The title, as well as the idea for this fic, is based off the song "Ready, Set, Don't Go" by Billy Ray Cyrus featuring his daughter, Miley Cyrus. It is the same song mentioned later in the fic.
I want to thank all of my lovely readers on here and on Archive of Our Own for y'all's suggestions on this one-shot. I really appreciate all of the comments you had to offer! It really helped me come up with some amazing ideas! And so, without further ado, here is part one! :) :)
Anna Elizabeth came walking from her room into the living room of she and Evie's shared apartment.
The blonde stumbled but caught herself before she face-planted into the couch.
When she steadied herself, she complained, "Whose bloody idea was it that all of the women had to wear bloody high heels?"
Evie chuckled from her place sitting at the kitchen counter before she replied, "You know, Anna Elizabeth, when you're angry or frustrated, you start sounding like Uncle Killian."
Anna Elizabeth couldn't help but smile as she agreed, "I know. Mom tells me the same thing."
She then looked at the time on her phone and gasped, "We have to go. I cannot be late for my own graduation!"
"Chill, Anna Elizabeth. The university is only half-an-hour away. You'll be there in plenty of time," Evie pointed out.
Anna Elizabeth sighed as she said, "I know. I guess I'm just anxious." She then added with a smile, "And excited."
Evie returned her smile as she told her, "Who wouldn't be excited? You're graduating with honors from your dream college, and you already have your dream job lined up in the fall. You are going to be an amazing elementary school teacher."
"Thanks, Evie," Anna Elizabeth began. She then grinned and continued, "Liam insists that he should get a lot of the credit for me being a great teacher because he was my guinea pig when he was little."
Evie rolled her eyes in response before she said, "That sounds like Liam alright."
Anna Elizabeth couldn't help but chuckle before she told her cousin, "I know I'll be early, but I want to go ahead and get there. Is Leo ready?"
Evie nodded before she walked around to her son's playpen, followed by Anna Elizabeth. Evie couldn't help but shake her head as she took in his sleeping form.
"I swear this kid can sleep through anything."
"So can you," Anna Elizabeth pointed out.
Evie grinned before he expression turned serious, and she lamented, "Leo is so precious. He's the best thing that ever happened to me. It still hurts that he's going to grow up without his father."
Anna Elizabeth took Evie by the shoulders and told her, "Hey – that is not your fault. Chase chose to leave when you found out that you were pregnant. It's his loss that he won't see his son grow up. He left you the apartment and signed the divorce papers. That's all you need from that no-good jerk. He isn't worth your thoughts."
"He still doesn't pay child support," Evie muttered.
Anna Elizabeth heard her and assured her, "You make plenty of money as an RN. It's more than enough to support you and Leo."
Evie smiled at the blonde as she told her, "I don't know what I would have done without you these past two years. Next to my parents, you're the one who was there for me the most when my world came crashing down. You even moved in with me so I wouldn't have to be alone. Not to mention the great help you've been with Leo. So, thank you."
Anna Elizabeth smiled at Evie before she pulled her in for a hug. As they pulled away a moment later, Anna Elizabeth sincerely told her, "That's what sisters are for."
Evie smiled brightly in response.
Anna Elizabeth then added playfully, "Besides, you're the one who insisted on staying in your apartment and not moving back in with Uncle David and Aunt Mary Margaret. And then my parents insisted on me having a roommate as opposed to me living by myself."
Evie grinned as she replied, "So, it was really a win-win for them, huh?"
Anna Elizabeth returned her cousin's grin as she said, "It sure seems like it."
Both girls then began laughing, though they were careful not to take Leo. However, the two-year-old woke on his own a moment later.
As soon as he opened those green eyes, he called, "Mommy?"
Evie scooped up the little boy in her arms and asked him, "Did you have a good nap, Leo?"
He nodded happily in response.
Evie smiled brightly at her son, whom she was eternally grateful was the spitting image of her.
Anna Elizabeth couldn't help but smile at the little family before she announced, "Okay, we really do need to get to the school."
Evie just shook her head as Leo asked, "School?"
His mother then explained, "Today is a special day for Aunt Anna Elizabeth. We're going to celebrate her doing such a good job in school."
Leo seemed to grasp his mother's meaning as he clapped and then reached out his arms out to Anna Elizabeth for a hug.
Anna Elizabeth smiled at the little boy before she returned his hug.
The three of them then made their way to Evie's vehicle. As she was strapping Leo in his car seat, she asked her cousin, "You're riding with me, right?"
"Yeah," Anna Elizabeth began. She then huffed and continued, "I was supposed to ride with Calin, but he said something about working this morning, which I don't even understand. He works for my dad, and he took today off."
"Well, maybe Calin is trying to make a good impression on Uncle Killian," Evie suggested, when she and Anna Elizabeth had both settled into the car.
Anna Elizabeth narrowed her eyes at the brunette as she pointed out, "Evie, Calin and I have been together for over two years. He's been working for Dad for a year – there's no reason for Calin to impress him."
"It was just a suggestion," Evie shrugged before she pulled out of her parking space.
Anna Elizabeth stared at Evie for a few moments before she observed, "You know something, don't you. About why Calin is working all these extra hours lately."
"No. Why would you think I know something?" Evie asked with fake innocence.
"I knew it! What did he tell you!" Anna Elizabeth exclaimed.
Evie rolled her eyes as she pointed out, "Look, I may not be the best at not telling you I have a secret, but I'm not my mother. I am capable of actually keeping one."
Anna Elizabeth huffed as she responded, "I know. I just wish I knew something. I'm totally clueless."
"Good. That's how Calin wanted it," Evie smugly told her.
"You're incorrigible," Anna Elizabeth told her as she crossed her arms.
"Perhaps, but you still love me," Evie began with a grin. She then became serious as she continued, "Trust me, you'll thank me for it later," with a genuine smile.
Anna Elizabeth returned Evie's smile in response. Though the blonde was still clueless, much to her annoyance, she trusted Evie, and she trusted Calin. She knew it would all work out. That thought made her smile once more.
Her smile only grew as she began to think about her impending graduation. This day would surely be one to remember.
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"Congratulations, graduates!" the president of the university shouted, and everyone threw up their caps.
Once Anna Elizabeth had retrieved her cap, she immediately saw her good friend Emily making her way over to her.
The strawberry blonde wrapped Anna Elizabeth in a tight hug, which the blonde happily returned.
As they pulled away, Emily told her, "I can't believe we've graduated! It seems like just yesterday that we were moving in as freshmen."
"I think it took you over a week to get used to the different time zone," Anna Elizabeth reminisced with a chuckle.
Emily chuckled as well before she replied, "Well, I suppose that's what I get for choosing to go to school in the States."
Anna Elizabeth smiled before she turned serious and asked, "When do you head back to Australia?"
"The beginning of next week," Emily answered.
Anna Elizabeth's expression turned sad as the two girls were wrapped in another embrace.
"I'll miss you," the curly blonde told her friend.
"I'll miss you, too," Emily replied.
As they pulled away, Anna Elizabeth noticed the tears beginning to well up in Emily's hazel eyes.
"Don't cry, Ems, you'll make me cry," Anna Elizabeth told her.
Emily wiped her eyes using the sleeve of her graduation gown before she said, "I'm sorry. You're just one of my best friends now, and I'll miss your incessant singing."
Anna Elizabeth grinned as she replied, "And I'll miss seeing you with paint in your hair."
Emily returned her friend's grin just as a professor came up to both of them.
"Congratulations, Anna Elizabeth and Emily."
"Thank you, Dr. Smith," both girls spoke simultaneously.
"I had the pleasure of teaching both of you, and I know that both of you will do great things in your career," Dr. Smith told them.
Both girls smiled proudly in response just as Dr. Smith was called away.
Just then, Colette and Matthew ran up to Anna Elizabeth. "Congratulations, Anna Elizabeth!" the eleven and eight-year-old exclaimed.
"Thanks you guys," Anna Elizabeth replied as she bent down to hug both of them.
As she stood up, a puzzled expression took over her features when she didn't see her aunt and uncle.
She turned her attention back to her young cousins and asked, "Where's Aunt Belle and Uncle August?"
"But I'm 11," Colette pointed out.
"Colette," Anna Elizabeth stated using her teacher voice.
"Daddy is over there," Matthew supplied as he pointed.
Anna Elizabeth looked to where he had gestured and locked eyes with August, who nodded at her.
Anna Elizabeth nodded back before turning her attention to Colette and Matthew.
"Why don't you guys go back to him. I'll be over there in a minute," Anna Elizabeth told them.
The two kids nodded in response before running back to August.
When Anna Elizabeth turned back to Emily, her eyes were widened.
"What is it, Emily?"
"You didn't tell me that August Booth is your uncle!" Emily exclaimed.
Anna Elizabeth was taken aback before she replied, "I talk about my family all of time. I've mentioned Uncle August."
"You never said he was that August," Emily pointed out.
Anna Elizabeth couldn't help but giggle, to which Emily asked, "What's so funny?"
"I'm sorry. I haven't met anyone who's such a big fan of him. I know he's, like, famous, but he married my aunt when I was 8. He's always been so down-to-earth, so he's just Uncle August," Anna Elizabeth explained.
"Perhaps. But he's still famous - I've read all of his books," Emily pointed out.
"You know, I could introduce you?" Anna Elizabeth suggested.
Emily's eyes widened for a moment before she told her friend, "I would prefer not to make a fool of myself."
Anna Elizabeth smiled and shook her head in response.
Emily then heard her parents calling her name. She and Anna Elizabeth embraced one more time before pulling away.
"When you're not busy with children or hanging out with your family or Calin, you better call me," Emily told her with a smile.
"And when you're not busy becoming a famous artist, you better Skype me," Anna Elizabeth added as she returned her smile.
The girls exchanged one final goodbye before heading their separate ways.
Anna Elizabeth soon located her family, and was met with a plethora of proud smiles.
"Ah, there's our college graduate," Killian announced.
Anna Elizabeth smiled brightly in response before she asked, "Can we go and eat now?"
Everyone chuckled in response before Emma observed, "You may be an adult, but you still eat like a teenager, Anna Elizabeth."
"I think I still eat more than she does," Liam added.
"Oh, trust me, I know. The last time we all watched the Mets game, you ate six pieces of pizza by yourself," David teased. Liam simply shrugged his shoulders in response.
Mary Margaret, who was holding her grandson in her arms, stated, "And on that note, I think we could use something delicious."
"I think I just may have to hold you to that, Mary Margaret," a voice came from somewhere behind them.
Anna Elizabeth's eyes widened as she recognized the voice of her grandfather. Her smile widened when she turned around and saw Nick, Sharon, and Dylan.
"Guys! I didn't even know you were going to come!" Anna Elizabeth exclaimed as she wrapped the three of them in a hug.
"I wasn't about to miss my only granddaughter's college graduation. I am so proud of you – I know you will do great things as a teacher," Sharon told her.
"I am just as proud of you, Anna Elizabeth. I couldn't be happier for you," Dylan added. Nick repeated his sentiments before kissing his granddaughter on the head.
Anna Elizabeth absolutely beamed in response before she looked around at all of her family and said, "Well, guys, I think it's time to officially celebrate."
Everyone nodded in agreement. Just as they all began to walk away, Anna Elizabeth balanced herself by holding onto one of Calin's shoulders and took her black heels off.
Once she was standing barefoot, she breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Finally."
Calin only smiled and shook his head, while Evie, Emma, and Killian chuckled. Emma then added, "You know, kid, I don't think they'll let you in the restaurant like that."
"Don't worry, Emma. I ran by the apartment and grabbed some other shoes for her," Calin assured her.
"Did you get some that actually matches her dress?" Evie asked.
"Um, well, they're black…ish. I think," Calin responded, and Evie rolled her eyes.
"Come on, Evie, you know I don't care about that stuff too much. I never have," Anna Elizabeth pointed out.
"Oh, really, love? Then why did it take you almost three hours to get ready for your first date with Calin?" Killian teased.
Anna Elizabeth blushed and groaned, "Really, Dad?" while Calin chuckled at her side, which earned him a smack in the shoulder.
"Alright, guys, come on, let's get going before the restaurant gets full," Emma told them.
They all nodded in response before heading to their vehicles. When Calin and Anna Elizabeth arrived at his car, he opened the door for her. Being the romantic that she was, she had always found the gesture to be sweet.
By the time Calin came around to the driver's side, Anna Elizabeth had slipped into her dark navy flats.
She then teased her boyfriend, "It seems you can't tell black from navy blue," followed by a chuckle.
Calin just rolled his eyes in response. He then told her, "You're something else, you know that?"
Anna Elizabeth smiled as she responded, "Yeah, I know. But you wouldn't have me any other way."
Calin returned her smile as he genuinely told her, "You know I wouldn't."
He then leaned over and kissed her sweetly, cupping her cheek as he did. As they pulled away, he smiled and said, "I'm really proud of you, Anna Elizabeth. All of those early mornings and late nights paid off."
She returned his smile as she replied, "Thank you, Calin. I'm proud of myself, and I can't wait to see what the future holds."
Calin offered a knowing grin that Anna Elizabeth couldn't quite decipher as he told her, "I think it's gonna be amazing."
He then put his Corvette in drive and began making his way to the restaurant.
When they arrived at the restaurant, and both of them had gotten out of the car, they walked hand-in-hand toward her waiting family.
Once they had all gotten a table and their drinks, David asked, "So, Anna Elizabeth, how does it feel to be a college graduate?" with a wide smile.
Anna Elizabeth smiled brightly as she responded, "It's amazing."
"Well, love, we're all very proud of you," Killian told her as he moved her hair behind her shoulder.
Mary Margaret then said, "I say a toast is in order. To Anna Elizabeth."
Though everyone considered it cheesy, it was truly a reason to celebrate. So, everyone raised their glasses and clinked them together.
Shortly after, the food had arrived. Liam immediately dug in, taking a huge bite of his burger, making everyone shake their heads and laugh.
Just then Evie's phone rang. "Oh, I've got to take this," she said as she looked at the caller ID from where she had placed her phone on the table.
She cast a glance at her son, whom was in his booster seat, eating a cut-up hot dog.
"Take your call, sweetie. We'll take care of him," Mary Margaret assured her daughter.
Evie nodded before answering the call and walking to a secluded corner.
Leo watched his mother's retreating form and questioned, "Mommy gone?"
"She'll be right back," David assured his grandson as he ruffled his brown locks.
"Otay," Leo answered before taking a sip from his sippy cup.
Mary Margaret looked at him longingly as she observed, "Evie's so protective over him."
"You'd be protective too if you were a single mom," Regina quipped.
David clenched his fist as he pointed out, "That bastard is lucky that me or Jamie didn't find him."
"Ooh! Uncle David said a bad word!" Matthew piped up.
"Matthew," Belle stated.
Mary Margaret then addressed the eight-year-old and said, "Yes, he did." She then shot a raised eyebrow at her husband, who simply shrugged.
When Evie returned, Sharon gratefully changed the subject, "So, Anna Elizabeth, what grade will you be teaching?"
"Well, one of the second grade teachers is retiring, so I'll be taking her place," Anna Elizabeth answered.
"Well, I'm sure that they'll love you," August told his niece, with a smile.
"They already do," Emma added with a proud smile.
Anna Elizabeth smiled brightly in response.
Robin then added, "Roland and Rilynn wanted to come to the ceremony, but they were called into emergency surgery this morning."
"That's okay. I completely understand - as is the life of surgical techs," Anna Elizabeth responded.
Robin nodded at her in response.
"How long have they've been married now?" Nick asked, addressing Robin and Regina.
"A year and a half," Robin answered.
"And according to Roland, he's never been so happy," Regina added.
Mary Margaret shot a warning glare her way, which Regina gave a quizzical expression.
Evie noticed and told her mother, "Mom, I'm not a kid anymore - you don't have to try to avoid the subject of happy marriages. You don't have to protect me. It is hard at times, but I'm really alright."
She then cast a look at Anna Elizabeth before she continued, "I can't focus on the pain. I have to let it go. And honestly? How can I stay mad at someone who gave me the best thing that ever happened to me?"
Evie then turned to her son and planted a kiss on his head. As she looked back up, she said, "Okay, guys, that's enough about me. We are here to celebrate Anna Elizabeth."
The blonde in question then spoke, "I'm just glad to have all of you here with me. I couldn't ask for anything better."
Everyone smiled in response before they all went back to eating.
Liam then added, "Does this mean I can have chocolate pie?"
Everyone chuckled at him once again before Emma reached over to ruffle his hair.
Liam, however, pulled away and pointed out, "Mom, I'm 14."
Emma couldn't help but roll her eyes before she told him, "So you like to remind me."
"Sounds like someone else we know," Killian teased as he shot a look over at his daughter, who rolled her eyes.
As Killian resumed eating, Anna Elizabeth couldn't help but look around the table and smile at the sight. All of her family had gathered to celebrate her. She had always been one to try to appreciate them, but that didn't make the moments she had with them any less special.
And as she thought about all of the kids she would get to teach come the fall, her smile grew. She would spend every day doing something that she loved. She couldn't fathom how things could get any better.
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"Why can't my math teacher explain it like that?" Liam questioned as he finally understood the concept.
"Well, at least now you know how to do it, little bro," Anna Elizabeth told him.
"Younger," Liam corrected, and Anna Elizabeth couldn't help but grin, along with Killian.
"Yeah, thanks for coming over, Anna Elizabeth. Math was never my strong suit," Emma told her.
"No problem. It's what I do," Anna Elizabeth replied with a smile.
She then said goodbye to her parents and her brother before she began heading toward the door, but Liam stopped her.
He wrapped her in a quick hug before pulling away.
He smiled as he told her, "You're gonna be an awesome teacher, Anna Elizabeth. I'm pretty sure you're the only reason I'm passing Algebra."
Anna Elizabeth returned his smile as she told him, "I wouldn't go quite that far, but thank you, Liam."
Liam nodded in response before he headed off to his room to play the latest Mario game.
As Anna Elizabeth went to open the door and walk out, she nearly ran into Calin.
"Calin, what are you doing here?"
Clearly nervous, he stammered, "Uh, well, I'm here for, um..." He finally managed to gather his thoughts and answered, "I came to talk to your dad about those extra hours I've been working."
"Ah," Anna Elizabeth began. She then planted her hands on her hips and told him, "I will figure out why you were doing that, you know."
"I have no doubt," Calin answered.
Anna Elizabeth grinned before she gave him a quick goodbye kiss and headed on to her car.
As Emma ushered Calin in the house, Killian commented, "So, I'm going to assume that what you said about getting Anna Elizabeth a present for graduation wasn't exactly the truth?" with a raised eyebrow.
Calin bit his lip - something he did when he was nervous - as he responded, "Technically, it could be viewed as a graduation present, but that isn't really what it is. I hope you
can overlook this because it wasn't my intention to not be straightforward, but I couldn't exactly tell you, although I did tell Evie..."
"Breathe, Calin," Emma told him, trying to stifle a giggle.
Calin took a deep breath and gathered his thoughts before he started again, "The truth is that I really wanted this to be a complete surprise for Anna Elizabeth. I also didn't feel right coming to you without this."
Killian and Emma both looked at Calin curiously as he reached into his back pocket. Both of their eyes widened when he pulled out a small black jewelry box.
As he opened it to reveal a diamond ring, he began, "Both of know that I am head over heels in love with your daughter. I'm pretty sure I was a goner the first time I saw her smile. She is so beautiful, and that beauty is on the inside, too. She's smart, which will make her an amazing teacher, she's funny - even if half of it is sarcasm, she has such a big heart, she's so stubborn until it's adorable, and she knows how to take care of herself. I would love nothing more than to spend the rest of my life with her, and I will do everything in my power to protect her. I want to ask your blessing for Anna Elizabeth's hand in marriage."
Calin took a deep breath as he finished, trying to calm the butterflies in his stomach.
Emma wore a bright smile as she looked back and forth between Calin and the ring. As she glanced over at Killian, she saw that his arms were crossed. His stance read power but his eyes told a different story. She had seen that look many times before - when Anna Elizabeth got her first boyfriend, when she had her first kiss, when she graduated high school, and when she moved into her apartment, to name a few.
He was afraid of losing his little girl.
Emma was about to ask Calin if she and Killian could be excused when he spoke to Calin, "Promise me one thing."
"Anything," Calin sincerely answered.
"Don't you dare break her heart," Killian told him, his voice laced with emotion.
"Believe me, that is one thing I could never do," Calin answered honestly.
Killian nodded before he continued, "If you do, you better pray I don't find you."
"Killian, don't scare him," Emma scolded.
"No, it's fine, Emma. I understand," Calin told them.
"Good," Killian simply responded.
"So, does that mean..." Calin began but trailed off.
Killian took a deep breath and exchanged a look with Emma, who smiled and nodded. He then told Calin, "I know how much you love Anna Elizabeth, and I know her heart is safe with you. So, you have our blessing."
Calin's face broke into the brightest smile as he told them, "Thank you so much."
Emma pulled him in for a hug as she said, "Of course, Calin."
As they pulled away away, she continued, "I know you'll make each other so happy."
Calin nodded at his future in-laws before he began heading toward the door, tripping over a chair as he did so. Emma once again had to stifle a laugh as she watched Calin resume walking straight and head out the door.
Once he was gone, Emma turned to her husband and told him, "I think you handled that fairly well - minus the part where you practically threatened his life," with a small chuckle.
Killian, however, sighed and ran his fingers through his hair.
Emma moved to stand in front of him and caressed his cheek.
"Hey, Killian, it's gonna be okay. We both know that Calin loves her and will take care of her," she assured him.
"That isn't what worries me, love," Killian began. He took a breath and continued, "She's growing up, Emma. She's not our little girl anymore."
Emma offered a small smile as she told him, "She hasn't been little for quite some time. She's been in college for four years, and she moved out two years ago."
"I know, love. But it feels real now. She'll have a job to support herself - she won't need our help. She'll be getting married, love - she'll be leaving us for him, Emma," Killian replied, trying desperately to keep his emotions in check.
Emma simply threw her arms around his neck in a hug. He buried his face in her hair.
When they pulled away, she reassured him, "I know how it's always been hard for you to let her go. But you have to - for her sake. Even though she is entering into full independence, we're not going to lose her. You know that she's always been so close to her family, and it's not like she's moving away. It will okay, Killian."
Killian nodded before he spoke, "I know, love. This isn't the first time I've dealt with her growing up, but it's different and more difficult this time. But you know I'll try, Emma."
"I know you will," Emma responded as she ran her fingers through his black hair.
He then smiled and asked, "You think that Calin will delay proposing for a while?"
Emma shook her head and grinned as she pointed out, "I don't think there's much chance of that. He's clearly wanted to do this for months."
"It was worth a shot, love," Killian replied.
Emma's grin grew as she said, "Come on, let's go see if you can actually manage to beat Liam at Mario Kart."
Killian raised an eyebrow as he told her, "You do realize I'm still letting him win?"
"Whatever helps you sleep at night," Emma teased.
Killian shook his head before he followed his wife to their son's room.
I hope you guys enjoyed it . While you will have a wait several days, Part Two: The Proposal is coming up next.