Even at the tender age of five, Killian remembers the day the eye doctor said he needed reading glasses. Brennan thought his son was just taking a little longer than his classmates to develop reading skills; he also feared the possibility Killian had dyslexia. But after an eye exam, he discovered his son's illiteracy stemmed from not being able to see the words clearly. Because after Killian began wearing reading glasses, it took him no time at all to read as well and as quickly as his classmates. In fact, he soon surpassed his grade level. The glasses improved his farsighted vision and made the words in front of him no longer a blur. Soon, he became buried in books. Buried so deep, he didn't really see anything else.

His prime focus never really changed though. Even during his early teen years when he took his head out of his books and no longer wanted to be the scrawny, four-eyed nerd all the jocks picked on, even when he switched to contacts, worked out constantly and became toned and more muscular. Though he's not a huge guy, he has strength and power and can beat any guy in high school at arm wrestling, and yes even his male teachers who have challenged him. Even his dad. In fact, Liam is the only person he knows who can successfully beat him at arm wrestling, but he's a football player and an incredible athlete, has been for most of his life, so it's not really fair.

Killian's body may have changed over the years, but he has always wanted to be a pilot like his grandfather was, whether he needed to wear corrective lenses to have a twenty-twenty vision or not. His image may have changed, but his focus never did.

Until he met Emma.

She crashed into his life like a Vesta—the brightest asteroid in the sky—and lit up his entire world. Her light made him blind to everything else, and all he saw was Emma and her radiant beauty. His only focus was her. And when she became pregnant with his child, his only focus was them.

"So, what, you're just going to let the girl you love slip through your fingers? You're going to let your own son or daughter go, never see them grow up?"

Killian's heart wrenches painfully in his chest. His heart hurts so fucking much, he can barely breathe. It felt like Emma smothered him with a pillow when she told him she didn't want him anymore.

He had everything. He had an incredible girlfriend who loved him and cared about him. Or so he thought. He had an unborn child; he had an amazing future ahead of him, one full of love and hope and possibilities. She and their little bean were his family, but in a blink of an eye, everything had slipped through his fingers. And he just walked away with the promise necklace he had given her?

What the fuck was he thinking?

He told himself he was doing the honorable thing by walking away. How does the saying go—if you love someone, set them free; if they return, it was meant to be?

It's bullshit.

If you love someone, you fight for them. You go to the ends of the world and back for them. You don't walk away. That's not honorable, it's a coward's deed. But when Emma told him she didn't want to be with him anymore, those words had sucked the life out of him. Even if she only told him that so he would leave, how could she purposely hurt him like that? How could she say something so cruel and still love him? It's unfathomable.

"Papa. I made a promise to her, that I would leave if she wanted me to… and I… as much as I…" His voice cracks, and he can't seem to get the rest of the words out. As much as he loves Emma and their unborn child, as much as he wants a future with them, he only wants what's best for them. Even after she'd pushed him away and said the things she did, he still loves her and cares for her so much, his entire body physically aches. "She wants to do what's best for me and the baby."

A mixture of anger and disappointment clouds his father's features as he places his hands on Killian's shoulders. "And what is it you think is best for you and that baby, Killian? You think growing up without a father is best? You think giving up the woman you love is best?"

Killian's throat closes up, his father's words almost knocking him to the ground. "Well, no, Papa, but—"

"But nothing!" his father exclaims vehemently. "What do I always tell you, huh?"

Killian gulps. "That a man unwilling to fight for what he wants, deserves what he gets." His father has been reciting this phrase Killian's entire life.

"That's right, Killian," his father nods, his voice a little softer. "I didn't raise no coward. I raised a man… two men. And Liam would never walk away from his family."

The words cut through Killian deeply. Somehow everything always goes back to Liam. He's always been the reliable one, the smart one. Even though Killian is book smart, even though he's excelled in school, his father is always implying Liam is the better man. Or at least, that's how it always seems.

Killian erupts with anger. How can this be his fault? She told him to leave. "She doesn't want me anymore! She told me to leave, and her father didn't want me there either! What was I supposed to do?!"

Brennan grits his teeth and points a finger at him. "You should have stood your ground, Killian. You should have stared him dead in the eye and told him you're not leaving your family behind no matter what."

Killian shakes his head and casts his gaze at the floor. "No, there was no getting through to him, Papa. He hates me, I could see it in his eyes."

Brennan sighs as he drops his hands and places them on his hips. "In the past several months, I've gotten to know the pastor fairly well. He doesn't hate you. He was testing you. He wanted you to prove yourself to him. And you failed."

What?!

Killian is taken aback. He was so sure Pastor Nolan detested him, despite being a man of God who was supposed to love and accept everyone. When he told Killian he didn't want him anywhere near his daughter, Killian thought he had zero chance of winning the man over.

He drags his hands over his face, trying to process what his father just told him. What the bloody hell does he do now? Because he certainly isn't going to school in Florida, only if Emma and their child would be with him. He had been interested in going to Embry-Riddle before he met Emma. And he doesn't blame her for wanting him to chase his dreams. He wouldn't want Emma to give up her dreams for him; he would never forgive himself if she did.

But sometimes when you're so focused on something, so consumed by one thing, that one thing controls you and it's all you see. Everything else around you becomes blurred. Dreams can change. Your vision can change. Just like his vision did. And not just because his eyesight had improved. But the future he's always seen for himself, his dreams of being in the open air for a living, has also changed.

He still wants to be a pilot, but it's not his sole focus. Not only can he see the words on the page, but he can also see everything around him. He can see Emma and his child, he can see them as a family, he can see himself making sacrifices—to him they wouldn't be sacrifices—and doing what he can to provide for her and their child before he thinks about his own career goals. But maybe that's exactly what Emma didn't want him to do. Killian believes he can make it work though. He's not sure exactly how yet, but it's not like he'll become a pilot overnight. He can worry about that later on. Right now he has to close that book and focus on everything else. Right now, he has to figure out how he'll get Emma and his baby back.

He was a bloody fool to walk away.

"So, how do I prove myself to him? How do I prove to him I can be the man Emma and our child needs?"

"That, my boy, is something you must figure out on your own. It doesn't take a genius to follow instructions."

"Right." He looks at his father hopefully. "So, you think I have a chance to get them back?"

"That depends on you, Killian. Is that what you really want—to get them back?"

"I've never wanted anything more," Killian breathes.

"Then you'll do what it takes."

Killian has never been more nervous in his entire life than he is right now. In his mind, he devised a plan, but now that he's about to put the plan into motion, he's completely unprepared. Since there is no way in hell he can live without Emma and their child, he has to get them back. And he will do whatever it takes. But, to win Emma back, he has to win over her father first. It will not be a simple or fast process, but he knows it's essential. So that's why he's in the church parking lot, his palms sweating and his stomach coiled in knots.

He skipped school, but it was the only time he knew Emma wouldn't be here while her father was. And well, she's been avoiding him like the plague. His father switched all the classes she and Killian had together, per her request, even her lunch period, and he has to respect her wishes in order for his plan to work. He even avoids the diner when he knows she's working. He didn't even get to see her for her birthday. He had to give her a gift through Ruby, which was a book she told him she had loved as a child. Ruby said she cried; whether they were hormonal tears, happy tears or sad tears, he's not sure, and he so badly wished he was there with her. He wishes he could see for himself she's okay. He only knows how she's doing through his friends.

How pathetic is that? He can only obtain intel on his child and the mother of said child through his friends.

He's hoping to change that though.

When his friends found out what happened, they were all very sad, well everyone except for Will. His goading response was, "So does that mean she's single now?" Killian knocked him upside the head for that comment.

He's just glad he doesn't have to worry about Graham anymore since that wanker got kicked out of school for assault and trying to force himself on a sophomore. Luckily the girl was able to knee Graham in the balls and get away. Despite what their son did, however, his parents weren't happy with Brennan's decision and stopped making donations to the school, but it's a small price to pay to get rid of scum like Graham.

When Killian found out about the incident, he felt numb, not just for what Graham did to that girl, but because that could've been Emma. The thought of Graham putting his hands on her and forcing himself on her, or anyone for that matter, makes him sick to his stomach.

Killian draws in a long, wobbly breath and hops out of his truck, locking it before he heads inside the church. When he came here to inconspicuously see Emma, Mr. Nolan constantly told parishioners his office door was always open. Although the man hated Killian and came between him and Emma twice now, he's a very friendly and approachable guy. In hindsight, Killian should have done this in the very beginning.

But truth be told, the man intimidated him.

David would do anything to protect his family. And he may be Emma's father and a good Christian man, but he is no fool. He knows there's a long line of young men and wannabe suitors who wish to date Emma or have less innocent things in mind. Killian doesn't blame the pastor for wanting to protect his daughter from the opposite sex. In fact, if Killian and Emma's child is a girl, he'll probably get licensed to buy a shotgun and keep it locked up in case anyone tries to hurt his baby girl. He wouldn't be surprised if David has a shotgun for that same purpose.

Killian would do anything for his daughter or son. And he's not letting anyone, not even Emma's father take that away from him.

So with another deep breath, perhaps his last breath, he knocks on David's office door. The pastor is sitting at his desk as he looks up from his computer. He's expecting David to be angry or have him escorted out of the church, but he's surprisingly calm.

"Killian? What are you…" he clears his throat. "What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be in class?"

"Aye, but I had to see you."

David eyes him sternly. "If this is about Emma, she made her decision."

"It's not," Killian assures from the doorway. "I need to speak with you about something."

The pastor studies him carefully, probably trying to decide whether he believes Killian or not. "Come in," David finally says, sitting down in his chair.

Killian sucks in a deep breath and steps inside, taking the seat across from him. He's not sure if he should get right down to business or start with small talk first. He's lucky David is willing to hear him out, so he supposes he shouldn't push his luck. And yet, he's too nervous to dive right in. "So, um… how are things?" he asks, scratching behind his ear. Really, Killian? Pull your shit together.

David narrows his eyes. "If you're wondering about how my daughter is doing, just ask. There's no need to beat around the bush."

"Actually, I meant you and Mrs. Nolan and um… just how things are in general," he answers nervously. He should've just got right down to business.

"We're fine. We're excited to meet our grandchild. The church is excited too."

"They are?" Killian asks in surprise.

David's face hardens. "This is the twenty-first century, Killian, and a very accepting church. When I announced my daughter's pregnancy, they congratulated her and made gift baskets. This isn't Victorian England when unwed mothers were spurned from society and their babies were sent off to baby farmers."

Way to go, Killian. Piss the pastor off before you get to the point. Great tactic. "I know, I just… I'm glad they took the news well," Killian says with a slight smile as he fidgets in his seat. He really shouldn't have opted for small talk.

David crosses his arms and reclines in his chair, studying Killian carefully. "Why are you here, Killian?"

He sighs in relief, glad he hasn't screwed this up royally. At least not yet. "I want custody of my child."

David's eyebrows climb his forehead.

"I'm the child's father." Killian clears his throat, willing himself to continue while hoping his voice doesn't fail on him. "I have custody rights."

"Why are you telling me this, Killian? I'm not a lawyer."

"Because I need you to know I care about Emma and our child. I want to raise that baby, even if that means I don't get to raise that child with her."

David leans forward, resting his elbow on the desk, and clasping his hands together. "Killian, I'm glad to hear you want to be a part of my daughter and grandchild's life after you went against my wishes, dated my daughter behind my back and knocked her up, and I know you think I'm just the asshole who's keeping you from them, but I need to know you're not going to bail on them like you did the day you and Emma told me she was pregnant."

"I didn't bail on them!" Killian raises his voice. "You kicked me out, then Emma told me she didn't want to be with me. I was honoring her wishes and yours. She was going to come with me, but I didn't want her and our child to be separated from you and Mrs. Nolan. I didn't want to take her away from her parents."

David studies him for a moment in silence. With a heavy sigh, he peels his eyes away and looks down in shame. "I overreacted that day, and I'm sorry."

Did Killian hear him correctly? Did Emma's father just apologize to him?

He looks up at Killian again. "And yes, you heard me correctly. I'm man enough to own up to my mistakes, and I made a mistake that day. But you have to look at it from my perspective. I was in shock. I didn't even know you were seeing my daughter because I had put my faith in you, and when Emma said she was pregnant, I felt betrayed by you, so, yes, I overreacted." He points a finger at Killian. "But you under- reacted, Killian. You left them."

Guilt and shame wash over Killian. The man's right—Killian betrayed him—he just didn't consider what he did as a betrayal until now. Because in order for someone to feel betrayed by a particular person, they must first establish trust with that person, and Killian didn't realize David had trusted him, especially since David had sent those texts to Emma under his name. Killian's jaw ticks at the memory. "If you trusted me, then why did you take my phone and send Emma those texts, making her think they were from me?"

"As I said, Killian, I made mistakes. I thought I was protecting my daughter. You'll understand when your child is born. But after that day, I left the rest to you, and you let me down."

"I know I did," Killian admits solemnly. "And I wish I could go back and change things, I wish I hadn't lied to you and I wish I could change how I reacted when she told me to leave, but she wants me to go off to Florida for college. Believe me, I'd rather be here in Storybrooke and raise our child with her, but I will not force myself into her life."

David is silent for a moment, studying him carefully. Killian wishes he knew what the man was thinking, but at least David doesn't appear to be upset or angry. In fact, he has a serene expression settled in his features. How does he do that? How can he just hide his emotions like that?

"Killian, have you ever built anything before?"

Killian cocks a brow at the sudden question, his face awash with confusion. "I'm sorry, but what does that have to do with—"

"Just answer the question. Have you ever built anything before? And I'm not talking about Legos or something for a science fair project. I'm talking about using a hammer and nails to build an actual structure."

"I helped my dad fix our backyard porch."

"Fixing something that's already been built is not the same thing as building something from scratch."

"Then, no, I haven't."

David gives a slight nod. He stands from his chair, strides over to the coat rack and slips on his jacket. "Then we're about to change that."

Killian's not sure whether he should be afraid for his life, or glad David is giving him a chance. At least he thinks David's giving him a chance. He's still not sure what exactly Mr. Nolan has in mind as he pulls beside his SUV in the Nolans' driveway. Killian hops out of his truck and follows David to the garage.

There is lumber. Lots of lumber and other building materials. Killian has a feeling the pastor has a project in store for him. Whether he's trying to get free labor out of him for knocking up his daughter, or whether he genuinely wants to help Killian get Emma and his child back is the question.

"You weren't planning on heading back to school right away, were you?"

"Um…" Killian scratches behind his ear. "I mean, I was going to, but I have a feeling you have something else in mind?"

David runs his hand over one of the smooth planks. "I planned on building a garden shed for my wife and I wanted to get a head start so it's done by early Spring. We had a garden shed when we lived in Phoenix, but then Mary Margaret stopped gardening for a while. When we chose this house, I promised her I'd build a garden shed if she wanted one. She hasn't said anything about it yet, so I thought I'd surprise her. But it's hard to hide all this lumber and supplies, and it's also hard to hide something being built in the backyard," he chuckles, surprising Killian. It's the first time he's heard the pastor laugh today.

"But you said you planned to, as in past tense," Killian points out. "You're not building it anymore?"

"No, I'm not," he answers, crossing his arms over his chest. "You are."

Killian's brows wrinkle in confusion as he points at his own chest. "Me? But I told you, I've never built anything."

"You've also never had a child before, at least not that I'm aware of."

Killian glares at him. "I was a virgin before Emma and I—"

David puts his hand up and gives him a warning glare to stop him from continuing. "If you want my help to get them back, you will not finish that sentence."

So David really is helping him? Killian suppresses a smile and clears his throat. "Sorry."

"Anyway, what I was saying is you've never had children before, so does that mean when the doctor tries to place your first newborn in your arms, you'll put up your hands and say, I've never raised a child before ?"

"No, I just meant... I don't… I mean," Killian scratches behind his ear again as he looks at all the lumber. "I wouldn't even know where to begin."

"I'll show you if you're willing to learn, but make no mistake, this is not a way for you to get close to Emma. She's not to know you're doing this. You don't want to win her over like that, do you?"

Killian shakes his head. "No, but what would I be doing this for then?"

"Because I'm asking you to. You're more than welcome to leave if you want," David says, pointing a finger toward Killian's truck in the driveway. "I'm not forcing you to do anything. I'm more than capable of building this shed myself."

Killian narrows his eyes, studying the pastor cautiously. He can't help but wonder if this is a test. Is this how he wants Killian to prove himself? To build his wife's garden shed? "I'd be happy to learn how to build it if you want to teach me, but with all due respect, Mr. Nolan, what does building a shed have to do with raising a child?"

A slow grin stretches over David's lips and he removes his jacket, loosens his tie and tosses them aside before rolling up his sleeves. "I'm so glad you asked." He gestures a hand at Killian's attire. "You don't mind getting those clothes dirty, do you?"

Killian shakes his head. "No, sir."

"Good."

After Killian removes his jacket, he helps David haul the supplies and tools through a set of double doors located in the rear of the garage which leads to the backyard. Since it's the beginning of March, the air is still crisp and cool, but not cold enough to wear a jacket while working outside, and also not unbearably hot to get drenched in sweat.

"These shed materials stand up to a wintertime installation, which will protect against mother nature," Mr. Nolan says as they drop off the supplies in the backyard where there are posts already set in place. He turns to face Killian, planting his hands on his hips. "A strong structure depends on a strong foundation to keep it level and protected. You can't build a long-lasting shed on a weak foundation."

Killian has a feeling he's not simply talking about the shed.

"Do you understand what I'm saying, Killian?"

"Aye. A strong family is built from a strong foundation."

David nods. "Yes, and in order to have a strong foundation, you must build on the rock, not the sand. Building something is not about how we use our hands, it's how we use our mind," he says, pressing a finger to his temple.

Okay, now Killian is lost, his brows knitted in confusion.

"We must not focus on unnecessary worries or concerns that distract us from what's important in life because those things can destroy us and everything we've built. Those things are the sand. We must focus on the things that matter. Those are the things that will stay solid throughout our lives. Those things are the rock. Before you can have a solid foundation, you must first find your rock. Otherwise that house—everything you've built—will crumble, no matter how strong your foundation is."

Killian nods his head in understanding. David is talking about focus. He's talking about knowing what's important, what should be clear and what should be blurred in the background. Perhaps he and David aren't so different after all. "I have my rock, Mr. Nolan," Killian says firmly. "That's why I'm here."

David smiles and steps forward, patting Killian on the shoulder. "Then let's get building."

He shows Killian how to cut the posts with a saw at the desired height for the shed floor. Then they each attach post base brackets and four by four runners before building the frame with a hammer and nails. Killian has trouble reading the calm expression on the pastor's face, but he has a feeling David isn't done with his speech. If listening to David's patter of foundations and other life lessons gets him on the pastor's good side, then he will listen.

"Building a strong structure is hard work. Not only is it physically draining, but it takes time, patience and mental focus. Once the rain and the floods and the winds come through, and leave your structure standing tall, you will be proud and admire what you've built and know everything you've done was worth it." The pastor finishes pounding a nail into the wood before rising and facing Killian, pointing the head of the hammer at him. Not in a threatening way, though, Killian has a feeling David is not one to mess with when the man has a tool in his hand—not when it comes to protecting his family and everything he' s built. "Are you willing to do what it takes to build a structure you can be proud of?"

"Of course I am," Killian says sincerely as he pauses from his task to look the pastor dead in the eye. "I'll do whatever it takes."

David nods, seeming to accept his answer as he drops his hand, still clutching onto the hammer. "Well then, Killian," he steps toward him, patting him on the shoulder, "you better keep at it then. This shed will not build itself." The pastor walks away and heads to the garage as Killian stares at him in bewilderment.

He's still not sure whether the pastor is trying to get free labor out of him or is genuinely trying to help him. He shakes his head and returns to his task. Whatever David's reasons are for wanting Killian to build this shed doesn't really matter. The task is on his shoulders now and he won't let David down. If this is another test, Killian will not fail this time. He'll do what it takes to get his family back.

He works on the foundation until school gets out, and as soon as he returns home, he jumps in the shower to wash off the dirt and sweat. When Killian had arrived at the church that morning to talk to David, he had no idea he would end up building a shed, but at least now he's on the right track to get Emma back. He thinks.

When Brennan gets home from work, he hangs up his jacket in the closet and loosens his tie, curious to know how things went with the pastor.

"I'm building a shed for his wife," Killian says, expecting his father to be confused, but instead, Brennan laughs. Killian furrows his brows in confusion. "And that's funny because?

"Because it sounds just like David. He tends to use demonstration as a teaching method, rather than simply spelling something out."

"Aye, that's for sure." Killian rolls his eyes as he follows his father into the kitchen.

"At church, he always takes volunteers on stage to act out his lessons," Brennan says, eyeing Killian with a smirk, "which you would know if you paid any attention in church rather than gawk at his daughter."

"I paid attention," Killian argues with a scowl. "Just not to the pastor," he adds, giving in to a slight smile, his cheeks warming with blush.

Brennan shakes his head. "Anyway, if David bestowed you with an important task, one that means a lot to him or his family, then you, my boy, are on the right track to being in his good graces. You should feel honored. He's giving you a second chance to prove yourself. I wouldn't take that task lightly."

Killian's stomach coils with guilt. "Actually, this is my third chance."

Brennan cocks a brow. "What was the other one?"

Killian sighs and turns around to lean against the counter as his father opens the refrigerator. "He told me to stay away from Emma the night I went over to their house to help Emma with her homework. This was before she and I started seeing each other. I promised him I would stay away from her, but I had no intention of staying away from her. And today I find out he felt betrayed when he found out I knocked up his daughter," Killian murmurs in shame and turns around to face his father again.

Brennan shuts the refrigerator door with his elbow, holding a beer can in each hand. "Definitely not a good start. You should've been honest with him from the beginning."

"I know," Killian sighs. "I just didn't think he would like me no matter what I did. I certainly didn't think he would trust me. And I really liked Emma. I liked her so much, I didn't care about the consequences. I just wanted to be with her." He still does. He misses her so badly, it hurts.

Brennan nods in understanding as he crosses the kitchen and tries to hand him a beer. "Well, son, you're definitely a Jones man."

Killian arches a brow in confusion as he stares at the proffered beer. "You do realize the legal drinking age in the states is twenty-one right?"

"I know that," his father states defensively. "But you've worked hard today. You deserve to have a beer with your old man."

Killian takes the beer and chuckles as he follows his father out of the kitchen. "But isn't this normally a ritual after the father and son work hard on a project together?"

"Not necessarily. And just because I wasn't getting my hands dirty, doesn't mean I didn't work hard. Running a school of rambunctious teenagers isn't as easy as I make it look."

Killian laughs as he plops down on the sofa and his father claims the recliner. He's still unsure though, as he stares at the can of beer. It's not like he hasn't imbibed any alcohol before. He has an older brother who occasionally sneaks him a beer every now and then, but he feels weird drinking in front of his father.

"Killian, it's just beer, it's not a snake. Just drink it. It'll be our little secret," he says with a wink before he takes a sip of his own beer.

Killian shrugs. "Alright, I won't argue, Papa." He takes a drink, and there's something about having a beer with his father that makes him smile. His father doesn't drink much. He occasionally has a beer or two after a long day to unwind, so Killian feels honored his father asked him to join him.

"Speaking of secrets, I assume you haven't told your brother about the kid, because otherwise he'd be calling me up about it, or he would've been on the next available flight to kick your arse."

Killian shakes his head. "No, I haven't told him yet. But you might be right. He'll probably take the news worse than you did. Although he knew Emma and I were seeing each other."

"So did I," Brennan says.

"Aye, after I told you."

Brennan shakes his head. "I knew before that."

Killian snaps his eyes to his father's. "You did? But you didn't say anything."

"See? I can keep a secret," he says smugly before taking another sip of his beer.

"But how?" As soon as Killian asks the question, he figures out exactly how his father knew. "Liam told you, didn't he? That prat!" Killian swipes his phone from the coffee table to text him.

"Liam didn't have to tell me. I figured it out on my own," Brennan says, causing Killian to pause from typing the text to look up at him.

"Then how did you know?"

Brennan sighs. "Do you remember when I first started seeing Joanna, and went over to her place, but ended up staying the night during that nasty storm?"

Of course he remembers. That night was the first time he and Emma made love. When they conceived their little bean. "Aye."

"Well, when I came home the next day, I noticed the sleeping bags in the bed of your truck. They were soaked, so I wanted to wring them out and throw them into the dryer, but when I grabbed them, something fell on the ground that was also soaking wet." He clears his throat. "From the rain I mean."

Killian furrows his brows, trying to think what else they had left behind. He didn't even know his father saw the sleeping bags. They were in his truck when Killian had left for school the following Monday and his father never asked him about them, so he figured he never noticed them. When he got home that day from school, he returned the sleeping bags to his room. He noticed they were dry but thought they had dried naturally. So, could Emma have left behind an article of clothing? They were fully dressed when they got to his place. She'd changed into his clothes and he took her wet ones to the dryer.

Wait.

Killian's eyes widen in horror, his throat closing up. He took everything except for one article of clothing. One article he noticed she wasn't wearing when she was in his bed in nothing but his Metallica T-shirt.

Fuck.

His father found Emma's panties.

Bloody hell.

"It was a pair of pink knickers. I didn't know whose they were at first. I had a suspicion they were Emma's, but I wasn't sure. You were in your room, and I didn't think you would tell me who it was anyway, so I waited until you were out of the house to check your room for condoms."

"You snooped around in my room?!"

"Killian, I had an inkling Emma didn't get the same sex talk you did; I knew the Nolans didn't believe in birth control so I figured she wasn't on the pill, and if she really was the one you were seeing, I wanted to make sure you were at least using protection with the lass. You have no idea how relieved I was to find the condoms in your nightstand drawer a few days later. Then the day Liam and Elsa left for the airport, I heard the commotion in your bedroom when your brother was pounding on your door. He didn't say anything to me when the three of you came downstairs, other than you and Emma were doing homework, but he gave me a look."

"What kind of look?"

Brennan shrugs. "Just a look that told me I should be concerned about something. So I texted Liam and asked him if you two were actually doing homework. He wouldn't answer me directly, so I assured him you were using condoms, and he replied with a thumbs up."

Killian's cheeks are red with embarrassment, so he buries his face in his hands and groans. At least his brother didn't rat him out though.

"Son, you don't have to be embarrassed. I was proud of you. Even though you lied to me about her," his father reminds him resentfully.

Killian lifts his head, his embarrassment replaced with shame. "Father, I'm sorry. We didn't want Emma's parents to find out. And you shouldn't be proud. I got the condoms after our first time together, not before."

"Maybe so, but there's no point in giving you a hard time about it now, Killian. We had the talk about using protection before you even met Emma. The only thing I can do is teach you and trust you'll do things the proper way."

Killian groans, tipping his back onto the couch. "I know, Father."

Brennan put up his hand. "Son, I'm not lecturing you, okay? I'm just saying there's only so much a parent can do to prevent these things. The worst thing we can do is show ignorance. And yes, you could've been more careful, but if I counted the number of times I wasn't careful as a young lad and fucked up after my father imparted his wisdom on me, well I don't have enough fingers and toes to count them on."

Killian lifts his head and narrows his eyes at his father. "You've gone soft since you started seeing Joanna."

Brenan frowns. "I have not gone soft."

Killian holds up the beer and wiggles it. "Evidence," he teases before taking a drink.

Brennan sighs and scowls playfully. "You're right. I guess I better take that beer from you then."

Killian frowns and clutches onto the can protectively. "I was only joking. You're still as strict as ever."

"Uh-huh." His father narrows his eyes before taking a sip of his beer. "So, when are you going to tell Liam you're a father?"

Killian's face saddens. Right now he doesn't feel like he deserves that title. He walked away from his unborn child. "I'll tell Liam once I can call myself a father again. I don't think now is the best time. I'll just get a lecture from him."

"Killian, he's going to lecture you either way."

"Aye, but it won't be as bad if I can tell him I'll be a part of my child's life."

His father nods in agreement as Killian takes another sip of his beer, looking forward to finishing Mr. Nolan's shed. For the first time since he left Emma and their unborn child on her front lawn, he feels hopeful.

He's determined to work on the shed until it's finished, so every Wednesday evening and Sunday morning, Killian will arrive at the Nolans' house when he knows Emma isn't there. And he'll prove to her father he can build a strong structure, one that will be protected from the rain and the floods and the winds. One he'll be proud of. One Emma will be proud of.