The Chance Encounter

Part twenty-seven

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The dresses, flowers, and egg.

**Regina's POV**

After four more days of fun, challenges, wisdom, and the making of new allies, it's the last day when we finally reveal the gender of our baby. The morning sun filtered through the blinds, covering the room in warmth and light. I wake next to Emma, sleeping ever so softly. After staring at her beauty for what could've been an eternity, it is time to awaken her from her slumber. I lean forward and place a kiss lightly on her forehead and cheeks. Her eyelashes flutter open sleepily. She stretches and snuggles up to my side, basically on top of me.

"Five more minutes," she murmurs lightly.

I wrap my arm around her waist and we lay there, our legs tangled together, until the sun is no longer avoidable. I place another kiss on the bridge of her nose. She blinks awake, shielding her eyes from the sun.

"'Morning, love."

"Good morning, sleepyhead."

"Alright, we have to get out of bed. Even though I wouldn't mind staying here for an eternity with you, we have guests."

"Ah, but alas, only true love's kiss can free me from this bed."

I lean over and give her a kiss.

"Luckily for you, I'm right here."

"I've been saved!"

"C'mon, let's get dressed. I had the cooks make some chocolate chip pancakes, bacon, sausage, and fresh orange juice."

"Ooh, yum, my favorite!"

We get dressed and head to the dining room, where everyone is conversing with one another. Emma's mom is the first one to notice us.

"Well, don't you two look cute!"

We eat and join in the conversations. Once everyone is done with their conversations, we all split up in different directions.

Later that day, as the sparkling sunsets and the stars twinkle and shine, the garden is illuminated by floating lanterns. Round tables adorned with fine silk and a combination of red roses, yellow roses, pink roses, white roses, lavender, irises, and sunflowers in purple and green vases are in the middle of the tables. Nearby are long tables: one with fresh meat, one with fruits, vegetables, and cheese, and the last table holding cakes and pastries. The atmosphere is filled with laughter, music, and the clinking of glasses as friends, family, and new allies enjoy the feast.

Everyone starts making toasts for our child, each sounding like a heartfelt expression of their goodwill and hope. As the feast simmers down, Em and I sneak away hand in hand, walking through the enchanted garden's pathway dimly lit by the lanterns. We see a secluded bench leaning against an ancient blooming tree. Sitting close, we reflect on everything on the journey, the trials, the love we found along the way, and the family we're starting. As I think about the last part, I place my hand on Emma's growing belly and we meet each other's gaze. Our love and commitment to one another and this child are conveyed without a word.

"Do you ever think about what our child's future will be like?" Emma practically whispers.

"Every day. I hope they will be extraordinary, just like you." I reassure her softly.

Then we lean in for a tender kiss, practically sealing our dreams for the future. A comet flashes through the sky, a celestial promise of the bright future that awaits our newfound family. We return to the festival to enjoy ourselves before everyone returns to their home kingdoms in the morning. As soon as we're back in sight, Ruby says,

"There you two lovebirds are! We were wondering where you ventured off to. It's almost time for you to reveal the gender."

"May we have your attention, please? There's one more present we didn't mention."

Some fairies come in, bringing a silver eclipse dragon egg.

"This egg's shell will turn the color of the baby's gender-blue for a boy, pink for a girl."

The fairies tap the egg twice, and it turns navy blue.

"It's a boy, everyone!" I say happily, turning to Em, whose face is full of glee. Cheers fill the air.

The grand feast continues until late in the night, symbolizing the bond that will last a lifetime. New and old, confident in the love and friendship shared tonight, will guide our family for generations.

Thanks for reading hope you enjoyed let me know what you think