we can celebrate the future, we must also celebrate the past. I now invite Susan Locksley and Cora Mills to come up and light these two candles, which represent Robin's and Regina's pasts apart from each other." He motioned to the unity candle resting on a little table next to him.
Susan and Cora approached it, taking the lighted tapers Tuck offered them. Regina held Robin's hand as they watched their mothers light their individual candles before blowing out the tapers. Cora turned and squeezed her daughter's hand before smiling at Robin. Susan then also smiled at Regina and it was so genuine, she felt her heart skip a beat. Robin squeezed her hand as he mouthed something to his mother before she took her seat.
"Robin and Regina have both asked someone important to them to read something that person feels is relevant to marriage. I'm going to invite Regina's great-aunt up, who insisted she only go by Granny. Granny?" Tuck asked, craning his neck.
Granny stood, shuffling past Cora and Henry as she stood in the center aisle. She smiled at Robin and Regina. "I know it might be cliché, but I've chosen William Shakespeare's Sonnet one-sixteen to read. I feel it appropriate."
Let me not to the marriage of true minds
Admit impediments. Love is not love
Which alters when it alteration finds,
Or bends with the remover to remove.
O no! it is an ever-fixed mark
That looks on tempests and is never shaken;
It is the star to every wand'ring bark,
Whose worth's unknown, although his height be taken.
Love's not Time's fool, though rosy lips and cheeks
Within his bending sickle's compass come;
Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks,
But bears it out even to the edge of doom.
If this be error and upon me prov'd,
I never writ, nor no man ever lov'd.
Everyone applauded and Regina hurried over to hug Granny, followed by Robin. "Thank you," they both whispered.
"You two have to stop doing that," she whispered back. "It's kinda creepy."
They chuckled and backed away, returning to stand in front of Tuck again. He turned to Robin's side. "Robin has asked his uncle Roger to read something. Roger?"
Roger stood and moved to stand in the middle aisle. "While we are not in a church, I chose to read something from the Bible. I believe many of you are familiar with this excerpt from Paul's first letter to the Corinthians."
Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, is not pompous, it is not inflated, it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury, it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never fails. If there are prophecies, they will be brought to nothing; if tongues, they will cease; if knowledge, it will be brought to nothing. For we know partially and we prophesy partially, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away.
When I was a child, I used to talk as a child, think as a child, reason as a child; when I became a man, I put aside childish things. At present we see indistinctly, as in a mirror, but then face to face. At present I know partially; then I shall know fully, as I am fully known.
So faith, hope, love remain, these three, but the greatest of these is love.
Roger took his seat again as Tuck thanked him. He then addressed the guests. "Many of you know that I work with Robin at Sherwood and we built the company from the ground up together. In many ways, I see him more as a son than a boss. I've watched him become an American citizen, a successful business owner, and a respected member of our community. I've also watched as he made the heartbreaking decision to end the long-term relationship that was no longer healthy for him and then as the sparkle returned to his eyes as he spoke of a beautiful brown-haired, brown-eyed woman who had tried to steal his macaroni and cheese from him."
Several chuckles rose from the crowd. When they died down, Tuck then said: "I met Regina not long after and I realized she was everything Robin deserved. She was supportive, loving, intelligent, funny and most importantly, she actually seemed to like hanging out with the Merry Men. We gave her our stamp of approval. And then we got the privilege of watching Robin fall more and more love with her and she with him.
"A lot of times, you hear brides and grooms talk about how they are marrying their best friends. Which is a good thing—you should be that close with the person you're marrying. But for Robin and Regina, I feel it's deeper than that. When I look at them, I see soulmates. Two people who make each other better being together and who accept each other no matter what. Because of that, they can be their real selves with each other. We should all be so lucky.
"Now, I believe Robin and Regina have written their own vows," he said, pulling out an index card tucked in his book. "Regina, would you please start?"
She took the card as she and Robin turned to face each other. Gripping it tightly, she started to read the words she had written a few days ago: "I could talk about how much you've changed me and my life, Robin, but I feel I've said everything. And as I sat there thinking about it, I realized that was all my past. This is about our future. I'm not going to make any grandiose promises everyone knows we couldn't realistically keep, but I think I've narrowed it down to a few I can.
"We will fight. We both know it's inevitable given that we're two stubborn, proud fools sometimes. But I promise to continue our agreement to never go more than twenty-four hours without speaking. In addition, I promise to keep communicating with you—which means being honest about my feelings, desires, wants, and needs while also listening to yours. I promise to compromise when it is needed and I promise to respect our decisions."
Regina was fighting tears now but she swallowed them down in order to finish. "But most of all, I promise to love you to infinity and beyond and I promise to cherish every day I get to spend by your side, because I know you are the most amazing man I have ever met. I love you."
She took a deep breath and Robin brushed a few tears from her cheek before accepting his own card from Tuck. "Regina, as I sit here trying to gather my thoughts, I think about where I was when we started this journey. My one experience with romantic relationship had ended badly and left me wondering if the love I longed for only existed in fairy tales.
"Then I met you and realized that it was real. I learned what a relationship truly is—two people supporting each other through good and bad, unafraid to show them the sides they hide from everyone else and accepting it. Two people who can spend hours talking or hours just sitting together in silence. Two people who can lead lives separate from each other but in the end, always return to each other and the life they lead together.
"I promise you that I will always love and support you through the good times and the bad. I promise to hold you when you cry and laugh with you when you're happy. I promise to be patient and I promise not to close up when things are going poorly for me. I promise to trust you always and to see the silver lining in every cloud."
Tuck nodded. "Okay, turn your cards around. I put the rest of your vows on the back. Regina, you're up again."
She nodded, flipping her card to see Tuck's neat printing on the back of her card. Regina took a deep breath before looking up into Robin's eyes. "I, Regina, take you, Robin, to be my husband and my soulmate. I will cherish our friendship and love you today, tomorrow, and forever. I will trust you and honor you. I will laugh with you and cry with you. Through the best and the worst, through the difficult and the easy, whatever may come I will always be there. As I have given you my hand to hold, so I give you my life to keep."
"Robin?" Tuck prompted, seeming to jerk the groom out of his little world. Robin turned his card over and repeated the same vows Regina had just read, doing his best to keep his eyes on hers while reading the words.
Tears started to trickle down her cheeks and she was relieved to see the same was happening to him. He squeezed her hands as Tuck asked Will to produce the rings.
"Here you go," Tuck said, handing Regina the ring for Robin. They had decided on silver bands with no other embellishments except for an engraving on the inside: R+R 6/8 Always.
She slid the ring to the first knuckle as they had practiced and then repeated after Tuck. "Robin, take this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity, now until death do us part."
Robin pulled his hand back to pull the ring on the rest of the way before taking the smaller one that would go on her finger. He warmed it up a bit before sliding it on her finger to the first knuckle. "Regina, take this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity, now until death do us part."
As she slid the ring all the way down, it hit her—she and Robin were really married. She smiled and fresh tears fell as they turned back to Tuck. He held out two tapers to them. "Now that Regina and Robin have exchanged vows and rings, they begin their life as one. To symbolize this, they will light the unity candle from the candles their mothers lit earlier."
Regina and Robin took the few steps over to the candle, carefully lighting their tapers from the candles with their initials on them. Together, they then lit the big candle, watching the two flames converge into one as Alan sang "One Hand, One Heart" from West Side Story.
They returned to their spot as the song ended, clutching each other's hands. Giving him a wide smile, Tuck announced: "By the power vested in me by the great state of Maine, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Go ahead and kiss, you two, before Robin explodes."
Robin pulled her close as she threw herself at him, their lips meeting for their first official kiss as husband and wife. She tasted their salty tears as her arms wrapped around his neck, the silky petals of her roses brushing against their cheeks. His arms tightened around her waist, lifting her up as he snuck in a little tongue despite their agreement to keep the kiss chaste. Regina didn't care and lifted her legs as everyone applauded.
Once she was back on her feet, Tuck shook both their hands. "Ladies and gentlemen," he said, "it is my honor to be the first to introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Locksley."
Everyone rose to their feet, applauding as the musicians struck up something light and joyful for Robin and Regina to walk back down the aisle to. She clung to his arm as they almost ran down the aisle, smile and waving at the people gathered around them. Their faces, though, were all a blur through Regina's tears and she was certain it was the same for Robin.
Her husband.
They were supposed to be waiting on the receiving line so they could greet everyone who came to their wedding, but their ushers were holding them back so Robin and Regina could have a moment to themselves. In the shadow of their house, they stood close together with their arms wrapped around each other. He pressed his forehead to hers, breathing in her scent. There was her familiar vanilla under something more floral. It wasn't familiar so he wasn't sure if it was from the bouquet now resting on his shoulder or if she had borrowed someone's perfume.
She stroked the hair at his nape, her eyes closed as she smiled. "We're married," she whispered.
"Yes, we are," he whispered back. "You're stuck with me now."
"I guess I am," she replied, giggling. Robin prayed Tink was around to capture this moment on film. He wanted to see it forever.
Someone cleared their throat behind them and they parted. Kathryn stood there, looking apologetic. "Sorry you two but everyone is waiting to congratulate the newlyweds."
They nodded and took their place at the end of the receiving line as the ushers let everyone start to leave. Robin's family left first, engulfing them in hugs and best wishes for their future. "We look forward to seeing you at all our family reunions from now on," Aunt Sarah said, hugging Regina. "And we promise to keep George far away from you."
"Thank you," Regina said with a smile. She then took a deep breath, muttering to him: "Here comes my family."
Robin was surprised to learn most of the Mills' clan were kissers, taking his face in their hands and kissing both of his cheeks. One aunt then pinched his cheeks as well. "You come over one day and we'll show you the best food you've ever eaten," she said.
"Gladly," he replied. Once they hurried away, he rubbed his cheeks. "Oww."
She grimaced, rubbing his cheek with her thumb. "Sorry about them. And sorry about all the lipstick on your cheeks."
"It's a lovely shade," Ana said, approaching them with a wide smile. "Congratulations, you two. It was a wonderful wedding."
"Thank you," Robin replied, thinking of how Will wanted to propose to her. It took all his self-control not to mention anything. "We'll see you at the reception?"
She nodded. "Wouldn't miss it. Keep an eye on Will for me?"
"Of course," Regina replied, squeezing her coworker's hand before moving on to Archie.
They made their way through Regina's coworkers when Belle stepped up, frowning. "Look, there's something I want to tell you so you're not surprised."
"What?" Regina asked, concerned. Robin felt the same way and leaned closer to hear Belle better.
"Zelena brought a date," she said. "It's Hades."
His mind stopped working for a moment before Regina sputtered out: "Hades? As in the lawyer who defended Marian, Hades?"
Belle nodded. "I'm not sure how those two met but I wouldn't be surprised if she purposefully sought him out."
"Neither would I," Robin muttered. None of his interactions with Regina's coworker had ever been good.
Regina took a deep breath. "Here he comes. Time to fake like we're okay with him being here."
"Do we even have to do that?" he asked in a hiss.
Zelena wore a dark green sleeveless cocktail dress that she paired with a matching pillbox hat. She held Hades' hand and Robin had to admit the lawyer looked uncomfortable when he shook Robin's hand. "I'm sorry," he said, voice low. "When she invited me, I didn't know it was your wedding."
Robin wondered if Zelena had done that on purpose when she spoke up: "To be fair, I didn't realize he was the lawyer in your case."
Doubt filled him but Regina looked like she might believe Zelena. And when he thought about it, Robin realized Zelena probably hadn't followed much about the trial except to know when Regina would be back in the office. So he decided to give them the benefit of the doubt. "Well, thank you for coming."
"I usually don't do this," Hades said, "but I'm sorry for the hell I put you through during the trial. I wanted Marian to accept a plea but she insisted on dragging us through that. I really was just doing my job."
Robin's dislike started to evaporate as he remembered how defeated Hades had looked toward the end of the trial. He nodded. "We do understand that. So we'll see you at the reception?"
Hades looked surprised and nodded. Zelena smiled, patting his shoulder. "I just want to say something to Regina. Can you wait for me by the car?"
"Of course." Hades gave them a tight smile. "Congratulations, you two. Really."
Once he walked away, Zelena turned back to Regina. "I honestly didn't know who he was, Regina. We met a couple months ago at a party and hit it off. And after watching you and Robin, I started to think that maybe I was wrong. Maybe I could have a career, love and a family too."
"You can," Regina said, taking her coworker's hand. "And if it's with Hades…well, there could be worst people, right?"
Zelena nodded. "Congrats and I'll see you at the wedding. Maybe I'll catch the bouquet."
"Not a chance," Ruby replied, leaning into the conversation. Zelena rolled her eyes before walking away.
Regina craned her neck to whisper in his ears. "I wasn't expecting that. Zelena was actually…nice."
"We should check for flying pigs," he whispered back. She giggled as they continued to thank their guests for coming.
They decided to take pictures in their own backyard. As she stood on a chair, Tink got a shot of the wedding party all relaxing on the chairs set up for the guests. Regina herself had kicked off her high heels and was walking around barefoot, her toes peeking out from under the hem of her dress as she leaned against Robin. He had his arm wrapped around her, holding her against his chest.
She and Robin posed on the chairs a bit more before the groomsmen cleared them away so they had a clear patch of grass to pose on. The grass was cool between her toes and a soft breeze played with her hair. "Today is perfect," she said, after all their pictures had been taken.
"The weather definitely agreed with us," he replied. "Can you imagine trying to fit all those people in the house?"
Regina laughed, shaking her head. "We definitely lucked out considering we didn't have a Plan B."
"Plan B would've been the lovely wedding chapel at the Enchanted Forest Pavilion," Cora said, approaching the two. "I made arrangements, just in case."
"Of course." Regina knew her mother would think about things like that since she and Robin had been overwhelmed with everything else.
Tink checked her last picture and spoke with Nova as well as Peter, her young videographer, before heading over to Robin and Regina. "I think we have all the shots you want and then some. Unless you can think of anything else, we're going to head over to the reception hall. See you two there?"
"Yes," Regina replied, taking Tink's hand. "Thank you so much."
"Thank you for letting me be a part of your special day," she said. "I'm so glad to see you two get your happy ending."
Robin wrapped his arms around Regina's shoulders and she leaned against him. "This isn't really an ending, though. It's the start of another chapter in our story."
"I like that," Tink replied. "See you two at the reception."
She returned to Nova and Peter as Henry approached them. He smiled at the two. "You two look absolutely beautiful. Almost like you're glowing."
"It's her," Robin said, giving her a little shake. "It's just making me look like I'm glowing."
"Nonsense." She rolled her eyes before resting her head on his shoulder.
Henry chuckled. "Why don't you two come inside? We made you sandwiches that shouldn't dirty your outfits. You'll want to eat."
Regina's stomach grumbled and she smiled sheepishly. "I guess something to eat won't hurt."
"Come on," Robin said, taking her hand, "before your stomach gives mine any ideas."
They followed Henry into the kitchen and Regina was surprised to see Susan at the counter, cleaning up some crumbs from the sandwiches she made. She turned to them, holding two plates with ham and cheese sandwiches sitting on them. "There's no mayo or mustard, I'm afraid. We agreed those might make a mess," she said, looking uncertain.
"Thank you, Mum," Robin said softly, taking the plates from her. He handed one to Regina but she didn't take it.
Instead, she stepped forward as Susan grew more uncomfortable. She didn't know if it was because of everything that had happened or because she wasn't Marian. But she was going to take the high road. "I'm glad you came," she said. "And thank you for the sandwiches."
"It's the least I could do…after being so horrible to you." Susan looked up, sadness in her eyes.
Regina took her hands. "I would like to start over, if you want. I want us to have a relationship. After all, we both love Robin. That's a pretty good start, right?"
"Right," Susan agreed. She hesitated before letting go of Regina's hands, giving her a weak smile. "You go eat. I'm sure you're starving."
"Come on, Regina," Robin said softly, motioning to the table. She hesitated, glancing back at Susan, before following him.
Once they were sitting, he leaned over and whispered: "Give her time. She feels guilty and awful for how she treated you. Mum needs to forgive herself and then we can all work on a new relationship."
Regina nodded, glancing up every so often as Susan washed down the counters. She frowned. "You don't have to do that. It's fine."
"Nonsense," Susan said. "The last thing you two want to worry about is a dirty house after the wedding."
Robin covered Regina's hand as she opened her mouth to argue. "Don't argue, lovely. She's just trying to be helpful in her own way," he whispered.
"Thank you," she said instead. "I appreciate it."
Susan smiled and moved onto cleaning some of the dishes in the sink. Regina sighed and leaned back in her seat as she took another bite of her sandwich. It was a bit dry but she understood the reasoning behind the decision not to put any condiments on. She'd rather a dry sandwich than a dirty wedding dress.
Robin slid his chair closer and bumped his shoulder against hers. When she looked up, he grinned at her. "Hello, wife."
"Hello, husband," she replied, smiling. "How did you sleep last night?"
"Alright. I've had better." He winked at her.
She smirked before admitting: "I missed you too. Even your drool."
"I do not drool!"
"Keep telling yourself that, Robin," John replied as Will nodded knowingly.
Regina tried to hide her laugh but she ended up snorting into her sandwich, getting a glare from her husband. "I'm sorry, but it's the truth," she protested.
He sighed, shaking his head. "You're lucky I love you."
"Oh, yes," she agreed, leaning forward to rest her forehead against his. "Very, very lucky."
"I can't believe you got me to agree to this," Regina said, teeth clenched in a tight smile. They waited for Alan to introduce their wedding party, hearing the music blaring even with the door closed.
Robin chuckled, adjusting her gemstone encrusted tiara. "It was either this or we resurrected the tango from Mary Margaret and David's wedding."
She sighed, running her fingers over his crown. "I'd hate to be boring."
"And so we're doing this." It had taken some convincing, but Regina had agreed to enter like the king and queen—stiff upper lips, stiff waves, the works. He worried he wouldn't be able to be serious as he would be too giddy.
He was finally married to Regina.
And he wanted to shout his joy from the mountaintops.
"Ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Robin Locksley!" Alan shouted into his mic. Robin winced a bit, making note to tell his friend to turn it down a couple notches.
Regina squeezed his arm. "You ready, Your Majesty?"
"Of course, my queen." He gave her a quick smile and wink before schooling his features into something of a poker face.
They moved together, waving at their friends and family as they walked toward the dance floor. People chuckled and pointed to their crowns, nodding in approval. Robin felt his lips twitch and he tried to fight it until he glanced down at Regina. She was smiling so bright, he thought she was illuminating the entire room. Giving in, he smiled as well and laughed as they reached the others waiting on the dance floor for them.
"Robin and Regina will now share their first official dance as man and wife," Alan continued. "They have chosen Rachel Platten's 'Better Place' and I have to say, I don't think there's a better song choice for them."
As the others cleared the dance floor, Robin spun Regina close to him. She wrapped her arms around his neck as he held onto her waist, swaying her in time to the music. Though she closed her eyes, he kept his open as he watched her face the entire time. She smiled as they danced and he felt like the luckiest man in the world. He got to spend the rest of his life with the most amazing, intelligent, kind and beautiful woman ever.
"I love you," he whispered. Or what passed as a whisper when the music was so loud. He really needed to tell Alan to turn it down.
"I love you too," she whispered back, stroking the hair at his nape. "Always."
He chuckled before wrapping an arm around her waist, pulling her closer. Robin then brought his other hand to the back of her head, feeling her silky hair as he cupped her head. She rested her chin on his shoulder, letting out a pleased sigh.
The music died away as everyone applauded, reminding Robin they weren't alone. Regina pulled away to give him a quick kiss and he smiled against her lips.
Alan approached them holding a microphone. "Wonderful, you two. Most beautiful couple ever, I'm sure."
"Laying it on a bit thick, Alan," Regina told him, shaking her head.
"Can you blame me?" He winked at her. "Now, though, we're going to make everyone misty-eyed as Regina shares a dance with her father and Robin with his mother."
Robin motioned to Alan. "Turn it down a bit. You're overdoing it with the volume."
"My ears are already ringing," Regina added as Henry approached her.
Alan nodded, smiling sheepishly. "Sorry. I couldn't get a good handle on the acoustics in the room. I'll go turn everything down."
"Thank you." Robin then turned to his mother, who was close to tears again. He gave her a soft smile. "Oh, Mum…"
She nodded. "I've been dreaming of this moment since you were born. Thank you for wanting to share it with me even after how I've behaved."
"I couldn't imagine sharing this moment with anyone else, not even Grandma Ellie." He took her hand in his and placed his hand on her waist as the song he and Regina had selected started up.
They glided across the dance floor, careful not to collide with Regina and Henry. She had her head on her father's shoulder and he held her close, looking close to tears as well.
A sniffle from his mother drew Robin's attention down to her. Tears ran down her cheek and Robin kissed her head. "It's okay, Mum."
"I know," she replied. "It's just…I remember dancing with you when you were a baby. And now you're a grown man, marrying the woman you love and about to start your own family. It's everything I wanted for you and I'm…I'm just so happy."
"Me too, Mum," he said. "Me too."
He closed his eyes as he enjoyed the moment he had dreamt of for a long time—dancing with his mother at his wedding. It was everything he wanted and then some. With a promise of a fresh start between them, he felt even happier.
The song ended and he hugged her. "I love you, Mum."
"I love you too, Robin." She cupped his cheek before letting her hand fall away. "And now I leave you to your bride."
Robin glanced over his shoulder, his heart speeding up as he saw Regina smiling at the two of them. There were some tear tracks down her cheeks so he knew she must've been crying while dancing with her father.
He gathered her into his arms. "Everything okay, lovely?"
She nodded. "Daddy and I just had a moment while dancing. What about you? Did you enjoy your dance with your mother?"
"I did. I'm looking forward to her being part of our lives…if you're okay with that," he said, guiding her to the dais.
"Of course it is," Regina replied. "If she's willing then so am I."
He smiled, rubbing her back. "That's what I told her. And I assured her you wanted a relationship with her."
"Then we're off to a great start." She smiled at him as he pulled out her chair, sitting down so they could enjoy their salads. Robin took the seat next to her, wondering if he would ever stop feeling giddy.
They hadn't been lying when everyone warned her she wouldn't eat at her wedding reception. She and Robin only taken a few bites of salad before they were pulled away to greet guests and chat with them for a bit. Regina was excited at first to talk to everyone but by the time they had gotten to the entrée, her stomach was rumbling and all she was able to do was choke down a few bites.
Yet the times when everyone else was eating were the best for her and Robin to make sure they spoke to everyone. The guests were all in their seats, focused on their meals, and the music was lowered so people could talk to each other.
"You really look beautiful, dear," one Robin's cousins said, smiling at her. "And the ceremony was gorgeous. I wasn't too sure when I saw you were getting married in your backyard but it didn't feel like it."
"Thanks?" Regina wasn't too sure if it was a compliment or not but she kept smiling as did the cousin. It probably was.
There were a lot of other comments throughout the rest of the night that were similar to hers and by the time they got halfway through the reception, Regina thought she had heard them all. "What's so terrible about having our wedding in our backyard?" she asked as she and Robin took a break at the bar.
He shrugged. "It was perfect to me."
"Me too," she replied, taking the martini the bartender made for her. "I know I shouldn't care what people think but…"
"But it sounds like we have to justify our decision, I know." He sighed, taking his beer and leaned against the bar.
She sighed as well, looking around. "Well, maybe everyone's gotten it out of their system and we can just get on with the usual pleasantries."
"Or we can finish our drinks and get on that dance floor," Robin suggested, motioning to where several guests were dancing. It looked very appealing.
Regina took another sip of her martini. "I think we can leave these at our seats and dance now. I doubt anyone is going to spike our drinks at our wedding."
He chuckled. "I guess you're right. Besides, Mary Margaret is at the dais. She can watch our drinks."
She took his hand and they weaved through the crowd to get to the dais. Mary Margaret was sitting there, rubbing her stomach as she watched everyone the dance floor. Concern filled Regina and she leaned over the table toward her. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," she said, smiling. "Just very pregnant. And the baby seems to like the music because he keeps kicking."
Robin chuckled. "I'll let Alan know his set list is unborn baby approved. Can you watch our drinks for us?"
"Of course, though I don't think they're going anywhere. The servers are just taking plates, not glasses," Mary Margaret replied. She waved them away. "Go. Dance. Be merry."
Robin led her to the center of the dance floor, starting to move to the rhythm of the music as he placed his hands on her hips. "Come on, lovely. Let's show them how good a team we are."
She laughed, swaying her hips in time with his as their guests danced around them. Closing her eyes, she recalled Marian's wedding and dancing with him then. They had just defined their relationship after Regina had confessed her deepest secret to him. His acceptance had allowed her to hope they would be dancing together at their wedding one day.
And here they were.
The music slowed into a ballad and Robin pulled her closer. She rested her head on his shoulder, opening her eyes to take in their wedding reception. Most of the guests stayed on the floor, though she saw a few leave while a couple joined—including Mary Margaret and David. Belle and Ruby weren't too far from them as were Ana and Will. She smiled as they spun to see Grandma Ellie and Grandpa Roland slow dancing on the edge of the dance floor. Regina hoped that was her and Robin in a few decades.
With another slow turn, she saw Zelena and Hades. They were closer in height so their heads were pressed together. Zelena's eyes were closed and she had a soft smile Regina had never seen on her coworker before. Hades looked at her like she was the most amazing thing he had ever seen. It warmed her heart.
"Penny for your thoughts," Robin whispered, kissing her forehead.
"I was thinking about Zelena."
He stopped for a moment before resuming their dance. "Okay, that thought is worth more than a penny."
She chuckled. "I was just thinking about how we inspired her to want more, to want love. It just makes me feel like…I don't know, it just makes me feel really good about us."
"I feel really good about us too," he said. "And as strange as it is to have Marian's defense lawyer at our wedding, I hope those two make it. Even witches deserve some love and happiness, right? Maybe it'll chill her out."
"Doubtful." Regina crinkled her nose as she looked up at him. He gave her a bemused smile with adoration in his eyes before kissing her nose.
The music died down. "Ladies and gentlemen, please find your seats. Robin and Regina, stay where you are. It's time to cut the cake. And then it's the moment Will has been dreading since Robin got the ring—the best man's speech," Alan announced.
Color drained from Will's face as Ana and Regina squeezed his arms. "You'll be fine," she assured him.
"You're great," Robin told him. "Just relax. Maybe do a shot?"
Will chuckled. "Encouraging me to get drunk, eh?"
"Could only help," Alan said, coming up to them. He slapped Will on the back. "Might improve the performance."
Rolling his eyes, Will headed back to the dais while Ana went in the other direction back to her table. Alan turned to Robin and Regina, motioning to the table the servers had rolled out. They had decided to go with a wedding cake made of cupcakes—five tiers worth, each tier a different flavor of cupcake. After several taste tests, they had chosen chocolate, vanilla, lemon, red velvet and mocha and all were frosted with a sweet vanilla icing.
Two cupcakes, both red velvet, sat at the very top. One had a little Robin Hood figurine on it while the other had a queen on top. Regina hadn't been able to help herself when she saw them and when she showed them to Robin, he had laughed so hard he had turned red in the face. They agreed there was nothing more they wanted on their cupcakes.
Regina picked up the one with the queen, taking it off, as Robin picked up the one with Robin Hood. He smiled as he pulled back the wrapper, holding it out for her to bite as she did the same. She sunk her teeth into the sugary sweet treat, some icing getting onto the tip of her nose. "Let me get that," he said, kissing her nose.
"Okay, okay," Alan said, holding the bottle of champagne. "That was probably sweeter than the cupcakes. While the staff distributes the cupcakes, Robin gets to pop the cork. I'd advise everyone to take cover."
The guests chuckled as Robin rolled his eyes. "Do keep in mind that I still sign your paycheck, Dale."
Alan held up his hands and backed away as Regina watched her husband—her husband—work out the cork. He gave her a wink before turning away from everyone, giving the bottle a little shake before letting the cork fly across the room. She backed up as some champagne spritzed out, foam coming out of the bottle.
"Good job, Robin," Alan said, taking the bottle from him again. "I'm going to ask our lovely couple to return to their seats and invite the beautiful matron of honor to come up. Kathryn?"
Kathryn passed Robin and Regina, giving her a hug. "I promise not to reveal too many embarrassing stories," she said, winking.
Alan handed her the mic as Regina and Robin took their seats, glasses full of champagne sitting in front of them. She reached for her abandoned martini, though, and took a sip as Robin took one of his beer.
"Hi everyone," Kathryn started, taking a flute of champagne from a passing server. "I promise to be quick. For those who don't know, Regina and I have been best friends since elementary school. We were paired together—Midas and Mills, you get it—and a lifelong friendship was born. We got each other through bad grades, difficult homework assignments, bitter teachers, fights with parents, and, of course, boy troubles.
"She saw me kiss my share of frogs until I found my prince and she stood by me as we got married. And I've seen her kiss more than her share of frogs. I am now so happy to stand by her as she marries her prince. Regina is someone who loves with her whole being and will be loyal to the end. Because of that, she inspires the same in those lucky enough to call her a friend. Or in Robin's very special case, wife."
Kathryn turned to face them, smiling. "So, Robin, never forget the treasure we've entrusted to you. And Regina, never forget that your friends will do anything for you. Anything. Hide a body, be an alibi, bail you out of jail…just name it. But most importantly, we want you to be happy and wish you both nothing but a lifetime of that. To Regina and her Prince, Robin, cheers!"
"Cheers!" Everyone took a sip of their champagne. As Kathryn returned to her seat, Regina held her friend close, thanking her.
Alan faced the dais, smirking at Will. "Okay, Best Man. It's your turn," he taunted in a sing-song voice.
Will downed the rest of his whiskey before heading out to the dance floor. "I hate you," he said into the mic, looking right at Alan, "so, so much right now."
Chuckling, Alan backed away and let Will have his moment. "Well, as you can tell, I don't care much for making speeches. But when Robin asked me to be his best man, I knew I had to stand up for him. He's the reason I'm here and not in prison with the rest of my family.
"Robin and I met years ago in Nottingham. I know at first his family worried I would be a bad influence on him but they soon realized the same thing I did—he was a good influence on me," Will continued. "While we got into the usual youthful shenanigans, Robin did keep me on the straight and narrow. His grandparents gave me a safe place to go when I showed up at home to find out my parents had been picked up again for some petty crime."
He paused and Regina heard a sniffle behind her. Turning her head, she found Robin rubbing his eyes and she smiled, taking his hand and squeezing it. She knew he and Will had a special bond and that they were more like brothers than best friends.
Will cleared his throat before continuing. "I saw Robin fall in love for the first time and it took him away from me. And I tried for years to be the man the Locksleys helped me see I could be. Things got a bit tough and I decided to apply to move to the States, to get a fresh start and hopefully to find that Robin could ground me. It took a few years but I finally got here in time to watch Robin fall in love all over again.
"Having seen Robin fall in love before, I knew right away that Regina was different. She and Robin make each other better, make each other stronger. Regina supports him the way he has always supported me and I'm glad he has someone like her in his life. If I had to place a bet on only one couple growing old together, I would put it on Robin and Regina."
He held up his glass of champagne. "So please join me in saluting the best man I have ever known and the only woman worthy of loving him—Robin and Regina."
Everyone toasted them and Regina took a sip of her champagne as she choked back a few tears. Beside her, Robin had ducked his head as he wiped his eyes before Will approached them. They engulfed him in a hug. "Thanks, mate," Robin whispered.
"No, thank you," Will said.
Regina rubbed his back. "You have a way with words. Ever consider becoming a writer?"
"Never really crossed my mind," he admitted.
"You should consider it." She kissed his cheek. "I'll leave you with Robin. I think it's time for me to throw a bouquet."
Kathryn handed her a bouquet she got just to toss since she had decided to use the wristlet. As she approached the dance floor, Alan turned to the guests. "Calling all the single ladies! It's time for the bouquet toss. Gather on the dance floor and good luck!"
Regina watched as several female guests elbowed each other as they fought for what they believed would be the perfect spot. Merida, Ruby, Belle and Mulan were right in the front, all looking eager to catch the bouquet. Just behind them, Regina saw Ana and Zelena lurking. She grinned, deciding this was going to be fun to watch.
She turned around as Alan led the other guests in a countdown. When they hit one, she tossed the bouquet over her shoulder and quickly turned to watch the show. The bouquet bounced around as several hands knocked it in attempts to get. Several women were jumping and Regina feared a few were going to fall.
One hand reached up and closed on the bouquet's handle. It stayed aloft as Ana emerged from the crowd victorious. Disappointed women started to drift from the floor while some stayed to congratulate her.
"Okay, Regina, don't move," Alan instructed her, carrying a chair over. He set it down. "Your throne."
She took his hand and let him help her sit down. He then turned to the table. "Okay, I'm gonna need to the groom. Come on down, Boss man."
"I thought we agreed we were never using that name again," Robin said, giving Alan a stern look.
Alan rolled his eyes. "Just get over here and feel up your bride, okay?"
"I am so going to get him back for that when we get back," Robin muttered, kneeling in front of Regina. "He's going to be going up trees for months."
"You're sexy when you're vengeful," Regina said, running her fingers through his hair. She crossed her legs, letting her skirt slid down her calf a bit. "But I believe you have a garter to retrieve now, good sir."
He chuckled, sliding a hand up her leg and under her skirt. It was warm against her skin and the mere contact had her stomach contracting as warmth pooled low inside her. She watched him, hoping the same unbridled lust in his eyes were reflected in her own.
"How far up did you put this bloody thing?" he asked, fingers still inching up her thigh. "Good lord, woman."
"Just trying to give you a little thrill." She winked at him.
Robin shook his head. "Trying to get me shot by your father, you mean."
"I made Daddy leave the guns at home."
"A small comfort." She felt his fingers slide under the lacy garter she wore as triumph filled his eyes. "Aha! Got it!"
"Okay, Robin, you can do that when you and Regina get home," Alan teased, stepping closer. "Get that garter so I can get all the single fellows out onto the dance floor."
Regina raised an eyebrow. "Did he just say 'fellows'?"
"I'm going to throw the garter at him." Robin pulled off the garment and held it up as he stood. Before Alan could usher the men onto the dance floor, Robin snapped the garter at him like a rubber band.
Everyone laughed and Alan sputtered for a bit before picking up the garter. "Aww, thanks, mate, but I'm afraid I'm taken. You're supposed to throw this at men who aren't. So, gentlemen, line up. Fair word of warning, this thing hurts when turned into a projectile."
Indeed, Regina watched as Alan rubbed his head as he handed the garter back to Robin. She watched her husband stand in the middle of the dance floor as the men grouped together, most of them whispering amongst themselves. It aroused her curiosity and she wondered what they were conspiring until Robin tossed the garter. They then all took a step back, leaving Will to be the one to catch it.
As he held the garter, Will looked around and frowned. "Oi! I could've caught it on my own, you know!"
"We all agreed to defer to you," John explained, clapping him on the back. "Not that we didn't think you couldn't catch it, mate."
Will thanked them as Alan called Ana back up to the dance floor. "Now our lucky couple will share a nice slow dance along with our bride and groom. Robin? Regina?"
Robin held out his hand to her and Regina took it with a smile. He helped her out of the chair and led her to the center of the dance floor. She winked at Ana and Will. "Congrats, you two."
"Thanks, Regina," Ana replied softly as she continued to gaze adoringly on her dance partner.
Regina turned back to hers, wrapping her arms around him again. She pressed her forehead to his, smiling. "I love you."
"I love you too," he whispered back, hands splayed on her back. "Always."
As they swayed together on the dance floor, Regina smiled. She had never wanted a fairy tale wedding but dancing with Robin, she couldn't help but feel she got one anyway.
Their street was quiet and all the houses dark as the limo pulled up to theirs. Regina and Robin were stretched out on the seat in the back, their shoes resting on the floor beside them as they picked bird seed out of their hair.
"I think Will and John conspired to really pelt me with it," Robin groused. "Sorry you got in the way."
She shook her head. "I think it might have been Ruby. She was a little too drunk by the end."
The limo stopped and the driver lowered the partition. "Alright, lovebirds, you're home. Have a good night."
"Thank you," Robin said, sitting up so they could put their shoes on. "You drive safely home yourself."
"Will do," the driver assured them.
Fingers laced together, Robin and Regina walked up their front path and climbed the stairs to their porch. Grandpa Roland had left their key in the little mailbox next to the door and Robin fished them out, opening the door using the dim glow of their porch light. "I think I need to change the lightbulb," he mused.
"Worry about that when we get back," she told him, starting to head inside. He stopped her though and she frowned. "What?"
"Tradition," he said before scooping her into his arms. "I'm supposed to carry you over the threshold, milady."
She chuckled, resting her head on his shoulder. "Well, I'm not going to complain. Carry me inside."
He didn't stop with just carrying her inside, kicking the door closed behind them before carrying her straight up to their room. Robin laid her on the bed, kissing her. "I'm going to lock the door and I'll be right back."
Regina took off her shoes, smirking as she thought of the black box stashed under the bed for this exact moment. But as she crouched down to retrieve, a dull ache in her stomach had her curled up instead. She knew it was the start of hunger pains as aside from the few bites she had managed throughout the night and the cupcake, she hadn't had much to eat since the sandwich that afternoon. It was now catching up with her.
"Regina? Is something wrong?" Robin knelt next to her, rubbing her back.
She sighed. "I'm starving."
"Me too," he sighed. "How about this? Let's get out of these and into our pajamas and then we'll go downstairs have something to eat?"
"I was planning on changing into something else tonight," she replied, glancing toward the bed.
He chuckled. "I'm sure you were. And it would've come right off, trust me. Save it for the honeymoon. We have plenty of time then."
Robin helped her up and unzipped her dress. "Cru did an amazing job on this," he said. "You looked like a queen coming down the aisle toward me, some peasant lucky enough to love her."
She rolled her eyes as the dress slid down her body and she stepped out of it. "You are definitely not a peasant."
He hummed in response, his fingers tracing her curves as he kissed her neck. She closed her eyes, craning her neck so he had better access. "Are you sure you don't want to go straight to bed?"
"Regina, you were curled up on the floor in pain," he murmured. "I rather get you fed first."
She was about to protest when her stomach growled, sending a sharp pain through her abdomen. "Okay, okay. Let's get you out of this suit and we'll go eat."
Robin had already taken off his tie and vest so she started to pop each button open as he stood there, fingers still caressing her back. She felt her heart beat faster and she licked her lips, knowing what lay under the shirt. Yet the pain growing sharper in her stomach reminded her that she had other needs to tend to first, not just her libido. She slid the shirt off his arms and sighed as she began working on his belt. "At least we're undressing each other."
"Indeed." Robin let her slide his pants off before stepping out of them, standing there in silky gray boxers. "I'm going to head downstairs and start making us something. You finish changing."
Regina gave him a quick kiss before digging out the Knights jersey that had slowly become hers over the past two years. Despite that, it still smelled like Robin as she pulled it over her head. She stopped and looked around, her new reality hitting her.
Two years ago, she was a harried single woman with storm clouds hanging over her head, living in an apartment in the city while dreaming of a one-and-a-half Cape in the suburbs. Now she was standing in the middle of her bedroom in that very house about to head downstairs to enjoy a very, very late meal with her husband.
Giddy, she raced down the stairs and into the kitchen. She found Robin standing at the stove, an open box of macaroni and cheese on the counter. Laughter bubbled up as she hugged him, pressing herself against his back.
"What's so funny?" he asked, his voice rumbling against her ear.
"I'm just so happy," she replied, smiling. "Thank you."
"For feeding you?"
She nodded. "But not just now. I mean for feeding me two years ago. One act changed my whole life."
"Changed mine as well," he reminded her. "There are many things in my life I wish I could do over. That night is certainly not one of them."
"Same here." Regina sighed, closing her eyes as she felt his warmth envelope her. She stood there, wrapped around her soulmate as she waited for him to finish their dinner. It may not have been how most people spent their wedding night but for them, it was just who they were.
And she wouldn't have it any other way.
A/N: Robin and Regina are married! *Tosses birdseed in the air*
I hope you all forgive me not writing the wedding night. To make it up to you, the honeymoon chapter is pretty much just going to be smut, smut, smut. Robin and Regina aren't going to be able to keep their hands off each other.
Enjoy your Halloween and I'll see everyone real soon with the honeymoon!
-Mac