A soft moan vibrates against her ear, persuading her eyes to flutter open from the most delicious sound. Warmth is curling around every inch of her body like a heated blanket for her soul. She smiles to herself, admiring the extra weight pressing upon her legs and across her torso because this is what she always wanted.
She peeks slowly over her shoulder and smiles when that beautiful, peaceful face comes into view. Her porcelain skin is free of the light makeup that usually paints her face. The corners of her mouth are slightly turned up and have been that way since they started dating. Dark, long, thick eyelashes flutter while she dreams and causes Regina's heart to race while waving a big white flag that screams, she surrenders to Emma's love.
Regina spins slowly around in her arms and cuddles further into her chest, earning herself another delicious moan in response from her lover. Her plump lips stretch forward to kiss Emma's chest while her eyes fall closed once more.
Emma stretches out her sleepy stiff limbs before she wraps Regina's body up tight and pulls her even closer into her embrace. "Merry Christmas," struggles to escape her throat from her heavy sleeping.
Regina chuckles against her warm chest and kisses her once more. "Merry Christmas, Em-ma," she taunts while her fingers slip beneath her tank top to scratch her soft flesh.
"Happy one year anniversary," Emma sing-songs, generating another laugh to erupt from her mouth.
"I guess so, huh?"
"Yes, one year ago today you crawled into my bed and gave me the best Christmas gift ever, your love."
"Well," she stretches forward and kisses her gently, "I do love you, Swan and I think you should probably work on your Christmas gift for this year," she suggests provocatively while her hips roll against her girlfriend's inviting body.
Emma groans wildly as her fingers dig into Regina's back to hold her even tighter. Without any warning, she easily flips Regina onto her back, a small yelp squealing from her mouth before her lips are on hers, swallowing her little noises for herself.
Emma's hips circle slowly, almost lazy, while her tongue invades Regina's mouth, claiming her for her own and she's so willing to submit her all to this wonderful woman. Emma's long fingers lace through hers, pinning her hands on either side of her head while she pours all her love into their frantic kiss.
She moans around her name, "Emma," and reluctantly turns away from the kiss, because truthfully, the world seems to lose all its color when Emma's lips aren't on hers. Her girlfriend just hums in response as her head dips down to show attention upon her jawline. "It's Christmas morning and we both know how our son is, I'm sure he'll be up any minute."
Emma chuckles into the crook of her neck while she wordlessly nods along, but never does she pull away. Her sharp teeth scrape along Regina's sensitive flesh as she descends toward her collarbone.
"Need I remind you, that your parents are coming over to open presents this morning with your brother?" She reiterates the morning's plan, but her voice lacks authority from the slight tremble rattling in her throat.
This infuriating woman simply shrugs her shoulders carelessly as she slithers down her body, still pining her to the mattress while her mouth teases with kisses and love bites.
"I rather fall under a sleeping curse than have your parents or our son catch us in the act," she chuckles just as Emma's mouth pulls the silk tank top away from her chest, exposing her left breast to the chilly morning air.
"Well, then you better be quiet so I can give you my Christmas present," the sheriff sternly scolds before she sucks the soft flesh into her mouth.
XXXXXXXX
"Ma, what time did grandma say she was coming this morning?" Henry questions as his anxious body twitches on the kitchen stool.
"They should be here any minute," Emma flatly replies as she finishes placing their plates in the dishwasher.
"Well, you are especially excited this morning," Regina notices while placing a loving kiss to the crown of his head, feeling overwhelmed with joy when he doesn't brush her off, but actually smiles instead.
"I know you two had to get me the new game I've been asking for, I just want to spend the day lounging around, playing it," he smirks, so full of confidence before he sips his hot chocolate.
"You don't want to spend the day with your family?" Regina feigns hurt with her mouth agape for dramatic affect.
"That's fine, kid, spend the day with your new video games, that way I get to spend the whole day with your mom, all to myself," Emma happily replies, then proceeds to place a quick peck to her girlfriend's cheek.
"Gross," Henry grunts his annoyance, but there's still a faint smile at the corner of his mouth and Regina knows in her heart, he is ecstatic that her and Emma are together and that they are a family now.
"Henry please, you can't leave me alone all day with Emma," she teases which prompts her girlfriend to shove her playfully in return.
"Hey!"
There's a rapid knock against their front door, popping the fun family moment. Henry jumps from his seat and dashes toward the door shouting over his shoulder, "I'll get it."
Abruptly, Emma spins Regina around, catching her off guard, and pins her between her tone body and cool counter. Emma smiles from ear to ear while Regina slides her hands up her cheeks.
"You know you would love to spend the day alone in bed with me," her girlfriend states with conviction while she caresses her soft skin.
"That's all I ever wanted, Emma, someone in my bed to keep me warm." She gently leans forward and brushes her lips against hers. "Come on, our family is waiting."
XXXXXXXXX
After the living room floor was covered in toys for Neal and video games for Henry, their family sat around the Christmas tree, enjoying some much needed relaxation. Henry was already setting up the game he had been dreaming about while Snow and David sat curled up on the couch. Emma was sitting crisscrossed, speaking animatedly toward her one year old brother while he stood in front of her.
"No steps yet, Snow?" Regina inquires while kneeling down, opposite of Emma.
"Not yet, I guess I haven't really been forcing him. I just want him to stay a baby for just a little while longer," the former princess admits as she curls up even closer into her husband's side.
And Regina understands that the woman missed out on Emma's life and now she is clinging to this poor little boy, terrified that he might actually have to grow up one day.
"He's ready though," she comments as she admires the baby boy's strong legs that aren't nearly as wobbly as they once were. Regina scoots back across the plush carpet and hold out her arms. "Turn him around, Emma, let's see if he will walk to me," she suggests through a wide grin to help encourage this adorable little boy.
Emma lifts her baby brother and faces him in her direction. "Okay Neal, go to, Regina," she softly instructs as she points in her girlfriend's direction.
"Come here, honey," Regina sweetly coos, flexing her fingers to motion for him to come in her direction.
Neal's entire face lights up, reminding her so much of Emma when she is overly excited. His hands fly out in front of his tiny body to reach for her, but his feet don't budge.
"Move your feet," Emma says while tapping her hand against his foot and Regina can't help but laugh at her silly attempt.
Brown eyes scan the room cluttered with toys until she lands upon a plush puppy. She stretches across the floor for the stuffed animal and resumes her position. She wiggles the puppy out in front of Neal, just out of his grasp and smiles.
"Come get the puppy," she urges again and watches with great interest as the little boy shuffles one foot forward.
"Oh my," Snow springs up from her slumped position on the couch and leans forward.
Regina narrows her eyes at the woman and mouths the word, shush, so she doesn't disturb her son's concentration. Regina wiggles the toy again, persuading Neal to take a full step this time toward his new toy.
"Good job, honey, keep going," she encourages, slowly pulling the toy back just a fraction to keep him moving.
Neal babbles as he reaches for his toy once more, his feet moving tentatively as he finds his confidence.
"You can do it, buddy," Emma chants as she crawls beside her brother making sure he doesn't hurt himself if he falls.
Neal takes a shaky step forward and then another, leaving a small gap between them. Regina smiles, full of pride and scoots back just a little further, still dangling his puppy as bait. The sweet baby follows her lead taking a few more cautious steps until he has his toy in his arms, squeezing the plush with all his might.
Regina scoops up the one year old and holds him close to her chest. "Very good, Neal," she praises with a small kiss to his temple.
"Oh my baby boy!" Snow exclaims as she scurries off the couch and pulls him out of Regina's arms to smoother him with kisses.
"Did he walk?" Henry questions over his shoulder, his eyes never leaving the screen.
"He did," David happily cheers as he wraps his arms around his wife and son.
"Cool," her son mutters, while his fingers rapidly attack his controller.
"That was amazing. I'm so glad we got to see his first steps," Emma vocalizes as she leans forward to peck Regina's cheek. "You're amazing," she whispers for only her girlfriend's ears, causing a spark of heat to flare up upon her cheeks. Emma abruptly stands up from the floor and runs her fingers through her brother's thin blonde hair. "I'm going to get us some snacks, I'll be right back," she informs the group before she disappears into the kitchen.
Regina quickly rushes to her feet and scurries toward the small family before her. "Since Emma's out of the room, I was wondering if I could speak with you two for a moment." Snow is over the moon with her son right now, so she just nods in return while David eyes her skeptically. "You know I love Emma very much," they both nod, staring intently into her eyes which increases the temperature in the room. "Well, I was hoping you two would grant me permission to ask her to be mine."
"You want to propose?" Snow squawks causing Regina to wince from the sheer volume.
"Shhhh, yes, can you please keep it down and maybe try and keep this secret for me," she pleads with the younger woman.
Snow smiles softly back at her, her eyes pulsating little hearts full of hope and love. "Of course, you have our blessing."
"Really?" She can't stop the small word from breaking through her mouth, because honestly she wasn't sure how they would react. The Charmings have both been supportive of their relationship, but a marriage is completely different than just dating.
"Regina, we have never seen Emma this happy before and we aren't as stupid as you may think," David sternly explains while she just roll her eyes. "We know that has everything to do with you. We would never come between our daughter's happiness. Besides, we even kinda like you."
Regina rolls her eyes at the man again, but the smile forming upon her lips tells them that she doesn't mean any harm. "So, you approve?" She interrogates just to clarify.
"Yes, and we are so happy for you two. I told you, you would find your happy ending," Snow ecstatically claims with a smile that threatens to split her face in half.
"You also told me, happy endings aren't always what they seem."
XXXXXXXXX
After Emma's family left for the evening and Henry was passed out from too much time in front of the screen, Emma and Regina laid curled up in bed, discussing how wonderful the day turned out.
"Did you get everything you wanted?" Her girlfriend questions in a lazy tone as her nails run up and down her arm.
"Of course, but really, Emma, all I truly want is you."
"Well, there's one more gift," she confesses as her fingers slip away from her arm to reach behind her.
Emma slides open the nightstand and rummages for the item before slamming the drawer shut. Regina's heart starts racing with anticipation and she's completely intrigued on what more this woman could offer her today. She snuggles back down between the sheets and smiles as she holds up a small box wrapped in shiny red paper with a silver bow on top.
"Emma, the diamond bracket was more than enough," she admits even though her greedy fingers are already reaching for the surprise present.
"So, you say, but I think this is better," Emma confidently smirks and nods toward the gift, silently requesting that she opens it now.
"Okay," she drags out each syllable for as long as possible while her fingers rip through the pretty wrapping paper.
Emma catches the wrapping and tosses it somewhere on the floor behind her. A small black velvety box is what's left in Regina's hand, provoking her eyes to snap to Emma's in wonderment.
"Open," Emma smiles as her hand snakes beneath the comforter to hold onto her hip.
Regina's heart hammers painfully in her chest as her eyes stare at the box, half knowing what's inside and half expecting to be fooled. Her thumb presses against the slit and slowly pops the top open. Her mouth immediately drops as her eyes consume the beautiful, round diamond, sparkling against the white gold band, before her.
"Emma," she gasps, but her eyes are fixated on the gorgeous ring.
"Regina, I love you so much and I was wondering, will you marry me?" She nervously questions, her nerves thick and evident in her wobbling voice. Regina chuckles to herself and shakes her head. "Umm...no?" Emma timidly inquires.
"Oh no...no, I mean, yes! No, this is just funny," she stammers as she meets her girlfriend's petrified gaze.
"Why is this funny?" She whispers as all her insecurities claw their way to the surface and flash across her pale complexion.
"No, no," she hastily leans forward, grasping Emma's chin and pulling her into a sweet kiss. "Relax," she mutters against her thin lips. "I love you and of course, I will marry you," she confirms, hoping to wash away all those fears before she pulls away. "I asked your parents this morning if I could propose to you."
Emma's frown quickly morphs into a giddy grin as she scoots a little closer and kisses her sweetly. "Great minds think alike," she replies, squirming her leg suggestively between hers.
"I suppose they do," she chuckles, still admiring the stunning diamond sparkling between them.
Emma quickly fumbles in between their bodies, and steals the box from Regina's hand. She gently tugs the ring from its firm placing and tosses the box onto her nightstand.
"I love you Regina and I promise I will spend every day for the rest of my life only loving you," she vows while delicately slipping the ring onto her finger.
"I love you more than I could ever express, Emma," she confesses, yanking her face back in for another searing kiss.
"Now, will you tell me about this dream you had that had you running into my bed one year ago today," Emma laughs lightly, resting her forehead against Regina's and gazing hopelessly into her eyes.
"I suppose now that you are mine I can divulge in that little secret," Regina chuckles and kisses her one more time. "Once upon a time," Emma rolls her eyes at her, but they are both smirking, "there were three ghosts..."
A/N: Happy holidays everyone! I hope you all enjoyed this short story and I really hope everyone enjoys this time of year!