A/N: Gah, I know it's been so long since I updated this story, but I do plan on finishing it.

This story ended up being somewhat different from what I originally planned. For example, I didn't plan on doing flash-forwards, but it ended up taking me much longer to get where I wanted to go with this, and I wanted to show Emma and Killian as parents, other than at the very end. So yeah, it makes things that happen in the present not so surprising. I hope you're still enjoying the story and will like where it goes. Thanks so much for sticking with me!

Emma is furious as she storms into the house the next morning and marches into the kitchen. Her brother just left for school, so it's just her parents, both of them sitting at the table, chatting and holding hands. They always like to spend a few moments together in the morning before they head to work. Leo typically rides with Emma to school before their parents leave, but today, he rode with his friends.

As picturesque as the view is of her parents right now, and as much as she hopes she and Killian will be that happy one day, she's still angry at them.

She'd spent the night with her fiancé but told them she was at Ruby's, and it's not because she's still trying to hide her relationship with Killian from them. She's an adult and can do what she wants, but she didn't want her parents to find out what she knows yet. The audacity of her father asking Killian to build the shed after how he behaved toward him and kept telling her not to see him is unreal! She chose her parents over him, and this was how they repaid her?! She was not okay with this.

"Good morning, sweetheart," David greets warmly when they notice her presence in the kitchen.

It's probably not hard for people to notice her presence these days, considering how big she's getting.

Both of her parents' smiles dim when they see the anger on her face.

"What's wrong, sweetie?" her mother questions in concern. "Why aren't you at school yet?"

"Who is he?" her father asks, clenching his fists, ready to throw some punches.

"No! I'll be the one to ask the questions here," Emma mutters through gritted teeth as she approaches the table. "Who is building Mom's shed?" she demands, knowing her parents hate lying. Or rather, they hate the idea of lying. That doesn't mean they practice what they preach.

"What do you mean?" her father asks innocently.

Emma shakes her head furiously, unwilling to play their games. "Just answer the question!"

"Emma, why are you talking to us this way?" her mother chides. "That is not how we talk to each other."

Emma's eyes shoot daggers at her. "Oh, but it's okay how Dad spoke to the father of your grandchild when we told him I was pregnant?!"

"Emma—" David begins.

"Just answer the damn question!"

Mary Margaret gasps as though Emma just slapped her or said the Lord's name in vain. "Emma Ruthanne Nolan, what has gotten into you?"

"I'll tell you what's gotten into me!" She glares at her father. "You tell Killian to stay away from me, yet ask him to build Mom's shed! What exactly are you gaining from this, other than free labor, huh?!"

Her father's eyes widen in shock. "How did you know that?"

Emma plants her hands on her hips. "Because I'm not dumb like you think I am!"

"We do not think you're dumb," her mother defends. "We think you are an intelligent young woman."

Emma laughs sarcastically. "Oh really? Then why do you treat me like a child?! I am literally carrying a child inside me! When will you two realize I'm not a little girl anymore?!"

"Emma…" David tries again as he stands from the chair and makes his way over to her. "We know that. But that doesn't mean we can't still protect you."

"I don't need your protection! I'm a grown woman, and even after I chose you both over the man I love, you continue to lie to me and tell me who I can't be with. You continue to control my life! Well, not anymore! You had your chance, and you tossed it away like trash!" Emma heads toward the kitchen doorway, not wanting to hear what else they have to say for themselves. She's done with this. She's done with being told to stay away from Killian, done with not being with the man she loves—her baby's father!

"Emma, where are you going?" David demands.

She spins around, donning a patronizing grin, knowing what she's about to say will break them. "Killian and I are going to Vegas to get married, and there's nothing you can do about it. I'm eighteen and you can't control me anymore." She turns around again and runs out of the kitchen and down the hallway, ignoring her parents' pleas.

She wants to just leave, but first, she has to grab some clothes and things before she and Killian leave for Vegas. While she knew it would infuriate her parents to hear she would not be getting married at her father's church and would instead elope and get married in their absence, she wasn't lying when she told them that. Killian was searching online for plane tickets when she left his house to grab her things.

And the fact her parents were still unwilling to tell her about Killian building the shed brings tears to her eyes. Her vision is blurry as she reaches the stairs and climbs up the steps as quickly as she can, but what she doesn't consider is she can't move like she used to. She can't be reckless and careless now that she has a human being growing inside her.

Emma trips on a step and screams.

Her parents immediately come rushing to the foyer, shrieking in horror when they see her. "Emma!"

Six months later…

Before Killian held his daughter in his arms for the very first time, he never knew he'd be holding something so precious other than Emma. He never knew such pure, unadulterated beauty could be replicated, never knew he could love someone as much as he loves his daughter and the woman who created her. It's been a few weeks since Hope's been home from the hospital, but it still feels surreal. She's already grown so much. Of course, she has an awfully long way to go before she begins crawling and speaking, before she'll be able to walk or dance or sing or go to school or meet a man of her own, or—

He shakes his head as he cradles Hope against his chest, waving the thoughts away. Everyone said she'd grow up faster than he could ever imagine; he doesn't need to hurry it up in his own head. He knows all too well how easily memories slip away if you aren't careful; his childhood memories of his own mother have slowly faded over time. Sometimes he forgets what she looks like until he sees her photos on the mantle and all those memories come rushing back.

He knows all too well the life of a loved one can be taken from you much sooner than planned, so he's going to make sure he doesn't take a single moment of his perfect little family for granted. He'll cherish and care for them until he dies. There are only a few more weeks until he and Emma go back to school—until their lives will be more hectic than they already are—so he wants to soak up all these quiet, precious moments as much as he possibly can.

"Hey," Killian coos, gently swaying back and forth as he rubs his daughter's back. "It's okay, love. Papa's got you, it's okay."

When her cries eventually quiet, he lays her on the changing table, and she gurgles and sucks her fingers as he pulls at the tabs of her diaper and removes her pink onesie that reads, Daddy's girl and Mommy's world. When she kicks up her legs, he chuckles, pulls her wet diaper away and discards it. He grabs a wipe and cleans her, putting a fresh diaper on her.

"There, all better."

Hope stares up at him, her big blue eyes still a little teary as she stretches her little arms out, absolutely melting Killian's heart.

She's much happier and more cheerful now that she has a clean diaper. He scoops his baby girl into his arms and holds out his hand to Hope. Her tiny hand latches around his finger with surprising strength and she sucks the fingertip into her mouth, making him smile. "You're a strong one, aren't you, Hope?" he murmurs gently, shifting her more securely to his chest as he heads out of the nursery.

She still has that milky sweet baby scent. The doctor said it would disappear after six weeks, making Killian want to treasure it as much as he can. He hums a soothing tune as he carries Hope to the living room.

Present...

Killian is floating on a cloud right now. And this feeling is even better than flying and actually being in the sky with the clouds. Not only did they mend fences, but Emma agreed to marry him and they're about to elope.

He feels bad for not going with her to tell her parents, but she was stubborn and didn't want him to. She didn't want her father to say mean things to him, but if he did, he would take it like a man. He just got Emma back and is not about to let her go ever again. Not her or their wee one. He plans on going to her father at church to talk to him before he picks Emma up.

He also feels bad for not telling his father he's going to Vegas to get married. Well, Brennan knows they're getting married, but he doesn't know they're getting married today. Killian and Emma told him together last night, and Brennan went to his room and grabbed his late wife's ruby ring. The same ring that belonged to his grandmother, the same ring he proposed to his wife with. Brennan gave it to him while Emma was in the bathroom.

Killian once thought the ring would go to Liam. Since their father has no siblings, the ring would go to one of his sons. But as the eldest, Liam had his choice of inheriting either their mother's ring or necklace, and he chose her necklace because it holds a picture of them as a family. He also received half of the value of the ring and used it toward the engagement ring he got his fiancé. Now Killian's grateful because he will have a ring to put on Emma's finger when they get married.

His phone rings on the kitchen counter, interrupting his thoughts. He sets his spoon down, still chewing cereal in his mouth as he picks up his phone. He furrows his brows when he sees the incoming call from an unknown number. He normally doesn't like to take calls from numbers he doesn't recognize, but the number has a Storybrooke area code, so he answers it.

"Hello?"

"Killian…"

Panic bubbles inside him when he hears Mrs. Nolan on the other end, her words cracked with fear.

"Mrs. Nolan? Is everything alright?"

"I'm...um, I'm not sure. David and I are at Storybrooke Urgent Care with Emma."

Suddenly, a million thoughts race through Killian's mind. Is Emma hurt? Did something happen to the baby? Are they okay? "Urgent Care? Why? What's wrong?"

"Emma fell on her stomach while she was going up the steps. She can't feel the baby moving. We just got checked in, so we don't know anything yet."

Killian's heart drops and his throat closes up. Oh, Gods. "I'm on my way." His pulse races as he hangs up, barely holding himself together. The thought of something happening to his child or his fiancé makes him numb. Not even bothering with taking care of his cereal bowl, he quickly grabs his keys and dashes out the door.

When he arrives, he's directed to Emma's room. His mind is frazzled with worry, his heart hammering against his chest, and he can't seem to focus. He's so worried, there's sweat dripping down the sides of his face. He doesn't even know what he'll do if they lose the baby or if Emma isn't okay. He has so many plans for the three of them. His heart clenches so badly, it hurts.

When he reaches her room, Emma is laying on the bed in a hospital gown, her parents at her side, holding hands, both of them worried out of their minds; he can tell simply by observing them.

Emma's eyes light up when she sees him. "Killian…"

"Baby," he whispers, rushing to her bedside, opposite her parents. He immediately cups her cheeks in his hands and kisses her lips, not caring if Mr. and Mrs. Nolan are watching them. "Are you okay? Is the baby okay?"

"I'm fine, but they're running some blood tests. They said not to panic."

A frail chuckle leaves his throat as he rests his forehead against hers. "Easy for them to say, you and the baby aren't the loves of their life."

She gives him a small smile. "I love you so much."

"I love you, too, Emma." Killian bends down to kiss her belly, then he kisses her forehead and places his hand on her stomach. "I love both of you so much, I have no idea what I would do if I lost one of you."

Emma reaches for him, pulling his lips to hers and kissing him. "I'm scared, Killian."

"I know. Me, too," he whispers, rubbing her belly in soothing circles.

The door opens, and the doctor enters, holding a file in her hands. "Good morning," she greets cheerfully. "I'm Dr. Carmen, the on-call OB. And you must be the baby's father?" she asks Killian.

He nods and shakes her hand. "Aye, I'm Killian. Are they going to be okay?"

"We're still running her bloodwork." She sets the file down, pulls on a pair of gloves and approaches the other side of Emma. "I'm just going to take a look if that's okay?"

Emma nods, lifting her left arm and tucking her hand underneath her head.

The doctor sits on the stool, moves Emma's gown out of the way, her bottom half covered by a sheet, and takes a wand to her belly, moving it around and focusing on the ultrasound screen.

For the first time, Killian can see their baby and hear the baby's heartbeat as the thumping fills the room, and his heart completely melts. He hates that he missed the baby's first ultrasound, and he kind of resents Emma's parents for it, but he's not about to dwell on that now.

"The heartbeat is strong."

The four of them all let out the breath they'd been holding. Killian feels like a million pounds have been lifted from his shoulders.

"The baby is the size of a bell pepper and I have a good look. Would you like to know the sex?"

Emma and Killian look at each other, both smiling.

"Would you like to know, love?" he asks hopefully. The baby's sex doesn't matter to him, only that their child is healthy, but he can't deny he's curious to find out if they're having a boy or a girl. Plus, then he'll know what colors and themes to do for the baby's nursery.

"Yeah, I would," she says with a smile.

"Well, it looks like you're having a girl. Congratulations, Mom and Dad," the doctor says with a smile.

Emma and Killian are both beaming with excitement.

"We're having a girl?" he breathes, completely in awe. Five months from now, he'll be holding his baby daughter in his arms.

"We're having a girl," Emma parrots, just as happy as he is, their eyes brimming with tears. "Which means Regina and Will are each getting forty bucks."

Killian furrows his brows. "Forty bucks? For what?"

"They bet on the gender of our baby," she replies, sounding annoyed as she places her hand on her swollen stomach.

He rolls his eyes. "Let me guess, Ruby and Robin were in on it, too?"

"Yep. They each put in twenty bucks."

"So, that's four arses I have to kick."

Emma laughs and cups his cheeks in her hands, kissing his lips.

"Now you'll know how it feels to have a daughter," David gloats after the doctor leaves, but when Killian looks over at him, Mr. Nolan is also on the verge of tears and smiling.

Panic bubbles in Killian's chest at the idea of having to worry about boys someday, just like David does, but he pushes the thoughts away. Right now, he's only glad both his loves are not in danger.

He takes Emma's hand, brushing his lips across her knuckles before kissing her forehead, his heart bursting with joy. "I can't wait to hold our daughter," he whispers against her skin.

"Me neither," she murmurs as he gently leans his forehead against hers.

"I love you both so much."

"I love you, too."

He captures her lips, and they get lost in a soft kiss...until he hears her father clearing his throat.

"Killian, can I speak with you outside for a moment?"

Emma glares at her father. "Whatever you have to say to him, you can say in front of me."

"It's okay, Emma," Killian assures her. "I'd like to have a word with your father, too."

Her brows furrow, but she nods. "Okay."

Killian slowly releases her hand, giving her a reassuring smile, and follows David out of the room.

Even though he knows David will chew him out, he's more nervous about what he's about to ask Mr. Nolan.

As soon as they're outside, Killian speaks first. "Look, I know I shouldn't have told Emma about the shed, but—"

David holds up his hand, cutting him off. "That's not what I wanted to talk to you about."

Killian arches a brow. "It's not?"

David shakes his head and crosses his arms. "No, it's not." He takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly. "I'm not sure if you know this already, but Emma's mother and I had her when we were sixteen. And we weren't married at the time, obviously."

"I didn't know for sure, but I suspected so. Emma told me you both are forty."

David frowns, appearing to be offended. "Forty? Do we really look that old to you?"

Killian quickly shakes his head. "No, sir. That's why I didn't believe her."

David's face softens, a small smile tugging at his lips. "See, that's the thing about Emma...she lied about our age because she was trying to protect us. That's just the kind of person she is. She doesn't want people judging me or her mother for getting pregnant out of wedlock. When people found out at our old church back in Phoenix, people judged, even though it happened several years prior. They said I wasn't fit to be a pastor. People switched churches because they couldn't attend a place of worship where their own pastor had sex outside of marriage."

Killian's surprised by this. He remembers the day he met Emma. When he took her to her first class, she told him her parents wanted to move from Phoenix for a change in scenery. He had no idea David was basically shoved out the door.

Mr. Nolan scoffs and jabs at his own chest. "They called me a hypocrite. And complained to the church board. So instead of getting fired, I took my leave. Before Living Hope hired me, I was upfront with them from the very beginning. They were much more accepting, they were glad Mary Margaret didn't have an abortion like my step-dad wanted her to when I told him I would never leave her."

"Your step-dad wanted her to have an abortion?" Killian asks in shock. He can't even bear to imagine a life without Emma.

David nods. "Yes, and this came from a man who went to church every Sunday without fail and dragged my brother and me along with him, whether we wanted to go or not. He said having a baby so young would ruin my life." He places his hands on Killian's shoulders. "But let me tell you...having Emma is one of the best things to ever happen to us. Having Leo was the other best thing. Also, coming here to Storybrooke. I know Emma thinks of you and that baby as the best things to happen to her. Believe it or not, I want Emma to be happy, and I've learned that the higher I build walls around her, the fiercer she'll tear them down." He releases Killian's shoulders and points toward the building. "My baby girl has a heart of gold and I never want anyone to taint it with darkness. That is why I'm so protective of her. I wouldn't think twice about bringing wrath upon anyone who harms my daughter or tries to take away her light. So, if you ever show Emma and your daughter anything less than what you've just shown them in there, don't think for one second just because I'm a pastor, I won't hunt you down." He uses his threatening, fatherly tone.

Killian is not the least bit worried, and instead, a small smile tugs at his lips. "So you think I'm good enough for Emma?"

David's expression softens as he places his hands on his hips and nods. "If I didn't, I wouldn't be standing here having this talk with you."

Killian scratches behind his ear, exhaling a shaky breath. Listening to David's speech was the simple part. Now comes the hard part. "I suppose it's my turn...I want to ask for your blessing to ask for Emma's hand in marriage. And not because she's pregnant. I've wanted to marry your daughter since the moment I laid eyes on her."

David's face turns murderous, making his stomach tighten in panic and his heart pound. Just when he thought they were getting along, he had to fuck things up. David had the same look on his face when Emma told him she was pregnant. Yep, he's definitely going to say no. Killian swallows hard.

After a solid minute, David finally reacts with something other than a death glare, a big smile blooming over his face.

Killian feels relieved...until David narrows his eyes.

"But didn't you already propose? Emma said you two were going to elope."

Crap.

He didn't know Emma told him about that yet. Isn't the point of eloping to keep it a secret? Killian offers an apologetic smile and scratches behind his ear. "About that...we made the decision on a whim. And technically, I didn't officially propose because I didn't have a ring, but I do now. My father gave me the ring he proposed to my mum with."

Mr. Nolan thinks about it for a moment, once again making Killian question whether things are alright between them or not. "You have my blessing…" He holds up two fingers, "on two conditions."

Killian cocks a brow, not sure what David has in mind, but he has a feeling whatever it is will definitely be worth it if he gets to marry Emma. "Okay…"

"I know you'll marry my daughter whether you have my blessing or not, but it would make me and my wife very happy if you didn't fly Emma to Vegas to get married and instead get married at our church...and let me officiate."

Killian's completely floored. David wants to be the one to marry his daughter off to him? It's certainly a giant step forward from the stance Mr. Nolan took just a few months ago. Killian wipes the sweat from his forehead and sighs in utter relief, smiling from ear to ear, even though his stomach is still full of nervous butterflies. "Well, I must say, that's a relief. For a second, I thought one condition was to win your daughter's hand by dueling you in a battle to the death."

David laughs as though the idea had never crossed his mind. It makes Killian wonder if it had.

"I like your ideas much better...as long as Emma's okay with them, of course."

David grins as he grips Killian's shoulder. "I didn't realize you were so old-fashioned."

Killian laughs nervously. "I may look eighteen, but I've been told my soul is over two hundred years old."

David chuckles. "Come on, we should probably go back inside to see if Emma got her results back."

"Okay."

They both head back to the room. "Do I really make you that nervous?"

Killian chuckles. "Why would I be nervous? A church pastor doesn't set the bar high at all," he quips.

David nods in agreement. "I suppose I can be a little intimidating sometimes."

Killian scoffs. "A little? When I first met you, it felt like I was being interviewed for a job. I was sweating bullets. Then, you threatened to convince my father to ship me off to boot camp if I didn't stay away from your daughter." Killian flicks his hand. "But that's no reason to be nervous," he teases.

David plops a hand on his shoulder and looks at him unapologetically. "When you're my age and your daughter is sixteen, you'll understand, believe me."

Killian groans. "I don't even want to think about it."

Six months later...

Killian sits on the couch, laying Hope on his bare chest and placing a gentle hand on her back. He can feel Hope's tiny breaths on his skin as he holds her protectively against him. Hope takes a tuft of his chest hair in her hand and clasps her fingers tightly around it, and even though she's pulling slightly, he doesn't mind. Ever since he found out Emma was pregnant, he's been reading up on parenting books and has learned skin-on-skin contact is not only beneficial between the mother and baby but also the father and baby. And based on his own experience, what he's read is spot on. Hope cries less, sleeps better and seems much happier and content when she's snuggled up with her mum or daddy.

It also helps to create a strong bond between him and his daughter. He feels closer to her, more connected and also less anxious and stressed when little Hope is in either his or her mother's arms. He's found it quite easy to panic when someone else is holding her, including her grandparents, even though he knows he shouldn't feel that way. But he can't help it. She is so tiny and fragile, and he feels very protective of her. She was born two weeks early and just recently grew out of her preemie clothes. Even now, she's small compared to other newborns.

Killian dips his head down and places a gentle kiss on her head, his heart bursting with pure joy. She's wearing a pink bow on her head that makes her even more adorable than she is. And it's so not fair because how can someone so tiny and small and cute have so much control over him? He would move mountains for her without even blinking. He would do anything in his power to make sure she's happy and always has a smile on her face.

The knock on the front door startles him, and before he can even move or try to get up, Liam steps inside.

"How's my niece?" His voice is loud as he closes the door behind him, carrying two paper sacks.

Killian brings a finger to his lips to quiet him. "Emma's taking a nap," he whispers. He likes to give her time to rest and sleep whenever he can and certainly doesn't mind spending some alone time with his daughter.

Apology washes over Liam's face, and he speaks in a hushed tone this time. "Sorry, little brother."

"It's younger brother," he groans. "And have you ever heard of knocking?" Killian's still whispering so he doesn't disturb his lovely wife as he frowns at his brother. It's bad enough her parents have a key and waltz in whenever they feel like it. Now his brother does, too.

Liam furrows his brows. "I did knock."

"Doesn't count if you just barge in anyway." Killian frowns. "Emma could've been breastfeeding."

Liam waves off his words. "So? She has to feed the baby. Besides, what do I look like, a pervert? It's not like I'd stand here gawking at her. "

"I know that, but she still feels self-conscious about it. And having her brother-in-law walk in on her with her boobs out won't help with that."

"Well, I'm sorry for barging in," he says sarcastically. "I just wanted to bring by some things and help the three of you out. I picked up a few groceries and some things for Hope. Is she still in preemie diapers?"

Killian shakes his head. "She's growing like a weed. She's a full pound heavier than she was at birth, so we switched her over to newborn sizes."

"Oh, that's good. I know you two were worried about her being so small for her age. Glad I got the newborn diapers then. I figured if she didn't fit into them now, she would eventually."

He gives his brother a smile. "Thanks, Liam, you don't have to keep buying her diapers, you know?" They've had many people over since Emma had the baby, but their visitors have mostly been helpful, bringing over gifts and food and helping with chores around the apartment, so he's not complaining. Especially since they have this precious bundle to take care of and shower with love and affection.

"I know, but I wanted to. I want to do what I can to help you and Emma out. I even got a cooked rotisserie chicken to give you two a break from cooking. Also, Elsa wants to come over tomorrow to make dinner."

Killian's heart warms as he strokes his daughter's back. "Thanks, brother. Emma would like that."

Liam carries the grocery bags to the kitchen to put away the items. He returns a few minutes later with two beers. "I'll trade you," he offers, extending one.

Killian pulls his arms around his daughter more securely and shakes his head. "Sorry, brother, I'd choose Hope over a million beers."

Liam cocks his head to the side. "I meant to hold her, not keep her. Though I'm not opposed to the idea," he quips with a wink. He sets the beers on the coffee table and stretches out his arms.

Killian chuckles and kisses his daughter's temple before unclasping her fingers from his chest hair and carefully transferring her over to Liam's arms.

His brother's eyes light up and the biggest smile spreads over his face as he holds her up and brings her to him so he can kiss her forehead. "Hey there, it's me, your Uncle Liam."

Hope smiles at him and gurgles as Liam lays her against his chest, rocking her gently. She curls her tiny hand around Liam's finger and snuggles against her uncle.

Killian's heart melts at the view, just like it always does when he sees his brother holding Hope. Liam always thought he'd be the first of them to have kids, and he wasn't too happy when he first found out Killian got Emma pregnant, but only because they were both too young and they had so much ahead of them. But Liam and Elsa love Emma as a sister, plus they like the idea of helping with the baby before they're ready to have one of their own. They're both in college now and are waiting until after they graduate to get married and have kids.

Sometimes Killian wonders what it would've been like to have waited to have a kid, but he wouldn't change how things worked out. He loves Emma and his daughter more than anything else on this earth and would never take a second back.

Present...

When they return to the room, Killian immediately goes to Emma's side again and takes her hand in his.

"The doctor just left. She said Emma's bloodwork came back clean," Mrs. Nolan explains. "She just has some bruising along the uterus wall, and Doctor Carmen wants her on bed rest for a few weeks."

David and Killian sigh in relief as Mary Margaret fills them in on more details, but overall Emma and the baby are perfectly healthy. Mrs. Nolan looks at Killian to speak to him directly. "I will call your father to let him know Emma will be out of school until she's cleared by the doctor. Would you be able to deliver assignments to her?"

He nods and smiles. "Of course. I'll do anything she needs," he says, winking at Emma, making her blush.

"I figured you wouldn't have a problem with that," Mary Margaret says with a gentle laugh. "Luckily, she'll be on Spring Break for one of those weeks."

Emma groans. "I get to spend my entire Spring Break in bed...yeah, that's lucky alright," she says sarcastically, rolling her eyes.

"Killian can visit you whenever he wants," David assures with a smile.

Emma narrows her eyes at him quizzically. "What exactly did you two talk about?" She glances between her father and fiancé. "I take it the talk was pleasant?"

David nods. "We have an understanding. Killian's a good man, Emma, as you already know. He'll be an exceptional father."

Killian blushes and looks over at him. "Thanks, Mr. Nolan."

"Please, call me David," he insists, patting Killian's shoulder.

Emma smiles at her father, her eyes shining with tears. "Thank you, Daddy."

Killian steps back so David can get to her side.

Mr. Nolan takes her hand, squeezing it tight. "Thank you, Emma, for putting up with me. I only wanted to protect you, but I almost lost you in the process, and I'm sorry about that. You know I love you. Ever since I held you in my arms for the very first time, I've wanted to protect you from all the darkness in the world." His eyes become glossy, and his bottom lip quivers. It's a side of Emma's father Killian's never seen before. A vulnerable side. "And no matter how old you are, you'll always be that sweet, little baby I held eighteen years ago and promised the world to."

Tears leak from Emma's eyes as she takes her father's hand. "I know, Daddy."

Mary Margaret sniffles and Killian feels his own eyes sting with tears.

"I would never forgive myself if I let anything happen to you." Tears are now streaming down his cheeks as David uses his free hand to wipe them away.

Emma opens her arms and David leans down to scoop her into his arms, crying into her hospital gown.

"I'm so sorry, Emma. I will never lie to you or try to control your life ever again."

"I forgive you," she whispers into his shoulder.

By that time, all four of them are in tears and sniffling.

Eventually, David lets his daughter go and wipes his cheeks as Killian approaches her side again.

"Well, I guess this means we're not going to Vegas," Emma whispers to Killian, placing her hands on her belly. "At least not for a few weeks."

"No, love, I guess not." Killian looks over at David, asking him a silent question.

Mr. Nolan nods in understanding and takes his wife's hand. "Let's give them a moment."

Her parents both smile at them before leaving the room. Killian doesn't even know how happy he'd be to finally get in good graces with both of Emma's parents, until now.

He helps Emma sit up so she can get dressed, but before she does, Killian doesn't want to waste another second. He reaches into his pocket, grabs his mother's ring and gets on one knee, extending it to her. "Emma Ruthanne Nolan, will you do me the honor of being my wife?"

Emma gasps, pressing her hands to her heart. "Killian, where did you get that ring?"

"It was my mother's. It's the same ring my father gave to her when he proposed. I know it's not a diamond but—"

"It's gorgeous! But I already said yes."

"I know, but I didn't have a ring then. Nor did I have your father's blessing."

Emma cocks a brow. "You asked for his blessing?"

He nods and smiles. "Aye, as long as we get married at Living Hope and let him officiate."

Emma rolls her eyes, but he can tell she's not mad about it. "Of course he made conditions."

Killian chuckles. "Your father's not so bad, you know."

"I know," she sighs.

"Emma, are you ever going to answer my question or just leave me here kneeling on the floor?"

She giggles and grabs his hand, pulling him up. "Of course I'll be your wife, you idiot."

A big smile overtakes his face as he slips the ring on her finger and kisses her lips, his hand rubbing her belly. He kisses her stomach, whispering, "I love you, baby girl." Then he looks at Emma. "I love you, future Mrs. Nolan-Jones. Or Mrs. Nolan, if you prefer."

She grins from ear to ear. "I love you, too, Killian Jones. And I like the sound of Mrs. Nolan-Jones." She captures his lips again and they both get lost in a toe-curling kiss.

Six months later…

Liam sits next to him, and they drink their beers while watching TV at a low volume, so they don't disturb Emma.

"Has Dad stopped by lately?" Liam asks.

"A few days ago with Joanna." Their father absolutely adores Hope and stops by whenever he can.

"I didn't know we had company."

Emma's sleepy voice draws their attention toward her, and his heartbeat spikes when he sees his gorgeous wife. She looks more rested and has a smile on her face.

"My apologies, Emma. I just stopped by to drop off some groceries and things for Hope. And well, I can't resist spending time with my niece."

She waves off his words and goes over to kiss the top of Hope's head. "Thank you, Liam. You really didn't have to do that."

"I really don't mind. And just a heads up, Elsa wants to come over and make dinner tomorrow."

She laughs and kisses his cheek. "You two spoil us."

Liam smiles and shrugs. "Of course we do. You gave birth to my niece."

She laughs and looks over at Killian as he flashes a warm smile.

"Hey, lovely," he says sweetly as he scoots over and pats the spot between him and Liam. "Did you sleep well?"

"I did. Thank you." She plops down next to him. "It was a very nice nap."

Liam moves Hope toward her. "Do you want her back?"

"You can hold her some more if you want," she assures. "I have all the time in the world to hold her."

Liam replaces her on his chest. "Well, you know what they say: time flies when you have a baby. Before you know it, she'll be too big to hold."

Emma groans playfully and takes Hope's little hand in hers. "Don't remind me. I wish she could be this size forever."

"Aye, until she cries again and spits up on you," Killian chuckles.

She swats him playfully, then rests her head on his shoulder. Killian's heart warms as he wraps his arm around his wife and drops a kiss to the crown of her head.

"You don't want her to grow up, either. When she's a teenager, you'll finally understand why my dad wanted to keep me away from boys."

Killian groans at the thought of having to beat the boys off with a stick for simply speaking to his daughter. "Believe me, I'm already beginning to understand."

Liam chuckles. "Just wait, little brother, you're gonna be just like Mr. Nolan someday."

Killian looks over at Hope, who now has her eyes closed. His heart swells at the thought of anyone trying to hurt his baby girl. "No, I won't. I'll be worse."

Emma looks up at him with those beautiful, sparkling green eyes. "Don't say that. You don't want Hope to hate you, do you?"

"No, but I also want to protect her."

"I know, sweetie, but you can't protect her from everything."

Her words hit him like a ton of bricks. He already knew that, but that doesn't mean he wants to believe it. "I know, I just love her so much," he says as he looks at Emma.

She smiles at him. "I know, baby. I do, too." She lifts her head and presses her lips to his.

He cups her cheek in his hand, brushing his thumb across her cheek. "I love both of my girls so much."

"We love you, too, Killian."

He kisses her again, and this time he gets lost, relishing the feel of Emma's lips against his, relishing her scent, the softness of her skin.

The clearing of his brother's throat pulls them back to reality and they break apart, flashing Liam an apologetic smile. "And that's my cue to leave," he says playfully.

"Sorry, Liam."

"Don't be," he smiles. "I should get home, anyway." He transfers Hope to her mother's arms and drops a kiss on her forehead. "Bye-bye, little Hope. Be good for your parents, okay?"

"Now it's little Hope?" Killian asks with a cocked brow.

Liam chuckles. "Aye. Like father, like daughter." He leans in to kiss Emma's cheek. "Bye, love. Take care of my niece and little brother, will you?"

She laughs. "Of course I will."

When Liam stands up and passes Killian, he ruffles his hair. "Bye, little brother."

Killian pushes his hand away and grabs a couch pillow, chucking it at him. "Shove off."

Liam chuckles and tosses it back at him.

Killian catches it.

"Oi, is that any way to treat the uncle of your daughter who just brought you chicken, diapers and beer?"

"You two, be nice," Emma chides as though they're the children.

"He started it," Killian whines, scowling at him.

"Okay, whatever." Liam rolls his eyes and waves at them. "See you both tomorrow."

"See you tomorrow," Killian says, wrapping his arms around his wife and pulling her close.

Emma places their daughter on his chest and lays her head next to Hope's, making Killian's heart explode with emotion. He kisses the top of Emma's head as he places a gentle hand on Hope's back. He loves having both his girls in his arms.

It's a true blessing.

He doesn't even notice Liam is still there until he looks over and sees him snapping a photo on his phone. "What are you doing?" he asks quietly.

"What does it look like I'm doing? I'm capturing a precious moment."

Killian smiles and thanks his brother without words before he heads out the door.

When Liam texts him that photo later that day, tears spring to Killian's eyes as he sees Emma, her head buried in the crook of his neck, and Hope nestled against his chest as he holds them. He knows every single time he has to leave his family for work or school, he will gaze at the photo constantly.

He can't believe how much his life has changed in the last year; he can't believe one year ago, his father was asking him to show the new girl around. He remembers how much he dreaded the "task", how many times he'd asked his father to find another student to show her around.

If someone would've told him the new girl would become his wife and the mother of his child in less than one year, he honestly wouldn't have believed them. But, somehow, the second he laid eyes on her a year ago, he knew he was doomed.

Rather, he was saved.