Thank you for those who took the time to comment! I very much enjoy reading them, I even incorporated a request I received for this chapter. Enjoy!
Emma tried to find the words when Killian let her in. She couldn't begin to explain the feeling of the rejection, the hurt that she felt all over again. Maybe this was why she shouldn't have been so quick to start something new. Not that she didn't want this. She did. She wanted him so much it scared her. But when she was a shambled mess falling into the abyss, she didn't want to drag him down with her. He had his own life to take care of. He had his son and his own situation with his ex-wife. He didn't need her baggage too.
"Why don't you sit and tell me happened, love." His voice was soothing, his eyes full of wrecked worry. She nodded, another tear escaping her glossy eyes. Henry held onto her tightly, his head leaning on her shoulder. He didn't like seeing his mommy like this. And now he had a dad who chose another family over him. Her gut ached just thinking about it. She went into the living room and sat on the couch, Killian joining her side. "Can I get you anything?"
She shook her head. It wasn't possible to get time back - the time she had wasted with a complete bastard.
Killian was patient and kind as he waited for her to speak.
"Why don't you play with Liam, kiddo?" she kissed Henry's forehead and let him down.
Henry was reluctant at first as he looked back at her, not wanting to leave her embrace. So she gave him an encouraging smile but he still looked unsure.
"Come on little lad." Killian stood up and took his little hand, leading him to where Liam was playing with his toys. "You know Liam." He knelt down and patted a spot for Henry to sit. "It's okay, Henry. He doesn't mind sharing, right Liam?"
Liam handed Henry one of the blocks in his hand. "Good lad." Killian smiled and ruffled his son's hair before he stood up and took his seat next to Emma.
Emma smiled at him, feeling tears threatening her eyes again.
"What is it, love?" Killian turned his body to her, his arm on the edge of the couch behind her.
She took a breath before she could finally speak.
"Neal... he... " Emma bit back another tear, but she knew she wasn't going to be able to do this without crying. "Tamara is pregnant and their engaged to be married."
"Oh, I'm sorry, love."
Emma realized her mistake right then. She could see the insecurity in his eyes as his hand cupped her cheek, soothing it with his thumb. She offered more to the story to eliminate any misunderstanding. Her ex-husband getting remarried was not what tore her apart. "Killian, he gave up Henry up for his new family... for a house."
His eyebrows creased in confusion. "What do you mean, love?"
"He said that he would let me have full custody if I gave him the house."
Killian froze, not believing what he was hearing.
"You can't be serious? Did you agree to it?"
Emma nodded, a tear sliding down her cheek.
"How am I going to tell Henry that he had a father who broke up his family to be with someone else? How am I going to tell him that his father chose another family over him?" She felt the tears rush from her eyes, not being able to hold them back any longer. "He doesn't deserve this."
"Come here, sweetheart." Killian pulled his arms around her with one hand curled around her hip and the another on the back of her head, letting her cry on his chest as he held her close. She immediately felt comfort from his warm embrace and let herself sob uncontrollably into his shirt. He kissed the top of her head as he stroked her hair. "I'm so sorry, Emma."
When she came up for air, she pressed her forehead to his.
"I'm sorry I came by like this... I just... I just needed you..." she said with a sniffle, her voice strangled.
Killian caressed her cheek with his thumb. "You don't ever have to apologize to me, love. I told you I'd be here for you and Henry, and I meant it."
Just then, she felt a tug on her pant leg, forcing her to look down.
"Why cry?" Liam asked, his big blue eyes looking up at her.
Emma managed a weak laugh as she wiped her cheeks. "Hey there, Liam." She picked him up and set him in her lap. Henry put down the toy he had in his hand and walked over to them, clutching onto Emma's kneecaps.
"I think Henry's jealous you're giving another boy your attention," Killian said as as he picked Henry up, setting him on his lap to be closer to her. Emma noted to herself how much she loved the sight of her son in Killian's arms.
"It okay em-ma," Liam assured her as he rested his head on her chest.
She looked down at him and laughed. "Well, I can see he takes after his father."
Killian gave her a goofy grin. "If only I were that lucky."
She cocked her head to the side. "You're not jealous, are you?" she teased.
"Oh, very much so." He leaned in and kissed her lips. "You see, I think we can all agree here that Neal is a bleedin' moron. You have three lads here fighting for your affections."
Emma blushed as she wiped the last of her tears. How he always knew how to make feel better was beyond her.
"Emma... I know we're trying not to rush this, but you and Henry are more than welcome to stay here with me and Liam."
Emma looked at him, surprised. It was hard for her to comprehend what he would do for her. Even though they were officially in a relationship, she felt like she would just be a burden, especially since she would be adding another toddler to the equation.
"I couldn't... I mean I don't want to intrude or burden you with my baggage. You and Liam don't need me and Henry crashing here."
"I would love nothing more to have you and Henry here. Sure, it's not a big place but the couch folds out so I can sleep here and you and Henry can take my room."
Emma shook her head. "You don't have to do that. I'm perfectly fine on the couch.
"Does that mean you'll stay, then?" He asked with a hopeful grin.
"Only if you're sure. I mean I can always ask to stay with my brother and Mary Margaret."
"I promise you, I don't mind, but it's up to you, love."
"Okay. But I'll take the couch."
"You're quite the stubborn lass," he chuckled.
She shrugged with a small smile curving the corner of her lips. "I know."
"What do you say we get that ice cream we talked about and then figure out a plan, love."
Emma nodded. "Okay."
Killian wanted to smash the guy's face in. As he sat across from Emma in a booth at granny's diner, their sons sitting in their laps feeding them small spoonfuls of ice cream, it took every ounce of his being not to go over to Neal's place to give him a piece of his mind. Comforting Emma was more important, though. Making sure her and Henry were okay was his main concern and he would do whatever it took.
"So, when are you moving out of the house, love?"
"Well, I don't really want to go back now, only to get mine and Henry's things and I basically already gave it to him, I was so upset. But I can stay at my brother's if tonight's too soon."
"No need. You can stay tonight."
"Really? You're sure. I don't have to-"
"It's not a problem. I don't blame you for not wanting to go back."
"Yeah, whenever I'm there, it just reminds me of him, anyway, and not to mention sleeping in the bed that we used to share. And he was right about one thing, this is my chance to have a fresh start, although I wish we didn't have to live in the same city as him."
"Have you thought about leaving Boston?" he asked curiously. Not that it would matter. He would follow her anywhere.
"I don't know, I mean I have my job here and my brother... and you... not to mention free daycare," she laughed before taking a bite of her ice cream.
"Aye, but just so you know, there's nothing keeping me here but you, Emma. I can be a yacht broker anywhere with water."
"Well, I'll keep that in mind," she said with a smile as she put the bowl of ice cream down and reached over the table, taking his hand in hers as her other arm was curled around Henry's belly. "I do have to go back to the house and get some clothes for tonight."
"Would you like me to come with you?"
"No, that's okay. It will just take a few minutes. But maybe you could take Henry with you."
"Of course, love."
Emma went to the house after transferring Henry's car seat into Killian's vehicle and leaving the diner. Thankfully Neal wasn't there. She packed an overnight bag of hers and Henry's clothes and some toiletries and his teddy bear.
She was back to Killian's apartment in record time and when she came through the door, she smiled at the sight. Killian was holding Henry, swaying him softly against his chest. Her son laid his head on Killian's shoulder with his eyes closed.
"Henry missed his mommy while you were gone. I finally got him to stop crying."
"And you got him to sleep," she added as she approached him and kissed Killian's lips. "Has anyone ever told you how sexy you look holding a baby?"
Kllian flashed her a crooked grin. "No, maybe you could tell me."
"Well, let me put it this way... I could watch you all day."
Killian lifted a sultry eyebrow. "Just watch?"
"Don't tempt me, mister. We have little ones here."
"Why don't you get settled in and get some rest. You and Henry can take my bed for the night and I'm not taking no for an answer," he told her as he kissed her forehead.
"Okay, fine. You win." She took Henry from his arms and got herself and Henry ready for bed.
When she awoke the next morning, her son laying on her chest, she smelled eggs and bacon coming from the kitchen. Henry stirred in her arms as she heard a knock and she got out of bed, holding onto him, answering the door in a tank top and pajama shorts.
Killian looked struck as he tried to speak, his eyes wandering across her body before they met her eyes. She felt a tinge of blush in her cheeks.
"I made breakfast, love, if you're hungry."
"Okay, we'll be out in a minute."
She gave him a coy smile as he nodded and walked away. Her breathing was unsteady as she shut the door. She knew that staying with Killian when they had yet to take the next step in their relationship might have been a mistake. And while she was ready to be with him, she didn't want it to be forced upon them because of the situation.
After they had breakfast, they strapped Liam and Henry into their car seats and as they drove to the daycare, Emma couldn't help but think how domestic the four of them seemed. It had only made sense to ride there together rather than separately. She smiled as she looked at Killian and took his hand into hers. He smiled back, brushing his thumb over her skin. Her heart still ached for her son but she couldn't think of a better solution than this. And though she didn't know exactly what the future held for them, he was a gift that she would never take for granted, that much she knew for sure.
Killian stayed with Liam in his car as he waited for Emma to get Henry. They had not told her sister-in-law or David of the situation yet because Emma knew her brother would go ballistic so she wanted to wait until Mary Margaret and David got home from work. And little did she know how right her instincts were.
"Neal did what!?" David's voice was full of anger, eyes of fiery and fists clenched tightly. They all stood in his and Mary Margaret's place, Killian and Emma holding their sons. David quickly strode over to the door, yanking it open.
"David, where are you going?" Emma asked him, afraid she already knew the answer.
He turned his head to look at her. "I'm going over there to break the bastard's face, what do you think?"
"David, that's not going to solve anything," his wife assured him.
"Maybe not, but he's not getting away with this." He looked at Killian. "Killian, you can't tell me you don't to bash the guy's face in."
Killian nodded. "Of course I do-"
"Well, are you coming with me or not?"
"David please," Emma pleaded.
"I'm sorry, Emma but I can't sit back and see you and Henry being treated like this. Are you coming or not?"
Emma nodded. "I was hoping we could use your truck to get Henry's crib and our other things."
"Yeah, let's go."
Emma turned to her sister-in-law. "I know you've probably had your fill of kids for the day but do you mind watching Henry and Liam for a while?"
Mary Margaret shook her head. "Not at all, Emma. Just do me a favor and try to keep David out of trouble, will you?"
"I'll try," Emma sighed. She had a feeling that was not going to be an easy thing. Emma and Killian let their babies down to walk about before they followed David out the door.
They got into the truck with Emma in the middle and on the way there, Emma had talked David out of going to Neal's house. She didn't want any trouble, she just wanted to get her and Henry's things and leave. However, when they reached her house, Neal's car was in the driveway.
"Wait here, Emma. I'll make him leave. The least he could do is let you pack in peace."
"David, please-"
"I'm not arguing with you. Just stay here and I'll take care of him."
"Fine, just promise me you won't start anything."
David sighed. "I promise. I'm just going to ask him to leave." As much as she wanted to believe her brother, she looked at Killian with pleading eyes, silently telling him to go with David to keep him in check.
He nodded understandly and kissed her cheek before whispering her ear. "No worries, love." He then spoke in a louder tone to David. "I'm coming with you, mate."
Killian and David stepped out of the truck and walked up to porch, knocking on the door. Neal answered and his features fell when he saw David.
Killian could see the look of fear in Neal's eye. David may have not been a big guy, but when it came to protecting the people he cared about, Killian could tell he would do just about anything.
"Hey, David. Long time no see."
"Yeah, it's just too bad it couldn't stay that way," David snapped as he shoved his way in, Killian following behind him.
Neal turned to look at Killian, ignoring David's tone. "Do I know you? You look familiar."
"We met once, unfortunately. I was at the bar with Emma when you came in with your girlfriend," Killian replied with a hard glare.
"Oh right. Emma's friend."
"Actually, it's boyfriend now," he corrected with a tick in his jaw as he remembered the crude comment Neal had made at the time.
"Well, good luck with that," Neal said with a dark chuckle.
"We're not here to exchange pleasantries," David said, irritated. "I'm here to help my sister pack. Now, if you don't mind, we'd like to do that without you here." His voice grew calm, but only because he was trying his best to keep it together.
"Emma can pack while I'm here. I don't want any funny business if I were to leave."
"This is not a debate. It's still Emma's house."
"Actually, I paid the mortgage on this house, so it's mine. And I'm not going anywhere."
That's when David snapped. He stepped closer to Neal and grabbed the collar of his shirt. "I told you to let us move Emma's things in peace. That's all we want to do. Now you can leave quietly or this could get ugly. It's two against one so I suggest you go with the first option."
Neal put his hands up in surrender. "Fine. You've got an hour to get her stuff until I come back."
David released his grip and Neal shrugged him off. "I'll just be glad when she's out of my life for good," Neal said before he looked back at Killian. "Oh and one thing, Killian. I should probably warn you, Emma may be nice now but she can be a cold-hearted bitch."
If there was ever a time when Killian felt rage other than when he found his wife in bed with another man, it was in that moment. His blood was boing inside of him and he couldn't do anything but act on it.
Without a second of rational thought, Killian balled up his fist and surged forward, punching Neal in the nose.
Neal groaned in pain and went to the floor, his hands holding his nose.
"Maybe that's because she had such a shitty husband..." Killian stepped over him as he rubbed the aftershock in his knuckles, David following behind him with a smirk. Emma's brother was almost not sorry he didn't get to have the satisfaction of doing it himself.
"We'll be back and we're going need you gone unless you want the nose completely broken," David told Neal before they opened the door and walked out, shutting it behind him.
"I knew I liked you, Killian," David said as he gave him a friendly pat on the shoulder. "And here Emma and Mary Margaret were worried about me."
"You think she'll be pissed?"
"I think she'll get over it quickly," David assured him as they walked back to the truck. Emma gave them a quizzical look when David opened the door and she stepped out.
"What happened?"
"Well, we were just going to let him go but then Neal decided to say something stupid and Killian punched him in the face." David replied, a little too enthusiastically.
Emma's mouth fell open in shock and Killian was worried she would be upset with him. Instead, she stepped closer and gently took the hand with red knuckles, placing it into hers and bringing it to her lips.
"I'm sorry, but the things he said, I couldn't just-"
Emma interrupted him with a kiss to his lips as her hand cupped his cheek.
"Is your hand okay?" she asked concerned and not the least torn up about him striking Neal.
"Aye, I'm fine, love," he said with a smile as he caressed her cheek with his good hand.
"So let me get this straight, you and Mary Margaret got all mad at me for even threatening to beat up Neal and Killian actually does it and gets rewarded with a kiss?" David grumbled.
"Oh, David quit being a whiner," Emma teased him. "You know I wasn't mad at you, hell I wanted to kick the shit out him myself, believe me."
The three of them waited for Neal to leave the house with his tail between his legs, still holding his nose before they went inside. They gathered all of her and Henry's belongings, including their dressers and clothes, Henry's crib and toys and everything that only belonged to them. She decided to leave anything behind that would remind her of Neal. After they covered they secured everything into the back of the truck, they went to Killian's place to move everything in. They put Henry's crib into Liam's room along with his other belongings and Killian gave her half of his closet for her clothes.
"How are you doing, love?"
Finally seated on his cozy couch in her pajamas that consisted of a pair of grey sweatpants and a light pink tank top, she put her arm around his shoulder as her other hand moved to rest on his chest. He was also wearing sweatpants as well as a black t-shirt. They had just tucked Liam and Henry into their cribs and got ready for bed, but neither of the were tired enough to sleep.
"I'm okay, I think," Emma replied as she turned her body to face him. "I wanted to thank you again... for everything."
"I told you, Emma, it's not a problem."
"I know but I really do appreciate it. You have no idea how much this means to me." She curled hand around his nape and leaned in, pressing her lips softly against his. Sighing softly, Killian moved his mouth against hers and wrapped his arms around her waist. He pulled her close to his body, kissing her deeper and tasting the minty toothpaste on her tongue. She instantly felt her body become more relaxed. When he released her lips, he pressed his forehead to hers, catching his breath.
"You have no idea how much you mean to me," he murmured in her ear.
He then paused for a moment, looking into her emerald depths as he tried to find the words of what he felt for her. He hadn't planned on telling her yet, but he was overwhelmed with feelings as she stared back at him. He nuzzled her nose with his as he spoke in almost a whisper.
"Emma, please forgive me saying this now, but... I'm afraid I'm completely in love with you. And I don't want you to feel pressured into saying it back, I just needed to tell you."
He heard her breath hitch and there was a long silence before she finally replied. "I'm in love with you too." A tear escaped her eye and she kissed him again. A wave of relief came over him and his heart fluttered as he pulled her into a deep hug. The sound of her breathing, the smell of her hair intoxicated his senses as they stayed like that for a while in a comfortable silence until Emma spoke again.
"Killian, could you..."
"What is it, love?" he asked as he slightly pulled away to look at her face.
"Could you just hold me... in bed? I don't really want to sleep alone."
Killian gave her a weak smile. "I think I can manage that." He stood up and offered his hand for her to take, leading her to his bedroom. They slid underneath the covers and she rested her head on his chest as he wrapped his arms around her. He took her hand in his, bringing her fingers to his lips and threaded them between his. Their bodies weary from the long day somehow molded together in a perfect fashion as they fell asleep.