Somewhere Down The Road

Chapter Twenty-nine

The entire Swan clan is over at the Mills' because Cora insisted on hosting a party for New Year's Eve since Mary Margaret had the whole family over for Christmas. Out of respect, Emma and Regina stayed for a couple of hours but after Regina put Henry to bed, Emma asked Cora if she was okay to watch him the rest of the night because Emma really wanted to spend some alone time with her girlfriend.

She loves her family and honestly, she could spend every single day with them and never grow annoyed but because her time with Regina is so rare, she would like at least one night alone with her. Ever since Regina and Henry arrived over a week ago, someone has always been around.

"God, Emma," Regina breathlessly says as she stands near the floor to ceiling window and stares out across the frozen lake. "I thought this view was gorgeous in the summer but now, with the snow falling and everything so white and bright, this just might take the cake."

Emma grins wildly, placing a glass of white wine into Regina's hand. "I know, it's really amazing."

"I still don't understand how you managed to open your own restaurant and build a house so quickly?"

"Well, I didn't do it alone," she laughs, motivating Regina to pivot on her heels and face Emma instead of the winter wonderland just outside.

"David helped you build this, correct?"

"Well, yeah but it was more than that." By Regina's suspicious eyebrow arching, Emma knows to continue. "So, my parents sort of bought me this house as like an offering to partner with my dad and take over the fishery. But eventually, I wanted more, I wanted to slowly add to Storybrooke and make it a better home. My parents were great and supported me, even took out a loan to help me start Swan's Shack.

"So, this isn't your house?" Regina skeptically investigates.

"No, it is. I've been paying them back. Every penny, for the house and the restaurant and whenever my dad needs an extra hand at the fishery, I'm always there. But Davey is his partner now which is good because he has his family already and he needs the stability."

"And whose name is on the business and this house?"

"Well, my parents are like silent partners when it comes to the restaurant. I mean, it's my business but I pay them every week like employees because I don't want to take advantage of them like that. And it's my house, my name is on it but I feel guilty that they purchased it for me, so I pay them every month like a mortgage for that. They said I didn't have to but I'm not about to be a spoiled princess. I will work for the life I want and my family."

Regina's eyes gloss over, tiny fragments sparkling from the snowflakes just outside the windowpane. Her girlfriend steps closer, placing one hand upon Emma's chest and sighs. "I'm so proud of you."

"And I'm really proud of you. Raising Henry all on your own while teaching. You work, you have your own place, and he's so smart and sweet, you're an excellent mother."

"Thank you," Regina shyly whispers, ducking down to hide her blushing cheeks but Emma needs to see them to remind herself that Regina is here and this isn't some dream.

She places her index finger beneath Regina's chin and tips her head back so her mouth can cover Regina's. Her girlfriend is the one that opens her mouth, sensually caressing Emma's tongue with her own velvety muscle that tastes so sweet from the wine. But before Regina can escalate things, because she always does, Emma slowly reels back.

Regina is eyeing her curiously, so Emma holds her gaze and carefully sips her wine, encouraging Regina to follow her lead. When Regina pulls the glass from her lips, Emma steals it and places both glasses down on the table. She intertwines their fingers and squeezes Regina's hand three times as she leads them up the stairs toward her bedroom.