This chapter is what Killian and Liam were up to while the girls were shopping. :)

When Killian and Emma woke up on Saturday morning, they found Liam sleeping between them.

Although, perhaps being on top of them was a more accurate description. Emma had fallen asleep on Killian's chest and had her arms wrapped around him. He had his arms wrapped around her waist as well.

Their son was currently resting on his stomach. He was laying a bit sideways with his head on Killian's bicep with the rest of his body sprawled on his mother's arms and part of her back.

Killian commented, "He must have made his way in here last night."

"It seems like it," Emma began. She then continued, "The real question is how we're supposed to get up without waking him."

"Given his current position, love, I don't think that's possible," Killian told her.

He then turned his attention to Liam and said, "Wake up, lad."

The dark-haired boy's only response was continuing to snore softly.

Emma then added, "I need you to wake up, Liam."

He then woke up slowly and rubbed his eyes. He managed to maneuver off of his parents and sat on the other side of Killian.

When Emma and Killian untangled and sat up, she asked, "You have a bad dream, kid?"

Liam shook his head before he told his parents, "I just wanted to sleep in here."

"That's more than alright, Liam," Killian said with a smile as he ruffled his son's hair.

They all then heard noise coming from the kitchen.

Emma surmised, "That must be Anna Elizabeth making herself some breakfast to hold her until lunch. I'm not sure how long we'll take shopping."

"We're going shopping?" Liam groaned.

Emma and Killian chuckled before he said, "No, lad. Your mother and Anna Elizabeth are going prom dress shopping."

Liam nodded before he asked, "What's prom?"

"When you get in high school, there's a dance called a prom. It's where everyone dresses up

and goes with their friends or boyfriends and girlfriends. It's a lot of fun," Emma explained.

"Oh," Liam replied. He then asked, "Is Anna Elizabeth going with her boyfriend?"

"Yes, she is," Emma answered.

"He's nice," Liam said.

Emma grinned before she teased, "Well, maybe you should convince your daddy of that."

Killian rolled his eyes before they all got out of bed to start their day.

Liam was still eating his cereal when Emma and Anna Elizabeth left.

Between mouthfuls of Lucky Charms, the dark-haired boy stated, "Daddy, I want to play basketball."

"Sounds fun, lad. We'll go once you finish eating and get dressed," Killian replied with a smile.

Liam nodded in response before he took another bite of cereal.

Several minutes later, Liam carried the bowl to the sink before sprinting off to his room.

As Killian moved to wash the dish really quickly, his phone rang.

He answered it and listened attentively for a couple minutes before saying, "Sure thing, mate. I'll be there shortly." He then hung up his phone and slipped it back in his pocket.

When Killian was placing the bowl back in the cabinet, his son came sprinting back into the kitchen.

Liam then asked, "Is the basketball in the garage?"

"I believe it is, Liam," Killian answered.

Before the little boy could take off, Killian bent down on his level and told him, "I have to go by the warehouse to help Leroy unload supplies, alright, lad?"

Liam nodded before he questioned, "Then we'll go to the park?"

Killian nodded at his son in response before ruffling his hair.

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"You're late," Leroy scolded as Killian and Liam made their way toward the truck.

"Only by a couple minutes," Killian pointed out.

"I'm supposed to meet my brothers to watch the game. I don't have all day," Leroy told him, his impatience clear.

At that point, Killian crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow as he sternly reminded him, "I could just as easily leave you to do all of this by yourself. Do you want my help or not?"

Leroy's demeanor changed as he said, "Yes, boss."

Killian nodded and was about to go to work when he heard Liam's voice, "Can I help, Daddy?"

Normally, Killian would have let him, but Leroy seemed more grumpy than usual today, and Killian didn't want to make it worse.

He then turned and bent down on his son's level and told him, "Your help is greatly appreciated, lad, but I think that Leroy and I can handle it."

Liam looked disappointed, so Killian thought of an idea, "Tell you what, I have a special job for you. You can be the supervisor."

The dark-haired boy's face lit up as he asked, "What's that?"

Killian motioned to a chair that was close to the truck and told his son, "You are going to sit right there and watch Leroy and I unload the truck. It's a very important job - can you do that?"

Liam nodded excitedly before running off to the chair, where he immediately began watching Killian and Leroy intensely.

Killian then proceeded to get to work.

When the two men were finished, Liam ran up to Killian and asked, "Was I good supervisor, Daddy?"

"You did an excellent job, Liam. I'm proud of you," Killian told him.

Liam smiled brightly before he said, "I still like helping better."

"Well, maybe you can next time," Killian told him.

He then turned to Leroy and said, "Well, mate, our job here is done. I'll see you on Monday."

Leroy nodded curtly in response.

As Killian and Liam were heading toward the door, the latter shouted, "Bye, Leroy!"

The man offered another nod in response.

Once Killian and Liam were in the truck, the dark-haired boy climbed in the middle of the backseat and rested his arms on the console.

He then said, "Daddy, I think Leroy needs a nap. Then he wouldn't be grumpy."

Killian tried not to laugh, but he couldn't help it. He then said, "You know, lad, I think you may be right."

Liam smiled in response before settling back in the seat.

They arrived at the park a few minutes later.

Liam practically leapt from the backseat with the basketball in his hands.

He immediately rushed over to the basketball court, leaving Killian to run after him.

Liam then shot the ball and smiled when it went through the net.

Killian then went to grab the ball and stood on the opposite side of the goal from where his son had.

Killian was about to take his shot when Liam stopped him.

"Daddy, you have to shoot from the same spot. We're playing horse," the dark-haired pointed out.

"Ah, of course we are," Killian replied with a smile.

He then walked around to where his son had been. He threw the ball, and it bounced off the side, "missing" the shot.

"Yay!" Liam declared triumphantly.

Killian ruffled his son's hair in response.

They continued to play the game, with Killian going easy on his son. Killian did get a couple letters on Liam, but the dark-haired boy beat his father.

"I won!" Liam exclaimed.

"So, you did. Good game, lad," Killian told him.

Liam's blue-green eyes then focused on something behind Killian.

Killian turned to see David walking toward them.

"Uncle David, I beat Daddy!" Liam announced.

"Well, from my experience, Killian was never very good at basketball anyway," David teased.

Killian rolled his eyes in response.

Liam then asked, "Can I go play on the playground?"

"Sure, lad. I'll just be on the bench watching you," Killian answered.

Liam nodded before he ran off to the swing set.

As Killian and David began walking toward the park bench, the former surmised, "I know what you're up to, mate."

"I can't just hang out with my brother-in-law and nephew," David pointed out.

"Not when he's supposed to be on patrol," Killian told him.

David sighed as he admitted, "Okay, so you caught me. I know that Anna Elizabeth dating is hard for you."

Killian ran his fingers through his hair before he said, "Emma must have told you."

"She did mention it, but I would have guessed anyway," David told him as they reached the bench and sat down.

Killian sighed before he admitted, "Nathan is a good lad, and I can see how much he cares about Anna Elizabeth. I'm slowly learning to be okay with them dating, but it's still hard for me to see her growing up. Emma says that we have to let her grow up because she is, and it's a good thing. I know that she's right, but it doesn't make things any easier."

David squeezed his shoulder as he began, "If there's anyone who knows how you're feeling, it's me. I'd give anything for Evie to be that little girl who couldn't go to sleep without me reading her a story. And it's the same with Jamie - he'll be in third year of college in the fall. I don't have a little girl or boy anymore. It's hard."

"But you seem to be coping with it well," Killian surmised.

David offered a small smile as he told his brother-in-law, "You didn't live here when Mary Margaret was pregnant with Jamie, but I was terrified to be a father. I lost my own father when I was 6 - I was worried I wouldn't be good enough to raise another human being who would be completely dependent on me. By the time Evie came along, I was more confident.

But, I never stop worrying about them - I don't think parents ever do, no matter how old they are. However, both of them have made me so proud. They're smart, resourceful, confident, and courageous. And they're too stubborn to let any kind of problem bring them down. I know that they'll be alright when they really are on their own - that's how you know you've done your job.

You and Emma have done an amazing job raising Anna Elizabeth - I know that Liam and Elsa would say the same thing.

Some of my best memories in high school involve Mary Margaret, and if my daughter and son can have those type of memories, then I want them to have them - and they do. They will look back one day and smile.

I know you want the same thing for Anna Elizabeth. The only way you'll be happy for her is if you learn to let go. I'm not saying you shouldn't try to protect her, but it's not going to hurt to ease up."

Killian sighed as he took in David's words. They truly resonated with him. All he wanted was his daughter's happiness, and those giddy, nervous smiles that she wore when Nathan was so much as mentioned were doing exactly that. Though it was hard to admit and even harder to accept, it did make Killian smile to know that Nathan did make Anna Elizabeth smile more than she already did.

As Killian looked back over at David, he was glad that even though his brother was no longer here, David was as close as he could get.

Killian then spoke, "Thank you, David. I really appreciate it."

David smiled as he replied, "Of course, Killian. That's what family is for."

Killian returned his smile in response.

David then said, "I really do have to get back to work. I'll see you later."

"Aye. See you later, mate," Killian replied.

Before David got up to leave, he asked, "Can I offer you one more piece of advice?"

"Sure," Killian replied.

David motioned to Liam playing on the playground as he told him, "Don't get so caught up in Anna Elizabeth growing up that you forget to enjoy the moments with Liam, who is still a little boy in a lot of ways. He still needs his daddy to make everything better."

Killian nodded in response before he watched David leave.

He then turned his attention to his son on the playground. He couldn't help but smile as he watched him play.

He and Emma had a beautiful son. Even though he was every bit as stubborn as his mother and at times, every bit as short-fused as Killian was, there were few things in life that brought Killian as much joy as spending time with Liam.

Killian watched his dark-haired boy play for a little over an hour before Liam came running over to him.

"Daddy, I'm hungry."

"Then how about we go by Granny's then?" Killian suggested.

Liam nodded excitedly in response.

He and Killian then made their way to the truck.

When they arrived at Granny's, Liam immediately crawled up on the stool on the counter, and Killian sat beside him.

When Ruby walked over to them, she asked, "The usual, you guys?"

"Yes, love," Killian replied. He then grinned and observed, "You know, Ruby, I'm still wondering how you manage to keep everyone's usual's straight."

Ruby returned his grin as she replied, "Years of practice." She then turned to go put in their order.

Liam then asked a question that Killian hadn't been quite expecting, "Daddy, why did Mommy say that you don't think that Nathan's nice?"

Killian sighed and ran his fingers through his hair as he thought of a way to answer his son.

He then took a deep breath before he spoke, "You see, lad, it's not that I don't think he's nice. But I just worry about your sister having a boyfriend."

"Why? They like each other a whole lot," Liam pointed out.

"I know that, Liam. You probably won't understand this completely, but part of me wants your sister to stay a little girl forever. I don't want her to grow up," Killian explained.

"Like on Peter Pan?" Liam questioned.

"Yes, Liam. Just like that," Killian replied.

"But Wendy, John, and Michael came home from Neverland. They was okay with growing up," Liam told him.

Killian smiled at his son and kissed the top of his head in response.

As they pulled away, Killian told him, "That is right, lad. And I really am happy that Anna Elizabeth and Nathan like each so much. I know they're happy, and that makes me happy. I do like Nathan - he is nice, just like you said."

Liam smiled at his father in response just as Ruby set down their food.

The dark-haired boy then looked up at the brunette and asked, "Can I have extra mustard?"

"Oh, that's right," Ruby replied before handing him the yellow container.

"Thank you, Ruby," Liam told her.

"Sure thing, junior," Ruby replied with a grin.

Killian rolled his eyes in response as Liam asked, "Junior? My name is Liam."

Before Ruby could answer, she had more customers to check on.

Killian then began to explain, "She knows your name, lad. She called you junior because you're a lot like me."

"Oh," Liam simply replied before he put the mustard on his cheeseburger and began to eat.

Killian smiled and shook his head before he started in on his food as well.

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Killian and Liam arrived home shortly after Emma and Anna Elizabeth.

Belle and August had to make a trip to the publishing company that they work for, a half-hour drive. Both Colette and Matthew were napping, and Belle hated to wake them. She and August had asked Killian to keep an eye on them while they were gone.

Killian wound up staying a little longer than planned because Colette had asked if Liam could play a little longer, and Killian couldn't tell her no.

Killian then asked his wife and daughter, "How was shopping, loves?"

"I got everything for prom," Anna Elizabeth answered excitedly.

"I'm glad, love," Killian replied as he kissed her forehead.

The teenager then stated, "I'm hungry. Do we have pizza?"

"Uh, I don't believe so, lass. But we can order one from Granny's," Killian suggested.

"Sounds like a plan - I really don't feel like cooking," Emma said with a grin, making Killian and Anna Elizabeth chuckle.

"Maybe we could make it pizza and a movie?" Anna Elizabeth timidly suggested.

Emma and Killian exchanged a look before the blonde said, "I think we can manage that." She then added, "I know you two won't make a mess."

Anna Elizabeth couldn't help but roll her eyes before she nodded, while her brother stated, "I won't, Mommy."

Halfway through the movie, Anna Elizabeth got a text. When she read it, "Is it cool if Nathan comes over tomorrow?"

"His mom already talked to me about it, and it's okay with them," Emma began. She then turned to her husband and asked, "What do you think, Killian?"

Killian took a minute to think about it before he answered, "It's perfectly alright with me, love. I already know him pretty well, but I'd like a chance to talk to him and get to know him better."

Anna Elizabeth's eyes widened both in shock and excitement.

"Really, Dad?"

"Absolutely, love," Killian told her with a smile.

"Thank you!" Anna Elizabeth exclaimed as she wrapped Killian in a tight hug.

Liam then huffed, "I can't hear the movie."

"Sorry, Liam," Anna Elizabeth apologized, receiving a satisfied smile in response.

All four of them then turned their attention back to the TV.

When the movie was over, the pizza boxes, paper plates, and paper cups were all disposed, and the kids retired to their room, Emma observed, "That was surprising what you said to Anna Elizabeth about Nathan."

"I meant every word, Swan," Killian told her.

"I could tell - that's why it's so surprising," Emma surmised.

"I'm sensing a question coming, love," Killian observed.

Emma nodded before she asked, "What brought it on?"

"A conversation with your brother. He told me that I need to let Anna Elizabeth experience life and to not hold on quite so tightly. It really got through to me. The more I thought about it also made me realize something," Killian explained.

"What was that?" Emma asked curiously.

"That I went through the same thing with Belle," Killian began.

He then took a deep breath and elaborated, "I admit that I was overprotective with Belle just like I am with Anna Elizabeth. I was so worried about my sister having her heart broken again that I didn't give August a fair chance. It was only when Belle told me that she loved him that I realized that I did need to lighten up and give August a chance. If anyone could make her open her heart again, he was surely worthy of my sister.

While love is indeed too strong of a word to describe what Anna Elizabeth has with Nathan, they clearly care about each other. You would have to a bloody idiot not to see it.

There's still no certainty in a relationship like theirs where they're still so young, but that just as easily applies to any relationship.

Anna Elizabeth is happy, and for her sake, I will back off. And I will give Nathan a fair chance. I'm not going to stop trying to protect my only daughter, but I will loosen my grip a bit," Killian finished before he took a deep breath.

Emma smiled brightly before she wrapped her arms around his neck in a tight hug.

As they pulled away, she planted a longing kiss on his lips. Before they got too carried away, Emma broke the kiss and told him, "I am so proud of you, Killian."

Killian rested his forehead against hers and caressed her cheek with his hand. They stayed like that for a moment before he adjusted his position to look into her eyes.

He then told her, "While it's true that David's advice hit home, it was simply an echo of everything you've been doing to help me deal with our daughter growing up. I couldn't do this without you, Swan. I know you've heard this many times before over the years, but it's still as true as the first time I told you: You are one of the most amazing women I have ever known. I know I can get through anything with you by my side. I am so in love with you, Emma."

Emma couldn't help the tears welling up in her eyes. Even after all this time, Killian's heartfelt speeches still got to her, and she knew that they always would.

As he used his thumb to wipe her eyes, she told him, "And I am in love with you, Killian."

He offered her a genuine smile before pulling her in for another kiss, one that she happily returned. And as it turned passionate, she didn't break it off this time.