A/N: Alright, here we go. I had to edit this chapter many, many times until I was happy with it. I owe a big thank you to Rouhn for beta reading. This chapter moves ahead at a quicker pace because I know some of you are anxious to meet baby Swan. While we won't be this chapter, we're very very close. I will warn you though, that it's a bit of a rollercoaster ride so hold on tight!

Killian's jaw was clenched, holding his pregnant girlfriend in his arms while she sobbed into his chest with relentless tears. He was going to kill the fucking asshole with his own two hands for sending Emma into such a state of despair. She had looked like she was enjoying her time at the shower, he could tell she was uncomfortable near the end, but she was smiling and overall happy… until she received that last gift. Mary Margaret and David had called some of the guests who left, but none of them saw who delivered the present. Regardless, they all knew it was from Neal.

Killian gently released Emma with a kiss to her forehead before she turned to Mary Margaret and David, who took her in their arms, holding her tightly. It tore his heart to see his Swan in tears, he had to do something about it. He was not going to let Neal get away with this.

"That's it, I'm going to find that bloody bastard myself," Killian stated angrily as he started marching for the door with purpose. "James, you coming?"

"Gladly." James didn't even have to ponder the question. He immediately took off towards the door, following behind Killian. "Let's find this asshole."

"Woah woah woah, guys." David put his hands up as he approached them. Killian and James turned around hesitantly. "I think we should let the Sheriff handle this, don't you think?"

Killian gritted his teeth at the thought of the smug deputy who had the audacity to hit on Emma. "Yeah, except the Sheriff is too busy playing a bloody matchmaker and the deputy is too busy asking out my girlfriend, so I think it's time to take matters into our own hands."

"The deputy asked out Emma?" James asked in surprise.

"Not the bloody point," Killian replied spitefully.

"Guys, he has a gun. Please don't," Emma beseeched the two of them as she approached with tear-stained cheeks. "You'll both get hurt."

"That's a risk I'm willing to take," he assured her, his voice cracked and hoarse.

"Well, I'm not," she told him adamantly. "I just found you and I'm not going let Neal take anything else from me."

His voice grew soft as he closed the distance between them, taking both of her hands in his. "Emma-"

"Killian, don't you see? This is what he wants. He wants to get us riled up. He wants you to go after him. This is just a trap. He's sadistic and manipulative like that, believe me," she pleaded, eyes glistening and swollen from shedding tears. "Please Killian. Don't go."

He swallowed thickly, turning his head to look at James, who was still ready to go with guns blazing. "She's right. We'll just cause more trouble."

James looked at him, stunned. "Are you serious? We're just going to let him get away with this?"

"James, we don't even know where to find him." Killian's eyes darted back to Emma. "But as soon as he shows his face and tries to hurt you, I'm not holding back," Killian promised as his hand came up to stroke her cheek.

Emma sighed in relief, not even trying to fight him. Killian could tell she was exhausted.

"I think we've had enough excitement for today. What do you say we all go home?" Mary Margaret suggested.

Emma nodded and James uttered a groan in defeat. "Fine, I'll help load the gifts in the car."

Emma smiled weakly and walked up to him, briefly taking his hand. "Thank you."

"Of course," James said, offering her a soft smile. When she walked away, his eyes averted to Killian, both of them exchanging significant looks, knowing very well that they weren't going to able to let this go.

36 Weeks...

Killian got out of his car and slipped his hands into his pockets, soft snowflakes falling and covering the ground in a thin sheet of white as he left a trail of footprints in his wake. The bitter morning air sent a chill down his spine as he pushed the buzzer of the intended unit number. The apartment complex was small and hosted only four units, each one labeled below the buttons.

"Hello?" Killian heard the greeting over the intercom.

"James, it's Killian. I know it's early but I need your help."

"Help with what?" Killian couldn't tell if he sounded intrigued or irritated that he had been woken up. It was seven in the morning, but Emma had just left for work and Killian had to go into the clinic soon.

"I need your help finding that low life piece of scum."

He heard no response but the door buzzed instead, allowing him to enter the building.

37 weeks…

"Are you sure we should be doing this?" Killian asked quietly as he followed James through a dark alley. His heart was pounding, hoping they wouldn't get caught.

"You want to find Neal right?"

"Aye, of course."

"Well, Emma said she thought Gold may have connections with him, so if he does, this is probably our best option."

Killian nodded, still a bit skeptical about this whole thing. He knew that Emma would disapprove of this, but Neal still hadn't shown his cowardly face and Killian was tired of waiting around for him. He was tired of Emma being tortured by not knowing if and when he'll decide to show up and try to hurt her or her baby. So, he conspired with the Nolan brother who was notorious for breaking into places he didn't belong.

"But how are we even going to get in without causing a scene?" he asked dubiously as they turned a corner and approached the door of Gold's shop. It was two in the morning and the streets of Storybrooke were eerily quiet.

A smug grin crawled across James' lips as he took out two paper clips from his pocket, bending them and maneuvering them into the lock.

Within a minute it was unlocked. "You really think this is my first rodeo? Come on, I didn't earn myself a bad reputation for nothing."

"Right," Killian muttered as he warily scanned their surroundings, making sure there was no one around to see them. He turned back to look at James who was kneeling down in front of the door. "What are you doing?"

"Keeping the bell from chiming. There's a magnetic sensor underneath the door that triggers the chime when it's opened."

"And how do you plan on doing that?"

James held up something in his hand. "Paper clips... good for many uses," he said, slipping one underneath the door. "The magnet will grab onto the paper clip instead of the door."

Killian arched a brow, still doubtful as he pulled the door open, but sure enough, there was no chime. "How did you even know about the door?"

"The first rule when breaking and entering is to always know what you're breaking into before you just go in blindly. I was in here a week ago to scout the place out and make sure there weren't alarms or any other surprises."

"Good thinking," Killian admitted as James stepped inside, Killian following closely behind him and shutting the door.

James paused and turned his head, smiling smugly. "Well, just because you had the luxury of a doctorate education doesn't make you smarter."

Killian rolled his eyes as he urged him forward. "Let's just get this over with before we get caught. I don't really need to spend time in jail for breaking and entering. I've got a date with my lovely girlfriend on Saturday that I really don't want to miss. And besides, jail time would just look bloody fantastic to the medical board," he grumbled sarcastically.

"Says the doctor seeing his patient."

"Former patient," he corrected shortly. It was certainly not the time to talk about that.

James didn't respond as they made their way towards the back without too much trouble. They didn't use the flashlights they brought with them because of the large storefront windows, so they carefully maneuvered themselves around the various displays.

Reaching the curtained door frame, James pulled the thin material aside, entering the backroom as Killian followed behind him. "If Gold has something to hide, it's gotta be back here," James assured him. Killian agreed with a soft nod and they proceeded their endeavor by searching through the shop-owner's things.

Killian was desperately hoping to find something pertinent. He had to wait for this particular night because Emma was staying with the Nolans and he didn't wish to leave her alone. Mary Margaret had made a feast for thanksgiving dinner and asked her to stay for the night as she helped them plan their trip to Paris. He also didn't have to worry about his brother and Cordelia staying at his place for the holiday and wondering where he went off to. Killian had seen them off for their plane a few days ago so they could spend their thanksgiving at the Dr. Jones' home in England, using the opportunity to spread the news about Cordelia's pregnancy. It was also perfect timing because Gold and Belle were at home occupied with their newborn baby.

"So where are you taking Emma on this date?" James asked curiously as they both rifled through drawers and filing cabinets, using small flashlights to aid their vision.

"I'm taking her to Maurice. It's this French restaurant an hour outside of town. I didn't want to take her too far away in case she goes into labor early, but I didn't want to go where people would recognize us."

"Sounds nice. I'm glad she gets to go out and have some fun before the little duckling arrives. I have a feeling he's going to be a handful," James chuckled as they continued their search.

"Aye, me too." Killian smiled at the thought.

They both grew silent and their attempts eventually became desperate, Killian's fingers hastily shuffling through documents in the top drawer of the desk, but he found absolutely nothing that revealed Gold's connection to Neal. He didn't even come across any photos of Gold and Belle in his search, everything was strictly shop-related, although it didn't really surprise him. Despite all of the antique treasures and keepsakes that the shop possessed, Gold didn't really seem like the sentimental type.

"There's nothing here." Killian sighed in frustration, slamming the last drawer shut with force. "Let's just go. If he has something to hide, he obviously doesn't keep it in his shop."

"Yeah, you're right. I didn't come up with anything here either, but I find it hard to believe he would keep anything at home."

"What, you want to search his home too?" Killian scoffed at the idea. "I don't think so."

"Why don't we get out of here before we get caught and then we can talk about this?" James suggested as he started for the curtained doorway.

"Aye, agreed."

They both made their way through the front of the shop and Killian instantly felt much more at ease when they reached the cold, winter air. James locked the door and removed the paper clip before they rounded the corner and strode quickly down the alley.

"So what do you propose we do now?" Killian implored as they headed towards the next street over.

"We follow him. Tomorrow when he leaves the shop."

Killian shook his head as they continued their brisk walk to his car. "And then what? Break into his home too? I'm not doing that."

"You don't have to. I can do it myself. And who knows, I may not have to. He might lead us right to Neal."

Killian couldn't believe he was actually doing this. He berated himself for not leaving this for the Sheriff to handle. Killian was certainly not a cop or a spy, he was a bloody doctor who made his living helping women and delivering babies. And yet, here he was in James' car, about to trail an aloof shop-owner who may or may not be able to lead them to a guy who gets his kicks from abusing his own wife.

When they saw Gold leave his shop, James waited until the shop-owner was on the road, driving and turning a corner before James pulled away from the curb and started following behind him.

"Won't he notice that we're following him?" Killian asked, pessimistic about this whole idea.

"Will you just trust me? I know what I'm doing."

Killian eyed him suspiciously. "I take it you've done this before?"

James tilted his head towards Killian, flashing him a lopsided grin. "Once or twice."

Killian sighed, veering his attention to the passenger window. He should really be unsurprised at this point.

The evening air grew dim as Gold led them a half an hour out of town to a small farmhouse on a hill. It was in a secluded area near the woods.

The shop-owner was pulling into the long, narrow driveway when James drove up in front of the neighboring field. The graveled driveway looped around so that the front of the garage was perpendicular to the road. Killian could see it from his view.

"This is definitely not his permanent residence," James noted, both of them watching intently as the garage door started to open.

"Aye, I think you're right," Killian agreed, his gaze glued to the door as it slowly ascended.

His eyes widened when the garage door slowly revealed what was contained inside. Killian wasn't expecting much to come of this ridiculous venture that he decided to embark upon with the Nolan brother, but he quickly realized how wrong he was. The garage was dark but the headlights of Gold's Mercedes illuminated the inside and there was no mistaking the color and style of the vehicle inside.

"Bloody hell… it's Emma's yellow bug."

Acting on pure instinct, Killian removed his seatbelt and reached for the door, but James tugged on his arm to stop him.

"Where are you going?"

"I'm going in to find me a crocodile," he spat out sarcastically. "Where the bloody hell do you think I'm going?"

"And what do you think's going to happen if you go marching up to their property with murder in your eyes?"

"I'm going to beat the living shit out of Neal, that's what's going to happen. You coming or not?"

"Absolutely not," James bit out firmly.

Killian looked at him, utterly perplexed and mad if he were to be honest. "Just a couple of weeks ago you were about ready to murder this asshole like I was. We've tracked him down and now what?" he asked, the agitation in his voice growing more prominent. "We're just going to sit here while he plans his next move against Emma? While he thinks about how he'll take her away from me and hurt her? We have him in our grasp and you're seriously saying that you're not coming with me?"

James sighed softly. "Killian, look, I want to beat the shit out of him just as badly as you do, believe me. Emma's important to me too, but what exactly are you planning on doing? He has a gun and we don't. Who knows, Gold could have one too."

Killian gritted his teeth, getting more irritated. "I don't need one, I have my bare hands and they're going to be wrapped around his neck once I get to him."

"Yeah and then what? You've broken into the home and have a murder charge on your hands? What good is that going to do? Emma will be crushed and you'll spend a lifetime in prison."

Killian sighed, his resolve weakening when James started pulling the car away and continued driving past the farmhouse. He knew James was right, but the anger inside of him did not relent. He felt helpless not being able to do anything.

"Look, by saying this I realize that I sound exactly like my brother, but... we need to be smart about this."

"So what should we do then? Call the matchmaker Sheriff and his lovesick deputy? At least then they can serve Neal the protection order. We can give them an anonymous tip."

James shook his head in protest. "And reveal Neal's hideout? I don't think so."

"And why the bloody hell not?"

"Because, once Neal finds out that his hideaway has been compromised, he's going to relocate. We want to keep him hidden from the police. That way we know where he's at."

"You really know way too much about hiding from the cops," Killian pointed out disdainfully.

James sighed. "It's not what you think. I used to get paid to spy on people. When you've been in jail as much as I have, it's really hard to find a job, so you take what you can get. And I had connections with people offering illegal, under the table jobs. So I took them and did what I could to pay rent. Eventually my brother found out about them and after a lot of long and torturous brotherly lectures he offered me a job at the B&B." James turned his head towards Killian, most likely sensing the precarious eyes staring at him. "Look I've done a lot of things I'm not proud of… but I've never beaten a woman before. And when I met Emma and found out about her husband I realized that I didn't want to be grouped together with that type of scum. I want to be better than that. So, I'm willing to do what it takes to make sure this guy gets what he deserves. Aren't you?"

"Of course I am," Killian replied, but at the same time he was irritated that James really had to ask him that. "So tell me, Mr. Expert, what do you suggest we do then?"

"Well, here's what you're going to do; you're going to go on your date with Emma tomorrow. You're going to have a nice, relaxing evening and enjoy eachothers' company. And you're not going to worry about Neal. I'll keep an eye on him. Find out where else he goes. Got it?"

Killian eyed him in uncertainty, wondering if he should trust James or not. Since the Nolan brother was close to Emma and after Killian had gotten to know him a bit, he wanted to trust him, but whether he should or not was really another question.

And yet, he found himself relenting. "I suppose that sounds reasonable."

A slow, smug grin crept across the James' lips. "Of course it does."

Killian rolled his eyes, but he knew that James was right. Killian was tempted to go back to the farmhouse and do things he would regret later on. Either that or call the Sheriff and uncover Neal's whereabouts. But what good would that really do? August would throw a piece of paper in his face and Neal would become even angrier, moving to another location. And this way, Killian knew exactly where to find Neal when he needed to find him.

"So, can I ask where we're going or are you keeping it a surprise?"

Killian cocked his head and flashed Emma a charming smile as he offered his hand. Without hesitation, she slid her palm in his, threading their fingers together. "You can certainly ask but it doesn't mean I'll tell you," he teased playfully, his eyes returning to the road in front of him.

His heart was racing just from her touch as she smiled and leaned in, resting her head on his shoulder. This certainly wasn't their first date and they were now living together but his heartbeat never failed to quicken whenever he was around her.

"Fine, be that way," she laughed, giving his hand a firm squeeze. "At least tell me it's not too far away. If I go into labor, I don't want to have my baby in the car."

"It's an hour, love. And I don't wish for you to have the wee lad in the car either. Although he'll be in very good hands," he assured her, lifting the back of her hand to his lips and plopping a kiss there.

"I'm very aware of the skills your hands possess," she smirked, "but I'd rather not have you deliver my baby."

Killian's expression fell as he peered down at her briefly. "Why not?"

"Because… I've watched the birthing videos. I don't want you seeing me 'down there' when I release my… bodily fluids."

Killian's brows furrowed in confusion. He hoped she didn't change her mind about having him in the room after Rosabell had seen the two of them together at the shower. "I'm going to be in the same room regardless, remember?"

"Well, yeah, but I want you by my side encouraging me, not 'down there' witnessing everything."

"Love, I assure you, you couldn't show me anything I haven't seen before. I'm very much desensitized to it."

She lifted her head and looked up at him. "I know, but those are your patients. I'm your girlfriend and we haven't been dating long enough for you to see me like that."

Killian chuckled. "May I remind you that during one of our first encounters, I had your breasts in my hands and my head between your legs and we weren't even friends yet?"

Emma laughed. "Oh believe me, I remember extremely well. You were very much a gentleman but I was completely terrified."

He cocked a brow in surprise. "You were?"

"Yeah. Because you're… you; a young, attractive doctor and I was very insecure with my body being exposed to you like that."

"Love, if you were so terrified you should have asked me to stop. I never wanted to make you feel uncomfortable."

"I know that, but I don't think exams could ever be comfortable you know?"

"Aye, I suppose you're right."

"But like I've said before, I trusted you."

Killian smiled warmly at her words as she laid her head on his shoulder again and rested her hand on his stomach.

They grew into a comfortable silence and he was glad that she was able to relax and enjoy their time together tonight. He knew that she had been torn up when she received the anonymous gift at the baby shower, but afterwards they had watched the onesie burn to ashes in the fireplace and haven't really spoken of it since. Emma assured him that she was going to do everything in her power to make sure Neal never laid a hand on her son.

He didn't like to think about it, but there was always a possibility that he could lose her like he lost his first love, so he wanted to enjoy every moment he could get with her. It was possible that Neal or some unforeseen complication during the delivery of her baby would try and take her away from Killian. It was also possible that she could decide that she didn't want to be with him anymore. She just left her husband months ago and she still had scars, both physical and emotional. What if after she had the baby, she decided that being in a relationship was just too much for her? His heart squeezed at the thought of losing her. He tried not to think about that too much as he dropped a kiss to the crown of her head and reverted his focus on tonight; their first date in public.

Killian had dressed in a black suit and tie and bought her a dozen red roses that she put in a vase at home. She was wearing a soft pink dress that showed off her gorgeous legs, even though she told him that they were swollen and fat no matter how much he tried to convince her otherwise; he knew that was a battle he wasn't going to win. So he had smiled to himself as though he were withholding a secret and helped Emma with her jacket before escorting her to the car. The winter air wasn't as cold tonight as it had been recently but he still didn't know how she could stand to wear a dress. Not that he was complaining. He rather enjoyed the view and took full advantage when she released his hand and sat back in her chair, staring outside the passenger window as they drove down the highway. He slid his fingers between her thighs, giving one a light squeeze. He could hear a small audible gasp escape her throat before she turned her head and threw him a soft smirk. Killian winked at her before turning his attention to the road again, his grip tightening and his thumb grazing over her supple skin.

Once Killian got off the highway, the scenery changed. It was a much busier atmosphere as he reached downtown. There were many more people here than there were in Storybrooke; the streets were crowded. Which is why he chose this particular town. The two of them wouldn't stand out among the many people here.

They arrived at the restaurant and Killian parked before getting out of the car. He went around to open the door for Emma and took her hand, helping her out. Killian flashed a smile her way as he entwined his fingers in hers and the two of them walked into the restaurant from the parking lot. He couldn't explain how good it felt to be able to hold her hand without worrying about how people would react.

They went over to the front desk and the hostess offered a big, cheerful grin when her eyes fell to Emma's pregnant belly.

"Miss, may I take your jacket?"

She nodded and Killian removed it, giving it to the coat check.

"I have a reservation under Jones."

The hostess verified his reservation and grabbed two menus. "Right this way."

Slowly looking around and taking in the surroundings and the customers as they followed the hostess to the dining area, Killian felt secure knowing that there was no one around that seemed familiar to him.

"How far along are you, if you don't mind me asking?" The hostess inquired, leading them over to a small corner booth in a secluded part of the restaurant.

"Almost thirty-eight weeks," Emma answered with a polite smile as Killian slid into the booth first, allowing her to have the outside seat in case she had to use the restroom. Emma claimed her spot and Killian took her small, pink clutch, placing it in the seat beside him as the hostess handed each of them a menu.

"Wow, so you both must be ready to have the baby then?"

They both blushed and looked at one another as Emma took his hand. "Very ready."

Killian smiled and kissed her cheek. "Aye we're both excited to have the little lad."

"Oh it's a boy? That's so sweet. Congratulations to both of you."

Neither of them bothered to argue with her.

"Thank you," they both chanted before she walked away.

"So, a French restaurant? Very nice," Emma commented, scanning the menu as the two of them grew cozy in the booth. Killian wrapped his arm around her shoulder, his other hand caressing her stomach as her body molded into his.

"I'm glad you approve," he chuckled softly, kissing her earlobe. "I wanted tonight to be memorable," he whispered.

Emma lifted her head, slowly capturing his lips. "Well, I'm spending it with you, so of course it will be."

Killian grinned against her mouth, kissing her softly, his tongue sweeping across the entrance of her lips. "I feel the same way about you." She parted her mouth invitingly and he tilted his head, drawing her in for a tender kiss. His heart fluttered, tasting her tongue, and he relished in the warmth of her mouth as he tightened his hold, pulling her closer.

For a moment he forgot where they were until they heard the waiter clearing his throat. "Hi, I'm Erin, your server this evening. Can I get you two something to drink?" the waiter asked, his voice uninflected as Killian tore his lips from hers and looked up at him. "I'm assuming no alcohol for the lady?" he asked playfully.

"You would be correct," Emma laughed, her cheeks flushing with a lovely shade of pink. "I'll have a glass of water."

"And I'll have an iced tea," Killian said to him. He was glad that Emma wasn't irritated by all of the remarks about her pregnancy.

"Okay, I'll be back with your drink orders," the waiter said and walked off.

"You know, you don't have to order a nonalcoholic drink because of me," she assured him with a light laugh. "If you wanted to have a glass of wine, it wouldn't bother me one bit. I've never been a fan of the stuff anyway."

"I know, but I don't need any alcohol to have a good time with my love. And I sincerely hope you're enjoying yourself as well."

"Of course I am. We get to be out in public and spend time together. And not to mention it's helping me take my mind off of things for a night." She said the last part with a bit of a gloomy look on her face so he gave her shoulder a light squeeze with his hand, pressing a kiss to her temple.

"Aye, love, that's the idea," he said with a grin as his other hand found her exquisitely soft thighs again, slipping in between them and giving her a gentle squeeze. "And here's the deal about tonight. Any conversation that doesn't bring a smile to your face is off the table."

Her features instantly relaxed. "I'm definitely on board with that. I'm feeling extra hormonal so the smallest thing might set me off," she warned playfully.

The waiter came back with their drinks and they looked over the menu, making their selections. They both ordered several small dishes to share and fell easily into light conversation, discussing their plans for the holidays and the birth of the baby. Killian was just happy to talk about the future with her. It kept him distracted from the fact that James was out spying on Neal. He didn't want to upset Emma so he would tell her after tonight. He just didn't want to spoil their evening by mentioning Neal.

After dinner, Emma went to the restroom as he paid the bill and he met her at the door. They retrieved her jacket before they walked outside holding hands.

"I'll get the car, sweetness. Be right back."

"Okay, we won't be going anywhere, believe me," she laughed, putting one hand on her belly, while the other one was holding her clutch. "We're both completely stuffed."

Killian chuckled back and chastely kissed her lips before reluctantly releasing her hand. "I love you."

"I love you too."

His heart fluttered hearing those words and he had to force himself to walk away.

Killian quickly went to find his vehicle in the parking lot and got in, inserting his key in the ignition. He turned the car on and drove out of the parking spot.

When he pulled up to the front of the restaurant, Emma was gone.

Panic rippled through him as he put the car in park and quickly got of the vehicle, not even shutting the door as he rushed inside the restaurant.

He looked around but she was nowhere to be seen so he scurried up to the hostess desk, his heart stammering against his ribcage. "The pregnant blonde I was with… did you see her come back in?" he asked desperately.

The hostess shook her head, offering him an apologetic smile. "No I'm sorry I didn't."

"Thanks."

He quickly scrambled out of the restaurant and back to the parking lot.

"Emma?!" he called out her name several times, his eyes scanning the darkness, thinking that maybe she went to look for him and they just didn't see each other.

After confirming that she wasn't there, he immediately headed towards the alley on the other side of the building, berating himself for letting her out of his sight for one bloody second.

Gods, if anything happened to her he would never forgive himself.

As he rounded the corner of the building, he heard a blood-curdling scream. Killian instinctively started running, desperately heading towards the direction the sound came from.

"Killian!"

His heart came to life again as he saw Emma briskly striding towards him, holding her belly. He had never been more relieved in his entire life when he rushed over to her, moving as fast as his legs would take him until he was closing the distance between them and she was throwing herself in his arms. "Oh my gods, I was so worried…" he whispered in her ear, his eyes falling shut when he held her as closely as their bodies would allow.

"We need to go… he will only be incapacitated for so long," she said breathlessly. Killian flipped his eyes open, seeing the man on the ground next to the yellow bug, although it was too dark to see who it was.

"Is that-?"

"Yes, it's Neal. He grabbed me after you walked away and tried to force me into his car but I pepper-sprayed him in the eyes."

"That's my lass," he smiled weakly, emitting a long, deep audible breath.

He wanted to go after Neal but Emma was encouraging him to leave. "Please, I just want to go home," she pleaded, her voice shaking.

"Of course, love."

They both went back to Killian's car, which was thankfully still there even with the door open and the key still in the ignition. Emma was out of breath, weeping softly as he helped her with the seatbelt. There were red marks on her arms from where Neal had grabbed her and Killian soothed the areas with his hands. He murmured soft words in her ear, hugging Emma as her tears soaked through the chest of his shirt.

The ride back home was silent, both of them still in shock. A million thoughts raced through his mind as he wondered how Neal found out they were there. He didn't want to believe that James- no he just couldn't even think that James had something to do with it.

"Killian, I have to use the restroom."

"Okay, love. The car needs gas anyways."

They were twenty minutes away from home when Killian pulled into a gas station off of the highway, his hands still trembling from the scare. He got out of the car and escorted Emma into the Quick Stop, waiting outside the restroom while she used it.

They came back and Emma got in the car as Killian fed the tank with fuel. As the nozzle was pumping gas, he locked the handle in place and removed his hand, turning around until his back was facing the car.

He was still in a state of shock from thinking that something terrible had happened to Emma or her baby. His mind slipped into autopilot and he was blankly staring off into space when he heard the sound of trickling liquid hitting the ground. He instinctively turned around to stop the nozzle, thinking the automatic shut-off wasn't working, but he quickly realized that the sound wasn't coming from the nozzle.

"Killian…"

He lifted his head and saw Emma standing in front of the opened door hunched over, clutching onto the inside handle while holding her other hand over her belly. His eyes darted to the ground and saw the puddle of water at her feet.

"I think my water broke."