Emma and Killian sat on the bench beside the pond until the sky turned dark and the stars began to appear. He had his arm around her and she rested her head on his shoulder. Every now and then, he pressed a kiss into her hair.

"This has been a perfect date, Killian," she sighed.

"Oh now, that's too bad."

She turned to him with a puzzled look on her face. "Why? What do you mean?"

"Well, if this one was perfect, any that we have after this will be disappointing," he smirked.

She playfully slapped his chest. "You might have set the bar too high, Sergeant!" Then she leaned up to kiss his jaw. "But in all seriousness Killian, you really don't have to keep trying to impress me. If you suggested staying in and watching movies, I would be happy. I just…"

He took her hand. "Just what, Emma?"

"I just like spending time with you."

"And I with you."

A few people had drifted past while they sat there, but for the most part, they'd had the space all to themselves. When another couple came along and sat down on a bench nearby, then started kissing in a way that would be more appropriate in a private setting, Killian looked at Emma with amused eyes.

"Perhaps we should be going, eh Swan?"

She giggled. "Yeah, I think maybe we should."

As they meandered down the walkway, he draped his arm over her shoulders while she slid her arm around his back and leaned into his side.

The ride home was peaceful as they both reflected on their evening together. Every once in a while, one of them would mention an exhibit that they especially liked at the Botanical Garden, or talk about their favorite part of the meal.

When they arrived at Emma's house, instead of jumping out to open her door, Killian shifted in his seat to face her.

She turned and smiled at him. "I suppose this is the part where I tell you that I had a great time, then we awkwardly wait until one of us initiates a goodnight kiss, huh?"

"Aye, my least favorite part of a first date," he laughed lightly, rubbing his finger behind his ear.

"I hope you've already figured out that I really did enjoy everything about this date, Killian. I'm looking forward to more dates with you, if that's something you want also."

He reached over to tuck a few strands of hair behind her ear, then cupped her cheek. "I most definitely want that."

"How about next Saturday?"

"That sounds good."

"Oh, but this time, I get to do the planning."

"I thought you trusted my judgment," he grinned.

"I do! But I'd like to keep you guessing this time!"

He threw his head back and laughed. "Fair enough! I don't really like the idea of having to wait an entire week to see you though."

"Would you be able to meet for lunch?"

"My schedule is pretty clear."

"Okay, I'll check mine to see what day works best, and then I'll let you know."

Killian reached for her hand and brought it to his lips. "I should let you get inside." He opened his door, and Emma collected her purse while he walked around the front of the truck. Together they walked to her front door. She unlocked it but didn't push it open. Instead, she turned back to him and ran her hands up his chest. He responded by wrapping his arms around her waist, then they both leaned in to share another lingering kiss.

"Sleep well, Love."

"You too."

She watched him walk away under the street light, admiring the view that his snug jeans provided. When he got to the end of her sidewalk, he turned and winked at her. She blushed, knowing she had just gotten caught ogling him. Still, she stayed outside until his truck disappeared around the corner before she finally entered her house.

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Killian had a smile on his face during the entire drive back to the Army base. The date had gone even better than he had hoped, and he was thinking about the sound of Emma's laugh, how gorgeous she had looked, and the sweetness of her lips when they'd kissed.

Once he was in his room, he opened his phone and thumbed through his pictures from the gardens. He viewed the video that he'd taken of Emma in the butterfly room three times, chuckling at her attempts to remain still when the insects landed on her. He chose a picture of the two of them in front of a display of red rose bushes to set as his lock screen.

That night, he dreamed of fluttering butterflies...and a beautiful Swan.

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Emma was sorting her laundry the next day when her phone rang. She checked the screen before answering, "Hey Mary Margaret. What's up?"

"Hi Emma! David and I were wondering if you'd be able to come to dinner sometime this week."

"Sure. What day?"

"We were thinking Tuesday. Is that good for you?"

"Yeah, that works."

"I also wanted to make sure that it was okay with you if we invite Killian too."

"Of course. I do appreciate that you asked me this time."

"Well, I didn't want to assume anything, even though it looked like the two of you were getting along quite well by the end of the party the other night. I was hoping that meant you would start seeing each other."

"As a matter of fact, we went out on a date last night."

Emma held the phone away from her ear so her friend's squeal wouldn't deafen her, then tried to keep track of all the questions that came pouring out.

"Did he ask you out, or did you ask him? Where did you go? Did you have a good time? When are you going out again?"

"Whoa! Slow down! Give me a chance to catch up!"

"Sorry! I'm just so happy for both of you!"

"Mary Margaret, Killian and I just started dating - it's nothing serious yet. We've already reached an understanding."

Her friend surprised her by saying, "I think that's very smart of you, Emma. I'm just glad that you're getting to know each other better."

"Thanks, I'm glad we are too. I had so much fun last night!" She answered all the questions that had been thrown at her earlier, while Mary Margaret commented about how romantic the date sounded. They chatted for a few more minutes, then Mary Margaret ended the call in order to phone Killian and extend the dinner invitation.

Emma stayed busy throughout the afternoon doing some housework and paying bills, along with watching part of a Netflix series about a glassblowing competition. Killian had mentioned on their date that he had watched it and found it to be quite interesting. After watching two episodes, she agreed with his opinion, and added the rest of the series to her watch list.

She reheated the leftover Chinese food for her dinner, letting the memories of their time together in the restaurant run through her mind as she ate. After eating and doing the dishes, she figured she had earned some time to relax and headed into the living room. As soon as she sat down on the sofa, Evie climbed into her lap to let her human rub the fur behind her ears.

Emma pulled up the contacts on her phone and scrolled down to Killian's name, then, with a slight tingle of anticipation, she clicked on the call button. He answered almost immediately.

"Hello, Swan. To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"Hi Killian. How are you today?"

"Good, thanks. I've just been boxing up some of my belongings."

"Trying to be ready when your discharge is finally approved?"

"Aye. It should be any day now. How has your Sunday been so far?"

"Pretty quiet. I'm getting caught up on my laundry and some other chores. Mary Margaret called a little while ago to ask me to dinner Tuesday evening, and she told me she was planning to invite you too."

"That she did, and I accepted. I'm looking forward to another one of her home-cooked meals."

"So am I! She's such a good cook. Anyway, I was wondering if you would like to go together."

"That's fine with me. May I pick you up?"

"You know what, it's only about a fifteen minute walk from my house to theirs. Why don't you come here and then we can walk over together?"

"That sounds even better. What time should I arrive at your place?"

"Mary Margaret said dinner will be at 6:30, so how about six o'clock?"

"Six it is. Have you decided where we'll be going next Saturday?"

"I've got some ideas, but I'm still working on it. Oh, I checked my work schedule, and it's pretty full. Ruby and I are meeting at the bistro for lunch tomorrow to discuss a new mutual patient, and the rest of this week, I'm only able to take half hour lunches. I'm sorry."

"Don't worry about it, Love. At least I'll get to see you on Tuesday. Perhaps the next week will be more open for you."

"I'm starting with several new patients, and a couple have been scheduled right around lunchtime, so Monday will be the only available day that I can take a longer lunch for a while. I'll probably be doing paperwork while I eat this week in order to get it all done."

Hearing her say that planted the seed of an idea in his head. He thought there just might be a way that he would still get to see her at lunchtime.

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Tuesday evening's weather was warm and breezy, and Killian could hardly wait to get to Emma's house. They had talked for nearly an hour on Sunday, and had spent a good deal of time texting one another the next night. When he pulled up in front of her house, he realized that he was almost ten minutes early, and was trying to decide if he should wait in the truck until it was closer to six, when he looked up and saw her coming along the sidewalk with her little dog.

She was wearing long khaki shorts and a short sleeved navy and white striped shirt, with her hair pulled back and braided. Even dressed as simply as she was, she looked lovely. Hopping out of the truck, he strolled over to meet her.

When Emma looked up and saw Killian walking towards her, dressed in a white henley and jeans, she gulped and could feel her pulse speed up. She never really understood why she had always found it attractive for a man to be dressed in white. In Killian's case however, it was easy to see why. The contrast between the white shirt and his tanned skin, as well as his dark hair, was a beautiful sight.

"I hope you don't mind that I'm a bit early," he said when he got closer.

"Not at all! I was just taking Evie for a walk before we left."

Killian knelt down and held his hand out for the puppy to sniff, which she did for a few seconds before she started wagging her stubby little tail and spinning in circles. Killian and Emma both started to laugh.

"I think she likes you!" Emma stated, trying to catch hold of Evie to pick her up. When she finally did, Killian moved closer and started to pet the fluffy little pup, which was difficult to do because she was busy licking his hand.

"I'm sorry. She gets so excited when meeting new people that she doesn't always remember her manners. She's still learning."

"There's nothing to apologize for, Swan. I'd rather have her licking my hand than biting it!"

Emma laughed her intoxicating laugh, and turned up the sidewalk to her house. "Let me put her in her pen and then I'll be ready to go. You can come in if you like."

"I'll just wait out here on the porch," he said, taking a seat on her wooden porch swing.

She was soon back out the door and holding out her hand for him. "We're gonna take a different route since we're walking. It goes by a little park where I usually take Evie. Are you ready?"

He pushed himself to his feet, took her hand and replied, "Yep. Lead the way."

They had allowed plenty of time, so they strolled along leisurely, sharing stories of their week so far. Emma had Killian almost doubled over in laughter as she told him about Ruby's reaction to the news that they'd gone on a date.

"You'd think she was my mother the way she was asking about every little detail! Although, I don't think my mom would have been so bold as to ask if we played tonsil hockey!"

Killian's deep chuckle raised goosebumps on Emma's arms. Every time she was around him, she found more reasons to like him, which was a little scary, but also thrilling.

"Maybe you should have asked for details about her and Graham," he suggested, still laughing.

"Oh, I didn't have to ask. She willingly shared more information about their date than I ever wanted to know!"

His laugh was deep and booming at that statement, and when he turned to look at her, his eyes were sparkling. Her breath stuttered, and she wondered fleetingly if she could handle all of these physical reactions that she kept having around this man.

Emma pointed out the park as they passed it. "In the Fall, they have a farmer's market there every other weekend. I always try to go early so I can get some homemade apple dumplings and a pumpkin pie before they're sold out."

"Sounds like you have a sweet tooth there, Swan," he smirked.

"Mmmhmm. Especially for Autumn treats like those."

Killian filed that piece of information away, along with all the other facts that he'd learned about Emma Swan so far.

"We turn here and that will take us to the east side of Mary Margaret and David's house."

"Oh wow, you guys really do live close to one another!"

She nodded. "Yeah, it seems a little farther away when you drive it. The park is almost in their backyard, which will be really nice when the baby comes"

"That's for sure."

David was outside putting away a garden hose when the couple walked across the front yard.

"Hey you two! You're early!"

"We can walk around a little more if you're not ready for us yet," Emma called to him, breaking into a grin.

He walked over and hugged her. "Not a chance! If Mary Margaret found out that I sent you away, I'd be sleeping on the couch for a week!"

"I highly doubt that," she said, returning his hug.

He turned to Killian to shake his hand. "How's it going, man?" he asked.

"Great, Dave! Thanks for the invite!"

"You're welcome here anytime, I hope you know that! Would you mind helping me out? Mary Margaret wants the furniture to be put out on the front porch and I won't allow her to help carry it."

"Not a problem. I'm more than happy to help."

"I'm gonna see if Mary Margaret needs my help inside," Emma said, heading toward the front door.

She found her friend in the kitchen, placing baked chicken thighs and drumsticks onto a serving platter.

"Hi M's! What can I help with?"

"Oh Emma! I didn't hear you come in!" She stopped what she was doing to share a hug with her friend.

"Wow! This little one is really growing!" Emma remarked, pushing back to look down at Mary Margaret's belly.

"Yes, he's giving me quite the appetite, now that he's no longer making me feel sick." She handed Emma a bowl. "Can you get the red potatoes out of the oven and put them in this please? David made up the salad earlier, so it's already in the fridge. Do you know if Killian is here yet?"

"He is. He came to my house and we walked over together," Emma said, washing her hands in the sink before opening the oven. "He's outside with David helping him set out the porch furniture."

"Oh good! I've been wanting to have that done, but it's too heavy for him to carry by himself."

They finished putting the food in serving dishes, just as the guys came in from outside. David moved to brush a kiss against his wife's cheek as Killian went to the sink to wash up. Emma noticed that he turned his back at an angle that would block anyone from seeing him wash his hands, and that the tips of his ears were red. She felt a pang to her heart, knowing that he was still so self-conscious about his prosthesis.

After everyone pitched in to take the food into the dining room, they were seated and David said the blessing. They began to eat and there were many compliments paid to Mary Margaret for the chicken that practically melted in their mouths, along with all the other food.

"I, uh, I have some news," Killian announced when they were all nearly finished eating. "Actually two bits of news."

They all turned to him with expectant looks on their faces.

He cleared his throat. "My discharge came through. I'll be moving off the base this weekend."

"Congratulations!" they chorused, then laughed at their unintentional unity.

"Do you need any help?" David asked.

Killian chuckled too, "Thanks! No Dave, I'm good. I can load all that I have in my truck to take to the hotel." He reached up to scratch behind his ear. "And, um...I'm being awarded the Purple Heart medal at a ceremony on Friday. Rob and Will earned it too, of course, along with...with Neal, posthumously." He looked up at Emma to catch her reaction. She swallowed thickly, then gave him a faint smile. "It's awarded for being wounded or killed in action against the enemy. I'd like to invite all of you to attend, if you can make it."

Mary Margaret got out of her chair, went over to him, and gave him a hug. "Of course we'll be there," she said softly. "It's an honor Killian, even if it's one that all of us wish you hadn't earned."

David nodded his head. "Amen to that," he said.

As Mary Margaret went back to her seat, Emma pushed her chair back and walked around the table. She took Killian's hand and encouraged him to stand up. Then she framed his face with her hands, looked into his eyes, and pulled his head down to give him a sweet and gentle kiss. "I would love to come," she whispered.

"Thank you," he told her quietly. Looking up, he added, "I'll look forward to seeing all of you there! It's Friday at three o'clock in the base gymnasium. I know it may interfere with your work hours…"

"That doesn't matter," Emma interrupted, and David voiced his agreement.

"Great! I'll get your names turned in, and get a map of the base to you. All you'll have to do is give them your names at the gate, then I'll be waiting at the gym to escort you inside."

"We should probably all be in one car, right?" David asked.

Killian nodded. "Yeah, that's right."

"Do you want us to pick you up at the clinic, Emma?" David offered.

She gave Killian's hand a squeeze, then headed back to her chair. "Sure! That would be great."

"Oh! We have something exciting to share, too!" Mary Margaret declared.

"You're not having twins, are you?" Emma asked teasingly.

David nearly spit out the mouthful of water that he'd just taken. "NO! Why would you even ask that? Are you trying to give me a heart attack?"

Everyone else at the table burst out laughing. When Mary Margaret regained control, she said, "No, we're not having twins! But we were able to feel the baby kicking for the first time this week!"

"That's great!" Killian beamed, while Emma said, "Aww! I bet that makes it seem even more real, doesn't it?"

"It really does," David agreed, taking his wife's hand and pressing a kiss to the back of it.

Mary Margaret smiled at her husband, then turned her eyes back to their guests. "And we have one more piece of news. We've decided on a name, but we're only telling a few close friends and family, if they want to know."

"I want to know!" Emma exclaimed, and Killian nodded, grinning at her enthusiasm.

"His name is going to be Joshua David!" Mary Margaret said proudly, rubbing her protruding belly.

"I love it!" Emma said.

"Very distinguished name," Killian added.

"We considered Joshua Paul, which is David's middle name, but we thought we'd save that middle name for the next one."

"Let's just focus on bringing this one into the world first," David chuckled.

They finished their meal with a homemade cherry pie and more friendly conversation, before Emma declared that they should probably be going. She and Killian said their goodbyes, then left with his arm around her shoulders, her arm around his waist, and huge smiles on their friends' faces as they stood in the doorway and watched them leave.

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On Thursday, Emma was just finishing with her last patient of the morning when Killian walked in carrying a brown bag and wearing a grin. He had gone to their favorite diner, and brought her a grilled cheese sandwich and onion rings for lunch. She asked him to stay, but he declined. He didn't want her paperwork to pile up because she'd stopped to eat lunch with him, and she was already taking off work early the next day to attend his award ceremony. So he gave her the paper bag and a chaste kiss, along with the map of the Army base he had promised, before bidding her goodbye and walking out the door.

She ate her sandwich in between filling out forms, thinking about how kind and considerate Killian Jones was, and how much she liked him.

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Emma had taken a change of clothes to work with her on Friday, so she would be ready when David and Mary Margaret picked her up to go to the ceremony. She'd decided on a red wrap dress and navy blue heels, with her hair pulled into a high ponytail.

They were admitted at the gate, and soon pulled up in front of the gymnasium, where Killian was waiting for them. He helped Mary Margaret and Emma from the car and escorted all of them inside. There were about two dozen chairs set up on the floor facing a podium, and Killian ushered them to seats in the second row, before disappearing into another room to join the other honorees. Emma saw Belle sitting with two people whom she assumed were Will's parents, and waved to her.

A few minutes later, the same door where Killian had exited opened, and he, Will, a soldier with the name Locksley on his uniform, and Neal's parents, accompanied by a military escort, entered the room and sat down in the first row. Emma had met Neal's mom and dad at the funeral, where they'd told her that they had never heard more happiness in his voice than when he told them about her. A wave of sadness washed over her as she thought about what a proud but somber day this was for them.

Soon an officer entered and took his place behind the podium. He introduced himself as Major Fredericks, and gave a brief history of the Purple Heart. Then another officer stepped forward and gave details of the event that led to all of the recipients earning the award, including the date and location.

Major Fredericks called each of the men being honored up to the front one at a time. He said a few words about each man's service in the Army, and their heroic actions on the day that they were injured. Then he pinned the Purple Heart medal to their uniform, presented them with a special certificate, and shook their hand. He allowed the families to snap a couple of quick pictures before calling up the next soldier.

Killian was the third man to receive his award. Emma swelled with pride as she heard the Major's remarks about his bravery and honorable service. After he'd been given his medal and certificate, she stood and took some pictures with her phone. Killian looked at her and smiled, then sat back down.

The military escort ushered Neal's parents forward for the final award. Emma fought back tears as she saw his mother wiping hers away. When the Major stated how Neal had volunteered to take the point position that day, Emma saw Killian's head drop.

Once the officer had presented Neal's parents with his medal and certificate, he announced that there would be another ceremony at a later date, where Neal would also receive the Silver Star medal posthumously for gallantry. At that, everyone came to their feet to applaud.

The Major thanked the soldiers once again, led the spectators in a round of appreciative applause for all the recipients, then exited the gym. The families and friends of the soldiers now had the opportunity to take more pictures and congratulate the men in person. However, before Killian, Will and Rob joined those who were there for them, they each talked to Neal's mom and dad, and gave them warm hugs.

Emma was still debating whether she should go talk to them herself, when Killian made his way over to where she, Mary Margaret and David were waiting. All three admired his medal and certificate, then each of them hugged him tightly. Emma was the last to be pulled into a hug by him. She wrapped one arm around his back and placed the other on the back of his head, rubbing his hair softly as she uttered, "I'm so proud of you," into his ear.

When they separated, Emma ran her hand down his left arm to grasp the base of his prosthesis. He smiled broadly at her, and started to lean in to kiss her when they heard a voice behind them.

"Congratulations, Killian."

Emma saw his eyes go wide and his jaw clench before he spun around to face the person who had spoken.

"What are you doing here, Milah?"

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