A/N: This is a long chapter, and yeah I know most of you like long chapters. This is just a roll of fluff wrapped up in a New Year's Eve celebration. Hope you all like it.
I just want to express my deepest gratitude to all who read this, and even if I rarely reply to comments they all mean so much to me. The small glimpses of what my readers think about this story is what drives me. Currently I'm halfway through chapter 10, there will be a few chapters after that to wrap it all up. While November is NaNoWriMo month, I still write on this, and count the word count to my NaNo project, if that makes me a rebel then I'm a rebel.
A big thanks to my beta reader who does an invaluable job of helping me fix this fic. Thank you jonesfandomfanatic.
ENJOY.
Chapter 7NEW YEAR'S EVE
Killian drove to the Nolan ranch and parked his truck next to the large garage, a small yap pulling him out of his reveries. Jewel, who was now a six-month puppy, lay nestled in the blanket he had set up on the truck's floor for her. Her ears were floppy as she tilted her head to the side.
"Ready to celebrate New Year?"
Jewel barked and began wagging her tail.
Killian laughed and reached over to scratch behind her ears. She panted in return, pressing her head into his hand.
Killian opened the door and stepped out into the snow-covered courtyard and whistled for Jewel to follow him. Since she was now growing and the weather was far colder he didn't use the pet carrier on the back of his truck. Jewel was getting more and more well-behaved and he just hoped that things would work out okay with the two dogs here on the ranch. The two Australian Shepherds seemed to enjoy it whenever he brought the growing pup to visit so Emma had suggested he bring Jewel for the New Year party.
The pair walked to the front door and Killian could already hear Jack and Jill barking on the other side of the door. "See, your friends are all ready to have fun." Killian laughed and smiled when Emma opened the front door. The two large dogs burst outside and greeted Jewell frolicking around in the snow, rolling, and barking. Jewel seemed a little overeager but the older dogs were friendly and only growled a few warnings when she got too crazy.
"Hi." Emma slipped up next to him, wrapped in a wool coat she reached up and kissed him.
"Hmm," Killian moaned into her mouth as he wrapped his arms around her, it had been one and a half weeks since he last had seen her. He'd spent Christmas with Liam and his wife Elsa who announced that they were now expecting their first child. Killian had then spent the rest of the days between Christmas teasing his brother about the upcoming new role of poopy diaper changer. Liam had just smiled and laughed and kissed his wife far more times than usual. It was good to see his brother so happy. Now he too was feeling the same happy feeling rush through his body as Emma pressed herself closer to him, her lips moving over his.
Finally, they pulled away and laughed when they nearly got toppled over by the excited dogs. "Perhaps we should take them for a walk so they can run off some steam?" Killian suggested.
"Great idea, let me just go find my beanie." Emma untangled herself and rushed inside to call out to her family that she and Killian would take the dogs for a walk.
Killian watched as she tugged a black beanie over her blonde hair and thought she looked radiant.
Emma's eyes sparkled as she walked up to him.
Killian reached out and wrapped his hand around hers, she quickly shifted her hand so she could link her fingers with his. The weather was nice, cold but sunny.
They walked around the grounds, heading for some of the horse enclosures behind the barn and Killian could see some horses outside, all with covers wrapped over their backs. When he spotted Emma's horse, he could see the animal peak up its ears, to greet them with a whinny, before it trotted over and stuck her head out to be nuzzled.
"Hey girl, enjoying the time in the sun?" Emma rubbed her horse's muzzle and then moved over to smooth her hand down the long neck of the horse. Savy shook her large head and Killian stepped back a little, he might have tried being on horseback a few times now, but he was still too uncomfortable around the larger horses.
Emma turned to him and smiled. "One day you'll be riding one of our Hanoverian horses."
"Nah." Killian rubbed behind his ear and looked wearily at the large animal. The smaller ones he'd been riding on were far better in his mind.
"You'll get used to them in time," Emma said smiling.
"Aye, I suppose I will." He smiled back and reached out gently patting Savy on her muzzle, the horse snorted but didn't move.
"See, she likes you." Emma wrapped her arms around his waist and rested her chin on his arm. "I like you too."
"Hmm," Killian hummed, turning around so he could wrap his arms around Emma. "I love you, and I know horses will always be a part of your life, so since I intend to stick around I imagine I'll get used to the larger horses too." He could see how her eyes beamed at his words, and he knew she understood he wasn't about to turn his back on what they shared.
"I love you, too" Emma whispered and nipped at his chin, her body pressed close to his, even with their thick coats he could feel her curves molding into his frame.
He tilted his head down and captured her lips in a kiss, ignoring the fact that anyone could walk past them. It might be new year's day, but the horses would need to be fed, and he knew the Nolan family had stable hands that worked here.
The dogs barked behind them and Savy seemed to have realized that she wouldn't get more neck rubs as she'd moved down along the fence to search for food in the pile of hay someone had dumped inside the pen.
Killian glanced towards the three dogs and all had calmed down and now just relaxed and enjoyed being outside. Jewel ran over to his side when she noticed him looking, she jumped up his legs. "No girl, you know, no jumping." He pushed her gently down and disentangled himself from Emma. Jewel lolled her head to the side, her ears flopping down, one of them was more solid and Killian knew that she'd soon lose that cute puppy dog look. She barked and begged for attention and panted happily when Emma crouched down to rub over her side.
"You're such a sweet girl." Emma laughed when Jewel tried to lick her face.
"No." Killian pushed the puppy's snout away from Emma's face. "No licking."
Jewel whined but leaned into Emma's back rub.
Killian looked and saw that the Nolan dogs were slowly walking towards the house. "Perhaps we should go in too."
"Hmm," Emma agreed, rising to her feet. She clapped her hands to get Jewel's attention. "Wanna come inside, Jewel?"
The dog barked happily and leaped ahead of them.
Killian took Emma's hand again as they walked back to the house using the back entrance so they could enter via the mudroom. All three dogs were soaking wet from playing out in the snow.
Emma found towels they could use to rub them down. The older dogs seemed to know the drill.
Killian was not having the same experience, however, because Jewel was whimpering and squirming around when he tried to rub her dry. "Bloody hell, you little monster, stay still will ya." He rubbed the towel over Jewel's belly and finally her feet.
"We'll let them stay out here for a while so they can dry completely," Emma suggested.
Killian looked at Jewel who had trodden over to sit next to one of the older dogs, she seemed content being with them, so he imagined it would be okay. "Stay," Killian ordered and pointed some old blankets under one table where the two other dogs had curled up. Jewel walked over and found a spot on her own.
Emma closed the door to the mudroom and, taking his hand, they walked to the large open kitchen together. He still marveled at how the Nolans lived. It was so big and grand but still with a homey feeling.
"Welcome, Killian," Mary Margaret said, with a smile as she wiped her hands in a dishtowel. The large work desk was filled with various half-prepared foods. It seemed she was going all out for dinner that night.
"Thank you, Mrs. Nolan." Killian walked forward and offered his hand.
"Haven't I told you to call me Mary Margaret?" The petite woman said, with a fond smile and tilted her head to the side.
"Aye." He smiled sheepishly and rubbed behind his ear. "Mary Margaret, it's very nice of you to include me tonight."
"Oh, that was all Emma's work, she demanded you should join us." She laughed when Killian lifted his eyebrows in surprise. "No worries though, we're more than happy to have you here. You're part of our daughter's life after all." She waved her hand towards the living room. "Now go into the living room and hang out. I'll call if I need help."
"Have Leo's friend come yet?" Emma asked.
"Yes, Brian came before lunch. The two haven't been seen since." Mary Margaret rolled her eyes. "I think they mentioned some computer stuff they wanted to do."
"I bet." Emma laughed, and pulled Killian to the living room. "That gives us a bit of privacy."
Killian laughed and wrapped his arm around her waist. "We could have more privacy in your room." He sassed, daring to give her a quick kiss on her cheek as he recalled the many afternoons he'd spent watching movies on her bed. Sometimes neither of them would remember anything from the movie as they'd ended up making out. It never turned into anything more than kissing and touching, though. One time her shirt had come undone, and he saw a glimpse of her bra, his hand had itched to feel her skin against his palm. But both had agreed that they would wait to go any further than this, at least for now.
"Get your mind out of the gutter," Emma said, laughing as she pushed his arm.
"What?"
"I know what you're thinking, buddy." Emma pushed him to the couch. " But I really don't want to get caught by my family."
"Aye." He agreed and smiled sheepishly at her, feeling his face heat.
They spent the afternoon enjoying the treats her mother set out for them, then talking with David when he came in from the stables.
Emma went to ask her mother if she needed help and soon she was helping her out in the kitchen leaving Killian alone with her father. He shifted in his seat and nibbled at the cookie in his hand. David was the father he'd always wanted himself but seeing the man eye his every move when Emma was there had been nerve-wracking. He knew her parents liked him and approved of their relationship, but he still felt the fatherly stare from the other man as he finished the cookie.
"So…" Killian cleared his throat. "Who else is coming today?" He asked, rubbing his palms over his black dress pants, the nicest pair he owned. Cringing, he realized he rubbed cookie crumbs down his thigh. Bloody hell, his mind reeled as he tried to pluck the crumbs from his leg. When he had them all in the palm of his hand, he leaned forward and dumped them on the small plate next to the mug of coffee. God, he wished the cup had something stronger than coffee right now.
"Ruby and her boyfriend," David said with a calm voice, but Killian could see his eyes crinkle in a knowing smile.
"Aye."
"Hmm." David rose to walk to the small bar cabinet nearby, and looked over his shoulder, asking, "What do you want?"
"Huh?" Killian asked, confused with what was happening.
"It seems as if you need something stronger than the java my wife gave you," David suggested with a smile.
"Oh, aye, that will be grand… eh, would you have rum?"Killian asked, hoping they did.
"I certainly do." David turned around and showed a bottle of dark rum.
Killian could see that it was a high-brand variety.
David set the bottle back and found a scotch that he poured for himself. Then he walked back and gave the drink to Killian. "There you go."
"Thank you." Killian wrapped his hand around the tumbler and took a small sip. It was brilliant in taste and the liquor warmed his throat. "This is nice." He lifted his glass in the air and smiled.
David lifted his drink to his lips. "Hmm very nice." When he set the tumbler on the table he clasped his hands in front of him. "So Killian, how are things going?"
"Uh, what?"
"Is your boss still giving you a hard time with what happened at the Nationals?"
"Oh, no not so much, not after we finished shooting this season. Right now the editors are doing all they can to piece it all together. My brother is working overtime to get the episodes ready." Killian explained, pleased that the talk wasn't focused directly on the relationship he had with Emma. The other man seemed to have this inquisitive, fatherly look in his eyes. Work-related stuff he could deal with, as it would ease his already frayed nerves.
"Oh, that reminds me." David rose to his feet and walked to the back of the couch, where he found a small handheld camera that Killian knew came from the network. "We're filming our celebrations this evening." He pursed his lips. "Your brother was relaying from your boss that they hoped we could capture film without you and Graham being in the frame."
"I know," Killian said, and took a nervous sip of his drink. "Liam mentioned this to me the other day."
"I know Emma will want to take her private pictures of us all, and this," he lifted the camera, "will just be our family." He shook his head. "It's getting far too complicated."
"I'm sorry," Killian mumbled and sipped his drink again, his skin prickled in nervousness.
"Look, son, don't be. We like you, and we can see how happy you make our daughter. We've lived with a camera following us for eleven years now so we're used to it. What happened at the Nationals was a bump in the road, and we understand why you and Emma don't want the press to know more about your relationship."
"I guess we'll have to show the world one day?" He placed his drink on the table, not wanting to consume the most likely costly liquor too fast. He glanced at David. "I mean we can't hide forever."
"I don't think you can." David said with a shake of his head. "But whatever the press or the gossip vines spew out to the world, we, my family, and your brother, all know the actual story."
"Thank you," Killian said and nodded to the camera. "Perhaps Graham and I can take turns filming. That way, we won't be seen."
"Good idea." David givingthe camera to Killian. "Perhaps begin in the kitchen and see if you can capture the whirlwind of chaos happening in there."
Killian laughed and headed for the kitchen while he turned the smaller camera on and got it ready to film. The footage wouldn't be as high quality as the shots they did with the high-tech cams he and Will used, but it would also give the viewer a feeling of seeing behind it all and get that home video feel. Liam had told him that the viewers liked to see beyond the cameras and the home video parts of the private Christmas and New Year's parties would give them this feeling.
Emma looked around the living room, filled with her family and friends. She snuggled closer to her boyfriend. The evening had been a tremendous success, and everyone had enjoyed the lavish feast her mother had prepared. Ruby was currently curled up in Graham's lap, her fingers tracing over his neck and down to the exposed skin revealed at the V of his open shirt. Emma shook her head, her friend had no qualms about showing affection for her slightly older boyfriend. When the couple had arrived before dinner, Emma had sensed how awkward it had been for Killian to be in the same room as his coworker but in a more private party setting. However the two men had eased into their usual banter and were joking along with the Nolan family.
Killian eased his arm around her shoulder as the family got ready to watch the Times Square Ball drop on the TV. She rolled her eyes at her brother and his friend; they'd been playing around with the small camera that had been used for filming during the evening. It had mostly been Killian and Graham who'd filmed, but the two teenagers had begged to try it. Graham had given them a quick rundown on how it worked and let them take over the filming.
Emma ignored her family and tucked herself in closer to Killian as the countdown began and she looked at him as his eyes were glued to the large TV screen hanging over the fireplace. His blue eyes sparkled in the dimmed light of the room and he seemed to notice her look because soon he focused on her. A large smile spread over his face, as he leaned in for a kiss but she placed her fingers on his chin, pushing him back. "Wait for midnight."
"It's seconds away, love. Why wait?" he asked bemused, his lips curving into a smile.
"Tradition, babe." She rubbed her thumb over his bottom lip and she felt his chest rumble in a suppressed groan. He shifted his eyes to the screen and she could see him countdown wordlessly. Ten-nine-eight-seven-six-five-four-three-two-one.
"Happy new year." Everyone around them shouted but Emma's focus was on Killian and how he slowly closed the gap between them, obviously ignoring the fact that they had her whole family around them.
To be honest, she didn't care either.
Their lips met in a sweet kiss that had her insides curling with desire and love for this man. He was so sweet and perfect. She moved closer and he let his fingers tangle into her hair as he tilted his head to deepen the kiss. Neither seemed to notice the commotion of happy moments around them. Emma felt her heart pound in her ears, her fingers curling in his shirt, the soft fabric not hiding the heat from his skin.
"Happy New Year, love," Killian whispered against her lips and nipped at her lower lip.
"Happy New Year, babe." Emma kissed him again but was interrupted when Ruby unceremoniously plopped down behind her.
"Cut the sucking faces, sis." Ruby pushed her shoulder. "Your brother is having a fit over there."
Emma pulled back with a groan and glared at her friend. "Fuck off, don't you have a man to kiss?"
"Oh, we kissed, but unlike someone else," Ruby waggled her eyebrows as she glanced between Emma and Killian. "We remembered where we were."
"So?"
"As I said, your brother and that other pimpled teen over there are laughing their asses off because you keep sucking face." Ruby nudged her shoulder and pointed to the opposite couch across the room.
"Fuck, did he film?"
"I think he did…" Ruby trailed off when Emma jumped from her seat.
"Give that camera here, you little…" Emma felt Killian's hand stop her but she glared at him. "He filmed us kissing." She huffed out and felt her heart beat erratically in her chest.
"It can be deleted, and as you know the TV network won't use any footage of us from this evening." Killian cupped her cheek. "Don't worry, love. Nothing will happen."
Somehow his soothing voice calmed her down, but she narrowed her eyes at her brother, who looked a bit sheepish as he gave the camera to Graham. She hoped Killian was right about the film never seeing the light of day. Like always, that kiss was a private moment that she didn't want the world to see.
Everything calmed down after that and Emma enjoyed the evening with her family. Right after midnight, they'd all gone outside to give the dogs their last chance to do their thing before settling in for the night. Killian had rubbed Jewel's belly as he said goodnight to his dog. Emma could see that he was reluctant to leave her in the mudroom, but she assured him she would be fine. When asked, he explained the dog had her bed in his bedroom. But it seemed as if the pup was content to stay with her new friends.
Soon after, it was just her and Ruby with their two men, both couples curled up on one of the couches. Her parents had gone to bed shortly after midnight, and her brother and Brian had left the festivities to do gaming in his bedroom, for the rest of the night.
It was nice just hanging out with her friend especially since Killian and Graham already knew each other. The talk was lively as they shared jokes and laughs throughout the night.
Emma's parents had offered Ruby and Graham the guest room to sleep in, so when the chat came to a natural end, Ruby dragged Graham up to their room.
Emma was left alone with Killian for the first time all day. Nervously, she picked up a few stray glasses and carried them to the kitchen. "Are you coming?" She asked from the opening leading into the living room. Killian rose to his feet and smiled sheepishly at her. He was due to sleep in her room that night, for the first time.
He followed her upstairs, where they entered her bedroom. He'd been here many times before, and a few times they'd ended up in some heated heavy petting sessions. Her face flamed as she recalled a few times when they'd nearly crossed the line of going all the way. She glanced at Killian, and she knew he might think along the same line.
"Are you okay with this?" She nodded to her queen-size bed, large enough for both of them.
"Aye." He rubbed behind his ear as he eyed the bed. He tugged his lip between his teeth as he gave her a small smile. "It'll be fine."
"Killian." She walked to him and smoothed her hands up his chest. "I know I love you and I know you love me, and as you've once said, we've got all the time in the world to take that step in our relationship." She looked down at her splayed hands, her fingers barely touching the curly hair peeking out from the V of his shirt. Feeling a little bold, she slipped her finger a few inches higher and let the tip of her finger slide through the curls.
This had him groaning and mumbling under his breath. "Bloody hell."
She reached up and placed her hand on his face. "I love you, Killian, and I trust you, and I know that we'll get to that part."
"What part?" He gulped.
"When we make love," she said simply and smiled when he gaped at her in surprise.
"Aye. I want that to happen, too." Killian anchored his hands around her waist. "But now's not the time."
"Hmm." She kept rubbing her finger through his chest hair, and she felt him groan again. "It's very late and I think I might be a tad too drunk to really enjoy it." She let her buzzing head drop to his shoulder. She felt the effect of the alcohol she'd consumed tonight, and she noticed Killian spoke with a slight slur.
"I want to be sober when we make love for the first time," Killian said in a whisper that ghosted over the shell of her ear, making her shiver.
"Me too." Emma looked up and blinked. "Soon?"
"Soon." Killian agreed and stepped back. He bowed his head and reached for her hand and kissed her knuckles before he turned to find his night clothes in the bag he'd brought with him.
Emma offered him the use of the adjourning bathroom first and, while he did, she prepared the bed for them to sleep in. And only sleep. Her mind reeled with how it would be finally sleeping with him. She knew she loved the man for who he was. She also knew that he was well built, their passionate kissing sessions had given her several glimpses of his physic as her hands had wandered over his body.
He came out wearing some low-hung gray pajama pants and a black t-shirt; he crouched down by his bag and the shirt rode up his back, giving her a small glimpse of his toned back.
Emma quickly whirled around and grabbed the nearest sleepwear she could find and rushed to the bathroom. She took her time brushing her teeth and combing her hair before she braided it.
Finally, she entered the bedroom and saw Killian sitting on the bed, as he'd done so many times before. But tonight he would sleep next to her; this had her heart beating much too fast in her chest and she knew she was so screwed when he gave her a lopsided smile.
"Ready, love?" he checked.
"Hmm." Emma walked to the other side of the bed and moved under the cover as Killian situated himself next to her. He kept his body at a safe distance, but all she wanted was to curl up next to him so she could feel the heat of his body.
"Goodnight, Emma," he whispered, as she turned off the light.
"Goodnight, Killian." Emma tried to find a comfortable position and she could vaguely make out his form beside her in the darkness. She took a long time to fall asleep, as her mind kept wondering how it would be to have his arms wrapped around her while she slept.
The next morning she got what she wanted, as she woke up with her back pressed to his front, his arm draped over her stomach. His pinky slipped between her tank top and sleep shorts, moving in slow circles over her skin. She bit her cheek, trying not to moan out at the feelings rushing through her.
"Morning, love." Killian chuckled behind her, his face nuzzled into her exposed neck. He placed a kiss below her ear and whispered, "Sleep well?"
"Ugh," Emma mumbled, still feeling a little bleary-eyed from the alcohol she'd consumed the night before. "What time is it?"
"I don't know." His lips whispered over her skin, sending more shivers through her body.
"Could you stop doing that?"
"What?" A low chuckle and more kisses covered her neck and her exposed collarbone.
She shifted around in his arms and pushed away the hair that had untangled from her braid. "The kissing thing." She blinked up at him, trying to focus her tired eyes on his smug face.
"I thought you enjoyed me kissing you." He smoothed his hand over her cheek.
"I do." She huffed, "I'm just not feeling quite awake yet to fully enjoy it." Finally, she could see him clearly, and he looked far too chirper this morning. "Good god, don't tell me you're a morning person." She groaned and covered her eyes with her hand.
"Very much so." He grinned down at her. "And you look adorable being morning grumpy."
"Shut up."
"As you wish." He winked his sort of half-wink and leaned over her to place a small kiss on her lips. Then he settled down next to her, but still facing her, his hand lingering over her stomach. She placed her hand over his and traced the veins running over the back of his hand. They lay like this for a while, and Emma woke up a little more before she shifted closer to him and urged him closer to give her another kiss.
When she moved a little closer to him, she suddenly realized that his body was awake in more ways than one. Twisting her lower body closer to him she smirked. "Someone's awake."
"Huh?" he asked, confused as to what she meant.
She pressed her hip closer to his obvious morning hard-on and grinned when he groaned and quickly pulled his groin area away from her. "Sorry about that, love." He looked down, with ears growing redder.
"Don't be." Emma cupped his face with both her hands. "I imagine it's natural, right?"
"Aye." His blue eyes finally focused on her, and he gave her a small smile.
"So it was quite fun last night," Emma mused and smoothed her hand through his floppy hair. He looked devilishly handsome, all mussed up from sleeping. She pushed him on his back and leaned over to kiss him, his arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer.
They kissed slowly, and Emma enjoyed this peaceful moment with her boyfriend.
"Emma." Her bedroom door opened, and she heard her mother gasp. "Oh, I'm so sorry, sweetie. I thought you were still sleeping."
"Mom!" Emma flopped down on the bed beside Killian, who quickly rolled to his side pulling parts of the cover with him to cover up his groin. Emma glared at her mother. "What the hell are you doing here?"
"I wanted to let you know we're making a late brunch, so just come down whenever." Her mom was looking anywhere else but directly at the bed. Emma could see the flush of embarrassment rising on her mother's face.
"Thanks." When her mom didn't move, Emma urged, "Do you mind!?" Her mother waved aimlessly in the air and nodded. Then she quickly closed the door and Emma rolled over and buried her face in her pillow. "Fuck."
"Aye, that was rather embarrassing." Killian groaned next to her. They glanced at each other and suddenly burst out laughing at the absurdity of the whole situation.
"I'm sorry," Emma spluttered. "There's really no excuse for that."
"It's quite alright, love." Killian chuckled and looked under the cover at his own body. "It certainly helped dampen the mood down there."
"Shut up." Emma laughed harder and hid her face with her hands. It was nice to laugh like this with Killian.
After several moments where they kept chuckling whenever they looked at each other, they sobered up and Emma sat up in the bed. "I guess we should go get ready to join the others."
"Hmm, what a grand idea." Killian got up and stretched his body. His t-shirt lifted from his body, showing her another glimpse of skin, this time his stomach, revealing the trail of hair leading into his pants. She realized she'd been ogling when he chuckled. Quickly she suggested that they should take turns getting ready and it didn't take long before they went downstairs, where her family were waiting.
"Where's Ruby?" Emma asked.
"She and Graham left an hour ago," her father said, pouring them both a cup of coffee.
"Oh." Emma would catch up with her friend later. She walked to the dinner table and sat down next to Killian.
"Oh, that reminds me," her father said, looking at Killian. "Graham took the home video cam with him. So you didn't have to drive to Boston today or tomorrow."
"Thanks." Killian sipped his coffee and gave her a sideways smile. She knew that this would give them some more time together.
"Oh, daddy." Her father turned to her. "Did Leo delete the, um… clip of me and Killian… um… kissing?" She hid her blushing face behind her coffee mug, closing her eyes, not wanting to talk to her father about her kissing Killian.
"I believe he did." Her father smiled and walked to the kitchen to help her mother get the food out.
"I like the sound of that." Killian mumbled and when she looked at him, he shrugged, "I mean, I don't regret kissing you last night. I just don't want anyone not having been here last night to see it." He rubbed nervously behind his ear.
"I know what you mean." Emma sighed. "I don't know why my brother is such a prat sometimes."
"He's a teenager," her mother's voice reasoned, as she came with the food.
"He's still a pain in the ass sometimes," Emma mumbled and ignored her mother's sharp intake of breath. Killian reached over and wrapped his hand around hers, she smiled her thanks, it was nice to know that he was there with her. "Is Leo still sleeping?"
"I believe he and Brian might have stayed awake until six o'clock or something." Her mother rolled her eyes.
Emma laughed, it was indeed a possibility that her brother had stayed up playing his video games all night with his friends. Well, she would enjoy the meal along with her parents and her boyfriend.
As her mother finally sat down, she told Killian that they'd let Jewel out with the other dogs for a while this morning. It had gone well; it didn't seem as if she wanted to run off on her own when having such great playmates. Killian smiled his thanks and looked at Emma with a grin. They had shared a few quiet moments this morning, and she'd enjoyed every minute. She just hoped that he would stay a little longer and spend a lazy day with her as they always did on New Year's Day. It ended up being the best first day of the year. Their show would have a premiere date set for the beginning of February and by then she hoped that things regarding the public's curiosity about who Killian was had settled down.
