Emma Swan had never been to a rodeo. They just did not have them in the city where she grew up. Truthfully, she had not really been very enthusiastic about visiting her cousin Mary at first. Then things with her now ex-boyfriend had changed for the worse and Emma found herself needing a change of pace. So she warily packed her things and headed for Texas.

Emma had been in Texas for a few weeks when Mary suggested the rodeo. They had not done much socializing since she had arrived. The farms and ranches were pretty far from what Emma would call "civilization" and they mostly just spent lazy days sitting around talking or reading. They did visit the creek nearby for some water fun but Emma was starting to get a little bit of cabin fever and the rodeo sounded like fun.

Mary's fiancée, David, picked them up and drove them to the next town over. He was a great guy and she sighed wistfully at their obvious love for each other. David was very personable and she already felt as if he were a big brother to her. He had offered to bring a date for her but Emma had politely declined. The last thing she felt she needed was another man in her life.

They were all laughing and having a great time when the bull riding started. Most of the riders weren't that great and Emma had started to lose interest when David heard a name from the announcer. He straightened a little and paid attention to the arena and that made Emma curious. She watched the gate where there was a rider wearing pretty much all black with dark black hair. His face was down and she could only see his head nodding to the other cowboys helping him with mounting the bull. Then the gate opened.

The first time Emma saw Killian Jones, he was atop a very mad bull. However, it looked as if both rider and bull were one, the movements of the rider so fluid with the bull that you could almost not tell them apart. She did not even realize she was holding her breath until the horn sounded that the 8 seconds were up. Killian dismounted and as the crowd cheered, he gave a cocky little bow. He looked in their direction and she could have sworn he winked at her before doffing his cap to the crowd and running out of the arena.

Emma learned from David that Killian was one of his closest friends and that he was probably the best bull rider in the country. Indeed, he had won the competition that evening and from what she learned from David, he hadn't lost one yet. Mary just snorted and when questioned she told Emma that she thought Killian was a scoundrel and a womanizer that needed to be knocked down a peg. David just sighed and admonished her, saying she did not know him that well and should give him a chance. They were still arguing when the man in question came into view.

"Killian! Congratulations, man" David said and clapped him on the back.

"Thanks, mate" Killian said and smiled. Emma sucked in a sharp breath as she took him in. He had jet black hair and bright, blue eyes. A small scar sat on his right cheek and his chin and jaw were covered in light, reddish scruff. The overall affect was stunning and she felt a shiver down her spine. He glanced at her curiously before raising an eyebrow at David.

David cleared his throat, "Killian, this is Mary's cousin, Emma Swan. She is here all the way from Boston."

Killian took her hand and brushed a kiss across the top while looking into her eyes. "A pleasure to meet you, Emma." He smiled and she felt a jolt of electricity between them. She was reluctant to let him go but he released her hand.

"Nice to meet you, Killian. Your riding was amazing." Emma silently berated herself on her lack of finesse in this matter but dear lord the man had an accent too and it was having an effect on her.

He blushed a little. "Thank you" he said with a small tip of his hat to her.

Mary looked between the two and then smiled. She nudged David and then gave him a look.

"Hey Killian, we were going to get a burger, would you like to join us?" David asked.

"Aye, that sounds brilliant. If I won't be intruding?" he asked while looking hopefully at Emma.

Emma glanced at Mary and then said, "The more the merrier." Killian smiled and David led the way back to the parking. He followed them to the diner in his own truck and they all got a booth in the back.

Emma sat next to Killian one side and Mary and David sat on the other. They all laughed and had a great time. Emma did not realize it had gotten so late until David yawned and she looked at her watch. She had been having one of the best nights in her life. The four of them seemed to have an easy companionship and nothing had seemed strained or forced. Killian insisted on paying for the meal since he had won some cash that night.

As they were making their goodbyes outside, Killian pulled Emma aside for a moment.

He scratched behind his ear and it was the first time that Emma saw some vulnerability, "Emma, I had a great time tonight. I was wondering if, perhaps, I could take you out on a date?"

Emma hesitated. She was still hurting from her ex-boyfriend and was not quite ready to trust anyone again, but she had a great time too and she felt that she might be missing a great opportunity to get to know him.

"That's ok, lass, perhaps another time. Goodnight" Killian sounded disappointed but he had seen her hesitance in her eyes. He turned to go back to his truck.

"Killian?" Emma called after him. He turned with a questioning look, "I'd love to." Killian nodded and then walked off whistling a tune. Emma smiled and joined David and Mary in the truck.

They were pretty silent on the way home but as soon as they were in bed, Mary bombarded Emma with questions. Emma did not have the answer to most of them but she laughed at Mary's enthusiasm. Mary seemed to think she might have been wrong about Killian and Emma agreed.

Throughout the summer, Emma and Killian got closer and closer. She learned that although he had a reputation as a womanizer, it was merely to hide the fact that he had not been dating anyone since a relationship had ended badly a few years ago. She also learned that he had come to Texas with his big brother to work as ranch hands. Their father had abandoned them shortly after coming to America with them and the only work his brother could find was on the ranch. They had gone through some tough years but had learned all the ins and outs of the ranch and had become pretty skilled in their trade.

Killian learned about Emma and her city life. Her parents were pretty well off and she was attending law school. He learned of the scandal of her cheating ex-boyfriend and sympathized with her need to escape the spotlight for a while. He also learned what could make her smile and what would send her into a passionate lecture. He liked goading her the best because the fire she displayed stole his heart.

Emma and Killian became almost inseparable. She watched each bull ride with rising fear in her throat. She knew he was a great rider but now she also knew how dangerous it could be. She had seen many guys get hurt while in the arena and she did not want Killian to be one of them. She was scared to admit that she was falling in love with him. The summer was coming to an end and she was going to be going home and back to school soon. Emma was conflicted – she felt her heart being pulled one way and her mind in another way.

Emma woke up the last day of her stay in Texas with a bad feeling. The air was thick and she knew that a storm would be blowing in. She and Mary were headed to the last rodeo of the season, Killian was riding and Emma feared the worst. When they arrived, she found him and begged him not to ride but he told her "not to worry darling" and kissed the top of her head. She felt angry at him for dismissing her fears and angry at herself for feeling apprehensive.

Emma tapped her foot in impatience for the rodeo to be done. When it came time for his turn, she watched with dread as he mounted the bull and the gate opened. She felt like it was 8 hours instead of 8 seconds watching him ride that bull. Again, he was flawless, moving as if he was taking a Sunday stroll. She slumped with relief as the horn sounded announcing his time was up. That was when chaos broke free. David jumped down into the arena. At first Emma was confused, he had ridden and should be done, but when she looked again, she noticed Killian's hand was caught in the ropes tied tightly around the bull. He was hanging off the side with only his hand being the only point of contact while the bull thrashed and kicked. David and a few of the other cowboys were trying to get the rope off the bull's privates to get it to slow down. They finally did and Killian's hand slipped out and he fell in the dirt. The very next moment, the bull's hooves came crashing down on Killian. Someone screamed and at first Emma did not realize it was her. The deathly silence was too loud in her ears and she felt like throwing up. The other cowboys got the bull out of the arena and David knelt by Killian. Fear sliced through Emma when she did not see him moving. After a few moments, David and the other medics moved to help Killian stand. Tears began streaming down Emma's face as he picked up his hat and waved it to the now cheering crowd and limped away.

Emma made her way down to the back end of the arena where Killian was sitting on the bumper of an ambulance. She waited for a moment with her fists clenched at her sides. Killian looked up, saw her and smiled. She could see the pain in his eyes. "Hey sunshine" he called at her and winked. That was when Emma lost it. She marched up to him and slapped him soundly in the face. Emma then spun on her heels and ran away as fast as she could, sobbing freely now.

Emma refused to talk to Mary about any of her feelings and silently packed her bags. She was also silent the next day on the drive to the airport after reassuring Mary that she had no interest in checking on Killian before they headed out. Mary watched her worriedly from her seat next to David but respected her decision. She refused to cry any more after she had stopped the night before and if he wanted to be stubborn and get himself killed, then she would have no part in it. At the airport, David helped her get her bag out of the back and then hugged her goodbye telling her "Don't be a stranger". Mary watched them and then gave David a look so he went and got back in the truck.

"Thanks for letting me come. You should come up to Boston next year." Emma said, trying to be cheerful.

"Emma…" Mary started to say.

Emma shook her head. Mary nodded and gave her a hug.

Mary held onto Emma's hands as they parted, "Let me just say one thing and then I will drop it. When you came here, I could tell that your life was falling apart and you were lost. But being here and being with Killian."

"Don't" Emma said, biting her lip.

"Being with Killian," Mary stated firmly, "That was the happiest I have ever seen you. I was wrong about him and you shouldn't leave it like this. You will always regret it if you do. David brought a note from him and I put it in your purse. Just read it. Give him a chance."

Emma nodded and Mary smiled. She picked up her bag and walked into the airport after giving a last wave to David. Emma went through check in and sat in the airport lounge. She refused to read the letter and just ignored it. She slept fitfully on the plane, haunted by nightmares of Killian being carried away instead of limping away. Her head pounded and she forgot all about the letter after she got home and crawled in bed, ignoring her mother's questions.

A week passed and Emma had forgotten all about the letter. She had tossed it on her desk and ignored it. She got a text from Mary, nagging her about reading it and that is when she went looking for it. The letter had fallen down between her desk and the wall and would have stayed that way possibly forever if not for her nosy cousin.

Emma held it and stared at it for what seemed like hours. She finally took a deep breath and opened it. There in flowing handwriting were the words she thought she would never have from anyone.

Emma,

I'm sorry I did not listen to you, love. Instincts should be listened to but I wanted that trophy so much. I've been saving the money for something special and needed to win. I didn't mean to scare you or hurt you. I wish to beg your forgiveness, I promise that if you give me another chance, I will always listen to you in the future.

I love you.

Killian

Emma started crying again. She re-read the last line twenty times mulling them over and over in her head. How could he love her? She had abandoned him at the first sign of trouble. She didn't even know the extent of his injuries. She hadn't even said goodbye. What kind of person was she?

Emma texted Mary to see if she could come back and stay with her again for a few days. Mary called her instead of texting her back. She asked Emma a few questions until she realized that Emma wanted to see Killian.

"He's not here" Mary stated.

"Oh. What?" Emma felt dizzy. He had already given up on her.

"Well, two days ago he got out of the hospital and asked David to come help him with something. When David got back, he said that Killian had left town." Mary sighed.

"Was he…what happened?" Emma asked.

"The injury?" Mary tried to clarify.

Emma nodded to the phone as if Mary could see her. She cleared her throat, "Yeah."

"Oh, he had some bruised ribs. They thought he had a punctured lung but didn't so that was great. His arm though. He may never ride again. They had to put pins in his arm and wrist but the bull crushed almost all of the bones in his left hand. " Mary tried to be delicate with the news.

Emma's tears started all over again. Killian's whole life had been the rodeo. She thanked Mary and hung up. Not only had she abandoned him but now his life was ruined. She was sobbing into her pillow when her mother knocked on her door.

"Emma?" her mother asked. Emma looked up. "Sweetheart, you might want to wash your face, you have a visitor."

Emma looked surprised, "Who?"

Her mother smiled, "A young man with an accent. Says he came from Texas and wouldn't leave until he talked to you."

Emma jumped up and flew past her mother, ignoring her questioning. She ran into her living room to see Killian standing there, his hat in his right hand. Despite the cast covering most of his left arm, he looked amazing. She took a running leap into his arms and he caught her as best he could, dropping his hat and giving a groan of pain. Emma lowered her feet.

"Oh Killian, your ribs, I'm so sorry." Emma gushed.

"It's ok, love" he smiled at her and she felt like she was seeing the sun for the first time in days.

Emma hugged him more gently and he put his arm around her, resting his cheek in her hair.

"How did you get here? Why are you here?" Emma asked.

Killian chuckled and scratched his ear, "Dave took me to the airport and I flew here. As to why, don't you know?"

Emma shook her head. Killian glanced behind her then stared back into her eyes, "Would you take a walk with me?"

Emma nodded. "Mom, I'll be back later" she said and then she grabbed his hand and picked up his hat.

They walked along the sidewalk until they got to a little park. They sat on the bench and just stared happily at each other for a few minutes.

"I'm sorry—" They both said at the same time and laughed. Killian tipped his head at her. "Ladies first" he said with a wink.

Emma grinned, "Killian, I'm sorry I left without saying goodbye and seeing if you were ok. I was so mad that you got hurt and I was afraid that if I stayed then you would break me. I can't see anything happening to you. I don't think I could handle it."

Killian nodded, "I'm sorry too. I should have listened to you. Emma, you are the light in my life. I don't ever want to lose you and if it means quitting the rodeo, I would do it for you Emma. I would do anything you asked. I love you, Emma."

Emma leaned in and kissed him. When they broke apart, Emma smiled, "I love you too."

Killian huffed, "You do? Truly?"

"Aye" Emma said, mocking his accent. He laughed and kissed her again. They rested their foreheads together. "What did you need the money for anyway?"

Killian straightened, "Well, darling, I needed to get something."

"What?" she asked curiously.

He smiled then removed his hat, setting it on the bench. He ran a hand through his hair as he knelt and reached into his pocket. He withdrew a ring box and opened it. Emma gasped and then covered her mouth with her hand. Killian took her other hand.

"Emma Swan, would you do this old cowboy a favor and give me the honor of being my wife?" he asked.

Emma nodded.

"Yes"? he said.

"Yes" she replied. He stood up and put the ring on her finger. Then whooped and kissed her while twirling her around. He only stopped when she noticed the slight grimace as she held onto him. After checking to make sure he was ok, she kissed him softly again.

Two months later, in a sunset ceremony on the ranch where Liam worked, Emma Swan became Emma Jones. Her groom cleaned up nicely and was stunning in tuxedo with a red vest. The smile on his face was even more stunning. She wore a simple gown but he wasted no time in telling her she was beautiful at least a dozen times.

They sat on the swing, decorated with twinkling lights, watching the moon and the stars, while taking a break from all the dancing. He had his arm around her and she was cuddled against his chest.

"I'm the luckiest man on earth" he proclaimed, holding her tighter to him.

"Hmm, I would say I roped a good one as well" she said with a grin."

He groaned, "That was a bad joke, my love."

She laughed, "Probably but you love me."

"Aye, I do indeed" he said and kissed the top of her head.

Emma nodded, "I love you."

Killian hummed in approval and contentment. They sat in companionable silence with the moon hung low in the sky and the crickets chirping. Emma never thought a city girl could like the quiet but found that as long as Killian was by her side, anywhere was home.