Ch. 10

She stood in the kitchen taking inventory of all of the feelings she had running through her at that moment. They'd professed their love to each other both verbally and physically. She'd never been with anyone who made her feel like he did.

She never felt less, sad, or unhappy when she was with him. He was kind, thoughtful and giving. He wasn't a pushover, he kept her challenged and he wasn't afraid to speak his mind. He also raised the bar for her with his encouraging words. He made her believe that anything was possible. Sometimes she had to remind herself that she wasn't in a dream.

The best part was she felt the same way about him. She didn't think there was anything that he couldn't do if he set his brilliant mind to it. She loved him and she loved who she was when she was with him. He made her feel like her best self. She only hoped she was doing the same for him.

She heard the water going on and made a quick decision. They could skip the main hall until next time. She missed him and even 10 minutes seemed like forever. She walked back quickly and peered in the bathroom."Want some company?" He peeled back the curtain, hair full of soap and grinning. "I'd be disappointed if you didn't join me." She giggled, stripped down and hopped in with him.

They finally managed to get dressed and leave the apartment. It was a beautiful day, just a slight chill in the air. She planned an afternoon that included a tour of the campus and the little town that was her home away from home. It was well worth skipping one old stuffy building from her agenda to stay home a little longer and spend time alone.

When they got to her car he had her door as usual. He was always such a gentleman and it was one of the many reasons she loved him. She let him pick the music in the car, he had great taste and because it wasn't too cold they didn't have to turn up the heat so the volume was lower. One of the drawbacks to her car was the loud heating and air conditioning.

They drove the short distance to her University Campus. It was often called the school in a park because the older buildings were set inside of a wooded area. The outer buildings were the dorms and led to a more city like atmosphere as you got further away from campus.

Their first stop on the tour was the administration building where she worked part time. She showed him the finance office and introduced him to some of her co-workers. Will a lower classman from England who was here on scholarship and Tom a guy she knew from her freshman psych class. Tom used to freak her out by whipping out his credit card and trying to get her to go out with him.

As if she were that shallow to go out with a weirdo just because he flashed his credit card in front of her face. He really wasn't her type and she managed to avoid contact with him after the first few weeks.

When she first saw him she worried a bit but after 3.5 years he seemed to get a little less weird. At least he wasn't flashing the credit card at her anymore.

"Emma, Whatcha doing here on a Saturday?" asked Will. He was chomping on gum like always. His deep brown eyes filled with wonder as he half listened to her response.

She snuggled into Killian's side."Will, this is my boyfriend Killian. I'm giving him the tour of campus." He extended his hand to greet him. "Nice to meet you Mate." Will accepted his hand a shook it."Ah, so you're the chap she's always going on about."
Emma felt her cheeks redden. "Aye, I hope so." He patted the hand she had wrapped around his arm. "He's the one. He's here visiting me this weekend."

He nodded."Good to meet ya. Guess I'll see you later at the show?" he asked.

Killian looked to her raising a brow."Well it was a surprise but yes, we'll see you there tonight." She said smiling. She took him by the arm and led him out. "Show?" he asked.

"Will is a musician and their band is playing at this local pub tonight. I thought we could go; we could dance, play pool, and maybe play darts. I hope that's ok. Who knows with a couple of sharks like us we could make a little money." She said laughing.

"Sounds perfect Love, I'm just happy to be with you. I'm sure I'll love whatever you have planned. " She smiled and leaned up to press a soft kiss to his lips. "It's so exciting for me to introduce you to the people I know and show you my life here. It's not something I've ever really wanted to share with anyone before. I just want you to be part of it. It feels right that you're here."

He squeezed her close."I'm happy you let me. You've given me an idea. Perhaps you'd like to visit my old campus sometime as well?" She smiled."Really? I'd love that." He nodded."Then it's settled. The next open weekend we go to visit my old haunts."

She put her head on his shoulder and he wrapped his arm around her. They walked around the rest of the campus and she showed him the special places she liked to study, the best coffee cart, and the best food trucks for lunch. They decided on Spicy & Sticky, it was a food truck that made kebobs with exotic spices and super sweet sticky desserts on a stick too.

She pulled the blanket from the trunk of her car and they had a little picnic in the common area. Since it was the first weekend there were quite a few people wandering around; Lots of freshman and parents holding maps and squabbling with their closest loved one.

"I'm so glad I'm done with this. It feels good to know that it's over. "She snuggled into his side."You must be so relieved. I can't wait." He let out a breath."Love, you've no idea. Working three jobs that meant nothing to me for 2 years, living in what I now know was likely subpar and still handling a full load of classes, to say the least I'm relieved."

She kissed him softly."You get to walk at graduation in just a few short months. " He bit down on his lip and nodded."If everything works out, the new baby will be coming just about the same time." She gazed into his eyes."You have to go. I will make sure you get there no matter what. You worked too hard not to walk at graduation." He smiled."You'd come?" She caressed his cheek."I would love to be there for you. I thought you'd never ask." He pressed a soft kiss to her lips."Love, It would mean so much to me if you were there."

She smiled."Then it's settled, no matter what comes up or who comes along I will be there cheering loudly for you when they call your name."

At that moment he couldn't love her more. It had been a long time since anyone thought of him first or wanted to be there for him. Liam tried but he was often deployed and then he got married so Elsa came first. "Thank you Love." She tilted her head and smiled."You should know that I'm your +1 anywhere you need or want me to be. That's one of the privileges I get as your girlfriend. "

"Ah, Is that so? And what other privileges come with the title?" He asked squeezing her tight." Well, I get to kiss you whenever I want, I get to wear your coat when I'm cold, I get to talk you up to everyone I know, and most importantly I get the privilege of taking care of you when you need it."

He kissed the top of her head."I like the sound of that. I'd say that as your boyfriend the same privileges apply except I would likely look silly in your coat so I'd like to swap that for the ability to surprise you whenever I wish." She looked up and kissed him softly."Deal."

They gathered up their picnic and continued the tour. She took him to her favorite spot in the library where she spent most of her free time last year, her most grueling year, and finally to the student commons. He was amazed how different yet alike her university was in comparison to his. He hoped she'd enjoy his trip as much as he enjoyed hers.

This campus was unique set in a small town while his also had its charms but it was set in a big city. The people here seemed friendlier than his old campus but he didn't think that anyone could be friendlier than the people in Storybrooke.

He hadn't really thought about what he'd miss about his University and his home away from home until he saw how much Emma thought about hers. This was the first time in 7 years that he didn't start at term. He was so busy that he didn't have time to think.

"Hey, you ok? You seem far away." She asked caressing his arm. "Aye, I just thought about the fact that I'm finally free of University. I'm relieved." She squeezed his hand."It's quite the accomplishment. You should be proud and you're already making your mark in the world with your own clients." She always seemed to know what to say."I love you." She kissed his cheek."I love you too."

They were back in her apartment by late afternoon. She parked the car and he head around to let her out like always. He pulled open the door and she looked up at him smiling."You are the sweetest boyfriend a girl could ever have. Is it any wonder that I fell in love with you?"

He pulled her up into his arms and pressed a soft kiss to her lips. "It's music to my ears to hear you say that you love me. I don't think I'll ever hear it enough from you." He shut her door and wrapped his arm around her. "I do, you're quite loveable. I wanted to tell you before I left." He sighed. "Aye, we were never alone towards the end." She shook her head."No, and I wanted it to be perfect." She kissed him softly."It was."

They walked in and stripped off their coats. He pulled her into his arms and captured her lips for a soft sensual kiss. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her body close to his. He tightened his hold and relished in every soft curve pressed against him.

His hands felt warm against her cool skin. His lips were soft and smooth with each touch to her own. She slid her hands up and down the lean muscles in his back. The thought of his body pressed to hers sent warmth through her. "We have plenty of time before we have to be anywhere." She whispered. He kissed her softly." Were you reading my mind?" She nodded. "mmm hmm, meet me in the bedroom in five minutes." He blinked softly and started counting. "Aye."

She skipped back and setup the room. She lit candles around and turned on soft music. She wanted him to know she cared and this was important to her. She also slipped the protection on the top of the side dresser. She didn't want to fumble for that again.

She also slipped out of all the layers of clothing she added to keep warm today leaving just her soft white University T shirt and a pair of lacy pink panties. He came in to find her almost five minutes later. He blinked slowly his mouth agape."Emma, you're beautiful." She was standing across the room tantalizing him with her long bare legs and soft expression.

"Are you just going to stand there?" He shook out of his stunned expression and moved to her quickly. His eyes looked to the nightstand and he smiled."Ah, I see you've taken care of that." She nodded. "Killian. I love you." He took her hand and lifted it to his lips."I love you too Emma." She smiled softly and leaned up to kiss him.

She helped him remove his layers and they slipped into the cotton sheets. The sensations of the cool sheets on her warm body, combined with his gentle touches were driving her crazy.

He took it slow with her ensuring that she felt amazing. She didn't think there was an inch on her body that didn't feel loved after he was through with her. She also got to play with him today. In the light of the afternoon she saw every muscular inch of him.

He had a beautiful body and she paid extra attention as she worshipped him that afternoon. She poured her love into every kiss and touch. She wanted him to remember their time together because even though the number of days was few the hours apart felt long.

After a short nap she tapped him lightly to wake him. "Hey, you awake?" He leaned over and kissed her softly."Aye Love, just laying here in a state of bliss." She sighed. "I'm starting to think I should have planned a night in." He laughed. "Perhaps but there's always time later and I don't have to leave until late tomorrow afternoon." She pouted. "I don't want to think about you leaving."

"As you wish Love, no more talk about leaving." She returned his kiss. "I guess we need to get ready. Meet me in the shower?" She smiled seductively. "Aye, I believe one of my privileges is to wash your back when needed." He waggled his eyebrows. "Sounds right to me."

After spending entirely too long in the shower they got ready to go out. They made left over sandwiches using the meatloaf her mother packed since they had lunch at the food trucks. She didn't want to go out for a night drinking when they hadn't eaten anything since earlier that afternoon. They'd also likely burned it off whatever they ate in walking not to mention the extra special calories they burned that afternoon.

"Have you been to this place before?" he asked before wiping off his chin.

She smiled ."Yeah, it's a decent place. It shouldn't be too crowded. They have a couple of pool tables and dart boards in the back."

"I'm looking forward to a night out with my girlfriend. It's been too long since the last time we went out and let off steam." He laid his hand on top of hers. She turned hers up and squeezed."I'm just excited to dance with you again. You are an amazing dancer. Never thought I'd see the day when I found someone who liked to dance as much as me."

"Trust me Love, it's all you. You just have so much fun out there that I can't help myself but follow along." She felt the blush creep up on her cheeks. "I don't believe that for one second. Your moves are pretty amazing, downright sexy in fact." His grin spread across his face."Keep up with that talk and I might try to persuade you to stay in." She laughed as that thought kept crossing her mind too.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~E&K~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

They bundled up, her adorable red pom pom hat making an appearance again, and they walked to the local pub. He wrapped his arm around her providing an extra layer of warmth along the way. She fit right into his side perfectly. It felt right to be with her again, he'd really missed her.

The Pub was actually the name of the place. They walked in to the dimly lit room and he took in the scene. There lighting was a bit scarce in the front half of the pub with just some dim overhead lights about each table, beer signs along the wall and lamps carefully positioned along the bar. The backroom was lit up by fluorescent lights and he could see the pool tables and dart boards that she mentioned.

They decided to take a booth on the side of the bar that gave them a view of the stage. They settled in together on one side of the booth and put their coats on the other claiming their area for the evening. The waitress came over and pulled out her pad and pen. "Can I take your order?" she asked cracking her gum.

They'd looked over the menu and decided on the house draft. The pub was filling up as it was almost time for the band to come on. They'd had one beer and decided to play a little pool. They had quite the crowd gathering around as they both ran the table shot for shot. She'd win a game and then he'd win a game.

They were having a great time playing."Emma, I can't wait for you to play against my brother. It will be perfection when I see his face after you wipe up the floor with him." He yelled over the crowd.

She sidled up next to him close enough for him to hear as he was lining up the shot." Maybe we could play when I'm home next weekend. We're having the party for my Mom and we can arrange a friendly little game of pool while they are there."

Her warm breath on his neck was driving him mad and she made a point to suck on his earlobe before she let up. He grinned as he took the shot and luckily still made it."Minx, I know what you were doing." She feigned stupidity."Whatever do you mean?" He laughed. "Playing dirty Love?" She laughed. "Alright, you caught me. I'll make it up to you later." She leaned up and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek.

"Looks like the band is preparing to begin, shall we let others take over the table?" She took his hand pressed her lips together in a devious smirk and nodded. "I'm ready to see some of those sexy dance moves if you are." He nodded. She picked up their beers and he put back the pool cues in the wall rack.

They moved into the main room towards the stage. There were already patrons gathering around in anticipation for the nameless band to go on. They took turns speaking in each other's ear to be heard above the dull roar. "Oi, Lovebirds, glad you could make it." Called Will from the stage.

Emma waved and Killian nodded acknowledging him. He smiled at them and went back to chatting with a pretty blonde at the other end of the stage. They went back to flirting with each other and drinking their beer as they waited. Their latest round almost empty Killian offered to buy another round. She remained in place so they didn't lose their spot in front of the stage.

She kept turning back meeting his gaze as she waited. She was only interrupted by a drunken loser who happened to push into her on his way towards the stage. "Watch it buddy!" she said turning around to face the offender. A familiar pair of brown eyes met hers and she immediately turned tail and walked towards Killian.

A hand pulled at her shoulder spinning her around. "Emma, wait. Didn't you see me?" he asked. She did but he wasn't anyone she wanted to acknowledge or see. She put that face in the past and that's where she wanted it to be. She bit her bottom lip and tried to walk away again." Emma, what you can't even say hello?"

She looked back to see Killian paying for their beers and turned to face him."Neal, I would prefer it if you would just pretend like you don't even know me." she said curtly.

"Emma, don't be like that. We had something good once." He said smugly.

"You're idea of good and my idea of good, are two very different things. Just leave me alone!" She started to walk away again and he pulled her back again. "Emma." She pursed her lips and looked him in the eyes."Don't touch me, don't talk to me, just leave me alone. I don't want to know you anymore."

At that moment she felt warm breath against the back of her neck. She blinked her eyes slowly."Mate, the lady wishes you to leave her alone. I suggest you take the hint." She leaned back into him gently breathing a sigh of relief.

"Who's this Emma, your bodyguard?" He laughed.

"No, He's my idea of good." She turned around and took Killian's hand pulling him along with her. Her heart was racing and she could feel herself shaking. Killian pulled her into his side and they walked towards their booth. He'd had the waitress deliver their drinks there when he saw what was happening.

The music began to play in the back room and they were tucked into the booth where they could speak at a much lower volume. He held her tight next to him and pressed a soft kiss to her head. He was angry too, he didn't want her to feel any pain if he could help it.

She looked up at him and he could see she wanted to say something but didn't know what. "Love, are you alright?" She nodded. "I take it that's an ex from the way he acted." She nodded. "Do you want to leave Love?" She leaned up and kissed him softly pressing her shaky lips against his.

He closed his eyes and ran his fingers through her hair. "Thank you. He's a jerk. I don't want our night to be ruined. I just needed to get my wits about me. I haven't seen him in two years since our break up. I've managed to avoid him all this time and of course tonight he shows up."

"Well, I'm fully prepared to take you back if he makes you feel uncomfortable." She caressed his face. "No, we are going to dance. I've been dying to see those moves again." She said smiling. He waggled his eyebrows. "Alright, I aim to please."

They sat and finished their drinks before heading back up. The band was nearly finished their first set and they arrived just in time for a great song they could dance too. He really was sexy on the dance floor and she couldn't take her eyes off of him. They had a great time and stayed on the floor through the end of the set, the DJ's set in between and part of the last set before they walked back to their booth. They got a couple glasses of ice water so they could cool down.

"That was so much fun and you've been holding out on me!" He smiled."Well the last time we went dancing the whole town was there including my brother and your parents." She nodded."So you were holding back on me." He laughed. "Perhaps. I could say the same of you. I had to stop myself from tossing you over my shoulder and carrying you out of this place." He grinned and took a sip of his water. "Are you ready to go home?" He liked the sound of that, home. "Aye, let's get out of here."

They quickly bundled up. He placed her fluffy red hat on her head, patted her pom pom and smiled at her. "You warm enough Love?" She wrapped his arm around her and smiled."Yes, let's go."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~E&K~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

They set out with a quick pace back to her apartment taunting and teasing each other along the way. He still felt a little buzzed even though the dancing and the confrontation sobered him up. He was happy to see her smiling and the incident seemed to be behind them.

He used his key to open the door. She held onto his hand tightly as they walked in. When he closed and locked the door he turned and she was immediately in his arms. He kissed her head softly letting his lips linger." I had a great time tonight." She gazed up into his beautiful blue eyes."So did I, I had so much fun. You were great. Thank you for taking care of me back there."

He gazed intently into her soft green eyes."I will always be there for you Love in whatever capacity you need me." She caressed his face lightly. "The same goes for you. I will always be there for you." He pressed a soft kiss to her lips. "I believe a certain saucy minx has some making up to do for her earlier actions."

She trailed her finger down the front of his chest to the first button on his shirt and popped it open. She looked up at him through her lashes. "I believe you're right, let's go to bed."

He happily chased her as she taunted him with her swaying hips and giggles. He scooped her up and tossed her on the bed lightly tickling her while she had a fit of laughter until she was breathless. He let up and she pulled him down onto the bed with her and flipped them over attacking him with kisses to his face and tickling him on his sides. "Stop Stop Stop." He breathed between laughter.

She leaned forward; laid her head on his chest and he wrapped his arms around her. They laughed breathing together in unison long puffs of breath. She rolled to the side facing him and memorized the expression on his face. She knew he wasn't leaving until later tomorrow but she wanted to remember that moment.

She was beautiful. Her green eyes were glowing and her smile lit up her face. He ran his fingers through her silky blonde hair. He watched her searching her look. "Is everything alright?" She licked her lips."Yes, just wanted to remember this moment." He smiled."I don't think they make charms for tickle torture." She laughed. "You're probably right; I just meant that when you leave I want to remember how happy we are. It really helps me when I'm here alone and I miss you to think about that."

"Ah, I seem to remember earlier you telling me not to think about when I have to leave. Speaking of earlier, I believe our destination had purpose, someone needs to make up for some naughty deeds earlier." He grinned at her raising his eyebrow like he did when she knew he was up to something.

She pushed him back and climbed on top of him straddling his waist. She grinned as she continued through the rest of the buttons on his shirt leaving him exposed to her touch. He was smiling and his eyes were glittering blue as he looked up at her. She leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss to his lips before she continued down his neck and chest.

She definitely had some making up to do but was happy to do it. Needless to say he was left speechless by the time she was done with him. She was happily sated as well and snuggled into his side. After the long day they had they were asleep within minutes.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~K&E~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

She woke up before the alarm that morning. He had his arms wrapped around her and was snoozing softly on the pillows next to her. She leaned over and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek before whispering in his ear. "Killian, it's our time. Do you want to get up and make breakfast with me today?"

He held her tighter and kissed the top of her head."Aye Love, just five more minutes?" She huffed."Alright, I'll be back in five minutes." She went to move and he pulled her back. "No I mean I want the extra minutes with you here Love, in my arms." She nestled back into his hold and laid her head on his chest. She could feel him scratching his fingers in her hair.

She closed her eyes and let the relaxing sensation take hold. She wanted to keep this feeling with her. She was so content and happy.

"Love, what's on the agenda today?" She sighed. "I'm thinking that possibly we should rethink that agenda and stay here in this happy little bubble. " He laughed."I'm waiting for the but Love." She stroked the light hairs on his chest."Yes, there's a but, I won't get to shop for my Mom's birthday present unless I go today. There's a great little antique shop in town and I was hoping you'd go with me."

"Of course Love, I'm happy to go wherever you wish. I don't have to leave until later this evening." She groaned. "I know Love, no talk of leaving. I promise. Truth is I don't want to go either." She looked up into his adoring eyes."I know." He sat up pulling her with him."I believe you mentioned breakfast. I've worked up quite an appetite with you these last two days." She grinned. "Come on loverboy, I've got your favorites in the fridge."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~K&E~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Killian made omelets and she made waffles. She borrowed a waffle maker from one of her classmates who lived on campus so she could surprise him. She had fresh strawberries and whipped cream too. She'd also made mimosas which were refreshing and fun for a lazy Sunday.

They took their time getting ready and hanging out at the apartment since they generally got up so early and most stores opened late on Sunday. He dressed in a blue Henley with a plaid blue and white flannel shirt over top. He also had on dark jeans and adorable argyle socks that she picked up for him.

She decided on skinny jeans and green plaid flannel shirt over a tank top with her duckling socks. He laughed when she pulled them from the drawer. She almost bought the matching panties but she resisted. Seeing his reaction she may have to go back for them.

They bundled up for the cold and set out to town. While she was out shopping for Killian's arrival, a beautiful Victorian stain glass lamp with little blue birds in the design caught her eye in the window of an antique shop. She hoped it would still be there.

They found the little shop and it was still there in the window. She looked up at Killian smiling victoriously and they went inside. The place was completely full of antiques, furniture, knick knacks, home goods, jewelry, and clothes were all over.

A little bell above the door alerted the shop keeper of their arrival and she came walking forward. She was an older woman with glasses perched at the tip of her nose and her silver hair pulled into a neat bun on the back of her head.

She kind of reminded her of a slightly younger version of Granny back home." Can I help you?" she asked in a shaky voice.

She pointed. "Yes, I'd really love that lamp in the window." There was quite the mountain of stuff to get through to get to it.

"Sure, it will take me a bit to pull it out; there are also some matching candle holders that accompany it. They are in the back of the store near the register if you want to take a look."

Emma smiled and nodded. Killian took her by the hand and navigated her through the spaces towards the back. He noticed quite a bit of goods along the way including a small bassinet that might be perfect for his niece of nephew.

"Love, what do you think of that bassinet?" he pointed over two rows towards it. "Oh Killian, that's beautiful. Do you think Elsa and Liam would like that?" He smiled."Let's give it a further look." They snaked their way over towards it and looked at closely.

It was crafted beautifully of dark wood and the details of the lace covering were exquisite. "We have to get this. I'm assuming they don't have anything like it yet?" she asked. He shook his head."No, I don't think they've really started shopping for the baby yet."

"Then we must get this. I'll go in on this with you. It can be a gift from us if that is ok with you." He smiled. "Of course Love." He picked up the small piece of furniture and carried it forward carefully as they head towards the register. The woman was already standing there when they arrived.

Emma looked at the candle sticks and they were perfect too. "My mother will love these." The kind woman smiled. "We will also be taking this bassinet. " She rang up their items with her shaky fingers and they paid her for the items. Luckily they were parked close to the store so they were able to get their packages in quickly and didn't have to walk too far. The items for her mother were quite fragile but were perfect for her.

She looked up at him quizzically. "Killian, did you say that they don't have anything for the baby yet?"

"Aye, not that I've seen at the house, they have a room chosen but haven't started working on it yet. They've been so busy getting the café ready that they haven't had time."

She took his hand."Maybe we can help them. Do you think they would mind? I'm great at painting. I can also talk to my mom about having a shower for Elsa. Do you think Anna would mind? I know she lives so far away; we would have all gotten gifts for the baby anyway. "

He kissed her softly." Emma, I think that would be amazing. That is so sweet of you to consider doing something like that for Elsa and Liam." He was constantly amazed by this woman.

"Of course, I would love to do that for her. Do you think you can ask Anna if she would mind? Usually it is kind of a sister thing. I'll talk to my mom about it to just in case Anna is ok with it."

"Love, I don't think Anna will mind at all. She's already so upset that she isn't here for Elsa and I'm sure she would be relieved to know there are kind people who care for her that would be willing to do this."

She smiled."Alright then I will talk to my Mom when I come home next weekend about it." She snaked her arm through his. "Where to next Love?" She thought for a moment."Well that took a lot less time than I thought so now we are open to whatever strikes us."

He looked down at the shops on the block. "How about we look in a few more of these shops, perhaps one a bit less crowded?" She laughed. "I know I thought I was going to break something at every turn but we did find some good things. My mother will love those pieces and that bassinet, wow I love it so much. It's so perfect. I would love that."

He took note of a few things in that statement. She loved his taste and she hoped to have one like it one day which was quite loaded in itself. He took her hand and guided her to the next little shop. It wasn't as overcrowded but still crowded just the same.

The first shop seemed to specialize in everything lace and there were doilies under everything. She found a nice silk scarf with blue birds around the edge for her mother. He found a little charm that he hoped to give her one day. He managed to sneak that one into his pocket without her noticing.

The next shop was something that he believed his brother and her father would potentially be lost in for hours. She gave him a knowing look as soon as they walked through the door. There were insignias and crests across everything on the wall.

Several suits of armor lined the walls along with a lot of medieval weaponry. He picked up a bejeweled dagger and smiled as he showed her. Her eyes went wide."Interesting, I'm pretty sure my father would never leave this store. My Mom told me he looks at the book I gave him every night."

"Ah, yes I remember both he and Liam were wrapped up in it on Christmas. Perhaps I should get one for Liam for his birthday." She nodded and quickly spied something amazing. She picked up the small onsie to show him. It was white with the Jones family crest on the front. "Killian I have to buy this for them." He laughed when he saw it. "It would be good for either a girl or a boy. That's perfect Love." She smiled and walked up to pay for it at the register.

He wrapped his arm around her. "So far it appears Baby Jones is getting the benefit of our shopping trip."

"Did you think this baby wasn't going to be spoiled? Between Elsa, Liam, you and I, we will make certain that Baby Jones has everything he or she needs." His heart skipped a beat at the way she talked about his family. He felt so good to hear her talk like she were already a member. He wanted that so much and today gave him hope that she did too.

She tucked into his side as they left the store. Once they were outside he pulled her into his arms and kissed her passionately. He let all the amazing emotions he was feeling swirl though his kiss into her. She backed up coming up for air."What was that for?" she asked breathless.

"I just wanted you to know how much I love you." She caressed his cheek and smiled."I love you too." He pulled her into a tight hug and rubbed his hands up and down her back. She was the one for him and he knew it. He loved everything about her and she made him want to be a better man. The way she believed in him, loved his family, and made him feel so good was enough for him to know it.

"So, I've had enough shopping, what about you?" she asked.

"Aye Love, I think I'd like to go home and spend the rest of the afternoon finding your most ticklish spot." She raised her eyebrow and smiled."Sounds good to me, I'll race to you to the car!" She was off and running before he even realized what she said.

He laughed and took off after her. He breezed past her when she caught up he picked her up and spun her around."Wow you are so fast!" She laughed heartily. "Yes, a little secret that not many know about me." She kissed him softly. "Just another thing to love about you."

He opened her door and she hopped inside and then leaned over to pop open his door. He jumped in and rubbed his hands together. The temperature once again began to fall.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~E&K~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

They got back to the apartment and promises were kept. He did find her most ticklish spot and she found his. They spent the rest of the day huddled together in minimal clothing and sharing leftovers. Before too long it was time for him to leave. He reluctantly got dressed and gathered all of his clothing which was found in many different places around her room.

She helped him pick up the pieces but refused to give up the flannel shirt he'd worn earlier that was currently adorning her body. She felt a strange mixture of emotions wash over her at the thought of him leaving. She wouldn't dare tell him to stay but she desperately wanted to.

He tossed the last of his items into his bag and zipped it slowly. He looked over to see her sitting on the bed in his shirt, hugging her ducky and wearing her ducky socks. He smiled at the site of her. She was beautiful. He took out his phone from his pocket and snapped her picture. "Whoa I'm not even dressed." He walked over and scooped her up into his arms and kissed her cheek. "Love, that is how I want to think of you until I see you again, wearing my shirt and your adorable socks." She frowned slightly.

" I will probably wear this shirt until I see you again because it smells like you." He hugged her close and kissed the top of her head. "We'll meet tomorrow morning at our time just like we have been. " She nodded holding back the tears that were fighting their way forward.

They snuggled together and walked back towards the front of her apartment. She tucked back into his arms and pressed her face to his chest. "Killian, this weekend was so amazing. I love you so much. Don't forget that." He pulled her back and looked into her eyes."Emma, this weekend WAS amazing. I won't forget a single moment. How can I ever forget the moment you told me you loved me?" Tears were streaming down her cheeks and she couldn't stop them.

"Love, don't cry. You're almost done and we won't be apart for long." She nodded and choked out."I know." He wiped her tears from her cheeks. He was trying to hold it together himself. He hated seeing her so sad."I'll be counting the minutes until I see you again. I love you Emma Nolan and you have been permanently etched to my heart. Please protect it because when it comes to you I can't hold back." She was crying now and he was holding her so tight, rocking her gently.

"Killian I'm so sorry, I'll be fine. I'm being so stupid." He kissed her softly again. "You are not being stupid. If you didn't care that I was leaving I would be worried. I'm trying to hold it together myself."

She nodded and smiled." Please be careful going home. Call me if you want to talk on the way. Thank you for driving all this way and spending the most wonderful weekend with me. Of course I will protect your heart. I promise you I will forever if you let me." He looked down at her smiling. Forever was what he hoped, how could she think anything different.

She couldn't help but laugh when she saw his grin. She leaned up and kissed him softly pouring her love into it.

They decided she should keep the items for Baby Jones at her apartment until the shower. He picked up his bag and the basket to give back to her parents. She put a little note inside for them to read. She called them frequently as well but she knew her mother loved hand written notes.

They decided it would be better if she waited inside when he left. He wanted to remember her the way she was, hair mussed, wearing his shirt and smiling. He kissed her softly once more before he left. He watched her waving from the window as he left.

He knew he left another piece of himself with her before he left but he was happy that he did.