Alright here it is! Probably one more after this one and then an epilogue of sorts. Thank you all for reading and sticking with me on this story :] it's been so fun to write! As always, all rights/characters belong to OUAT. I own nothing!

Emma peered at Killian and his rogue paintbrush out of the corner of her eye, spying as inconspicuously as possible. He was actually doing a phenomenal job outlining the trim - it shouldn't have been that big of a surprise considering how detail oriented the man typically was. She mused silently, a smirk on her lips as she watched his brush move along the baseboards. Dammit - no. She was getting distracted. She couldn't afford to slip up. One moment of being less than attentive could very easily land her in a paint war with Mr. Home Improvement.

She truly was lucky to have a husband who had readily offered to assist in recoloring the walls of the baby's room - it was a big job and it wasn't one Emma wanted to tackle alone. Killian was turning into quite the adept handyman. He was patient and able to move his hands in a carefully calculated manner - which is exactly why she couldn't and wouldn't trust him. That stealth was not going to be used against her this time.

"You better get moving, love," he taunted, gazing up at her with arched eyebrows. "At this rate, we'll be headed to the hospital before you even finish that wall."

She glared playfully at him, turning back to smooth the roller up and down the surface again. As much as her husband was useful when it came to household projects, he was often times a humorous yet completely ridiculous nuisance as well.

Killian took a bit of pride in tormenting Emma when it came to certain housekeeping tasks. She had once spent an entire afternoon relabeling storage totes after he'd littered them with Post-It notes that were perhaps brutally honest. She had sighed in exasperation when she ripped off the tags stating things like 'Emma's ridiculous knickknacks' and 'things that we'll probably never use'. She had asked him to spray for bugs outside one summer and he did - but he also plotted several large, plastic spiders in places he knew Emma would run across them. Once in a while he would even hang things off center or crooked on the wall, just to see if she'd notice.

Yes, she was a perfectionist - and he utilized the hell out of opportunities to antagonize that fact. Typical Killian, she thought with a smile and a shake of her head. He was such a piece of work.

As much as he could make her crazy with his little antics - and he did - it made her realize what a fun dad he would be to a little boy who'd most likely have his sense of mischief. She had to cringe a bit at the idea of him recruiting their son as his accomplice one day when he was old enough. Yes, it would be shenanigans galore at the Jones residence.

"You know, love," he started, eyes still focused on the work his brush was doing. "I like the blue. Perfect for a little boy's room, eh?"

"Yeah," she nodded, a slight smile on her lips. "Blue was a good choice."

Killian smiled in response, obviously knowing just how in love his wife already was with a certain type of blue. Emma knew it would only be magnified now, especially since the shade now lining the walls bared a striking resemblance to the loving gaze she woke up next to each morning. Oh yeah - Emma had a strong affinity for blue.

"Do you think he'll have your eyes-" she inquired, wondering out loud for a moment. "-blue ones I mean?"

"Hmmm," Killian replied, standing and winking at her. "If he's lucky."

"Nothing like a strong sense of modesty," she responded, rolling her eyes at his remark. "Here's hoping he gets his humility from me."

"Oh, Swan," he said, standing at walking toward her with a sly hand behind his back. "I'm hoping he gets many things from you, but as for eyes, I know how you love blue."

He'd barely stopped in front of her when the nearly dripping brush he'd been concealing was lifted quickly and a stripe of blue paint was swiped across her cheek, covering her nose. Emma's mouth dropped open as she stared at him, his smug smirk beaming with success. It took her a moment to react, but once she did, it was so on.

"Emma, don't you-"

She took the blue saturated roller and ran it up his forearm, all the way onto his brilliant white t-shirt. Killian looked down at the paint on his clothes with a surprised expression and Emma couldn't resist the grin that overtook her lips. He grabbed her wrist with a laugh as he pulled her close. In a moment of clumsiness, his bare foot landed in a small spill on the drop cloth and he lost his balance enough to drag them both to the ground. He pulled her tightly against him, breaking her awkward fall with his body and she decided to use it wisely to her advantage. Sitting in a straddled position over his legs, Emma took the paint that was left on her hands and smeared it over his cheeks. Killian pulled himself up, trapping her on top of him by bending his knees upward. He nuzzled his paint covered face into the crook of her neck, an action that caused her to laugh in a way one might even call a giggle. Pulling back, she couldn't help her amusement at the way he frowned as he tried to avoid laughter.

"Feeling a little blue, Mr. Jones?"

"Oh - very clever, love," he replied teasingly, wiping the paint from her nose.

She bent down to kiss him, her skin tingling when he caressed her jaw in an effort to move her closer. They fell momentarily into a well executed routine, Killian's lips guiding hers in a way she could almost predict. He laughed against her mouth, his fingertips stroking her hair.

"You-" he taunted, punctuated his words with a soft peck. "-have sure made a mess of things, haven't you?"

"Oh please," she grinned in retort. "You started it!"

"Fair point," Killian conceded with that smile she loved. "But in all honesty, you look fetching in blue."

It was only once she woke up the next morning to a completely painted room that she realized how beautiful the color really was. He must have used the early hours of the day to finish up without her, a sweet gesture that she had to be thankful for. As she watched him smile before he started removing the painting tape and gathering up the drop cloth in a careful manner, Emma concluded that blue just might be her favorite.

The docks were just how Killian had left them weeks ago - breezy, simple, and the ideal place for catching up on conversation with his favorite little sailor. Well, the sailor part was a bit exaggerated - at least for now. He'd dreamed of procuring a boat years ago when he first laid down roots in a town near the water. Maybe it was time to stop dreaming.

He couldn't help but peek up at the little boy who was perched on his shoulders. Liam's little hands were resting on comfortably on Killian's head, holding on for the ride and moving only if it was to point out at one of the boats in the harbor. Walking along the grainy beach with a four year old sitting up high like that wasn't particularly easy, but Killian wasn't about to have it any other way.

"Papa," Liam sighed, resting his chin firmly on top of his grip. "Which ones are the fastest?"

"Hmmm," Killian mused, entertaining his son's question with curiosity. "I don't know, buddy. What do you think?"

"Well, probably the ones with pirates," Liam explained in a matter-of-factly tone.

"I don't know if any of those sailboats are steered by pirates, my boy," Killian laughed, gazing out into the bay. "I think a pirate would prefer a ship."

"Oh yeah," Liam realized with a grin. "Like the Jolly Roger."

"Yeah, just like that," Killian smirked. "But perhaps with a nicer captain, right?"

"Well, he was a villain," the little boy chided, his voice rather taunting.

"Hmmm," he growled in return, reaching up to pull his son from his shoulders. "I'll show you villain, my little pirate..."

Liam tried to wrestle from his dad's embrace, but Killian only held him tighter as he tickled the little boy's ribs into hysterics. The laughter that roared between them was something he'd missed so much and as he watched Liam's dimpled grin stretch across his cheeks, he realized how much he never wanted to long for it again.

Their wrestling match was interrupted by the sound of David's honking truck. Killian lowered his laughing son to the sandy ground as he peered over his shoulder. David parked fast and hopped out of the driver's seat, slamming the door as he headed toward them with two cups of coffee. Liam started up the shore toward the truck with Killian close on his heels. He had to grin at the way his son had developed a bond with his best friend, but a little sad that he hadn't been around to be a part of it.

"Morning, boys," David smiled, stacking the cups on top of one another as he reached forward to mess up Liam's hair. "Coffee?"

"Coffee is disgusting," Liam replied, making a twisted face.

"Disgusting is a mighty big word for such a little kid," David laughed, revealing a brown paper bag that he'd had tucked behind his back. "Good thing I brought this then."

Liam lifted himself on his tip toes as he opened the bag, reaching inside to pull out a bagel as David held up a juice box. The little boy grinned as he looked up at the man Killian was extremely thankful to have in their lives despite his bland choice in breakfast foods. Naturally, he couldn't resist the opportunity to torment his friend just a bit.

"Hmmm," Killian mused, arching an eyebrow. "Bagels, huh? You couldn't even spring for a donut? I thought you were supposed to be like a cool uncle or something of that nature."

"Yeah, yeah," David retorted, tossing the juice box at his friend. "Here - make yourself useful."

Killian chuckled as he stuck a straw into the drink before handing it over to his son. Liam smiled up at his dad, thanking David as he analyzed in the bagel in his grip. His hands were almost too full as he zeroed in on eating his breakfast.

"Papa," he asked, peeking back up at the two men. "Can I go see the birds?"

"Alright," Killian allowed, looking toward the small group of seagulls just down the beach. "But seeing and feeding aren't the same thing, okay?"

"Oh fine," Liam sighed, glaring playfully in a gesture his father quickly matched. "And yes - I will be careful."

"That's my boy."

He stared after his son, beaming at the way the little boy walked across the sand with caution. Liam was always of the perceptive sort, constantly learning and absorbing his surroundings. He had such a spirit of discovery, something Killian hoped would never burn out. He glanced sideways at David, noticing the way his best friend was just as intrigued with Liam's personality. The men shared a nod that they'd engaged in many times before, a mark of understanding and appreciation. Killian knew that there weren't words to show how thankful he was for David's friendship after everything they'd been through.

"So, what's on your agenda today, sheriff?"

David smirked at him, the look of gratitude upon hearing that familiar nickname written all over his face. Killian felt it too - the normalcy of the moment was something he hadn't anticipated being so wonderful, but it was. A setting like this would forever be underrated.

"Well," David began, handing over a coffee cup as they watched Liam wander to where the seagulls were playing. "I actually had something I wanted to tell you."

"Oh? What's up?"

"I know you think I'm terrible at this 'uncle' gig, so-" David paused, swallowing hard. "-would you care to test your ability in the matter? Maybe in about seven months or so?"

It took a moment for an enlightened grin to pass over Killian's face, a laugh erupting from his throat once his friend's exciting news finally clicked in his brain. His heart raced a little faster as he realized that they had ended up in the same place, paternally speaking. He tried to bite his tongue as he reminded himself that he'd promised to keep his mouth quiet until their doctor's appointment the next week.

"Dave, that's great! I know how much you both wanted this and...well, it's about bloody time, right?"

"Oh, you have no idea," David laughed at his friend's teasing words, rubbing the back of his neck. "It's definitely been a hell of a wait, but now it's all worth it, ya know?"

"Yeah," Killian smirked, gazing out at his own son. "I know what you mean."

Liam had taken to disobeying his father's weakly given orders, opting instead to inconspicuously toss pieces of his bagel toward the pleading birds. Killian sighed a laugh as he crossed his arms over his chest. He couldn't imagine what humor it was going to bring when they had to wrangle two kids - especially if he had another little boy like the one he was currently observing. Maybe they'd get a girl this time - one that could help keep her older brother in check. He shook his head softly, trying not to get ahead of himself while attempting to deter the face splitting grin quickly covering his lips.

"I guess it's a good thing that I've had some time to practice with that one," David chuckled, tilting his head toward Liam. "And I suppose it's helpful that you'll be going through it again too."

"Wait - how did..."

"Mary Margaret may have let it slip," David admitted, slapping Killian lightly on the back. "But this is big, Killian. We're so happy for you and Emma. Have you told Liam?"

"Thanks mate...and no - not yet," he replied quickly. "But I've been sworn to secrecy for the time being. I suppose that means you are too."

"Hey, I can keep a secret!"

"Oh please, Dave," Killian said dramatically. "We all know how you get with him. That kid has you wrapped around his little finger."

"It's not my fault! He's got those big, blue puppy dog eyes and quite a lot of reasonable wit I'll have you know," David retorted, trying to fend off a laugh. "The Killian from before would say that he 'definitely gets both of those from his dad'."

"Well, maybe," Killian replied with a half smile. "I suppose the eyes - yes. But I think that boy gets plenty of wonderful traits from his mother."

"Wow, is that humility from Killian Jones? My fondest regards to amnesia."

"Yeah, yeah," Killian groaned, waving his remark off. "So the barbecue you're supposed to be helping me plan this weekend-"

"Mary Margaret is on it," David confirmed. "I told you - I've got your back on this, Jones."

He had to smile at the way his plan was falling into place. David had been on his side from day one and in his corner during the first proposal - it was only natural that he help scheme on the second one. Yet it was only by sheer luck Killian realized that he had a best friend who he could trust with such an endeavor.

"So," Mary Margaret sighed with a huge grin, thumbing through the variety of baby blankets on the display shelf. "I thought it could be fun - I mean since you guys didn't really get a chance to celebrate. What do you think?"

The idea stretched a smile across her lips. After everything that had happened, Emma was so grateful to have him back that she'd tabled her self pity over missing out on any milestone moments like the several they skipped over during the past few weeks. They didn't have to do that anymore.

The cruel fact was they'd missed two birthdays - and not just Liam's but actually Killian's too. Well, in all honesty, he had missed it.

Emma observed the day alone at his bedside, a cupcake and her dwindling hope the only company she had been able to ensure. She told Anna she had brought the sweet treat out of principle, but really she was hoping she could commandeer the birthday wish the small candle might offer and use it to wake him up. She'd spent hours studying him that day - the scrapes and scratches marring his face, the stillness of his body, and even the subtle evidence of breathing she could barely see. The broken scene really put into perspective just how insignificant commemorating another year was.

The whole thing had been just one collection of hours in a jumble of days she wanted desperately to forget. It hadn't been a time for merriment - but now...well, now they had many things to celebrate. She smiled at the idea of backtracking and finding a way to acknowledge a day that now had an even more valuable importance.

"I think a barbecue sounds great," Emma agreed, trying not to look too anxious as her fingers grazed the fabric of a pink pair of booties. "You said Saturday?"

"Yeah, I mean it could be nice to see everyone," Mary Margaret smiled as she continued up the aisle of baby clothes. "We could invite all of the people that came to Liam's party. Maybe August and Ruby too - I know Victor is still acting resident at the hospital so I'm sure he'd love to stop by and check in on Killian."

Emma tried to recall the finer details of their little boy's birthday, navigating her mind away from her husband's absence at the party as well as the heart stopping phone call she received toward the end of the night. As her eyes darted from a purple onesie to a basket full of little hair bows, she remembered the way their house had looked that night. The living room had been full of good company and balloons - red, yellow, and black by Liam's request. Their little boy had been so happy surrounded by their close friends and dozens of gifts. It was difficult to forget that lump she had in her throat the whole night - the one that began forming when Killian had called to tell her he'd be late. She had missed out on so many details of the party because of that anxiety in the back of her head coupled with the disastrous circumstances that followed.

"I love it, Mary Margaret," Emma grinned, her heart pounding at the idea of making up for lost time. "We can do it at our house if you'd like to. Killian was really excited that we were having Liam's party here back when we initially planned it..."

She drifted off as she picked up a stuffed yellow duckling, shaking it softly to produce a rattling sound. It had a pink ribbon tied around it as well as a set of little orange feet. It reminded her of a similar one she had when she was little. It was surprising to confront the memory honestly - she remembered very little from her scattered childhood. Emma stroked the yellow plush animal with a smirk, knowing very well that she would be purchasing it.

"I think that sounds wonderful," Mary Margaret said, interrupting her reminiscing. "So a girl huh?"

"A girl? What are you talking about?"

"Emma," she laughed, crossing her arms over her chest. "You do realize that every single thing you've looked at since we walked into this store is baby girl related?"

"Oh please-"

"Seriously! Pink, purple, flowers...even that little duck," Mary Margaret exaggerated happily. "It's all very girly - which I think is totally fine. I didn't know you had a preference."

"I don't," Emma smiled, shaking her head. "I guess I...didn't realize I was doing that."

"Well, there's something to be said for subconscious actions I guess."

Emma's lips curved up into a slight half smile as she trailed her fingertips over the hems of a little set of pajamas, ones that had 'daddy's girl' stitched across the front. She allowed the idea to live in her mind a moment before she decided that having another girl around would definitely be something she could learn to live with.

He watched her from across the backyard, enjoying a rare quiet moment to himself as he fell in love with her for the millionth time. She wasn't doing anything out of the ordinary - just sharing a laugh with their little boy in the midst of playing a gracious host alongside Mary Margaret. He was always amazed at the way she could be doing almost nothing and still manage to hold his entire world together. Emma had always been so easy to love - even years ago when she wasn't even open to the idea. As he studied her movement and presence, he realized very little had changed.

He could and would be in complete, total, utterly stupid love with Emma in any version of their world or frame of mind. That was exactly why he wanted - no, needed to marry this woman again.

It had been easy for him and David to get Mary Margaret on board with their plan. Killian knew he had to stage something casual - a gathering that would require Emma's attention to be focused on preparing and helping rather than dissecting what he might be up to. Once Killian discovered that the weather was going to hold up, the idea of a barbecue crossed his thoughts. He liked it, recalling the backyard cookout years ago where he first laid his eyes and heart on Emma Swan. Now that he'd seen her for the first time in a whole new manner, a barbecue just seemed right.

Mary Margaret had set into action, busying Emma and herself with cooking and organizing. They'd been so preoccupied that he'd had adequate time to tie up all ends of his scheme, orchestrating his strategy so that it would appear natural and flawless. He could only pray that she wouldn't see right through him - Emma was far too good at that sometimes.

She caught him staring after a few minutes, a smirk covering her features in a way that made him laugh. Their eyes locked in a way he would never get over as she kissed Liam's head and sent him off to play. Giving him a sly look, she snagged one of the chocolate cupcakes from the tray Mary Margaret had baked earlier and then headed for the empty seat next to him.

"Hey you," she said sweetly, leaning in for a lingering kiss.

"Mmmm, hi love," he replied as he stroked her cheek with his thumb. "I'm glad to see you were able to sneak away from entertaining the masses to come say hello. I missed you, Swan."

"I missed you too, Mr. Jones," Emma grinned, placing the cupcake on the table in front of them. "Plus I wanted to bring you this."

"Hmmm," he laughed, glancing down briefly. "Are you sure this isn't for you? I know how dessert driven you get when you're in...such a state."

"Hey - be nice," she retorted, slapping him lightly on the shoulder. "There's a reason I thought you might like this, you know."

"Oh yeah?"

"Yes," Emma confirmed, pulling a birthday candle from her jacket pocket and sticking it into the frosting. "Here we go."

"Ah, very clever, love," Killian mused, turning to look into her curious eyes. "So we are celebrating something then."

"Yes, we are," Emma said with a smile. "Happy birthday, Killian. Belated anyway."

He remembered the matches he'd used to light the scattered lanterns around the yard earlier and pulled them from his pocket. His fingers removed one from the pack, striking it hard so it lit up enough to spark the candle.

"Alright," she sighed, reaching for his hand and stroking his fingers. "Do you have a wish?"

Killian's mind began to turn back and forth as he pondered the few things he could possibly still need after the fortune he'd been handed in life. The list was so short and insignificant that he was about to tell her he had everything he wanted already, but then he paused. There was still one more thing he dared to desire. He closed his eyes for dramatic effect and blew lightly, extinguishing the small flame and any doubts he had regarding the proposal.

"So," he began, peeling the paper off the cupcake. "Are you going to ask me what I wished for?"

"Oh, come on - If I ask, it won't come true. No need to waste a perfectly good birthday wish, Mr. Jones."

"Well, normally I'd say so, but what if-" Killian explained, swiping a bit of frosting onto his finger. "-there's someone who had the power to make it come true?"

"Hmmm," Emma considered. "Then maybe they'd be willing to help you out."

"Very well," he responded, his eyes growing serious and permissive. "Love, will you go on a walk with me?"

"That's your wish?"

"Yes," Killian authenticated. "Take a walk with me at the end of the night. I'll see if Dave and Mary Margaret wouldn't mind putting Liam down to bed for us."

He was worried for a moment that he'd been too specific and calculated in his request. Her eyes seemed a bit skeptical - like she thought he was up to something. Of course he was - she just wasn't supposed to know that yet.

"Okay," she finally conceded. "If that's what your wish is, I'd be happy to fulfill it."

"Compliant tonight, aren't we? I like it."

"Yeah, don't get used to it," Emma warned, leaning over to kiss him again.

"No, I think I will. I rather like-" he taunted in return, swiping a bit of frosting from his finger onto the end of her nose. "-getting my way."

She allowed her mouth to drop open at his bold move, a reaction that pulled a chuckle from his throat. He'd missed this aspect of them - being playful and flirtatious even though they'd already belonged to one another for just over half a decade. He kissed her through her own laughter and helped her clean off the sugary mess he'd made.

"Make your arrangements, Jones," she demanded teasingly. "Come find me when you're ready."

"Count on it, love."

She kissed him sweetly, a promised passion hidden in the gesture. Killian watched her stand and wander off to help with something Mary Margaret needed, his heart fluttering at the possibility of his night working out according to plan. As wonderful as it was, the party truly couldn't end soon enough.

"Cold, love?"

Her arm was linked through his and he pulled her a bit closer as their feet hit the pavement in unison. Emma leaned her head gently on his shoulder, grateful that his ridiculous birthday wish had led them to a moment alone - even if they were strolling down main street with a slight chill.

"I'm okay."

"No - here," Killian decided, pulling his own jacket around her shoulders. "Better? I didn't think the temperature would drop or I would have traded the walk for a back massage or something."

"Oh, really? Well, play your cards right and you might get both."

"Hmmm. It's unfair to make promises you don't intend to keep, darling."

"I don't prefer to play fair in this case," she shot back with a smirk, enjoying the wide eyed reaction she received. "But I might be convinced to keep that commitment if you'll tell me why this walk is so important."

"All in due time," he grinned. "Patience is key, love."

Emma laughed, knowing that was all she was going to get from him until he was ready to divulge more. It hadn't taken long to realize that the return of his memories didn't change anything. Killian was two sorts of the same - he was the complete picture of the man she'd married and at the same time, he was one hundred percent the amnesiac husband who had just recently fallen for her. Before the accident, they'd had such a solid foundation - the kind of love two people could build their lives upon. But now as Emma tried to find the words to describe this new spark and connection they had, she came up empty. He'd left her speechless and intrigued constantly over the past few days. Perhaps falling so deeply in love twice with the same man would do that to you.

"So how have you been feeling, love?"

"I'm good so far," Emma replied, her heart warm with the knowledge that he cared so much. "Just a little tired lately, but nothing terrible."

"David told me their big news today."

"Oh yeah? Exciting, isn't it?"

"Very," Killian nodded, holding her tight as they stepped off the curb. "Those two have been exceptional second parents to Liam - it's only right that they finally get one of their own."

"I know," Emma agreed. "I'm so happy for them. It's been a long road - they deserve this."

"They definitely do," he sighed. "But I have a confession to make."

"Okay," she said with an inquisitive laugh. "What's up?"

"I may have told Dave about the baby," he replied quickly, holding up a finger briefly to silence her chastising. "Or rather David said that Mary Margaret told him and then I didn't deny it. I didn't know you'd told her though, love. Or did she figure it out somehow?"

"Similar situation," Emma disclosed, biting her lip innocently. "She kinda guessed and I didn't tell her otherwise. I'm glad they both know though. It would have been difficult to keep it from them with how much they've done for us lately - and let's face it, you're pretty horrible at keeping a secret."

"Uh, yeah," he agreed after a moment, a weak sense of concession in his tone. "You're right. We both know I'm not often successful in keeping things under wraps."

She shook her head at his little antics and he pulled her close, laying a soft kiss against her hair as they walked. Emma had been so enthralled with his company that she hadn't noticed that they'd ended up in front of the bar. She peeked sideways at him, earning herself an amused laugh.

"Come on, love," he explained, nodding toward the back door. "I have something I want to show you."

Killian flipped on only a few of the lights, just enough to help them navigate their way to the staircase. Emma knew that flight led up to the roof. What the hell was he up to?

Her silent question was answered quickly enough as he pushed open the door to the little terrace he'd planned on remodeling at one point. As he coaxed her out onto the landing, Emma suddenly realized that her husband had somehow taken the whole idea way past the planning stage. It was finished - and it was beautiful.

"Killian," she said with amazement, her eyes disbelieving. "It's...wow. When did you-"

"It didn't take long actually - only about a week. Dave and August helped me," he told her, strolling over to where the single light switch was and flipping it on. "But this is my favorite part."

Emma's eyes were immediately drawn upward to the twinkling lights that had been strung from side to side overhead. With the area illuminated, it was much easier to see the effort that had gone into fixing up the roof. They'd enclosed the area with a low brick wall and refurbished the deck underfoot. It was sealed in a dark color while still being smooth with a glossy sheen. The lights were crisscrossed from beam to beam of an overhang they'd built to cover the terrace, an insight that would be helpful during the snowy Storybrooke winters. Killian had also acquired several types of furniture to tie the whole scene together. Emma liked the idea of having a place to sit and enjoy the space - maybe even share a few drinks with friends once in a while. She imagined he'd taken this into account during the course of their work and she had to grin at his business sense.

Yet once she turned back to find him, it became clear that he wasn't interested in talking about the improvements as a smart business move at all. His smile was loving and his blue eyes were bright enough to be seen, even through the surrounding dimness. Emma paused, pursing her lips at his stance and giving him a curious expression. There was something moving through that recently repaired mind of his and she couldn't help but wonder what he might be thinking.

"Hey - come here," Emma requested in a soft tone. "Where's your head, Mr. Jones?"

Killian grinned at her question in a way seemed to prove his brain was centered on something rather specific. As he bit his lower lip, Emma realized that perhaps she was about to find out what it was.

She may have been onto him, the look in her eyes far too anticipatory and suspicious. Killian moved toward her, pulling her into his arms as she settled her head on chest. He swayed just barely from side to side as he wondered exactly how to go about his purpose. They were here so there was no turning back - not that he even wanted to in the slightest.

"I like this," he began, trying to go for casual. "Having you in my arms again."

"I'm rather fond of it too."

"I suppose we better keep it this way then," Killian laughed gently. "Perhaps we'll just stay up here - we can just stand here like this so I can keep you close. I think having you right here indefinitely is probably the best idea my brain has provided in a while."

"Oh yeah? Well then, Mr. Jones," she breathed with a smile, a tear beginning to trace a path down her cheek. "How exactly to you intend to keep me all to yourself for the foreseeable future?"

He paused for a moment, running his fingertips along her arms to where he could hold both of her hands in a tangled manner. His bravery was in short supply and he knew if he didn't do it now, he'd probably end up far too lost in her deep green eyes to find his way back to the question. Taking a breath that was much less subtle than he was hoping for, he slowly dug into his pocket. He'd checked about a million times already to make sure the ring was there - and it was. His fingers nearly stumbled over it as he tugged the box lose from his jeans.

"Killian?"

He'd been so focused on his own actions that he did notice the way her eyes had fallen on his hands. Her gaze was wide and frozen, perhaps a bit confused yet definitely intrigued. It made him smirk inwardly, a reaction that seemed to relax them both just enough for what he needed to say. Killian twiddled the box between his fingers once or twice before he slowly sunk to one knee - he hadn't done that the first time due to his overwhelming nerves and now, he had every intention of being a bit more proper.

"Emma," he breathed. "I debated for endless hours about how I wanted to start this conversation and I realized there's really only one place I could begin - by telling you that I love you. I do. I don't even know that I could adequately explain just how much I do after everything we've been through the past couple of months."

He watched her eyes become glassy, tears starting to form as she looked down at him. He took a deep breath before he continued. There was still so much more to say. There'd always been more to say.

"Emma, you have been through hell and back for me," he acknowledged, trying to stabilize his shaky tone. "You never gave up on what we had. When they couldn't repair my memory, you still fixed me. You gave me my life back - regardless of the man you'd lost. I am and will always be indebted to you for that, Emma."

She smiled, a small gasp escaping her lips as he flipped the box open with trembling fingers. The ring caught the glint of the lights above and the sparkle captured her brilliant green gaze like nothing he'd seen before.

"So I have a question - and I'm going to kneel here in hopes that I get the same answer I once did," Killian continued, a nervous laugh leaving his lips. "Emma Jones, I am so completely in love with you. I always have been and I know now without a single doubt that I always will be. You saved me - and now I want to spend the rest of our lives showing you just how much that means to me. So, Emma...will you marry me? Again?"

Once the words left his lips, his anxiety vanished. He remained on his knee, the wood deck cold underneath him as he waited for the answer that perhaps he already had. She was staring at him with all the affection in the world, her emerald eyes watering as a tear graced her cheek and an euphoric smile spread slowly across her face. Not appearing to trust her voice just yet, she nodded, laughing softly as a few more tears rolled down her face.

A matching grin spread slowly over his patient expression and he lifted himself, pulling her into his embrace. He pressed his lips to her neck and moved upward to place a kiss on her jaw followed by a softer one on her lips. Killian held her cheek carefully, gazing into her eyes as he slid the ring onto her left finger alongside the one currently there. He sighed a slight laugh as he swiped softly at her tears. As he fused his lips to hers in a way he intended to repeat endlessly, he realized he was two for two - and it was unbelievably sweeter than he imagined it could be.