I have no idea how I missed this update for so long because I LOVE this story. I'm sooooo sorry. Because of that, you will get a longer chapter, and the next chapter will be up soon!
Chapter 6
The next morning after breakfast, Regina surprised Emma by asking if she could spend some time with Ryleigh. "I just think I'd like to get to know her a bit." Regina stated and then sighed. "And, Zelena will have information on David soon."
Emma swallowed. "I see. Well, I mean yes, that's fine. Just please watch out for David. I know he was arrested, but I'd be surprised if he hasn't been bailed out."
"Can't be yet." Zelena stated. "His lawyer is meeting with the judge and D.A. today to discuss what his bail will be or if he'll take a deal."
"A deal?"
"Unfortunately, it's best if the prosecution – in this case the D.A. can get the defendant to plead and not take things to trial."
"Oh. So, he could get off pretty much free?"
"He'll at least have a charge, but…and I hate saying this, but most likely, it'll be a slap on the wrist. Emma, I'm sorry, but that's the reality. However, he's got a restraining order and we are talking to a judge today about making it permanent. Then, you won't have to worry."
Emma was playing with her food and mumbled. "A piece of paper can't protect me."
Cora sighed and put her hand over Emma's. "Then we move."
Emma sat up. "What? No. This is your home from when you were a child, Cora. I'm not…no. You're not moving."
"Okay, let's all calm down and just try to get through today." Regina said, making a point to remind them that Ryleigh was there. "I think I'll take Ryleigh to a movie if that's okay."
"Is this okay, mommy?" Ryleigh asked, her eyes full of hope.
"Yes, of course it is. You be good though, okay? Listen to Regina and remember your manners." She then smirked at Regina. "When do you take me to the movies?"
"Okay, Mommy." Ryleigh said as Regina promised Emma it would be soon.
In the end, David took a plea agreement and was found guilty of trespassing and harassing, but the hate crime charges were dropped. This was infuriating to both Emma and Zelena, but at least David knew they were serious. In the case for the permanent restraining order, the recording was played, Emma's and Zelena's accounts were given, and David was heavily warned never to contact or reach out to Emma, Ryleigh, or the Mills again; her permanent restraining order was granted. It was a relief and Emma knew she had to start thinking more positively about things. Life was okay…no, life was great, and she wouldn't let David ruin that for her again.
Ryleigh completely enjoyed her movie day with Regina but was a bit fussy when they got home. "Where's my mommy?"
"Honey, she's at a meeting. She will be home soon. Come cuddle with Nana Cora."
"Mommy always has meetings!" The little one cried, rubbing at her eye. "She never had meetings before. I don't like it." She stomped her foot.
"Oh dear. I think I know why Emma said no soda." Regina said, wincing. "But their slushy machine was broken, and popcorn and milk don't go well together. I got her root beer because it's caffeine free."
"I think it's the sugar, sweetheart, but it's okay. She's tired and misses her mom; it's completely normal." Cora said and pulled the little one into her lap. "I know you miss your mommy, but she will be home when you wake up from your nap. Now tell me all about the movie."
Regina watched as Ryleigh told Cora about the movie, smiled at how the two were so comfortable with each other and how Cora was so loving to Ryleigh. Once the little one was asleep, Regina moved her to the sofa and she and Cora went to the kitchen. "You're good with her, mom. She adores you."
"I adore her. Please don't take this the wrong way, my love, but she's a granddaughter to me and I understand now when they say that being a grandparent is the best. Don't get me wrong, I loved being your…"
"Mom, it's okay." Regina said, putting her hand on Cora's shoulder. "I love that you have her, and she has you. You're both good for each other."
"Well, if we're admitting things like that, then you should know that you and Emma are good for each other. Gosh, I've never wanted you with someone as much as I want you with Emma. You're perfect for each other."
Regina smiled, blushing a little. "I…mom I know this is so soon, I know you're going to think I'm crazy, but I think…I mean I do…I love her."
Cora smiled. "I know you do, and I know she loves you, even if she doesn't know it. That poor mite hasn't known a lot of love in her life, so she has no idea what it feels like. The only thing I ask is that you be patient with her, Regina. In many ways, she's still that scared little girl."
"She's worth being patient for." Regina said, watching the blonde come in the house. She lowered her voice. "She doesn't seem happy."
Cora sighed. "Well, let's make sure she's happy by the end of the night. I honestly hope we can go on this trip; I think it'll do her some good."
Emma kissed her sleeping daughter's cheek before going in the kitchen. "Hey. Was she good?"
"She was perfect. Had a small melt down before she took a nap because she thought you'd be home." Regina stated. "But that's probably partly my fault." She then explained about the soda.
Emma chuckled. "It's fine, Regina. She's not used to me not being around and maybe this was good for her, as much as I hate thinking she was upset."
Cora smiled softly. "How did it all go?"
The blonde sighed as she made herself a sandwich. "He got off with a fine for harassment and trespassing, but they dropped the hate crime. However, the permanent restraining order was approved, so that's good. At least it's all over and I can try to relax."
"Then I say, why wait until Monday?" Cora asked, staying positive. "Let's head to Regina's tonight."
"Really?" Zelena asked, taking the sandwich Emma made and biting into it. "Thanks." She said with a smirk.
Emma shook her head but smiled as she made another one. "How long of a drive is it and I'm assuming we're taking my vehicle? Well…I mean your old…"
"Your car, and yes. We wouldn't all be comfortable for two hours in one car. It's only noon, we can leave at two, get there by four and still have time to walk down to Granny's. I can't wait to see her again."
Regina smiled softly. "She'll be happy to see you. However, let's see how you feel after the drive." She then looked at Emma. "Granny is the owner of Granny's Bed and Breakfast Dinner. No one knows her real name, but last time Mom visited, she and Granny hit it off. Gosh, that was what, ten years ago?"
"Too long, but let's not dwell on that. If you're all up to it, I'm up for it." Cora stated. "I know I may be going full steam, but now that my cancer is gone, I can't help it. I promise I'll be honest if I need a rest."
"That sounds good to me. I wonder if I should wake Ryleigh up now though, so she'll nap on the drive. She's never taken a long car ride. We may have to stop a couple times; I'm sorry."
"If we have to stop, we have to stop. It's no big deal." Zelena said. "Though, I was looking forward to a couple more days together."
"You can stay, Zelena." Regina said. "I mean, I have three guest rooms, so if Emma doesn't mind sharing with Ryleigh, we'll have a spare room."
"Or she could share with you." Zelena said, wiggling her brows.
"Or Ryleigh can stay with me, or Emma can stay with me, or Zelena can stay with me, we'll work it out. As much as I love the thought of them together, I don't need you reminding me of what goes on after dark." Cora said to Zelena.
"But we haven't…I mean we don't…I mean I'm not…" Emma blushed, not wanting Cora to think badly of her.
"Emma, relax. I'm joking and like I said, I really do hope things work out with you and Regina. It's all good."
"Okay, then leave Ryleigh sleeping, eat lunch, pack up, and we will head out whenever everyone is ready." Regina said, feeling sorry for Emma. "I know tonight may be too soon, but maybe when Ryleigh feels settled, we can have a date night."
"I'd like that." Emma said softly.
"You can do it whatever night Ryleigh sleeps at my place. Mom, if you want, you can stay over too."
"As long as that asshole Robin isn't there." Cora said as she walked out of the kitchen. "I'm going to go pack."
Emma snorted, unable to stop herself. "I have never heard her call someone an asshole. Who's Robin?"
"Her boy toy who always cheats on her and then says he's so sorry and it'll never happen again." Regina answered, rolling her eyes.
"Okay, so he's cheated a couple times."
"Five times."
"Okay, five times, but…he's so damned good in bed." Zelena said with a pout.
"He also takes your money, your food, your dignity."
"I know, I know. I called him yesterday and told him to not be there when I get back Monday. Honestly, after seeing you two, I realized I want that. I want respect and caring and not just a good shag."
"Well sorry but I'm taken." Emma said with a wink.
"Ha ha." Zelena said, rolling her eyes. "As supportive as I am, I don't go both ways anyway."
"Well, I think I should go pack." Emma said, but only made it to the door.
"Mommy! I missed you so much." Ryleigh said, rubbing her eye as she scooted in the kitchen, not able to walk yet with her cast.
Emma scooped her up and kissed all over her face. "I missed you too, Ryleigh Bug! You didn't nap very long."
"Cuz I hearded you talk. Mommy, no more meetings please."
Emma chuckled. "No more meetings for a while. In fact, we are going to go pack for our vacation because we're leaving today!"
Ryleigh's face lit up. "We are? Yay! Mommy, can I go to the beach?"
Emma knew this would come up when Regina was telling Ryleigh what all the town had. "Honey, you can't swim with that cast, so the beach won't be much fun."
"Especially if you get sand in your cast. You'll be itchy for weeks! Besides, I have a friend who has a bike with a kid seat in the back. Maybe we can all go bike riding one day and ride past the beach."
"Can we Mommy?"
"It just so happens I know how to ride a bike, so yes, I think we can. Then we can get ice cream."
"Yay!"
"And, maybe once your cast is off, we can go visit again so you can swim in the cold, cold ocean. You have to do that once in your life." Emma said, smiling. "This will actually be my first time at the ocean too."
"No kidding?" Regina asked. "You grew up two hours away and never…shit. I'm sorry. I didn't mean…I mean…we'll make it a really fun day."
Emma smiled softly and stood to kiss Regina's cheek. "Don't be sorry, but please watch your mouth around Ryleigh." She chuckled as Regina blushed.
"Sorry. That was a naughty word, wasn't it?"
"Well, if you get kisses for saying naughty words, why stop?" Zelena smirked, tickling little Ryleigh as she passed. "Let's all get packed up."
An hour later, the cars were packed, and they decided to head out. Cora opted to sit in Emma's car back with Ryleigh while Regina and Zelena drove together. Emma was following Regina but had her navigation as well. She chucked when not even a half hour later, she looked back and both Cora and Ryleigh were sleeping. She kept her music on low and tapped her fingers to the beat as they drove.
"Regina, I know it's only been a week, but any idiot could see how close you and Emma are. How are you going to make this work? We can't leave mother alone, even if her cancer is gone. It damaged her, even if she doesn't want to admit it."
"I know." Regina sighed. "I will never come between them. I just…Zelena, I want to be with her. So much that I'd even step down from being mayor if I had to."
"Wow, you're really serious. Regina, I don't mean to sound mean but maybe you should slow down just a bit. She's young and has only had one relationship and it was horrendous."
"I know all that, Zelena and if she gave me any indication that she didn't want this or wanted me to slow down, I would. Honestly, right now, we haven't even had an official date or anything. I know I'm moving far too fast, and I guess I'm hoping that being back home will give me other things to focus on. I went from being angry at mother, to praying she would be okay; from hating Emma, to wanting to support and be here for her, all in a matter of a week. I know it's fast."
"Well, I guess as long as you know that. I just don't want to see either of you hurt."
"Thanks, sis. I promise I'm being careful."
Ryleigh and Cora ended up sleeping the whole way there, so when Emma parked the car, they were both surprised they were there already. "Cora? Did we do this too soon for you?"
Cora shook her head as she stretched. "I know I'm no where near where I was before the cancer, but I'm tired of not living life. I'm fine and I promise that I will rest when I need to."
"This is Gina's house?" Ryleigh asked, as Cora got her out of the car. "It's huge!"
Cora chuckled. "It is her house, and it is huge. Perks of being a mayor."
"This town is adorable." Emma said, looking around the friendly seaside town. "I'll get the bags, you two go on ahead."
"I'm surprised we didn't get a call that we needed to stop." Regina said, coming out to Emma's car.
"Gina! I really have to pee!" Ryleigh said, reaching out for the woman to take her.
"Okay then, let's go. You all come on in, okay?" Regina rushed into the house to help Ryleigh use the bathroom.
Emma couldn't help but chuckle as she got the bags. "Regina's so good with her."
"I think it helps that Ryleigh adores Regina." Cora stated.
The three came in, Zelena and Emma laden with bags, and Emma smiled when Regina and Ryleigh came back out to the living room. "Gina has the nicest bathroom! It has gold handles!"
Regina chuckled. "The house came with them. I haven't done much other than my room and the office. Come on in, put the bags down, and relax."
"I wanna see the rest of your house." Ryleigh said. "I wish I didn't have this cast on my leg. I just wanna walk."
"Honey, the doctor said you can try. It may feel weird, but you can try." Emma told her daughter. "Want to try?"
Ryleigh nodded and reached out to Emma. Emma took her and got on her knees, putting Ryleigh on the floor. The girl was a bit wobbly, but after a moment, was able to stand on her own. "It feels funny cuz I can't make my leg straight."
"Does it hurt?" Emma asked as Ryleigh shook her head. "Good. Take my hand and let's take a few steps."
Ryleigh did so and smiled. "I can do it. It makes my leg tired though."
"I think what you did was great for now." Zelena said with a smile. "You can try more later, and you'll get stronger and stronger every day."
"Just make sure you stop if it hurts." Emma said, picking her daughter up and kissing her cheek. "Okay, Gina, I think its time for the tour."
Regina felt her face blush at having Emma call her Gina, but was able to go on. "Follow me."
After the tour, Emma and Ryleigh picked the room they'd stay in and while Emma started unpacking, Ryleigh sat on the seat in front of the window. "Mommy! It's the ocean!"
Emma came over and sat by her. "It is. Maybe we can go see it this afternoon."
Ryleigh looked at Emma. "Mommy, can't we please pretend my leg isn't broken? I just wanna touch the water with my toes, no matter how cold it is."
Emma kissed her forehead. "I'll make it happen."
"Cora Mills, is that really you?" A kind, elderly woman asked as they entered the diner.
"Eugenia, it's so nice to see you."
"Oh, it's Granny and it's nice to see you as well." She smiled at the rest. "Regina, nice to have you back. And Zelena as well? Well, this is a treat."
Regina kissed the woman's cheek. "I am back and brought them with me. This is Emma and her daughter Ryleigh. They've been taking care of my mother."
Emma smiled and held her hand out. "It's nice to meet you; I've heard so much about you."
"Then you should know that I'm a hugger." The woman replied, hugging the blonde. "And aren't you adorable. What happened to your leg?"
Ryleigh looked at her leg and then at the woman. "I didn't listen to my mommy and fell off the jungle gym at the park."
"Ah, I see. I bet you'll listen to your mommy from now on, hm?"
Ryleigh nodded, her eyes big. "Oh yes. I don't never wanna get hurt again."
"Good girl. Now, I've got a table all ready for you. Ruby? Oh, that girl." Granny shook her head. "Ruby, stop flirting and get to work."
Ruby came over, rolling her eyes. "I was working, not flirting. Oh, hey Regina." She said with a flirtatious smile, her finger twirling her hair. "I didn't know you were back in town."
"Just today." Regina said, sitting with the rest of them. "Emma, this is Granny's granddaughter Ruby. Ruby, this is our friend Emma."
Emma smiled and went to shake Ruby's hand, but the woman ignored her and instead, leaned on the table in front of Regina. "So, what can I get you?"
Emma glanced at Zelena who was trying so hard not to laugh. "Ruby, can we just start with drinks?"
They put in their order and when Ruby left, Zelena finally let out her laughter. Regina looked at her. "What is so funny?"
Even Cora rolled her eyes as Zelena let out an exasperated sigh. "She was totally flirting with you."
"Oh that. Yeah, I know. I've asked her many times to stop, and I've told her I'm not interested but then she tries harder. So instead, I ignore it."
Cora made sure Ryleigh was coloring and not listening before she smirked. "Maybe you and Emma need to give her a show, so she knows to stop."
Emma blushed as she hid her face behind her menu and Regina couldn't help but chuckle. "Maybe sometime when we're not here with family."
Ruby brought their drinks, again, ignoring Emma as she gave Regina attention. Emma felt this weird pang of jealousy and put her menu down. Ignoring Ruby, she smiled softly at Regina. "Please tell me this isn't where our first date is going to be. I mean, don't get me wrong, it's nice and Granny is sweet, but it's not exactly fine dining."
Zelena tried hard not to smirk, and Regina smiled softly back at her. "Oh no, darling, we're going to Lumiere's for our first date." She reached and put her hand over Emma's. "Only the best for you."
Ruby stood up straight and huffed. "Know what you want yet?"
"Ruby! Be nice!" Granny hissed from behind the counter.
They put in their orders and when Ruby left, Regina smirked. "Good play, Swan."
Emma turned her hand, so they were palm to palm. "Sorry I…I couldn't stop myself."
Regina's fingers stroked Emma's wrist. "It's fine. Besides, I was telling you the truth. I'm taking you to the finest French restaurant this town has."
"The only French…" Zelena started, but Cora 'gently' kicked her under the table. "Ouch!"
"Sorry, my foot slipped."
An hour later, the group left the diner and Cora yawned. "I'm sorry, but I think I've done a little too much today. I know it's early, but I need to lay down."
"It's fine, mom, we'll get you home."
"You guys go ahead if you don't mind. I promised Ryleigh I'd take her to see the ocean. We can walk home."
"Nonsense. I'll go with Zelena in Regina's car and you guys can take my car. Have fun." Cora said, turning to Zelena. "Let's go."
Regina rolled her eyes. "Maybe Emma wants some one-on-one time with her daughter." She looked at Emma. "I'd understand if you do."
"You can come, Gina." Ryleigh said.
"Actually, maybe you can show me where little Ryleigh bug can touch the water but not get too sandy."
"I know the perfect spot. It's mostly rocks, but they're smooth and won't hurt. The water is cold though."
"That sounds perfect. Do you mind?"
"Not at all." Regina said with a smile. "I'll see you two at home?" She asked her mother and sister. "You're okay, mom?"
"I'm fine, sweetheart, just tired. Go enjoy yourselves."
"We'll be just fine." Zelena assured them.
Once the two were gone, Regina looked at Emma. "I know Ryleigh can't walk far, but if you're okay carrying her, or I can, it's not too far of a walk."
Emma hitched Ryleigh on her hip. "Sounds perfect. Ryleigh hardly weighs a thing."
"Let's go!" Ryleigh said, excitement filling her to finally see the ocean.
On the way there, Regina pointed out different shops and where she worked, along with the school. "That's a cool playground." Ryleigh admired.
"We just put it in last year and the kids love it." Regina stated proudly. "It was my baby for a year."
Emma smiled. "It's really nice; so is the school." She let out a sigh. "That reminds me that I still don't have a pre-k for this little one. I can't believe it's that time already."
"Well, I'm sure there are a lot of good schools around mom's place. I can put a word out to some of the teachers here and see if they're aware of any. It's too bad you're so far away as our schools are ranked in the top 5 of all of the U.S."
"Wow, that's pretty amazing." Emma admired. "You should be proud."
"I am. I know it really has nothing to do with me, but I am proud."
"Sure, it does; you're the mayor, your town being a success reflects on you being a success."
Regina smiled softly. "I appreciate that." She then reached her arms out. "Let me take her for a little bit. Come here, Ryleigh."
Ryleigh smiled and went to Regina. "I wish I could walk."
"I still don't get why they didn't put a walking cast on you if you are allowed to walk with this one on."
Emma stretched out her arms. "The doc was nice, but I think he was rushed. I just…" Emma looked down. "I couldn't afford to go back and see about switching casts."
"Well, that's okay." Regina said, tapping Ryleigh on the nose. "I have a very good friend who is a doctor and maybe I'll just call and ask her what she thinks. For all I know, this is the right cast for you."
"Thanks Regina, but really, unless it's bad for her to have that one, it's fine."
Regina linked her free arm with Emma's. "It's just a phone call, but if I'm overstepping, please be honest."
"You're not." Emma assured her. "It's just…I…" She looked at her daughter and then Regina. "We can talk about it later."
Regina understood that Emma didn't want Ryleigh to hear, so she gave a nod and smiled at the girl. "Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and tell me what you smell."
Ryleigh did so and Emma smiled as they turned a corner and there was a path to a small, rocky beach. "I smell salt and water and…" She scrunched her nose. "Stinky fish."
Both women chuckled at that. "That's the ocean." Regina said. "Open your eyes."
Ryleigh did and gasped. "It's so much water."
"It is. The tide is in now, so there's even more than when the tide is out. Oh, that reminds me, if you two want to come back when the tide is out, we can look for tide pools and find some sea life like crabs, starfish, and other little things."
"Yes! Mommy can we please do that?"
"We can, munchkin. Maybe tomorrow morning, but we can't sleep in too late then." Emma had already looked at when the tide would be lower. "But baby, I think we'll have to wrap your cast in a plastic bag. I'd hate for you to get it wet and stinky."
"Okay, but mommy can I please put my other toes in the water?" She asked with puppy dog eyes.
Emma smiled and reached to slip her sandal off. "Yes, you can, baby girl. Come here."
As Emma took her daughter to the shore, Regina snapped pictures of the two before sending a message to her friend. Ryleigh put her other foot in the water and giggled. "It's not that cold, mommy."
Emma touched the water as well. "It really isn't. We will have to come back when you get that cast off so you can go swimming." She looked towards Regina. "She's a little fish in the water. I take her to swim lessons at the community center and she's in with kids three years older than her."
"Wow. That's impressive." Regina said, smiling at the little one.
"You can come and watch me sometimes, Gina." Ryleigh said with a smile as Emma placed her on the fallen tree where Regina was sitting.
"You bet I will. However, when you come back here to swim, it's much safer at the sandy beach down the road. I just thought this was better, so you didn't get itchy sand in your cast."
"Can I keep some rocks, mommy? Just some little ones?"
"Tell you what, let's leave them for now and we can go get you a little bucket or even a jar to put them in another day, okay?"
"Okay, mommy." Ryleigh said with a smile.
Regina's phone pinged and she smiled as she read the message. Emma and Ryleigh were looking at some rocks and Regina decided to wait a bit to bring up her message. The right time came a bit later when they were passing by the school again and she happened to see her friend with her son there. "Emma, that's my doctor friend. Come meet her." Emma walked with Regina and smiled at the woman. "Kathryn, I had no idea you'd be here."
"Hello, Regina." She said warmly. "I have a couple days off and little Tommy wanted to come to the park."
"Hi Auntie Gina." The little blonde boy said with a smile. "Mommy, I'm gonna swing."
"Mommy, can I swing if I'm very careful?" Ryleigh asked.
"I'm sure if we put you in one of those swings that little one's use, you'll be okay."
"Emma, I don't mean to step in, but can I ask you something?" Kathryn asked lightly. When Emma nodded, she continued. "Regina said the doctor told Ryleigh she could walk on her leg if it didn't hurt, right?"
"Yes. She hasn't done it much because it's weird for her to not have her leg straight when she's standing."
"Do you mind if I take a look?"
"No, but it's your day off, so please don't feel you have to."
"It's fine." She said and smiled at Ryleigh. "Can I take you for a moment. I'm a doctor and I promise I won't hurt you."
"Sure." Ryleigh said, reaching out for her.
Kathryn sat on a nearby bench and smiled and laughed with Ryleigh as she moved her leg around and had her stand and try walking. She then put her on a normal swing and gave her a few pushes before going to Emma. "Emma, I know I don't have her x-rays or anything, but from what I can tell, she doesn't need that cast. I think the doctor you saw in the ER wasn't a pediatric doctor and, while I'm not saying he did anything wrong, I don't think he took the time he could have. Of course, I'd want to see her x-rays before saying she doesn't need any cast, but at the very least, she can get a walking cast instead. If you're not busy, bring her by on Wednesday and I can take a further look, if you'd like."
While Emma was touched that the woman would care, she had to bite her lip. "I will have to check with her insurance first. I have state insurance for her and they're picky on where I can take her."
"Oh don't worry about that. It's a favor to a friend of a friend."
"I can't ask you to do that."
"Emma, I'm a private practice and I wouldn't charge anyone in this situation. Please, it'll be so much nicer for Ryleigh."
Emma gave a nod. "Okay. Thank you."
The rest of the afternoon was spent playing games on Regina's patio and grilling out a light supper. When Emma tucked Ryleigh in that night, they agreed to save the beach for after she saw the doctor and instead, they'd bike around town the next day. Unfortunately, the weather had other ideas and it rained all day. The group still had fun playing games and watching movies and when Wednesday came, Ryleigh couldn't wait to see if she could get a different cast.
Regina went with Emma and Ryleigh and was happy for the little one when Kathryn confirmed she didn't need the cast she has. She put the x-rays up and showed Emma. "You can see how much she's healed already, but honestly, she never needed this to begin with. Yes, there's a small fracture, but a simple brace would have been fine. I think doctors forget just how resilient kids are compared to full grown adults."
"So, I can take this off?" Ryleigh asked, hope in her eyes.
"Yes. We can take it off and I'll get you a special brace that you only have to wear when you're awake." She grinned. "And, if you get it a little wet, that's okay."
Ryleigh smiled. "Thank you so much!"
Less than an hour later, the three left with Ryleigh walking happily, holding both Regina and Emma's hands. "Can we please go to the beach now?"
Emma smiled. "Yes. But even though you can get that brace a little wet, you still can't swim yet. Dr. Kathryn said if you want to take it off for no more than 20 minutes while we're there, you can."
A fun time was had by all three as they were able to look at different tide pools, collect shells and rocks, and even found some sea glass. The moment they walked up Regina's sidewalk, however, they all knew something wasn't right.