14

Life & Tranquility

Emma and Victoria were on their way to meet Claire in the market. Emma could see how happy her sister was to help Claire make her wedding dress. Emma was excited too. It funny because when she agreed to Vicky's request for her wedding to Killian, Emma was hesitant but her dress turned out to be beautiful. They decided they would make the dress at Emma's cottage since it would be away from prying eyes and it will be locked away from any unfortunate accidents that could happen with her four-year-old running around her home. Henry was four… he was going to five in a matter of months. Emma still remembered her fears when she found out she was pregnant and all the outcomes she came up with, none were close to what happened. Henry son is safe. Emma is safe. She got Vicky, Chas, Claire, Liam, and Killian; her true love. On top of all that she was reunited with her parents. Just thinking about all the good experiences she had in the last years made Emma smile.

"You sure are happy," Vicky commented as they got closer to the village.

"Of course I am. Claire and Charles are getting married and I… I also realized that Henry is going to be five years old. And I know you are sick of me saying this, but you saved us both Vicky. I am grateful for you and our family." Emma said.

"I know, Henry is getting so big. And so is Dorothy can you believe that she is going to be three. It feels like I just had her."

"Don't I know it." Emma agreed with a smile.

"Will there be a new Jones in the future? I know Killian loved Henry as his own, but I know he will love to be a father to another child," Vicky asked making Emma stop before her friend continued. "Plus I saw you after Dorothy was born or even a few months ago when Mrs. Luis brought her granddaughter to the market your face light up. I think you may want another child." Vicky said with a smile.

"Of course I want another child, but there has never been a good time for me and Killian to talk about it. I am either finding out my parents are alive and royalty or I learn a twisted fairy was trying to get my 'magic' so she could have unlimited power…" Emma trailed off.

"I know you have had a lot going on since you and Killian were married, but I think this may be the best time to talk about it." Vicky offered.

"I will… For now, we should focus on Claire and her wedding to our brother." Emma said as they reached the market.

OUAT

Emma made her way through the market, and she realized how much she missed going to the market every week. Between selling blankets, working in the tavern or visiting Claire and Charles she was always going to the market at least once a week.

"Emma, dear, it is good to see you again." Mrs. Henderson, an older woman who frequently bought blankets, said hugging Emma.

"It is good to see you too, Mrs. Henderson," Emma said with a smile.

"I have told you many times dear; my name is Ethel… Anyhow, where have you and your sailor been, I heard you all left a few months ago,"

"I… I was reunited with some family," Emma said and she could see the older woman's smile grow.

"That is wonderful, dear." Mrs. Henderson said. "I want to see your son." Then turned to Vicky, "and your daughter before their birthdays… I may be old, but I never forget a birthday," Ethel said with a hearty laugh making both Emma and her sister smile.

"Of course," Emma promised, and the older woman let them get back to their tasks.

OUAT

Minutes later, Emma found herself in the dress shop run by an older woman, Mrs. Luis, the woman had been a huge help when they were making Emma's dress. The older woman was a seamstress but soon gave that job over to her two daughters. Emma could see Claire eyeing an A-line dress. It was pure white and was extremely simple; there were no jewels or fancy fabrics it was just a simple A-line dress.

"What is running through your mind, Claire," Emma asked causing her friend to look at her confused.

"I could see you looking at this dress for the last five minutes while Vicky and I were talking to Mrs. Luis. So, what made this dress catch your eye?" Emma asked which made Claire smile.

"It is simple," Claire started and then paused as if she was thinking. "When I see this dress... I can see a starting point for mine... I can imagine this dress with longer sleeves bell-like sleeves and a puffy tulle skirt..." Claire explained but started to drift as though her mind was adding the alterations to the gown.

"You have an eye for fashion, my dear," Mrs. Luis said coming up behind Emma.

"Thank you," Claire said as a slight blush came across her face.

"Why don't we use this dress," Vicky suggested making Claire look at her. "Claire, you clearly have an idea of what you want your dress to look like and that is great. We can make the sleeves similar to how we did Emma's, and the tulle skirt shouldn't be too hard," Victoria explained, and Emma thought it was a good idea. From across the room, Emma could see how much her friend liked the dress.

"Vicky's right. Having this dress as a starting point would be a good idea. I also think that the alterations you want to make will only take a couple of months, and that is if we only work on it occasionally," Emma offered and she could see Claire smile.

"So then the wedding could be sooner… Okay… Yeah, I think I want to do that," Claire agreed. Mrs. Luis was behind them the whole time smiling.

Mrs. Luis proceeded to collect the dress and the other fabrics and thread the three of them will need. When the woman came back from her storage room, she smiled before speaking. "Claire, dear, if you ever have time my daughters would love help with designing and possible redesigning some dress for the shop. I wasn't lying when I said you had an eye for fashion," the older woman said causing Claire to smile.

"When I get a moment I will stop by," Claire promised. After that, the three girls left the shop and made their way to Emma's home.

OUAT

The three women were able to get the attic set up to work on Claire's dress. Earlier in the week, Vicky brought her wedding dress over so they can get ideas and Emma pulled hers out of storage for the same reason. Emma could tell that Claire had a bunch of ideas for the dress, which made sense. In the time that Emma has known Claire, she always had an interest in fashion.

"So, Claire when do you want to start on your dress?" Emma asked.

"Soon… By the way, I am going to pick up Henry tomorrow so you and Killian can spend the day together," Claire stated but Emma wanted to protest, but Victoria spoke first.

"Don't even think about it, Emma. It is your first wedding anniversary, and after the year you both had you deserve a day together. Plus, Claire is bringing Henry over to see Dorothy,"

"Between the two of you, I won't win…" Emma said with a fake pout before smiling, "I will be nice to have a day just for us," Emma hugged both of her friends before saying, "That you both so much. I owe you one,"

"You better! My anniversary is in a few months, and Dorothy loves spending time with her Auntie Em," Vicky said making them all laugh.

OUAT

The next morning, Emma found herself walking down a familiar path. Killian was at her side as they walked towards the Jolly Roger. In the past year, they never had a chance to go sailing. She knew Killian missed it ever since he and Liam were transferred to naval training and if she were honest, she missed going out on the Jolly.

"I missed coming out here," Emma confessed as they reached the cliffs that overlooked the Jolly Roger. "The ocean is calming…" Emma said making Killian pull her farther into his side and kissed her forehead.

"I am glad, love… Now, it is time to celebrate," Killian said turning to Emma to smile at her and then kissed her.

"Lead the way!" Emma said, and he grabbed her hand leading her towards the Jolly Roger making Emma laugh as they went.

So with that, the two of them spent the day sailing. They didn't go far since they wanted to stay close in case they were needed, which they weren't. Since returning from her parents' castle, their lives have been calmer, which after everything that happened in the last year was much appreciated.

"We have been married for a whole year, Killian. That… well, it's not as long as Mr. and Mrs. Parris, but after the year we did have I am glad you were there with me," Emma said before she kissed him.

"There is no place I would rather be, Emma. The past year was eventful… It was just another adventure," Killian said making Emma smile.

"An adventure, hun?" Emma asked playfully.

"Aye! The adventures of the Lady Swan and her Dashing Lieutenant continued. So, far they have… nine adventure if I am counting correctly," Killian said making Emma confused.

"Nine? Was I there for all these adventures?" Emma questioned.

"Our first outing together on your birthday, the Navy Ball, my proposal, the beanstalk, our wedding, building our home, Regina's ball, reuniting with your parents, and the Blue Fairy. Oh, and there is the running adventure of raising Henry, but you had that figured out before I came along,"

"Nine adventures in the last what four years, wow! And you helped with raising Henry… I didn't know what I was doing. I never even though about the concept of raising a child when I was pregnant… because I didn't think either of us had a future… But we did. Vicky and Charles helped, but you stepped up and became Henry's father… How would you fell about a tenth adventure?" Emma finally asked.

"And what would this adventure entail?" Killian asked coming closer to Emma.

"We would become parents again… give you a child of your own, I know you are Henry's father, but he isn't your blood… And I think Henry would like to be an older brother…" Emma said trailing off but stared into Killian's eyes. His response came in the form of a passionate kiss.

"That, love, sounds like a great adventure. On that can be started right now," He said with a smile before kissing Emma again. She smiled into the kiss as he led her below deck.

OUAT

Months later, an anniversary and three birthdays later, it was finally Claire and Charles's wedding. They decided to have the ceremony in the village. Emma and Vicky were getting their friend ready. Claire's dress turned around amazing. Though for a while they all agreed something was missing, it wasn't until her mother saw the dress that Snow told them to add more flower accents to the dress and her hair. Emma statically pinned a flower into Claire's hair since she didn't want a veil. So when Claire's hair was done along with a little light makeup, Claire slipped into her dress just in time for the knock at her door.

Apparently, the trip Claire and Charles when on months ago was, in fact, for Claire to see her parents and tell them of her engagement. Her mother was still wanting to marry someone who lived in her parents' village, but Claire's father was happy his daughter was happy. So, that was why he came to Claire's wedding and not just as a guest he is going to walk her down the aisle. Once Claire was ready Emma watched Vicky open the door revealing Claire's father. The man smiled as he took his daughter's hand.

Emma and Vicky gave their friend a quick hug before the went to sit with the rest of the guests. Liam and Killian were sitting in the second row. Henry was sitting next to Killian whereas Dorothy was sleeping on Liam's shoulder.

"Mama!" Henry said with a huge smile when Emma sat down. "Papa said you were helping Claire get pretty. Where is she?" Emma laughed, Henry had become a very curious kid.

"Claire is very pretty. She is with her papa before she comes down the aisle to Uncle Charles. By the end of the day they will be married," Emma tried to explain, and the boy listened the whole time until little Dorothy started to fuss in Liam's arms.

Henry quickly moved to where Liam was sitting. Her poor niece was crying, and Henry kissed his cousin's forehead before speaking. "Doti, don't cry. I don't like to see you sad," Henry said making Dorothy stop crying before looking at her father and Henry before climbing off of Liam to sit next to Henry.

The whole scene brought tears to Emma for a few reasons, but she could also see Vicky look like she was moved by the protectiveness between the two kids.

OUAT

The music began to play, and moments later, Claire and her father could be seen coming down the aisle. Emma could see the love between her friend and her brother. It made happy that the woman who came to the village to find love did just that.

Emma took a moment as Claire walked down the aisle to remember one of the first conversations she had with Claire. It was right before the dinner shift at Chas's tavern a few months after Emma and Killian returned from the beanstalk. Two months before Emma and Killian's wedding, Claire was coming into the tavern when Emma was coming down from visiting with Charles. The woman was kind and remind Emma of a mixture of her mother and Victoria's personalities. It was also Emma's mission to become friends with the new waitress.

"Good evening, Claire," Emma said tying an apron around her waist. "I hope Charles hasn't scared you off yet," Emma said with a slight laugh but the woman only gave a shy smile.

"No, he hasn't… Emma… Nevermind." The woman went back to cleaning up before a new crowd came through.

"No, Claire what is it? I don't mind listening." Emma said walking Claire over to an empty table to talk.

"It's just… my parents, they were still controlling my every move. My mother was disappointed when continually declined marriage proposals… She actually accepted one for me, so I ran… I came here for… well, it's quite silly." The lady was avoiding Emma's eyes.

"That is terrible what your mother did, and I am sure the reason you came to this village isn't silly," Emma commented.

"I came here for True Love… It was something of fairytales you know. The only people who seemed to have that special kind of love were a select few royals, Snow White and King David. King Thomas and Queen Ella or even Queen Regina and King Robin… But this village is said to be home to a couple who share True Love… I am sure you heard the story of The Lieutenant and The Lady Swan." The woman said while in complete awe of the idea of love, but Emma was taken back that she knew of her adventure with Killian. Everyone in the village knew about their adventure because they all knew of them, but Emma was surprised that other villages knew of the story.

"Yes, Claire I have heard of the story… You see that story is a summary of the adventure I went on with my fiance a few weeks after her proposed." Emma confessed, and she could see the hundreds of questions flood her brain.

"Wait, you are engaged to a lieutenant… I thought you were engaged to Charles." Claire said in disbelief.

"God, no. No, Charles is my brother. His sister, Victoria took me in a few years ago when I was going through a rough time, and they both accepted me into their family as a younger sister. Victoria's husband is my fiance's older brother."

"Oh… Well, it must be exciting to know you found your true love."

"It definitely is… Why don't I tell you the full story instead summarised version before people come for ale…" Emma offered, and the woman nodded in excitement. So Emma told her the full story of the trip to the beanstalk and was the start of a new friendship with Claire.

Emma was pulled from the memory when she heard her friend and brother recite their vows. The couple wrote their own just as she and Killian had. She unconsciously rested her head on Killian's shoulder during the ceremony as Henry found his way on to her lap. Soon enough, she heard the bishop say, "You may kiss the bride." Charles and Claire kissed for the first time as husband and wife.

OUAT

It was a celebration for the village. Since Emma began living with Vicky almost six years ago, there had been a handful of weddings hers included, and they all ended with the whole village in a celebratory mood. Claire and Charles danced, and then the song changed and Charles was dancing with Vicky and Claire was with her father. Once that song was over, Charles came over to Emma and asked for a dance. Emma took Chas's hand as the song began to play.

"You are now a married man, Chas. How does it feel?" Emma asked as they danced. She could see Vicky was dancing with Liam and Claire had gotten ahold of Killian.

"Amazing! Claire is the love of my life, Em," He said in awe making Emma smile.

"I am glad you both found each other. I am also glad Claire was able to have at least one family member present," Emma said.

"I knew she missed her parents even if they were the ones who pushed her way. Her mother is still against our marriage according to her father, but he just wants Claire to be happy,"

"We all want you and Claire to be happy, and you two make each other happy," Emma said before the song ended and Chas made his way back to Claire.

When she found Killian, he was offering her a drink which she had to turn down. Emma was thrilled by the news she had gotten that morning, but she wants to wait until after the wedding to tell Killian, but Emma figured that the wedding was almost over.

"No thank you," Emma said as he tried to hand her the drink. "I shouldn't be drinking in my condition," Emma said with a slight smile.

"What are you talking about, love? It's your best friend and your brother's wedding you deserve one drink," Killian said obliviously.

"I was going to wait to tell you until tomorrow, but I am going to tell you now if you don't make a screen," Emma said and he seemed to understand her reason was serious.

"Are you okay? You've been sick, but I thought it had passed," Killian started saying, and she could see he was getting worried, so she kissed him to get him to be quite.

"Killian, I am fine. I cannot drink because I am pregnant. We are going to have a baby," Emma said with a smile on her face. Killian seemed to be shocked speechless, and then he kissed her.

When the kiss was broken they stared in each other's' eyes and Emma could see when her statement finally caught up to Killian.

"You're pregnant?" He asked, and Emma nodded with a few tears in her eyes as he kissed her once again. "You've just made me the happiest man in the Enchanted Forest," Killian said making her smile.

"Well, then I guess Chas is the second happiest since he did just get married," Emma said making her husband bark out a laugh.

"Aye, Charles comes in a close second. Henry is going to be a big brother!"

"Yeah, he will be. And if the way he was with Dorothy is anything to go by he is going to be an overprotective brother," Emma said.

That night ended with Claire and Charles going off on their honeymoon to celebrate their marriage, and Emma and Killian celebrated their own joy of becoming parents again. If six years ago Emma was told she would once again be pregnant, be a mother to a five-year-old, a wife, a sister, a friend, and a daughter to her lost patents she would have thought it was a cruel joke because six years ago she saw no future for herself but she has one. She has a growing future with her husband, son, unborn child, Vicky, Liam, Dorothy, Chas, Claire, Leo, and her parents. Emma's past was definitely terrible, but she survived long enough so she could have a future with everyone she loves.

Thank you all so much for reading!

I guess this is the final chapter... there will be an Epilogue hopefully next week. I haven't written it yet but would like this finished before Christmas.

I really want to thank all my reviewers, you all are amazing. Couldn't believe it when I saw I had 50 reviews, that insane. I know it's not as many as some writers but on my other Multi-chapter The Cygnus Kingdom I only had 6 reviews.

Sneak Peek:

'Five years later…'