#writer!killian

“Mary Margaret, I love you and you know that, but I’ve already told you I don’t want to live in a world where there is photographic evidence out there of me in that tiara.”

In the face of Emma’s words her slightly intoxicated (and by slightly she meant very) friend huffed out some air in a barely controlled sense of frustration and Emma couldn’t help but laugh when she did. She muffled it of course, trying to keep her friend’s feelings in mind, but it was a pretty funny situation all things considered. In fact the whole day had been that way, as one would expect when the drinking had started with mimosas at ten and Emma’s friends had never slowed down anytime over the next twelve hours.

“Sometimes I don’t understand you, Emma. You would make a beautiful princess. You really really would.”

“No one is saying she wouldn’t,” Elsa said from her spot next to Emma in the booth, her icy blonde hair almost coming off as blue with the colored lights of the club around them. “But if Emma’s going to be a princess, maybe it shouldn’t be the princess of penis.”

“Who said anything about that?!” Mary Margaret asked completely astonished, and that was the moment when Emma had the confirmation she’d been wondering about for the last twenty minutes. Her friend had simply missed the fact that the whole gaudy crown was encrusted with bedazzled dicks, and that was just too classic. Now it was just a matter of waiting to see which of them would break it to Mary Margaret first.

“So you’re telling me you can’t see them?” Elsa asked, clearly as shocked and also amused as Emma was and Mary Margaret furrowed her brow, shaking her head as she looked at the plastic crown once again. Emma would at least give her friend the benefit of saying that they were somewhat subtle, but once you saw the clearly phallic shapes making up the whole plastic bobble, there was no going back.

“They are not…” Mary Margaret countered before her eyes grew wider and she went a little red, realization setting in. “Oh my God they are! Ruby! Why would you even buy this?”

Emma found it funny that Mary Margaret would even have to ask. After years and years of friendship, Emma had totally expected Ruby to pull stunts like this for any of their bachelorette parties because that was who she was. And Emma also couldn’t lie and say it wasn’t entertaining because it was. Even if it wasn’t exactly her cup of tea, Ruby’s hijinks had created a fair many memories for Emma to remember forever, and Emma was grateful for that even if she wasn’t about to play along in full.

“Oh please. Emma’s just lucky I didn’t have full reign on this party. I was serious about those strippers, honey, and if this was Vegas… well let’s just say there’s a reason they say sin stays in that city.”

“Thank God for small miracles,” Emma muttered, seriously glad that she’d gotten out of that whole fiasco since she vastly preferred the party she’d had instead.

After careful deliberation on the part of all of her friends, it was decided that the best way to celebrate Emma getting married was to merge two kinds of bachelorette parties. They’d started the day with something Emma had been more accepting of (but still slightly wary from) that she ended up needing desperately: a trip to the spa. To be blunt it had been a fantastic change of pace for her, and after the hectic nature of their summer season, it was lovely to take a step back from the frantic go-go-go of her life and just relax.

That being said, it wasn’t all quiet mood music and restful massages. There was also a substantial amount of drinking, a bevy of good food brought from every corner of the city (thanks to Ruby’s endless connections), and an almost never-ending swell of gossip and girl time. Because even if a typical spa day meant mostly silent solitude and individual pampering, that would never fly with Emma’s friends. Instead every item on the agenda had been undertaken together, and Emma had found herself laughing more than she could remember doing in a long time, never mind in a spa.

From there though, the easy going (if still heavily alcohol-sponsored) ‘treat yourself’ day turned into dinner at some hip new restaurant and then ambled to this, a throwback to their earlier years together in the city in the middle of a swanky new club with deafening music and tons of single people on the prowl. It was nice in some ways getting to dance the night away with her best friends and leave all her cares at the door, but it was also a slightly tired situation.

It hit Emma in the midst of all of this that she might very well be over the club scene (if she was ever actually a fan of it at all), and though none of her friends had admitted it, she thought she might not be alone in that. After all, the evening had been full of stolen glances from all of them at their phones (no doubt looking to touch base with their significant others) and funny, shared looks between the friends when they observed other people here. Maybe they’d all missed something, but it felt like a night out on the town wasn’t what it once was. Now everything was just a tiny bit sleazier, and a little less desirable as a result.

“Okay, can I just say thank God none of us are single anymore?” Elsa asked, perfectly mirroring Emma’s thoughts on the matter as she looked around the club. “I mean is it just me or have the pickings seriously dried up since we were last out like this?”

“Maybe,” Emma said noncommittally. “Or maybe you’re just so taken with your own fiancé no one else compares.”

The mention of her very recent engagement made Elsa flush a happy shade of pink, and inadvertently her gaze as well as everyone else’s went back to the ring that Liam had given her. It was a beautiful design, one that Elsa had sincerely loved and taken to immediately, but Emma also knew it wasn’t the first one Liam had considered. No, that monstrosity was ginormous, totally unrealistic for anyone never mind a baker, and had thankfully not been purchased thanks to some helpful interference from Killian.

“You might be on to something there,” Elsa admitted before breaking into a full on grin.

“You did make a good point though,” Mary Margaret stated cheerily, her eyes filled with the thoughts moving about in her head that Emma would just bet were romantic in nature and centered on one David Nolan (who Emma was entirely positive would be crafting a proposal of his own sometime very soon). “I would hate to go back to the way things were before. I mean obviously I loved having you guys…”

“But life’s just a little sweeter when you’ve got someone to love,” Ruby finished and the friends all agreed, largely ignoring that in their little bit of tipsiness they were all of them a touch sappier than they usually were.

For Emma especially though, the conversation with her friends just hit home something that she’d been grappling with all evening. She was truly and totally grateful to have such an amazing family and a bond with her friends that she would never let go of, but what she wanted more than a whole night wasted in a club she didn’t care about was to make the most of the time she was given. Emma had spent the whole day playing the role of bachelorette with the women she considered sisters. Couldn’t she maybe call it a night a little earlier than expected and salvage the rest of the evening into something more worth remembering? Emma thought so, and so she slipped her phone from her purse once more and shot a quick text to the man whose presence she was currently missing most.

E: How would you feel about cutting the night a bit shorter than our friends were thinking?

Emma honestly expected it to take a few minutes for Killian to respond at the very least since from what she’d heard Liam and the others had a pretty set plan of their own, but just as she was about to slip her phone back in her bag, she saw those tell tale dots pop up on her screen signaling he was responding already. The speed with which Killian was going to get back to her made Emma laugh to herself, but she checked to make sure none of her friends had noticed as she waited for Killian’s reply.

K: The sooner I have you back with me, the better in my book, Swan.

“Perfect,” Emma whispered to herself, but too late she realized the error of her ways.

“What was that, Ems?” Ruby asked from across the table and Emma looked back up, realizing she’d been caught and that all of her friends were looking at her with knowing smirks and a whole lot of amusement behind their eyes.

“Oh, nothing,” Emma said, trying to play it cool, but even if she knew her poker face was top notch, Emma was also aware that her friends were not buying it. She was caught, and now she had to find a way to spin her plan in a way that didn’t hurt any feelings or cause any problems.

“Okay fine you can go,” Ruby acquiesced, surprising Emma not just because she’d read Emma’s intentions so easily, but also because she was willingly letting Emma leave what her friend had once proclaimed would be ‘a never ending bonanza of single-womanhood.’

“Wait, what?” Emma asked and Mary Margaret jumped in, picking up for Ruby without missing a beat.

“We know you want to get back to Killian, Emma, and that’s good by us. To be honest we didn’t even think you’d make it this far.”

“I didn’t think any of us would,” Ruby admitted. “Hell I told Graham we’d meet up by ten, and look how that turned out. You outlasted that plan by hours.”

“So you guys have been waiting for me to make my escape this whole time?” Emma asked, biting back her laughter and luxuriating in the feeling that she wasn’t upsetting her friends in any way by calling it a night.

“Pretty much,” Elsa agreed with a smile.

“And no one’s going to feel like we didn’t do this whole bachelorette thing justice?” Emma clarified, casting her gaze primarily to Ruby who was the unspoken maestro of this whole thing to begin with.

“Nah. I figure there’s four of us, and with the way things are going we’ll be having a lot of these over the next year. Might as well save some of the dastardly deeds for the rest of us and not blow it all in one night.”

Emma totally agreed with the reasoning, and she also believed that Ruby was right and that there would be four weddings at the end of all of this. Emma was truly certain that all of her friends were with the men they were always meant to find, and marriage felt almost like a given in every single case. It was just nice to know that even if nothing had been explicitly said between Ruby and Graham, Ruby was still confident enough in her happy ending and in Mary Margaret’s as well to count them all as good as tied down.

“Well alright then,” Emma said, standing from the booth. “And I have to say this might just be the best bachelorette party I could have hoped for.”

Her friends all came to hug Emma, acknowledging that that had been their goal, and as the four of them stepped out into the night air Emma was filled with a heady rush of possibility and love. How she’d ever gotten this lucky in her life, she didn’t know, but as she hailed a cab and moved inside she thanked her lucky stars for her good fortune.

“Where to, miss?” The cabby asked her, and Emma was about to respond with her and Killian’s address when something on the TV screen in the chair before her caught her attention.

It was a flickering picture, nothing more than a passing ad that millions of people had likely seen and ignored before her in taxis across the city, but it inspired something in Emma, something she knew would grant her one of those lasting memories she’d been thinking of before. The next thing she knew she was telling the driver where to go and sending Killian a text of this new place for them to meet that she hoped he’d find as meaningful as she did. And in the meantime, she sat there, staring out at the city she called home as it passed by, smiling to herself and knowing that in this moment she was truly happy and that she was destined to remain so for a very long time.

………………..

From the second that Emma sent Killian that message about leaving the evening’s festivities, there was no doubt in his mind that he would find her. It didn’t matter that he and Liam and their friends were in the midst of a thoroughly planned out evening, or that he’d been having a surprisingly good time all things considered. At the end of the day, Killian would always prefer finding his Swan over anything else, and tonight was no different.

In fact, this evening’s element of secrecy was even more enticement for Killian to sneak away form everything to find Emma, for after proposing that they ditch their respective parties early, she’d sent him an address that Killian recognized but couldn’t quite place. Only when he’d hopped in the cab and told his driver where to go did he get confirmation about where Emma was hoping to meet him.

“You know, pal, you can just say the Empire State Building. No need to get fancy on me,” the cabby said with a typical New York attitude, but the gruffness went right over Killian’s head, and he found that he couldn’t help smiling the whole six block ride to their destination.

It was just too perfect an idea on Emma’s part, and the thought of meeting her there brought back a whole host of memories about their first date, which in some ways felt like it happened just yesterday and in others felt like a life time ago. It was strange to think that at one point things between Emma and Killian hadn’t been so certain, but recalling that night, Killian could still feel that flutter in his chest and that tingling of hope mixed with fear that Emma might not want this as much as he did. Now with the benefit of hindsight Killian knew that she had, but he’d purposefully pulled out all the stops that night to try and impress her, and in the end she had been the one to completely blow him away.

“You’re kidding me, right?” Emma had asked the moment that they approached the building on that fateful night so long ago, and for a second Killian had been a little taken aback. Here he was thinking this was a guaranteed success, but Emma looked so skeptical that for a moment he’d been worried. Somehow though he’d played it cool.

“I take it you’ve been before,” Killian acquiesced, but when he said that Emma ended up shaking her head before turning her gaze back to him and hitting him with a look that still had that edge of humor with a bit more depth and sincerity underneath.

“No actually I haven’t. It always seemed a little…”

“Romantic? Idyllic? Enshrined in the stuff of Hollywood dreams?”

Now that was of course meant to be a joke and his choice in phrasing was clearly hyperbolic, but he never imagined his jest would be rewarded the way it was. Emma genuinely laughed at Killian’s attempt at wit and when she did he felt his whole being flood with pride. In fact, the feeling was so sublime it couldn’t even be undercut by Emma’s responding jab, which likely would have taken down a less infatuated and already spell-bound man.

“I was going to say cheesy.” 

Ouch, that one had hurt, but even as she said that, Killian could see that Emma wasn’t retreating from his idea. She was giving him the chance to prove himself and the merits of such an outing, and he was all about making the most of those opportunities when it came to his Swan...

“Hey, buddy, you just going to sit there all night or you gonna pay up and get a move on?”

Killian was jolted by the words from his driver, but even if the man lacked politeness, he wasn’t wrong to get Killian’s attention. Truth was Killian had no idea how long they’d been stalled at the entrance of the iconic building, and though he might have liked a slightly less jarring return to reality, he valued the push to go inside. After all, his whole reason for being here was to see Emma and to make new memories that might turn out even better than the old.

After paying the cabby and heading inside, Killian noted that there were far fewer people here this time of night than there had been when he and Emma came months ago. The journey up to tiptop of the building was easy, but as the elevator climbed up floor-by-floor, Killian found himself anxious to be there already. The anticipation was killing him, even though he and Emma had seen each other just this morning, and so when the door opened and he finally managed to step out into the cool night air at what felt like the top of the world, Killian felt a strong sense of relief. Now the only thing to do was find Emma and see what exactly it was she had in mind.

Whether it was instinct that guided him or merely a happenstance of fate, the search for Emma didn’t go on very long, for as soon as he’d stepped up onto the roof Killian saw Emma’s golden hair shining underneath one of the lamps at the far edge of the tower. She was looking down on the city, cutting quite the figure in the clothes she’d worn for the evening out with her friends, but as if she sensed him, Emma turned and when she did Killian could see the smile lighting up her face. The next thing he knew he was moving towards her and she was heading his way too, until she was finally in his grasp and stepping into his arms.

“Hey there stranger. Took you long enough to get here,” Emma said cheekily, her head tilting to the side as she looked up at him, beaming in a way that spoke to her total comfort with him in every way.

“Don’t I know it, love,” Killian agreed causing Emma to laugh and shake her head. Her arms, meanwhile, came to wrap around his neck, with her fingertips grazing in a slow, but measuredly enticing way that sent a surging sense of need through Killian. This woman who he was blessed enough to call his own was a bloody siren through and through, and yet somehow she didn’t seem to realize it, at least not fully.

“You know in the movies there’s usually a far longer separation between the guy and the girl before they get the happy ending. A year, a decade, … meanwhile we just had one day.”

“Well I have to rebuff your logic on two counts, Swan,” Killian said, causing Emma’s eyebrow to raise in question, even as her smirk turned up to one side. “First of all, we were never truly separated. I left my heart with you the whole time, and you left yours with me. So even if we weren’t together, we weren’t truly apart.”

Emma’s eyes lit up at that and she hummed out her agreement, running her fingers through his hair and moving her body slightly closer to his so she was truly flush against him. Meanwhile Killian was temporarily distracted by the way Emma wet her lips and darted her gaze to his in turn. Suddenly his line of thinking diverted from whatever other love stories the world had told before. All that mattered was Emma and the rest was inconsequential.

“That’s one point. You said you had two,” Emma teased before looking up at him again and urging him with those green eyes of hers to continue on.

“Aye love I do, and the second’s more important. You see, we’re not standing at the precipice of a happy ending.”

“We’re not?” Emma asked surprised but not moving away from him in any way.

“No. We’re only at the start of this journey, Swan. It’s more of a happy beginning than anything else.”

A beat passed between them and in that instant Killian watched as understanding dawned on Emma and his words sunk in. In that moment Killian could see just how much she wanted that to be true, and he swore to himself he’d show her just how right he was. They had fifty or sixty years to be together still, and Killian was going to see every up and every down with Emma at his side no matter what. They’d have the life they dreamed of and more, and they would both look back on this time when they were old and gray as still the start of their beautiful life together. Killian knew even then they’d be just as happy, but he wasn’t willing to speed up time for the sake of a happily ever after. Instead he chose to cherish every moment and cherish the woman who was making such a happy life possible for him at all.

“God that’s cheesy,” Emma said in the face of his words, but Killian could tell that they were well received when she pressed up to kiss him in the way he’d been dying for since catching her gaze minutes before.

At the moment of impact when the two of them melted into each other, all other thoughts faded away, leaving just the two of them and this perfect moment. Neither Emma nor Killian were the wiser of the people around them or the sight they made for up there in one of the most quintessentially romantic spots in the city, but it wouldn’t have mattered either way, because love would always come first for both of them, and this kiss was nothing if not a living, breathing representation of the feelings they both had for each other.

“It might be cheesy, love,” Killian said finally as he broke the kiss for just a moment. “But I know in my heart that you love it regardless.”

Emma’s laughter filled the space between them and Killian could almost taste it as he stole another kiss before she could reply. She was simply too gorgeous an enticement to deny himself any more, but he was heartened by her response when she was the one to pull away and get another word in.

“I love your cheesy lines almost as much as I love you, Killian Jones,” Emma promised as her forehead rested against his and she closed her eyes. Killian did the same, savoring this moment and feeling that blissful symphony coursing inside him that only Emma could create, and when he opened them once more Emma was smiling at him in such an honest way it filled his heart enough to burst.

“Nothing comes close to you, Emma. Nothing.”

“Good,” Emma whispered as she stole a final kiss and stepped back, taking his hand in hers and leading him from their spot here in the sky back home where they both belonged.

Part of that future was what they were working towards today, for this was the morning when Emma and Killian would at last be moving in together. It had taken a little longer than he wanted to make the move official (which was to say that it took a full week to organize everything in its entirety) but finally they were here and Killian was glad for it, because anything that enabled Killian to be closer to this woman he so dearly loved was a blessing indeed.

At first the two of them considered living in one of their current apartments. There were obvious advantages to that idea thanks to the familiarity of both places, and yet each of their apartments had a list of pros and cons. Emma and Killian mapped them all out (since both of them were the kind of people to take such strategized measures), but in the end they decided that neither would totally suit their needs. Instead what would be best would be finding a new home together, and as soon as that decision had been made Killian threw himself into the process, attempting to secure such a place to call their own through any means necessary.

Taking a few directions from Liam, Killian was put in touch with a realtor and narrowed down listings in a matter of days, and after a few nights of searching when the two of them were out of work, Emma and Killian found the perfect place. It was well situated for both their jobs, close to all the things they wanted, and also a fair bit larger than their other places before. With three bedrooms, the apartment boasted a substantial amount of room for ‘guests’ but Killian had thought all the while that they were looking that it was a place to grow into and to some day fill with more members of their family when they were given the chance to do so.

“You’ve got that look about you again, brother,” Liam said, dropping a box labeled ‘Guest Room #1’ on the floor of the living room where Killian was currently standing.

“And what look is that?” Killian asked, not surprised in the least by Liam’s commentary. It was fast becoming a regular thing for his brother to state his opinion about each and every little thing in Killian’s life, especially when it came to his love life.

“The one that tells me I won’t have long to wait before I get to meet a future niece or nephew.”

Even though Killian had just been thinking along those lines a second ago, the mention of it out loud like this was enough to have Killian’s hope rising again. It was as if his brother’s teasing made the dream more real and more tangible, and all Killian could think was that he was absolutely right. Killian did want the chance for all that happiness as soon as it could be had, and he knew Emma felt the same way, for ever since his proposal they’d been far more open in their discussions of what the future could hold and what their hopes were for their lives together.

“Is there an actual established expression that conveys that?” Killian asked, knowing his brother was right and that he’d gauged Killian’s thoughts in a rather spot on manner, but still not wanting to just admit defeat so easily. Call it habit or instinct or what have you, but Killian just couldn’t help but rise to any challenge from his brother with a little bit of pushback.

“No. There’s some nuance of course, but yours is a look I’ve seen in the mirror a few times myself. I can recognize a man who feels like he’s at the verge of having everything he wants.”

That was something that Killian could readily believe, for in all their years together Killian had never seen his brother as happy or as bright as he was now. Being with Elsa had drastically improved Liam’s outlook on the world, and though Killian would never declare that it had mellowed out his meticulous, determined, opinionated brother, he would say that it had smoothed away some of Liam’s edges and had opened Liam’s eyes to another segment of what made life worth living. Finally Liam had more in his sights than work and success. He had a love of his own, and seeing his brother come to terms with that had been a real treat for Killian so far.

“You think you’ll do it soon then?” Killian asked, shifting the conversation to Liam’s own life but not denying that his brother had been correct about his. “You’ll ask Elsa to marry you?”

“You’re damn right I will. I’m not waiting around and risking David or Graham beating me to it. It’s bad enough giving you and Emma a grace period. I don’t think I could stand to wait much longer. To be honest I’m not even planning to wait until the wedding. I’ve got maybe a month, at most, before I break.”

Killian laughed heartily at that because it was just such a typical response from his elder brother. Patience had never been one of Liam’s great strengths. If he could justify it as a strategy that would win in the end Liam would abide by a timeline and wait things out, but usually he went for what he wanted right when the inclination struck. That instinct and determination was what made him a fierce opponent for other people in his line of work, but in a romantic setting it wasn’t always ideal. Nevertheless Elsa, as far as Killian could tell, had never disliked that part of Liam’s personality, and though he wouldn’t betray Emma’s confidence and tell Liam directly, he knew for a fact that Elsa was ready for that next step too. Much as she might be labeled as the saner one of the two of them, Emma’s friend was just as gone over Liam as he was over her and just as interested in taking next steps as well.

“What are you two gossiping about?” David asked as he appeared at the doorway and Killian and Liam both spun around facing their new friend. The brothers shared a quick look that agreed they’d keep this conversation a secret so as not to give away Liam’s plan before responding.

“Oh nothing much. Just my good fortune in general,” Killian replied as Liam slapped a hand on Killian’s shoulder and threw out a whole new line of conversation as a means of diversion.

“I think it’s high time we discuss a more serious matter – like what kind of stag party to throw my little brother. Any ideas Nolan?”

Oh bloody hell, Killian thought to himself. Not this again.

Liam had been pushing the idea of a bachelor party for Killian since he first heard of Emma and Killian’s engagement and it was somewhat of a shock to Killian that Liam should care so much. He wasn’t normally the kind of fellow who sided on the part of excessive celebration, but Killian chalked this up as another side effect of knowing and loving Elsa. He also highly suspected that it was Elsa who had planted the seed in Liam’s head at all, for she probably thought that since Emma was having a bachelorette party Killian would most certainly need a party of his own.

“You really think he’s going to go for that?” David asked, acting as if Killian wasn’t even needed for deliberation on this. “I mean it doesn’t really seem like his sort of deal.”

“What’s not whose sort of deal?” Graham asked as he came in carrying his own box, officially making this a party and pulling a groan from Killian in the process.

“Liam wants to throw Killian a bachelor party,” David filled in.

“You really think he’s gonna go for that?” Graham said, directly mirroring David’s statements from only a moment ago and requiring that Killian finally attempt to speak his peace.

“You all realize I’m standing right here, correct?” But no one gave that point a reply, instead moving right past it to continue their own conversation.

“I think we’ll have an uprising on our hands from our women if we don’t take him out,” Liam stated bluntly. “And I’m not prepared to face the fall out so Killian can have another quiet night in.” David and Graham readily agreed, muttering about what they could do to convince Killian or if the best route was just straight up kidnapping.

“Oh hell, I’ll go to the bloody stag party!” Killian said, fed up at this point with the assumption that he was some sad, pathetic shut in just because he preferred to spend time with his future bride than without her.

“You will?” All three of them asked and Killian expelled a breath in half-frustration.

“Aye. Just make sure it’s not anything ridiculous and that it’s the same night as whatever they’ve got Emma doing.”

Killian bit back the part about how he didn’t want for him and Emma to spend two nights apart if he could avoid it because he knew the others would poke fun at that without any form of mercy, but apparently he hadn’t been as guarded in his acceptance as he wanted, and one by one his brother and friends started grinning at his reply.

“What?” Killian asked, not liking the looks he was getting from all three of them.

“Emma said something didn’t she?” David asked and Killian scratched behind his ear, feeling a bit put on the spot.

“It might have come up at some point.”

“Oh it ‘might have come up.’ Right sure,” Liam said with a laugh and Killian shoved his brother’s arm, praying for some kind of reprieve from the blatant teasing at his expense.

At that moment Emma walked through the doorway carrying boxes with her three best friends fast on her trail, laughing at something one of them had said, and Killian’s reaction was the normal one that manifested when his Swan was near. That feeling in his soul that this was right and that he’d finally found something truly worth having seeped through him, flooding his system and leaving him utterly content into the process. How he’d managed to get this lucky he didn’t know, but even now, in a moment many would consider small or unimportant, Killian felt the need to take Emma in and trace every tiny detail he could.

Even after the largely strenuous work of moving today (though Killian and his mates had insisted on doing most of the heavy lifting with furniture and what not), Emma looked vibrant and happy and carefree. Her hair was pulled back for the effort of the morning, but a few strands had fallen loose from the tie that held them back. Her cheeks were flushed both from the warmth of the day outside and from the exercise, but the thing that struck Killian most was that sweet, genuine smile that graced her lips and the light in her green eyes. There was simply no denying that today was a good day, and the truth of the matter was that Killian had a vastly greater amount of good days with Emma in his life than he ever had before.

As if his fiancé could feel Killian’s eyes on hers, Emma flicked her glance from where it had been aimed at Mary Margaret and caught his gaze, sending that shock of awareness through him all over again. To see the mix of love and joy and a little bit of lust there was everything to Killian, and it took a large amount of effort to stay rooted to his place instead of immediately moving towards her. But he’d made a promise to Emma this morning before their friends came to aid them in this move that he would be on his best behavior. He just hadn’t known Emma would have such a strong reserve of will power and it had been too damn long since he’d had his hands on Emma or held her in his arms. He kept hoping – or rather praying really – that she would give in and let them steal some kind of moment together, but so far she’d been the picture of total control.

“Here brother, why don’t you take my box?” Liam prompted, tearing Killian’s attention away and then nodding towards Emma’s labeled parcel. Her things were bound for the guest room as well while her friends all had kitchen items for the moment. This would be the perfect opportunity to have some time with his love and convince her that sneaking a little interlude together wouldn’t be the worst thing. In fact, it would probably be the crowning joy of his whole day.

“I’d tell you you’re brilliant but I hate to think what it would do to your already massive ego, brother,” Killian quipped as Liam and the others laughed and then he followed Emma into the guest room down the hall and far enough away from the others to have a moment of peace and quiet.

“Alone at last, love,” Killian said as he closed the door behind them and the sultry laugh that floated through the air to his ears only made Killian need her more. He hastily dropped his box on the bed that had been ordered and delivered earlier as Emma did the same and then he stepped to her, pulling her close.

“I was worried you wouldn’t see what I did there,” Emma said as she arched closer to him, her hands coming around his neck and fingers running through his hair lightly.

“I almost didn’t, but Liam of all people was looking out for my way in.”

“Remind me to thank him later because this wasn’t easy to swing. I had to steal this box from Ruby when she wasn’t looking and I almost got caught, but I figured you’re worth the risk.”

“Well let’s bloody hope so,” Killian joked and in reply Emma pulled him down, closing the space between them and giving him that kiss he’d been craving all day long.

There would never be words to describe this kind of intimacy between them, and though Killian had tried to sum it up somehow many a time, he was always at a loss for what turn of phrase could accurately capture this. Every kiss that he and Emma shared was just as charged as the first one. Every time they came together felt like a physical promise that there was so much more still to come for them. But there was so much more underneath, so much left unsaid that didn’t need saying, because when their lips pulled apart, and Killian looked into those jade colored eyes of the woman he loved, he knew she felt all of it too. Love had infiltrated both of their hearts in the exact same way, and it was a miraculous twist of fate that they’d managed to find a connection like this in so big a world.

“Can you believe that in a little more than a month we’ll be married?” Emma asked, the words a whisper between them that brought a huge grin to Killian’s face. He could hardly wait for that day to come, truth be told he was actually failing rather miserably at being patient, but knowing that Emma was just as desirous for that day to arrive eased the ache in his chest to already call her his wife.

“It can’t get here soon enough as far as I’m concerned, but in the meantime, I suppose I have your nearness to ease my burden.”

Emma laughed at the joke and her laughter filled Killian with that same sense of bliss that came every time he got to see her this free and unrestrained. What a difference love could make, and though he’d dreamed Emma might be this way all those months ago when they’d met on the train, it had all been a mystery. Back then they were both guarded, but all those walls had been down so long, that Killian could barely remember a time when they weren’t like this.

“I can think of few things that could bring me more pleasure than seeing you so happy in our home, Swan,” Killian whispered as one of his hands came to cup her cheek and Emma smiled, her expression soft even as that fire of mirth and humor burned bright in her eyes behind the look of pure contentment.

“But there are some things?” Emma countered wittily and Killian had a sudden need to get her as revved up as he was feeling with her so gorgeous and close. He moved his lips a fraction of an inch closer to hers and dipped his voice to a lower, more gravely place, hoping to ignite more of that brilliant fire that made Emma the passionate, amazing woman she was.

“Aye, like you in our bed with nothing on but my ring. That’s a state of heaven unlike any other.”

Emma’s eyes heated at his murmured compliments and he felt the shiver of anticipation that went through her vibrate through him since their bodies were flush against each other, but Emma didn’t cave to his assertive flirtation. Instead she rose to the occasion, challenging him in the way only Emma ever could.

“Mmm I love it when you talk dirty,” Emma replied, pulling him down so he was only a whisper away from her lips. Damn if she wasn’t the most tantalizing thing imaginable, but currently they had a whole flat filled with people just a room away and there was no way Killian could deliver on the actions Emma was not so subtly asking for. So instead he offered her another bit of truth that she deserved to have and to know deep down to her soul.

“I changed my mind,” Killian said as Emma’s brow quirked up in silent question while her smile still remained. “I love you most just like this, with a smile at your lips, totally at peace, and looking at me like somehow you want me just as much as I want you.”

“I do,” Emma promised instantly, filling Killian with great pleasure both because of her affirmation, and because those were the two words she’d be saying soon enough to seal her place in his life forever. “I love you, Killian.”

“And thank God for that,” Killian replied before kissing Emma again and losing himself and his resolution to resist her just a little bit more with every passing second. Truth be told, Killian didn’t even know if he would have been strong enough to walk away, but when Emma stepped back and took his hand in hers, he followed her willingly back out to the friends who awaited them.

“Well that was quick,” Ruby said when they appeared again, and Killian chuckled as Emma rolled her eyes at the insinuation that things would have gone further. Only after that did either of them realize the strange display before them with eight coffee mugs on the counter being filled with champagne.

“What’s this about?” Killian asked skeptically as Liam replied jovially with Elsa was tucked right by his side.

“A toast to your new home. The only problem is no one could find the stemware...”

“So we’re improvising,” Elsa said just as cheerily as Mary Margaret and David offered Emma and Killian a mug of their own.

“You guys didn’t have to do that,” Emma said and Killian could hear the emotion and the gratefulness in her tone. He squeezed her hand a little tighter and she looked up at him with a smile and some new unshed tears in her eyes.

“Well if you’re feeling this, you’re going to love the cake Elsa made. And Graham even ordered pizza so really we might just be the most thoughtful people on the planet,” Ruby quipped, making Emma laugh heartily and removing much of her choked up feelings as she did.

“So I’ve never done this before…” Emma said when everyone had their mug in hand and was looking for some kind of toast, and Killian hummed out a happy sound at the fact that Emma had never lived with anyone other than him before. Then he moved his mouth just by her ear to give her his two cents as privately as he could in a room full of people.

“It’s an honor to be your first and only, love,” he whispered and Emma grinned at that before shaking her head and looking back to her friends.

“But before we toast anything I just want to thank you guys. I know you all had way better potential plans for a Saturday than hauling things up to a third floor apartment, but your being here… it means a lot.”

“Aye it does,” Killian agreed as Emma stepped closer and into his arms. “I think I can speak for both of us when I say you’ll all be frequent guests here in our home, and we’re looking forward to having you all with us on this new adventure. Cheers.”

Everyone else clinked their mugs together before tasting the champagne (that was still rather good despite its odd container), and after they had taken their first sips Killian stole one last kiss from Emma, knowing that though it was all they could have for now, this was just the start of the memories that they’d be building in this new home together.

…………….

One of Emma’s absolute favorite parts of designing for so many years wasn’t just the drafting of what a dress could look like, but the actual physical labor of bringing a garment to life. When she was younger and not established in any way with a reputation in this fiercely competitive industry, Emma was her own seamstress as well as the visionary behind every piece. It was her hands that facilitated each bit of crafting and stitching, and she was the one who turned yards of fabric or lace or beading into something all together different.

But as of late there had been far less need in Emma’s life to get her hands dirty so to speak. Part of climbing the ladder of success required that Emma focus more on the imaginings of new and stunning dresses while she delegated creation of the one of a kind pieces and the show dresses alike to people and teams that she trusted. There was simply no way that she could take on every facet of the process, but for one dress Emma was determined to make an exception and it was that garment that Emma was currently tinkering with right now.

Months ago she had designed this admittedly special piece, and in the moment that she’d dreamed it up she knew it was different than the ones she’d made before. But it wasn’t until actually meeting Killian and giving into the chemistry between them that Emma knew for certain that this dress was for her. Yes, she’d loved it from the instant her pencil traced those delicate lines across the page, and it had been inspired by her encounters with Killian on the train, but it took actually meeting the right man and recognizing the possibility that this love between them could go all the way for Emma to admit that this was what she wanted at all.

“I keep expecting to get used to this dress, but every time I see it I’m just as awed as I was by your sketch,” Tiana said as she walked into the room with her portfolio in hand. Emma nodded, casting a quick glance to her employee and friend before looking back to the gown before them.

“I didn’t think I could do it,” Emma admitted for the first time aloud. “I saw it so clearly in my mind but it seemed almost too good to ever be true if that makes sense.”

“Totally,” Tiana agreed. “But that’s what makes it all the more miraculous. You’ve made something so rare in its intricacies but also so personal. It has to be yours, you know? There’s no one else who could ever wear it.”

Emma had to admit that she loved hearing that because that was exactly how she felt. When she first drew this dress she’d known from the start that this would be a gown for someone truly in love. It’s excess demanded that, but even in its grandeur it felt like a part of her. This dress with its capped sleeves and delicate merging of lace and pearls and other materials was a labor of love done in a romantic styling that was at once classic and totally new. It merged so many elements into something undeniably unique and that, in many ways, was what Emma’s love with Killian felt like. It seeped into so many areas of her life, into all of them really, and it made everything better.

“Did you ever see me as the big white wedding dress kind of person?” Emma teased and Tiana laughed before surprising Emma with her answer.

“Actually I did,” her right hand woman confessed.

“Really?” Emma asked and Tiana nodded.

“There was no way someone without a truly romantic heart could design the way you do, Emma. It was just about finding a partner worth putting your trust in, and with Killian you found that.”

“Yeah I did,” Emma agreed quietly, smiling at the thought all over again and feeling that same lightness and ease that came every time she thought about how after so many years of looking, she had finally found her forever.

“Is that it?!” someone asked from the doorway and immediately Emma knew it was Ruby. She closed her eyes and muttered to herself about how she should have been more careful but it was too late now. The cat was out of the bag, and her friends would now know that the dress was done and actually ready to be revealed to the world.

“Um… maybe?” Emma replied.

“How long?” Ruby asked and Emma was about to reply when her energetic friend shook her head and continued on. “Never mind, doesn’t matter. Bianca, can you clear everyone’s hour before lunch and get us set up in section one straight away?” Ruby asked her assistant. “We are doing Emma’s fitting.”

“Right now?!” Emma asked, totally shocked at Ruby’s decision given how busy everyone was at the current moment. The summer wedding season was still in full swing after all, and there was so much on everyone’s plate that an hour felt like a small eternity.

“Hell yes right now! Come on, Ems, you can’t tell me it isn’t finished yet. I’m staring right at it and I can see that it’s absolutely perfect. So you are going to get your ass in that dressing room and put on that gown so we can all have our sappy, teary eyed, ‘Emma found love’ moment. Got it?”

Despite the demand in Ruby’s voice Emma knew she had the option to say no to this, but the reality was she didn’t want to. Even if it had never been her style before, Emma wanted to try this dress on and discover if the magic she felt in creating it carried over into wearing it too. It was still a little daunting, however. This was, after all, her first time ever trying on a wedding dress and if it didn’t end up being just what she wanted… oh who was she kidding? It totally would be. Her gut was never wrong and right now it was saying that this was, in every way, the only dress Emma Swan could ever truly want.

Without further ado, Emma moved across the way with Tiana and Ruby and into the dressing room, taking great care with the garment as she tried it on and when she needed it one of the attendants came in to help Emma tie up the back. There were no mirrors in this room, however, and though Emma could look down and see the stunning details and the beautiful way that the fabrics fell together, she wouldn’t know the full effect until she’d stepped outside and faced the music.

“Well, here goes nothing,” Emma muttered to herself before opening the door and walking out.

Moving in this dress was like a dream, and though it had taken so many parts to make it whole, the gown wasn’t heavy. It glided with total ease, retaining its flattering shape and flare and making Emma feel almost like a princess without the hassle of a huge shirt and so much taken up space. Basically if it looked even half as pleasant as it felt to wear, then Emma would consider it a raging success and be as proud as could be to call this dress her own.

Once she came around the corner, Emma noticed that Mary Margaret and Elsa had been properly summoned and the second she met the eyes of all of her friends Emma knew that her instincts had been right. Their looks of shock and wonder and deep appreciation spoke to the impact of this gown, and Emma’s body practically hummed with anticipation and excitement in the face of this moment.

“Oh Emma, it’s gorgeous,” Elsa said, dabbing her eyes with a tissue before her tears could fall, though Mary Margaret didn’t manage to be so calm about it. She was well on her way to those hiccupped sobs of hers just half a second after Emma walked out.

“It’s breathtaking,” she said before her voice broke a little on the end giving away all her emotion. It was a lot as far as reactions went, and in another situation the friends would have teased Mary Margaret for that, but even Ruby was stunned into a quiet kind of awe, and though it was a rare sight, Emma could tell her eyes were growing misty too.

“This is easily your best work, Emma. Hands down, no competition,” Ruby agreed and Emma smiled, finally feeling brave enough to step up to the circular stage and face the mirrors.

When Emma saw the woman staring back at her, it was hard to imagine that this was her. This dress was just as amazing as all of her friends had attested, and yet Emma felt even more overwhelmed than they did. It was hard to explain, but there was just something about all of this that had Emma so energized and hopeful. She never believed this would ever come to pass, and yet here she was, knowing that they were right and that come her wedding day she’d walk down to Killian feeling and looking the best she ever had as she took the next step towards the future she so earnestly desired.

Her reflection in this moment was a gateway to imaginings about what her perfect day would look like, and though the wedding planning was well on its way already, Emma saw so much more of what she wanted. She swore she could feel that crisp autumn breeze and feel the sunshine of her perfect mild September morning, and see the flower lined path that would lead her down the aisle to the man she would one day call husband. She could see her hair just so, and envision the veil that would accompany a dress like this. But the most important part of her little sojourn into fantasy was Killian, the guy she’d be moving towards. Because it wasn’t the dress, or the day, or the setting that would make her moment – it was the man she’d be vowing to love for now and always, and in that Emma could not have made a better choice.

“This makes it feel so real,” Emma finally said, her eyes moving from her reflection back to her friends who were all in varying states of disarray.

“Because it is real, Emma. This is happening,” Elsa promised and Emma grinned loving that her friend was right.

“But it’s not happening yet,” Mary Margaret said, pulling herself together a little more than any of them probably thought possible. “I’ve still got three weeks to plan the perfect wedding and I will not be rushed, especially with a dress like this to compete with.”

“No one said anything about it happening right now,” Emma said with a laugh as her friends all gave her a look and Ruby countered back.

“You might not have said it, but Ems your face has ‘sudden elopement’ written all over it. Honestly you’re just as bad as Killian.”

Emma blushed at the words, but they weren’t wrong. She was eagerly anticipating her wedding day, and yes, maybe once or twice she’d thought about doing something smaller and more intimate just so she could get there faster, but she would wait. Even if it was slowly killing her, she would wait so that she and her friends could all create a day unlike any other in Emma’s life so far.

“Will it make you all feel better if I promise not to run off and get married without you?” Emma asked and Elsa and Ruby nodded as Mary Margaret shrugged.

“Maybe if I get in writing. Until then I’ve got my eyes on you girl. So no funny business.”

This had all of the friends laughing heartily, and in that moment Mary Margaret and Elsa and Ruby all came up to stand with Emma, turning their gaze back to the mirror to take it all in. The picture staring back at her made Emma’s eyes fill with such happy tears, because it meant so much that they were with her in this too. Having her family support her like this meant everything to her, and knowing that all of them were destined for their own versions of a happily ever after filled Emma’s heart with even that much more love and hope.

“Now, this is the moment where we tell you we love you forever, Emma, and that even when you go off and marry the dream guy you’ll always have us,” Ruby said and Emma sniffled a little, leaning into her friend.

“I better,” Emma whispered.

“You will,” Elsa affirmed as Mary Margaret chorused her own promise.

“Always.”

“God Ruby, you weren’t kidding about this being sappy,” Emma claimed, but before her friend could supply a witty retort, a familiar voice sounded out from further in the store talking about stealing Emma away for lunch to one of the associates.

“Is that…?” Elsa asked, trailing off, clearly catching up a little late but Emma was already in motion, trying her best not to run in the dress as she hopped down from the stage and moved into the closest accessible alcove that wouldn’t be visible to the center of the shop, which just so happened to be her office, before Killian could see her in this dress she was intent on keeping a surprise.

“Killian!” Ruby said from the other side of the door. “We weren’t expecting you. Like very much so not expecting you.”

“That’s usually the central aspect of a surprise, love,” Killian stated with his always present easiness of manner. “What’s the matter? Have I interrupted something?”

“Oh nothing,” Elsa said casually. “Just Emma’s dress fitting. No biggie.”

Emma heard Killian curse at that and her heart clenched in her chest. God did she love this man, and she didn’t want him to think he wasn’t welcome because he was. Actually lunch out of the office sounded like a great idea to her. She just had to figure out how to get out of this dress when her clothes were still in the dressing room across the way.

“I’ll just wait in her office then,” Killian said and Emma’s heart rate picked up as she heard all her friends yell “No!” at the same time.

“She’s in there now,” Mary Margaret said. “In her dress.”

“Is that right, Swan?” Killian asked, this time his voice far closer as if he was right outside the door.

“Yes,” Emma replied. “You really do have impeccable timing.”

She could hear the deep timbre of his laugh even through the wood and Emma rested her forehead against the hard surface, closing her eyes and picturing him right now on the other side probably doing something similar. And maybe that was kind of corny, but hell if she cared. Emma loved knowing that they were in this together and she smiled just thinking about how flustered he must feel at having stumbled upon her in such a moment even if he still had that easy swagger of his so clearly on display.

“Part of me wants to break down this door and take you in in all your splendor, love. I’ve thought of you in that gown a thousand times and I want to know how close I was in those fantasies,” Killian said as the door opened slightly causing Emma’s heart to still. But then she just saw his hand reaching out to her with a single flower in his grasp and she smiled, taking the rose and then placing her hand in his without delay so the connection wouldn’t end. “But the rational side of me knows the wait will be well worth it.”

“It will be,” Emma promised.

“You’ve never once let me down in any capacity, Emma. I hardly think this will be any different,” he said as his thumb grazed gently across her skin. “I fully anticipate that you’ll blow me away as you so often do.”

When he said sweet things like this it was so hard not to cave and open the door and kiss him the way she wanted to, but Emma held firm, knowing that in the end this was the right choice for them. Because even if instant gratification was tempting, it would never compare to seeing that look of love and wonder on his face come their actual wedding day.

“Can you give me like ten minutes?” Emma asked, thinking that she could get changed out of this in half that time when Killian’s reply surprised her.

“No, love. I can do better than that. I’ll leave you and your friends to finish your moment and come back when they’ve given me the all clear. I hate to think you’ve sacrificed anything when there’s no need to rush.”

“Close your eyes,” Emma said firmly and she heard him laugh but she trusted he was doing it. “Are they closed?”

“Aye, love.”

With that all clear, Emma opened the door a bit more, finding his eyes definitely closed and she kissed his lips lightly. It was brief but heart achingly perfect, and made all the better when Killian’s lips turned up in a smile as Emma moved back again.

“Thank you,” she whispered and Killian shook his head, his eyes remaining closed.

“There’s no thanks needed, love. Everything I have to give is yours, as you well know.”

With that lovely vow between them, Emma closed the door again and remained in her office until she was certain that Killian had left. When he was gone, Emma returned to her fitting with her friends finding that the magic of the moment before was still there. She still had all the same excitement about everything to come, but this time she had something else too – the knowledge that she never had to choose between her family or her love. And though she had known that for some time already, it was still an amazing feeling for Emma to be so sure that she could have everything she wanted in her life and that it would all work out in the end exactly as it was supposed to.

In fact, all Emma could feel was a rush of pure joy and excitement like nothing she’d ever known. It was amazing and dizzying and oh so perfect, and Emma was so happy she couldn’t seem to find her voice. This gave Killian more time, and he made the most of it, sending her one of those handsome smiles of his before pleading his case (which he so did not need to do).

“This isn’t exactly how I saw this going, love, but I don’t want to let another minute go by without saying this. I love you, Emma, and that love will be a part of me forever. You’ve changed me. You’ve made me a better man and shown me what life can be like when shared with the right person and I want it all. I want to make every dream you’ve shared with me come true. I want the whole future you just detailed. The house, the kids, and whatever else you could possibly wish for. But mostly what I want is you, Emma. You’re the key to everything. I want to be by your side and go through life with you, and only you. So please, make me the happiest of men, and marry me.”

“Yes.”

Emma’s answer the second go around was instantaneous. Though tears had started streaming down her cheeks, they were of the happiest variety and the grin that appeared on her face was so big she felt she might burst. This was the perfection she’d been hoping for when she waited in confronting Killian about the ring yesterday, but as he slipped the ring on her finger Emma wondered what he meant when he said this wasn’t how he’d saw his proposal going. What could possibly have been better than this?

There wasn’t much time for Emma to linger on that line of thinking, however, because as soon as that band found its home on her hand, Killian pulled her to her feet in for a kiss so right that Emma felt it branding itself throughout every part of her. The magic that it held and the feelings of simultaneous safety and pure adrenaline were invigorating. It was as if, after years and years of searching, all the pieces of her world had clicked together and though Emma had known that this was where they were headed, it still felt so good to be sure. Killian wanted to marry her. He wanted the future she’d been keeping close to her heart for so long, and now Emma wanted to soak up every second of this particular shade of bliss as long as she could.

When they finally pulled back, Emma could see all of her emotions and feelings so keenly reflected in Killian’s expression. He seemed just as dazed and elated as she was, and the hope and happiness he was so clearly displaying only made hers grow more. Right now it felt like they had everything just by having each other, and Emma found herself giggling, so gleeful in this moment that she couldn’t stop the bubble of her laughter from flowing out. That only made Killian growl out one of those sounds of approval he often threw her way before he kissed her all over again, leaving her breathless and oh so satisfied.

“I love you too Killian,” Emma said, tearing her lips from his before either of them was really ready because she had to make him see that she was in this too. “And I want you to know that you’re the only person who could do this for me, who could make me feel safe enough and really believe that I can have this, that we can have this.”

“We will have it, Emma. I’ve no doubts that in the years that come we’ll find every bloody detail to the perfect life together. I just have to plead for one thing.”

“Anything,” Emma answered eagerly, hoping to give Killian something after everything he’d done for this proposal.

“I know it’s a lot, and it’s fast, and you’ve a million other things to see to in the coming weeks, but if we could not have one of those long, drawn out engagements…”

Emma smiled as she realized just what Killian was asking for. He wanted a wedding and he wanted it soon, and Emma had to find humor in his hesitating tone. Did he think that she wanted anything different? Because she didn’t. The last thing Emma desired was months and months of drawn out planning and a hundred ‘team meetings’ between her and her friends about every minute detail. All Emma wanted was Killian, and the sooner she could be his wife, the happier she would be. That didn’t stop her, however, from having a little fun with him in the meantime.

“Anybody ever tell you that you have got it really bad for me?” Emma asked and Killian grunted out a reply as his hold on her tightened.

“Aye, they have. And my answer has always been the same – you’re damn right I’ve ‘got it bad.’ You’re the woman I love Swan, the only woman for me. There’s nothing else but you.”

With words like that it was impossible for Emma not to melt further into his embrace, and her hand came to hold Killian’s in hers, their fingers weaving together as she put him out of his misery.

“I think I can bargain us down to two months.”

“Two?!” Killian asked, clearly shocked. “Ruby said four was as low as your friends were willing to go.”

Of course she did, Emma thought to herself. Because Ruby knows an easy mark when she sees one. Emma could only imagine how eager Killian had seemed to her friends when mentioning this proposal, and Ruby would totally use that to her advantage, bargaining up with a man who was so desirous to have their approval that he’d probably agree to anything. Emma, on the other hand, would be a much better negotiator.

“Yeah, but that was you asking. It’ll be a hard sell, but I think I can swing it. They owe me, and I can remind them of the sweet spot at the end of September when the leaves are changing but it’s still warm enough for something outside.”

Emma’s words hadn’t been meant as any sort of explicit planning, but the mention of a time table and a general idea of when she would walk down that aisle to Killian set off a flutter within her. It was a tantalizing sensation and Emma found her mind wandering to the kind of wedding she’d want in those circumstances. She’d always pictured intimate and outdoors (at least for part of the evening) but now she had more particulars, and the image of Killian waiting for her and slipping on her wedding band just as he’d slipped on her ring mere moments ago made Emma’s heart skip a beat.

“Damn I love it when you talk details,” Killian groaned, pulling Emma from her own imagination and making her laugh again as he pulled her in for another kiss, his hands roaming and Emma’s doing just the same. She clung to him for purchase, feeling like she might just float away if she let go, and not wanting that to happen at all. Even when they broke apart again, Emma kept her hands squarely on him, not wanting any distance between her and the man she loved so deeply.

“I failed to mention before, but there’s a good chance the owner of this house and his wife are currently spying on us. Hope that’s not a problem,” Killian joked.

Emma felt herself go a little red at the thought of two nosey elderly people casting glances through the window and watching her and her boyfriend – no fiancé – making out like this. But she had to smile at the thought that someone was spying on them. If they were home or if any of her friends were within a ten mile radius of here, Emma was sure they’d be desperate to take it all in. As it was she and Killian were going without the sassy commentary and happy crying of her best friends, but if the older couple who owned this place were watching then it felt like they were here at least in spirit. Plus things were so good right now Emma couldn’t possibly linger in any kind of discomfort. She didn’t want to hide any part of what she felt for Killian if she could help it.

“Well I guess it’s lucky for them we put on quite a show,” Emma said as her hand came over to rest on Killian’s chest, soaking up his warmth and the thump thump thump of his heart beneath her palm. “How much farther are you thinking of taking it?”

Her innuendo heavy question was responded to with swift motions from Killian as he pulled her behind one of the trees in the yard, separating them from the line of sight of the house. Emma was pushed against the hard surface, positioned in the center of the old tree trunk as Killian boxed her in, shielding her from everything else. The bark was rough behind her, but Emma didn’t mind at all, not when Killian’s hard body was pressed against her, heating her up from the inside out, and his lips found hers again. Mmm, alone at last – or at least as alone as one willow tree could make them.

The line they’d been walking before between acceptable public behavior and the passion they were both feeling grew hazier this time around as Killian’s hand moved up her thigh while Emma’s legs widened to give him access. When it slid under the hem of Emma’s sundress, she arched closer into him, urging him onwards and hoping he’d cave to this as he peppered kisses down her neck with expert finesse. She was so on edge and unable to pull away herself, but then his hand stilled and Killian moved back, taking a breath and exhaling it again with a shakiness that spoke to just how much effort it was to stop their forward momentum. His forehead leaned against Emma’s and at the contact Emma closed her eyes, taking in the sounds of their heavy breathing and the world that still remained around them.

“Part of me wants to whisk you away back to our place and forget everything else I have planned,” Killian admitted as his piercing blue eyes continued to take her in. “But it wouldn’t be right for you to miss this, love. Not when we’ve come all this way and I know you’ll enjoy it. So I guess patience will have to lead my way.”

Emma must have pouted slightly at the idea of patience because Killian chuckled in that low, enticing vibrato of his and then kissed her once more. But when his hand was in hers again, leading her down the path at the edge of the woods surrounding the backyard she could tell something was coming. They walked a short ways until they reached a stream and a bridge to cross it, but it wasn’t until they made it to the other side that Emma saw what Killian was talking about. She gasped, totally awed and amazed all over again. If Emma had thought the house before was the surprise she was clearly wrong, because the spectacular space that they’d just entered was something out of a fairytale.

“What is this place?” Emma asked, not believing what her eyes were taking in.

It was a huge open field, though parts were obstructed by larger shrubberies, but it was impeccable in its design and layout. Emma was amazed that a place like this was hidden away. Shouldn’t there be people here, soaking in the beauty and the artistry that had made these gardens a possibility? But Emma awaited Killian’s explanation, sure he would have his reasons.

“The house we just saw belongs to a couple who might give us a run for our money in the attachment department,” Killian said, pulling a smile to Emma’s lips at the mention of that particular word. “And it’s my understanding that Charles started building this for Marie just before they married. They’ve been together fifty years and it’s grown to encompass more than a few acres of land, but he cares for it each and every day to see her happy.”

Emma was totally and completely blown away by all of this, and as the two of them made their way through the different arrangements she couldn’t understand it. This was an almost otherworldly place, with pathways that varied from classic flowers sprouting from the ground like daisies and pansies and tulips to rows of trees that came together allowing for beautiful hanging white wisterias, fuschias, and lobelias. Emma recognized so many of the varieties from her time at the Botanical Gardens, but there were some that escaped even her expertise. They came in every shade and size and shape, some of them wild and some amazingly rare, but they were all gorgeous and if ever there was a time for one’s imagination to run rampant about fairies or magic or mystical powers it was in a place like this.

Though they were still in the same small town they’d always been in, Emma swore that the light and the air and the feeling was different here. There were more golden hues from the sun and the breeze was understandably sweeter and more luscious because of all the blooms surrounding them. Emma had sensed that unique aura  at the house as well, but the further they walked and the more Emma learned about the couple who’d made this place a reality, the more she was assured that love was the key to so much of the beauty before them. The flowers were amazing to be sure, but the heart and the work and the testament of enduring commitment that all of this represented was an even stronger pull for Emma.

It was shocking to think that one man could make all of this, and yet Killian was adamant that Charles was particular and wouldn’t let anyone else tend to these flowers aside from him and Marie. There was just so much out here, and so many little coves and nooks and places that might seem small to the unaware observer, but that Emma knew had more meaning. There were intimate benches built just for two people, a gazebo with vines delicately hanging at just the right intervals, a fountain, and pathways with such a multitude of blossoms that were all so spectacular they looked like they were maintained by an army of botanists instead of one old man in this tiny, unassuming town.

But then Emma thought to herself that this wasn’t really an impossible feat. Sure it was intense and all consuming, but for someone in love it was still possible. Honestly anything was possible if one found the right person, and as she looked back at Killian Emma smiled, knowing that she’d absolutely found the right one.

“So where was your perfect moment supposed to be?” Emma asked a while later, thinking there were at least half a dozen spots that could have been considered ideal for a completely romantic proposal. Killian scratched behind his ear in that nervous way of his when she asked but then offered a smile and nodded towards the line of trees surrounding them.

Emma hadn’t noticed before but inside the thick start of the forest was a pathway, and there appeared (at least from what her eyes could see) to be unlit twinkling lights in the canopy above. Wordlessly, Killian led her down the path, and though Emma wasn’t entirely sure about what direction they were headed in, she did sense they were heading back around towards the house once more. Only before they got there, the path cleared and there was a meadow filled with the most enthralling sight.

Roses lay everywhere, in every natural shade and so many varieties. There were wild ones growing on more unkempt bushes that were off to the side, while meticulously groomed ones wove in an untraceable pattern through the greenery. They were breathtaking and comfortably squared away from everything else Killian and Emma had seen before, but amongst this space there was more than just flowers; there was the makings of a picnic and Emma could see now what Killian had had in mind. He’d dreamed up a day away for them in this intimate corner of the world, away from everything and everyone else surrounded by things Emma loved.

As she moved further into the grove, Emma noticed that aside from just food and lights and places to sit, Killian had brought more thoughtful things like her sketchpad and her camera. She’d taken to photographing things that inspired her when she didn’t have time to sketch, and Emma was shocked that he’d managed to get all of this out here – how had he even found the time?

“So I guess earlier when you told me you went for a run…”

“I ended up here, yes,” Killian admitted. “And when I arrived Marie was rather eager to be of service. Rather lucky for me since I couldn’t have enacted half of this without her.”

Killian at that moment reached for a bottle of champagne that Emma could see was still cold and when he’d poured her a glass and one for himself he led her down over to the blanket. Once there, Emma leaned into him, sipping on the cool refreshment and sighing happily as she took in all the splendor around them.

“I know that the moment you would have made here would have been beautiful,” Emma whispered before looking back up at him. “But I’m glad you asked the way you did. That was perfect.”

“Aye it was, love. Though you didn’t exactly make it easy. It took damn near everything in me not to ask you on the train with the way you were looking at that ring.”

“You saw me?!” Emma asked, her voice rising in surprise. “What am I saying, of course you saw me, it’s you. I never get anything past you, but you specialize in surprising me.”

“I’ve only ever kept a secret from you when the reward was more than the price of holding back, Emma,” Killian promised and Emma smiled kissing him again and feeling that freedom and delight of being so utterly content in the midst of a perfect, wonderful day.

“Everyone knew about this, didn’t they?” Emma asked, thinking back on her friends and Mrs. Hubbard. They’d all been acting strangely, though Emma had tried to write that off as them giving her grief for going away with a boyfriend. She hadn’t wanted to really believe that a proposal would come this weekend because she didn’t want to be disappointed, but now Emma had to believe they’d all been aware of what lay in store for her this weekend.

“They knew I had plans to ask for your hand, yes. But the details I kept private. Call me selfish but I liked the idea that we had some things left for just you and I,” Killian claimed.

“I think selfish is the last word I’d ever use to describe you,” Emma countered and Killian smiled at the compliment. She truly meant it though, for there had never been a moment in the time that she’d known Killian where he really put himself first, and even now he was giving her what she wanted by procuring them a bit of privacy and securing some of their story to belong only to them.

“There is one last thing, love. I made a promise to Marie that I’d give you this,” Killian said as he retrieved a letter from his back pocket. Emma accepted it with fascination as Killian got back up to get the rest of their picnic. It was an excuse to give her some space, but Emma appreciated it as she opened the envelope and took in the handwritten words.

Dear Emma,

I know that we have never met, but in speaking with your Killian I believe I have learned so much about you already. I know that you clearly love nature’s more beautiful elements if Killian believed this to be a perfect spot for you, and that you’re an artist to your very core (he was very proud of your talents and achievements when he came before). I know you’ve worked hard to get to where you are today, staking a claim on your own fate instead of letting the world dictate your future. And I know that you are the kind of woman who could inspire great love in a person’s heart. That is not an easy feat, but it does make me believe that you and Killian are worthy of sharing a part of this place with me and my Charles.

If my instincts are right, you and he are at a pivotal part in the story of your love. I remember all those years ago when Charles and I had a similar start, I was so excited and yet terrified to boot. I felt so much more for one man than I’d ever felt for another, and in loving him I’d given him every chance to hurt me. But the thing about love is it doesn’t hurt you. It heals you, even at the lowest points, as long as you choose to put it first.

Know that you and Killian will be in my thoughts from this point forward, and I truly hope that you will find the happiness you’re looking for together. Love is a rarity in this world, and love that thrives and lives as long as mine has is sacred. Never take it for granted, but know that once you have it, it’s yours to hold forever.

All the best,

Marie

“Anything interesting?” Killian asked when he returned and Emma had slipped the card back into the envelope and in her bag. Emma nodded, but she didn’t intend to get very specific.

“Just another person rooting for us to get married and live happily ever after,” she offered cheerily.

“I knew I liked that woman,” Killian joked. “And since that’s exactly what we’ll be doing, I think she’ll be well pleased.”

“Do you ever have any doubts?” Emma asked, knowing in her heart that he didn’t but loving the moment when he assured her as such.

“Not a single one.”

And with another brief kiss shared between them, Emma and Killian spent the rest of the afternoon into the early evening sheltered away in that miraculously beautiful glen. It wasn’t until the first of the evening stars appeared that they came back, and though the day was over, Emma knew it would in many ways live on forever. For Killian had provided her with an unparalleled memory to cherish always, and Emma was certain that she’d never, ever let it go.

……………

“Killian, I love you, and God knows I love where that dirty mind of yours is headed, but we are going to be late for the train. Like late late.”

Killian grinned against Emma’s neck, pressing a kiss to her pulse point before latching on to the spot just above it that always pulled a thrill from the woman he loved. If there was any idea in anyone’s mind that getting his ring on Emma’s finger would tame the need he had for her, those people were terribly mistaken. All it had done was fill him with more need and want and an unyielding desire to hold her close and show Emma just how right she’d been in choosing him and choosing their life together.

“About that… I called ahead while you were sleeping and changed our tickets. We’ve got three full hours to kill, and if you think there’s any chance I’m letting you out of this bed you’re dead wrong, love.”

The thready sigh from Emma that sounded out to Killian’s ears was a mix of appreciation and frustration, and he couldn’t help but pull back to look at her face, finding her expression heated from the teasing he’d been dishing out all morning (and most of last night). Yet underneath that heat and lust and wanton love, there was this light in her eyes that Killian recognized. Emma totally knew what he was up to, and though she might be letting him lead her to satisfaction right now, there was no doubting who was in control here. Emma was indulging his want to drive her mad and make love to her all morning, but she still had room in that brilliant brain of hers to see through his maneuvering.

“And you assume I want to spend those hours here? We could go back to the beach, or…”

Part of Killian had wanted to see what Emma might outline as potential activities to partake in during the rest of their stay in Misthaven, but he couldn’t deny the raw sensual pleasure he got from distracting her. He kissed down her body, worshiping every slope and curve until he was down to her breasts, and the distraction that resulted was exactly as he’d anticipated. Emma was too caught up in his mouth’s attentions and one of his hands slipping between her thighs to continue her sarcastic reply.

“I’ll take you anywhere you want to go, Swan, at any time you so wish, but I happen to believe that what you want – what you truly want – is to stay right here and let the man who’ll one day be your husband ravish you fully.”

“Okay, that works too,” Emma breathed out quickly.

The words were rushed but her insistence was clear. Emma writhed beneath him, leaning every part of her gorgeous body up towards him and trying to get him where she wanted him, but he didn’t need any form of instruction. Killian had grown intimately acquainted with nearly every spot on Emma that could make her gasp or plead or moan, and he was planning a full out attack on each and every place that would build his Swan’s pleasure as she deserved.

As Killian waivered between delicate and demanding in his ministrations, Emma’s hands came to weave through his hair holding him close, and though that had always been enough to set his own need firing up more and more, this time it was different than so many of the others proceeding it. Now Emma had that ring on her finger, the one he’d given her yesterday to tie them together, and the mere reminder of how much she’d given him with her one whispered ‘yes’ was enough to have his mind and his heart racing.

Killian’s tempo took a turn, moving from the slow, languid perusal of before to harder and more insistent and Emma was right there with him, feeding off every nip and suck and lick at her breasts while his thumb swirled against her clit. He had her exactly where he wanted her, toeing the precipice and just about to fall, but before he pulled her under he needed to hear those three lovely words again. And because Emma knew him just as intimately as he knew her, she gave them over freely and without a single string attached.

“I love you, Killian.”

Ecstasy for both of them was secured with that, as Killian timed his attentions just right to have Emma rushing into climax and his whole system flooded with that feeling of her love. It was a fire racing through his veins and keeping himself from giving over to it was a harder prospect than it should have been, but he was determined to give Emma all due pleasure before finding any himself. He took the time in which Emma fought to catch her breath and used it to his advantage, murmuring promises of how he loved her too and how he always would as he went.

Whether it was his words or his heated touches that had Emma climbing back up again, he didn’t know, but by the time Killian had made it back to her sex ready to take her fully with his mouth she was already panting out that same familiar sound of need and wanting. He could have drawn it out more, teasing and taunting, but that would merely have been torture for both of them. Instead Killian delved in, tasting her desire for him and heightening it all the more until she was just on the brink again. Only then did Emma’s fingers comb through his hair again and pull him away. Killian was surprised by her action but then she pleaded with him so sweetly for something they both wanted.

“This time I want you with me.”

“As you wish.”

With that understanding between them, Killian climbed back up her body, taking in the sight of her gorgeous, sun-kissed skin beneath him. She’d picked up some color during their stay here, but the glow she was currently sporting was all Emma. It was the magic of who she was and her ability to give herself fully to this thing between them. It made her more beautiful than words could say, and as he traced the likeness of her face, making note of every feature, he was spell bound and completely and totally hers.

They started out with slow even strokes designed to have them both growing more and more mindless and more and more frantic, but soon enough that patience couldn’t be clung to any longer. They needed hard and fast and that eternal connection that they’d found only with each other, and as they chased it Killian knew that the best thing in life would always be feeling this close to Emma. No matter what blessings life may bring, it was this bond between them that he’d hold most dear because it would be the starting point for all good things yet to come.

When both of them were finally spent, having found that hazy high once more, Killian took the time to revel in this moment. This peace and this calm that they’d found on their weekend away was everything he’d hoped for and more, and as he looked in Emma’s eyes, there wasn’t a trace of regret. He’d been successful in not only in securing her promise to be wed, but also in diverting her from the crazed pace she’d been taking on at work. He worried about her always going so hard, and though he knew there was no one stronger than Emma Swan, he wanted to show her that sometimes she didn’t need to be.

“Best vacation ever,” Emma said with a smile sometime later as Killian’s fingertips drew lazy lines up and down her back and Killian laughed at her affirmations. They were, after all music to his ears, and it was that confirmed fact that she had enjoyed herself so much that made it possible for Killian to say goodbye to the weekend at all.

Though he was tempted to let them linger here, soaking in the solitude and the calm outside the storm for a while longer, he knew the two of them had to get back to the city and to their real lives as well. But someday, Killian hoped, things might slow down enough or open up in a way where they could make this calm and peace a more central part of their routine.

The rest of the morning passed in a way that was to be expected, ending the weekend on the highest of notes. Once they’d left the house, they procured more of that coffee Emma had been so enamored with (as well as enough beans to keep her satisfied back at home for some time),then they found some small trinkets at one of the village shops for her friends as souvenirs. They said goodbye to the sea with a quick stop at the beach (mostly for Killian’s benefit) and then made one final visit to peer upon Charles and Marie’s house. Neither of them were outside when Emma and Killian passed by, but Killian was relatively certain he’d seen a figure in the window moving away and causing the curtains to stir. As Emma and Killian were leaving the night before, he’d dropped (as requested) a note in their mailbox reading: ‘She said yes’ and some more words of thanks, and now, in the light of the new morning, he could tell that note had been received and in it’s place was a single red rose that Killian offered to Emma.

“For you, my love,” Killian said and he watched as Emma’s cheeks flushed from the term of endearment. She leaned into him, pressing a kiss against his cheek and walking with him hand in hand back to the train yard once more.

Yet even with all of that, it was still hard to say goodbye, and as the train began to depart from the Misthaven station Killian found himself hoping that the chance would come sooner rather than later for him and Emma to steal away. But even if it didn’t, and even if the limits of NYC were all they ever had, Killian knew it wouldn’t matter. Because in two months time he’d be marrying this miraculous, glorious, brilliant woman and pledging himself to her from now until forever.

“You look happy,” Emma said to him as she pressed a kiss to their intertwined hands and the world passed by in the windows around them. They were surrounded by a train car full of people, and yet to Killian it was just the two of them. All he could see was Emma and the only thought he had room in his mind or heart for was that she was his and he was the luckiest man alive.

“That’s because I am,” he promised and Emma looked about to respond when a ding came over the speaker system and one of the train attendants took to the intercom.

“Good afternoon everyone, this is Doreen your conductor, and though it’s a little unorthodox we have a nice bit of news to share with you all today. Two of our passengers are recently engaged, and it turns out that the happy couple actually met on a train. So we want to say congratulations to Emma and Killian. We’re wishing you all the best!”

“What the – how did they know?” Killian asked, thoroughly flummoxed about how any one could have picked up on that. Were people just more perceptive than he imagined? Maybe one of the train workers had noticed Emma’s ring – but then how would they know about their meeting on the train? Killian was trying to come to terms with it as applause and kind murmurings went through the train car they were sitting in and Emma began to laugh beside him.

“They knew because I told them,” Emma announced happily, leaning into Killian’s arm and sharing her warmth with him. “Actually I can’t stop telling people.”

It occurred to Killian then that when he’d gone to secure their tickets earlier, Emma had been conversing with a group of women outside. He’d thought it was just his Swan being kind and encouraging as she usually was with new people, or perhaps being recognized as an up and coming designer, but now he was filled with this sense of contentment that she’d actually been the one seeking out others so as to share her good news. This was a big deal, at least in Killian’s estimation, and Emma’s pride at their story and their new tie to each other fed something in Killian that he couldn’t quite describe.

“You’ll hear no complaint about that from me, love. If I had my way the whole bloody world would know you said yes,” he whispered, noticing the way Emma’s gaze heated and her body inched closer to his, their lips only barely apart.

“Knowing you you’ll find away. You always do.”

“That sounds like a challenge, love, a challenge I’d only be too happy to take you up on.”

Emma smirked at that and then pulled him down to kiss, telling him without her words just how amiable she was to that offer. It seemed the two of them were both just as blissfully content with their new direction, and that pride in having found love together was one that they shared.

“I love you, Killian,” Emma said when she pulled back and Killian tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear, thinking that he wanted a full life spent with other moments just like this one. “And for the rest of the day I need you to do something for me.”

“Anything, Swan.” Emma’s smile widened at his easy willingness.

“I need you to keep me thoroughly distracted and remind me that technically vacation isn’t over until tomorrow morning. Think you can handle that?” she asked, her voice dipping lower as her eyes flicked to his mouth with all the seduction a siren like her could muster.

“Aye love, I believe that I can.”

Mrs. Hubbard was here under the guise of being Emma’s ‘apartment caretaker’ but there wasn’t really much reason to have one of those, not when this trip that she was about to take would last all of three days. But even though Mrs. Hubbard’s presence wasn’t explicitly necessary, Emma did appreciate it. She was currently walking a slightly crazed line, and Emma knew she was being ridiculous, but in this moment she almost needed someone to tell her this was okay. She wanted to go on this trip so badly, but after a lifetime of having to fight and scrape and commit a hundred and ten percent to get anything to go her way, Emma was worried. Could she really afford to go away with everything happening at Bliss? Or was she being selfish by trying to leave on this getaway with Killian?

“Oh you just stop with that foolishness, Emma. I am perfectly capable of getting your mail and watering some plants. I may be old, but I’m not decrepit. Give me a little bit of credit here.”

Emma smiled despite the lingering flutters of anxiety low in her stomach. Whatever her worries, Emma couldn’t ignore the humor of her kindest neighbor. Mrs. Hubbard had such a fighting spirit and she never, ever let anyone box her into a corner. Emma had always appreciated that, and it was one of the qualities that had brought the two of them together despite the uniqueness of their situation. Whoever said Manhattanites didn’t give a rat’s ass about their neighbors had clearly not anticipated the two of them.

“Maybe I should call Killian and ask to reschedule or push back a day… I feel like there’s just a lot unaccounted for. Ruby didn’t reply to my last few texts about our press junket next week, and Tiana forgot to check in on the Fioni’s dress and bridesmaids fittings.”

“No one forgot anything,” Mrs. Hubbard said plainly before getting distracted with Emma’s continued packing. “Bring the pink dress, dear, and the light blue sweater. Don’t wear them together, but you’ll need both where you’re going. And more shoes, comfortable and nice. You want choices, honey, even if it’s only a few days.”

Emma took the advice, partially because she trusted Mrs. Hubbard’s taste, and partially because packing for this trip had been particularly difficult thanks to Killian’s not telling her where they were going. He’d given very little details at all, actually, and though in Emma’s past with anyone else that would have been plenty annoying, Emma definitely didn’t mind it.

Killian’s lightheartedness and eagerness to share something with her that he’d carefully planned was one of the bright spots of all of this, and it was Killian’s enthusiasm for the chance to steal away with her that Emma had clung onto in the worst moments of her doubt about leaving the city during the busiest wedding seasons of the year. Only after a moment of getting the last of her clothes packed, however, did Emma pick up on the first part of her neighbor’s statement.

“What do you mean no one forgot?” Emma asked, turning around and sizing up Mrs. Hubbard to the best of her ability. Emma’s hand came to her hip absentmindedly as her gaze narrowed, fixing on the older woman who didn’t even bother to look caught red handed.

“I mean that they’re all just following orders. No one is to reach out unless there’s a real emergency, and since you’ve always surrounded yourself with capable, sensible people, there will be no emergencies and so there will be no one reaching out,” the older woman offered matter of factly.

“Whose orders are the following?” Emma asked, already knowing but still wanting to hear it all the same.

“Well mine of course,” Mrs. Hubbard replied, before clarifying. “I had a very much needed chat with your friends this week and we all agreed it was for the best. But I did promise that if for some crazy reason you got mad at this plan of ours I would take the blame. I figure it’s rather difficult to stay mad at an old lady for long, especially one that bakes as much as I do.”

It was on the tip of Emma’s tongue to tell her loving neighbor that she was not old, but in that moment words began to fail her. Emma was so busy trying to wrap her mind around all of this and one of the sticking points for her was how all of this had happened without her knowing. Not only had Mrs. Hubbard reached out to her friends, but she’d also been in touch with Killian – thus her knowledge of what Emma should and shouldn’t pack – and Emma was slightly thrown by the fact that she’d had no awareness that any of this was going on. She’d so long prided herself on nothing getting by her, but it seemed that she was slipping, and if that wasn’t cause for concern Emma didn’t know what was.

“Oh no you don’t!” Mrs. Hubbard exclaimed as she came around to Emma and began to wag her finger in disproval. “I know that look, and you’re trying to talk yourself out of a good thing – a wonderful thing even. Stop thinking so much and just listen to your gut, Emma. It’s always worked for you in the past. There’s no reason to think it’ll lead you astray now.”

That was true enough, and when instructed to do so, Emma found that as much as her mind was railing against the idea of stepping back or letting go even for a minute, her instincts were telling her that she not only wanted this weekend but needed it too. Life with Killian was so much better and so much fuller than it had been before when she had kept love at a distance, and she knew beyond the shadow of a doubt that whatever he had planned would be magnificent. It would be amazing and she would be happy, because this man never failed to find a way to bring her joy. But letting go for Emma had never been easy, especially when it came to her work.

“I’ll try, it’s just-,”

“Emma, my dear, I have known a good many people in my long life,” Mrs. Hubbard began, interrupting Emma’s arguments yet again. “And I can safely say I have never met someone who deserved a vacation more than you. You work so hard, too hard even, so this weekend you let yourself forget all these pesky little details and you just live, all right? Let that man of yours show you a good time and be in the moment. It doesn’t make you weak or stupid to do so. It’s the right thing to do, the healthy thing to do, and I promise the world won’t come crumbling down if you aren’t holding every piece together in place.”

Emma listened to her neighbor’s words and this time they finally broke through. It wasn’t that Emma hadn’t been excited for all of this, because she totally was, but Mrs. Hubbard was right – Emma had a tendency to get too inside her own head. A long weekend away from the city didn’t mean everything would fall apart without her. Her friends could handle everything with the shop, and besides, there really were few things Emma enjoyed better than prolonged time alone with Killian. So she decided then and there to let that fear go and to just commit to this just as much as Killian had. It was what both she and Killian deserved, and after all this careful planning and thoughtful arrangement, Emma totally intended to make it a weekend to remember.

“When did you get so bossy?” Emma asked teasingly after a moment’s pause, and it was both a genuine question and a way to show Mrs. Hubbard that she was giving in and accepting all of this without any more fight. The older woman laughed cheerily and patted Emma’s hand as the two of them moved from Emma’s bedroom to the living room once more.

“I have always been the boss because I have always been brilliant. I guess you could say it’s my lot in life.” Both of them laughed more at that characteristic, before Mrs. Hubbard’s expression softened and she sobered a little.

“I don’t say this to you enough, my dear, frankly I don’t think anyone does, but you should be proud of everything you’ve made for yourself. Not just the business, though you have truly outshined so many others with your talent, but in life. You are not the same girl I met years ago. You are stronger and braver and good things are coming, honey. You just have to let them come.”

The words, touching and inspiring as they were, almost felt foreboding to Emma. Not really in a bad way per se, but like Mrs. Hubbard was hinting at something yet to come. Emma couldn’t say for sure what it was, but that feeling that there was more on the horizon had been present in Emma’s mind as of late too. That was probably because she’d been thinking more and more of her future with Killian and all that she wanted to find with him. Moving in together, getting married, building a family from there, it was all a part of a dream Emma had been crafting since meeting this man, and maybe – just maybe – the time for those joyous occasions was coming sooner than she thought.

Before Emma had the chance to reply to Mrs. Hubbard, a knock sounded at the door signaling Killian’s arrival and Emma’s heart rate picked up. Her excitement returned once more, and gone were the worries of the world they’d be leaving behind for the weekend. Instead all Emma could focus on was what adventure lay in store for her and the man she so truly loved.

“Well, are you going to make the poor boy wait all day, or are you going to get a move on?” Mrs. Hubbard asked and Emma immediately moved forward to greet Killian.

When she opened the door he was standing there looking as handsome as ever, with his hair appearing a bit windswept from the breezy day outside, and his bright blue eyes sparkling with their usual mix of love and just a little mischief. His beard was just a tad more prominent today, as if it had been a bit longer than normal since he shaved it, but the most notable element of his appearance today was that dazzling smile of his. It was effortless and open in a way that tantalized every nerve ending in Emma’s body, and the relaxation she was hoping to find on this trip was already so completely embodied by him. He looked totally calm, and yet absolutely thrilled to see her at the same time.

“Emma,” Killian said as his only means of greeting, and the way he let her name fall past his lips held all of its usual power. Emma couldn’t possibly have fended off the smile that came upon hearing him, and so she didn’t even try, and instead she followed her instincts to pull him down for a quick kiss before leading him inside.

“You’re timing’s pretty perfect. I just got the last of my stuff together and Mrs. Hubbard has given me the all clear to let loose this weekend,” Emma teased. The older woman offered a gruff sounding harrumph in response, but Killian, with all of his usual charm, managed to impart a gracious thanks to her neighbor.

“I’m truly indebted to you ma’am, and I promise to give Emma every reason to enjoy the weekend.”

“I know you will dear, and I have faith that come the end of the weekend I’ll be regaled with lovely tales and wonderful news of what the weekend brought you both.”

The warmth of the moment that passed between the older woman and Killian was touching for Emma to witness, and though it was a little silly to think this way, Emma appreciated the thought that Mrs. Hubbard approved. Nothing anyone believed about Killian would have ever changed Emma’s feelings of course, but over the course of her living in this building, Emma had come to care for the older woman as a sort of grandmother figure, and her advice and assessments had always been important to Emma as long as she’d been dishing them out.

“Now, if we’re done with all this sappiness, I believe you two have a… ride to catch,”

Mrs. Hubbard’s unusual phrasing and noticeable pause gave the impression that she’d caught herself at the last second before giving more of what Killian had in store away. Emma cast a quizzical glance in the direction of the older woman, but she bit back her quandary, deciding to just go with the flow as she’d vowed to do a minute before.

“That we do,” Killian agreed and then he grabbed Emma’s bag and offered his other hand to hold hers with. “Shall we, Swan?”

“I think we shall,” Emma agreed, and from there she and Killian moved downstairs and into a cab that was idling for them at the curb.

Emma was surprised at the presence of the taxi to be honest, since one of the few things Killian had told her was that they didn’t need a plane to get to where they were going and she’d assumed that meant they’d be taking his car, but then when they ended up at Grand Central, Emma found herself smiling. She should have guessed that Killian would figure out a way to do something cute like this, and there was just something romantic about the moment when he led her to the train terminal and gave the employee at the gate their tickets. He was tying this trip back to the way they’d found each other, and though he didn’t say it aloud, Emma knew that was intentionally done.

“So the end stop is Boston. Should I assume that’s where we’re headed?” Emma asked and Killian shook his head, his handsome grin appearing as he did.

“You don’t think I’d be that transparent do you? No, love, our stop is somewhere along this route, but the mystery remains for a while yet.”

Emma laughed at that as they moved through the train, and she immediately noticed how much nicer this form of transit was than the normal subway cars they always rode together. Come to think of it, Emma had never even been on a train like this, and when Killian pulled her into the upscale car that held their seats, she was excited at the prospect. With big, bright windows and almost entirely above ground tracks, this would be a very different kind of experience than a trip on the subway ever was.

“You’ll be happy to know that when procuring these seats I paid meticulous attention to air circulation, love. If memory serves that was a consideration of yours not too long ago.”

Emma shook her head smiling as she remembered back to the first real day the two of them had sat together on the train. She’d been making a joke to keep things light, but leave it to Killian to remember that tiny detail. Emma meanwhile had been solely fixated on him and how all those months of fantasizing about what he’d actually be like were being made real. She’d been so flustered back then, trying to work out if he was as genuine as he seemed, but now all this time later Emma knew he was, and Killian continued every day to show more shades of himself and to make her love him even more.

“It would have definitely been a deal breaker for sure,” Emma joked and Killian replied with equal playfulness, pulling Emma in closer before something knocked them from behind. Emma and Killian both turned to see the culprit – a mother with a baby stroller and two other little ones hot on her trail.

“Oh gosh, I’m sorry! I swear they make these darn things so complicated, it’s like I can’t stop hitting people.”

“It’s no problem,” Emma responded, noticing at that moment that the woman also had luggage she was carrying off to one side and Emma’s instinct was to help the woman out, but Killian beat her to it, offering to be of service in seeing the other woman and her clan to their seats. The mother looked incredibly grateful, informing Killian and Emma that her husband had to meet them later than expected, and then she confessed that they were still a car away from their destination. With that knowledge in hand Killian turned back to Emma and assured her he’d only be gone for a moment.

“I’ll be right back, love.”

“And I’ll be here,” Emma replied smiling.

It was kind of adorable how even in this moment Killian could be so earnest. As if Emma either could or would try to get off this train to wherever they were going. He still seemed slightly unconvinced so Emma pulled him to her for a chaste kiss before watching his easy smile return. Then he was gone, slipping down the aisle and heading into the next car with the little brood that needed his aid.

On his way, however, Killian knocked over the jacket that he’d laid upon the seat, and as Emma went to retrieve it, she noticed something had fallen from the pocket. It was a tiny blue box – one that was practically a Universal symbol for grand gestures, and it was sized perfectly for a ring.

“Holy shit,” Emma muttered aloud as her shaky hands reached for the box and brought it closer for inspection.

It was crazy how fast her heart was beating just at the sight of this small compartment, and Emma’s mind had immediately jumped to one word – proposal. Was Killian going to be proposing on this trip? Emma hadn’t even considered that a concrete possibility when he’d asked her for the chance to leave the city. She’d wondered about it that night they were in Central Park, but then things had gotten so hectic and no other similarly charged moments had come to pass, but now she had to ask herself if that was what she wanted and the resounding answer chorusing through her heart and mind was hell yes.

If these past few months had taught Emma anything, it was that Killian Jones was the perfect guy for her. What had started as mutual attraction and interest had evolved into something so much purer and more valuable. Emma couldn’t be entirely sure at what moment she had fallen, but she was halfway to in love with him by the time they first spoke, and her heart had been his pretty shortly after. They’d already talked about moving in together, and a few times ideas about what they both wanted for the future had cropped up too, but Emma was still stunned and so incredibly hopeful. Then she realized that she wasn’t even sure if this was a ring, and her curiosity got the better of her as she flicked open the box and gasped.

There staring back at her was the most gorgeous diamond set she’d ever seen. It was elegant and classic, yet modern and unique, and Emma was amazed by the details and the undeniable sparkle. This wasn’t just a ring, it was a statement, one of wealth and grandeur but more importantly love. She felt the warmth and the happiness of that yellow diamond down to her very soul, and Emma could just imagine Killian picking it out. Knowing him he’d been as thoughtful and as meticulous as any person could be, and the tears that came to Emma’s eyes were just as much about his constantly giving nature as it was about how happy the prospect of marrying him would be.

Time passed at a strange speed in the interval where Emma examined this ring, and she was so wrapped up in it that she didn’t tear her gaze away until a loud bang came from the end of the car, and Emma saw Killian coming back to her. With lightning speed (and a fair bit of fumbling), she closed the ring box and forced it back in the jacket of Killian’s pocket, trying to compose herself before he got back.

Emma knew that usually she had a good poker face, but Killian was always able to read her. He would know something was up immediately, so she had to come up with a plan, a distraction, or some kind of diversion to keep him from knowing about her snooping. The last thing she wanted was to force Killian into proposing right this second. Honestly, what she wanted most of all was to see what he had in mind, and to experience whatever perfect moment he’d clearly been working so hard to devise.

“Everything alright, love?” Killian asked as he sat back in his seat, totally ignoring his jacket, and giving Emma hope that he hadn’t noticed her snooping around.

“It is now,” Emma responded, pulling him down for a kiss.

Just as she’d hoped, the tiny display of intimacy was enough to distract Killian’s worried look and when they pulled back, his eyes showed nothing but love and affection, which made Emma herself feel more capable of letting go of the moment that had just transpired. Her fear of being found out ebbed away, and as Killian took her hand back in his and his thumb traced across it lightly, she felt herself centered and calmed in an instant.

“If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were looking for answers about my surprise, and I’m not too proud to admit that a few more kisses like this will leave me helpless to keep any secret from you.”

Emma felt her cheeks reddening at the mention of secrets, especially given the ring she’d just found. Part of her was guilty for the nosiness, but mostly she was a bundle of nerves and excitement. The image of that ring was burned into her mind, and the thought that eventually it would leave that box and end up on her finger filled Emma with longing and impatience the likes of which she’d rarely seen in her usually controlled life. But right now Emma’s need to let Killian reveal this to her when he thought the time was right outweighed her own need to confront what she’d found. Emma didn’t like keeping things from Killian, but this was different. Right now she was biting her tongue for Killian so he could have the chance to find the moment he wanted when the time was right.

“Don’t tell me,” Emma whispered and Killian looked surprised at her request and so she expanded on it, tying it back to their physical destination so she didn’t give too much away about having seen the ring. “I trust you, Killian. Wherever we’re going, whatever this weekend brings, I’m ready for it and I want this too.”

“Well I’m glad to hear it, love. Truly more glad than I can say,” Killian said, taking her hand in his once more and pressing a gentle kiss to her palm. And with that the two of them settled down together for their impending ride, eager to enjoy whatever adventure Killian had laid out before them.

…………….

“God it’s crazy just how quiet the world is when you aren’t in the city,” Emma mused the next morning as the two of them walked hand in hand through the quaint little square at the center of the town where they’d come for their weekend away.

Misthaven Connecticut wasn’t a very well known locale, tucked away as it was along the western coast of the state just beside New York, but after a fair bit of research, Killian had known it was exactly the kind of place to spend the weekend with his Swan. It brought together all the things he’d had in mind for an intimate weekend away with Emma between its proximity to the sea and its small town charms, but the best part of this place, the real draw so to speak, was still to come. Killian had been waiting to get there since their train had stopped here yesterday morning, but finally the time had nearly arrived.

“Quiet isn’t always a bad thing, love,” Killian said, hoping that she’d agree with him. So far Emma had given him every indication that she was enjoying their stay, but maybe, despite Killian’s growing attachment to this quieter way of living, Emma would be forever devoted to city life and always think lesser of a place off the beaten track.

“Definitely not. It’s perfect. I kind of can’t imagine going back tomorrow,” Emma admitted.

Tomorrow. As he heard the word fall from Emma’s lips, Killian felt the same flare of emotion that had been wracking him over the course of the past twenty-four hours. The reason for that was simple: Killian was clinging to an unyielding hope that by the end of this very day Emma and he would have taken a substantial step forward, and that all would have gone to plan and he would have secured her agreement in the proposal he’d been planning for weeks. If he did, it would mean that tomorrow would be inherently so much brighter than days past, and yet, there was still an element of question surrounding all of this. Emma could still say no, though Killian had good reason to believe that she wouldn’t.

At first his assurance that she would accept had come from the way things were between them. The openness and love that the two of them had found together was substantial enough that there was little room for doubt, and though Killian found it almost fantastical to imagine that Emma could ever care for him as much as he cared for her, the evidence was amounting more and more with each passing day. Emma had given just as much of herself to this relationship as he had, and she’d amazed him with each passing stage of this thing between them with her willingness to take the risk. She had committed to this in a way Killian never could have imagined, but he would never, ever take that choice on Emma’s part for granted.

But yesterday a new moment had occurred that cemented Killian’s faith that he was making the right decision in choosing to propose now as opposed to waiting any longer. It had been an unanticipated event, and Emma likely had no idea that he’d even born witness to anything, but Killian had caught her peering at the ring that had slipped from his coat pocket, and the smile on her face and the warmth and desire in her green eyes in that moment had been everything he needed to rally his own courage and get on with it. Killian made a big deal of making noise and appearing to not have caught her in any way, though part of him had been tempted to ask her right then and there for her hand, but that waiting would hopefully be made worthwhile today when he and Emma found the moment he’d been planning for what felt like forever.

“There’s nothing saying we can’t return. This town will always be here if it’s longstanding history is any indication,” Killian promised.

“Oh I’m counting on it,” Emma quipped, her playful smile returning as she leaned into him more and Killian felt the lingering nerves of the impending proposal ebbing away again. Emma might in some ways be the source of his anxieties today, but she was still the surest cure to any problems in his life.

“For now I have something in mind that I think you might appreciate,” Killian offered, watching the excitement that came to Emma’s eyes at the hint of a new adventure.

“Another surprise?” Emma asked eagerly. “First it’s the train, then the sailing, and then dinner last night… you just can’t seem to stop.”

The teasing easiness in Emma’s voice was laced in humor, and Killian swore he could feel the happiness Emma was expressing down to his bones. It washed over him like the same waves that had lapped against the boat he’d rented for the two of them yesterday when they first arrived in town, but as much as he’d loved that particular outing and the chance to see Emma so well-suited to the high seas, this would no doubt be better for a number of reasons. Right now they were off to an adventure that would hopefully live in his memory as one of the single best days of his life, but first they had to get there and the waiting was slowly starting to be his undoing.

“I hardly think I can be blamed for wanting to ensure you have the vacation you deserve, Swan,” Killian replied but Emma shook her head, pausing their motions and halting their momentum towards the next spot.

“Killian, I’m not blaming you for anything. Honestly it’s already been one of the best trips I’ve ever been on. But I don’t want you to feel like you have to do all of this. Being with you is enough, everything else is just a happy bonus.”

As she’d closed the space between the two of them, Emma’s free hand came up and her fingertips traced along his jaw in a pleasant, gentle way. She studied him intensely, her jade colored eyes tracking for some kind of sign that planning all of this had led to any discontent for him, but she’d be searching for such a signal forever. The truth was Killian was never happier than when he got to share such joyful moments with Emma, and surprising her had fast become one of his all time favorite enjoyments. Still he sought to comfort her and assure the woman he loved that her worry was for nothing, so he smiled and leaned into her touch in a silent show of appreciation.

“It does my heart well to hear you say that, love, and I promise I’ve done no more than what I wanted. It’s just that what my heart wants most is to see you happy.”

“You make me happy, Killian,” Emma whispered, reiterating a fact she’d stated before but that Killian always cherished before another humorous glint appeared in her eyes. “Well, you and good coffee, which you managed to find this morning so you’re really two for two here.”

“How about we make it three for three? Come on, we’re nearly there, and this, I promise, will be the best surprise yet.”

The ‘there’ that Killian was referring to was the central draw of Misthaven that few people aside from locals knew about, and even fewer had seen first hand. For here, tucked away in this unassuming little hamlet was a private series of gardens that was closely guarded and secretly maintained by the owner of the estate. It was incredibly hard to gain access too, but this home boasted one of the finest collections in all the country of flowers and blooms and more varieties than Killian and Emma could hope to discover at any other place in the area.

“It’s simply unparalleled,” the woman who ran the Botanical Gardens in Brooklyn had promised. “It’s a living, thriving love letter that the owner of the house designed for his then fiancé. He’s very choosy about the people he lets come on the property, but I have his number and his wife is a good friend. I just know that if anyone would love a chance to see it, it’s Emma.”

Killian had profusely thanked the director for her lead and he used that card to reach out to the owner more than once, but for a few weeks he got nothing in return. It wasn’t until one day when Killian had gotten on a train himself and come out here that he managed to get the man to agree to speak with him, and that had only been because his wife had taken one look at Killian and sized him up, analyzing him in his entirety with only half a look.

“Charles, you must be able to see it. This boy’s got the same expression on his handsome face that you have when you talk about me. Love like that deserves to be rewarded. At least let him look and see if it’s something she would like.”

The older man (who had to be at least in his late seventies by the look of him) had been stern and stubborn, reiterating that they very rarely let outsiders in at all, but eventually he caved, and when Killian saw what the grounds had to offer he knew this was the place. He’d been searching for the inspiration he needed to give Emma a magical moment and he was sure that if he could just get permission, this would be the perfect sight to propose to his Swan. He’d then expected to beg for the right to make that moment happen here, but had been surprised when the owner agreed without any kind of persuasion at all.

“I might not personally like it,” Charles had qualified. “But my Marie will be all too happy if another life long love finds a start in these gardens. She’d always hoped we’d have kids to pass it on to but… well, life turns out the way it does. So if you’re serious about this Emma, and you can swear to me by your honor that you will live and breathe for this woman and do right by her no matter what, then that’s enough for me.”

It had obviously been the easiest of promises for Killian and one he intended to keep no matter what, but Killian had smiled at the request all the same. It was clear to him that Charles loved his wife just as fiercely as Killian loved Emma, if not more so thanks to time, and he had to hope that was yet another a blessing on this place.

“Oh my God,” Emma whispered a minute later as they came upon the house where Charles and Marie lived, her astonishment and intrigue evident from the reverence in her tone.

The house was classically elegant, a real New England Victorian structure with perfectly manicured greens and a wrought iron gate that was intricate and inviting all in once. The clean, crisp eggshell color of the house was so perfectly matched by the evergreen shutters, and though it was hardly the extent of the flowers on the property, there were bright blooms everywhere and clinging, teaming ivy vines that crawled up the side of part of the house, weaving and winding in miraculously even twists and turns.

“Do you like it?” Killian asked, as he opened up the gate, surprising Emma.

“It’s gorgeous,” she admitted. “Wait, are we allowed in here?”

“I should hope so,” Killian said, “since the surprise I’ve been leading you towards is around back.”

Emma nodded, the look of excitement in her eyes and expression undeniable as she did, and Killian brought her hand up to kiss gently. It was impossible to deny the urge to do so when she looked so sweet and utterly unassuming, but they did have things to get to and to see, much as Killian might like to stay and stare at Emma all day instead.

The two of them regarded the house with care and attention while Emma made comments about the structure and the clearly present dedication to detail. She was impressed, not just by the home alone, but by the obvious care that its owners bestowed on it, and the light in her eyes was the same kind of gleam Killian had seen before when Emma was feeling truly inspired. But it wasn’t until they reached around the back of the house that Emma stopped in her tracks, totally at a loss for words.

Killian could understand her reaction – it was a completely entrancing scene before them, with a spacious yard an immaculate garden that was homey even in its extravagance. There was so much space, which in itself felt like excess compared to city living, and though it was quiet now, there were the persistent chirpings of birds and the buzz of bees and crickets alike. This backyard was teaming with life even if Emma and Killian were the only people out here and all that natural infusion, coupled with the manicured styling of this home, was an amazing compilation. This was not a case of grandeur just for the sake of grandeur, but of art and taste and commitment that Killian knew Emma, as an artist, would love.

“Wow,” Emma muttered, clearly still ensnared by the beautiful house and Killian chuckled, loving that at least so far he was nailing this.

Emma was so open in her regard for this place, and Killian knew deep in his soul that he’d done the right thing in coming here. He led her over to a bench a ways away that gave them the perfect view of the house and everything else, and Emma followed him, completely giving over to the newness of this place and soaking up everything around them.

Yet underneath Emma’s awe and appreciation there was something more, something swirled with intense emotion, and Killian felt this piercing need to find out what that could be. He pulled her in closer, moving one of his arms around her waist before begging her to let him in and tell him what was going on in that magnificent mind of hers.

“You’re thinking more than ‘wow’ love. Tell me, what is it?”

“It’s just… when I was a kid, too young to have really given up on finding that family I wanted so badly, this was always the kind of house I pictured. This was the kind of place in my books and in the movies where happy people lived and loved. Where two people who were really right for each other built their lives, filling the house with kids and family and laughter and everything I didn’t have. In a place like this none of that stuff I went through could touch you. All I ever wanted was a house like this to call home.”

Killian could only imagine the intensity of Emma’s desires as a child. In his situation with a mother who tried her best to do right by Killian and Liam, and an elder brother who made sure Killian had never wanted for anything when she was gone, there were dreams and aspirations to be sure, but he had known the feeling of home. Their tiny rented houses through his youth might not have been much, but he’d known family, and for Emma that just hadn’t been the case. She’d missed so much, and that made Killian’s yearning to give her all of this or to share in next steps that might manifest this way all the stronger. If this was still what Emma wanted, then he had this undeniable urge to give it to her.

“And what do you think of it now, love? Has it lived up to expectations?” Killian asked, anticipating her answer more than he’d expected.

“No. It’s better because…” Emma trailed off, her eyes moving down to the ground as she bit her lip. Killian could see that in her mind Emma believed she’d said too much, but the truth was it was nowhere near enough. Killian wanted everything because it was the only way he’d know exactly which way to go in offering her the future Emma most desired.

“Because what, Emma?” Killian asked, his voice subtly insisting to the woman he loved that she meet his gaze once more. It took her half a second but Emma rose to the challenge, and when she did Killian felt the pang of his heart beating back into place.

“Because I’m here with you, and now all those things I wanted seem like they could actually happen someday. It’s not some daydream I had to put away to be practical. It’s actually possible. Maybe not this house or this town, but… you know what, forget it, I’m rambling.”

Emma waved her hand in the space before her as if she was trying to actually get rid of the confessions she’d just laid forth for him and she averted her eyes back to the great white house, but Killian couldn’t let that stand. He knew his Emma, and right now she was probably thinking herself an inconvenience when all she’d done was given him hope of the purest kind and the opening he’d been searching for for weeks on top of weeks.

“Marry me,” Killian whispered as Emma was still gazing at the sight before them. Too late did he realize that had just slipped out, but when Emma’s eyes went wide and her head whipped back around to see him, he realized what he’d done.

“What?” Emma asked, her voice shaky, yet somehow still hopeful, and in that moment Killian knew that this was right. So what if it wasn’t the exact incarnation of the moment he’d been planning? He didn’t want to wait another second to ask this glorious woman to be his, and so without further ado he got done right there on one knee and asked the question he’d been biting back for far too long.

“Emma Swan, will you marry me?”

Emma was a big enough person to admit when she was wrong, and though she had no plans of being one of those people who practically mauled their significant others in a subway car or pulled them into a dark alley for something so not appropriate given the grime of the surroundings, she couldn’t help but revel in this tiny little act. Holding Killian’s hand as he led her to whatever thoughtful surprise he had in store was lovely, and Emma found herself smiling and taking more joy in the otherwise ordinary day because of it.

“Something on your mind, Swan?” Killian’s voice sounded just beside her ear and Emma shivered at the gravel in his tone before glancing back at him.

Killian totally knew what she was thinking or at least that her general merriment in this moment stemmed from him, but still he asked, and Emma wanted to reply but she got a little lost in those captivating eyes of his. They were filled with so much yearning and genuine interest, and Emma couldn’t help but be transported to last night at his apartment. They’d had dinner (which was admittedly fantastic) and a few glasses of wine, but what they’d both really wanted was to take things past the simple goodnight kisses they’d shared for days now.

Emma remembered the feel of Killian’s skin against hers, scorching her through to her core, and the way the hard lines of his body had been molded to hers so perfectly but he’d still held back, citing her earlier hesitations. He was a complete and utter gentleman, taking her home and kissing her goodbye at her door, and Emma was… frustrated. That same feeling of needing more still lingered now, but as his stare turned softer and his hopeful smile returned, Emma realized she could be patient a little longer. And in the meantime they had today, and whatever this date Killian had orchestrated to keep them occupied.

“Just trying to figure out where you’re taking me. When you asked me out for the day, I wasn’t exactly expecting Brooklyn.”

Emma’s smile grew when Killian laughed at her joke and she was tempted to say that she wasn’t expecting him either. Even with everything that had happened, and all the time they’d managed to share together this week, Emma was still taken aback by just how important he was becoming to her. After years of never really letting any man in, Killian was here, and he was beginning to feel like a permanent fixture. When good things happened or annoyances popped up at work or in other areas of her life, Emma wanted to share them not only with her friends but Killian too.

And that was easily the most powerful part of this thing they had going. Emma was attracted him, yes. She could honestly say she’d never felt a need for someone as strong as this before, but underneath the sex appeal was a person she admired and who she saw pieces of herself in. They might not share the same story, but there were similarities, and everywhere Emma looked there were more signs pointing her in Killian’s direction. It was early still, but by now there should be some sort of red flags if something was truly amiss and there weren’t any. He wasn’t perfect or without flaw and neither was she, but by all accounts they were turning out to be pretty perfect for each other.

“If I told you that, love, it would ruin the surprise.”

Emma appreciated Killian’s dedication to giving her moments like this even if part of her craved answers. At the end of the day adventures like this were fun and though she’d had a lot of fun in recent years thanks to her friends, it was really liberating to find that with someone else. Killian wasn’t just going through the motions with some sort of goal in mind. He wanted to share things with her and to give her opportunities to do things differently this time. Emma noticed that drive in him since she first admitted she was feeling out of her element. She didn’t date, at least not seriously, and when she did it was the typical dinner or drinks and then something casual. But this relationship was anything but.

Despite being further out of Manhattan than Emma was used to, she did recognize where she was and she actually anticipated where they were headed a little before arriving, but she was still excited by their destination. The Brooklyn Botanic Garden was one of the prettiest places in the city, and on a day like today, with the sun peaking out between sparse white clouds and the temperature mild enough to not be overbearing, it was a picturesque place to be.

“You know, as far as ways to start a Saturday go, this is pretty up there on my list of enjoyable thing.” Killian grinned at Emma’s words but he took her by surprise when he pulled her past the garden and to a bakery just across the way.

“I’m glad to hear that, Swan. But I think we might both enjoy it a little more with something to tide us over.”

Emma should have known he would never stop at ‘something’ and not only did the café have breakfast already waiting for them, but cocoa made just the way she wanted it. When Emma asked him about organizing all of this Killian played it off, saying that sometimes things just worked out, but in an off moment when he had to take a call about a last minute printing problem, Emma asked their waitress for the truth.

“Oh he definitely called us,” the young girl confessed easily. “He said the woman he was doing all of this for was ‘too important to let slip away’ and my boss totally ate that up. She’s been talking about it all morning actually. Also good call on the cocoa. Who knew cinnamon could taste that good?”

Emma let out a light laugh at that as the waitress moved away and she let it sink in that Killian had said something so revealing to a complete stranger. It was one thing for him to organize sweet things like this for her, but for him to do it thinking that it was a requirement for her staying interested – well that didn’t sit as well with Emma. She loved all of this, despite her original anxieties about feeling so much so soon, but it wasn’t necessary. What Emma wanted more than romantic gestures and well-planned dates was the man behind them, the one who was staring at her through the window now with a boyish smile and something far stronger than simple interest in his eyes.

Killian was only out there on the phone for another minute or so. He’d been gone for barely anytime at all, and Emma didn’t hold any resentment for him taking the call. He had a lot on his plate professionally, and he had the futures and successes of a lot of people in his hands. Emma could understand the pressure that came from that, and there was no doubt when Killian strolled back in seeking her out again that he would have rather been with her. Still he apologized as he moved into the booth beside her.

“Sorry about that, love. I swore I wouldn’t take a call, but they always manage to make it sound like the whole damn magazine will crumble if I don’t answer right then and there.”

Emma didn’t even respond to his apology with words. Instead she decided to show him how she felt, breaking yet another rule about public displays of affection as they sat there in their little corner still plenty visible to the rest of the place. The kiss took it to the line of decency and then tarried there a little, hungry in the back and forth between them, but when they came up for air, Emma wasn’t the least bit sorry. She had a hell of man with her right now, and if anyone had a problem with her kissing him senseless they could damn well deal with.

“Not that I would ever complain about a kiss from you, love…” Killian said, still blinking away some of that lust in his eyes as his hands remained on her, holding her close in their booth, “but what, might I ask, was the reason behind that one?”

“Just showing you how much I appreciate all of this, and that I’m not going anywhere. Not when I could be here with you.” Killian looked absolutely thrilled, and the joy on his face was infectious but a moment later it gave way to realization and the tiniest bit of frustration.

“Bloody hell! Someone told you what I said on the phone.” Emma grinned and pulled him in closer again so he was a whisper away from another kiss.

“Maybe, but that doesn’t change the way I feel.” Killian’s hand came to cup her cheek, his eyes tracing over her expression like he was trying to memorize this moment just like she was.

“Good. And I intend to show you why you never should.” Killian followed up that beautiful promise with another kiss, and though it was over too soon, Emma knew that everything to come was simply on hold.

They set back off to the botanical garden when breakfast was finished and when they got there, Emma took a little pleasure in a surprise of her own for Killian. What he didn’t realize was that while this was an incredibly thoughtful date that would be filled with people watching, gorgeous springtime blossoms, and quiet corners in a city filled with noise, this wasn’t a new spot for Emma. She was actually a member here, and made her way to the garden a lot especially during the warmer months. She was here so much actually, that the woman at the ticket counter named Ella recognized her and greeted her accordingly.

“Oh Emma! I was wondering if you’d come by this weekend.”

Since early on in Emma’s coming to visit here she and Ella had developed a nice, friendly relationship. Every time she came Ella asked her about her designs, and Emma replied with inquiries of her own about Ella’s family or the night classes she was taking. It wasn’t a friendship per se, but a kinship and a shared appreciation of lazy weekends and pretty flowers.

“Hey, Ella. I didn’t know I would be,” Emma looked to Killian who was struck speechless and she grinned at Ella. “But I’m glad to be here.”

“How could you not be?” Ella asked and Emma heard Killian clear his throat and run a hand through his hair. She was so tempted to watch him get a little flustered, but Emma focused instead on Ella after only brief introductions between her and Killian.

“How are things with you? How’s Alexandra?” Ella beamed at the mention of her daughter.

“She’s beautiful and wonderful and driving me crazy. You know the usual,” Ella said as she printed off the member passes for Emma and Killian for the day and handed them through the teller window. “She still has that sketch you did of her with the flower crown. She actually brought it to her show and tell at preschool, and told the whole class she was a fairy. So thanks for that.”

“No problem. Next time you bring her here I’ll draw her another,” Emma promised, meaning every word.

Alexandra was a very sweet kid with mild-manners and a big imagination. She was easy to please and no trouble at all to watch the couple of times Ella had asked for help. In fact, Alexandra was one of the first kids Emma really ever had contact with who made her see that maybe the whole ‘having it all’ and raising a family thing wouldn’t be so bad. She snuck another look to Killian, wondering what his thoughts on kids were only to shake the thought away. It was way too soon to be thinking that way, but Emma couldn’t help wondering what it might be like to see Killian with kids. She bet he would make a great Dad.

With the line growing behind them, Emma and Killian quickly said goodbye to Ella and headed into the garden. Now that they were here, Emma wanted to see if Killian had any particular plans. She didn’t want to step on any toes, or at least not any more than she had by already being a member here, and she awaited his thoughts on where they should start.

“So where do we go from here?” Emma asked.

“I feel I should be asking you that, love. It seems you have a vast knowledge of this place,” Killian said with a good-humored smile on his face. Emma relaxed and gave him her honest opinions.

“Well it kind of depends what you’re looking for. If you want exotic plants then there’s the pavilion. Or if you want to see the most people there’s the kids’ garden. They let the little one’s farm sometimes, and there’s always at least one toddler who falls in the mud and proceeds to wreak havoc on everything.” Killian laughed at Emma’s words, and she felt that happy sound gathering in her chest and filling her with more excitement of her own.

“As lovely as both those ideas sound, I had a slightly different idea in mind. The rose garden is rather remarkable, if memory serves, and just a little more private.” Killian offered that last part with the same smooth silkiness she had come to expect from him and it washed over Emma leaving her warmed through and a little off kilter. She leaned into him slightly before steadying herself enough to answer him.

“That’s my favorite place here,” Emma confessed and Killian beamed at that.

“Is it love?” He asked as they both started walking in that direction still hand in hand.

“Yeah. It’s only open part of the year, and most of the sketches I keep from my times out here stem from those roses.”

“I wish I’d had the foresight to ask you to bring your sketch pad. It’s a shame to miss you drawing.”

Emma knew Killian meant the words. Every time he saw her in action he was a man transfixed, and she was always curious as to why. Killian had a gift too after all. His words were his weapon while hers was her pencil, but both art forms took a lot of skill. Yet every time her designing was even so much as mentioned, the same look of awe came to Killian’s face, as if he couldn’t understand how she did it. He made it seem like dreaming up a dress was something magical instead of an ordinary pastime and career.

“What made you think to come here?” Emma asked, assuming he’d just stumbled upon it somewhere online or from one of his employees.

“I had a meeting in this neighborhood about a month ago and it finished early. I found myself with an hour to kill and I ended up here since it was an unseasonably warm afternoon.” Emma could see from the expression on his face that there was something more he wasn’t telling her.

“And…?” He looked to her then, searching for an indication to how she would react to whatever he was thinking.

“And the whole time I was here I thought about inviting a most intriguing woman I’d seen on the train to come back with me sometime. She was always sketching and I thought a place like this might be right for her, thus making it right for me too.”

A deep rush of happiness swam through Emma’s veins at the thought of Killian scoping this place out and thinking of her even all those weeks back. It was so like him, to see something amazing or beautiful or out of the common way and want to share it with her. She appreciated that so much, but she also found herself wishing he’d asked her back then. Lord knew she would have said yes, or would she have? Come to think of it, Emma didn’t know. Would she have been ready for him a month ago? Was she even ready for him and for all that he was offering now?

Yes! her gut said instinctively, and Emma smiled as the worry that should have come failed to manifest. She was comfortable with this, and she loved the idea that Killian had wanted a day like this for them. If she were more honest with herself back then, she would have likely been thinking along the same lines.

“And is it?” Emma asked. Killian took Emma’s hand in his and ran his thumb across her knuckles lightly.

“I’m beginning to find that every place is right when you’re there, Swan.”

Despite her internal struggle not to blush, Emma was pretty sure she turned a shade of pink at his words. They were just so much, and her whole body was sent into overdrive because of it. Everything she knew, everything her past had shown her about affairs of the heart never prepared her for a moment like this or a guy like Killian. Standing here, in the height of the late spring bloom in one of her favorite places in the world, she felt untouchable and yet so vulnerable. Nothing could hurt her, but the trust she was giving to Killian was so unlike her. It was completely natural and a show of epic bravery all at once, and Emma found herself giving way to it and letting herself just accept that things could really be this good.

A few steps later they entered the circle of roses, and everywhere one looked there were blooms in varying shades of pinks and reds. The bushes were all varying species, and each placard wove a tapestry of science and lore. There were long, drawn out names and then details about where each rose fit in the flower family and where they originally came from. Some were favored by distant royals, while others were wild and so a little less well kempt. They all had their own claims to splendor though, and as always, they sparked that need in Emma to move a pen across a page and try to capture something so effortlessly beautiful.

“So what do you think?” Emma asked when her eyes finally tore away from the sight before her, finding that Killian’s eyes were already on hers. The look in his eyes made her think that they’d never left her face the whole time.

“Stunning in every way.”  

Emma was ready at that point to say goodbye to all of this and drag him away from the fray of people, but Killian had other ideas and in the end they were for the best. The two of them spent the rest of the day meandering through this wooded section of the city and talking, finding out everything and nothing about each other at the same time. It was easy, often funny, and transformative, and any nerves that once plagued Emma about giving too much away too quickly were now all gone. For the magic of this place Emma had long thought of as hers was strong, and sided resolutely in favor of letting in love, no matter how scary that might be.

………………

“I still can’t believe you said that to Mrs. Hubbard,” Emma said hours later as they sat there together on her couch having just finished a movie Killian honestly hadn’t paid a lick of attention to. He’d be lying if he said he wasn’t completely wrapped up in Emma the whole time, and now he could drop the pretense of thinking of anything but her.

“What was it about my comments that offended you so?” Killian asked.

“Um everything? Or nothing? I don’t know I still just can’t believe you said it,” Emma replied, shaking her head even as her fingers trailed along his chest, leaving zings of awareness in their wake. He felt like a livewire right now, having had Emma in his arms all evening, but he wouldn’t move from this spot for anything.

“I merely told the woman a little bit about our outing today. Was it meant to be a secret?” Killian was fully teasing her at this point and they both knew it, but damn if it wasn’t a brilliant high to have Emma bantering with him in this playful way.

“No but there’s a difference between saying we went and saw some flowers and then explored Brooklyn and telling her we – how did you say it again?” The question Emma offered was less for him and more for her to try and get his phrasing exactly correct, but Killian couldn’t keep quiet.

“You’re frustrated for something you can’t even recall at this point, love.” Killian’s purposeful humor seemed to spark the memory for Emma.

“Oh right I remember. You said we ‘made a map of bright spots in a normally cold and standoffish city.’” Killian smiled, appreciating that she remembered it.

“I meant every word I said to her.”

“I know, and I loved them. There’s a reason you’re a writer, but saying that to Mrs. Hubbard is like saying that to my friends. They hear my new, admittedly charming boyfriend saying romantic stuff like that and they jump fifty steps ahead. And you know who faces all those questions the next morning? Me.”

Killian heard everything Emma was saying, but his mind and his heart were caught on one particular part of her little tirade. She’d referred to him as her boyfriend, and though it wasn’t as permanent a title as he might like, it did hint to a few things he so desperately wanted: exclusivity and access to Emma that a casual date couldn’t ever procure. And hell if that wasn’t bloody fantastic in his book.

“What?” Emma asked, no doubt confused at the look on his face.

“You called me your boyfriend.” Killian watched as Emma thought back and then turned red, her eyes casting away from his thanks to her embarrassment.

“Yeah. I mean, we haven’t said anything, but I just assumed that’s where this is heading…” Emma’s words trailed off as Killian tilted her chin back up so her eyes would meet his.

“You assumed correctly love. That’s the next logical step, and I’d like the chance to take it and many more with you. Whenever you’re ready.”

Emma bit her lip at that, and Killian could see so many things swirling in her eyes. He would kill to have more insight into exactly what she was thinking, but he was also still too happy from the turn of the tides in his favor to push further. When Emma was willing to fully let him in, she would. All he had to do was wait, and he would wait every day for the rest of his days if that was what Emma wished, crazy as that sounded.

“I think this is a good start. For now.”

Her soft smile in that instant spoke to a more youthful innocence. It was the same one Emma shared with him sometimes when she truly couldn’t believe that things were turning out so brilliantly. It carried none of the cynicism or pain of past experience, and every day more of them were coming. Slowly they were washing away the pieces of whatever past mistakes had harmed her heart, and one day Killian hoped Emma would know that despite any scars or losses she may have faced, he was a sure thing. As long as he was wanted he would be here always for her.

Killian couldn’t be sure which one of them moved first, but in a second their lips had found each other’s and that same heat was back between them. There was this elevating feeling knowing for sure that they were in this together and on the same page, and the taste of Emma on his tongue was heaven-sent, designed to drive him mad and keep his already barely tamed need for her flaring back to life. She was all lush curves against him, and his hands roamed of their own volition, mapping out over the thin layer of her clothes the body he intended to know intimately very soon.

“It’s getting late, love, and much as I’d like to continue this…” At the moment Killian was going to pull back Emma’s fingers held on tighter to his shirt.

“Stay.”

Killian couldn’t rightly express how powerful it was to hear Emma ask for that. Lord knew there was nothing he’d like more than to be here with Emma, but her worried at his ability to walk the line anymore. Emma was a constant temptation, and he could see her own resistance to the terms they’d set diminishing. That only fueled him on more to be honest, watching the fire in her eyes that came when his hands were on her. He wanted everything with Emma, wanted to show her just how good things could be between them, but he needed it to be right. This needed to be handled correctly or he ran the risk of losing her, which simply wasn’t an option.

“I won’t try and have my way with you if you stay, I promise. Your reputation can remain just as spotless as before.” Emma’s mirthful words pulled Killian back from the fray of his battling thoughts and he grinned in the face of her sensuous smile.

“It’s not just you I worry about, Swan.” Her eyes widened at that but she played it cool, and God if that didn’t just make him want her more.

“If I promise to protect you from yourself will that help?” Killian smiled at the way she said it, as if it would be some monumental feat, and honestly in some ways it would.

“Perhaps…” Killian replied, but his breath caught slightly as Emma’s hand moved underneath his shirt, meeting his already sensitive skin. “Although it doesn’t seem you’re inclined to keep us in check, love.”

“I have a new idea. Call it a compromise: we can have something now, and save the main event for another time.”

The thought of such a scheme was tempting and immediately Killian’s mind raced through every way he could technically have Emma without fully claiming her body as his. He was already hard and not making any attempts to hide that from his Swan, but the tension in his muscles grew tighter the more he let his mind wander. There were a million places to start, and the end result would all be Emma’s pleasure, which was a tantalizing finish line as far as Killian was concerned.

“I like the way you think, love. But I have terms,” he said.

Emma smiled triumphantly, no doubt loving that she’d gotten what she wanted. Her smile shifted slightly to a look of wanting however when his hands moved up her thigh under the light yellow dress she was wearing. All day long she’d looked like sunlight in human form and he craved the chance to do this, and to sample even a fraction of the magnificence he knew Emma had to offer. He took her mouth again with his and right when she was starting to get too riled up he pulled away, moving down her jaw to her neck, and finding one spot in particular that sent a delicious shiver through her body.

“Name them,” Killian grinned against her neck and nipped lightly before responding.

“If at any point it’s too much, you tell me Emma. That part is non negotiable.” Emma nodded.

“I think I can handle it.” Killian reasoned that she could. If anything he was the one who was so far out of his bloody depths he could barely think straight.

“And our clothes stay on.” He felt her resistance immediately to that one and Killian took that moment to touch her through the gossamer thin layer separating his fingers from her sex. She jumped slightly and then practically purred at the caress. “I know it’s not ideal, love, but I promise to give you what you want. I’ll take the edge off as I know you need me to, but think of this as a precaution. Insurance that we won’t get carried away.”

“We could still get carried away with our clothes on. It just wouldn’t be as fun,” Emma said, knowing the effect her words would have on him. Killian growled out that she was a siren and playing with fire, and she licked her lips, daring him to say to hell with it and just take it all now.

“That’s my rule, Swan. Take it or leave it.” She looked liable to barter some more until his other hand grazed over her breast, hitting her sensitive peak at the same time his thumb circled her clit.

“Take it. Definitely take it,” she said, arching closer as his fingers dipped past the flimsy piece of cotton between them. “But I still say this would be a whole lot better naked.”

“I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t dreamed of such a moment, Emma. Truth be told it’s been on my mind rather a lot.” There was no escaping the confidence in Emma’s eyes and that sureness of her own sexiness only added to the rasp in his voice. “But the clothes have to stay on or our tactful negotiations go out the window. When I have you I want nothing between us and that means more than clothes. I want the article done, your worries erased, and every last doubt you have gone so that you know we’re really in this and that there will be no turning back.”

Emma considered his proposal for a moment and the depths of his promises for the future, making him stew in the prospect of her surpassing him. If she declined his terms and continued to push him for more, he would never deny her, there was no way that he could, but Killian pleaded with her silently to let him have this. He’d give her the release she wanted and that he was so desperate to grant her, but it had to be on his terms, in this way, or he’d fail at this element he’d promised not only to himself but to Emma as well.

“Deal,” she finally said, pulling him back down for another kiss as his fingers sought to give her that satisfaction she craved.

Emma was strung so tight, no doubt from the need that had sparked between them almost since the start, but Killian never expected her pleasure to be so easily given. She had never been more open to him then she was now, and he had never felt more accomplished in his life than when he heard her breathy moans and whispered pleas for more. When Emma shattered finally and gave way to her release, Killian felt a surge of pride. He’d done that for her, and he was going to see that look of ecstasy on her face every damn day the rest of his life more than once.

“Okay you were right. This is pretty good considering,” Emma said, coming back down from her high with a glow and a flush on her cheeks that made her impossibly more beautiful.

“Pretty good? We’ll see about that, Swan.”

He was just about to send her soaring for the second time with the right amount of attention at her neck, sex, and breasts when her hand moved to unbutton his jeans and he gritted his teeth. Just the simple anticipation of her hand on his cock had his whole body throbbing and when she slipped inside to grasp him he uttered her name a fair amount of curses. Then he caught Emma’s eyes and saw the way she loved having equal control over his desires as he had over hers.

“You didn’t think you’d be the only one having a some fun tonight did you?”

“I’d have despaired if I were.”

That was all the challenge that Emma seemed to need, and both of them were racing to the precipice together. It was invigorating, and honestly nothing had ever felt so right, but when they both came down again from their almost teenage-like foreplay, Killian heard the sweet sound of Emma’s laughter and knew this was actually perfection. Whatever was on her mind, whatever had caused that melodic, soul-reviving sound he was grateful for really and truly.

“Something amusing to you, love?” Emma nodded.

“It’s just that I spent most of the day feeling like a kid again and this kind of sums that up perfectly. I can’t remember the last time I stopped at second base, but here we are.”

“I was just thinking the same thing.”

Emma beamed at him and kissed him once more before they both got themselves more in order for the evening. It was a bit of dance to get situated, but regardless of the fact that it was out of the ordinary, and despite the fact that his deep and constant need for Emma hadn’t really been sated, Killian couldn’t think of a happier turn of events. Holding Emma in his arms in her bed with the prospect of a night spent by her side was a gift pure and simple, even if he was still too wrapped in her to even think of sleeping.

“Killian?” Emma asked quietly sometime later.

“Yes, Emma?”

“I’m glad you stayed.”

“As am I, and not just because we have this moment right here.” Emma smiled and the haziness of impending sleep and lingering satisfaction that clung to her jade colored eyes soothed something in him. Killian immediately knew that he would never know real comfort again without having Emma beside him and happy as she was right now.

“Oh yeah?” she asked and Killian nodded.

“You were worried before about facing Mrs. Hubbard’s questions in the morning alone. Now you won’t have to.” Emma smiled warmly at that and pressed a kiss to his lips.

“No, I guess I won’t.”

With that the two of them both gave way to the quiet, and as expected it was a rather miraculous night. But Killian’s final thought as he followed Emma into a deep slumber hours later was that he wanted to be sure Emma never had to face any trials alone again. For his place was here with her, and it always, always would be.