In progress

Chapter 17

Regina had been running around the entire morning, cleaning the house, even though it was already meticulously clean. She wanted everything to be perfect for Emma's visit. Every speck of dust, every stray book, every out-of-place item was carefully attended to. Her nerves were getting the better of her, and cleaning was a way to channel her anxious energy.

As the time for Emma's arrival drew near, Regina decided to take a quick shower to make herself more presentable. She let the warm water wash away her anxiety, the steam calming her mind. She wanted to look her best for Emma, and that meant paying attention to every detail.

After her shower, Regina stood in front of the mirror, her hair wrapped in a towel as she applied her favorite red lipstick. She knew Emma liked it, and it gave her a boost of confidence. The bright, bold color made her feel powerful, ready to face whatever the evening would bring. With one final glance in the mirror, she smiled, satisfied with her appearance.

Regina made her way downstairs, her steps lighter now that she felt more prepared. She had done the shopping earlier, gathering ingredients for a new recipe she was excited to try out. She hoped Emma would like it. Cooking was another way Regina expressed her affection, and she wanted tonight to be special.

The kitchen filled with the enticing aroma of herbs and spices as she prepared dinner. She carefully followed the recipe, making sure everything was perfect. The timer on the oven dinged, signaling that the main dish was ready to go in. As she closed the oven door, she heard the doorbell ring, indicating Emma's arrival, which caused her heart to skip a beat.

Regina wiped her hands on a towel and hurried to the door, her nerves flaring up again. She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself before opening the door. When she finally did, she was greeted by the sight of Emma standing there, a smile lighting up her face.

"Hi," Emma said, her voice soft but filled with excitement.

"Hi," Regina replied, her own smile mirroring Emma's. "Come in."

Emma stepped inside, and Regina closed the door behind her. They stood there for a moment, just looking at each other, the warmth of their connection filling the space between them.

"You look amazing," Emma said, her eyes taking in Regina's appearance.

"Thank you," Regina replied, feeling a blush rise to her cheeks. "I wanted everything to be perfect for tonight."

Emma reached out and took Regina's hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "It already is."

Regina led Emma to the kitchen, where the delicious aroma of dinner filled the air. "I hope you're hungry," she said, trying to sound casual.

"Starving," Emma replied with a grin. "What are we having?"

Regina explained the new recipe she had tried, her enthusiasm growing as she spoke. Emma listened attentively, her eyes never leaving Regina's face. It was moments exactly like this that made all the doubts and fears worth it.

As they settled down at the table, Regina couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment. The dinner was a success, and the conversation flowed easily between them. They talked about everything and nothing, sharing stories and laughter. Regina found herself relaxing more and more, the earlier anxiety melting away.

After dinner, they moved to the living room, where Regina had set up a cozy spot for them to sit and talk. They settled on the couch, close but not too close, the flickering candlelight casting a warm glow around them.

"Thank you for this," Emma said, her voice sincere. "I know it can't be easy."

"It's worth it," Regina replied, reaching out to take Emma's hand again. "You're worth it."