Epilogue

It took the couple almost a year to find a house in the countryside of Providence just south of Emma Swan's old stomping ground of Boston Massachusetts. Regina took her time finding exactly the right home because she wanted to make sure that the educational system wherever it was they ended up was adequate for young Henry's bright future.

During the time that they looked for the perfect home to settle down in, Emma kept in daily contact with her godmother, Ruby Lucas. It seemed as though once Emma and Regina left the sleepy town of Storybrooke what remained of the dark curse shattered and the residents were able to leave the town's border and venture out into the real world. Conversations Regina had with her old mentor, Rumplestiltskin, made the couple believe that it was in fact little Henry who broke the magical confinement. The Dark One speculated that the boy's past life was sacrificed thus dooming him to remain the toddler his mother turned him into because of course, all magic comes with a price, and the child's past seemed to be the cost. He did, however, reassure the couple that the boy would continue growing as an average child would.

Even though some of the residents fled as soon as they could, most of the main cast of characters stayed on, backing their sovereign, the White Queen along with her Prince Charming. Snow made a grand show of her desire for keeping her kingdom together and insisted that the fairy folk would find them all a way back home to the Enchanted Forest, where they belong. But many of the residents spoke out and resisted the plans to leave citing they rather enjoyed having the technologies the real world afforded them. Snow finally backed down her insistence that they all return and settled on providing a path to any who desired of it.

None, outside of the Queen's inner circle, volunteered.

Once Emma temporarily settled, she made good on the promise she made to the wolf and started making an effort to reconnect with her parents in hopes that they would finally understand why she did what she did. Her father, who seemed to have more of David Nolan in him than Prince Charming, was more sympathetic to their situation than Snow White herself and as a result, Emma took to calling him directly whenever it was she reached out to the couple.

Emma did her best to warn David of the powers and manipulations of the leader of the fairies and gave him all of the details Regina had provided of the day Blue broke into the Mayor's mansion and stole away the Queen and their child. The man reassured the Savior that hadn't been her mother's plan, but the fact the White Queen remained by Blue's side slowed the progress of any sort of reconciliation between the couple and their daughter.

It took several months before Snow's eyes were finally opened to the treachery of the Blue Fairy when the inexperienced Queen went against the fairy's council and was presented with the side of Blue Emma had warned her about. It took making a deal with the Dark One to get their hands on a magical potion that put a stop to the fairy once and for all. Stripped of her magic, she was locked away in the asylum she imprisoned Regina in, never to be heard from again.

Once the Fairy's influence over the Queen was broken, her Prince was able to talk some sense into her about how things were handled with their daughter. There was still an extreme amount of tension because of the history the woman had with her daughter's chosen girlfriend and she went to great lengths to make it known her displeasure with the situation. She went as far as to deny Emma repeated requests to pack up and send keepsakes of her son from Regina's home. The refusal was a transparent attempt to get Emma to return to the sleepy little town and the Savior was justifiably wary of the apparent ploy; so she refused.

It had taken Ruby Lucas longer than most to venture out into the real world, despite repeated invites from her goddaughter. She was apprehensive about leaving because what would she be in a world without magic, suddenly stripped of her wolf, her identity. After repeated reassurances from Regina via Emma, she accepted the request to help the couple move into their new home. Regina hired a moving company of course, but Emma insisted she would need Ruby's help moving things into the new house.

The iconic red Mustang pulled up and parked away from the moderately sized moving van at the end of the sleepy little cul de sac. She got out of her vehicle and looked around at the few overweight men lifting boxes and carrying furniture into the pale brick home. She hesitated when she didn't see anyone she knew until a tiny voice called, "Momma! Mommy! Auntie Wubie's here!"

A high pitched squeal was heard followed by a flash of yellow as Emma rushed her, jumping into her arms. "You made it!" the blonde cried and held tight in her embrace.

"Yeah, I took the coast. I've always wanted to see the ocean," Ruby admitted and held onto her friend who seemingly had little desire to let her go. A small thump hit the pair as Henry dove into their legs, matching his mother's excitement.

"Hey kid," Ruby greeted and kissed the side of the blonde's head then bent down and picked up the little boy, tossing him into the air before pulling him into a hug.

Henry squealed and wrapped himself around the lean frame of his auntie.

"Where's Regina?" Ruby asked a grinning Savior.

"Little Miss Bossy is inside making sure everything goes where it's supposed to."

"Widdle Mith Bothsie," Henry repeated with a giggle when Emma's eyes grew wide in horror.

"Dude, what did I say about repeating stuff I say?"

"Sorry Momma," the boy replied but didn't lose his devious grin.

"You are too much like your mother," Emma commented noting the familiar wicked streak in the boy. "Go tell Mommy Auntie Ruby is here, will you?"

"Okay Momma!" the boy wiggled from the wolf's arms and ran as fast as his little legs could carry him toward the house.

The blonde looked back at the taller brunette and said, "I can't wait to show you around. We have a pool room in the basement."

The broad smile across the Savior's face struck the wolf, and she commented, "You look really great Swan."

"A sight for sore eyes and all that crap?" Emma asked with a light blush and a nervous chuckle.

"No, I mean, yeah I've missed you, but hell the family life really suits you. When did the kid start calling you Mom?"

"About six months ago out of nowhere. He came home from pre-school and just said it, and I've been Momma ever since. No more Daddy Shark, no more Emma." The blonde shrugged her shoulders and said, "I don't know what changed for him, but Regina cried."

"Just Regina?"

"Maybe," Emma's blush deepened. "Come on; I want to show you Regina's art studio. It's pretty epic."

"Uh, hang on, we can carry this stuff in," the wolf said with a mischievous look.

"Your bags?"

"Uh no, I kind of brought a surprise."

"Woo, I love surprises!" Emma said then tried to guess, "Oh man did you bring me a box of Granny's bear claws?"

Ruby popped the trunk then looked back at the blonde with apprehension and said, "No, I forgot."

Emma couldn't help her face fall in disappointment but perked up when she said, "Next time you visit."

Ruby smiled and said, "I promise." She lifted out a box and handed it to the confused blonde.

"What's all this?"

"Crap from Snow's."

"My crap?"

"Yours, Henry's and Regina's."

Emma looked at the wolf in disbelief and asked, "You got Snow to pack up Regina's stuff?"

"Nooooot exactly," Ruby said with a crinkle of her nose. "I was over at your parent's place and could smell Regina's scent in the loft and found that Snow had taken pictures and baby clothes from when Henry was little the first time around. I talked to your dad, and he let me take the stuff when I told him I was coming down to see you guys. He doesn't think it's right she held this stuff hostage either."

Emma's shock was plainly seen as she dropped the box back into the trunk then hugged her friend and breathed, "Thank you, Ruby!"

"Anytime kiddo," the brunette said and returned the embrace. "Come on let's move this stuff in and go check out your game room."

The pair moved the boxes into the house, tucking them away in what will be Regina's office. "Henry David Mills no running on the stairs!" The Queen's voice rang out, echoing against the bare walls of the new home.

"David?" Ruby asked the former Sheriff.

"Yeah, we needed to kind of fudge his birthday to get him a new birth certificate and social security number and all that to enroll him in school, and we decided that because he will be a different Henry that we wouldn't reuse our Henry's name," Emma replied sadly. "It was Regina's idea. She wanted to honor the son we knew as his own person, but also let go of her past a little I guess? David is my father, and he has been active in our lives, so it seemed fitting."

"That's really cool Swan."

"Yeah, I'm guessing he hasn't told Snow yet then?"

"That would be a big fat no otherwise I would have heard all about it I'm sure."

"Well he knows all about it, and totally ugly cried on Skype when we told him."

"He's still a Mills though?" Ruby asked.

"Yeah, we both agreed to that. She's listed as his mother on his birth certificate and everything so she didn't have to re-adopt him or anything."

"So you're going to take her name?"

"Yeah, the hyphen stuff is pretentious, and Swan really isn't my name."

"Well, I'm still going to call you Swan, it's my prerogative. Does she suspect about tonight?"

"She has no clue. She's been so busy organizing the move she hasn't had time to do much else."

"Snow is going to be insufferable."

"Yeah well, Regina has to say yes first. I'm not too worried about what my mother thinks about my relationship and if she chooses not to be at my wedding, so be it."

Regina Mills entered the office where Ruby and Emma were talking and looked down at the boxes disapprovingly. "What the hell are those?"

"Hey, Regina!" Ruby greeted with a shy smile and a little wave, still uncertain how to act around the former Queen.

"Miss Lucas," Regina's scowl melted into a warm smile, and she leaned in and politely hugged the taller woman. "We're glad to have you!"

"These boxes can stay in here until the attic gets whatevered," Emma said pulling Regina's attention from the boxes Ruby brought.

"What are they?" Regina asked with a lifted eyebrow.

"Our stuff from Storybrooke," Emma answered in a somber tone. She knew the older woman would have feelings about the items Ruby brought and of course she was delighted that the wolf thought enough to bring them their stuff, but it was still a sore subject for the couple, and she didn't want to put a damper on the day by rehashing the loss of their son.

"Well then, put them in the corner until the contractor is finished in the attic darling." Regina bowed her head slightly toward the wolf and said, "Thank you, dear."

The tension was thick until little Henry ran into the office, "Auntie Wubie come see my wroom! I gots dinos!" He grabbed the tall brunette by the hand and dragged her out of the room leaving his mothers alone.

"Are you alright?" Emma asked taking the brunette into her arms.

"Of course darling," Regina put on a tight placating smile and side-eyed the boxes next to her desk. "I'm just tired that's all."

"You're still up for tonight?" Emma asked hopefully. She booked a reservation months ago and had an entire evening planned that included a built-in babysitter, but all of that hinged on the brunette's desire to go out at all.

"I am, although I feel guilty us going out Ruby's first night here. Wouldn't you rather play with your little friend? We can do this some other time."

"Regina, it's our anniversary. Ruby understands that. I just know it's been a long day for you with the move and all."

"Think nothing of it, dear. The moving company did all the heavy lifting."

Emma leaned in and kissed the Queen and said, "Liar. You've been orchestrating this for weeks."

"Yes well, I like what I like, how I like it."

"You can't argue with that logic," Emma said with a chuckle then leaned in and pecked a kiss on the woman's cheek. "Your Majesty."

"I thought I said we weren't doing that."

"And I thought I said it was cute," Emma replied and pecked a kiss on the tip of the Queen's nose.

"Yes well, come on, we've got much to do if you want to make it out tonight."

Regina was the first finished getting ready as Emma insisted on 'one more mission' with the wolf down in the game room. The Queen wore an off the shoulder, billowed red satin dress, and her hair was curled in more of a natural state as Emma preferred. Henry jumped up from the living room and rushed his mother and called, "Mommy you look beautiful!"

"Holy crap Regina!" Ruby cried, tongue wagging.

"Yes well, I suppose this will do since my little Prince approves."

"Your Princess approves too," Emma said from the top of the staircase. She was dressed in a little black dress that was sinfully tight. It was a longer cut that fell just above her knees, and her black heels had a mirror shine. Her hair was braided up into itself, and her smile was beaming as she looked down at her girlfriend.

A whistle echoed out, and Ruby complemented, "Swan you are rocking that dress hard, girl!"

With a sharp look from the Queen, Ruby amended, "I mean tasteful, Swan."

Regina humphed at the correction then leaned into the kiss her Savior provided upon arriving at the bottom of the stairs. Ruby picked up Henry and held him out to receive kisses from both of his mother's as they were saying their goodbyes.

Emma gave a strict warning to the wolf, "No sugar."

Ruby blushed and said, "Right, Auntie Ruby doesn't do baby puke."

"He's four, he isn't a baby anymore," Regina corrected. "That being said, you have our numbers if something happens, call mine first because as you are well aware, Miss Swan is lax with answering hers."

Emma rolled her eyes and kissed the kid goodbye once again and told him to listen to Ruby and to be good then herded Regina out of the door and into their Lexus.

"I don't see why I can't drive," Regina complained as they headed out.

"Because I know where I'm going, and it's easier."

"You could just as easily give me directions. Where are we going anyway?"

"It's a surprise."

"I'm going to know soon enough; you might as well tell me now."

"You're terrible at surprises aren't you?"

"I'm not overly fond of them, no."

"Fine, it is a place called Top of the Hub in Boston," Emma admitted then grabbed the woman's phone from her hand and said, "No Googling!"

"I just want to know what to expect!" Regina snapped but didn't make an attempt to retrieve her phone from the Savior.

"Expect romance."

"I'm uncertain how to react to romance," Regina replied in a soft tone.

"Well, it's our first anniversary, so I guess you'll get the hang of it next year or the year after."

"I suppose," the darker woman responded with an attempt to hide the growing smile across her face.

The Top of the Hub was located on floor 52 of the Prudential Tower in downtown Boston. The dining area was enclosed by floor to ceiling windows that overlooked not only the city but also Charles River Basin. Emma chose the spot for the breathtaking sights even though she knew all of her attention would be on the Queen.

It was early evening when they arrived and as the doors to the elevator opened Emma smiled when she heard the small gasp from the woman beside her. "Oh Emma, it's beautiful!" Dark eyes were pinned to the sights that surrounded them as she absently walked into the empty dining area.

Emma leaned in and whispered into her ear, "Not nearly as beautiful as you, My Queen."

The sentiment startled the woman from her awe, and she turned and looked at the blonde in shock. "You really are a romantic aren't you?"

"Only for you, Your Majesty."

The brunette broke herself from the Savior's bewitching spell and looked around within the restaurant for the first time and asked, "Where is everyone? Are we early?"

"I kind of wanted our first anniversary dinner to be just us, so I rented out the entire restaurant for the night."

"Oh, Emma!" The Queen covered her mouth which seemed incapable of closing and Emma guided her to the table in the corner which would give them the perfect vantage for the end of meal surprise she had planned.

Emma arranged a Sinfonietta orchestra to play during their meal and as soon as they started their waiter came out and took their choices for their main course and wine selection. When the wine came, Regina complimented the Savior's decision and said, "I didn't know you knew about wine."

"I cheated," the blonde admitted. "I don't particularly like it myself, but I understand that this will go well with what we've ordered.

"You realize you don't have to go to such lengths to impress me, Savior. Tonight is a sure thing." Regina winked as best as she could, and Emma chuckled at the flirty behavior of her Queen.

"I will never stop trying to impress you, Regina. You deserve to be forever courted." Emma knew the woman had no such romance in any of her previous relationships and she was determined to make sure Regina felt wanted and appreciated every single day. "Besides tonight is different. It's our first."

"I do believe first anniversary gifts are customarily paper in this realm are they not?" Regina asked as the wait staff brought their next course.

"Pom Pom Beet Salad," the waiter announced as he set down the plates in front of the women then quietly asked Emma, "Can I get you anything else?"

Emma smiled tightly and declined before returning her attention back to her girlfriend. "How is it?"

"It has kale, so you're going to hate it, but it goes beautifully with the Rosé," Regina replied with a large smile.

"I'm not big on the salad as a food for humans as it is," Emma said looking down at the large plate of colorful greens.

Once the third course was taken away, Emma stood up and asked Regina to dance.

"Emma, are we allowed?"

"I rented the orchestra; I'm pretty sure we're allowed," Emma held out her hand for the Queen and said, "They're playing our song."

"You're ridiculous."

"I know," Emma said with a smirk then guided the Queen out to the cleared area where the musicians had been playing all night.

The blonde took the lead and wrapped her arm up around the Queen's back and held her close as she slowly started to move to the steps she'd practiced. During one of David's Skype chats, he taught her, using Henry as a partner, several dance steps in preparation for this night and the practice as it seemed, paid off.

"You are very elegant on your feet Miss Swan," the Queen commented clearly impressed.

"I'm a quick study," Emma replied trying not to lose count in her head. She turned the Queen then pulled her back before kissing her softly on the lips. "I'm in love with you Regina Mills."

"I know," Regina said with a large playful smile.

As the time neared the main event of the evening, Emma felt herself grow more anxious. The threat of rejection was strong even though the couple had spoken their thoughts on marriage with one another. However, it was just one conversation. Regina wasn't opposed to the idea, but she didn't seem overly enthusiastic about the prospect either which is what was causing the concern in Emma that night.

Their main course was finished, and Emma had barely eaten the steak she ordered as her nerves had her stomach queasy. She figured she would wrap it up and bring it home and eat it once she knew for certain one way or another her future with the Queen.

"Are we ready for dessert?" the waiter asked.

"No thank you," Regina replied when Emma said, "Yes please."

The confused look on the man's face would have been comical had Regina not just torpedoed the next step in Emma's plan. The blonde cleared her throat and said, "Yes, dessert would be lovely; thank you."

Once the waiter disappeared from the table, Regina commented, "You barely finished your dinner darling. I assumed you were full."

"Dessert is Crème Brûlée Regina, no one says no to Crème Brûlée." Emma felt her heart pound and her palms get sweaty as the near miss to her plan almost unhinged.

"Well fine, but only because it's our anniversary and because it is my favorite."

The waiter brought their dessert and as he set down the plates before each of the women Regina's attention was drawn to a bright white banner floating passed the window. "Oh Emma, will you look at that?"

The waiter quickly handed Emma the rose and the ring box before discretely vacating the table and Emma made her move, getting down on her knees as that was the only position her dress would allow. She held up the rose and quietly waited for the attention of her Queen.

"Oh someone, somewhere, is proposing! That is so romantic!" the woman cried as she watched the plane pass by with the banner that read, "Will you marry me?" written in lights.

Nowhere near soon enough the brunette's attention returned inside the restaurant and noticed her girlfriend on the floor with a single white rose. "Emma, what on earth are you doing?"

"Waiting for you to take this?" Emma answered with a shaky voice.

"Why-"

Emma cut the question off when she thrust the rose into Regina's hands, and as soon as the woman took the hint and the rose, the blonde opened the small leather box that contained a diamond ring.

"Wait," Regina gulped and looked back out the window to where the plane had been, and all the color drained from her face. In her shock, she looked back down at the blonde who seemed properly terrified as the hand that held a ring shook.

Not a ring. My ring.

The silence in the restaurant was deafening, and Emma silently regretted clearing the place out for them. What she wouldn't give to hear the clanking of silverware or hushed talking of strangers in the long moments as Regina processed her shock.

"Will you be my wife, Regina?" Emma asked again, and as if the words she spoke finally cut through the older woman's stupor, the Queen covered her mouth as she silently nodded.

"Yes?" Emma asked to reconfirm seeing that her new fianceé was not able to verbalize her answer.

Juicy tears fell from dark eyes as the woman nodded her head once again. The Queen pushed back her chair from the table and didn't wait for the blonde to get up off of the floor before she crashed into her and screamed, "YES!"

With gleeful bellowing laughs, the women fell to the floor, and Regina climbed up on top of the Savior and kissed her passionately, uncaring if anyone or no one was looking at them. She broke her kiss then proceeded to peck smaller kisses all over Emma's face and reiterated her answer over and over to a wildly laughing blonde.

Once the couple calmed themselves, Emma sat up, holding the Queen on her lap she took the ring out of the box and slid it onto the brunette's finger.

"Oh Emma, it's beautiful."

"Nowhere near as beautiful as you, my love," Emma gently kissed dark red lips then whispered, "I love you, Regina Mills."

"You complete me, Emma Swan. I would be honored to be your wife."

A/N: That's it folks! I hope you enjoyed this story as much as I did. I just want to send out a quick thank you to PunnyBish for all of her help and encouragement during this story - she's amazing and I don't know what I would do without her :) 3 All the loves Jennybear!