Ten of Hearts

Chapter 16: I Love You

A Week Later...

   The hatter walked into the hospital once again while Henry and Grace had finally returned to school.  He saw Regina getting out the bed and his brows furrowed.  "Regina?  What are you doing?"

   "I can leave now," she said with a smile and pulled him into a kiss.  "What's wrong?"

   "Are you sure you're alright?" He asked, holding her cheek. 

   "Yes I'm fine.  And what was that news you wanted to tell me?"

   "I sold the house," he said and she hugged him.

   "That's great!"

   "It is...lets go home," he said, wrapping an arm around her back and kissing her on the cheek. 

...

Upon entering their home Jefferson picked up Regina and carried her into the house. She giggled as he plopped her on the couch. "Just relax," he said as he managed his way onto the couch beside her.

He kissed her hair and rubbed her arm as she looked confused at his actions. "What's wrong?" He asked.

"I just-" she began and sat up. "Still don't understand what you see in me," she explained as brown eyes looked deep into blue.

"Regina...what I see in you is an incredibly wonderful human being. A beautiful extremely gorgeous hot mom. That's also very smart and caring and lovable. Emphasis on hot mom," he said and she laughed, causing him to smile.

"And you're a hot dad. Very hot," she said as she ran her finger along his jawline.

"Well the kids won't be home for a couple more hours...so," he said, putting his hands on her hips.

"So," she said and kissed him hard.

*

"Regina?" Jefferson asked, walking into the living room.

"Yes?"

"I can't believe it took me this long to realize," he said, running his hands through his hair.

"I found my happy ending," he said, nearing her face.

"What's that?" She asked. His brows furrowed.

"Don't you know? It's you," he explained, getting teary eyed.

"What?"

"You know I thought my happy ending was just Grace.  Then I found that missing piece.  You're my happy ending, Regina," he said with tears in his eyes. 

   "What?" She asked, just out of shock.  Her heart fluttered and was filled to the brim with love and warmth. 

   His eyes fell onto her lips as he said, "You're my happy ending.  I love you."

   "I love-" she began to say before he kissed her softly.  "You," she muffled. 

   This kiss was different.  It meant so much to them.  It was slow and careful yet passionate.  They were gentle this time unlike the usual fire that burned. 

"And you really are Regina. I thought Grace was all I needed, but then I fell for you. I don't know what I'd do without you. When you were shot I was so scared. I can't loose you," he said as a tear fell. Her hands reached his face and wiped away his tears.