This falls After the Faces of Time Holiday Ball in Chapter 8 of The Promise.
A Promise Christmas
Christmas Eve
Emma's Apartment
Boston MA
Christmas Eve, Early Morning
Emma Swan was not a morning person and for 363 days of the year, she stayed in bed until she absolutely had to be up. But for the other two days, her excitement had her out of bed early so as not to miss any of the festivities that had been a tradition in her life in, oh, forever. And those traditions had started because Sisters Blue, Green and Astrid wanted to give children who lived in the Home a Christmas Eve and Christmas Day they would remember forever. And Emma did. In fact, she loved it so much that this year she was planning to share it with the man she loved, Killian.
Emma hummed a Christmas song under her breath as she bustled around the kitchen making breakfast for the sexy man she had left in her bed. She hadn't filled him in on how, exactly, they would be spending the next two days, but her hope was that he would be so enamored with her Christmas Eve breakfast, he would blindly follow.
She had just flipped the pancakes she was going to use to make him a pancake snowman when a male body pressed against her. "Good morning, love. I rolled over and you were gone." He nuzzled her neck. "I missed you."
His gravelly morning voice sent tingles throughout, almost causing her to forget what day it was, but the twinkling lights from their tree served to bring her back to the present. Turning in his arms, she slid her hands up his bare chest to circle his neck. "It's Christmas Eve," she murmured against his lips. He tasted of toothpaste and something that was unique to Killian.
Humming low in his throat, he backed against the table, pulling her close. "Merry Christmas, Swan. I have several ideas on how we can spend the day." His hand wandered inside her robe as his lips played with hers.
We have only been lovers a short time and he already knew how to play her body as well as he did that old Gibson of his, she thought as she took a step back. "I knew I should have worked faster making your breakfast," she mumbled, tightening the belt to her robe. "You're distracting."
He gave her a grin, twisting his lips sexily. "But apparently not distracting enough if you're standing over there."
"Well," she busied herself making a pancake snowman, using chocolate chips for his eyes, nose and mouth, "I was hoping to use breakfast to bribe you..." Holding the plate out toward him, she gave him a gentle smile. "Today is...special for kids from the Home," she finished quietly. "I was hoping you would spend the day with us so you could see how all my Christmases have been spent."
~~~CS~~~
Killian watched her work over that bottom lip of hers, which was almost as distracting as knowing she was wearing a robe and nothing else. How could she not know that by her side was where he wished to be, no matter what they were doing? Taking the plate from her hand, he placed it on the table and pulled her into his arms. "Emma love, you don't have to bribe me to spend the day with you. There's no other place I'd rather be."
"Really?" The look on her face was so hopeful he had to steal another kiss or two before answering, "Really." Letting her go, he picked his plate back up. "These look like works of art-"
"-I'm not sure they'll taste that way, but..." shrugging her shoulder, she proceeded to put together her pancake snowman and they sat down to eat.
Killian watched as she relaxed and started eating her pancakes instead of just pushing the chocolate around in the syrup. "What's next on our Christmas Eve agenda?"
Her eyes lit up in a way that never failed to cause his heart to turn over as she finished chewing on a piece of bacon and swallowed. "Next we unwrap gifts!"
He tilted his head. "Gifts? On Christmas Eve? We can't open them in the morning?"
"Oh no...no," she grinned taking their plates and rinsing them off. "We won't be here."
"Spit it out, Swan. What did you have in mind?" He watched her busy herself cleaning the counters.
"We're going to spend the night at the Home so we can be there to watch the kids unwrap gifts in the morning," she confessed.
He squinted as if trying to read her mind. "There's more, isn't there?"
"Just a little," she told him, holding her fingers an inch apart. Sauntering closer, she took his hand and led him over to the tree and pulled him next to her. "Trust me?"
He studied the ceiling as if pretending to think before putting her out of her misery with a grin. "Of course, I trust you, Swan. But if I do all of this for you," leaning forward, he caged her hips in, and slowly moved closer to her until she had no choice but to lean back, allowing him to follow her down, "what will you do for me?" His lips hovered above hers.
"Anything you want," she promised with a smile.
"Anything?" he challenged her.
This time she didn't say anything but pulled his head down, capturing his lips. "Anything," she promised when she came up for air.
"Good," he gave her a lascivious smile, "remember that. Now which gift would you like first?"
Killian watched Emma unwrap her gifts. Gone was the patient, methodical artist who spent hours perfecting detail on her drawings, and in her place was an exuberant woman who tore at the wrapping paper like a child. Just Iike every other child, she blew through the packages that held clothing and barely gave attention to her new paintbrush set. It wasn't until she opened the package holding a swan keyring, made of gold, that she slowed down long enough to read the inscription written on the back.
You will forever be my always.
Love, Killian
12/25/16
"Oh, Killian," she murmured crawling close to give him a kiss. "Thank you. It's beautiful."
He cupped her cheek. "Just like you, Swan. And the key..."
"Is to your heart?" she smirked.
He grinned at her. "To my apartment. My heart has been yours for longer than you know."
She dimpled at him. "And if I use my key and catch Robin in his skivvies?"
His answer was to pluck the key from her and toss it over his shoulder. "I'll show you." He wrapped his arms around her and proceeded to make a very thorough case for her eyes to always be focused on him.
~~~CS~~~
Emma loved it when Killian behaved all possessive, as his kisses were really hot and when he growled deep in his chest, he sent tingles to regions she didn't know she had. He rolled over, pinning her to the floor while his lips traveled down her neck, but she couldn't completely relax into the kiss as something sharp kept digging into her back. "Mmff." She pushed him away and rolled over to see she had been lying on another gift. "Where did this come from?
Killian gave her a sheepish smile. "You distracted me. Open it."
He looks nervous, she thought, as she lifted the lid off the long slim box to see a silver charm bracelet nestled inside with seven charms hanging from the silver links. "Killian," she breathed out his name on a sigh, "I've always wanted one of these."
"It was Ruby's suggestion," he told her quietly.
"A paintbrush, for obvious reasons." She smiled at him. "Bowling pin?"
He covered his heart. "You were so close that night, but yet so far away."
"True, and that explains the boat; yet another of our missed meetings."
"Aye," he fingered the tiny hook, "and for your first crush. And this broom here…it brings back special memories."
"A broom?" She couldn't come up with a time they might have cleaned something, and then she felt her cheeks get warm as she remembered the events that had led to the broom. "That was a special place, wasn't it?"
"Very." His smile caused her heart to do a little flip and she was glad when he moved onto the next charm so she could catch her breath. "Dance slippers for the ball, and a tree for our first Christmas."
"Put it on me?" She held her wrist up for him to fasten it on and watching it sparkle in the lights from the tree made her happy. "Now your turn."
One by one she handed his gifts to him and just as she had been quick and exuberant with her gift unwrapping, he was slow and methodical, slowly peeling apart each piece of tape and caressing each crease as if he had all day. Several times she had to clinch her fists to keep from jumping in and helping him.
"Are you sure you don't need some help? You're moving quite slowly." She was nearly bouncing with excitement.
He stopped and sent a smile her direction that was 100% meant to scorch her panties. "You've never complained about my unwrapping before, love. Why start now?"
Closing her eyes, Emma just shook her head. This man, she thought exasperatedly, is doing this on purpose. Two can play this game Mr. Jones. "True. By all means, carry on."
By some small miracle, he had unwrapped his Hook socks, some boxers with Christmas balls all over them that said, "Fragile. Christmas Balls stored here." Some guitar picks she had designed especially for him, a picture of them at the Ball, and he was currently unwrapping his last gift. Opening the box, he brandished the key to her apartment she had given him and by the look on his face, he knew how important of a decision it had been. "Are you sure, Swan?" He asked gently, holding the key aloft.
Emma nodded her head. "Completely," she whispered.
"Then thank you," he whispered back in a reverent tone in his voice she hadn't heard before. "And now," he stood up pulling her with him, "I'm going to unwrap the best gift of all…you."
Emma put her hand on his chest, stopping him just inches before he reached her mouth. "That will have to wait. We have to shower and get to the Home for the cookie decorating contest."
How much time are we talking here, Swan?"
She glanced over his shoulder at the clock. "We need to leave in less than an hour."
Killian picked her up, tossing her over his shoulder. "If we shower together we can save time," he laughed as he palmed her behind on the way down the hall.
Group Home – Cookie Decorating
Boston, MA
Late Morning
By the time they arrived at the Home, the males and females were divided and gathered around two separate tables, ready to create. Emma sent Killian off to help Robin with the boys and she was on her way to hang up their jackets when she was waylaid by a nosy friend.
Ruby stopped her mid-stride. "Neck check for Emma Swan," she laughed, flicking Emma's hair off her neck.
Emma rolled her eyes. "What are you doing?" she laughed at her friend's antics, but already feeling her face flame. Pushing past, she hung their coats on hooks, hoping her burning cheeks would subside before she finished.
"Come on, Em," Ruby sing-songed, "I was just checking for marks on your neck since you were so late getting here today.
Emma lifted her hair. "Look away, my friend. You'll not find a mark there."
"There?" Ruby's eyes sparkled. "So, you did get a little Christmas Eve nook-"
Emma's hand shot out to cover Ruby's mouth. "Shh. Why is how I spent my morning so interesting to you? Unless..." Emma pushed Ruby's dark hair back, spotting a red mark just behind her left ear. "Well, well..."
"Emma, Ruby," Ashley called, "hurry. It's time to decorate."
"Hold on, Ashley," Emma waved her other friend down the hall, "did you see that mark," she pointed toward Ruby's neck. "I'm pretty sure that our Rubes and her Doctor finally...did the deed."
Ruby winked and sassed right back, "Maybe!" but her eyes were sparkling with happiness.
Emma smiled at Ashley as they linked arms with Ruby and began walking back the way they came. "How long have they been dating?"
"Couple months, I think," Ashley winked.
"Must be a record for waiting," Emma deadpanned.
"Hey, you two," Ruby hip bumped them, "I'm right here."
"We're proud of you, Rubes," they told her as they made their way to the dining room where the competition would take place.
~~~CS~~~
Killian watched Emma enter the room with her friends, all of them giggling like they had just heard a good joke. "What do you think they're laughing about?" he asked Robin, who was lining up the bowls with various colors of frosting on the table.
Robin shrugged. "No clue. Hey, pass me that hot pink over there."
"The what?" Killian snickered.
"Hot pink," repeated Robin as he pointed in the direction of the needed bowl. "At least that's what Violet said it was when she brought it to me," he grinned.
Shaking his head, Killian reached for the appropriate bowl as he watched Emma. It looked as if she were showing off her charms to the other women as they were all crowded around her. She looked up, catching him staring and winked before refocusing on her bracelet. "Look at them now, Robin. What do you think they're talking about?"
"How do I know?" Robin laughed. "You're the one with the girlfriend. My guess is they're discussing our big...egos," he smirked, "and who leaves the toilet seat up."
"Robin," Roland pulled on his pants' leg, "what's an ego?"
"Walked right into that, didn't you," Killian whispered just as Blue asked for quiet.
Once the rules were given, it was chaotic as all the young boys started talking at once and Robin and Victor were arguing over some design. Killian wasn't sure where to start, and after picking up his cookie and setting it back down a dozen times, took a step back from the table to regroup. There were crumbs and icing splatters all over the table already, and yet when he looked over at the girls' table... it was peaceful.
There was only a soft hum coming from their table and they were carefully passing the bowls and tools from person to person. Emma was in the center of the group, leaning over the table working diligently on her project. With the room's lights shining on her hair, it sparkled, and periodically he would catch a glance as she smiled at someone. His Swan was gorgeous, and she took his breath away every time he saw her.
"Quit drooling, Jones," he heard from one side.
"Killian, do you need my help?" Roland asked from the other.
Smiling down at Roland, he tapped him on the nose with his finger. "No, little lad. I think I've got this one." Picking up his cookie and a bowl of white frosting, he got busy.
~~~CS~~~
Hours later, once the tables were cleaned off and all that was left were the creations, Emma walked slowly around the table admiring what they had created. This year the design centered around Santa and Mrs. Claus and their toy shop.
"The competition is totally rigged," Killian murmured in her ear, pulling her back against his chest.
She smiled and tilted her head up to nip his chin. "Rigged? How do you figure?"
"Well, you are an artist."
"Oh, so you think because I'm an artist, that's why we won?" She turned around in his arms to peer over at the other table. "I think it's just that we worked together."
Killian's lips twitched. "Aye, love, that could be it. It was quite frightening at my table."
Taking Killian's hand, they walked the few steps to reach the other table. There wasn't a theme to their decorating, but each person had done his own thing. There were lopsided Christmas trees, colorful balls, a heart, an arrow, assorted cookies that she had no idea what they were, and in the center a swan; majestic and proud surrounded by blue water.
"Is that yours?" She pointed to the swan.
"Aye, love. I saw you standing across the room, surrounded by your friends, at home with what you were doing and I couldn't resist."
"Oh, Killian. I love you."
"And I love you, Emma. Merry Christmas." He kissed her then and, as she closed her eyes, she felt herself getting lost in the sensation of his lips and body pressing against hers.
"Emma, Killian," Elsa interrupted their moment, "it's time to go."
"Your friends have horrible timing," Killian whispered.
Emma hummed in agreement, and peeked around Killian's shoulder to where Elsa was pretending she was checking the time. "Will it be skating or sledding?" she asked as she reluctantly stepped out of his arms.
"Skating," Elsa retorted just as Grace and Violet entered the room.
"Killian" they called in unison, "we have your coat, Come on." They each grabbed a hand and tugged him along even as his eyes pleaded with Emma to rescue him.
"Think you should save your boyfriend?" Elsa asked as the girls and their reluctant adult left the room.
"Nah. He'll be fine." Linking her arm with Elsa's they went looking for the others.
Frog Pond
Boston, MA
Early Afternoon
Once they arrived at Frog Pond, much to the dismay of Grace and Violet, the older kids were sent off to skate while the adults were paired with smaller children. Killian found himself paired with Wyatt, a precocious boy of eight who, with his constant barrage of questions, was threatening to get on his last nerve. He propped his skate up on the bench next to Robin and bent over under the auspices of retying his laces. "You sure I can't talk you into trading," he muttered out of the corner of his mouth.
"There's no bloody way, mate," Robin retorted. "Wear him out, why don't you?"
Contemplating that response, he watched Wyatt bounce around as he watched the other skaters fly past them. "Are you ready, Wyatt?"
"I'm ready. I'm ready. I'm ready. Let's go. Let's go Let's go," he shouted, each sentence a little louder than the one before it.
"About as exhausting as listening to Anna," Killian muttered as he led the way toward the entrance to the rink.
"I heard that, Jones," Elsa cried as she skated past with a dark-headed little lass.
Taking Wyatt's hand, they stepped into the rink, and giving himself a few minutes to reacquaint himself with the feel of the ice, he pushed off. Taking it slowly, they circled the rink, each time around a little faster than the one before. Killian had to admit that it really was like riding a bike and, while he wouldn't be doing any flips in the air, his confidence grew the longer he skated.
Wyatt tugged his hand loose. "Let me do it. Let me do it. Let me do it."
"Are you sure?" Wyatt nodded his head. "Okay then, take off. I'll follow."
~~~CS~~~
"Maddy," Emma smiled at the shy little girl who was her skating partner, "where are Ruby and Alli?
"There," she mumbled, pointing to where Ruby was helping Alli, Maddy's twin, lace her skates.
Carrying her skates, as well as those for her new friend, Emma made her way over to where Ruby was sitting. Maddy sat, and after she had removed her boots, Emma helped slip the skates onto her feet and tie them. "There. Have you ever skated before?"
"No, they haven't," Victor answered for her, "I thought I'd get them skate trainers."
Emma found that piece of news interesting but didn't say anything as she helped Maddy stand up. It took her several minutes before she was able to stand but as soon as she did, Victor took each of the girls by the hand, leading them away. "Exactly how does Victor know them?" she asked Ruby curiously, as she had never seen him so attentive to children before.
Ruby smiled a she watched the trio walk away. "Victor saved their lives," she whispered reverently. "From what I can gather their mother was one of the first heart patients he operated on. Years later, she came back to see him but this time she was pregnant, with twins. I don't know the specifics, but the girls were born with Down's Syndrome, and both needed surgeries to repair holes in their hearts. The surgeries didn't cost the mother anything and the girls are thriving."
"Wow, I never would have imagined Victor going out of his way for someone like that," Emma murmured softly.
"Oh, he likes people to think he's some detached doctor," Ruby shared, "but deep down he feels things strongly. I think the mother passed away several years ago and the girls live with the grandmother, who is in the hospital..."
"And he batted his baby blues at Blue so the girls wouldn't be alone on Christmas?" Emma guessed.
Ruby gave her a secretive smile and shrugged her shoulder. "I'm not sure what he said to her, but she's treated him differently since. He's a softy."
"Men can be so complex," Emma responded absently, thinking of the differences between Killian and his brother. Seeing Victor and the girls making their way back, she decided it was time to exchange her warm boots for the cold skates. "I hate this part," she grumbled, unzipping the first one.
"You always were a wimp," Ruby retorted
Sticking her tongue out at her friend, Emma finished one skate and started on the other foot. Not having worn them for a while, it took a little longer to get the laces to cooperate, and as she finished, she looked up just as Killian skated by and sent her a help me look. She knew he was partnered with Wyatt, but that look said more was going on than dealing with a chatty little boy. "Ruby, did you just see that?"
She pointed one long, red nail in the direction Killian had gone. "It depends. If you're talking about that 'help me' look that your honey just shot you, then yes, I saw it."
"Any ideas what it means?" They continued staring at the skaters as they flew past.
"No idea, but go rescue him. Victor and I will take the girls."
Taking advantage of the offer, Emma smiled her thanks and took off. As soon as she stepped on the ice, she immediately felt her shoulders start to relax, and with every shooshing sound the blades made on the ice, another care floated away. Out with the worry about grades, assignments, projects, deadlines, students - anything except the happiness and joy she was experiencing on this Christmas Eve.
Coming up behind Killian, she slipped her hand into his, and the quick double-take confirmed her suspicion that something was going on. "I came to rescue, but I'm not exactly sure what I'm rescuing you from."
Killian sent her a grateful, but shy smile, reaching up to scratch behind his ear. "Well, Swan...it seems that a young lass might have a, how do you say, a crush on me."
Emma rolled her eyes, sending him a quick smile. "I'm sure there are many lasses, as you say, who have a crush on you. Just tell them you're taken."
He gave her a look as if to say, "are you daft?" before continuing to explain his problem. "Well, I tried, but I didn't wish to hurt to young lady. I thought perhaps you could talk to her."
They skated in silence for a few minutes, with Emma trying to decide how best to respond. Finally, she settled on, "I'll see what I can do."
The smile he gave her would have melted her heart, had it not already been to the point that it melted whenever he was near. He pulled her off to the side of all the skaters and into his arms. "I knew I could count on you," he whispered, leaning in to steal a quick kiss. "Hot chocolate or a race?"
She dimpled. "Race...and then hot chocolate. Mark, get set, go," she tossed out with a giggle and was off before he had time to realize her game. She enjoyed the chase but the perks of being caught by Killian were better.
Christmas Eve Service
Boston, MA
Early Evening
By the time everyone arrived back at the Home after ice skating, it was a mad rush to get everyone ready to leave again. The Sisters, having already gone to the church, had left Emma and her friends in charge of the children, and they were tasked with getting everyone ready and to the church for the 6:00pm service. Not an easy feat when the kids were hyped up on sugar from too many cookies and the anticipation of Santa's arrival, and the adults' feet were dragging from exhaustion, but somehow, they managed it. It had been Killian who had come to Emma's rescue and saved her from losing her patience with Wyatt, who was doing his level best to push all of her buttons. He had saved her, just as she had saved him earlier in the day. Balance, she thought, he balances me.
Arriving at the church, there were a lot of breathless gasps at how beautifully the church was decorated. There were numerous Christmas trees, all trimmed in various colors, many shades of garland strung all over, poinsettias and candles everywhere. When suddenly a hush came over the crowd and the organ music started, she could already feel the goosebumps start to make their appearance. She slipped her hand into Killian's, and as they stood to sing, she couldn't help but feel thankful for everything that the year had brought her. Somehow, being here and sharing everything that had made her Christmas special when she was growing up, solidified their relationship. She was assured that he was the man that had been created just for her, and her glass wasn't just half full, but filled to the brim and spilling over.
As she listened to the message of the season, one of hope and love and new beginnings, she had to wonder what the new year held for them. In the past she might have worried, but glancing at the man sitting next to her, a peace came over her and she knew that no matter what came their way, their love would see them through.
As the speaker was finishing, Emma noticed Killian starting to fidget in his seat, almost as if he were nervous about something. When he squeezed her hand and then made his way out of the pew, she assumed he was going to the men's room, and so when he disappeared behind the stage, her eyebrows went up in question. Elsa was no help, and when she glanced at Robin, he just gave her a cheeky smile as he led Roland out of their seats, also. She leaned forward and tapped Ruby on the shoulder. "What's going on?"
Ruby shrugged just as a spotlight illuminated the stage and Killian stepped into it with his guitar slung over his shoulder, strumming the first notes of a song.
"Come they told me," he sang.
And from the back of the church a voice and a drum echoed, "Pa rum pum pum pum,"
And then Killian answered, "Our new born King to see,"
Followed by the voice and the drum, "Pa rum pum pum pum."
And as the song continued, Killian would sing one line and Robin and Roland would perform the drum part, walking slowly toward the front where Killian stood.
Emma hadn't realized she had sighed until she heard, Elsa whisper, "And there go the panties, folks."
Emma bit her lip to keep from laughing out loud at Elsa's bawdy comment. "Shh, we're in church!"
Her friend's look basically said, if the shoe fits, and so she tried to focus on Roland and how adorable he was as he played the drum so solemnly. But when Killian's smooth voice rang out, her eyes automatically locked in on him, and darn if he didn't know it. As he sang the last line, he sang it to her.
"Then He smiled at me,"
And they all finished in unison, "Pa rum pum pum pum, Me and my drum."
As the music faded and the spotlight went out, leaving only candlelight, Emma stood with the rest of the congregation for a last prayer, and then it was time to leave. Killian, Robin and Roland were waiting as she slid out of the pew and into the aisle. "How long have you been planning that?"
He took her hand pulling her close. "A few weeks." His shy smile suggested there might be more to the story...but perhaps not.
"Emma," Roland wrapped his arms around her leg, "wasn't I good? Huh? Huh?"
"Very good, Roland." She ruffled his curls. "Ready to go eat?"
He dimpled, his dark eyes shining. "Granny's?"
Her wink said it all.
Group Home
Boston, MA
Evening
As soon as dinner was over and they all made it back to the Home, Sister Blue took over, and with very few words or shenanigans, all the children were in their pajamas and tucked into their beds. Emma met Ruby in the hallway after they had read bedtime stories to Maddy and Alli, and after realizing all the other children were asleep, looked over at Ruby with a shocked expression. "How does she do it?"
"I don't know," moaned Ruby, "I'm exhausted."
"There's got to be some magic involved," Emma scoffed, linking arms with Ruby and leading them toward the front room where the adults were going to enjoy some eggnog and music.
"Agreed. Eggnog?" Ruby asked as they walked by the side table where Blue had set up a tray and glasses.
Emma hummed, "Just a little. Don't let Blue know, but it was never my favorite."
Taking her glass, Emma settled on the sofa next to Killian, who seemed to be lost in thought, staring at the tree. As the lights blinked off and on, the auburn highlights in his hair and beard sparkled, bringing her attention back to his almost brooding gaze. "Killian? Are you okay?" she asked him hesitantly, worried that something was worrying him.
~~~CS~~~
The twinkling of the lights on the tree took him back to Christmases past, causing a melancholy to tap at the edges of his mind. He had just clinched his jaw when he heard Emma's sweet voice inquiring about his well-being.
"Killian? Are you okay?"
The tree lights blinked off and on, their colors mixing with the gold of her hair, creating a halo around his very own angel. Killian picked up her hand, kissing her fingers. "Aye, love. I'm fine, but better now for seeing you."
"Are you sure?"
She studied his face carefully, and not wanting to worry her, he leaned forward, giving her a simple kiss. "Positive. Now," he glanced back at the tree and the empty stockings hanging on the mantle, "I'm assuming gifts and stockings happen sometime soon?"
Emma gave him a big smile. "But, of course. In twenty to thirty minutes Blue will be giving orders just like a drill sergeant, bringing with her gifts and items for all the stockings. With all of us working together, the stockings and gifts will be completed and then she'll start strongly encouraging us all to go to bed."
Killian frowned and shook his head a little. "Bed at ten?" He leaned forward, lowering his voice an octave and whispered in her ear, "I'm sure we can find ways to entertain ourselves, if we..."
"Okay, everyone. The children are asleep. Let's go," called Blue as she wheeled out several large suitcases, filled with stocking stuffers, and started pointing the adults in the directions where all the gifts were hidden.
Killian hadn't seen Emma this animated before, but she was a sight to behold with the way she ran from one hiding place to the next. Each time she reappeared, she was holding an armful of gifts that she unceremoniously dumped on a chair before disappearing again. And every time Emma appeared and used the carry and dump method, Ruby scolded and would methodically move all the gifts under the tree. He had never seen a more chaotic mess work like a well-oiled machine as did the alumni of Sister Blue's ship. Hers was a tight one, but he had no doubt she would always be there for her girls, no matter what the circumstance.
And just like Emma said, once the gifts were piled under the tree and the stockings were stuffed, Blue started making noises about bed, because the children would be up with first light. Robin and Elsa disappeared and Blue, Ruby and Victor followed shortly after.
Emma looked up at him from her position against his shoulder. "We probably should go up too. Blue's right...the children do get up early."
Killian turned to her and cupped her face. "I have something for you first."
"Oh?" She raised her brows and leaned closer, asking, "Is it something I'll like?" against his lips.
"Maybe." He gave her a tender kiss and went to get his guitar. Pulling an ottoman close to her, Killian strummed the opening bars of the Josh Groban's song Believe.
ChiIdren sleeping, snow is softly falling
Dreams are calling like bells in the distance
We were dreamers not so long ago
But one by one we all had to grow up
As he sang that last line, his thoughts drifted to how it felt when he lost his parents and how instead of growing up, his reaction had been to run. But eventually, he had run to Boston...and to her. Emma.
When it seems the magic's slipped away
We find it all again on Christmas Day
He watched a tear trickle from the corner of her eye and cursed the fact that he didn't have an extra hand to pull her close and kiss it away, but then...she smiled. Yes, my love. You helped bring magic back into my life.
Believe in what in what your heart is saying
I love you, Emma.
I know, Killian. And I love you.
Hear the melody that's playing
I'm singing just for you.
I love when you do.
There's no time to waste
There's so much to celebrate
Believe in what you feel inside
And give your dreams the wings to fly
I'll be there with you, love.
You are my dream, Killian.
I want to make yours come true.
You already do.
You have everything you need
If you just believe
Trains move quickly to their journey's end
Our journey will never end
No?
No. Our journey will go on and on.
Destinations are where we begin again
Ships go sailing far across the sea
Trusting starlight to get where they need to be
My destination brought me to you
I had been waiting...I will always be waiting
When it seems that we have lost our way
We find ourselves again on Christmas Day
If we lose our way, I'll still be there. Find me. Feel me.
I promise. I promise.
The song continued, and with every line he sang, Killian sent messages to Emma that she received and answered back. The magic of their love mixed with the magic of Christmas and as the last line of the song faded, Killian moved aside his guitar to catch his true love in his arms. When their lips met in front of the tree, he could almost feel the magic whirling around them, making the lights twinkle brighter and the air smell sweeter.