A/N: I largely had to put this story on hold during February because the muses struck and I was worried if I didn't finish 'Lifted by Love' I never would. As this is one of my less popular stories, this seemed like the best to put on the back burner. But now we're back with another update and it's with Emma and Killian this time on the morning of the wedding.

Killian

Jetlag was a hell of an adversary, and despite it being his third day in Montana, Killian was up with the sun and felt as if it were past noon. It didn't matter that he'd barely had any sleep, once the birds were chirping outside, he felt too contained. Quickly dressing for the day, he headed out into the morning, down the steps of the expansive house and into the kitchen.

"You're up early." The accusatory tone was from his brother, Liam.

"I have science backing me, what do you have to say for yourself?"

"Couldn't sleep without Ruby." Killian felt his eyebrow rise at the statement. The two of them were already married, why bother with that particular custom.

"I drew the line at not seeing her today before the ceremony, but Mary Margaret insisted that there needed to be something – anything – traditional about this wedding. One look in my wife's eyes was all it took to see that she liked the idea of a little tradition." Killian nodded at that. He could imagine that years of living in a place like this might leave it's mark in some way, and he very much doubted that people ran off to Europe to elope very much in Storybrooke, Montana.

Killian watched then as his brother managed to simultaneously brew a boatload of coffee and set off to making a huge, elaborate breakfast. Despite them being miles and miles from home, Liam seemed truly happy here and like he belonged. Then again, who wouldn't enjoy life here? There was sunshine and fresh air…

And Emma, His mind was always rushing back to her no matter the topic of conversation and this one was particularly apt for her appearance. With each passing second spent in her presence, Killian was falling deeper and deeper into wanting her. If he was completely honest, he had no intention of letting her go. Hell, he didn't even have any idea how he could since simply spending his sleeping hours away from her caused restlessness.

He'd come to terms last night with the fact that he wanted something more between them. Her life was resolutely here, and before this week, if you'd asked him how permanent his life in London and Dublin were he's have said irreversibly so, but that was incorrect. Indeed, much of his time last night had been spent thinking through in his head logistics about how he could make the change to being here full time if only Emma wanted it, and that was the question of the moment. Emma had more to consider than dating, she had a son, a wonderful lad who was full of wonder and hope and questions. Emma had good reason to be protective of her son, and Killian knew she would never be able to commit to something as all encompassing as he wanted so soon, without more time.

"You should probably get used to the hours we keep." Killian's comment pulled Killian from his personal thoughts as he had his coffee.

"Come again, brother?"

"I know you, Killian. Ain't a chance in the world that you will leave Emma Swan by choice at the end of this week. You're in love with her." Killian felt his face growing hot and he looked around trying to make sure they were still alone here in the kitchen.

"I will respect Emma's wishes no matter what and do what makes her happy."

"But if it was up to you?"

"I wouldn't be leaving Thursday." He wouldn't be leaving ever.

"Good. I didn't like a whole ocean between me and my baby brother." Killian rolled his eyes at that but didn't turn down the eggs placed before him. As he ate, he heard a truck pulling up to the house and the small yip he'd come to know was Henry's dog Luna. Instinctively he rose from the kitchen table and headed to the door. Jefferson was driving the truck that had dropped Killian off and he raised a hand in goodbye that Killian responded with in kind.

"Hey Killian!" Henry looked blissfully excited despite the early hour and the boy's happiness was infectious.

"Morning, Captain Henry." A few days before, when Killian had been spending some time with Henry, he's started the teasing name to indicate henry's level of authority. Henry had instantly loved it and that seemed to stay true now too if the bigger smile was any indication.

"Mom up yet?" Killian shrugged.

"Haven't seen her this morning so far." Henry looked relieved.

"Good, can you help me with something?" Before Killian could reply that yes, he could try, Henry was running towards the stables with Luna fast on his heels. Killian kept a brisk pace walking behind them. When they'd finally reached the stables, Henry bent low and unzipped his bag fully where before there had been a smaller opening. Only then did Killian realize that the bag moved. All it took was a few seconds to see why – inside was a tiny black kitten that Henry now held in the palm of his hands near his chest.

"Not to question your process, Captain, but where did you manage to find this fine fella?" Henry handed the kitten to Killian and he took the beast skeptically. He'd always fancied himself a fan of dogs and horses, never having met a cat he particularly liked, but this little ball of fluff was mightily cute, that he could admit. It's big green eyes made him think of Emma's and he smiled at the kitten.

"Grace's Grandparents had eight of them. Eight! And they didn't have anyone to take them. Neville needed a good home." Killian sighed so as to keep from laughing.

"So this little fella needed a home and you thought to bring him here, in your bag so as not to alert Grace's father." Henry nodded.

"Your mother deserves some say in this though, don't you think?" Henry nodded again.

"That's where you come in. Mom really likes you and if you're on my team there's no way she can say no. Don't you think we'd make a good team, Killian? I think we can call this 'operation Harry Potter pets.'" Killian felt conflicted. He never wanted to undermine Emma's authority in this situation, but he liked the fact that Henry liked him and he didn't want to mess that up. For anything to ever work with Emma, he needed to have the boys trust and affection, that was obvious. Killian quietly considered before responding, but what he didn't realize was that Emma, the object of this plan, was only a few yards away, listening intently.

…

Emma

I really need to stop eavesdropping on him, Emma thought as she continued to do just that. She couldn't help it, though. Right now she was torn between being frustrated with her son for bringing home another pet when he'd just gotten Luna and being happy that he'd sought Killian's help. She knew her son. In order to be in on one of Henry's 'operations,' you had to pass muster and that took a lot. Her son may have been far more open than she was, but he still had a strong sense of character and a discerning ability to know the good from the bad.

"Perhaps there's a solution in which Neville can have a home and your mother can be spared another indoor pet." It took a moment to realize where Killian was going with this and when she did she closed her eyes in silent thanks to him. Now if only Henry would go for it.

"Like a barn cat! Only for the stables!" Henry's excitement was telling enough that he was interested in the idea.

"Aye, lad. But remember, your mother is the real Captain around here. Best to leave this business of deciding to her." That was as good an introduction as she was ever going to get.

"Deciding what?" Emma walked around the corner of the barn and saw both henry and Killian looking at her with a mix of hope and a little fear. She couldn't help but smile and saw that the kitten was nestled against Killian as opposed to Henry. She approached them and reached a hand out to the small black fur ball and the little cat purred happily. "Where'd this little guy come from?"

Emma looked to Killian first and bit her lip as she watched his face cover a range of emotions finally landing on forced calm as he tilted his chin towards Henry.

"Grace's grandparents."

"Do they know he's found a home already?" Emma's comment surprised both Henry and Killian but her son was soon throwing his hands around his Mom thanking her profusely. Emma liked this part of being a Mom. Kittens were easy enough, and though the little guy was too small to live in the stables right now, they could manage some time with him in the house. Hell, if his pleasant attitude and gratuitous purring continued, he could stay forever. Emma had never seen such a happy cat in her life, but she liked Neville all the more for it.

"I'm gonna go call Grace!" Henry made to bolt out of the stables.

"Hey, kid. Forgetting something?" Emma handed him the kitten and Henry's eyes grew wide.

"Go set up a place for him the kitchen for now. Use the gates in the closet okay and set up some water. I'll get him some food soon."

"Thanks Mom! Thanks Killian." Emma watched then as Henry threw his arms around a surprised Killian and as Killian hugged her son back with a look that made her heart pound harder, partly out of happiness, partly out of fear.

Henry was getting attached to Killian. It was one thing for Emma to love him and have to say goodbye in a few days, but Henry was such a hopeful kid. He'd never really been told no on something like this. A mini Mary Margaret in the making that way, Henry believed that love was always enough, that it always won out, and that everyone got a happy ending like in the fairytales.

"Did I do something wrong, Swan?" Emma looked up at Killian whose eyes portrayed his concern. Only then did she realize she'd been frowning. Shaking away the worry and the doubt she stepped closer to him, running her hands over his chest through his thin t-shirt.

"You did great, Killian. Thank you for handling him so well." He smirked at that and too late did she realize she'd given herself away. "I may have heard some of what was said before I announced myself."

"That's good, love. You should be protective over Henry."

"Hey, look I trust you. With me and with Henry. I know it's only been a few days, but you have to know that rarely happens. You just proved me right today, that's all." Before she could say anymore, Killian had pulled her in for a kiss, one that stole the rest of the thoughts from her mind and demanded to be front and center. Emma gave herself over completely, arching into him, wanting the contact between them. She felt like she was doing everything but beg him to stay forever with actual words. That was terrifying, that she already felt like she knew him enough to know she didn't want this to end.

"I will never make you regret that, Swan." His whispered promise made her feel all warm and cherished. She craved the way he made her feel safe and wanted. Nothing in her life had ever felt like this. The love she had for Henry was infinite, something that couldn't be explained with words, but motherhood was in many ways a one-way street. Her son, she knew, would always love her, but she couldn't lean on him or seek out his help. He was a kid, and she would protect that no matter what kind of toll it took on her to do it without someone else.

And her friends – love them as she did – they had their own lives and Emma felt like she was constantly trying to keep from asking too much, from taking advantage of their kindness. Henry was her son and she didn't ever want anyone to resent him or her for that matter. Now, standing here in Killian's warm embrace, Emma knew she'd found someone she could share that with. If only she could be brave enough to tell him how she felt. Yet, that bravery didn't come right now. Instead there were a few more stolen kisses and the creeping reality that they had a wedding happening tonight and that they all needed to get read for that.

"Thank you, Killian." His look of surprise at the statement as they reached the porch of the house had her wanting to kiss him again but she restrained. "For everything."

"It's you I should be thanking, Emma." Before she could ask what he meant by that, Belle was outside, summoning Emma up to get ready with the rest of them and the spell between them was broken. Well, at least for the moment.

Post-Note: Okay! Wedding ceremony is next chapter, and if you've read my other stories, you know I love me some good wedding fluff, even if the couple in question isn't Captain Swan. Ruby weddings in particular are really quite a fun event for me. So hopefully you've enjoyed this and will enjoy the next chapter!