Killian put his truck in park, and then took a deep breath, trying to get his galloping heart rate under control. It had been quite some time since he'd felt this nervous about approaching a woman he fancied. Part of it, of course, was the fact she had been so very angry with him yesterday. It felt as though he was going into the game with several strikes against him already.

But that wasn't all.

No, there was quite a lot more to it. The connection he'd felt to Emma during their brief five minute interaction was stronger than anything he'd felt in years. Even at the height of their relationship, he hadn't felt this kind of a pull to Milah. If Emma were to reject him, it would hurt deep in his soul.

He didn't know what to expect, but he was no coward. He would not let his fear keep him from pursuing something he knew deep in his bones could be right in a way nothing else had ever been.

After one more deep breath in and out, he grabbed the colorful bouquet from his passenger seat and walked up to her apartment.

He'd started the morning by touching up his flower arrangements and then stopping by Mary Margaret Blanchard's home to drop off her bouquet. He'd liked her from the first. She had such a warm, optimistic, comforting presence about her. Though she was likely near his own age, there was something about her that felt almost maternal.

After he'd delivered her flowers, he'd found himself opening up to her, telling her about the mix up at the shop, and of Emma's reaction. He'd even found himself telling Mary Margaret of his thoughts toward her sister.

At the admission of his burgeoning feelings, a gleam of excitement had come into Mary Margaret's eye, and she'd invited him in for tea, during which they'd had a rather enlightening conversation.

"Emma is…reserved," Mary Margaret began. "She's had a very difficult life, and has come to expect the worst from people, because that's what she's always received, for the most part. I'm not sure how much she would like me to share with you, but suffice it to say, my family-our family-treated her terribly, and it's taken her the better part of a year to truly let me in."

"Are you suggesting I leave her be; forget about this attraction to her?" Kililan asked.

She'd laughed at that. "Far from it! I'm suggesting you take it slow, but be consistent and be persistent. Show Emma you are sincere, that you find her worth fighting for."

"She is," Killian said immediately. "Though it sounds ridiculous, given the fact we've only just met, somehow I know she is."

Mary Margaret had sighed dreamily. "Love at first sight! It was the same way between my husband David and me when we met. Within minutes, I just knew he was somehow different. So, Killian, the question is what are you going to do about it?"

He'd felt the nerves kick in at the thought of his bold plan. "I...I was hoping to give her a bouquet, as an apology of sorts. Perhaps she'd accept it and then be amenable to starting fresh. Unfortunately, I've no idea where to deliver it."

Mary Margaret had squealed at that suggestion, and then jumped up to get a piece of paper. She began writing, then slid it over to him. "I think it's a perfect idea! Here's her address."

So here he was, buoyed by Swan's sister's optimism. Peering down at the sheet of paper once more, he checked the address, and then knocked on apartment 815.

It felt as though his heart would beat out of his chest as he waited, hearing the muffled sound of a feminine voice...footsteps...and then the turning of the lock, and the opening of the door.

She was gorgeous, even dressed casually in a pair of skinny jeans and a simple white cotton shirt. She took his breath away.

"I rather think an apology is in order, Swan," Killian said, pulling his bouquet from behind his back and presenting it to her. "Please accept this as a token of my regret for yesterday's debacle."

Now was the moment of truth. She'd either accept his offering or slam the door in his face.

She shook her head, and for a fraction of a moment, Killian's heart plummeted, but then she smiled wryly.

"Actually, I think I'm the one who owes you an apology," she said, stepping back and inviting him inside with a wave of her hand. "Sorry I was such a bitch to you yesterday. I know it was just a mistake."

His heart turned over at her self-deprecation. "You, love, are not a bitch. I spoke to your sister, and she alluded to some extenuating circumstances that might have led to your emotions yesterday. It wasn't intentional, of course, but I regret adding to that."

Emma took his offered bouquet, brought the flowers to her nose and inhaled deeply, closing her eyes and smiling at the lovely scent. Her smile turned sweeter. "You really didn't have to go to all this trouble just to apologize, but thank you. They're gorgeous."

Killian glanced aside, reaching up to scratch at the spot behind his ear. "In all honesty, Swan, I didn't do this merely to apologize. The truth is I wanted to see you again."

For a long moment she was silent, opening a cupboard, pulling out a vase, arranging her bouquet within it. Finally she looked back up at him and smiled again. "Yeah?"

"Yeah," he said with a teasing smile. "I rather fancy you when you're not yelling at me."

She laughed at that, leading him toward her couch and inviting him to sit. It was so easy with her. Within minutes Killian's nerves evaporated, and he found himself genuinely, unreservedly enjoying her company. They talked of nothing and everything, and in what felt like a blink of an eye, Killian looked down at his watch to find that two hours had passed in her beguiling company.

"I'm afraid I must be going," he said, getting reluctantly to his feet. "Will has been alone at the shop for far too long, and the gods only know how many more orders he's royally cocked up."

She laughed, gracefully getting to her feet and walking him to her door. They simply looked at each other for a long moment, neither ready to say goodbye, it would seem. Finally, she glanced away.

"Um, Killian?" she started, awkwardly.

"Aye?"

"I wanted to ask you out. To dinner or something."

He pulled in a quick breath, his heart racing and joy bubbling up inside. "I'd like nothing more, love," he said before grinning mischievously, "on one condition."

She grinned. "Yeah? What's that?"

"You allow me to plan the evening."

"Hey!" she said with a laugh. "I know how to plan a date!"

"I've no doubt," he said. "But I can assure you, I'm quite good at planning a romantic evening out."

She grinned again. "Just so you know, I don't pillage and plunder on the first date."

He winked at her. "That's because you haven't been out with me yet."

She laughed again, the joyful sound filling him with warmth, and then she did something that sent heat all the way through him. She reached up to frame his face with her hands, then brought his head down for a soft, gentle kiss. It was little more than the ghosting of her lips against his, but the simple gesture went straight to his heart.

"Pick me up tonight, at say six?" she asked, when she pulled away.

"Not a thing in this world could stop me" he answered.

As he stepped out the door and began walking back to his truck, he brought two fingertips up to his lips, reveling in the fact that she'd kissed him. She'd actually kissed him and asked him out! It was better than he'd hoped for.

Perhaps, rather than a reprimand he should have given Will a raise.

Notes:

-*Facepalm* I had this chapter in my queue and ready to post like 2 weeks ago but I forgot to actually post. Sorry for the totally unnecessary delay!

-So there you have it, the fluffy little conclusion to this fluffy little story. I hope you enjoyed it!

-I've had requests for another chapter about Emma and Killian's date. I don't discount the possibility of this happening some day...but just not yet. I'm determined to finish Until the Stars Are All Alight as soon as I can. It's been a WIP for like 84 years.