A/N: Hey everyone! So here we are with the final actual chapter of The Same Soul. I have one last installment planned (a final epilogue that flashes forward to the future), but full disclosure I do not know how long it will take to publish. I am *hoping * it will be quick, so the story is fully complete before the summer, but with school still as crazy as can be, I have to be realistic. Please just know I will get it to you all as soon as I can, and I promise to make it as fluffy and adorable as possible. This chapter, meanwhile, brings us to Emma and Killian's wedding weekend. As you'll see, I am doing things a little differently than I normally would for a 'wedding chapter', but I hope you'll all appreciate the fluff in the end. This is what my muse imagined, and I think it honors the story in the way I really wanted. That being said, I can't wait to hear what you all think, and I thank you all so much for reading!
"I can't believe it," Emma said, her eyes cast out from the car window to the town around them. "It looks exactly the same. It's been ten years but it's almost like we never left."
Killian agreed with his love's apt impression of this beautiful corner of the world. His Uncle had found a charming place to call his home, and one of the benefits of having such wealth in the area was that things remained charming and quaint and untouched. This was a place designed for nostalgia and classic appeal. It was timeless, but still well maintained, and at this time of year there were fewer tourists puttering around. The people out now were the locals or those with vacation homes here come for a quiet weekend of reprieve, but the energy was the same. The sun shone on this blessed part of the world and if the forecast held, it was bound to be a simply gorgeous weekend.
This was not unusual for this area. Surely the summer they'd spent together years ago had proved that to be true. It rarely rained, and when it did it never lasted a whole day. This was a place that pulsed with possibility, but when he'd lost Emma, Killian could never bear to come back here. Every part of this place reminded him of the girl that he loved. He could see nothing without seeing her too, and so he never came back. Despite missing his Uncle and despite loving this town, it hurt too much to know that he would be here without her. Now though, those fears had receded, for there would never be another day when Killian did not have his Emma at his side, and tomorrow was going to cement that once and for all.
"Would you change anything?" Killian asked his bride to be and Emma shook her head before looking back at him with a smile. Her hand reached out to take his and she squeezed lightly.
"No. This is perfect. It's exactly how I pictured it."
The rush of pride that Killian felt at knowing he'd helped in securing Emma's happiness was profound, but he hoped his pleased expression didn't give too much away. She was thrilled with this place, and he was glad for that, but he had plenty of surprises still in store. Emma might assume that a week was not enough time to plan a 'real' wedding when she told him after he proposed that she didn't want to wait long, but he knew that on this one subject she was incorrect. In truth, he'd had the benefit of years and years of hoping that someday they would get here. In that time he made tentative plans, and as soon as he found Emma again he solidified those, hoping that sooner than later they would get to this point.
When they finally pulled up to his Uncle's estate a while later, Killian moved without hesitation to get out of the car and open Emma's door. She chuckled at him and his continued insistence that she wait for him to do the gentlemanly thing, but he knew that she loved it. He could see her appreciation clear as day in her green eyes, and he felt her subtle gratitude when she pressed a fleeting kiss to his lips.
"I love you so much. I can't wait to marry you."
Blast it all to hell, she was so damn tempting! He'd intended to do this with some semblance of decorum and composure, but that thinking went out the window with her words. Instead he pulled her close, bringing her body flush against his as he claimed her lips. He took more than a taste, branding the both of them with the overwhelming love between them, and soon enough he forgot where they were at all. Only the distant sound of footsteps and the eventual clearing of someone's throat brought them back to the present.
"Hate to interrupt the happy couple, but there are, in fact, some things still left to do."
His Uncle's censure was teasing in nature and Benjen descended the stairs with a chuckle before pulling Killian and Emma into separate hugs. His greeting was warm and sincere, and Killian knew beyond the shadow of a doubt that Uncle Benjen was thrilled at their being here. He'd missed Killian's presence here for years, telling him straight out that he wanted Killian to come back. He respected Killian's feelings on the matter though, and after everything, Benjen was finally getting his wish. Add to that the fact that Killian was marrying a woman Benjen expressly approved of and the older man was positively glowing with good will. He seemed nearly as happy as they were about the wedding, and that excitement was infectious for both Killian and Emma.
"Your house is even more stunning than I remember, Mr. Jones," Emma said and his Uncle raised a brow at her before she corrected herself. "Oh right sorry, Benjen."
"That's more like it, lass. Come, let me show you your rooms, and leave your bags. They'll be handled."
They followed his Uncle's instructions and entered the home that was incredibly familiar to Killian. This was a place he'd explored many times over that fateful summer, but Emma had never seen past the first few rooms. When she came here, they always stayed outside, enjoying the summer for every second that they could. Seeing her experience this now made Killian smile, and as they moved from room to room, he made mental note of what things caught her fancy amongst the magnificent manor. When they finally came towards the kitchen though, the serenity of the rest of the home deteriorated, and there was clanging and banging coming from behind two large wooden doors that could separate the cooking quarters, pantry, and windowed breakfast nook from the rest of the house.
"Is everything all right?" Emma asked, looking concerned as the sound of clanging metal signaled something falling to the floor. It was loud as could be, and Killian too had to wonder what could possibly be happening.
"Perfectly so. Mrs. Potts is overseeing all meal preparation for the festivities."
As if the mere mention of her name could conjure the housekeeper, the wooden doors glided open and she appeared, sticking her head out before letting out a surprised squawk. She immediately slammed the door closed again, murmured some things to whoever else was in the kitchen and then opened the door enough to slip out and close up behind her. The normally put together manager of the estate looked a bit disheveled. There was flour all over her apron and some other stains as well. Whatever they were making back there, it was certainly involved.
"Oh Killian, as I live and breathe, you've really come!"
Mrs. Potts was eager to greet him but made no motion to do more than take his hand in a sign of affectionate motherliness. Killian grinned and despite her current state of messiness he picked her up in a giant hug that had the older woman crying out before laughing. It had been so long since he'd seen her, but this woman had been incredibly kind to him that summer, and she'd been another constant ear for him to bounce off ideas with when it came to Emma and what might make her happy. When he put the older woman down she was laughing like a school girl, swatting at Killian for the lack of politeness.
"Oh you are the same rascal you always were. And thank the lord for that. You've had your Uncle worried all these years, you know that? What with the brooding and the working. Gah all that work! It's not good for a soul to do so much."
"All this coming from a woman who refuses to rest. No one the world over works as hard as you, Eleanor," Uncle Benjen quipped and for the first time Killian watched the dynamic between the two of them.
The use of her first name was indication that things between them might be more than that of a boss and worker. Was that interest he saw in his Uncle's eyes? Yes he believed it was, and here was Mrs. Potts feigning annoyance, but he could see that she also appreciated the attention. Well this was remarkable! He'd never thought of it before, but it made sense. They were the same age, after all, since Uncle Benjen was older than his own father by a good number of years. Mrs. Potts for her part was a widow and had been a long time. Her children too were all grown now, most of them, if Killian recalled correctly, were around Liam's age. But still she was running the house after all this time. It was perplexing, but he intended to find out the truth of the matter sometime over the course of this wedding weekend.
"Oh enough of that now. Besides, what could be a better call to work than a wedding," Mrs. Potts said, turning to Emma with a look of true wonder and enjoyment. "You, my beautiful girl, are absolutely Emma Swan, but you look so different now. You're fully grown, and you've blossomed into a truly beautiful young woman. It is an absolute pleasure to see you again."
"Again?" Emma asked, as she accepted Mrs. Potts' hand.
"Well technically we've never met but you don't think I would let the young master of the house fall in love without getting a glimpse or two of his favorite girl, did you?" Emma laughed and shrugged.
"I guess I never thought about it."
"Oh well trust me, it was of the utmost importance that I get a few good glimpses. Otherwise how would I report to the lord of the manor?"
The teasing way she referred to Uncle Benjen spoke to a long held intimacy between the two of them, but the information was surprising. Mrs. Potts was a spy then all this time? Now that he thought about it, Killian should have suspected, but it still surprised him to realize that his Uncle was keeping such close tabs even when he'd been overrun with work.
"I'd try to deny it, but I've never been a liar and I've no intention of starting now," Uncle Benjen quipped.
"So what did you think?" Emma asked, suddenly sounding a little unsure but proving brave enough to ask the question all the same.
"I thought that Killian had landed a rare kind of gem. A teenage girl who knew herself and knew the world. Who was kind and beautiful, patient and strong. I hardly knew such a creature could exist, but there you were, stealing his heart piece by piece and all at once."
"And she's had it well in hand every day since," Killian agreed, kissing Emma's temple as he held her close and Emma let out a soft sigh of contentment, meeting his gaze and silently replying that he had her love as much as he had hers.
At that moment more loud noises emanated from the kitchen and Mrs. Potts let out an eye roll for the ages before shaking her head. "Mother of all good things, they do test me here. I better get back, and you two best get ready."
"Get ready?" Emma asked, and Killian smiled.
"There may be a surprise or two afoot love, but no worries. You'll enjoy them all."
With that, the two of them headed upstairs to their quarters in the house. It could hardly be called a room, given how spacious it was, but even in its grandness it felt like home. After a little rest and relaxation, Killian gave Emma enough clues to get ready, and when they were both showered and dressed, he in a button-down shirt and slacks, and her in a beautiful yellow dress with her hair pinned back, they headed downstairs and out back where they were expected.
"So what exactly are you up to?" Emma asked, as they came through the glass back doors. They stepped outside and she appeared to be surprised when there was no one and nothing in the back patio area. Clearly she imagined any kind of gathering would happen directly outside, but she was wrong, and only when he lead her to the secret path from many years ago did she begin to understand. "We're going to the glen?"
"Aye, love," he acquiesced, leading her down the grassy lane from yesteryear.
As they ambled down the way, there were the same glowing lanterns lighting their journey. The day was ending now, and if they were somewhere with less trees they'd see the sunset, but as it was they saw the golden haze of a day's end flittering through forest groves, and saw the clouds above them colored with pinks and orange and violet streaks. As they had in the past, the lanterns led to a beautiful patch of the world, but this time their glen was filled with seating and food and most importantly people. When Emma arrived she saw Liam, Uncle Benjen, and Mrs. Potts, but she also saw Mrs. Hubbard and Emma's new but already dear friend Ruby. Ash she took in the surprise, Emma's hold on Killian's hand tightened. She was truly shocked at this first little gift.
"You didn't," she said, not from vexation, but from disbelief.
"Ah, but I did. Or we did as it were. It was a group effort."
Emma grinned widely before moving over to Mrs. H and giving her a huge hug. Mrs. Hubbard for her part hugged Emma back, and Killian could see the tears streaming down the old woman's face. When they broke apart, there was a true love for Emma in her eyes, whether they were related by blood or not. This being the case, it was absolutely necessary that Mrs. Hubbard be here. She was family, and family must be a part of their special day.
"You didn't really think I'd miss your wedding, did you Emma?" Mrs. H asked and Emma shook her head, her own tears having slipped out as she wiped them away.
"I wasn't sure, I mean I know how difficult it is for you to travel."
"Difficult?" Mrs. H said with a scoff. "Hardly. Especially when I had such a fun partner in crime."
Looking to Ruby Mrs. Hubbard explained that the two of them had made the journey together, and they'd taken the chance to talk all about Emma and the wedding and the future for hours and hours on end. Killian was so gratified for that, but he imagined this might be the case. When he reached out to both women they'd been eager as could be to be here for Emma's wedding, and they asked what they could do and how they could do it. To say it had all paid off handsomely was an understatement, and as the night went on and this little party came together, it was clear that there was love enough for all of them, even with so few people in attendance.
The evening was filled with merriment. The food was delicious, the company was even better, and despite the odds his hoped for entertainment emerged. At this time of year it was questionable whether lightening would strike, or rather, whether lightening bugs would strike, but when the sun had dipped low and night was just starting to claim the world, sure enough they came. One blip turned to two then two to many and sure enough the meadow was filled with hundreds of dancing lights bringing back perfect memories and lasting joy for all of them.
"Tonight was simply perfect," Emma said hours later when everyone decided to head back for the house and get some sleep before their full day tomorrow. She leaned against him as they walked, seeing their loved ones all before them, mingling and laughing as the night drew to a close. "It might be the best one I've ever had. Except for the day you found me."
"Which time?" Killian asked, but he already knew the answer.
"Both times."
He agreed with her that this moment belonged in the echelons of his life. It was immensely gratifying and fortifying to feel so calm and secure. He had the whole world when he had Emma's love, and having the people who meant the most to them here to share that was incredible. But as wonderful as today had been, Killian expected that tomorrow would be even greater. For tomorrow, as the sun was setting in the sky, and the sea was sending subtle winds and lapping gently on the shore, they would be married, becoming man and wife and truly tying themselves together forever in every possible way.
These happy thoughts danced through his mind as they walked together and made their way back to their rooms. They found themselves winding down, readying themselves for the night, but before Emma got into bed, and before he took her one last time (or more realistically a few last times) before marrying her, he had one last gift to give. Pulling it from his bag, Killian felt the weight of the letter in his hands. To most people it might seem unremarkable. Just an envelope stuffed full of papers with etched words directed to one Emma Swan. But this was a letter written long ago, back before Killian had realized Emma was gone. He'd written to her every day as promised, and eventually had been given these letters back again. In time he showed them all to Emma, knowing that though they may bring some grief, they would also bring proof that his love for her had never dwindled and that he'd carried her in his heart just as he promised.
But this letter was the only one that he held back. He saved it for this moment, knowing that the time to give it to her was not all at once with the others, but on the night before he'd make her his and he'd become hers. For this was a letter expressing a dream, a dream that had lingered, and a dream he hoped would come true tomorrow.
"Is everything all right?" Emma asked from the doorway.
His heart thumped loudly in his chest. Damn she was a sight, hair hanging loose in shimmering golden waves, her face flushed from the fun they'd had today, and her adoring smile bringing light to every part of her appearance. Couple that with the barely there nightgown she donned and the glimmer in her eye of want and need and he was gone for her, but he swallowed down the instinct to snatch her up and pull her close. Instead he held back.
"I have one last thing to give you tonight, love."
"Just one?" she teased, and he groaned at her seductive lick of her lips.
"Let me rephrase. I have one last thing to give you before ravishing you properly." His growled out words sent a shiver through Emma, and he couldn't help bringing her into his arms and taking comfort in her warmth. "Nothing in the world could ever mean as much to me as you. You are everything, plain and simple."
"You are too," she whispered, moving to kiss him but he halted her. She pouted at his action, but then looked at the letter he had in hand and her eyes lit up. "Another letter?"
"The final one," he admitted.
"I didn't know you had anymore," Emma said, eagerly taking the envelope in hand and using her other hand to guide him towards the bed.
"Emma, perhaps I should -,"
"Oh no way. You are getting into this bed with me and holding me as I read this letter. You know what they do to me. I need you. I always need you."
What could he say to that except that of course he would stay. He wanted to stay, but he never wanted to assume. Perhaps she wanted privacy, but he should have known better. There was nowhere either of them would ever be running to again. In this life they were meant to walk together, and tonight would be no different. Bringing her body close to his he held her tight, his back against the headboard and hers against his chest. Then he watched her and listened to her open up the letter and read the words he'd written years ago.
Dear Emma,
Today is the 47th day I've gone without you. I've had 47 mornings since you left. 47 days of missing you, of wishing I was with you, and knowing that nothing means anything when I'm not at your side. Every day I wake up and I think of you. I send you love. I miss you dearly. And every night is just the same. I think of how much I'm missing with you now, but I also dream of what we will have when I'm back with you again. I know it feels so far, love, but we'll be there soon. I'm coming back for you, Emma. There's nothing that could ever keep me away.
"You never stopped believing did you?" Emma asked, her voice taut with emotions in the face of his past words. "Even when you came to New York and they gave you back these letters. You still believed you'd find me again someday."
"I had to find you, Emma, because I meant exactly what I said. Without you I had nothing – none of it mattered. Only you."
"I love you," she whispered, kissing him gently and he kissed her back, but then broke away, urging her to keep on reading.
But today is more than just the 47th day we've spent apart, love. Today is also my favorite day in all the year. Because today is your birthday – the day that the best part of my life came into the world and made it whole. I know what you're thinking. You're thinking that you hate your birthday and you always have, and perhaps today isn't all that it could be. I know you deserve so much more, Emma, and I wish I could be there to give it to you, but next year at this time I will be, and I'll see to it that every birthday from this point on is the best kind of day. The kind you always dreamed of, and the kind that you deserve.
"God I wish we'd had that," Emma said as a tear slipped down her cheek. Killian brushed it away gently, and he felt the same pain beneath his breast. He also wished they'd had that chance, but he knew in his heart that the road they'd traveled was the one they were meant to find. He might have missed many more birthdays, but the ones from here on out would be as he promised – filled with enjoyment and laughter and love.
I know that you may read this and feel doubtful, Emma. I hope that you have faith in what I've promised, but some days, I know, it's hard to imagine how we'll get back to each other. But I want you to know that it will happen, love. Someday we'll be together, just you and me and a whole wide world to conquer. We'll follow our hearts and our ambition. We'll make a change in this messed up world, but most importantly we'll love and be together, just as we should be.
I don't know how long it will take. Part of me thinks you'll make me wait, and since you're always right, I'll trust your judgment. But I fully intend to marry you someday, Emma. I plan to ask you, to love you, and to promise you myself forever and a day. I actually dreamed about that day last night. I caught a little glimpse of it, of what it'll be like on the day I make you mine.
"Killian," she whispered, looking up at him and he nodded, promising her this was all true. She stopped reading the words aloud, clearly unable to speak, so he gently took the letter from her fingers and carried on, filling in the rest.
In my dreams it's just like we whispered to each other at the cove. We marry on the beach at sunset, when the seabirds quiet and the rest of the world falls away. In the dream I stood there in the cove waiting for you, the sand beneath my toes. I felt the wind swirl around me and there was magic in the air. There was music too, your favorite song, and the sound of your laugh all around me. Then, just as I was at the brink of missing you, you appeared, in a gorgeous gown made of white lace just like you wanted. I've never seen anything so beautiful, and then you smiled at me and I stood corrected.
People say that time is different in dreams, it slows and stops then flies right by, but when you walked to me I knew just how I'll feel the day you become my wife. Every second felt like the sweetest kind of torture. I memorized just how you looked, to keep with me forever, but I wanted you in my arms again so badly. Finally you came, you put your hands in mine and it was time to make my promise. A voice asked for my vows and I said them to you, meaning every word.
I, Killian Jones, take you, Emma Swan to be my lawfully wedded wife.
I vow to honor you, to cherish you, and adore you all the days of my life.
I vow to never leave your side again, to always be your person, and never let you feel alone.
I vow to give you all of me, my heart, my mind, my spirit.
Everything I am and everything I ever will have is yours for now and always.
I vow to make the dreams you have come true.
I vow to build us a life and a home and to make it what you always wanted.
I vow to be your family, and to someday make our family grow, whenever you so choose.
But more than anything Emma, I vow to love you.
I promise to choose you.
I promise that everything I do, I do for you, to see you happy and to see you safe.
I promise to trust your instincts. You know what's right for you, and so you know what's right for us.
I promise to never dull the things that make you you.
I promise to realize every day how lucky I am to have you, and I promise that my love will always grow and never shatter. Every day I live, I will love you more. Every day I wake, I will thank my lucky stars that you are mine. And every day I'll work to be the man that you deserve, the man that makes you happy, and the man that you can love for this day and every day.
Killian read the final lines of the letter, the ones that told Emma that his love was more than a dream and promised again that he'd find her soon, but he was struck in the moment by the truth of those vows. They applied even more today than they did that day, and he could think of nothing better to say to his true love than this when they were wed tomorrow.
"Please don't change a thing," she whispered when he put the letter away, and she turned to face him in his arms. "Those vows are perfect just the way they are."
"You think?" he asked, slightly unsure, but very glad that she had liked them.
"No, I know," she countered, cupping his face. "In fact, their so good that I want to say them back to you in exactly the same way."
And so she did, without needing to read the words upon the paper even once. Emma made the same promises, and recited every word, only swapping out their names as needed. She did so with great patience, bestowing every promise with a kiss, a touch and a heated action designed to please them both. She showered him in passion and in love, and by the time that was through, they were at the precipice, with love so big between them they had no choice but to crash into the sweetest bliss. Sure enough they found completion, when she whispered the final words, 'for this day and every day.' And as they lay together in their bed, spent from their love but hopeful for the future, they waited for sleep to take them so they could see this perfect wedding and start their life together as they'd always wanted for once and for all.
Post-Note: Okay so I know technically we didn't see the actual wedding, but I hope that you guys can appreciate what I've done here. It goes without saying that their wedding will be exactly like the dream, with the same magic in the air and love shared between them. These are the vows I have pictured for them, and this is the cuteness that would be in store. I just thought that this was a beautiful way to tie back the letters Killian had written into the story, and get them to a happily ever after in a slightly different way. That being said, however, I have promised to make an epilogue, and you can all rest assured it will include some CS family cuteness and fluff galore. It might be a little shorter than this chapter, but it will be no less packed with love. Anyway, thanks again so much for reading, and I appreciate all of you joining me for this story and sending me your thoughts. It always means so much to see what people think, and this story has prompted some truly kind words from so many of you. I hope this chapter brought some light into your day, despite the craziness of the world, and I can't wait to see you all next time!
