Chapter 1 – Mid June

Emma Swan is a not a woman who typically cares what people think. She is a not a woman who fauns over sparkly things or feints at the sight of blood. Emma Swan gets her hands dirty and tackles douche bags for a living who skip bail. She is also a woman who likes to wear sky-high heels and red leather. She loves hot chocolate with cinnamon sprinkled on top and sitting criss-cross at the dinner table when she eats. And above all else she is a woman who never in a million years envisioned herself getting married.

4 Months until the Wedding

She stared at it, the ring. It's huge and covered in diamonds (real diamonds) and gaudy – but she loves it. It's just that thing when she was a kid and growing up she never pictured herself having. Sometimes she looks at it and feels the most intense assault of joy and happiness. The idea that someone actually loves her, her – Emma Swan – is like a miracle in itself.

She'd spent years bouncing from different foster families and group homes never feeling like she had a real home. Just a sad little orphan that no one cared about and no one ever would. When she couldn't take it anymore she ran away and never looked back.

Now, nearly thirty years old she'd found it – a home - with a man that had taken the time and spent the money on the most perfect ring. That same man walked beside her, holding her hand.

"So where are we going again?" Walsh asked, lightly squeezing her hand pulling her out of her thoughts. They were walking down a New York City sidewalk on their way to check off another box on the wedding to do list: book a band.

"It's a venue called 'The Jolly Roger'. They're still renovating though – they don't even have a sign up yet. And Ruby is meeting us there."

"I still think this is a stupid idea. I mean, they're not even a wedding band and we don't need a band. A D.J. would be so much easier." Emma threw a side glance in his direction. They'd had this conversation a dozen times, all ending with Emma winning. She loved live music and would not skip it on her wedding day.

Unfortunately this task had been particularly difficult to carry out because Walsh insisted on going to every audition with her. That only left so many options due to his busy work schedule. She'd weeded out most the bands she didn't like and the rest they'd gone to see together. But Walsh had shot down almost every one. Now they were getting desperate with the wedding only 4 months away.

"There she is! Ruby!" Emma called, spotting Ruby on the sidewalk chatting with a thin dark haired man in a leather jacket.

"Hey you made it!" Emma's best friend engulfed her in a hug.

"Of course we made it!" She wouldn't miss this. The lead singer was a close friend of Ruby's (one she'd surprisingly never met before) and she'd said they could basically do anything, even a wedding. Ruby had given Emma their EP already so she knew she'd like them and planned to book them, it was now just about convincing Walsh he had something to do with it.

"Well come on in. This is Will Scarlet, he's the drummer." The brunette gestured towards the man next to her and they all exchanged quick pleasantries and handshakes as they entered the building.

The venue, as Ruby mentioned, was indeed under construction. The walls were covered in clear tarps and the floor was unfinished. Emma wasn't paying much attention to all that as she walked in because she was so distracted by the lovely sound of an acoustic guitar playing somewhere beyond an uncovered wooden archway.

Will led them into an open space in front of a decent sized stage and there he was: Killian Jones, source of the strumming, standing at the top of the stage microphone before him. When he glanced up from his strings she immediately recognized him from the few pictures Ruby had showed her.

Ruby had not been lying about how gorgeous he was. Those photos certainly didn't do him justice. Black tousled hair, dark scruff along his chiseled jaw and blue eyes that kind of made her want to swoon; thin but not scrawny in build and she suspected quite muscular arms under the sleeves of his rolled up red flannel. He shot Ruby a sweet smile before turning towards the band idling behind him.

Will had made his way up to his drum kit, anxiously tossing his sticks in the air; a round, shorter man with a red cap and bass guitar stood next to a bulky blond wearing a rhythm guitar. A keyboard stood on the far left unoccupied. They all starred at their vocalist in wait. Killian nodded just as he turned around and they all started playing in unison.

Even though Emma knew she was already going to book them, Ruby had convinced the band to do an "audition" for Walsh's sake. It was really just another band practice for them.

She suspected most of the wiring and sound system had yet to be completed as the sound was coming through a small amp at the front of the stage. She immediately recognized what they played as a version of All Along the Watchtower, a quiet mix of the Jimi Hendrix version and Bob Dylan version. A surprising choice for a wedding band audition.

With her eyes glued to Killian she mouthed the words as he sang, hardly noticing Walsh and Ruby at her side. His buttery tone with hints of grit echoed throughout the small theater. Emma hung on to every word he sang – he was absolutely mesmerizing. She had to remind herself of her soon to be husband standing next to her while she tried not to get too wrapped up in Killian's gorgeous voice.

The song ended with Ruby hooting for more. They played another slower song, one Emma again recognized as a Van Morrison song. Now they were definitely just showing off. Killian winked at Ruby as he sang, grinning as Ruby whistled, cheering them on.

This time when the song ended Killian called them all in for a huddle, muttering for a minute before they retook their places on the stage and launched into another song. Again Emma instantly recognized the 90's classic "Crash (into me)" and was in full swoon by the time it was over. At this point she didn't care if Walsh said anything at all; these guys were perfect for their wedding.

Killian set down his guitar and high-fived the rhythm guitarist just before hopping off the stage. He engulfed Ruby in a giant bear hug for a silent minute before the two turned towards an eager Emma and Walsh.

"Guys, this is Killian Jones! Isn't he amazing?" Ruby gushed, left arm still wrapped around his back.

"Well thanks for that introduction, love, but I wouldn't go that far." He laughed it off modestly (his English accent hitting Emma hard in the gut).

"No, but it was really good." Emma interjected, holding out her hand. "I'm Emma Swan. This is my fiancé, Eric Walsh." She shook his hand smiling like an idiot.

"Just Walsh, please. And I agree, it was good." Walsh also shook Killian's hand and Emma couldn't help but notice the way Killian's ears tinged red.

"Thanks, mate."

"So does that mean we've got the gig?" Another English accent piped up and the group on the floor turned their gaze towards the stage. Will stood there, clutching his drum sticks even though the rest of the band had disintegrated off stage.

Emma glanced back to Walsh expectantly and right on cue she saw the look she'd been waiting for. It didn't really matter at this point, they were out of options but she let Walsh think he had a say.

"I think we need to have a talk about it first." Walsh said to Will and Killian.

"That's quite alright, mate." Killian finally released Ruby from his grasp and clapped his hands together. "Why don't you guys come out to our show tonight? We're playing at a place called the Rabbit Hole in the West Village. It's a different atmosphere and it's a lot of fun. I'll leave the tickets at will call?"

"That sounds great!" Emma shook his hand again and Walsh did the same before they turned to leave. Ruby waved them goodbye as she lingered behind.

Emma and Walsh rode in silence nearly the entire cab ride to the florist. Walsh was practically glued to his phone. It wasn't until Emma put her directly over it when he finally looked up.

"We're not going to that show tonight, Emma."

"And why is that?"

"I told you. I have a dinner meeting with a potential vendor. It's important, can't be rescheduled." He didn't even look at her.

"Fine. You can't go. Did you at least like them?"

"They were the best we've seen so far. But I still think we should hire a DJ."

"I really liked them. I think they'll make the reception more fun, it's different." Emma gave her best "this means a lot to me" eyes. Walsh was silent for a long pause before he sighed and answered.

"If it means that much to you, fine. We can book them." Emma threw her arms around him, smiling so hard her cheeks hurt.

(She was still going to that show tonight, Walsh or not.)

The next morning Emma rolled off Ruby's couch head pounding, room spinning. She felt around the walls until she made it to the kitchen, turning the Keurig on. When she finally took her first sip of hot coffee the night's events started coming back to her. It'd all been somewhat of a blur, considering that her and Ruby had gotten completely shit-faced or as Killian and his English band mates called it – piss drunk.

Emma had picked Ruby up at around 7:30 for dinner before the show. When they arrived at the Rabbit Hole they realized the tickets Killian left had been for some sort of VIP section.

Emma felt about 10 years younger, filing into that tiny crowded bar only now she didn't have X's on her hands and could order alcohol legally. She hadn't known exactly what to expect but it was packed to capacity, supposedly the band was kind of a big deal in this part of the city. That being said she found it odd that it was mostly twenty-something hipsters populating the bar.

Thankfully Emma had Ruby. She felt completely out of place in her black leather dress and pumps. Ruby on the other hand sported black leather leggings and a red lacy top. The two of them stuck out like sore thumbs but it was worth it in the VIP section, which turned out to be a small balcony overlooking the floor and stage with a private bar.

It was after 10pm when the band took the stage. Killian sauntered out like a god under the spot light to the cheering audience. Within seconds the atmosphere changed – heavy with anticipation (or maybe that was just Emma) the crowd shuddered with excitement (again, maybe just Emma). Without a word they launched into an electric heavy song with hints of classic rock mixed with new age alternative rock. It was completely different than what she'd heard earlier. They played for almost an hour after that.

"Alright, ladies and gentlemen, we are The Crow's Nest," Killian screamed into the microphone over the roar of the crowd, "and we've got two more songs for you tonight. This next one goes out to two lovely ladies in the audience who came out special to see us." He glanced up in their direction and Emma saw him wink before turning around to face the band. They launched straight into an 80's classic cover by The Outfield.

Emma and Ruby screamed as the words Josie's on a vacation far away rippled through the crowd. Emma's lungs burned by the end of the song from endless screaming and dancing, singing I don't wanna lose your love toniiight. She was out of breath and sweating everywhere but damn it if she couldn't remember the last time she'd had that much fun.

Her life had been so consumed with wedding planning the last few months she'd rarely had time for any real fun. She quieted the thought immediately. Not a minute later Ruby was dragging her back stage.

"Come on Emma, we have to tell them how awesome that was." She tugged on Emma's protesting arm. But she was powerless against Ruby as they entered the band's lounging area through a haze of smoke and musk.

"Oi! The lovely ladies are here!" Killian greeted them by throwing his arms around both the women's shoulders and guiding them towards a ruddy old couch. He smelled like sweat, alcohol, and something spicy, like cloves.

"I trust you enjoyed yourselves, darlings." He turned to Emma breathing in her ear so only she could hear, "You're looking a bit flushed, lass." The closeness of his lips, practically on her neck sent a chill her back as the three of them plopped down on the couch in unison.

"Yes! I love the new cover you added to the set." Ruby gushed as someone handed her a beer. Emma found one in her hand as well.

"That means a lot coming you, love." He gave Ruby a little squeeze then leaned forward to grab a beer he must have left behind on the grungy excuse of a coffee table. He turned back to Emma, sweeping his damp hair off his forehead and pointing at Ruby, "this one's a right pain in my arse."

"I just know what I like. And tonight was good." She crossed her long legs taking swig of her beer, "actually really good." She added sending a side glance at Emma.

"That was the most fun I've had in months." Emma confessed taking a sip of her beer.

"Come off it, love. That can't be true." He looked at her disbelieving. She just nodded. "Oh dear, then we've got to keep that up!" He was about to stand up when he turned back to her. "Wait, does that also mean that you've decided to hire us?" He wagged his eyebrows in question, the corners of his lips slowly turning up.

Emma glanced up into his startlingly blue eyes and for a second couldn't find the words until Ruby nudged her shoulders.

"Yes! We want The Crow's Nest to play at the wedding!" She answered as Killian's face lit up.

"You hear that?!" He shouted over the chatter-filled room. For the first time Emma looked around, noticing the other members lingering about. Killian held his beer up in cheers, "We're going to play our first wedding, lads!" They all clapped and whooped playfully. "I think this calls for a celebration." He said back to Emma and Ruby as he stood up and disappeared out the door from which they came.

Ruby immediately scooted to Emma's side. "You didn't tell me you and Walsh decided to book these guys!" she squealed.

"You knew I was always going to book them!"

"Yeah, but not officially."

"Well now you know. They are definitely amazing and it will be so different than anything I've seen done at a wedding."

Killian reappeared setting a black tray on the coffee table revealing an assortment of shot glasses each filled with various shades of alcohol. He thrust one into each Emma and Ruby's hands and then held up his own, "To the first Crow's Nest wedding gig and to the happy couple!"

Emma gladly clinked her glass to the rest and took the shot, the first shot she'd had in god knows how long. She deserved to have a little fun.

"Another!" Ruby handed both Emma and Killian a second glass.

"Cheers!" Killian downed the shot as did the girls. Before she knew it the tray of shots was empty and two shots turned into I don't' know how many. Killian kept bringing more back from the bar – something about the band getting free alcohol.

The rest of the night swirled in her memories like the creamer in her coffee. She normally wasn't a big fan of the stuff but it was a coffee kind of morning. She shuffled into the living room, finally finding what she was looking for in her disgruntled high heel next to the couch and pulled out her phone. She had 5 missed calls and messages from Walsh. Scrolling through her texts she found the jumbled message she'd sent to Walsh (at 3am!). The calls had stopped after that according to her call log.

"Coffee?" Ruby wondered in, ruffling her mane of dark locks. Emma pointed to the Keurig that was on its second brew for her. She nodded in thanks as she grabbed the mug.

She was still scrolling through her phone when Emma found texts from Killian. When did she even give him her number?

Looking forward to the wedding. Let's get together soon to discuss the set list. Killian

Also, hope you're feeling better ;)

She showed the texted to Ruby who just laughed. "The last thing I remember was taking shots."

"Maybe Killian will remember?" Ruby arched an eyebrow.

"Very funny."

Emma picked up her phone intending to call Walsh but when she saw the time she knew he wouldn't answer. He would already be at work. So instead she sent him a quick text letting him know she was alive, sufficiently hung over and would be spending the day in bed.

Ruby's place wasn't too far from Emma's so she walked. Feeling the hard cement under her feet grounded her; the pounding in her head reminding her with every step why she hardly ever drank the whole way home.

She ended up spending most the day in bed with Netflix and hot chocolate. It was Saturday and in a life pre-wedding she'd probably have spent it staking out somewhere waiting for a perp. Another life as a bail bond's person.

It had been Walsh's idea to take a break from work. She still worked for a while at first, but when she takes on a client, so to speak, she completely buries herself in their life. Sometimes it goes by fast and she gets the perp right away and other times it takes more time. Either way she gets her man and then it's onto the next. It became too mentally taxing to take on someone else's life and plan her own at the same time.

Plus who couldn't use a break from work? And they would be married soon so the whole what's mine is yours bit totally applies to their situation. They already lived together too; everything would just be so much easier this way.

She would have all the time in world to plan the perfect wedding. Emphasis on Perfect.

Emma had never met Walsh's family – they lived far away and hated to travel. But they'd be here for the wedding – the reason why it had to be perfect.

So now instead of stressing about losers trying to flee while out on bail she worried about what flowers were right or what colors to theme the wedding (both undecided). She may have the time to plan but she was realizing she wasn't great at it.

It was about 2pm when her phone rang, raising from her sleep coma.

"Hey baby, how are you feeling?" Walsh asked sounding a little rushed. He probably had a small break at work and was just calling to check up on her.

"I've been better but I've also been worse." She yawned and stretched.

"Well I've got Chinese take-out on its way to the apartment, your favorite. Should help that hang over right along."

"My hero." Emma smiled to herself.

"Well I've got some bad news. I'll be home late. I've got a follow up meeting with the rep from last night."

"On a Saturday night, babe?"

"I know I know. But I'm so close to landing this guy Emma. He's a real up and comer and his designs would be perfect for the summer line."

"You don't have to sell me Walsh, I just want to see you." She sighed, knowing it was a big deal for him.

"I know, babe. I'll try not to be home too late."

"No no, you get the guy and we'll have dinner tomorrow."

"I love you, Emma."

"Love you too."

She hung up the phone and attempted to get out of bed. She wasn't 22 anymore and it seemed her body was so unaccustomed to the amount of alcohol she'd consumed; it did not agree with her. Her head still pounded maybe even worse than this morning.

She tip-toed into the kitchen and poured a glass of water when the door buzzer went off. She let the delivery man up and collected the food Walsh had sent her, already paid for too.

It was always the little things that reminded her how lucky she was.

Emma was just about to plop on the couch with her food and Netflix (to continue her Dexter marathon) when her phone buzzed.

Ruby had sent her a picture from the night before captioned:

"Look what I found."

It was her, Ruby and Killian taking a seflie on that god awful couch backstage. She must have been really far gone because she had no memory whatsoever of this. Her eyes were closed and Killian's arm stretched around her shoulder while Ruby held out the phone on the left.

She ignored the small pang in her gut the sight, attributing it to hunger, as she smiled at the photo.