And Then There Was You

XXV. Cabin by the Frozen Lake (part three)

Inside the cabin, the ambiance was cozy and welcoming. Regina had ensured the heater was on and the fireplace crackled with warmth. As the group shed their snow gear, the boys eagerly headed upstairs to Henry's room to immerse themselves in video games while they waited for dinner.

"I'm making steak, mashed potatoes, and grilled asparagus tonight," Regina announced, tying her apron with practiced ease. Her eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. "Oh, and I've got a new cider I'd like you all to try," she added, her voice tinged with excitement.

"Do you need help with anything, Regina?" Belle asked, her tone gentle as she and Ruby perched on stools at the kitchen island, their expressions expectant.

"Oh, no. I've got this, thank you," Regina replied with a reassuring smile. She gestured towards the living room, "We've got some fun board games you can play," she said while deftly pouring cider into four crystal wine glasses that glinted in the soft light.

Emma approached Regina, her eyes locked onto hers with a hint of mischief. "Are you sure you don't need any help?" she asked, her voice low and flirtatious.

Regina met her gaze, her smile warm and inviting. "Really, no need," she assured Emma, her tone firm yet gentle. She handed each of the girls a glass, leaving one for herself on the island. "I've got this," she repeated, her eyes lingering on Emma's for a heartbeat longer.

Belle and Ruby carried their drinks to the living room, their laughter mingling with the crackle of the fire as they searched for the board games Regina had suggested. Emma took a sip of her cider, her eyebrows raising in surprise as she savored the taste. "Mmm, this is good. Is it a new recipe?" she asked, swirling the liquid thoughtfully in her glass.

Regina, busy at the stove, glanced over her shoulder with a proud smile. "Yes, I'm glad you noticed," she said, her eyes twinkling. "It's a secret ingredient."

Intrigued, Emma leaned closer, her curiosity piqued. "Oh, what is it?" she asked, her voice filled with genuine interest.

Regina stirred a sauce, the rich aroma filling the kitchen, and held a spoonful up to Emma's lips. "If I tell you, then it wouldn't be a secret anymore," she said slyly, her tone teasing. Some sauce dripped onto the corner of Emma's mouth.

With a playful gleam in her eye, Regina gently squeezed Emma's cheeks, bringing her lips into a pout. She leaned in, her breath warm against Emma's skin, and licked the stray sauce from the side of her mouth. "Now would it?" she whispered, her voice husky with amusement.

Emma's cheeks flushed a deeper shade, a mix of surprise and delight dancing in her eyes. She laughed softly, "I suppose not," she replied, her voice a mere murmur as she savored the taste of both the sauce and the unexpected kiss.

As the night wore on and Regina neared the end of her cooking marathon, Emma stood by her side, despite Regina's insistence that she didn't need help. Determined to prove her worth, Emma moved with purpose, trying to show Regina that she could be relied upon. Regina, meticulously organized, took out the fine China and placed them on the kitchen island.

The two girls in the living room, engrossed in their board game, looked up as the delicate clinking of China caught their attention. Without hesitation, they offered to set the table. Regina nodded, a faint smile playing on her lips, and handed them the remaining dishes. She added two regular glasses and an extra wine glass to the mix. As Ruby and Belle set up the table, Belle's sharp eyes caught sight of an extra place setting.

"Um, Regina?" Belle asked, her voice curious.

"Yes, Belle?" Regina replied, looking up from garnishing the mashed potatoes with a flourish of herbs.