More Than This

by klg193

For Marina, life in Storybrooke lacks excitement and variety. Just as she starts growing sick of the small town life, a mysterious stranger visits town and changes her life forever. A Hookriel story (Hook/Ariel)

10. Chapter 10

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p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"I brought down my final suitcase and packed it into the back of the Mustang. The backseat and the trunk were completely stuffed, leaving only room to sit in the front seats./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""You sure you have to leave?" Adella called out to me. She stood in front of the bar next to Alana./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""You guys know if you ever need me I'm just a phone call away. I just need to get out of this town and start living my life."/p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"Alana came over and wrapped me up in a big hug. "I'm so proud of you Ariel. You've become an extraordinary person and you deserve this. I'll miss you so much."/p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""I'll miss you too. You're always welcome to come visit us!" I said. Killian and I had decided to leave Storybrooke in the search for an adventure. I wanted to experience the world more and he was excited to finally settle down and have someone by his side. I don't really know how we came to decide on Seattle. I wanted to be somewhere far from Storybrooke and Killian wanted to be in a city on the coast. Seattle seemed like the perfect place with plenty of opportunities. We didn't have much planned other than the location. We were just going to figure it out when we got out there. Normally I would be nervous about all the uncertainty but I knew we would make it. This was love and it felt like nothing could stop us./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Don't forget to call as soon as you get there!" Adella added as we made our way back over to the car. I gave them each one more hug, unsure of when I might see them next, and a kiss on the cheek. Killian said his goodbyes and put his arm around me as we climbed into the car. We got settled and before starting the engine he turned to me and said, "Ready to start our lives together?"/p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"I put my hand on his cheek and kissed him sweetly. "I couldn't be more ready."/p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Morning, love." They were the first words I heard every morning. But this morning was slightly different. The words were still there but they were accompanied by the scent of coffee. And bacon. I squinted my eyes open and turned to his side of the bed, where he was sitting with a full tray of breakfast./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Breakfast in bed? What did I do to deserve this?" I asked him. I sat up and gave him a kiss on the cheek before leaning my head on his shoulder./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Just wanted to do something special for you." He was perfect. I took my cup of coffee and lightly sipped on it as Killian turned on the TV, searching for something mindless we could watch together./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Do you ever wish we were back in the Enchanted Forest instead of this world?" I asked him. We had been living in this world for so long I sometimes forgot we were from a different land. It was essentially a lifetime ago./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""This world has its oddities, most that I've grown accustomed to. And I do miss my ship. But as long as I'm with you, I am the happiest man alive." Always the charmer./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""What do you think our life would be like if we were there now? Do you think we'd be together?"/p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""We'd definitely be together. You can't keep true love apart. We'd probably travel the seven seas and have a bunch of little kids together, running around on the ship. And we'd be happy."/p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Is that a hint? Do you want kids now?" I asked him, half jokingly. We'd had this conversation a few times and decided to wait until we felt like the timing was right. We were content enjoying each other's company for now./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Putting words into my mouth, eh? Give it a few years and we'll have some little ones to care for." We finished up eating and spent some time just cuddling in bed. I soon realized it was time to get up and prepare for a day of work. I was lucky enough to open up my own business in Seattle. Originally, I wanted to open another bar but I realized my heart wasn't really in that. Instead, I opened up my own jewelry store I called "The Grotto." I started out making all the jewelry myself and soon some venders in the area wanted to start selling their items here as well. I hired a few assistants to help me make the jewelry and run the store. We were pretty successful. I wouldn't say we were rich or anything, but we made enough to offset our costs and to continually make improvements to the store./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"Killian had a job working on the docks. He started out pretty lowly, just loading and unloading cargo, but he worked his way up pretty quickly. Now he managed shipments and personnel and became sort of the go to guy for anything. He could do repairs, he could do inventory, he could even plan some alternative routes. His hours varied weekly but I could tell he loved what he was doing, and it made me happy./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Mmm…as much as I would love to stay in bed with you all day, I have to get dressed and ready for work."/p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""No, you don't," he muttered./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""You're making this so much harder for me," I said as I turned down the sheets and started to climb out of bed. I felt his hand on mine, beckoning me to stay once again./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Really. You don't have to get ready for work."/p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""What?" I asked confused./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""I called in a favor and arranged for Gia and Helen to open up shop today. Therefore, you have the day off."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"A grin spread on my face and I felt butterflies in my stomach. Every now and then Killian would surprise me with a cup of coffee or a new pair of earrings, but this was different./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""What do you have planned?"/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Ah, you will find out soon enough. Now get back here and lay with me a little longer before we officially start the day." He didn't have to tell me twice. I hopped back in bed and nuzzled my head into his shoulder. My day had barely started and I could tell it would be a good one. He focused his attention to the television once again but this time I didn't follow. I looked up at his profile from my position. How did I get so lucky? How is it that fate managed to bring us together like this and make me the happiest girl alive. I was never sure about much in life, but I was sure about him. He didn't seem to notice me studying him so I kissed his shoulder in the hopes he might./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"He turned to look at me and gave me a sly smile and an inquisitive look before turning away again. I wrapped my arm around his back and rested my other hand on his collarbone. I slowly boosted myself up and brought him closer to me so I could plant kisses up his neck to his earlobe. I took things a bit further, lightly sucking on his neck and jaw./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""What has gotten into you?" he spoke, pleasantly surprised./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Oh, I don't know. Someone just put me in a good mood today."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Is that so?"/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""I think it's about time I return the favor," I whispered in his ear, as I gently stroked my tongue up his earlobe. I could feel him tense up and frankly, I was surprised he hadn't flipped me over yet./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Love…" he sighed. He cupped my face with his hand and brought his lips to mine, engaging me in a kiss. It was passionate, as our kisses typically were, but it wasn't physical. A moment later he pulled away, pecked me on the forehead and said, "I'm gonna hop in the shower." He slid off the bed, leaving me sitting there in shock./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""I'm sorry, did you just turn down sex?" I asked him, jokingly offended. He looked at me with a smirk and shrugged. "Who are you and what have you done with Killian Jones?" This time he gave me his signature devilish grin. "Not even an invitation to join you in the shower?" I added. I just sat there and shook my head as I watched him make his way to the bathroom. He surprised me, that was for sure. And I wasn't sure if I should be upset or not. This had never happened before. I just sat there in disbelief, not quite ready to get out of bed when I saw Killian's head peek around the bathroom door. "You coming, love?" I smiled wide and jumped out of bed as fast as I could to join him in the bathroom./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"X/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""What should I wear today?" I asked him as I wrapped a towel around me./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Something comfortable, and sporting."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Oh sporting?" I said, mimicking his adorable Irish accent. "I can manage that."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"I walked into my closet and picked out a chambray shirt and a simple pair of black leggings. I dried my hair and did my makeup quickly, too excited for today's festivities. I made my way downstairs, where Killian was waiting for me. I slipped on a pair of Vans and we made our way out the front door./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"I hopped into the front seat of the Mustang and looked lovingly over at Killian. "So, you gonna tell me where we're going?"/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""And ruin the surprise? Course not, love."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Boo," I scoffed. He gave my hand a squeeze before he started the car to back out of the driveway. The suspense usually got the best of me, but it was always worth it. I hated to admit it, but I loved surprises. And Killian's were always the best./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Oh, I forgot to mention. Before we reach our destination, I just want to stop by work and check on a few things. Make sure the boys have everything under control and pick up a few papers. Is that all right?"/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""I suppose," I joked. He smirked at me and I continued to hum along to the radio as we made our way along. I knew the docks weren't very far./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"We parked the car in a gravel parking lot just off the shore. I got out of the car with Killian just to say hello to some of his crew. They were a group of hardworking guys, yet they were always smiling with a laugh close to follow. Every now and then, if I had time to spare, I would come by and bring them cookies or treats around lunch time. It gave me a chance to talk with them and hear a little bit about their lives and their family./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"'Well if it isn't Miss Ariel? What did we do to deserve a visit from you?" This comment came from Smitty, one of Killian's crewmates. He was an old, round fellow with a hearty laugh and an abundance of stories./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"I blushed and gave him a smile, "Hello there, Smitty! I hope you aren't working too hard over there." I waved and greeted some of the others as they continued to tie up some boats and unload some crates. I sat on the edge of the dock and let my feet swing over across the water. It was almost the end of summer, which meant I only had a few more weeks to enjoy the water before the Seattle rain season began./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""All right, where is that no good boyfriend of mine," I commented as I stood up./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Tired of my company already?" Smitty said./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Smitty, you know I could sit and talk with you all day. However, today Killian has some big surprise planned for me and I'm doing a poor job of being patient."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Ah, poppycock. But I won't argue with you. Don't be stranger Ariel. We'd love to see you around these parts more often."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""I'll see if I can make some more visits, just for you. Have a good day Smitty!" I walked off the deck and made my way into the warehouse, where I hoped Killian would be./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"Inside, I tried to stay out of the way as crates and boxes were being arranged and sorted. I smiled and waved at a few of the warehouse workers as I continued on with my sights set on the small office in the back corner./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"I saw Killian through the window, analyzing a spreadsheet with several papers spread out across his desk. I leaned into the doorframe and knocked on the open door, with a smirk and a raised eyebrow. He continued to read over the papers before slowly raising his gaze to find me./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""You're trying to kill me aren't you? Promise me this special day of surprises and then bring me to work?"/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Oh love. Oh I'm so sorry. I got sucked into some of these reports and lost track of time."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"I walked over to him and hugged his neck from behind. "It's okay. But can we go soon?" I asked before kissing him on the cheek./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Yes, of course. Let me just wrap things up here." I squeezed his shoulders as he shut everything down and locked up. He took my hand and we made our way out of the warehouse and I felt the butterflies in my stomach start to flutter again at the thought of an adventure. We made our way outside and I noticed most of the crew had disappeared./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Where'd everyone go?"/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Probably broke for lunch. It's about that time, isn't it?" I nodded at his response and started to veer off to the car./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Wait," he said, pulling me back towards him, "It's a beautiful day out…let's walk down the dock." I shrugged and followed him, only because I can't resist the ocean breeze./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Will you please tell me what we're doing today? I can't stand waiting any more."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Just be patient. It won't be much longer now. I promise."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"Hand and hand we made our way down the pier and I gawked at the way the sun was reflecting off the water. It wasn't everyday the sun shone in Seattle so it was truly something to enjoy. We closed on the edge of the pier and there was a small sailboat floating on its own. It was a strange place for a sailboat considering this was industrial dock but someone must've tied it up here accidentally. It wasn't until we were at the end that I realized this was no accident./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""No…" I whispered, with a smile on my face./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""What's that?" he said, grinning like the Cheshire cat./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""You didn't. Tell me you didn't set this up."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Of course I did." I wrapped my arms gently around his neck and pecked him on the lips./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"He stepped into the boat before reaching a hand out to help me into the vessel. I cautiously stepped in and helped him to untie some of the rope./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""How did you manage to do all this? This boat wasn't out here when we first arrived./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""All part of the plan love. You don't really think I had work so urgent that I had to come in on my day off? The plan was to lure you inside so the guys could set everything up without you seeing."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""The guys were in on this?"/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Yep. Turns out they love you almost as much as I do…Almost." I smiled at his effortless charm as we set sail. Killian took his natural place at the wheel and I sat on a seat slightly behind him. I couldn't help but notice how every movement of his was so natural. I knew he missed his past life as a pirate and I saw the smile on his face that sailing gave him. As much as this surprise was for me, I could tell part of this plan was selfish on his part. He wanted to get back out on the water. And I didn't mind at all. I loved the ocean just as much as he did./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""So are you gonna teach me how to sail?" I stood up from my seat and moved next to him with my head on his shoulder./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""You want to learn?" he asked, with a look of surprise. "I always thought swimming in the water was more your thing."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Well it is. But you love sailing and I want to share that with you."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"He smiled at me and kissed my forehead, before teaching me the ropes./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2.5in; text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal"X/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""I have to say babe, this is amazing," I breathed as we brought the boat to a steady stop. We were in the middle of the ocean and we could see all of the coast and the shore ahead of us. The sun was shining brightly in the sky, which was rare for Seattle./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Come here for a minute," he called to me. I followed his instructions and he asked me to hold the wheel for him while he lowered the anchor. It appeared this was the spot we would be enjoying for a little while. He lowered the anchor and adjusted the sails before returning to me at the wheel. He wrapped his hands around my waist, kissed me on the cheek and whispered in my ear, "You hungry?"/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"I smiled and looked at him with excitement in my eyes, "Food?" He grinned and nodded at me before taking my hand and taking me to the lower deck of the boat. He sat me down and told me to wait as he went down into the boat. He came back with a bottle of wine and a picnic basket. He laid out a blanket on the floor and placed the basket down before grabbing my hand and ushering me to join him on the floor. He poured us both generous glasses of white wine in little stemless wine glasses./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""So what is on the menu today?"/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""One of your absolute favorites…" he pulled out food from the basket and I found a couple Ziploc bags with sandwiches in them. "Peanut butter and jelly." He handed a bag to me and I responded, "Wow, I love you." I pulled his face close to mine by cupping his face with my hands and gave him a quick peck on the lips./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""I know," he whispered as I pulled away. Along with PBJ's there were potato chips and chocolate chip cookies for dessert. It was perfect. Simple was all I needed. We ate our lunch as I sipped more and more wine, feeling a little tipsy for the afternoon. We finished eating and I was lying with my head in his lap as he delicately played with my amber hair. I glanced up toward the sky and realized I couldn't peel my eyes from his rogue face./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""You're amazing," I finally spoke./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Not as amazing as you."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""No, no. Don't make this about me right now. I am trying to appreciate you and all the wonderful things that you do for me. I'm not even sure I deserve all of this!"/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""You don't even realize everything you've done for me, do you?" I looked at him with a confused look and he continued. "You made me the man I am today. Without you I'd still be a scoundrel pirate, thieving and bartering, bedding broads," I cringed at this thought and Killian chuckled and apologized before continuing. "The point is, you got through to me when no one else could. You helped me to see the good in the world. You taught me how to be a good person and most of all, you taught me how to love again. And for that I am forever indebted to you."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"The blush that was creeping up my cheeks was surely visible now. I reached my hand up and rested it on the scruff that always seemed to occupy his jawline. "You had it in you all along. You just needed someone to remind you." And with that he bent over to give me yet another sweet kiss. After a moment, I sat up to ease the situation. Killian placed his hand on my neck and pulled me closer to him, as I kissed him with everything in me./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"I pulled away, laughing slightly and he gave me a confused look./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""I just…I can't get over how perfect this is," I beamed./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Wait until you see what else I have planned."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""There's more?!" He answered me with a sly nod and an adorable smile./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"X/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;" /strong/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"We enjoyed some more time merely relaxing on the water before we returned to the dock. Killian actually let me take the boat back, although he stood behind me with his hands around my waist the whole time. Every now and then he would kiss my neck or brush my hair behind my ears, whispering sweet nothings to me. It was probably the best day of my life and it wasn't even over yet./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"We docked shortly after and made our way back to the land. Being on the water was great and I loved that I could always share that with Killian. We docked the boat and made our way down the pier, hand in hand. I leaned my head on his shoulder and sighed, completely content with life at that very moment./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""So, what's next on the agenda for today?"/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""I thought maybe we would do something touristy. Something neither of us has done before."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Hmm…could that mean-"/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""You can make as many guesses as you want, but you know I'm not telling you anything."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"I sighed in defeat, as I had only a few guesses as to where we might be headed. We never really had the opportunity to be tourists in Seattle. As soon as we moved out here, we were concerned with finding a place to live as well as jobs. The first few months were definitely challenging. Killian started at the dock within a short amount of time, but wasn't making a wage that both of us could live off of. I worked on finding a little apartment for the two of us, and eventually did just that. It needed some love, but we made it work. We enjoyed several meals of Ramen noodles, but somehow we were still smiling. After a month or so, I was hired at a local restaurant as a waitress. It was perfect because I could walk to work and by the time I got off, Killian was home with the car to pick me up. When nights at the restaurant were slow, I started making jewelry for myself to pass the time. Eventually, my co-workers caught on to my creations and started putting in requests for themselves or for birthday gifts for friends. Killian spread the word to the boys on the docks and soon they were putting in orders for their wives and girlfriends. I didn't have enough business to start my own shop immediately, but it made me realize that the jewelry business was something I wanted to pursue. I started saving as much money and spare change possible in the hopes of starting my own business. Killian was constantly working overtime and doing whatever he could to bring home a little extra money to spoil me in whichever creative way he could think of. The first year was tough, but then Killian got promoted and our apartment payments got easier. Things spiraled from there and we managed to create a comfortable life together./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Are we going to…the first Starbucks?" I ventured a guess./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Perhaps we can make a stop for coffee this afternoon, but that's not our current destination."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Hmm…it's gotta be the Space Needle then?"/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Not quite. But if you want to hold your guesses, we'll be there soon."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Oh come on where's the fun in that?" I countered. Despite my hesitation to concede, I was running out of guesses and figured I might just try and enjoy being surprised without figuring everything out./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""So we spent time on board a boat, one of my favorite activities, and I thought we might spend some time with something you love. As much as I would love to take you swimming, you know I couldn't keep up with you. So, I figured we would tackle the next best thing."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"Killian turned the car and we drove along the coast, approaching a nearby pier and a big green building. The place looked familiar, but I couldn't quite place how I recognized it. As we drove closer, we passed a sign that read "Seattle Aquarium"./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""The aquarium!?" I squealed. Killian merely nodded and snuck a look toward me. "I…I don't even know what to say. This is amazing."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""I figured it might bring you back to the life you once knew."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""You're perfect. Have I told you that?" I said./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Not as perfect as you," he replied./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""No, shut up. This is not about me right now. Let me appreciate you!"/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""It's funny because I used to thrive on the appreciation of women…"/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Please, don't remind me," I cringed, reflecting on his past life./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"He grinned as a sign of apology, "But I'm not like that with you. I'm happier giving you the world than basking in your affection."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""You don't like my affection?" I asked, rubbing my hand on his leg./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""That's the thing, I love your affection. But making you smile is my favorite thing in the world."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Okay, seriously you have to stop this because I'm never going to be able to repay you for all of this," I added, as he parked the car./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""But you don't have to." Before I could protest, he stepped out of the car. I turned to open my car door and found that Killian had beat me to it. I knew he wanted to end the conversation, but I wasn't letting things go that easily. He held my hand and led me towards the entrance of the aquarium./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Wait," I said, pulling him back a moment./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""What, what's wrong?" he asked in a panic./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"I thought about the best way to articulate my thoughts. "I love when you plan little surprises and do nice things for me, but I want to do the same for you. I'm your partner and it's not fair for me to reap all the benefits without providing you with some reward. I love planning surprises for you too because I love seeing you happy."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Being with you and seeing you happy, makes me happy. I don't want you to feel indebted to me because I did something for you. I'm never going to stop that."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""And I don't want you to," I smiled at him, "but I want us to be equals in this marriage. I'm scared that one day you'll wake up and realize things are one-sided and that I'm not doing my share and I cannot let that happen."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Love…" he grabbed both of my hands and I knew the speech that was coming before he could continue./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make a big deal out of this. Sometimes I forget how humble you can be. I just want to make you feel special from time to time with no strings attached. And I am so grateful for this day and I did not mean to ruin it by being dramatic. From this point forward I will enjoy everything you have prepared for me to the fullest extent."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"He put his arm around me and I gave him a quick kiss before he kissed my temple. "You're always so cute when you get worked up about things…"/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Ugh, shut up…" I scoffed at him. We walked together in towards the aquarium when Killian asked, "Did you say marriage back there when talking about us? " with a smirk on his face./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Did I?" I asked as my cheeks slowly turned pink./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""I'm sure you did."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""…It must've been a Freudian slip. I mean we are essentially married, it's just not official yet."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Someday soon my love. I'll give you the wedding of your dreams."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""You will?"/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Of course, that's always been the plan."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"We walked hand in hand into the aquarium and my eyes lit up at the turquoise glow of all the water surrounding us. Killian purchased tickets for us and we slowly made our way through the exhibits. I was quick to point out the different species and chattered on about quirks and mannerisms of each fish. Killian entertained me by asking questions and encouraging me to spew out facts, even though I knew it wasn't something he necessarily cared to know. He let me bask in excitement and kissed me on the cheek or the forehead every so often./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Does it upset you, to see all these beautiful fish in a tank instead of out in the ocean?" he asked me. It took me a little by surprise, because it wasn't something I had immediately thought about. I took a moment to answer and he said, "Sorry, I don't mean to be a downer. It's just something that crossed my mind."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""No, it's a good question. It doesn't really bother me style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanI can tell that they're happy here. They're fed regularly and they don't have to worry about being hunted."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""You can tell that?"/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Yeah, I can't really explain it but I can just feel that they're okay here. And maybe it's because they don't know any differently. But things are simpler for them here."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Can you imagine living in a tank? I mean not now, but back then."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""That was one of my biggest fears. It was one thing to be caught and scaled but there was something demeaning about being captured and placed in a tank to be groveled at."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Just thinking about that gives me chills. I hate knowing that I wasn't able to protect you in our past life."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Yeah, but I'm not sure that you would have wanted to. I mean we were at very different points in our lives, and for a while we didn't even like each other."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Oh, I always liked you, but I was arrogant and I couldn't let you know that. span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanSomething about you was always special to me," he added./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Well I wish I could say the same about you. You did fascinate me though. And maybe that's because I didn't have very many interactions with humans, but I wanted to know everything about you."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""The way I see things, it doesn't matter how it happened. We found each other and that's all that matters."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"I smiled and nodded, giving him a quick peck on the cheek. We continued walking and we approached a hallway that featured a tank that formed a tunnel over the hallway with the intention of visitors walking beneath and looking up at the marine life. I froze knowing instinctually what was ahead of us./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Hey, so let's uh, go back this way," I said trying to avoid the long stroll ahead of us./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Is everything okay? Do you want to go back?"/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""No, it's not that. I just don't really want to move forward."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"Killian gave me a puzzled look and I wasn't sure if I should explain myself any further. I saw him look forward toward the hallway trying to figure out what was holding me back./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"Two young boys were running from side to side looking in awe at the creatures swimming above. Their cheers echoed from the tunnel out to where we stood./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Wow! Look at that one!"/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""That's the biggest shark I ever saw!"/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"Killian turned to me with eyes full of empathy as I looked at him with wide eyes. "Of course, sharks. I should've known."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"br / "I'm sorry, I just don't think I can do it."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"Killian looked like he was thinking something over. "Okay, if you really don't want to, we can turn back. But, think about this. One, all these sharks are encased in glass and I highly doubt they will get out. Two, in the odd chance they do get out, I will protect you with all my being, even if it means I lose a hand."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"I chuckled at his statement, reminiscing on when he truly did only have one hand./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""I understand why you're scared, and I don't want to push you too far. But I also don't want you to miss out on the sea life we haven't seen yet just because of this."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"I nodded, and knew I was being silly. "You're right. Let's go through. But don't you dare let go of my hand."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""I wouldn't dream of it."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"We took small steps forwards and I averted my eyes from the shifting figures around me./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""It's okay love, they won't hurt you," Killian whispered in my ear./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"I nodded, "I know, it's just bringing back some memories." He gripped my hand tighter and kissed the back of it as a gesture of reassurance. I kept my head tight to his shoulder and tried to keep my eyes down. Before I knew it, we were through it all and I breathed a deep sigh of relief. Killian kissed my temple and said, "I think you're going to like what's ahead of us."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"I looked up and saw a shallow pool that was crowded with people around the edges. A sign above read "Sting Ray Pool." It made my smile and we moved forward to see stingrays swimming in circles as visitors gently grazed their fins. Killian walked forward with me and approached the pool. I stuck my hand in the water and the rays skimmed my fingertips. The small touch almost brought me back to my previous life. I didn't have many encounters with stingrays, but they were always rather pleasant. Killian grabbed my hand and dragged me toward a smaller pool that was missing the big crowd. There were three infant rays about the size of my palm swimming small laps and chasing each other. My eyes lit up and how adorable they were. I'd never seen a baby stingray before and for some strange reason it warmed my heart. Killian brought both of our hands into the water and the little creatures swarmed to us, lightly suckling our fingertips and swirling around our hands./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""This is amazing," I whispered./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Wait until you see what I have planned next…"/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"X/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"We finished up in the aquarium and Killian just about had to drag me out of the gift shop so I wouldn't buy useless trinkets to remember the day. He kept insisting that I would remember this day without a plush clownfish or a snow globe covered in little starfish./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Now see, aren't you glad you didn't waste your money on any of the junk in that shop?" he said, as we pulled out of the parking lot./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""I would have quite enjoyed anything I bought in there, junk or not, so I don't think you really did me any favors," I replied./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Always so optimistic," he said to me./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""What's next on our agenda?" I asked. I knew he wouldn't reveal much, but figured it was worth a shot./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Home actually," he commented./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Home? Is it so I can have my way with you? All. Night. Long."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"He let out a toothy grin as he tried to hide his excitement./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""We'll get to the that, but not yet. I have other things in mind."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Other things being?"/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""You'll see…" we pulled up to our place and walked together into the house. Killian instructed for me to take a quick shower, and I did as requested. Once I felt clean I emerged into our room and saw a black dress laying on our perfectly made bed. It was short sleeved with v-shaped neckline that was slightly lower cut than I would normally wear. The dress looked like it was body con and would cling to my every curve, but the length seemed like it would land just above my knees. The fabric was soft and had a hint of a sparkle in it, which I adored. On the floor was a pair of Tiffany blue heels with a soft pointed toe. It was then I noticed a handwritten note on the bed that read, "Put this on and come downstairs when you're ready. I can't wait to see you. XOXO" I smiled before returning to the bathroom to dry my hair. I was excited to get all dressed up because it wasn't something that happened often. In fact the last time I'd worn a dress and heels was probably the wedding I went to with Killian (or Declan technically). It seemed like a lifetime ago, but in all honesty it was probably just last year. I immediately had a flashback of memories to that weekend and how we had reconnected. It all happened so perfectly; Killian always said it was fate and part of me felt like he was right. There's no way things happened coincidentally. I could still remember being drawn to him the first time he walked into the bar. He intrigued me but it was more than just that. I had this urge to just be around him, even if we weren't talking; it was comfortable. That weekend things changed for me. My life in Storybrook was pleasant, but it wasn't fulfilling. Killian saved me from being mediocre and promised me a life of adventure./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"I snapped out of my momentary gaze and finished getting ready, touching up the dress with tasteful jewelry. I found a simple black handbag and made my way downstairs, eager to see where we were heading. Killian stood up from his seat when he heard my footsteps and I couldn't help but smile. I noticed a bouquet of colorful flowers sitting in a vase at the kitchen table. I shifted my attention to Killian and found he was clad in a fitted grey suit with a black tie./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"We didn't exchange words at first, just looks. Once I reached the last step, I paused as he took slow steps toward me. I felt strangely nervous and I wasn't sure why. It was almost like the feeling of going on a first date. He was inches away from me and I looked deep in his eyes before he planted a sweet kiss on my lips. When he pulled away I put my hand on his cheek and said, "You look so handsome! Not that you don't normally look handsome…you know I love you in a flannel but…" I was rambling, which is what I did when I was nervously excited. He smirked at me before kissing me once again./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""You look absolutely stunning," he whispered in my ear./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""I'm actually pretty impressed with these clothes you picked out for me. Very classy."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Wait until you see what I have picked out for later," he nipped at my earlobe./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Oh?" I cooed. I felt him stop himself before getting carried away and he took my hand and led me out to the car. We locked the door behind us and, much to my surprise, we bypassed Killian's Mustang. Parked in the street was a stretch SUV with a driver standing by the back door./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Oh no way…" I whispered. Killian turned to me and grinned, as the driver opened the back door for us. We climbed into the back and found a bottle of champagne and two flutes waiting for us./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Well isn't this fancy," I commented. Killian wasted no time popping the bottle and filling up the glasses for us. "What are we toasting tonight?" I asked, hoping he might give me some insight into the night ahead of us./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"He paused for a moment before raising his glass. I followed suit and he stated, "Here's to us." He clinked his glass with mine and we drank. While the toast was simple and illusive, it felt perfect for this moment. We canoodled in the backseat, drinking our champagne and merely enjoying being near each other. To be perfectly honest, I was still completely speechless with everything that had happened today. Simply being with Killian made me happy, but seeing him plan all these little surprises for me made me feel like the luckiest girl in the world./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"The Hummer came to a stop and a moment later the driver was opening the door for us. Killian slid out and then took my hand to help me. I looked up and saw the Seattle Space Needle ahead of us. While we had been living in Seattle for quite some time, we had never seen the Space Needle before./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""We get to be tourists tonight?" I squealed./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Indeed love. I realized we'd never seen some of the best sights in this city we call home. How can we be true locals when we haven't truly been tourists. And I know you've been wanting to do this ever since we moved here."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"I entangled my fingers with his as we entered the tourist attraction. There was a line of people in the visitors center, but Killian seemed to know where he was going, passing through the crowds. Towards the back there were elevators that shot straight up to the top. He checked in at one of the desks and we were immediately escorted to an elevator, receiving glares from the tourists waiting to ascend. The elevator man took us all the way up and within seconds we had reached the top. When the doors opened, we were in a full service restaurant. Someone greeted us and led us to a small table right by the window. The floor appeared to be slowly turning as we looked out upon the Seattle coast and skyline./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""This is incredible. I didn't even know there was a restaurant up here. How did you pull this off?"/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Lots of planning my dear. But this stop is just for a drink. We have dinner reservations elsewhere." A waiter came over to take our drink orders as we continued to peer out upon the style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"Eventually, I let out the thought that had been on my mind all day. "It feels like all these events are…leading up to something," I proposed./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Perhaps you're right my dear," he replied, ever so coy./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Is it what I think it is?"/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Are you expecting me to read your mind? If so, I'm afraid I must disappoint."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""I call bullshit. You've always been able to read my mind, Killian."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"He laughed and looked down at his drink, "Be patient love. The best is yet to come." With that he took my hand in his and we continued to take in the beauty of the Seattle skyline at sunset. I knew my suspicions were right. I probably should have felt nervous or giddy, but instead I took a deep breath and found myself relaxing and prepared to see where the night would take us./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"X/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;" /strong/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"After a round of drinks and breathtaking views we departed from the Space Needle and joined the rest of civilization down below. I assumed dinner was our next stop, but I didn't dare ask any questions as to where we might be going. I knew Killian wouldn't give anything away. Our driver spotted us walking towards him and he propped open the door for us. We climbed into the car and moments later we were driving through the city to our next spot. I found myself cuddled into Killian with my legs slung over his lap. His hand rested on my leg and we sat there comfortably, speaking minimally. Part of me just wanted to take him home right now and cuddle up with him, but I knew we still had most of the night ahead of us. The snuggling would have to wait. As we were driving, I noticed we were making our way out of downtown, towards the coast./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""We are going to dinner now, right?" I whispered./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Yes love," he smiled./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Great! And where are we going?" I muttered./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""We'll be there soon enough." There were fewer and fewer buildings as we continued to drive. He squeezed my hand tight and kissed me on the cheek. Our driver soon came to a stop and opened the door for us. There was a small beach in front of us that lead to the ocean. Killian thanked the driver and put his arm around me. Right before we hit the sand, I kicked my heels off. The feel of sand beneath by toes never got old. Killian picked up my shoes and held them for me as we walked along the beach. The sun was setting beautifully over the water, causing the waves to sparkle ever so slightly./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""You hungry?" he asked me with a smile./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""I'm starving."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Good, we'll be there momentarily."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""And where exactly are we heading?"/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""A little bit further. Our restaurant's just up on the pier up ahead."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"We continued walking and Killian slowed as something caught his eyes in the sand. He stooped down to examine it and I asked, "What's that you've found there."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""It looks like…a jewelry box…" he picked up a sand colored velvet box, in the shape of a clamshell. As he examined it, he dropped one knee into the sand and propped up his other knee. He leaned forward onto his knee and before I realized what was happening, he popped open the jewelry box. Inside was a silver ring with a braided band and a brilliant turquoise stone./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Ariel, words cannot describe how much you mean to me. You somehow managed to take a scumbag pirate and turn him into a respectable man. Every morning when I wake up next to you, I think of how lucky I am that you picked me of all people. And before I get too sappy, I have one question that I've been dying to ask you. Would you truly make me the happiest man alive but marrying me?"/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"I felt tears forming in the corner of my eyes and my hand was covering my mouth, in shock. Even though I had a gut feeling this moment was coming at some point today, he still caught me completely by surprise. He was still on one knee, grinning his cunning smile at me./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Yes, of course I'll marry you. Yes," I finally managed to speak through tears./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"Killian seemingly jumped up and wrapped me in his tight embrace. His lips found mine almost immediately. I wasn't sure how long we stayed like this, kissing and smiling, but we eventually subsided. Killian gently slid the ring on my finger and I was stunned just looking at it./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""How do you always manage to surprise me?" I smiled./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"He kissed my temple and chuckled, "I just know you very well is all."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""You're incredible. I can't wait to marry you," I said resting my head on his shoulder. We walked together the short way to the pier. I couldn't stop looking at my left hand and smiling. This was truly becoming the most amazing day./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"We slowly made our way to the end of the pier, where an upscale restaurant was placed. The hostess greeted us and once Killian checked us in, she asked, "Are we celebrating anything special tonight?" I looked up at Killian, beaming, as he smiled back at me. "We just got engaged," I smiled./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Oh, wow! Congratulations! You make a lovely couple," she commented./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Thank you," I replied./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Now if you'll follow me this way, we have you at one of our best tables…" She led the way through the restaurant and paused at a table closest to the window, overlooking the ocean. She seemed to be mistaken though, because the table wasn't empty. I paused and looked at Killian, confused because there were two women sitting at the table, facing out toward the water./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Here you are. Andrew will be serving you tonight and he'll be right over to take your drink orders." The sound of the hostess' voice caused a reaction from our dining mates. They turned toward us and my jaw dropped, seeing that these women weren't strangers at all, but in fact…my older sisters./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Oh my God…" I lunged toward them as they wrapped me in a group hug. This had set me over the edge. I wiped the tears that were streaming down my face. After several rounds of hugs we finally settled down. Killian and I took seats next to each other as Coral and Shelly grilled us for details about the proposal./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""You should tell them, you planned everything out," I encouraged Killian and after some prodding, he agreed. He always had a knack for telling a story./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""We started off the day off with breakfast in bed…" he started. He eloquently captured every little detail without dragging on too much. His recap was perfectly accurate and I couldn't stop smiling thinking about the incredibly amazing day it had been./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""That's amazing," Coral stated./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""I love seeing the two of you so happy," Shelly smiled./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""I remember when you first made an appearance in Story Brook," Coral started, "Everyone was positively in love with you, but we all knew we had no chance. You had this weird connection with Ariel, and even though we tried to get in the way of it, there was no stopping you two."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""And Killian, thank you for bringing us out here to be a part of your special day," Shelly stated./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"I turned toward Killian and squeezed his hand, "Yes, thank you for that. It was the icing on the cake for today."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Anything to make you happy, my dear."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Ugh, you guys are so perfect together. I need to leave Story Brook so I can meet a guy like you."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Still living the single life?" I asked Coral./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"She sighed, "Yeah…but I'm starting to think I want to settle down and stop sleeping around."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""I've been telling her to leave our small town forever, but she won't listen," Shelly said./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""I don't want to leave by myself!"/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""But I have a responsibility to maintain the bar now. And I'm happy in Story Brook."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""That's because you have someone," Coral retorted./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Shelly are you dating someone? Who are you dating?" I asked, suddenly intrigued./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"Shelly turned a deep shade of red before stating, "I've kind of been seeing…Ruby."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Shelly! That's amazing. How are things going?"/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Actually really well. We're sort of in the honeymoon phase so we're attached at the hip and we can't keep our hands off each other."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Which means I'm stuck third wheeling all the time," Coral complained. She always had to make things about her, which I found frustrating. But Shelly barely batted an eyelash at the comment./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""You'll meet someone Coral. Maybe a trip outside of Story Brook would be good for you. It was probably one of the best decisions I ever made. Living in Story Brook is like living in a bubble. There's so much more out there to experience."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"Coral never liked when people gave her advice. She rolled her eyes and changed the subject, instead of admitting we might be right./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"We continued to eat and drink champagne until the one question that had been on my mind finally arose./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""I just can't believe you two are getting married!" Shelly squealed./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Now we haven't planned out any of the details just yet, but there is one thing I know I want," I commented./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""And what's that love?" Killian asked me./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Shelly…Coral…will you be my bridesmaids?" I watched their expressions change to that of excitement and joy./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Of course we will!" Coral squealed./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""We would be honored!" Shelly added. span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanspan style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanspan style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2.5in; text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Fantastic! My special day wouldn't be complete without the two of you." As dinner was served, we discussed the latest Story Brook drama before Killian and I shared a little about our lives here in Seattle. I had forgotten how much I missed the two of them. Living with them may not have been easy, but there were moments I enjoyed. Even though my life with Killian was fantastic, it was nice to have them around for a little bit./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"Things eventually winded down and Coral and Shelly headed to their hotel. They had an early morning flight back to Story Brook, but they assured us they would be back out to visit very soon./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"Killian and I finally retired to our home. I expected us to head to bed after such a long day, but Killian had other plans./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"He opened our bedroom window and helped me climb out onto the roof. We would lay out here and look up at the stars whenever we were feeling stressed. Tonight it wasn't so much to relieve stress, but just to enjoy each other's company. Killian laid out the plaid blanket on the shingles and we sprawled out on our backs, looking up at the night sky. Killian was always able to point out all the constellations to me. He would tell stories of using the stars to navigate the ocean when he was a pirate. I never used the stars to navigate, but I would gaze up at the stars when I was daydreaming of a different life. I used to imagine what it would be like to live a fantasy life. No matter where my imagination took me, it all still happened under the same sky full of stars./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"Killian and I enjoyed the silence for a while. I eventually turned in towards him and rested my head on his chest./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Thank you for today," I stated./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""You are more than welcome, darling. I'm glad you enjoyed yourself."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"I wanted to express more of my gratitude, but I had done so much of that today and Killian was always so humble. Instead, I kissed him on the cheek and nuzzled back into him. I felt him wrap his arm around me and gently play with my hair./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Thank you for changing my life," he whispered. He lightly kissed my forehead./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""I could say the same thing to you," I replied. It was true though. He changed my life as much as I changed his. And while people typically see change as a bad thing, we both needed it. Maybe our story wasn't as glamorous as Snow White and Prince Charming, but we had love and that was all we needed to be happy./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""As much as I would love to stay out here all night, it is getting late. You ready for bed?" he asked./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Well that depends…" I stated./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Oh?" he questioned./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""It depends on what you had in mind. I don't know if I'm interested in going straight to bed and falling asleep…"/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""Is that so? And what would you prefer?"/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;""I just thought that you maybe would want to head to the bedroom, toss me onto the bed, and take advantage of me. But if you aren't up for it…"/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"He chuckled, "Wait one moment, I never said that."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"I sat up and made my way to the window. "No it's okay, I get it. It's been a long day and your tired and it would just be soooo much work taking off all these clothes and-"/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"Killian was behind me with his hands on my hips as I was about to climb back into the house. "Don't tease me love," he whispered in my ear./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"I turned and smiled at him, "Tease you? I wouldn't dream of it." I pecked him on the lips and skillfully slipped into our bedroom. He stood there, watching me for a moment and I instinctually unzipped my dress and let it fall to the floor. I cocked an eyebrow at him and gave him a coy smile. Within seconds he was in the house and I was draped in his arms, as he carried me toward the bed, his lips finding mine along the way. As we carried on, I couldn't help but think about the rest of our lives together and how I would soon call Killian my husband./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p style="text-align: center;"!-EndFragment-/p