Sorry for the late update. I had a crazy day today and didn't get time to upload this until now. Thanks for all your love and welcome new followers! Don't forget to review :)

Edit: Looks like some of the italics came out funny. All fixed now. If it happens again don't hesitate let me know.

Chapter 3

The mattress bouncing awoke Emma from her slumber. Turning her head sleepily, she found the cause of the sensation; Elizabeth was jumping up and down on the bed, clearly excited for the day's activities.

"Wake up Mommy! We gonna see fishies today!" she squealed, a wide smile plastered on her face.

"Good morning to you too, sweetie," Emma replied. She rubbed the sleep from her eyes and checked the time, the clock showing 10.30am. Looks like she definitely had a good night's sleep.

"Come on Mommy, wake up!" Elizabeth repeated, persisting with the jumping in order to force her up.

Emma just laughed at her daughter's antics. "Okay, okay. I'm up, see?" She sat herself up and pushed the covers away. "Come on then, we better get ready. You hungry?" Elizabeth nodded quickly and the two set about getting ready for the day ahead.

In truth, Emma was just as excited as Elizabeth. Last night had been everything she had hoped for and more, and she couldn't stop her heart fluttering at the thought of spending another day with Killian. She knew for sure now that she was still madly in love with him, but also felt pretty certain he felt the same way about her.

Additionally, she was overjoyed at how well he and Elizabeth seemed to get along. It wasn't that there were any grand gestures involved, but Emma could tell from the little things that he would make an amazing father, and she couldn't wish for anything better for her baby girl.

She was pulled from her thoughts by a knock at the door. Opening it, she invited Killian in before shrugging into her favourite red leather jacket and grabbing a warm cardigan for Elizabeth. When she returned, Killian arched an eyebrow.

"Still have the famous red jacket, eh Swan?" he smirked. Emma rolled her eyes. She had become somewhat known for it during their high school days.

"Yes, Killian. Hold this a sec while I get my shoes on," she replied, handing him Elizabeth's cardigan.

"I'd have thought you would have disposed of the old thing some time ago."

Emma's brows knitted slightly. "Why? You don't like it?"

Killian shook his head. "Quite the contrary, actually. It really brings out your eyes. I just hadn't though you'd have kept it this long."

Emma felt a slight blush creep up her cheeks. "Well, it's not that worn out. I mean I haven't worn it since..." She trailed off as she thought back to the day Killian had had to leave. Catching on, Killian didn't say anything either. Before either could dwell on it too much, though, Elizabeth came running out.

"Killy! Time to see fishies?" she asked hopefully.

"Aye, little lass. It is," he replied with a smile, crouching down to help her into her cardigan and shoes. "Come on then, off we go. That is, if your mother is ready."

Emma rolled her eyes again and muttered a "shut up" as she grabbed her bag.

"Language, Swan," Killian responded playfully, earning a light shove. He picked up Elizabeth again and the three made their way to car and drove to the aquarium.

Once parked, Killian directed them towards the aquarium building. Seeing the enormous line to get in, Emma frowned. "Wow, we're going to be waiting here for a long time."

Killian simply smiled. "Fear not, love. We go in that way." He gestured to a much shorter queue next to the long one. "I already bought our tickets online. I had an inkling the queue here would be quite long considering we're in peak summer time," he elaborated, upon Emma's confused look.

"Oh... Wait, what?"

"That's the online bookings queue."

"No. I mean you already bought the tickets? Killian, you shouldn't have paid for us," Emma protested.

Killian gave her a look. "Honestly? You're going to argue with me over a few quid?"

"But-"

"No buts, Swan. Now come on, else we'll miss our slot." Emma relented with a huff and the trio were inside the aquarium within minutes. The moment they walked in, Elizabeth's eyes widened and jaw dropped in wonder.

"So many fishies!" she exclaimed. The two adults simply chuckled and happily followed the three year old as she toddled from tank to tank.

At each tank, Killian would tell Elizabeth about the different fish animatedly and Emma would smile in content, watching as the little girl gushed. Sometimes she would get involved in the conversations as well, but at other times she would simply watch them from a slight distance, occasionally taking a photograph.

"This one is a clownfish," Killian explained as they approached another tank.

"Clownfish? But it not funny." Elizabeth's face scrunched up into an adorable frown and Killian laughed that deep, throaty laugh Emma loved so much.

"You're right. It's not funny, but that's what it's called."

"That's a silly name," Elizabeth insisted.

"Then what would you call it?" Killian asked.

Elizabeth looked at the fish thoughtfully before looking back at Killian, who was crouched beside her. "I call it stwipy fish," she replied with a proud smile. Killian laughed again.

"Alright then. That's what we'll call it." He carried on telling Elizabeth about the remaining fish, lifting her up if the tank was too high or crouching down if he was too tall.

Emma's heart melted as she watched father and daughter bond. Father and daughter she thought, guilt suddenly claiming her as she was once again reminded that she still hadn't told Killian. She knew she had to - it was his right to know - and after seeing him today she was pretty sure he wouldn't up and leave when he found out. Still, she couldn't shake the fear that she might be wrong, and so she pushed the inevitable away for a while longer, reasoning that a day was far too soon to be breaking such big news to him.

At the shark tank (they had skipped it downstairs on Killian's insistence that upstairs would be less crowded), Elizabeth recoiled slightly as a particularly menacing one swam past closely. "That was scawy!" she said, grabbing on tightly to Killian's arm.

"It's okay, lass. They can't get you through the glass," he reassured her. She stared at him for a moment, before deciding he was right and moving back to stand right up against the massive window, hands and faced pressed against the glass. Killian took a step back as Elizabeth watched the variety of sharks swim by.

"She really love's this, Killian. Thank you," Emma said. Killian turned to face her.

"No thanks needed, love. I'm glad she's enjoying herself." He smiled warmly at her, the look in his eyes making her stomach flip.

"Seriously though, you've barely known her a day and you're doing so much-"

"Love, I may not know her, but I certainly know you, and any daughter of yours deserves only the best. Besides, she's a very intelligent and loveable girl, and you told me about her yesterday - I feel like I've known her her whole life."

Emma swallowed thickly. It's because she's your daughter she found herself wanting to say, but the words stayed stuck in her throat. Instead, she just smiled back at him and turned her attention back to watching Elizabeth and the sharks.

The rest of the afternoon preceded in much the same, with Elizabeth listening attentively to everything Killian was telling her. Once they had seen all the marine animals, they headed to a local cafe for lunch - where Killian paid before Emma could get a word in edgewise - and then back to Killian's house as they had promised Elizabeth the day before.

A few hours later, they were all comfortably sitting on the living room sofa, watching one of Elizabeth's favourite cartoons. Seeing it was almost 6.30, Killian asked, "What do you say we get a take away for dinner?"

Emma hummed as he handed her some leaflets. "Sure, why not, but I'm paying."

Killian looked at her incredulously. "Swan, you are in my house and therefore my guest. You are not paying."

"Yes I am. You paid for the tickets today as well as lunch and even bought Elizabeth a stuffed shark. I'm not letting you pay for dinner too," she argued back.

"Emma, darling, I assure you it's no problem. I can't very well allow you to pay while you are in my house. That's final."

Emma sighed exasperatedly. "Then we're going out for dinner. You're not paying, and that's final."

"Don't be ridiculous, love. You are in a foreign country. This is my home town and-"

"You're forgetting I'm a princess, Killian! I can more than afford to look after myself and Elizabeth for the whole time I'm here and then some."

"I wasn't suggesting you couldn't. Bloody hell woman, you really are as stubborn as I remember."

"Yes, I am. So what's it going to be? Are you letting me pay for take-out or are we going out for dinner?"

Killian sighed. There was no way he was going to win this argument. He was about to insist that he could be just as stubborn and force them to go out, but then glanced over at Elizabeth excitedly looking through his DVD collection for a movie to watch, and relented.

"Fine, you pay. But know that the only reason we're not going out is so Elizabeth can watch her movie."

Emma was momentarily speechless. She was one hundred percent sure he was going to make them go out, but that he had put aside his pride and stubbornness for her - their - daughter made her heart squeeze in delight. She beamed. "Good, it's settled then. So, what do you want to eat?"

"I believe I should be the one asking you that." Emma rolled her eyes.

"Anything that's not Chinese. Tell me what's best and we'll get it."

They ended up ordering pizza and settled back in front of the TV to watch The Lion King as they ate. It was one of Elizabeth's favourites, and Killian would be lying if he said it wasn't one of his favourites too.

After the movie ended, Killian drove the two girls back to their hotel. Elizabeth was already fast asleep when they arrived, so Killian carried her up to the room and Emma let him tuck Elizabeth in. They made their way back to the door as Killian prepared to leave.

"Thanks again, Killian. For today, and also for tucking her in. It was really sweet."

Emma smiled and Killian returned it. "As I said before, love, no thanks necessary." He paused a moment before continuing. "So, how about we do something tomorrow as well? The weather is supposed to be nice so perhaps a walk in the park. I have to be at the docks in the morning, but I'll be back around 2ish."

"Sounds perfect," Emma replied. They said their goodbyes and Killian left, a stupid grin on his face at the thought of seeing his Swan again tomorrow.

~CS~

The next day three of them were trekking through the park, Elizabeth trotting off ahead with Emma and Killian walking behind.

"Slow down, sweetie," Emma called out as Elizabeth ran towards the climbing frame. She ran anyway, in order to get to the slide before another kid, and Emma just rolled her eyes as she and Killian sat down on a bench.

"So, how long are you here for, Swan?" Killian asked.

"I don't know," she replied. "After Neal died I just sort of drowned myself with work and looking after Elizabeth, convinced I was never going to find permanent love. My parents insist I shouldn't give up, give myself another chance and all that, but I don't know. They sent me out here on Tuesday, telling me a change of scenery would do me some good, so I booked the hotel room for two weeks, but I'll probably stay here until I feel ready to go back.

Killian hummed. "I see." He contemplated on what she had said and spoke again tentatively. "They're right, you know. You can't give up on love due to a couple of unpredictable circumstances taking it away from you the previous times."

Emma narrowed her eyes dangerously, suddenly very defensive. "Oh yeah? I don't see you moving on, Jones," she snapped.

Killian was taken aback slightly, his own tone now defensive. "Look, Swan, my priorities changed. I focused on my education and on getting a good job, deciding to move on when I had everything else sorted. I didn't just give up on love altogether."

"Looks like the same thing me."

"Well, it's not."

"If it's not then when are you planning on moving on? You've got a good job, a lot of money, a business - what's holding you back now?" she challenged.

Killian gritted his teeth. "Maybe I'm just looking for the right person."

"Yeah, right," Emma scoffed. "You've given up just as much as I have."

"Not true, Swan."

"Then tell me, when was the last time you even considered asking someone out?"

"None of your business."

"You just made it my business."

"Back off, Swan. I'm not discussing my love life with you!"

"That's because you have no love life to discuss!"

This silenced Killian. He averted his eyes from Emma's all too knowing gaze and let out a humourless laugh. "Fine. You're right. Are you happy now?" he snapped, turning away from her.

Suddenly, Emma felt guilt swelling in her chest. All he had been trying to do was help her through her grief and she had snapped at him for it, essentially yelling at him for not being able to move on from her. Her expression turned to one of shame.

"I... I'm sorry, Killian," she stuttered. "you were only trying to help and I shouldn't have lashed out like that. I'm really sorry."

Killian let out a long breath to calm himself before looking back at her. "You're forgiven. So, what are planning on doing during your stay?" he asked, reverting back to their original conversation.

"I don't know. I was only here a few days before bumping into you, so all I've done is some shopping and came down here for Elizabeth to play."

Killian gave her a winning smile. "In that case, as long as you are here I make it my job to keep you and the little lass entertained."

Emma's jaw dropped slightly. "No, Killian, you don't-"

"Nonsense, Swan. You're in my city, therefore it is my duty to ensure you make the most of it."

"But what about your work?"

"I believe evenings and weekends are off, love," he smirked.

"Killian-"

"Would you for once allow someone else to take care of you without causing a big fuss?" He raised his eyebrow as a challenge and Emma sighed in defeat.

"Fine. You win."

"Good," he beamed. "What do you want to do you want to do tonight?"

The two talked and laughed while making plans for the rest of the afternoon, occasionally being interrupted by Elizabeth wanting to show them something. They ended up staying in the park until the evening and went out for dinner before Killian dropped them back to the hotel again, just like the previous two nights.

The remainder of the week was fairly similar. Most evenings were spent at Killian's house, with the adults cooking dinner while Elizabeth busied herself with some toys Killian had bought for her or one of her cartoons. Then they would eat together - usually in front ot the TV - and the three would either have a toy car race on Elizabeth's insistence, or Killian would bring out his old foam swords which he and Elizabeth would use to duel. Elizabeth always won of course, Killian throwing the fight and dying dramatically when she would tackle him to the ground and stab him to claim victory.

Some evenings they headed out to the park first for a short while to get some fresh air, and on Wednesday they ate in the garden as the weather had turned out to be warmer than expected. All in all, Emma was enjoying herself more than she had done in a long time, and as Killian dropped them back to the hotel that Friday and tucked Elizabeth in, she couldn't keep the smile off her face.

Once again, they found themselves standing in the doorway as Killian bid her goodnight. "Thanks, Killian," Emma beamed, her eyes shining with happiness.

Killian rolled his eyes. "Love, I'm not going to tell you again. Stop thanking me."

"Okay, okay I won't," Emma conceded.

Killian smiled back at her. "Good." Their eyes locked as they stood there, but neither of them were willing to look away. Emma bit her lip as Killian's tongue darted out to wet his, and her heartbeat quickened as he slowly leaned in to capture her lips in a soft kiss. Suddenly he was pulling away, leaving Emma confused.

"Are you okay," she asked, slightly hurt that he had broken the kiss so abruptly. She couldn't understand why, though, and a million worst case scenarios raced through her head. Killian's eyes were downcast as he answered.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that. It wasn't right. I only found out about Neal last week and I'm already... I don't want you to think I'm taking advantage-"

Emma cut off his rambling with a kiss of her own. Relief flooded through her as she realised why he had pulled away. When she broke their kiss, Killian looked at her with confusion and she smiled.

"Killian, it's okay. I told you I didn't love Neal like that and I'm over him now."

Killian grinned back at her and his hand moved behind his right ear to the spot he scratched when he was nervous. "Then would you mind if... I mean, would you... go on a date with me?" he asked hopefully.

"I'd love to," Emma replied shyly. Her heart was fluttering as her stomach flipped nervously, and suddenly she felt fifteen again. After a moment's thought, she added, "What about Elizabeth?"

"She'd be with us, of course. I know this place which has a small play area for children with people there to watch over them. I've been there before with my friend Robin, who also happens to have a small son. Elizabeth could have dinner with us and then we could just talk while she plays."

Emma beamed. She couldn't believe how well he'd thought the whole thing through in a matter of seconds. "Then, yes. It's a date."

They kissed again, this time with more passion, and both of them felt lighter than they had in years. It felt so familiar and so right, and Emma swore she could see fireworks.

When they broke apart, Killian gave her one last peck on lips before exiting the room, feeling dazed as he made his way back to his car. He was almost jumping for joy at the thought of Emma being his again, and he was pretty certain he already loved Elizabeth like a daughter too.

Emma was in a similar daze as she fell into bed. She couldn't keep the smile off her face as she thought of going on a date with Killian again. Maybe they were going to be a family after all.