Killian was enjoying his quiet Thursday morning. Emma had texted about taking the day off the night before, an offer that he gladly accepted. And as his hammock rocked gently matching the sea's pace, the pirates eyes fluttered closed, his morning nap ready to begin. But alas it wasn't meant to be, as the telltale sound of Emma's boots echoed down the stairs that led to Killian's cabin.

"Swan, to what do I owe-" He started, but was quickly cut off as Emma slumped down into the only seat in the small room.

"I need a drink!" She proclaimed, her head hanging.

"At nine thirty?" He dared question, and was met with a look that would kill if the blonde had been that way inclined. "I'll pour." Two battered glasses were set out in front of the blonde and as quickly as they were filled, Emma's was emptied. "Let me guess. Her royal highness?" Killian questioned cautiously, offering up his glass to the blonde.

"That obvious?" She snorted, pushing the two small glasses away as she slumped back into her chair, her eyes squeezed shut as she fought the onslaught of tears back.

"Aye, our esteemed Mayor has a way of rubbing you up the wrong way, in a manner than no one else has mastered." The pirate's chuckle filled the small cabin as he gently slapped Emma's thigh, before taking a seat on the edge of the small table. "So tell me Swan, does she really taste like apples?"

A swift punch was quickly sent Killian's way, hitting his arm with enough force to knock the chuckling man off the table. "Get your head out of the gutter."

"A man has dreams, Swan."

"And I have a gun." She resorted, pulling back her red leather jacket to reveal her holster.

"Alright, alright. Easy there Swan." He held his hand and hook up in retreat, afraid that the blonde would end his already prolonged life. "What has Regina done this time?" He asked with complete sincerity.

Emma huffed out a short sigh, slowly bracing herself for the torment she was sure she'd receive. "We're getting married." She mumbled, her cheeks burning as she heard Killian choke back a chuckle.

"I don't think I quite heard you there Swan, married?" He questioned, wanting to make sure he'd heard the blonde correctly.

"Yep. Her. Me. City hall." Emma mumbled.

"When?"

"Umm...in about four hours."

The small room fell silent, before the pirate erupted in a fit of laughter. "This is priceless! I knew you had the hots for the evil queen!"

"I-it's not like that, it's...too long and too annoying to explain for the second time this week." Emma huffed.

"How'd the Charmings take it?" Emma groaned in response, letting her head fall into her hands. "Can't say I blame them, she did try to kill them on more than one occasion...and she did force them to give you up for twenty odd years, and-"

"I get it, Killian! It wasn't about her past, it was about us being two women." Emma snapped.

"Ahh. That old nugget. Sorry, lass but that's-"

"Just the way things we're back then! Yeah I got that!" The blonde stood in frustration, pacing the length of the small room. "We aren't in the enchanted forest, we're in the real world. And if I want to marry the mother of my son and start a family with her, I should be able to! Without her small minded views on how I live my life!" She ranted.

"Maybe she just needs some time to adjust, it's a lot to take in, Swan." Hook offered.

"I know, I just...I thought that she'd love me regardless."

"She loves you, Emma." Hook answered sincerely, his rough exterior crumbling for a few moments. "So, you and Regina? I thought you were just playing hard to get, not that you liked them, tall, dark and female." The same jerk that Emma had grown to love was back within a few seconds of sincerity, and she was more than thankful for that.

"I want a family, and so does she. And at the moment, us being married is the best way to get that." Emma explained, her cheeks slightly pink from Hook implications. "I'm not gay, Killian." She clarified.

"Isn't that the whole point of marrying a lass?" He asked, dumbfounded.

"We're together, but not like that." She shrugged.

"So...you're still available then?" Killian smirked, leaning over towards the blonde.

"In your dreams, pirate!" Emma punched him hard on the shoulder before taking her leave. "You're more than welcome to join us at city hall, around two." She turned around to face her best friend with a worried smile on her face.

"I'll be there, Swan." He winked.

Emma sat on the steps of the Sheriff's Station, elbows resting on her knees, staring at clear sky. In less than two hours she'd be married. To Regina! And she was shitting herself.

"Hey," came a familiar voice behind her.

Emma looked over her shoulder to see David approaching, a small smile on his face and his hands shoved into the pockets of his jacket. He looked tired but determined, the way he always did when he was about to have one of his "dad talks."

"Mind if I sit?" David asked, gesturing to the step beside her.

Emma shrugged. "It's a free town."

David chuckled softly and settled next to her. For a while, neither of them spoke. The quiet between them wasn't uncomfortable, but Emma could feel the weight of the conversation they both knew was coming.

"I, uh…" David began, pulling a small velvet box from his pocket. "I meant to give you these earlier, but I figured now's as good a time as any."

Emma frowned, her curiosity piqued as David handed her the box. She opened it slowly, her breath catching when she saw the matching gold wedding bands nestled inside.

"These were my parents," David explained, his voice steady but soft. "When you told me you were marrying Regina, I thought they should go to you."

Emma blinked rapidly, her throat tightening. "Dad… I—"

David held up a hand. "No arguments. You're my daughter, and you deserve to have them."

She ran her fingers over the smooth bands, feeling their weight and history. "I don't know what to say."

"You don't have to say anything." David smiled warmly. "I know your mom's reaction hurt you. But Emma, you need to understand—it's not about Regina. Not really."

Emma turned to him, her brow furrowed. "Then what's it about? Because it sure felt like it was about Regina."

David sighed, leaning forward to rest his elbows on his knees. "It's about fear. Your mom's always had this idea of what your life should look like. A family, stability, safety… She thought she'd lost that for you when she sent you through that wardrobe. And now, seeing you with Regina—it's just different from what she imagined."

Emma scoffed, crossing her arms. "She can't control my life, Dad. I'm happy. Regina makes me happy. Isn't that what matters?"

"It is," David agreed, his tone firm. "But your mom needs time to let go of her expectations and see the reality of what you've built. Give her that time, Emma. She loves you. She just… struggles to show it the right way sometimes."

Emma looked back down at the rings, her heart softening just a little. "You're okay with this, though? Me and Regina?"

David's smile widened. "Of course I am. I see how much you've grown since you came back to Storybrooke. And I see how Regina looks at you. She loves you, Emma. That's all a father can ask for."

Emma swallowed the lump in her throat, blinking away the moisture gathering in her eyes. "Thanks, Dad. That means a lot."

David placed a hand on her shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "I'm proud of you, Emma. For standing up for what you want, for finding a way to build a family despite everything. That takes strength. And if you ever need me to knock some sense into your mom, you know where to find me."

Emma laughed, the sound breaking through the tension in her chest. "I'll keep that in mind."

David stood, brushing off his hands. "You should head home. Regina and Henry are probably wondering where you are."

Emma nodded, standing and slipping the rings into her pocket. "Yeah. Thanks again for these… and for everything."

"Anytime." David stepped back, his smile warm and steady. "And Emma?"

"Yeah?"

"Regina's lucky to have you. Don't let anyone make you doubt that."

Emma grinned, the warmth in her chest spreading. "I won't."

As David walked away, Emma watched carefully, the rings heavy in her hands. This was the right thing, she knew that with all her heart. But that didn't stop the fears of the past and the future plaguing her mind.

The ornate double doors of City Hall loomed over Regina as she stepped out of her sleek black car. Her tailored blazer and skirt were pristine, her hair swept into soft waves that framed her face. To an outside observer, she looked composed, every inch the self-assured mayor.

But inside, her heart was a tangled mess of doubt and anticipation.

Henry bounded out of the car behind her, practically vibrating with excitement. His phone was clutched in one hand, his eager smile lighting up his face. "Josh is already here!" he announced, waving at his friend, who stood by the steps.

Regina managed a soft smile. "That's wonderful, darling. Go on inside with him. I'll wait here for Emma."

Henry nodded and darted toward the entrance, dragging Josh along with him, the two boys laughing as they disappeared through the doors.

"She'll be here, don't fret." Zelena smiled brightly as she gave her sister an encouraging squeeze on the hand, before following the young man inside.

Left alone, Regina took a deep breath and glanced down at the bouquet she was holding. The quiet moment allowed doubt to creep in. Maybe Emma had changed her mind. Maybe she wasn't coming—

The low rumble of a familiar yellow Bug interrupted her spiraling thoughts. Regina exhaled in relief as the car swerved into a haphazard parking spot at the curb.

Emma stepped out, her movements brisk and confident, though her face betrayed a flicker of hesitation. She was dressed in a simple white button-up tucked into black slacks, her golden hair pulled into a loose braid. Casual yet striking.

"You're late," Regina said, her tone light but tinged with genuine exasperation.

Emma smirked faintly. "Not like you were gonna start without me."

Regina huffed, though a small smile tugged at her lips. "Are you ready for this?"

Emma didn't answer immediately. Instead, she reached into her pocket and pulled out a small velvet box. "David gave me these. They were my grandparents' wedding bands. He thought… maybe we'd want to use them."

Regina blinked, taken aback by the sentiment. She took the box, her fingers brushing against Emma's briefly. "That's… thoughtful of him. Thank you."

Emma shrugged, shoving her hands into her pockets. "Seemed right, you know? Family tradition or whatever."

The two women stood in silence for a moment, the noise of the city fading around them.

Finally, Emma offered her arm, a faint smirk softening her expression. "Shall we, Madam Mayor?"

Regina slid her hand into the crook of Emma's arm, her grip firm but warm. Together, they climbed the steps and entered the building.

The room where the ceremony was held was small and sunlit, with just a handful of chairs set up for the occasion. Henry and Josh sat in the front row, whispering excitedly to each other. Killian Jones leaned against the back wall, arms crossed, his signature smirk firmly in place.

Emma shot Killian a pointed look as they walked in. "Not a word, Hook."

Killian raised his hands in mock surrender. "Wouldn't dream of ruining your big day, Swan."

Regina ignored the pirate entirely, focusing on the officiant waiting at the front of the room. The ceremony began without delay, the officiant walking them through the legalities with practiced efficiency.

Nervous hands joined at the front of the sparsely filled room. David and Henry beamed, Robin kicked up a fuss pulling at the flowers on her dress, Zelena smirked knowingly, her own suspicions of her sister's hidden feelings growing more and more, Killian drank, raising his rum to the unexpected couple.

Then there was Emma and Regina, they held their breath, afraid that the smallest quiver would be enough to set the other person over the edge. Their shaky hands sweaty against each others, their nervous smiles and stolen glances fleeting and exciting. Their mumbled vows and promises holding more truth and scenarity than either woman could have imagined. The gold wedding bands that felt cold, yet burned their skin.

"By the power invested in me, by our lovely Mayor," The Courthouse official smiled respectively, "I now pronounce you, Mrs. and Mrs. Swan-Mills. You may kiss your bride and well, your bride." He chuckled.

Eyes met, prue panic coursing through them. Regina nodded gently, as she took a half-step towards the blonde. The sound of their families cheers and clapping was drowned out by the hard pumping of her heart ringing through her ears. "It's alright…" She whispered so softly she doubted Emma could hear her. Closing her eyes slightly, she finally brushed her lips against the blondes, feeling Emma tense up as they gently increased the pressure. Regina's whole body was on fire, in a way she hadn't felt for years. But as quickly as it begun, Emma pulled back, and spared an accomplished grin towards the brunette. The kind that screamed 'Thank god we don't have to go through that again,' and while the sentiment was meant to calm the brunette, it only chipped away at her already damaged heart. Even though deep down she knew that this would never happen, that their arrangement was only a means to an end, the pain of knowing that someone else could make Emma happy in a way that she could never, hurt like hell.

The ceremony was over quickly, and the room began to empty as Henry dragged Josh toward the exit, talking a mile a minute about the ceremony. Killian followed at a leisurely pace, tipping an imaginary hat at the newlyweds before disappearing through the doors.

And then it was just the two of them.

Regina lingered near the podium, her fingers lightly brushing over the flowers in her bouquet. Emma stood a few feet away, her hands stuffed into her pockets, looking uncharacteristically uncertain.

"Well," Emma said, breaking the silence. "That's that."

Regina arched an elegant brow. "Indeed."

Emma shifted on her feet, glancing toward the door where Henry had disappeared. "I guess I should catch up with him. He'll want to celebrate."

Regina hesitated, then stepped closer. "Emma."

The blonde looked up, her green eyes searching Regina's face.

Regina smiled softly. "You're not alone in this. You know that, don't you?"

Emma's shoulders relaxed slightly, her lips curving into a faint smile. "Yeah. I know."

For a moment, neither spoke. Then, with a quiet nod, Emma offered her hand. Regina took it without hesitation.

"Come on," Emma said, her voice lighter now. "Let's go find our kid before he gets into trouble."

Regina chuckled softly, letting Emma lead her toward the door. As they stepped outside into the crisp afternoon air, Regina couldn't help but think that, despite everything, this day had been a beginning—a quiet but hopeful start to something real.

The bell above the door of Granny's chimed softly as Emma, Regina, and Henry entered the diner. The warm smell of frying bacon and freshly brewed coffee wrapped around them like a familiar embrace. It was quiet for a late afternoon, with only a few patrons scattered at booths, but Ruby, ever alert, perked up from her place behind the counter.

"Hey, guys!" Ruby called, her trademark grin brightening the room. She grabbed a towel and wiped her hands as she walked over. "You're looking way too fancy for a casual meal. What's the occasion?"

Before anyone could answer, Ruby's sharp eyes caught the glint of gold on both Emma and Regina's hands. Her jaw dropped, and she grabbed Emma's hand to inspect the ring. "Whoa, whoa, whoa. This is new! You two finally made it official?"

Henry beamed with pride, leaning against the counter. "Yep! They got married today. At City Hall!"

Ruby's eyes widened as she looked between Emma and Regina. "Seriously?"

Emma smirked, sliding her hands into her jacket pockets. "Seriously."

A whoop of delight escaped Ruby's lips. "This is amazing! Congratulations, both of you!" She darted around the counter to pull Emma into a quick hug before turning to Regina. "And you! Who knew you had it in you to tame the Swan?"

Regina gave Ruby a sharp look, though the faint upward twitch of her lips betrayed her amusement. "I assure you, Ruby, Emma remains… untamed."

Emma chuckled under her breath. "That's one way to put it."

Before Ruby could tease them further, the door chimed again. Snow White entered, her expression bright and serene as she cradled baby Neal in her arms. Her cheerful demeanor faltered slightly as her gaze landed on the small gathering at the counter.

"Emma!" Snow greeted, her smile cautious. "Regina… Henry."

Emma stood a little taller, her hand brushing against the counter as if testing whether to draw attention to her ring. She caught Henry's encouraging grin and decided to go for it.

"Hey, Mom," Emma said, her voice steady and confident as she reached down to take Regina's hand in her own, their rings glistening in the sun.

Snow blinked, her lips parting slightly as she processed the announcement. For a moment, it looked as though she might offer congratulations like Ruby had, but instead, her expression stiffened.

"Well," Snow said, her tone clipped, "you actually went through with it." She glanced at Neal, adjusting him in her arms. "I should get going. Neal needs his nap."

"Mom—" Emma started, but Snow was already moving toward the door.

Henry frowned, his excitement dimming as he watched Snow leave without so much as a "congratulations." Emma's jaw clenched, though she quickly masked her frustration with a dry laugh.

"Classic Snow," she muttered under her breath.

Ruby stepped forward, clearly about to interject, but Killian's voice cut in from the back booth. "Well, well, Mrs. Swan-Mills." He rose from his seat, swaggering toward them with his usual devil-may-care grin. "It was quite the surprise, though I can't say I'm shocked. The tension between you two could've powered a ship.

Emma rolled her eyes. "Not now, Hook."

Regina huffed, her patience thinning. "Captain, if you'll excuse me." She placed a steadying hand on Henry's shoulder before slipping out of the diner.

Emma glanced over her shoulder, noticing Regina's departure but trusting her to handle whatever was pulling her outside.

Snow was walking briskly toward the edge of Main Street, her shoulders tense and her expression distant. Regina followed her, heels clicking softly against the pavement.

"Snow," Regina called, her voice firm but measured.

Snow paused but didn't turn around. She adjusted Neal in her arms and let out a quiet sigh. "What do you want, Regina?"

Regina stopped a few paces behind her, folding her arms. "You left without saying a word to your daughter."

"I didn't want to ruin your celebration," Snow replied, her tone tight.

Regina frowned, her lips pressing into a thin line. "Emma deserves more than that from you. She's happy, Snow. Isn't that what you've always wanted for her?"

Snow finally turned, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Of course, I want her to be happy. But… this? Regina, you and I—we have a complicated history. I just need time to process it."

"Time?" Regina arched a brow, her voice gaining an edge. "Emma has spent her entire life waiting for her family to accept her for who she is. How much more time do you think she'll give you before she stops trying?"

Snow flinched at the harshness of Regina's words but didn't argue.

Regina's expression softened slightly, and she took a step closer. "I understand your hesitation. But this isn't about you or me. It's about Emma. She made a choice—a choice to build a family with me and Henry. If you can't support that, you'll lose her."

Snow looked down at Neal, her thumb brushing against his chubby cheek. "I just… I want her to be safe. To have something stable."

Regina's voice softened further. "Then trust her, Snow. Trust that she knows what she's doing. She's stronger than you give her credit for."

Snow hesitated, then nodded faintly. "I'll try."

It wasn't the enthusiastic approval Regina had hoped for, but it was a start.

When Regina reentered Granny's, Emma was still leaning against the counter, bantering with Ruby and fending off Killian's endless teasing. Henry sat in a booth, looking far more at ease than he had when Snow left.

Emma caught sight of Regina and tilted her head. "Everything okay?"

Regina gave a small, reassuring nod as she approached. "It will be."

Emma studied her for a moment, then reached out to take her hand. "Good."

Ruby grinned, looking between them. "Okay, so who's buying dinner? Newlyweds' treat?"

Regina smirked. "I suppose we can manage that."

Emma groaned dramatically. "Married for a few hours, and we're already picking up the tab."

As laughter filled the diner, Regina squeezed Emma's hand gently. Whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together.