Thanks a lot to paupaupi, oncer4life11, Emilee Amethyst and Araya (we'll find out the baby gender in a few chapters, but I can't really tell because it's a big spoiler :) ) for the reviews! You guys rock!
"You look so beautiful." Elsa whispered with a great sincerity as I was examining my image in the huge mirror placed right in front of me.
I looked up to meet her own reflection in the glass and took a deep breath to try and slow my heart that was pounding almost painfully in my chest for quite a while already. Since the moment I had arrived here, actually. My friend was looking at me, her eyes widened in awe, as my mom was staring at my reflection with a smile in which I detected an immense pride. I looked down again, focusing on my image while nervously biting my thumb nail without even realizing it.
The dress I was wearing was still utterly perfect. As I had expected it, my baby bump was now slightly showing underneath the skirt, thing that was making me pretty happy as I wanted the baby to be part of the ceremony as well. On top of all of this, the weather was splendid without being too hot, and a little breeze was blowing in gentle gusts and was pleasantly cooling the atmosphere. I could hear the noises of the guest's conversations coming from the Jolly Roger where they were all already settled. I was standing a few feet away from the ship, underneath an arbor that had been placed there so I could get dressed with some privacy.
I was supposed to get married in a few minutes, and I was completely panicked about it.
Yet, I didn't have any doubts about this choice I had made to get married. My fear wasn't coming from this decision. I was loving Killian from the bottom of my heart, and I wanted him to become my husband more than anything in this world. But what was horrifying was that crowd that was awaiting for me out there, and that was expecting me to give them a beautiful speech, in which I would put into sentences how much I loved this wonderful man with whom I had built my life. The problem was I was feeling completely unable to answer this expectation, and I didn't know what to do anymore.
I had always been way more talented for gestures than for romantic speeches. I had tried to write my emotions down on a piece of paper the day before, though, but I had miserably failed. Everything that had appeared during these long hours of research had seemed completely bland compared to what I was actually feeling for Killian. And I was so scared I wouldn't be able to say a thing, while I was loving him so damn much. I was terrified I would disappoint him, as I just wanted to make him happy. I was feeling so lost, and I turned to look at my mom and Elsa with a frustrated wince :
"What am I gonna do?" I whimpered as my mom was approaching me to take my hands in hers and ease me a little bit. "They are all waiting for a big speech, and I have nothing. Screw them, actually. All I want is explain to Killian how much I love him, and I just can't. He has probably prepared the most beautiful speech this town has ever heard, and I have nothing to give him in return."
"Emma." She started with a comforting smile, gently stroking my hands with her thumbs. "Everything is going to go just fine. I know you're scared, but there is no reason to feel that way."
"But what am I gonna do when Archie is going to ask me to say my vows and I won't be able to say a thing, tell me?" I protested as my heart was fastening again in my chest.
"You wanna know something? Just let your heart speak for you. It's always the best way to do things. Just say what you're thinking the way it comes to your mind, as if Killian and you were alone on the ship. Don't overthink it. You'll see, it'll just happen on its own."
"Yeah, it's easier said than done. You're not the one who's going to be at the altar in five minute." I mumbled with a pout.
She gently smiled at me as an answer, looking quiet amused by my comment, and we got interrupted by steps ringing against the ground. We turned to see Regina entering the arbor. She was looking pretty impatient, and showed me her watch with her lips pressed together :
"You're already late, you have to go now, Swan."
I whimpered in panic, and my friend rolled her eyes in an annoyed expression that was contrasting with the clear pink dress she was wearing and which was giving her the most innocent look possible. The fact I was a bit late was obviously bothering her very much. I didn't have enough courage left to face her mockery, and thus chose not to tell her her how scared I was feeling. I took a few more deep breaths to give myself some strength. My mom wrapped her arms around me and held me tight, whispering to my ear :
"Everything is gonna be just fine, I promise."
I didn't answer anything, and she pulled away from me to briefly cup my cheek and look at me more carefully. The proud smile she offered me made me feel a little bit better, and I stared at her back as she was walking away with Regina, disappearing in the docks enlightened by the august sun. When they were out of sight, I looked back at Elsa, who was looking quite amused by my nervousness. She was wearing a clear blue dress and her hair was tied into this long braid that was characterizing her so much. With a huge smile, she approached me and grabbed my shoulders to say with a surprising honesty :
"Look, Emma, I haven't told you this yet, but you've changed a lot."
"Changed?" I repeated, frowning, not understanding what she wanted to say by these words.
"Yeah, you're not the same as you were before. The woman I knew was closed off and terrified by her own powers. You've changed so much. You're now open to love, and I think it's largely thanks to Killian. So don't worry a bit : as your mom said, just let your emotions speak. Tell him how you feel as if it was just the two of you, and you'll see, you won't even have to think about what you're saying. And if it's failing him that scares you, don't fret about it. This man loves you so much, you won't ever disappoint him."
I stayed silent after hearing this statement, a bit puzzled. But she wasn't wrong, I was realizing it. I wasn't the same as I was before. I wasn't that little orphan crying after her parents at night and thinking that no one could ever love her. So perhaps Elsa was right. Maybe I could do it, after all, maybe I could talk about my feelings in front of dozens of people…
...Or maybe not, because my stomach got quite painful at this thought. The baby kicked inside of me, as if it was feeling my anxiety, and I absent-mindlessly placed my hand on my stomach to ease it. I was about to answer to my friend that it wasn't that easy, but she didn't give me the time to do so. Still smiling, she grabbed my arm and took me to the exit of the arbor, where my father was patiently waiting for us.
He had been so happy when I had asked him to drive me to the altar, as the tradition wanted him to do. He was actually taking this part very seriously. Impeccably dressed, he was standing straight, his back to us, and was looking quite peaceful about what was about to happen. He heard us coming before we had the chance to announce our presence, and his eyes enlightened when he saw me in the dress my mom was wearing for her own wedding.
"Emma… You look like a princess." He whispered in awe, shaking his head and looking deeply moved by the situation.
I weakly smiled at him as an answer, not feeling good enough to say something in return. Everyone was telling me that I was gorgeous, but it wasn't managing to make me feel better. I actually knew that the only person who could have calmed me down right now was Killian. I took another deep breath, telling myself that I could do it, for him, and that I was able to go and face the crowd and talk about my feelings. Elsa smiled as well and turned to face me, taking both my hands in hers :
"Okay, Emma, let's go. Breathe, relax, everything is going to be all right."
I obeyed and breathed slowly to try and keep calm. She briefly hugged me to encourage me before turning her back to us to head for the Jolly Roger, a flower bouquet in her hands. I looked at her walking away from us and hardly swallowed. My father proudly gave me his arm, and I accepted it with the feeling the oxygen wasn't reaching my lungs anymore.
"Nervous?" He asked with a kindly teasing smile as we were starting to walk as well.
"What do you think?" I replied, glancing at him with a little wince.
"I get it." he answered with a little laugh. "Everyone is nervous the day of their wedding. But Elsa is right. Everything is going to be just fine, just listen to your heart."
I held back a sight realizing he had used the same image as my mother before him to try and comfort me a bit. These two were definitely meant for each other. He kindly smiled at me, and, in silence, we carried on walking behind Elsa.
I closed my eyes for a second, trying to settle down as my heart was still pounding at a breakneck speed against my ribs. Not ready enough to face the crowd, I looked down at my feet as I was climbing the boarding ramp, and didn't look up right away when I arrived on the deck. It's only when I heard the chairs squealing against the wood, announcing the guests that had stood to greet me, that I decided to discover what was awaiting for me.
More than fifty close ones were standing in front of me and were all staring at me, most of them smiling, others with their eyes sparkling in emotion. The space had been arranged so the seats would form a central aisle in which I was now walking. A bit intimidated by all these people that had come to see us and not particularly liking to be the center of the attention, I turned my eyes to look at the other side of the ship and met Killian's, trying to reassure myself.
He was standing there, next to Archie and Henry, and was literally staring at me. His lips parted, I could see his chest moving at the fast pace of his breathing, and noticed his eyes were shinning with pure happiness. He had traded his usual leather clothes for a regulatory suit, and was looking completely dazzled by my presence. As soon as I saw him, I couldn't help but smile and understood my mom had been right all along: I didn't have to think about it, I just needed to tell him how much I loved him and it wasn't that difficult. I was so in love with him, I just had to follow my instinct. Killian smiled as well, and looked as if he was about to walk to join me, but he held back at the last second, remembering that the tradition wanting him to stay where he was.
"Wow!"
I was almost next to Killian when my baby brother screamed in awe, and the entire gathering giggled, tenderized by his reaction. Not managing to stop smiling now that I was there, I turned toward Neal to gently wink at him. He was sitting on my mom's lap, next to Liam, who was looking at the scene, completely fascinated.
My father ended up letting go of my arm, and he hugged me tight with pride, before letting me join Killian. The latter looked at me with pure love in his eyes, and he was looking like the happiest man on earth. Resisting to the wish I had to hold him close to me – and knowing this moment was coming soon enough anyway – I turned back to Archie, who started his speech with a huge smile on his face.
The ceremony wasn't a religious one, and Archie stopped talking quite quickly. With a welcoming gesture in our direction, and still warmly smiling at us, he showed us it was our turn to speak. I looked at Killian to meet his eyes, and he smiled almost sheepishly at me. Without really looking like he was thinking about what he was doing, he reached for my hand and squeezed it in his, before starting to talk in a gentle voice :
"Emma, I can't even tell you how happy I am to stand here by your side today. We came so far since our first meeting – I have to remind you you've placed a knife against my throat before chaining me in a giant's den" he stated with a kindly teasing smile, and the crowd laughed quietly as I snorted myself in amusement."And yet, I've known since the first moment I saw you you are such a wonderful woman. You impress me every day by your strength when you have to face something, and by your gentleness when you talk to those you love. You've helped me become a better man, a hero while I was just a pretentious pirate only thinking about his revenge. Thanks to you, I started to think about the possibility of a happy ending for the first time in dozens of years, and I think that's what we are living right now. Look at us. We are getting married, Henry is a wonderful young lad, our son is an angel and we are expecting another baby. I have never been this happy in my entire life, and I know this happiness is going to last for so many years, as long as we're together. I promise you I'll do everything I can to offer you everything you deserve and to make you happy. I love you so much, Emma Swan, and from the bottom of my heart, I'm thanking you for helping me to be the best version of myself."
His speech had made my heart beat even faster. I had a horrible second of doubt during which I had the feeling I couldn't say a single thing, because nothing could ever match his beautiful declaration. But when I looked at him, I didn't even have to think, as my mom had promised me. I just lost myself in his eyes, and I knew exactly what to tell him.
"Killian, between the two of us, you've always been the talented one for big speeches. So I'm going to try and do as well as you, even if I can't promise you anything, because nothing could ever match what you just told me. When we met, I was completely closed to love. The reason why I've chained you that day is because when we were together, what I was feeling deep inside of me was scaring me to death. This thing was that I knew I didn't have to protect myself when I was with you, because you were getting me better than anyone else. As you said it that day, I was an open book for you. I know I can be myself with you, because you understand, always. You've helped me get my faith back in love, and I could never thank you enough for that. Thanks to you, I've broken this armor that was supposed to protect me, and it's probably one of the best thing that has ever happened to me. You're always there when I need you, you're the best dad our kids could ever wish for, and I sometimes feel like you're getting me without even having to tell you anything. I would never have thought I could live this kind of perfect relationship, and here we are right now. When I got out of jail, I thought I was destined to lead a lonely life, with no one by my side. And now I'm a mother of two beautiful sons, and I'm pregnant with our child. I've never been this happy in my entire life, and you are largely responsible for this happiness. You've managed to take the lost little girl back home, Killian and… Thanks to you, I think I've finally found Tallahassee."
I stopped talking and saw in his eyes he was deeply touched by my words. He was the only one I had talked to about Tallahassee, this place where I was supposed to find happiness with Neal all those years ago, and he was therefore the only one able to understand what this last sentence really meant. But it didn't matter, because he was looking so happy and seemed to be forcing himself not to break the short distance between us to kiss me breathlessly. But he knew it wasn't the right moment, and he gently smiled at me while pressing my fingers between his. Archie then resumed talking to direct the exchange of the wedding bands, as we were still staring at each other, unable to look away.
"To conclude, Killian Jones, do you take Emma Swan as your lawfully wedded wife?"
He smiled at me, and I did as well, knowing it was the big moment and, after that, we would finally be united for life. As if we were alone on the deck, he met my eyes and answered :
"I do."
"Emma Swan, Do you take Killian Jones as your lawfully wedded husband?"
"I do." I whispered with the feeling I was drowning in Killian's clear blue eyes.
"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride." He said and, in a matter of second and without knowing which one of us had decided to approach the other first, we were kissing each other breathlessly.
The kiss lasted for a long while, under the cheering and the laughter of our friends. After another minute, we ended up pulling way from each other, and walked down the aisle hand in hand, ready to live this happiness that was awaiting for us.
The afternoon had been more than eventful. Between the photo shoots, the congratulations received by every single guests and the place that was slowly but surely falling into place for the party that was going to follow, we hadn't had one single second to rest. The weather was still beautiful, and the pleasant wind was making the waves crash against the ship hull in a gentle back and forth.
Now that the ceremony was over, I wasn't feeling nervous at all anymore. I had managed to tell Killian how I was feeling without a hesitation, and I had to admit I was pretty proud of myself as he had looked deeply moved by my declaration.
I was now sitting on the Jolly Roger's steps and was enjoying a quiet moment. I was holding in my hands the camera that had been used to take the pictures, and smiled looking for the umpteenth time at my favorite photograph. Killian and I were both standing on our side, looking into each other's eyes as if we had forgotten we weren't alone. Killian was knelt in front of me, his hook and hand placed on my baby bump. We were both laughing at this pose, and the photographer had taken the picture at the perfect moment. I mentally told myself that this snapshot was without a doubt going to go join the others on the board in the kitchen, and my smile widened at this thought.
I looked up and carefully placed the camera next to me on the steps. Most of the guests had gone home to get ready for the party, which was going to start pretty soon. My family, Killian included, was now placing the tables on the docks and the beach, where the reception was supposed to take place. They had refused my help, claiming that given the fact I was the bride and, in addition to that, I was pregnant, I wasn't supposed to do anything. From where I was sitting, I could hear Regina getting annoyed at my parents because they hadn't wanted her to use her magic to make the venue ready. Deciding that I wanted to watch the show from closer, I got up to go and join them, but steps coming from the boarding roam made me stop.
I turned to see Killian approaching me, and gently smiled at him. He joined me with a huge grin on his face, wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me closer to him. Before saying anything, he took the time to passionately kiss my lips, and I moaned against his mouth. Since the ceremony had ended, he was looking like the happiest man on earth, and it was making me so glad because I was feeling the exact same thing. We were both lost in our little bubble of happiness, and this feeling was simply perfect.
"You look absolutely stunning, have I told you already?" He stated when he had pulled away from me.
"At least a dozen times, yeah." I laughed, feeling myself blush a little bit. "My parents and Regina are fighting again?"
"Surprisingly, yeah." he jeered, and that made me giggle.
"Are you sure you don't need my help?" I offered, gently running my fingers up and down his spine. "I think you could use a hand, I mean there's a lot of work to do..."
"You're the bride..." He immediately protested.
"And you're the groom, yet you're helping them..." I cut him off, but it didn't seem to convince him at all.
"You're pregnant..."
"… But not sick, thank you very much."
"And you don't want to damage your dress, do you?"
"I can go change..."
"Don't you dare." He seriously said, and that made me laugh out loud.
I moved to wrap my arms around his neck and kiss him once again, as his right hand was making its way to gently land on my stomach. I put my forehead against his own, as his gentle strokes were making me shiver. I was however not decided to let go of my wish to go and help them, and started, pulling a little bit away from him to look at him in the eyes :
"Seriously, babe. I'm getting bored here on my own. Let me help you."
"Okay, come with me." He surrendered. "But I promise you that if I see you make the slightest effort, I'm going to get mad."
"Threats?" I laughed, knowing all too well he wasn't serious.
"You know I'm kidding." He answered with a gentle smile. "But I really want you to rest and enjoy everything today. You're doing so much for everyone all the time, I think you deserve a break. And the baby too." he added, gently stroking my stomach.
"Very well." I shrugged, and the happy smile he offered me finished to convince me entirely. "I promise you I won't make any effort."
He kissed me again, looking genuinely relieved by my answer, and he took my hand to drive me to the docks. As soon as he saw us arriving, Liam, who was playing with Henry and Neal, rushed toward us to join us. Killian took him in his arms, laughing at our son's enthusiasm, and my brother and son approached us as well. Neal looked up to stare at me with a weirdly sheepish expression on his face when he arrived next to me, what triggered me a little bit.
"Are you okay, sweetie?" I asked, a bit intrigued by this unusual behavior.
"You look like mommy when she married daddy." he answered in a low voice.
I understood he was referring to Henry's book, which was retracing our stories and which my mom loved to read for my brother's bedtime story. I smiled, tenderized by his sweet comment, and squatted in front of him to erase his shy expression :
"That's because I'm wearing the same dress as mom." I explained, placing my hand on his back.
"Emma?" he started with a focused wince, as if he was intensely thinking about something.
"Yeah, Neal?" I kindly encouraged him.
"Mommy says you are a princess. But like, a real princess, like in the books! Is that true?"
"Yeah, it is." I said, a bit surprised by this unexpected question.
"And she also says I'm a prince."
"You are, Neal." I patiently answered even if we had already talked about that with him, but getting that my brother was still very young to understand all these complicated stories.
"But in that case, why aren't we living in a castle?"
"That's a long story." I answered with a smile. "You should ask mom to explain it to you before going to bed tonight, okay? But meanwhile, don't worry about this anymore. Go have some fun."
I winked at him, and he smiled before nodding at me and running to join our parents. I turned to Killian, who had witnessed our conversation, and pressed a kiss on Liam's forehead. He was also looking a bit lost because of all that was going on around him, and was unusually preoccupied. Hook seemed to notice our son's strange behavior as well, and he asked in a gentle voice :
"You're not saying anything, little mate? Are you having fun?"
Our little boy wavered for a second before nodding, still staring at me in an almost fascinated manner. It was true he had almost never seen me in a dress before, and he was looking quite impressed by my outfit. To comfort him, I gently stroked his cheek and said with enthusiasm :
"Are you happy about the party coming?"
"A party?" He asked almost shyly.
"Yeah, we've talked about it, remember?" Killian gently said. "There is going to be a lot of guests, music, you'll be able to dance..."
"Really?" he asked, looking suddenly very interested by this statement.
"Yeah, and more importantly..." I started with a purposely mysterious tone. "There is going to be a cake!"
"Yeah! Can I have some?" he asked, finally regaining his smile at this revelation.
"Of course, it's a very special day, you know." Killian stated, before starting to tickle him, resulting of Liam screaming in joy.
Their game lasted for a couple of seconds, and I looked at them with a smile on my face, happy to see them so close. But our son ended up regaining his serious look, as if he was thinking about something important. Wondering what was going on with him, I gently ran my hand through his hair and asked :
"What's worrying you, sweetheart?"
He seemed to hesitate a little bit before answering. He frowned, his beautiful green eyes shinning in curiosity, and he ended up asking in a little voice :
"Why is Peanut gone?"
I suddenly understood what was worrying him so much. My stomach was much less noticeable than usual, hidden underneath my dress, and my son was only two and a half. It was normal he was concerned by the sudden disappearance of his little sibling. I then smiled at him to comfort him, and took his hand in mine to place it on my bump :
"It's still there, baby. It's just hiding for now. But it's okay, I promise you. You really don't have to worry."
At that exact moment, the baby gave a little kick, and Liam's eyes enlightened with joy. Tenderized by his adorable reaction, I added in a gentle voice :
"See? It's fine."
Liam instantly regained his grin, and I glanced at Killian with a little smile before quickly kissing my son on the forehead. Hook ended up putting him back on the ground, and he ran to join the others kids, all his good mood back. Killian wrapped his arms around me while watching our son walking away from us, and he kissed the top of my head, holding me tight against him :
"We are so lucky." I whispered, cuddling a little bit more against his chest. "To have such adorable kids in the family, I mean." I added, seeing he wasn't quite getting my statement. "They are a bunch of little angels."
"And the little one is going to complete the picture." He answered with a big smile, placing his hand back on my stomach.
"You don't know that. Maybe it'll take our personalities, and if that's the case, it's not going to be pleasant at all." I said, trying to hold my laughter back at this thought.
"Don't overstate it, we are so calm and easy-going."
I turned to look at him and noticed he had one of his eyebrows raised and was pressing his lips together to avoid smiling, and I burst out laughing at his expression. I put myself on my tiptoe to press a gentle kiss on his cheek.
"I love you." I whispered before wrapping both my arms around him to hold him tight, my head leaning on his shoulder.
I could feel his heart pounding in his chest through his clothes. I had to admit mine was beating pretty fast as well : I couldn't believe how lucky I was to have found this wonderful man. He was all at once my lover and my best friend, and I knew I could tell him anything without being judged. We were understanding each other perfectly, and were supporting each other no matter what hardship life was putting on our path. This future he had promised me all those years ago, it was wonderful and I was enjoying every single second of it.
He gently ran his hand up and down my spine in a comforting back and forth, and kissed me on the temple to bring me even closer to him. I felt him smiling as he was saying, his head against mine :
"I love you too so much, my love."
We stayed in each other's arms for a long time, in a silence only broken by the noises of the waves crashing on the beach and those of the kids laughing together, realizing how lucky we were to be together.
Here we go, hope you liked the wedding! Hope to see you Monday! :)
