I don't own these characters; Disney/ABC does.
A/N: this story contains g!p (girl penis) and if that's not your thing, I would suggest you read something else. Also, this story earns its mature rating in this chapter, so if that's not your thing, skip the middle of the chapter.
Richly Deserved
1: With This Ring
Emma, clad in her pajamas, sat next to Regina on the very comfortable sofa in Regina's condo. Yes, Emma lived there and paid bills there, but it was still Regina's condo. After all, Regina had it long before she met Emma. It did not matter to Emma, though. She was happy to be there.
She had come to love this sofa, for the most innocent of reasons. She loved being able to sit there with Regina and Henry, watching movies. Now, she loved sitting there with Regina, being in the same space. This sofa had helped bring them together, giving them a place to chat and drink wine after Emma hung out with Henry. It saw her through a fumble, but also helped reconnect her and Regina. Yeah, she loved this sofa, especially recently.
The sofa still served the same purpose for them as it used to. Once Henry went to bed, they talked, drank wine, and cuddled on occasion. But, Emma really just liked being close to each other and whenever they were on the couch, they were close, physically and emotionally.
Regina was next to her, just enough for Emma to feel the warmth radiating from her. Regina was clad in a little black slip, as if ready for bed, but bed was a couple of hours away. She had her laptop to one side of her, papers splayed out on the coffee table in front of her. Her face makeup free with her glasses on and her bottom lip between her teeth in a way that made Emma want to nibble it. Except, she did not want to get yelled at. Regina was working, after all.
"How much longer?" Emma whined before grabbing her wine glass and having a sip. It was good. Regina would mess around and turn her into a wine snob. Of course, I'll turn into a wino if it means I get to just sit here with Regina every night. She was so content at moments like this. She had been unaware this type of peace could exist until her relationship with Regina.
Regina sighed. "An hour maybe. It's a lot of figures to understand. You can watch a movie without me. I don't mind." Her eyes never left her computer screen.
Emma scoffed. "No, I can't. I like cuddling you when we watch stuff. Besides, wouldn't the noise distract you?"
"You've had full blown conversations with me as I work. Have I seemed distracted?"
With a sigh, a pout settled on Emma's face. "No, but that was when you were straightening out the books for one business. Isn't this several businesses all wrapped up in one giant mess?" She motioned to the pile of folders and papers by Regina's laptop.
With a long exhale that Emma was not sure was directed toward her or the work, Regina rubbed the bridge of her nose, bumping her glasses. "That it is."
Emma reached out, massaging the small of Regina's back, loving the feel of the silk against her fingertips and the warmth of Regina coming through the slip. "You'll straighten it out. That's why they got you for the job."
Regina nodded. "Yes, and as annoying as it is, I'm glad they have me for the job."
Emma smiled. "Me, too. Happiness looks good on you." Leaning in, she kissed Regina's neck. Regina did not even cut her a glance.
"I'm not sure that's the job change or promotion."
"Oh? Then what is it?" Emma smirked, as if she did not know. It was always nice to get Regina to compliment her or admit to enjoying being with her.
Regina finally paid her some mind, looking at her for a brief moment. Somehow, in that brief moment, she looked Emma up and down and Emma had never felt sexier. How was that possible? She was in a white tank top and frayed, gray sweat shorts. She was makeup free and her hair was pulled into a ponytail. She should not feel like she could swagger down a catwalk right now, but Regina's gaze did that to her. It took everything in her not to launch herself on Regina and kiss her until they both could not breathe.
"In a couple of weeks, I'm getting married to the most amazing woman ever," Regina said.
"Yeah?" Emma sat up and scooted a little closer, like an eager puppy. "Am I invited?"
Regina scoffed, curling her lip. "An annoyance like you at my wedding? Sorry, it's a very personal, small affair. Only our closest friends and family."
Emma whined like a little puppy and nuzzled Regina's hair. It smelled like coconut oil. "You could sneak me in if you really cared."
Regina turned her attention back to her work. "Afraid not. My wife-to-be is a very important deputy sheriff. She would arrest any wedding crashers without hesitation."
Emma grinned. "She can't be too important or smart. Look how long it took her to marry you."
Regina gave her another glance. "Oh, she's very important, smart, and kind. She waited to marry me, so her pregnant sister could have her baby and time to lose the extra weight to fit into her bridesmaid dress."
Emma gave a long snort. "Nope. She's an idiot. She could've eloped with you."
A dramatic gasp escaped Regina and she pressed her hand to the center of her chest. "Elope with a lady like me? Why I'd never!"
Emma laughed. "You nobles need everything announced and seen."
"Well, getting married is a big deal. It joins families… or would if we had any."
Emma shrugged. "I got my sister. You've got both Katheryn and Mal looking out for you. That's enough."
"And they all want to be there to celebrate our happy day with us, so as I keep reminding you, we can't elope."
"You're making it seem like I shouldn't want to be married to you right this second."
Regina rubbed her knee. "We'll get there. This is a journey together. Marriage is one stop."
Emma nodded. "What's the stop after that? House? Another kid?" She gasped, putting both hands over her mouth. "Puppy?"
Regina now swatted at her. "Stop saying puppy so loud. Henry's liable to wake from his sleep to join you in trying to convince me."
"Because we need a puppy, Regina."
"Then we need a yard."
They had had this discussion many times. "We should've started looking at houses. I mean, I know our house fund isn't great yet, but we should start." Their house fund was "not great" because Emma did not make a lot of money as a deputy sheriff in Storybrooke. But, she loved her job and adopted hometown.
"It can wait, my love. One step at a time to avoid being overwhelmed."
Emma sighed. "I guess. So, do I have to wait until we have the house to put a baby in you?" She grinned and kissed Regina's shoulder.
Regina groaned. "Please, do us both a favor and don't try to be funny."
Emma smiled. "Okay, but seriously. Are we going to try for a baby as we look for a house since it'll take the baby nine months to get here?" While they had definitely discussed and decided on another child, they had not gone beyond that.
"Perhaps try soon after deciding on a house. I want to be able to help move us in."
"You're going to do that regardless. I can do any literal heavy lifting." Emma could not help flexing, putting up both arms. Regina loved her build.
Regina smiled and kissed her cheek. "I know, but I want to share that experience and then never lift anything heavy again."
Emma laughed. "I got you, babe. Always willing to bust out the big guns for you." She changed her pose, now flexing her right tricep.
"Well, now, you're just trying to tempt me."
"Like you in this nightie." Emma wiggled her eyebrows and tilted her shoulders with both arms up again. "Is it working?"
"No, because I'm working." But, there was a sparkle in her honey eyes as she tried to focus on the computer.
Emma sipped more of her wine. "I really can't wait to be married to you."
"I know. I feel the same way. I'm honestly shocked you want to walk this path with me considering how I treated you in the beginning."
A grin spread across Emma's face. "That's the beauty. I get to see how you care for me now. How you don't freak out when we reach a new level of intimacy and how you pull me closer. I know you cherish me because of how we started."
Regina smiled and kissed Emma's cheek. "Fine, you can come to my wedding."
Emma sat up, pride in her spine, as if Regina had not agreed to marry her almost six months ago. "I knew you'd cave."
"Well, I do love you, for reasons that will continue to escape me."
Emma rolled her eyes. "It's the dick, isn't it?"
Regina threw her head back with laughter. "Well, yes, that is nice. You know you made sex a joy for me."
Emma's chest might never go back to normal with how much it puffed up. "I'm sorry you had to do work that made you uncomfortable, but I'm happy to know you like sex with me."
Regina shook her head. "It's fine. It was bearable and the reason I met you. Don't let that go to your head."
Emma snorted. "You already invited me to your wedding. I'm on cloud nine."
Regina chuckled and the conversation died down. They sat quietly together, Emma appreciating her wine and her view as Regina worked. Just the glasses on her face and the little nightie barely covering her. It was quite the sight and Emma probably could have watched all night.
Then, Regina closed folders and her laptop. She grabbed her wine glass and leaned against Emma. Emma wasted no time putting an arm around her.
"Are you sure you want to do this?" Regina asked.
Emma knew immediately what Regina meant. They had this little check in almost weekly now. "Yes. You and Henry are what I've been searching for my entire life, family and home. If I ever seem like I don't want to do this, check me for head injuries immediately. What about you?" Turnabout was fair play.
"Your presence has only been a blessing to me. Why would I ever doubt wanting to spend my life with you?"
"Then we're agreed. Still getting married and all that."
Regina smiled. "Yes and all that."
"So, movie and make outs?" Emma grinned.
"My favorite part of the day."
Emma laughed, but found a movie for them to enjoy. It was a bit hard to do because they had very different tastes in movies, but anything suspenseful was good. Especially since Regina liked to press herself closer to Emma during the movies.
Barely a half hour into the movie, Regina was all but in Emma's lap, not that she would complain. Regina's legs were across her lap and Regina was tucked in close to her side. Regina still wore her damn glasses, knowing what they did to Emma. She caressed Regina's slim, bare thighs. Regina pushed up and kissed her, starting the make out portion of the evening. Definitely Emma's favorite part, too.
Emma was certain she would never tire of the press of Regina's body or the feel of Regina's lips. The caress of Regina's tongue never failed to send sparks through her body. It caused such a blazing heat and subtle warmth at the same time. It was loving on so many levels.
"Can we…" Emma panted as they broke apart for a brief breath. "Bed?" They never did more than light make outs on the sofa, even if Henry was asleep. There was no telling when he might wake up. That kid had wild dreams sometimes and if he saw a light in the living room, he would wander out. The last thing any of them wanted was for Henry to see them being intimate.
"You think you're good enough to get in bed with me?" Regina teased and nipped Emma's chin.
"Better than good," Emma replied with a confidence she most certainly felt.
Regina visibly brightened. "Oh? You think your dick is that good?"
Emma smirked. "I think my dick, my fingers, my tongue, all of it are that good. I think the press of our bodies together is that good."
Regina shivered. "You're not wrong."
"I know. So, let's go." Emma grinned.
Regina kissed the end of her nose. "Go turn down the bed. I have to clean this up."
"Or I could just carry you to the bed and we keep this up." That was not going to happen. Regina would never let any of them wake up to a mess. Emma appreciated it in ways she could not put into words. She had grown up in chaos that seemed like freedom, but a painful sort of freedom. Regina was order and structure and it should have been restrictive, but for the first time, Emma could breathe in some place that was meant to be home.
"Go." Regina pointed down the hall.
"You make it so impossible to be spontaneous," Emma dramatically whined.
"You say that like someone who doesn't want to go to my wedding."
Emma laughed and left Regina to her self-imposed chores. It gave her time to set a little mood in the bedroom. She liked to romance Regina whenever she could, even with little things. Regina never really had authentic romance since the death of Henry's father and Regina deserved all the romance Emma could give.
-8-8-8-8-
Regina's phone went off as she gathered up her folders to put her work away. She was not surprised the call was from her mother. Mother had been calling more and more as the wedding date drew near. Regina was also not surprised Mother knew the wedding date despite the fact that very few people were invited to the wedding. Of course, Mother was not invited.
Regina did not pick up and had not picked up for Mother since Emma entered her life. Before Emma, she longed for love, longed for family. Yes, she had Henry, but she yearned for something more. She was not sure what it was, but it was definitely Emma-shaped. She just did not know that before Emma, so whenever her mother made contact, she had jumped at it. She thought she longed for Mother. But, nope. Now, she learned, she could definitely live without Mother.
That would really burn Mother up. The whole disowning thing was meant to teach Regina a lesson: always listen to Mother. To Hell with that.
By the time Regina was done cleaning up her work, putting it away in a briefcase, Mother had gone to voicemail. Once upon a time, Regina would have listened to the voicemail, as annoying as it was. Emma deleted them when she came around, just as Emma did with the few voicemails she got from Leopold, her biological father. Regina freaked out about it at first, but now, she did the practice as well.
She grabbed the phone and saw the icon for a voicemail. "Never again, Mother." She deleted it without a care in the world. Mother would no longer run or ruin her life.
Regina grabbed the wine glasses and went to the sink, wanting to put Mother out of her mind to stay in the mood. Emma had worked her up just enough where she could still function, but she wanted to get to the room as soon as possible. And, now, Mother might ruin it all.
"As Mother always does," Regina grumbled.
The one time Mother met Emma, Mother definitely tried to ruin things for Regina then. Emma did not realize it, totally blind and naive to nobility and their practices, so she just took it as Mother not liking her. Regina was fine to let her think that, as it was true, but she did not know Mother tried to intimidate her away. Mother wanted Emma to understand she could crush her for daring to be the "lesser" of Leopold White's daughters.
"Stop thinking about her," Regina hissed and shook her head.
Regina finished with the dishes and took a deep breath, trying to get back her good cheer. No luck. Mother was on her mind. Mother might show up for the wedding. Mother might stop the wedding.
"No, I wouldn't let her do that," Regina said.
Of course, Mother did not have to show up to stop the wedding. There were any number of different, horrible things Mother could do. Regina could only hope the wedding was so small and so insignificant to most that Mother could not ruin it. Her power was too vast to touch something so unimportant.
Regina needed to reign her thoughts in. She knew just what she had to do. Password protected file it was. The first picture to greet her in that file was a nude of Emma spread across their bed, delicious muscles on display, and glorious cock at attention, wanting attention. Regina could not help the noise that escaped her, a small chirp. It always came when she saw the picture.
"Okay, I want that right now," Regina muttered. Instead of going to the room to stake her claim, though, she went to the next picture. She would go well beyond recapturing her mood if she kept this up.
-8-8-8-8-
Emma set about preparing the bedroom for some romance. She had a drawer in her nightstand dedicated to quick bedroom setups. Flameless candles, a small container of rose petals, and some rose water spray just to put a hint of flowers in the air. She also had a split second to decide on which boxer-briefs she should grab.
She had two pairs of underwear in her drawer. The first pair, simple and black. Regina bought them for her, loving how they hugged Emma's toned body and accentuated her… package. The other pair was more… well, of a gag, but very sentimental. Her smiley face boxer-briefs with a couple of holes, one on her left cheek and one at the waistband. She grabbed the sleek pair. Sexy just seems like the right thing right now.
Now, clad in her best boxer-briefs and a matching sports bra, Emma turned down the bed and sprinkled the rose petals on the bed. Turning on the flameless candles, she clicked off the lights and sat on the edge of the bed, bathed in light from the candles.
Regina came in a couple of minutes later and gasped at the sight. "All this in five minutes?"
"Less. Come here." Emma beckoned her with open arms.
Regina fell against her, kissing her with reckless abandon. Oh, someone went into the pics before coming in here. Regina always kissed like she needed it to live after going through her vast collection of Emma nudes. Emma loved it. She felt powerful from Regina's desire.
The feel of Regina's tongue was enough to send her reeling, but Emma kept her wits about her. She could not allow Regina to distract her, as Regina has a habit of doing. She wanted to give as good as she got. Regina deserved that and more.
Emma embraced Regina, pressing them close. She caressed the small of Regina's back, touching her as if she was precious, priceless, which she was. The touch made Regina change how she kissed Emma. They kissed as if trying to melt into each other. The embrace was slow and warm, like they had all night. Emma never wanted it to end, never wanted to let Regina go.
"You are so beautiful," Emma said, lips barely away from Regina's.
Regina's blush almost went unnoticed thanks to the dull light of the flameless candles. "You're only saying that because I still have on my glasses."
"Honestly, I don't know how you manage to be even sexier in glasses, but they really work for you." Emma stole a kiss.
"Yes, well, as much as you like them, I know from past experiences, it's best to take them off before hopping into bed with you."
Emma chuckled, as that was very true, but she was not interested in the truth right now. She was interested in Regina, Regina in her reading glasses specifically. So, she went in for another kiss and Regina met her with the same enthusiasm. It was almost painful how Emma never knew love could be felt in a kiss until Regina came along. Of course, she had never realized that was what happened when they kissed until Regina mentioned it once. She had always understood it was a strong emotion, but no, this was love.
Eventually, Emma laid Regina down and settled between her legs. Regina liked Emma on top of her. It tickled Emma that her former call girl girlfriend's favorite position was missionary, but it made a lot of sense. Regina trusted Emma and showed it by letting Emma have this control. Regina liked the intimacy of the position, being able to look in Emma's eyes, wrap her arms around Emma, and hold Emma close.
"I love you." Regina said, hands caressing Emma's shoulders.
Emma grinned. "You don't have to butter me up. I promise I'll lick you just like you like before rocking your world."
Regina scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Really rethinking inviting you to my wedding if you're going to be like this."
Emma chuckled and Regina pulled her down for a kiss. She stroked Regina's thighs, first outside and then inside. Regina's leg spread and Emma took that as the invite it was.
Regina arched into the first touch and Emma caressed her until Regina broke the kiss to moan. Emma took that chance to kiss her way down Regina's body to her sweet spot. She made sure each kiss was wet and lingered, tasting Regina properly before she got to the best part. Emma wasted no time taking Regina into her mouth. Regina threw her head back, letting loose a carefree moan.
The sound danced down Emma's spine. How many people actually got Regina to make that sound? Just her. Mentally, she threw her shoulders back. She had to get more sounds and had to make sure Regina enjoyed this as best as she could.
Regina enjoyed sloppy head and Emma liked to give it. She did not need a rhythm, just lots of sucking and broad licks everywhere. She liked knowing Emma was not scared or bothered to touch her like this. And, Emma really was not. She had spent many nights with her mouth between Regina's legs all night. Regina needed to know she was worth and worthy of pleasure.
Regina moaned, bucked, and ran her fingers through Emma's hair. Emma purred against her incredible skin and even the vibrations seemed to set Regina off. Emma did not stop, even as Regina shuddered against her. It was not until Regina pulled her up that Emma stopped.
"You always taste so good," Emma said.
Regina smirked. "Share."
Emma groaned and kissed her. Regina kissed her like she was trying to take Emma in. Emma had no idea how to put this particular act, having Regina kiss her like she was everything right after she went down on Regina, but it was amazing.
"How are you feeling, my love?" Regina asked in a breath.
"So good," Emma answered honestly.
"I want to make you feel better."
Emma could only nod and Regina helped her out of her underwear. They shared a quick kiss, but broke it to get rid of Emma's bra and Regina's nightie. Emma could not help admiring Regina's body. Having taken the time, Emma knew Regina's body by heart, but still loved to explore with her eyes and her hands. Regina's skin was not perfect like most would guess. She had marks and scars, like Emma. Some from her own actions and some from others' unkindness, much like Emma. Some were even badges of honor, marks she was proud of from an active childhood.
"You're like a work of art," Emma said.
Regina smiled. "As are you. You're a marble sculpture. Every cut, every dip, every plane, well crafted and with purpose." She caressed Emma's bare side as Emma settled between her legs again.
"Even though I'm a freak?" The question was asked with a grin.
Regina let loose an exaggerated groan. "A freak in the sheets, as you like to say." She reached between them and took Emma in a gentle grip. "You, my darling, are made just the way you ought to be. Never doubt that." She gave a slow pump.
Emma moaned. "You've definitely helped me be at peace with this."
"Good it's not just me who had to get over so many sex issues. Now, I do believe we were in the middle of something."
"I'm still in the middle of something." Emma pumped her hips, making Regina stroke her even more.
Regina sucked her teeth. "Come here."
Emma went in for the kiss Regina wanted and Regina continued to rub her. Emma groaned into Regina's mouth. She needed to move things along or she might gush in Regina's hand. She shifted her hips while making sure to continue the kiss. Regina helped, putting her into position.
Regina threw her head back when Emma pushed inside of her. Emma kissed the exposed column of her throat. She rocked her hips slowly, pulling almost all the way out before pushing back in. The long strokes drove Regina crazy and she liked that. She liked being teased.
"How you feeling now?" Emma asked, sliding her body along Regina's, pressing their breasts together. Regina made the softest coo.
"Like I love you so much," Regina replied in a breath, nails biting into Emma's shoulders just the way Emma liked.
Emma grinned, sure she looked like an idiot, but it did not matter. "Love you, too."
"I'm so lucky to have you," Regina whispered as Emma pushed in as deep as she could.
Regina cried out, head falling to the side. Emma had to kiss her cheek, her neck, her lips when she finally turned back. Regina loved her, and felt lucky to have her. She was wanted. All of this made her want to go even deeper, give Regina even more pleasure, but also give everything Regina could ever desire.
"You're wonderful," Regina breathed in her ear. Delicious shivers carried on every letter, seeping across Emma's skin, burying themselves deep into Emma's heart.
Emma could only keep up her slow pace for so long, especially when Regina felt so good and said such amazing things. Hearing their bodies meet and Regina panting against her drove Emma's hips faster and faster until she was definitely pounding Regina. Regina arched and met her on each stroke. Emma reached between them, caressing Regina's clit. Regina cried out once more as she climaxed, rippling around Emma like a dream. Emma had no choice but to follow.
Before Emma could think to hold herself up, Regina pulled her down, pressing them together completely. The way Regina petted her head and massaged her back made her just want to turn into a puddle, but she did not have that ability, so she sighed happily. She soaked up the attention, as well as enjoyed the warmth of Regina's body, even as she softened inside of Regina.
"Wanna stay here forever," Emma muttered into Regina's neck.
"I would let you," Regina replied.
"Gonna be too heavy soon." While Emma was not much bigger than Regina, she outweighed her by a surprising amount. All muscle, they both liked to brag, but she would get too much for Regina to bear eventually.
"Let's hold onto the moment while we can then," Regina said.
Emma liked the sound of that, but all too soon the moment was over. They settled into the middle of the bed. Regina pressed against her naked side. Emma wrapped her arms around Regina. Regina threw her leg over Emma's. This was just as good as being able to lie on Regina.
"Fine, you can come to my wedding," Regina said and Emma laughed. That deserved a kiss or two.
-8-8-8-8-
Regina had never been the type to imagine her wedding, even as a child. Of course, that might shock people, as she had grown up in the peerage. She should have expected a grand wedding when she was a little girl. Well, she had expected it, but she never imagined it. Even as a little girl, she knew she would never have a say in her wedding, so why imagine it? Mother would have controlled it, like she controlled everything else. Mother would have made the wedding all about everything she wanted, Regina be damned. All Regina ever dreamed of as a child was to be free, and she still struggled with that.
With Emma, Regina found herself doing things she never thought to dream of, like planning her own wedding. By design, the wedding was a very small affair. They only wanted people who mattered there. Emma had friends and family to support her and Regina had friends who were family.
The ceremony was in Cheshire Park, the nicest park in Storybrooke. It was massive with hiking paths and picnic spots along with playgrounds, a full-sized track, and ball courts. There was a bright, colorful garden that was a hot wedding spot, actually, but Regina and Emma wanted the more picturesque spot by the lake. The day was perfect and the sun hit the water in just the right way to see it sparkle. Somehow, the cheesy swan boats floating on the water added to the effect rather than ruined it. They ignored any of the public passing by, checking out what was going on.
Emma's boss, Sheriff Graham Humbert, who had become a dear friend to Emma, was the officiant, standing on a slightly raised platform under a white arch. Graham wore his uniform, even though he wanted to wear a tux. Emma liked how official he looked in his uniform, though.
Emma stood right in front of Graham. She, also having never really envisioned being married or having a wedding, was not sure if she wanted a tux or a dress, so sort of went with both. She looked handsome and beautiful in one breath.
Emma had on a white jumper with matching high heels. A black, double-breasted jacket flared at the waist, much like a dress, and pooled down on the ground cloaked around her. Her hair was done in what she referred to as "princess curls," dropped down her back. Her makeup was flawless. She had her hands in her pockets, looking as cool as could be as she waited for Regina to walk "down the aisle."
Beside Emma stood her half-sister, Snow White and her in-town best friend, Ruby Lucas. They had on dresses that looked very similar to Emma's jacket. Snow's was in white while Ruby's was in black.
Henry also stood with Emma in a little tuxedo, a black jacket with white pants. He went out with his Uncle David, Emma's brother-in-law, to get his tux and loved every second of the fitting. He was the keeper of their rings and he took that responsibility very seriously, as serious as an eight year old could. He stared at Regina, almost as if he was in awe. The feeling was quite mutual.
Regina stood at the end of the ten-foot, white cloth walkway they laid out as her aisle. She was dressed in a simple, white dress with thin straps. Everyone called it modest and seemed surprised by her choice, but she loved it. She did not need a glamorous gown to feel empowered. Emma's gaze was more than enough.
Her boss and long time friend, Maleficent Drago, walked her down the aisle. Maleficent was dressed in a white suit and so eager to be part of Regina's wedding. She had actually squealed when Regina requested she do this and promised she was honored to do so. Regina believed her.
Maleficent walked her down to Emma and smiled at both of them. "Take care of each other," Maleficent whispered before she stepped back to stand with Regina's bridesmaid, Katheryn Midas. Katheryn had a red dress, which Katheryn picked herself because Regina had no cares about what her bridesmaids wore as long as they were there. The gown was down to her ankles with thin straps as well.
Katheryn had been Regina's lifesaver. Katheryn was the first person Regina met who was not afraid of her mother. They met in college and Katheryn was not only the one to get her into Maleficent's escort service, but got her out with the job offer to be the bookkeeper for the escort business. Katheryn was also easing her into keeping the accounts of Maleficent's legit businesses.
The wedding audience consisted of David and his three-month-old son, Nolan. Then there was Eugenia "Granny" Lucas, Ruby's grandmother and at this point, Emma's adoptive grandmother. Regina had her good friend and Henry's babysitter, Tinkerbell, and that was it. That was their little wedding.
Emma had refused to invite Leopold, which Regina understood. She had never even considered inviting her own mother. This was a celebration and their parents would not ruin it. Regina's stomach twisted a little, thinking Mother might show up and somehow stop the wedding. So far, so good, though.
Leopold had left a voicemail for Emma the day before, but Emma had deleted it without listening to it, not even a moment of hesitation. She suspected he wanted her to call off the wedding. Regina was surprised he had not shown up to ruin the whole affair. It was always possible he tried and just could not find the place, which would be a nice wedding gift for them from a universe that tended to squat on them. Of course, perhaps he and Mother both realized there was no legal way to keep Regina and Emma away from each other. Maybe their parents did not want to embarrass themselves.
The ceremony was short and sweet. Graham was amazing and he looked so happy marrying them. It was not surprising that Snow cried before they got to the vows. It was a surprise that Emma began to cry as she said her vows.
"Regina, you are everything I ever wanted or needed wrapped up in one amazing package. You're my best friend, my lover, and my family. I promise to cherish every moment with you and our family. I promise to do everything in my power to make you happy. I will love you in all the ways you need, want, and deserve. And I promise to fight for you and support you every day for the rest of my life." Emma sniffled as tears poured down her face.
Regina caressed Emma's cheek and wiped one side of the tears. Emma kissed her hand and she smiled. "Emma, I will never forget the day I met you as you changed my life for the better, to the point it feels like I've been reborn. I will cherish our life together and honor it with every fiber of my being. I will treat you with the same care and support you have always shown me. I will love you in all the ways you need, want, and can't put into words. I will always be your family."
Emma actually cried more. Henry hugged Emma and she hugged him back, but the tears kept coming. Then, Henry handed over the rings. Emma's hands shook as she eased Regina's ring on and Emma outright sobbed when Regina slipped the ring on her finger. As soon as their rings were secure, Emma swept her up in her arms like there was no tomorrow and kissed Regina with all of her overflowing emotion. Regina tasted the tears and felt like they were tattooed under her skin, so she could never forget this great joy. Everyone cheered. Henry hugged them both and grinned.
"Now cake?" Henry asked, eyes sparkling.
-8-8-8-8-
Next time: the reception.
