Emma knew nothing of Killian's plan in the following days. Everything seemed normal between him and his mother, they showed no sign of having kept any compromising conversation. Their lives went back to normal and the post-it notes continued to appear in the fridge. That meant that Killian still shared his time with other inhabitants of Storybrooke. But there were some changes, though subtle, that did not go unnoticed for her. Now he added a message just for her to every text he wrote letting her know his plans.

Henry and I are going to practice sword fighting after school. Would you like to join us after your shift?

David and I are going to hang out together, but we won't be late. If you wait for me awake, I promise to make up for the time we have not been together.

Your mother has asked me to babysit Neal because everyone is busy this afternoon. But don't worry love, you continue being the first one of my list.

The smile had returned to her lips every time she read those messages. She felt much more at ease with herself and with other people after having got rid of the burden that overwhelmed her. Her heart was lighter, her mind was clearer, the clouds of jealousy had disappeared. Emma also learned to take advantage of these moments to herself. One of the first things she did was to start reading the damn novel that had managed to increase her jealousy the previous days. She was ready to give it a try.

Thanksgiving Day came almost without her noticing. That meant that, although they would be living Christmas in just over a month, she didn't have any news of Killian's plan yet. It wasn't that she had not tried to get some information. But every time she tried to wheedle some clue from him, he simply smiled and assured her that everything was under control. She would know everything soon enough, so she gave up and waited for any movement in that direction.

Her parents, as good hosts, had invited them all to pass Thanksgiving dinner in the loft, including Regina, Zelena, and baby Robin. Her mother was delighted, she really enjoyed organizing a dinner of such features, a festivity that no one had been held in conditions so far.

So here they were. Everyone sat around a table full of delicious food, ready to let go and enjoy a pleasant evening in good company. They were about to start eating when she heard as Killian cleared his throat and stood.

"Emma and I would like to announce something."

What the hell... Her eyes widened in surprise when she heard Killian's words. Emma glanced at everyone present, which in turn looked at each other in confusion. After the initial shock where an embarrassing silence reigned, everyone began to react.

"Oh! What a surprise! We didn't expect any of this." Her mother had a happy expression on her face, her bright eyes on Emma. Regina rolled her eyes and Zelena murmured while smirking, "It was about time". From there, everyone started talking at once. It seemed that they all had something to say. Everyone exposed their own conjectures, completely ignoring Killian. He, meanwhile, remained standing with a frown and his mouth shut, patiently waiting for the entire family to pay attention to him.

The only one who seemed not to react was her father. However, when he finally realized the possible significance of what was to come, he rose from his seat, facing Killian. "No, no... This shouldn't be that way. Shouldn't you have talked to me first?" His father showed his displeasure by throwing a glare towards Killian. "Oh, wait, you two didn't... she is not... I think I need a drink." David grabbed his cup and drank it all down in one go, sinking back into his seat.

She felt her cheeks blushed violently, her whole face burned with embarrassment, her gaze focused on the plate in front of her. And her mind running at full speed trying to figure out what Killian had in mind.

Gradually, the conversations were decreasing in intensity. Instead, all eyes focused back on Killian, who was still standing, his expression, a mixture of amusement and annoyance.

"Now that everyone has made their conjectures, I guess I'm allowed to continue, right? Ah! Before doing it, this has helped me in some way. When, and aye, you heard right," Killian paused , focusing his eyes on David. "When Emma and I announce whatever you all are thinking, this won't be the way we do it. I would never have imagined that all of you, distinguished members of royalty, behave like that, stealing the limelight from one of its members. I've seen drunk men in taverns behaving more properly for the occasion. This kind of announcement deserves a much more special moment."

To their credit, they seemed to assimilate Killian's scolding quite well, sporting a contrite expression. Everyone but her father, who seemed relieved somehow. Emma, on the other hand, gave Killian a look of pride, her lips curved in a wide grin, as she tilted her head slightly, encouraging him to continue.

"Well, if no one has anything else to say, I proceed to continue where I left off before the interruption. Christmas is near and, although it's not something we celebrate in our land, I know it's an important holiday in this world. Apparently, we have never had the opportunity to make the deserved celebrations." Killian paused briefly, holding her gaze and nodding in an almost imperceptible gesture. "That's why Emma and I are inviting you all to celebrate Christmas in our house."

Emma dropped her mouth and her eyes widened in disbelief. After the initial shock, she glanced sideways at her mother. She wore a small smile on her face, her cheeks slightly flushed. Snow was not looking at her but, thanks to her expression, Emma guessed her mother knew the origin of all this. So this was what Killian had in mind.

Her heart pounded in her chest as murmurs of approval began running around the table. Maybe that had not been more than a small gesture, but it meant the world to her. Her eyes filled with tears of gratitude and love for the man who was still standing in front of her. She moved her lips forming a silent thank you that Killian was able to read. He subtly nodded his head as he winked and gave her back a bright smile.

"That's cool! Can I invite Violet? Henry's voice full of enthusiasm broke the bubble that had formed between her and Killian.

"Henry, I don't think that is..." Regina began to speak but then she was cut by Killian.

"Of course, lad." As he sat back, he directed a challenging look at Regina. "Sorry love, my house, my rules."

Regina opened her mouth to reply, but she seemed to think better, because, after a deep breath, her lips pressed together as she nodded slightly.

With this, the conversation ended and everyone started eating, enjoying the good company. However, there was only room for one thought in Emma's mind. She had just one month to organize an acceptable Christmas event. Blessed the Internet, she suspected it would be her best ally.

The days passed without her noticing, too busy with her work at the station and spending time with her family. Contrary to what might seem at first, preparations for Christmas dinner had been about to drive her crazy. Emma had never acted before as a hostess at an event of this nature. The desire for everything to go well was such that it was causing her a state of nervousness that collided with the maddening calm of Killian. As the day approached, arguments between them became more frequent.

"You should be in charge of the preparations. It was your damn idea."

"You can use your magic, love."

"You want me to cook a turkey with magic?"

"I was just kidding, Swan. You should relax and enjoy the journey. Everything will be fine."

And indeed, all these discussions ended with the two of them in bed while Killian helped her relax in the best way possible. She was not going to complain about that, quite the opposite.

The last twenty-four hours were frantic, but finally, Christmas Day had arrived.

The smile did not disappear from her face in a clear sign of the happiness coursing through her veins. While Emma was in the kitchen putting the finishing touches on the dessert, her mind recalled the moments lived during dinner. Her fears and insecurities had been unfounded since the Christmas dinner had been a success. Everyone was impressed with both the decor and the food served. Against all odds, they had managed to cook a turkey moderately acceptable without resorting to her magic.

Killian should be helping her with dessert. Instead, she could see -blessed open space- that her boyfriend was too busy. He kept a chat with David and Henry as they watched Neal, who was playing on the floor.

Emma shook her head with a grin. She did not blame him. Killian had been fully involved in the preparations and had been her best support when her insecurities appeared. He had been determined to turn the dinner into something special and unforgettable. And he had handsomely succeeded, of course. That's why he deserved a little break. Moreover, this time alone allowed her to collect her thoughts. Taking a look back, she could not believe she was so jealous just a few weeks earlier. Fortunately, all that had passed and she now had a clearer mind about what she felt and how she felt about others.

This unusual calm in Storybrooke implied that she had to deal with real relationships. There was no longer any obstacle in her way. Neither villains nor curses would serve her as an excuse. Now Emma was fully aware that she really had a family, a few friends and a boyfriend who loved her and would do anything for her. It was not easy to accept this considering her backstory. But she was trying. This dinner was an overcome challenge.

"Can I help you, Emma?"

Emma winced when she heard her mother. She was so lost in thought that she had not noticed her presence. Snow was smiling, but Emma could detect a hint of guilt in her eyes, or remorse rather.

"Oh, no, go to enjoy with the others. Killian should be helping me." Her voice sounded hesitant as she avoided her mother's gaze. She feared her mother would come after her to keep some kind of deep conversation. She did not want anything to tarnish this bubble of happiness.

"Oh, I fear that he is too busy with my husband." Emma tilted her head slightly as her eyebrows went together. Had she just detected a hint of jealousy in her voice or was she just imagining things? Snow reached her and without waiting for another answer, she began to help her distribute the cake on dessert plates.

The kitchen was silent for the next few minutes. The situation was so similar to the one they had lived a few weeks ago that her heart started pounding in anticipation of what was to come. Finally, after a sigh, her mother dropped her hands on the counter and turned her head in search of her gaze.

"I'd like to talk to you, Emma. Maybe I should have done it before, but I didn't want to ruin this celebration for the world." Her mother's voice was so soft and her gaze was so tender that Emma held her breath, suddenly overwhelmed by the situation. Snow reached for her hand and placed hers over Emma's as she continued talking.

"I'm so sorry for what I said the other day. I didn't realize at the time how my words could affect you. I didn't mean to make you feel bad, Emma." Snow's gaze was full of affection and regret, her eyes bright with unshed tears. Emma's eyes also filled with tears at the unexpected confession.

"It's okay, I'm fine now." She tried to downplay it, not sure of being able to deal with this spiral of feelings that were running through her veins.

"No, it's not okay. You don't deserve that after everything you've been through." Snow paused for a second, as her hand gently stroked hers. "I know the words were not the most appropriate. But I don't want you to think for a moment that I don't regret not having spent this holidays with you, any day, actually. It's something I have to live with for the rest of my days."

When she saw the pain in her mother's eyes, when she heard her words loaded with feelings, Emma was more aware than ever of what it meant for their parents have met with a grown daughter. They had lost all the small feats of her childhood, all the smiles and tears as she grew. Instead of their baby, they found an adult woman with a broken and almost inaccessible heart.

"I know, mom." Emma placed her other hand over her mother's, her lips curled into a sympathetic smile as she held her gaze.

"I realized my mistake when Killian came to talk to me. He just told me that, since this would be your first Christmas in peace surrounded by your family, he had thought to do a special celebration in your own home. By his tone and his expression, I quickly realized the true meaning of what he was saying."

A wave of affection for her boyfriend came to her heart. He was right. He had managed to not only fix the problem but even put her closer to her mother so subtly that his role in this reconciliation could have gone unnoticed. When she thought she could not love him more than she already did...

"I wasn't having a good time these past days, to be honest. Perhaps that was the reason why it affected me more than necessary."

"Oh, honey, what's wrong?" Snow frowned with a look of concern, as she pressed her hand lightly.

"Oh, I'm fine." Emma bit her lower lip nervously, wondering if maybe it was time to trust her mother with everything that worried her. Yes, she decided. That was worth it. "It's just that those days back I felt maybe a little jealous..."

"Jealous?"

"It's something really silly. It doesn't matter. I talked to Killian and everything is fine now."

"I think I understand." Snow suddenly lowered her voice and looked over to where the boys were. "That kind of friendship between my husband and your boyfriend... oh my god, they have become inseparable." She hissed with some annoyance.

Emma's eyes widened with surprise. "Mom!"

"I mean..." Snow followed with a confident tone. "David seems not to notice it, but he sometimes calls me love. And the other day, talking to Leroy, he addressed him as mate. Can you believe it?"

"Oh my God..." That was all she could say before breaking into laughter. Her mother followed her instantly, laughter acting as a kind of catharsis to the stress experienced before. When it seemed that they had calmed enough, Emma said between chuckles, "Tell me that at least he hasn't started using the bloody word." In answer, Snow laughed again and so that her daughter.

After a few seconds, the laughter gave way to smiles, and her mother finally spoke again. This time, all worries had gone from her face. Instead, her eyes shone, showing her most prized feature. Hope. "I'm so happy that you and Killian found each other. I can't think of anyone better for my daughter. He makes you shine, gets the best out of you. And you've helped him become the man he always wanted to be."

Emma felt a lump in her throat, unable to articulate words. The whirlwind of emotions experienced in recent times had left her speechless. She could only nod as she reached her mother's hand and squeezed it in thanks.

"This reminds me of that time in the Thanksgiving dinner. Although Killian and I had already spoken, I didn't expect him to make the announcement in that way. He caught me completely by surprise and for a moment I thought... "

Just then, Emma looked askance at the boys, who were in the living room. She froze at the moment, clutching her mother's arm and causing that she could not continue talking. Her brother was standing with a smile on his tiny face and a determined gesture.

"Oh my God. I need a camera. Where's my phone?" Snow shifted nervously beside her, her eyes searching around the table.

Meanwhile, Emma wasn't able to look away from the scene that was unfolding in front of her. Her father kneeled a few feet away from his son with open arms and encouraged him to move forward. Killian, in turn, had rushed to get his cell phone and he was recording the moment. "Mom, look at it." She whispered pointing to them.

Finally, it was happening. Her brother started walking with tottering steps, trying to reach his father. And it was as if a bomb of emotions exploded inside her. She felt an immense happiness to be living this experience. She also felt hope to see Killian's face filled with utter admiration. Maybe they would be living something similar in the near future.

She could not see her mother, but she was sure her eyes reflected a mixture of love and nostalgia. But at that moment, nothing mattered. They were living her lost childhood through her brother. She was sure her parents imagined herself walking with tottering steps toward them. Even she could feel it.

While her brother took his first steps into the world, she continued to watch the rest of people. Regina sat with a stoic gesture, but she could detect a hint of regret in her eyes. Zelena, meanwhile, held her little Robin tightly, aware, no doubt, she would be living a similar scene in the upcoming months. Henry held Violet's hand as he watched his uncle.

They were living a magical moment, the perfect end to a great night. When Neal finally threw himself into his father's arms, David clasped him tightly while everyone else burst into cheers.

She then turned her attention to Killian, who was watching the phone screen with a concentrated gesture. Finally, he looked up and met her eyes. After putting the phone in the back pocket, he raised his thumb, his lips curled into a bright and proud smile.

Just then, her little brother noticed Killian. As Neal babbled his name, he raised his arms to get to him. Killian did not hesitate, immediately Neal was in his arms, laughing, fully aware that he was the center of attention.

Beside her, her mother finally came out of her trance and began to laugh. Suddenly, she stopped and opened her eyes with concern. "Tell me he has recorded it." Emma nodded. Her mother let out a sigh of relief. "Oh my god, I thought that little prince would never walk." Then Snow turned to her with a tender gesture. "You're okay with this?"

Was she? Surprisingly yes. She was happy. Very happy, indeed. "Sure, Mom, it's a great event." Emma said soothingly.

Snow nodded and gave her a soft smile. Both turned to look towards the living room. Killian held Neal as he said something in his ear. After listening, her brother glanced into the kitchen. When his eyes met his mother, he grinned and squirmed in Killian's arm, in a clear sign that he wanted to return to the ground. Killian left him on the floor and knelt beside him. He whispered again something to him as he pointed toward them. At that time, Neal started walking, directing his steps toward them.

Her mother let out a little cry when he saw her son's intentions and hurried out to meet him. Both mother and son melted in a tender embrace in the middle of the living room. Far from being jealous, Emma felt that her heart melted at the sight. She could not help looking back to Killian and move her lips forming a silent thank you that he understood perfectly. She, in turn, could read an I love you on his lips as he winked.

Snow then reached her and pulled her into the family hug. She wasted no time, taking refuge in her mother's arms while both held Neal. Never, in her wildest dreams, she thought the night would end like this. But the best was yet to come.

Killian took that moment to approach them as he pulled back his phone with the intention of taking a photo. Before doing it, he addressed her father.

"Mate, we're missing you, come here."

David grinned and walked to stand beside Emma. On the other side, her mother held Neal. In their faces, a wide smile and glances glistening with happiness. Thanks to her boyfriend, this image would be immortalized forever.

It was true. Everybody loved Killian Jones. However, there was another undeniable fact. That was, everyone loved Emma Swan as well.

Thanks for reading :)