So, it didn't take a whole week :) But I was SO EXCITED about this chapter, and I already knew how I wanted it to go (and I may have used this as an excuse to procrastinate on school work). But anyways, I know you've all been looking forward to Emma and Nick meeting, and I hope it meets y'all's expectations :) :)
"Hold still, Anna Elizabeth. I have to put your hair in a ponytail," Killian told his niece.
"I don't want my hair in a ponytail, Uncle Killian," Anna Elizabeth pointed out with crossed arms.
"I know, love. But if you don't, your hair will get in your face while you're trying to cheer," Killian explained.
Anna Elizabeth uncrossed her arms and planted them on her hips as she conceded, "Fine, Uncle Killian." Killian rolled his eyes as he caught that touch of sarcasm that he knew his niece had picked up from him.
Once she stood still long enough for Killian to fix her hair, she then ran off to her room to grab her white tennis shoes and blue pom poms.
Killian then turned his attention to his wife who had been pacing around the living room.
"Emma, love, come sit down."
The blonde turned to look at her husband as she stopped pacing. She sighed as she sat down beside Killian, who started rubbing her back soothingly.
"I know you're worried about meeting Nick, Swan, but I don't think you have reason to be. He wants to meet you, love. He agreed to meet all of us and to come to this game, love – he is obviously serious about being a part of your life. I promise it'll be fine."
"I know you're right. It's just surreal because I'm actually going to meet him," Emma replied.
Before Killian could say anything back, Anna Elizabeth ran back into the living room and exclaimed, "I'm ready to go cheer!"
"Alright, love. Come on, then," Killian said as he and Emma rose from the couch.
Just as they were on their way to the door, there was a knock at it.
Killian turned to Emma as he said, "That must be Nick. He did say he would meet us here, love."
Emma took a deep breath as she said, "I know. I'll get it."
"It's Aunt Emma's daddy!" Anna Elizabeth exclaimed.
Emma nodded as she went to open the door. As she did, she was met with that same kind smile and light hazel eyes. They both stood in silence for several moments, studying each other, before Nick said, "It's so nice to see you in person, Emma," as his smile grew wider, putting Emma at ease.
"You too, Nick," Emma said, matching his smile.
As Nick pulled Emma in for a tentative hug, she hadn't realized how much she had been longing to be in her father's arms. She then wrapped her arms tighter around him as they both settled comfortably into the embrace.
When they pulled away, both trying to hold back emotions, Emma said, "Let me introduce you," as she turned to Killian and Anna Elizabeth.
"So, this is my husband, Killian," Emma said. Killian then stuck out his hand and shook Nick's as Killian said, "It's nice to meet you, mate."
"You too, Killian," Nick began seriously before he teased, "I guess I'm a little late on the overprotective father speech," with a grin.
Both Emma and Killian laughed before Nick bent down to Anna Elizabeth and said, "And that must make you Anna Elizabeth. Your Aunt Emma told me a lot about you."
"She did?" Anna Elizabeth questioned.
"Yup. She told me all about her family – I was very excited to meet all of you."
Anna Elizabeth's smile grew extremely bright as she asked, "So, does that mean you're excited to be Aunt Emma's daddy?"
"I am very excited to be your Aunt Emma's daddy," Nick answered as he shot a look up at Emma letting her know his answer wasn't just for Anna Elizabeth's benefit.
Anna Elizabeth then asked, "So, if Aunt Emma is my aunt, and you're her daddy, what does that make you?"
Nick looked as if he had to think of an answer before he said, "Hmm. Well, I think it means I'm your uncle."
"So, is it okay if I call you Uncle Nick?" Anna Elizabeth questioned.
"It is more than okay. I think it'd pretty awesome," Nick told her, making the little girl's smile even brighter before he rose back to his feet.
Killian then said, "Alright, Anna Elizabeth. Let's go get in the truck, love," as he took his niece by the hand.
Emma then turned her attention to Nick as she said, "Thanks for that – this whole situation has been confusing for Anna Elizabeth."
"No problem," Nick began before his tone turned serious, "And I really did mean what I said to her. I know it'll take some time to get used to the idea, but I am very much looking forward to being your father, Emma."
Emma smiled at him as she began, "I am too, Nick." As she looked to where her husband and niece were waiting for her, she continued, "So, let's go watch seven and eight year olds play football, and you can meet the rest of my family."
Nick nodded and smiled in response before he headed toward his vehicle.
When they arrived at the high school football field, Anna Elizabeth immediately saw the other cheerleaders with the coach, and exclaimed, "Uncle Killian, Aunt Emma, I have to go over there!" as she pointed with the hand that wasn't holding Killian's.
"Alright, love. Good luck and have fun," Killian told her as he let go of her hand. Emma echoed his words before the small blonde sprinted across the field.
"I think I see why she wanted to be a cheerleader," Nick commented as he chuckled.
"Yeah – she has always been an extremely energetic child," Killian agreed as he chuckled as well.
Emma laughed as well before she saw Mary Margaret waving at her. As the blonde looked over at the bleachers, she observed, "I think everyone is already here."
"Well, let's go join them, love," Killian said as he and Emma entwined their fingers and began walking toward the bleachers with Nick right behind him.
The moment that Killian, Emma, and Nick arrived at the bleachers, Emma said, "Hey guys, I want you all to meet Nick – my… father."
Nick then said, "Emma told me about all of you over email, but I think it'll be better if you all just tell me your names at the risk of me looking like an idiot."
Everyone laughed at this before David spoke up, "I'm Emma's older brother, David."
"And I'm David's wife, Mary Margaret," Mary Margaret began before she gestured toward the kids and said, "And this is Evie and Jamie."
Evie quickly waved with a bright smile before turning her attention back to the field, while Jamie asked, "Do you like baseball, Nick?"
"Dude, who doesn't like baseball?" Nick answered.
"Aunt Emma said you live in New York. Do you root for the Yankees or the Mets?"
"The Mets – no contest," Nick answered with a grin.
Jamie returned it and said, "He's cool, Aunt Emma."
Everyone chuckled before Regina said, "I'm Regina – Emma's longtime friend who is more like her older, wiser sister."
"And by wiser, she means straightforward and blunt," Emma added.
Everyone shook their heads as they tried to hold back a laugh before Robin began, "And I'm Robin, Regina's fiancé," before he gestured to the dark, curly haired boy beside him, "And this is my son, Roland." As Robin tried to ruffle the 11-year old's hair, Roland moved away and groaned, "Daad."
"It's great to meet all of you," Nick began with a smile before he continued, "Now, I think we all have a cheerleader to watch."
Nick, Emma, and Killian then settled on the bleachers.
About halfway through the game – of which Anna Elizabeth hadn't sat down, even during the breaks – everyone heard the small blonde distinctly yell, "Go Zachary!" for about the fourth time.
Killian then obliviously asked Emma, "Love, why does Anna Elizabeth keep yelling that lad's name?"
Emma cast Regina and Mary Margaret a knowing look before she began to answer. However, Regina chimed in sassily, "She obviously has a crush on him," with an eye roll.
Killian's eyes widened as he repeated, "A crush?"
"Kids have crushes, Killian. It's normal," Emma told him.
"She's only seven-years old – she can't have a crush," Killian adamantly opposed.
"Well, she does. And she has for a month, now," Emma pointed out.
"And you're just now telling me?" Killian offensively questioned.
"I didn't tell you because I knew you would overreact. If you're this freaked out now, what are you going to do when she's in high school?" Emma defended.
Killian said, "Perhaps we should save this conversation until she's in high school."
Emma rolled her eyes before she said, "She's probably going to have lots of crushes between now and then, Killian."
Killian narrowed his eyes at her just before David came to his brother-in-law's defense, "Cut him some slack, Emma. No father wants to think about their little girl liking boys. Trust me, I know," as he looked over in Evie's direction.
"And just think, Emma could be carrying another little girl to be overprotective about," Mary Margaret added.
"Speaking of which, when will you find out, Emma?" Nick asked.
"In two more weeks," Emma replied with a giddy smile as she placed a hand on her small, but distinctly rounded baby bump.
"Well, I think another girl would be wonderful," Mary Margaret said.
"You just want to an excuse to buy every pink baby item," Regina pointed out.
"Can you blame me? This is Emma and Killian's first baby," Mary Margaret defended.
"Well, I want Aunt Emma to have a boy," Jamie chimed in.
"Why is that?" David asked.
"So I can teach someone how to play baseball and basketball – girls don't like sports," Jamie answered.
"Now, Jamie, you know that isn't true – some girls like sports and are very good at them," Mary Margaret told him.
"Well, Evie and Anna Elizabeth don't," Jamie said.
At hearing her name, Evie turned around and asked, "What, Jamie?"
"I didn't call your name, Evie," Jamie said.
"But you said my name. Did you say something mean?" Evie demanded.
Before Jamie could give her an answer, David explained, "No, sweetie, he didn't. He was saying that he hopes that Aunt Emma's baby is a boy so he can have someone to play sports with because you and Anna Elizabeth don't like sports."
"Ohh, ok," Evie said before she asked, "Daddy, I'm thirsty. Can I go get something to drink?"
"Yes, sweetheart. Jamie will go with you," David told her.
Jamie then complained, "Dad, do I have to? Can't she walk by herself?" as he crossed his arms.
"Just go, Jamie. I know you're probably thirsty, too," David said.
Jamie was about to roll his eyes, but thought better of it as he conceded, "Fine," as he stood up.
Roland then asked Robin, "Can I go, Dad?"
Robin thought for a moment before he answered, "Sure, lad," as he handed his son some money.
All three kids then started off to the concession stand. As soon as they got off the bleachers, Jamie and Roland purposefully started running way ahead of Evie.
David shook his head at the sight as he said to Emma and Killian, "See what you two have to look forward to in a few years?"
Killian and Emma chuckled before Emma asked, "Do you think it'll be that bad since there'll be eight years between them?"
"If the baby takes after his or her father, there's no doubt of how bad it'll be," Regina quipped.
"Well, perhaps we should worry about Roland taking after his wicked stepmother," Killian supplied.
Everyone else rolled their eyes as Emma teased, "And here I thought you two actually becoming friends. I guess I spoke too soon," making everyone laugh, even Regina and Killian.
A thought then crossed her mind as she turned to Nick, who she was a bit surprised to see was laughing as well.
Emma then commented, "Most people would be off-put by those two and the never-ending sass battle. Which is only magnified by the fact that they're both sarcastic in nature."
Nick replied, "Well, you're right – most people probably would be. But my brother, Adam, is one of the most sarcastic people I know. It used to bother Vikki and I as teenagers, but then we got used to it. Now we just laugh off his comments – it seems that you all do the same."
"Yeah, well, after seven years, there's not much else you can do," Emma chuckled as she answered.
She and Nick both then turned their attention back to the game, along with everyone else, just as Jamie, Evie, and Roland came back from the concession stand.
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After the game was over and everyone had said their goodbyes after lunch at Granny's, Emma told Killian, "So, Nick and I are going to the park. I'm not sure how long we'll be."
"It's alright, love. You two have a lot to talk about. I'll see you at home later, love," Killian said before giving her a quick, but sweet kiss before taking Anna Elizabeth by the hand and taking her to the truck.
As Nick and Emma started walking, Nick commented, "You have a great family, Emma. I'm really glad I agreed to meet them."
"I am, too. And thank you for that, by the way – part of me felt like I was asking a lot," Emma admitted.
"Of course it wasn't asking too much. I can see how important they all are to you and how much you love them, and I wouldn't have met you any other way," Nick assured her.
Emma smiled before it slightly faded as she bemused, "If only it hadn't taken me so long to realize all of that."
"What do you mean?" Nick asked.
Emma sighed as she said, "It's quite a long story."
Nick sat down on a bench and motioned for Emma to join him as he said, "I'm all ears."
Emma grinned and sat down beside him, taking a deep breath as she began, "Well, as you already know, I was brought up in the foster care system. I never stayed at one place longer than a few months – either they didn't want me or I ran away. And one night, when I was 14, I ran away from my foster home that was in the next town over – it's about twenty minutes away from here. When I got to Storybrooke, I made a beeline for the first nice-looking house that I saw. I snuck in and was going to sleep on a couch that was in the garage. Unfortunately, the mother and son who lived in the house were light sleepers, so I was caught. The plan was to take me straight back to my foster home, but somewhere between feeding me and letting me stay the night, Ruth decided to be my foster mother. A few months after that, she decided to adopt me," the blonde stopped for a minute because the emotions were starting to get to her.
Nick then supplied, "So, you said mother and son. I take it that David was the son?"
Emma nodded as she wiped her eyes before Nick carefully began, "So…"
The blonde caught on immediately, "Ruth raised David by herself. David's father, and David's twin brother, James, were killed in a car accident by a drunk driver when David was only six."
"That's terrible," Nick said.
"It was – when David got older, he felt like he needed to step up and take care of Ruth. It's why he's so protective over everyone he loves. He has always been that way with me – even before I was adopted."
"He seems like a great brother – I can see how close you two are," Nick commented.
"Yeah, he is an amazing brother. Even after all this time, sometimes I still can't believe how lucky I am," Emma said.
Nick smiled at that before he said, "So, I heard Regina mention something about David and Mary Margaret being high school sweethearts?"
"Yeah, I met both Mary Margaret and Regina through David. Both in the same day, actually. It was actually kind of funny – Elsa warned me that Mary Margaret was a step below Anna in terms of optimism," Emma said, smiling at the memory.
Nick then asked, "Who are Elsa and Anna?"
Emma was taken from her thoughts as she apologized, "Oh god – I'm sorry. Elsa was in my first class when I was enrolled at Storybrooke High, and we instantly became friends, and Anna is Elsa's younger sister. Elsa and I were really close."
"Were?" Nick questioned.
"Uh, yeah," Emma began before taking another deep breath as she explained, "She and her husband were killed in a car accident three years ago."
"I'm so sorry, Emma," Nick said before reaching for Emma's hand.
Emma squeezed Nick's hand in return before she said, "Thank you, but I'm okay now. Especially since I'll always have a part of her in Anna Elizabeth – Elsa was married to Killian's brother, Liam."
Nick nodded before he asked, "So, why were you and Killian specifically chosen as Anna Elizabeth's godparents?"
"It was actually just Killian – we weren't together at the time," Emma began before she continued, "Liam and Elsa chose Killian because he had settled here in Storybrooke. Killian's sister, Belle, lives in New York, and Anna lives overseas with her husband, Kristoff. Neither one of their parents were alive."
Nick nodded in understanding before he surmised, "So, being married to Killian makes you Anna Elizabeth's legal guardian as well."
"Yes, but shortly after Killian and I were married, I went ahead and officially adopted Anna Elizabeth," Emma explained before a slight smile enveloped her features, "You know, Elsa probably couldn't have planned it any more perfectly than if she had herself – me helping to raise her daughter. I guess it's sort of like a fortunate accident that Killian and I ended up together."
"I think the word you're looking for is "serendipity." They made a whole movie out of it, you know," Nick pointed out.
Emma couldn't help but giggle as she said, "I wouldn't have pictured you for the romantic comedy type."
"Well, I'm not. But my wife, Sage, was – she made me watch all those movies with her," Nick admitted.
"Yeah, well, Killian lucked out on the front. The only romantic movie I like is the Princess Bride," Emma told him.
Nick smiled before he asked, "Speaking of romance, how exactly did you and Killian end up together?"
"It actually took a long time," Emma began before taking another deep breath, "My dream job was to be a cop in a big city – like New York or Boston. So, after I graduated high school, I worked as David's deputy. A year and a half later, a job opened up with the Boston Police Department. So, I packed everything and moved up there. Shortly after, I met this guy who owned the coffee shop I went by every morning. His name was Neal. We started dating a few months later. A year after that, he proposed." Emma paused to give Nick time to digest and to gauge his reaction.
After a moment, he surmised, "I'm guessing that it didn't work out."
"No, it didn't. Three months before the wedding, Neal vanished without a trace and no real explanation. It turns out the money he had used to buy the coffee shop was money he had gotten by selling stolen Rolex watches, and I was the one who arrested him."
At that, Nick's eyebrows furrowed before he unfurrowed them and observed, "You aren't bitter about it – you've forgiven him."
"I forgave him a long time ago. Neal accepted full responsibility for his actions and for how badly he had hurt me. I figured out that harboring those feelings of betrayal and anger only hurt me," Emma told him.
"But I'm guessing it made it hard to trust anyone with your heart again," Nick surmised, as he began to see the pieces fit together.
"It did. It may not seem like it now, but I was someone who didn't let anyone in easily, who had miles of walls around my heart, and who was wary of trusting people. All that was a culmination of everything I had been through in foster care, and it only got worse after Neal.
After our break-up, I moved back here. My plan was to only stay here six months to a year – I felt like Boston was my home. Shortly after I moved back, I met Killian. He had recently moved to town to help Liam with his business since Elsa found out she was pregnant – it hadn't been that long since Killian's girlfriend broke up with him after she didn't want to settle down. So, anyways, Killian and I became really close – we understand each other perfectly. At the risk of sounding cliché, we were – are – kindred spirits. We were best friends, and we never thought it would become anything more than that.
Somewhere in those four years, however, it was made evident to everyone that Killian and I had feelings for each other, and they pointed it out to us. But it wasn't as if they were trying to force it – they were right, but Killian and I couldn't see it. At least not at first. But then, things starting changing, and as I soon I realized my feelings, I wanted to run. This was only amplified by the fact that Killian wears his heart on his sleeve and told me he was falling in love with me. So, when a job opportunity came back up in Boston, I couldn't get out of here fast enough. However, I was only in Boston for two months when I realized that everything I wanted was here in Storybrooke – my family, friends, and the man I loved. I was tired of running, so I came home," Emma finished with tears in her eyes.
They sat in silence for a few minutes, with Emma composing herself and Nick digesting information before he looked at Emma with a proud smile, which made her question, "What?"
"Emma, you are an amazing woman. Everything you've been through has only made you stronger and more resilient. You were able to open yourself up to love and to be loved after being hurt so many times – which takes an incredible amount of courage that most people probably don't realize. I can imagine what it took for you to want to find me, and I'm so glad you did. Because I couldn't be happier to have met you, and I am so proud to call you my daughter," Nick told her, with his hazel eyes shining in sincerity.
At that point, the tears were freely flowing from Emma's green eyes, and Nick pulled her in for a hug.
As Emma buried her head in his neck, she felt that same feeling she feels when she has lunch with Mary Margaret and Regina.
When she is watching Jamie and Roland play baseball while Robin coaches them.
When she agrees to play princesses with Evie and Anna Elizabeth.
When David makes a lame joke while they're on patrol.
When Killian wraps his arms around her after a stressful day.
When she and Belle talk about their favorite books.
When she places a hand on her stomach and thinks of the life she is carrying.
That feeling is home.
As they pulled away, and Emma wiped her eyes, she said, "I don't think I can blame the pregnancy hormones this time," as she laughed slightly.
"Well, if you can, then I must have a serious problem," Nick joked as he wiped a few tears from his own eyes.
Emma laughed before she said, "Well, now it's your turn. What do I need to know about Nick Newman?"
"My life hasn't been all that interesting," Nick said.
"Seriously? Newman Enterprises is one of the biggest companies in the world – your family is practically royalty," Emma pointed out.
"So, I guess that would make you practically a princess," Nick teased.
Emma rolled her eyes as she pleaded, "Please don't tell my nieces that. They already think I look like Rapunzel, and now that they know I was adopted, it ties in to that whole lost princess thing."
Nick laughed before he held up two fingers and said, "Scouts' honor."
Emma smiled before she eased back to what she wanted to know, "So, your family?"
Nick smiled back at her before he began, "Well, you already know about Victoria and Adam – Victoria is the oldest, and Adam is younger. We also have another sister – the youngest – whose name is Abby. She is currently taking the fashion world by storm in Milan on behalf of Newman. Adam heads up a division in Kansas with Chelsea's help – she also works in fashion."
"And you co-own a sports bar and grill. Are you just the black sheep of the family or something?" Emma questioned.
Nick chuckled at her wording before he answered, "I actually did work alongside my dad, brother, and sisters at Newman Enterprises after I moved back to New York when Sharon and I split up. I liked working with my family, and I was great at my job, but I didn't feel suited for the corporate life. When I met and married Sage, she could sense I was unhappy, and she helped me break away from the family company. She had managing experience as well a degree from culinary school, and we opened a small restaurant. To say my dad was upset is putting it lightly – he has quite the temper. He blamed Sage, and it was really rocky there for a few years. That was only made worse by the fact that Sage and I found out she wasn't able to have kids. Eventually, however – thanks to my mom, who I swear is an actual saint – he saw the error of his ways, and we forgave each other. Now, we're in a really good place."
"Were you two getting along when Sage passed away?" Emma asked carefully.
"Yes – Noah and I wouldn't have made it through without them. Despite their support, however, it was still hard being around everything that reminded us of her. So, that's when we moved to Nebraska, and I think you know the rest," Nick finished.
Emma nodded before she asked, "You work with Victoria's husband, right?"
"Yes, I always wind right back working with my family," Nick began before continued, "which isn't a bad thing, but it can be a bit much sometimes."
"Especially if you're a lot alike," Emma agreed before she observed, "It's uncanny how many traits David and I share – you would think we're biologically related."
"Maybe that's why it was easy for him to be protective over you when you first moved here and why you get along so well," Nick surmised.
"We get along most of the time. One of the traits we share is stubbornness, which isn't good when we're both set on doing or not doing something," Emma admitted.
"Well, you got the stubbornness from me – which I got from my father. Which means that trait will probably get passed down to the baby," Nick told her.
"Yeah. Boy or girl – this baby will probably be stubborn. I hope Killian doesn't mind having a houseful of stubborn people," Emma laughed as she spoke before she bemused, "Although Killian can pretty stubborn himself."
"I couldn't help but pick up on that with both him and Anna Elizabeth," Nick began before he questioned, "Does she take after her mother or father more?"
"Oh, Liam – definitely. She may look like Elsa, but there's no questioning that she is Liam's daughter," Emma answered while smiling before she said, "And now, she's gradually picking up Killian's sarcasm. Which will be a nightmare when she's a teenager."
"You still have quite a few more years left to go," Nick reassured her.
"Yeah, I do. You know, I give Killian grief about not wanting Anna Elizabeth to grow up, but I'm not sure I want her to either. And the older she gets, the more she looks like her mom, and I just wish Elsa was here to see it."
"I feel the same way about Sage. Especially since Noah just bought an engagement ring for his girlfriend, Courtney, and I keep waiting to hear the good news. But it gives me comfort to know that's she's looking down and is so proud of Noah," Nick confessed.
"That's what Killian and I tell Anna Elizabeth about her parents, and I think part of that is for our sake as well," Emma told him.
Nick smiled sadly as he nodded in understanding. They sat in comfortable silence for a few minutes when Emma unsuccessfully tried to stifle a yawn.
Nick couldn't help but grin as she said, "Is the mother-to-be tired?"
"Yeah, especially since this mother-to-be is already a mother to a seven-year-old with an unexplainable amount of energy and excitement for the game that kept her way past her normal bedtime, and had her up at the crack of dawn," Emma groaned.
Nick laughed at that before he turned more serious, "But I don't think you would have it any other way."
"I knew how my life would change the moment I agreed to marry Killian – I was already helping him raise Anna Elizabeth as it was. I also saw how crazy David and Mary Margaret's life got at times. I knew what I was getting – I knew I would be a wife and a mother with a full time job. But I don't think I truly understood what all that really meant until I was living it every day. It was difficult – and it still can be – but you are right, I wouldn't have it any other way."
"Well, for what it's worth, you seem to be really good at the balancing act," Nick began before he motioned to her stomach, "And you and Killian are able to find time to focus on your relationship. Which I know from experience, isn't easy. But you two are clearly in love with each other." He then added, "If that's how you two looked at each other for four years, I'm starting to see why it was obvious to everyone else," with a smirk.
Emma couldn't help but laugh at that last part before she yawned again. She then said, "Alright, as much as I'm enjoying our conversation, I think it's time for me and this little one to get home."
"It's alright, Emma. I completely understand – besides, it's not like I'm going anywhere. I hope you were serious about enjoying our conversation because you're stuck with me now," Nick told her as he rose from the park bench.
Emma grinned as she followed his movement. She then said, "Well, I hope you were serious about liking my family because they're part of the package when it comes to being in my life."
Nick joked, "Well, then, I guess we're all just stuck with each other," as he shrugged. However, the teasing in his words couldn't be overshadowed by the genuine smile that overtook his features.
Emma returned his smile before they both started walking back to Emma and Killian's house.
Nick and Emma had nearly arrived at the house when Nick carefully said, "So, Emma, I know that this," as he motioned between the two of them, "is already a lot to take in, but I can't help but think that there's another part to this whole situation."
Emma thought over his words for a moment before she caught his meaning. She then sighed, "Sharon."
"Yeah," Nick sighed as well before he took a deep breath and began, "I've been doing a lot of thinking over the course of the last week, and I thought that it may be easier if I talked to Sharon."
Emma looked at him curiously before she pointed out, "Nick, you haven't talked to her since you got divorced nearly thirty years ago. Are you sure that's a good idea – you said yourself that it was her fault you didn't know about me, and that you weren't sure you could ever understand why she chose not to tell you."
"I know. But I also know that you wanted to find both of us – and you still do. Since she and I do have a lot to talk about and to work through, I thought it would make it easier on you if you decide to see her if I talk to her first. Maybe If I tell her about you, she'll be more receptive to meeting you," Nick told her.
Despite everything they had shared in the last few hours and the relationship they were creating, Emma was still amazed that Nick was willing to put her first. She couldn't find it in her to hide it as she questioned, "You would do that for me?"
"Of course I would," Nick began before giving her a quick hug. As they pulled away, he said, "I know we still have a long road ahead of us, but I still see you as my daughter for more than just the DNA we share. And despite how I may feel about Sharon and despite how we ended up, something amazing came out of us being together, and that is you."
Emma smiled brightly before pulling him in for a hug. When they finally pulled apart, she said, "Thank you, Nick – for everything. You have no idea how much this means to me."
"I think I might," Nick began before he continued, "And you are more than welcome, Emma."
He then asked, "Do you think I could see you before I leave tomorrow? I'd thought I'd eat around 11 at Granny's before heading back up to New York."
"Sounds great. Killian and I are probably going to take Anna Elizabeth to the park in the morning anyway, so we'll meet you there."
"She wouldn't want to rest after today?" Nick asked.
"Uh, no – the sleep she'll get tonight is all she'll need, and she'll be ready to go again," Emma told him as they arrived at the house.
Nick grinned before he said, "Well, I'll see you tomorrow, Emma."
Emma smiled as she said, "You too, Nick."
They gave each other one last hug before Nick started heading back up the driveway. As Emma watched him – a smile still on her face – she thought about how Nick had talked about that long road ahead of them. He had been partially right – it may take Emma a while to get used to the idea in her head; in her heart, however, she was already calling him "Dad."
