I'm Coming Home

Chapter Four

*Regina's POV**2 days later*
I woke up to my alarm clock beeping. I turned it off and sighed at the empty side of the bed. Emma decided that since her memory was back, she would stay with her parents. She didn't want people to be spreading rumors about us and I get that. She's been here for 5 days. But, I truly, deeply and madly love her. I want to wake up every morning to her smiling face. I want her and no one else. I know, I might be rushing it, but I want to marry Emma as soon as possible. I don't want to lose her again. I can't lose her again. I looked at my alarm clock and saw it was 7 o'clock. I sighed and got out of bed. I slept in the yoga pants and long sleeve shirt Emma had slept in. They smelled like her and I slept better than I ever had when I was with her. I got up and walked down the hall to where Henry's room was. I opened his door and smiled at the sleeping boy. "Henry. Wake up. It's time to get ready for school." I said. He woke up and let out a yawn. "But I wanna spend time with Emma." He said tiredly. "You spent the whole weekend with her and I. She will still be in town when you get out of school." I said. He smiled. "Can ma pick me up from school? And have dinner with us?" Henry asked. I smiled at the boy. "If you call her and ask her." I said. He nodded and grabbed his phone. I smiled and walked out of his room, to my own. I walked in and shut the door behind me. I walked to my closet and looked through different outfits. I pulled out a black pencil skirt that stopped right at my knee and a burgundy blouse. After I was dressed, I walked to my mirror and brushed out my hair. I put on mascara and red lipstick. I smiled at my appearance. I then pulled out a pair of black, patent leather heels and I put them on. I smiled at my regal attire and walked out of my bedroom. It was only 7:30. I walked downstairs to see Henry sitting at the kitchen island, eating a bowl of cereal. He was ready for school. I smiled at the boy. "How'd you sleep?" I asked and opened the fridge. "Good." I heard him say. I grabbed the Orange juice and closed the fridge. I set the Orange juice on the counter and turned to grab a glass. As soon as I turned around, the doorbell rang. I raised an eyebrow. "Who is at our house so early?" I asked. He looked at me and shrugged, then went back to his cereal. I walked from the kitchen to the foyer and opened the door. None other than Emma Swan was standing there. "Good morning Ms. Swan. What are you doing here so early on a Monday morning?" I asked with a smile. Emma was wearing jeans, a black sweater and riding boots. She smiled. "Henry asked me to come over so he could see me before school? Said it was important." Emma answered. I smiled at the blonde and moved over, giving her space to enter. "Then come in." I said with a smile. She smiled and kissed my cheek as she passed me. I followed her to the kitchen. "Henry Mills, why didn't you tell me you invited Ms. Swan over before school?" I asked the boy. He smiled sheepishly. "Ma, can you pick me up from school and stay for dinner tonight?" Henry asked and looked at the blonde. "Uh, is it okay with you?" Emma said and looked up at me. I smiled and nodded lightly. "Then sure kid." Emma said. He smiled. "Well, I have to go to school. Bye moms! See you at 4 Emma!" Henry said and ran out of the kitchen. I smiled as the young boy ran out of the house. It was only 7:40 and I didn't have to leave for work at town hall until 8. I smiled at Emma. "Would you like something to eat? Or coffee? Or hot chocolate?" I asked. Emma smiled and shook her head no. "Would you like a glass of orange juice?" I asked as I grabbed a glass. She smiled. "Sure. Thank you." She said. I nodded. I grabbed another glass and poured orange juice in both of them. I handed her one and she smiled at me. I put the cap back on the Orange juice bottle and put it back in the fridge. I took a sip of the juice and Emma smiled at me. "So, what are you doing today?" I asked and looked at the blonde. She shrugged. "I guess just hang out. I don't have anything to do." She said. I smiled. "Well, I have work until 2. Would you maybe like to grab lunch?" I asked. She smiled. "Like a date?" She asked. I nodded. "I would love that. But, we need to talk." She said and her smile faded. I raised an eyebrow and nodded. "Regina. I want to marry you." Emma said. I nodded again. "I want to marry you too." I said, still a little confused by what was happening. "Then let's talk to my parents. Let's get this show on the road. Because I can't sleep without you beside me. My dreams were plagued with nightmares. It's awful. I want you. I want to wake up in your arms." Emma said. I smiled. "Be patient Emma." I said with a smile. She sighed. I knew how much she wanted to marry me. I want to marry her too. Very much, but I need to get a proposal ready and talk to her parents. Very discreetly so she doesn't find out of course. "I don't want to be patient." She said. I smiled. I know she doesn't want to wait. I don't either. But she'll never be expecting a proposal if I keep making it out like I want to wait. I glanced at the clock and saw it was 8:05. "Shit. I'm late." I said. Emma sighed again. "See you at 2?" I said and we walked toward the door. Emma nodded. "I'll meet you at town hall." Emma said. I smiled and she kissed my cheek before walking to her car. I pulled on my black peacoat and walked out of my house, into the brisk Maine air. I walked toward my car and got in. I drove to town hall, my mind swimming with thoughts of my proposal to Emma. I parked in the spot reserved for Mayor and got out. It was now 8:20 and I was 5 minutes late. Good thing I'm the mayor and it's okay if I'm a little late. I walked to the door and walked past my secretary/ sister, Zelena. "Good morning." She said in her British accent with a smile. "Good morning." I said and smiled. (AN: Zelena causes no problems in this.) I walked to my office and unlocked the door. I walked in and sat at my desk. "So, how are things with Swan?" She said and wiggled her eyebrows. I chuckled lightly and shook my head. "They're good. Can you clear any meetings planned for today? I have to talk to Snow and Charming." I said. She smiled. "Of course." She said and turned on her heels, walking back to her desk. I picked up my office phone and dialed Snow's apartment. "Hello?" I heard a cheery Snow White say. I smiled. "Hello Snow. Would you and David be available to come in and talk with me about a few things today?" I asked sweetly. "Sure. When would you like us?" She asked. "As soon as possible." I said. "We're on our way." She said and I smiled. "See you soon." I said and hung up. Then my nerves came into play. The butterflies in my stomach made me want to throw up. What if they don't give me their blessing? What if they don't approve? I'm so nervous. I feel the palms of my hands sweating. After several minutes, I see Snow and David (Charming) appear at my door. I smiled at them and motioned for them to sit in the chairs in front of my desk. They walked in and sat down. "Good morning Madame Mayor." David said. I smiled again. "Good morning." I said politely. "So, as you know, your daughter is my true love." I started. They both smiled and nodded. "I know, this is probably going to sound crazy and I don't know how you'll react, but I'm going for it." I started. They looked at each other and then back at me. They both smiled and I felt a lump growing in my throat. "Snow White, David Charming. I am asking for your blessing. I would like to marry your daughter." I said and felt my heart rate speed up. They looked at me and looked at each other again. "We will have nothing of the sorts." David said with an angry look. I frowned and felt the tears burning my eyes. The tears escaped and ran down my face. I blinked, trying to make them stop, but it only made them worse and I felt my mascara running down my cheeks. My heart shattered at his words. Then, a smile crept onto David's face. "Regina, we're kidding. Of course you can marry our daughter." He said and Snow smiled lightly. "W-what?" I stuttered. "I'm sorry. We were only playing a joke. We kinda thought you would propose to her as soon as she remembered." David said with a chuckle. I sighed. "No. I wanted to do this the right way." I said with a small smile. "We'd be very happy if you married Emma." Snow said with a large smile. I nodded and grabbed a tissue. I began wiping under my eyes. My mascara stained the tissue black and I sighed again. "Thank you for ruining my makeup, Sheriff." I said. He chuckled. "Really though. Thank you for giving me your blessing. I was terrified you would say no." I said, still wiping the mascara off of my face. "We could tell." Snow said. I smiled. "We'll see you later." David said and they both stood up. They left and I walked over to my mirror. I had successfully gotten all the mascara off of my face and my makeup didn't look bad, so I left it. I checked my clock and it was only 9 o'clock. 6 hours to kill before I can meet Emma for lunch. I looked at the different papers on my desk and began working on something for the town budget. The next time I looked up, it was noon. I was finished with all my work, so I decided to pack up for the day. I put the papers away and then stood up from my desk. I got my coat from the coat rack and put it on. I walked out of my office and smiled at Zelena. "So, I'm heading out for the day. I have some stuff I need to look into." I said and smiled. She smirked at me. "And what exactly is my little sister looking into?" She said. I smiled and blushed. "I don't know. I might be going to look at engagement rings." I said and looked at the floor. "Ooh ooh! Let me come!" She said. I chuckled lightly. "Since you're my sister." I said. She smiled and stood up, then turned off her computer. We walked to my car and got in. "So, is that why you called Snow and David?" She asked. I smiled as I turned on the car. "I wanted their permission." I said. She chuckled lightly and I drove towards the jewelry store. When we got there, I became extremely nervous again. "What if she doesn't want to marry me?" I asked and looked at Zelena. She shook her head and climbed out of the car. I got out and she looked at me like I was dumb. "Do you see the looks she gives you? She's in love with you like a 12 year old girl over Justin Bieber." She said, causing me to chuckle. We walked into the jewelry store and Pinocchio (August) met us at the door with a wide smile. "Hello Madame Mayor, Zelena. How may I help you lovely ladies?" He said. I smiled. "I'd like to look at your engagement rings." I said. He smiled. "Gonna make Emma yours, I assume?" He asked. I smiled and nodded. "I'm just here to help pick one out." Zelena said with a smile. He smiled and walked us over to a glass cabinet. "These are the best of the best." He said. I looked at the different diamonds. Cuts. Shapes. Colors. Clarity. None of them looked like Emma. "Do you have any more?" I asked. He smiled and nodded. He walked us over to a smaller glass cabinet and pulled out a ring box. "I think I have one that'll suit your fancy." He said. Zelena chuckled at that. He popped open the box, revealing a beautiful ring. Rose gold. Pink diamond. With little diamonds all around the center stone and lining the band. I smiled at him. "I think this is the one." Zelena said. He smiled and closed the box. He handed it to me. I smiled. "How much?" I asked. He smiled. "Don't worry about payment. Consider it repayment." He said. I raised an eyebrow. "You saved my life. You turned me back into a real boy and for that I am eternally grateful." He said, causing me to smile. "Let's fill out insurance papers and stuff?" He said. I nodded and he walked into his office. I put the ring box in my coat pocket and I smiled at my sister. August returned with a form. After filling it out, he smiled at me. "I wish you all the luck and happiness for your marriage." He said. I smiled. "Thank you so much." I said. He nodded and Zelena and I turned to leave. We walked out and walked to my car. "That was successful!" Zelena said as we got in. I chuckled lightly and nodded. I looked at the clock. "Shit! It's 2:30! I was supposed to meet Emma! Dammit." I said and grabbed my phone out of my pocket. No calls or texts. "Please pick up." I said after dialing Emma's number. "H-hello?" She stuttered. I sighed. "Emma, I'm so so sorry. I got held up with something. I didn't realize what time it was. I'm so sorry. Please forgive me." I said and waited for her response. "Regina. It's okay. I understand. Do you still want to meet? I'm already here. But I can go home if you want." She said. I smiled. "Emma. I'm so lucky to have you. I'll be right there." I said and waited. "Okay. I'll see you soon. I love you." She said, causing a smile to grace my lips. "I love you too." I said and hung up. I sighed a relieved sigh and Zelena looked at me. She chuckled and I drove her back to town hall. "Good luck." She said. I rolled my eyes and drove toward Granny's. When I got there, it was 2:45. I walked in and saw Emma in the far booth. I walked towards where she was sitting and I sat across from her. She smiled brightly. "I'm so sorry. I lost track of time." I said. She chuckled. "It's okay. I understand." She said, causing me to smile. "Uh, I'm not very hungry." I said with a chuckle. My nerves were eating me alive. But, I can't propose yet. I have to have a special time. "Oh, well, we can do lunch another time if you want." Emma said, sounding sad. "N-no. It's o-okay." I stuttered, mentally scolding myself. I never stutter unless I'm nervous. Emma knows that. She raised an eyebrow and looked at me. I smiled and when she looked away, I closed my eyes. I can't just blurt out that I'm going to propose to her. Never. No. "Regina?" She asked. I opened my eyes and looked at her. "Are you okay?" She asked, sounding concerned. I nodded and smiled. She sighed. Ruby walked over and smiled at us. "What can I get for you today?" She said. "Just a hot chocolate with cinnamon for me." I said. She nodded and smiled. Emma looked at me worriedly. I smiled. "Uh, can I have a burger and a coke?" She said and looked at Ruby. She nodded and walked away. "What's going on with you Regina? I may not know everything about you, but I remember a lot. You never stutter because it shows a weakness. You can't make eye contact with me. What's going on?" She asked and looked at me. I looked at the table, embarrassedly. "I'm fine. Nothing's wrong." I said. Emma sighed. "Excuse me for being worried about my girlfriend." Emma said, causing me to look up at her. "Did you just call me your g-girlfriend?" I stuttered again. Emma blushed but looked at me. "That's what you are... Isn't it? Or did I completely just make things awkward? Dammit Emma." She said and closed her eyes. I couldn't form a sentence. I wanted to be Emma's girlfriend and I knew that's kinda what we were, but we'd never made it official. "I..uh." I said awkwardly. Emma sighed and got up, then ran out of Granny's. "Emma! Wait!" I shouted and ran after her. I got out of Granny's and looked around. I didn't see anyone. I walked towards the lake, trying to find anyone. I saw a figure in the gazebo and I walked toward it. It was Emma. I quietly walked up behind her and wrapped my arms around her stomach, then leaned against her back. I put my chin on her shoulder. Breathing in her scent. She smelled like roses and it made me smile. "Regina. I'm sorry." Emma said. I smiled again. "Don't be sorry. Emma, I had hoped that I was your girlfriend. We just hadn't made anything official and it caught me by surprise. That's all." I said, still leaning on her. "So, you are my girlfriend and I wasn't making things awkward?" Emma asked, causing me to chuckle. "I've been your girlfriend since you remembered everything from my kiss. Or at least I'd hoped I was." I said. She smiled. "I'd hoped that too." She said. I smiled again. Emma turned around in my arms, so our bodies were being pressed together. I smiled at her and kept my arms around her waist. She put her hands on my shoulders and smiled at me. I smiled back. When I was with Emma, all I could do right was smile. I could do that without messing it up. "You're so beautiful." Emma said and brushed a piece of hair behind my ear. I blushed and looked down. I looked up immediately because when I looked down, I was looking right at her boobs. She laughed lightly. "Y'know, if you wanted to look at my boobs..." Emma said. I laughed. "Hush Emma." I said. She smiled at me. "Emma?" I asked. She looked into my eyes. "Yes?" She asked. "Kiss me?" I asked again and looked at her lips. She smiled and leaned in, then captured my lips in hers. I kissed her back passionately and quickly got lost in the kiss. Emma pulled away and smiled. Causing me to smile. "I love you Regina." She said. I nodded. "I love you too, Emma." I said back. She kissed my cheek. "Wanna skip lunch?" She asked. I shook my head. "You need to eat." I said. She sighed and I pulled off of her. I grabbed her hand and dragged her back towards Granny's. She laughed and caught up with me. "So, what were you doing that made you late for our lunch date?" Emma asked, causing my nerves to come into play again. "Uh, n-nothing." I stuttered and then mentally scolded myself. "Nothing? Mmhmm. Okay." Emma said as we took our seats again. Ruby walked over, handing me my drink and Emma her food. She smiled and walked away. I sighed. "So, we still on for dinner tonight? Or has something come up?" Emma asked as she took a sip of her coke. "And, what exactly is that supposed to mean?" I asked and raised an eyebrow. "I don't know. You're acting weird. So I didn't know if I was still invited." Emma said and took a bite of her burger. "Of course you're still invited. You're always welcome at our house." I said. Emma smiled and I smiled back. "When are you picking Henry up from school?" I asked. "Four." She said back. I looked at the clock in Granny's. "Em, it's 3:40." I said. She sighed and ate the rest of her food in a hurry. "Why don't you take Henry to the park or something so I can make dinner, and then come to the house around 6?" I said with a smile. Emma nodded. "Wouldn't miss it for the world." She said and smiled. She stood up and left a 20 on the table. She wouldn't let me pay for my drink. I stood up and kissed her. "I'll see you soon dear." I said and we went our separate ways. I got to my car and got in. I drove to the store to buy groceries for dinner. After buying everything I needed, (including stuff for Apple pie) I drove to my house. It was 4:15. I started putting everything together. I wanted this night to go well. It might be the night I propose. Guess it'll depend on how dinner goes.