Marco, August and Claire drove up to see Emma and Killian the day after the trial was over. Emma's father and brother had testified earlier in the week, but hadn't had much time to stay and visit with the couple afterwards. They had called for updates every day since, and they were the first ones Emma contacted after they left the courthouse.
The five of them went out to eat together to celebrate the end of the trial, and Emma's birthday, which was the following Monday. When they left later that evening, August was driving her little yellow VW Beetle with Claire in the passenger seat. Emma got a little misty-eyed watching it moving away down the street.
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The next afternoon, Killian and Emma went to Mary Margaret and David's house. Mary Margaret had insisted on having them over despite the fact she was due in just a few days.
When the couple walked into the house, they were startled as several voices shouted, "Surprise!" Will and Belle, Ruby and Graham, and Ashley and her husband Thomas were standing in the living room, along with David and Mary Margaret. The next few minutes were filled with hugs and declarations of 'Congratulations!' and 'Happy Birthday!'
They enjoyed some time catching up with all their friends before they had a delicious 'pot luck' dinner. After singing to Emma, and just before they cut into the birthday cake Belle had made, Mary Margaret gasped, "David!"
Everyone looked over and noticed there was a puddle of water on the kitchen floor around her feet. Suddenly, the room erupted with noise at the realization that her water had broken.
When things quieted down, Mary Margaret confessed that she'd been having what she assumed were Braxton-Hicks contractions for the last two days. David called their obstetrician and was told to bring his wife to the hospital when her contractions were four minutes apart.
While he was making the phone call, all the friends pitched in to help clean things up. Thomas and Will carried all the dishes into the kitchen and straightened the dining room. Emma and Ruby helped Mary Margaret to the bedroom to get changed into comfortable clothes. Belle mopped the kitchen floor, while Killian and Ashley washed and dried the dishes. After he got off the phone, David placed a towel on one of the kitchen chairs, and another on the seat in their van.
The guests wanted to leave, but Mary Margaret wouldn't hear of it until they'd all had cake and ice cream. "I'm just going to be sitting here, waiting for the next contraction to hit, and my bag for the hospital is already in the van. We might as well enjoy the rest of our celebration together."
They did as she asked, but every time the group of friends saw her grab her belly and heard her quick intake of breath, they checked the time on their watches or phones. When the pains were about five minutes apart, they all scrambled to get their jackets and keys, then everyone, except Emma and Killian, departed after stating their best wishes for the Nolan's.
The couple stayed with their friends until Mary Margaret's contractions met the criteria, then they helped David get her into the van, asking him to call as soon as the baby was born.
Although Emma wanted to stay awake until the call came, Killian convinced her that they should get some sleep, since they didn't know how long the labor would last.
At 2:50 AM, Emma's phone started vibrating on the nightstand. She startled awake, then grabbed it and nearly dropped it in her excitement. Before she could even say 'hello', David's voice came through the speaker. "He's here! Joshua David was born at 2:03 AM! He weighs eight pounds, five ounces, is twenty inches long, and is perfect! Mary Margaret is doing great and we've just gotten to spend some skin-to-skin time with him."
"Congratulations, Daddy!" Emma exclaimed. "Oh, I'm so happy for you guys! Please tell Mary Margaret how excited we are, and that we'll be in to see all of you later today!"
"I will! I've got a couple more calls to make, so I'm gonna go. We'll see you soon!"
Emma laid down her phone and turned to look at Killian, who had a huge smile on his face to match her own.
"What a special birthday present for you, Swan!"
"That's right! He was born on my birthday!"
"Indeed he was! You have a lot to celebrate today!"
"Yeah, I do," she agreed. "And at the top of that list is my relationship with you." She rolled over on top of him and held his face in her hands. "You're the best thing that's ever happened to me Killian, and I love you tremendously."
"I love you too, Emma." He nipped at her lips with his teeth, then shared a long, increasingly passionate kiss with her until they finally separated, breathing hard as they pressed their foreheads together. "Happy birthday, Sweetheart."
Although it was the middle of the night, they demonstrated just how much they loved one another by celebrating her birthday in the most enjoyable way possible.
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They had to wait until they finished work before going to the hospital. Since Killian's shift started later than Emma's, they both drove on their own and met in the hospital parking lot to enter together. Killian was afraid being there would stir up bad memories for his girlfriend, but she was so excited to see the baby, it didn't seem to faze her.
When they entered Mary Margaret's room, David was sitting in a chair holding the baby in front of him with his arms propped on his legs, talking and cooing, while his wife dozed in bed.
"Hey!" Emma greeted in a hushed voice. She walked over to stand beside David and gazed at the new addition. "Oh David, he is perfect! He's beautiful!"
"If you'd like to hold him, you need to wash your hands first," the new father said, using his head to gesture to the sink in the corner of the room. Both Emma and Killian headed over to do so, then went back across the room to settle onto the couch beside David's chair.
He carefully stood up, never taking his eyes off of his precious son, and gently laid him into Emma's waiting arms. She pushed his little knit cap up since it was almost over his eyes, then nuzzled her nose against his downy blonde hair. Killian reached over to lift the baby's hand with his finger, chuckling as Joshua gripped it with his own tiny fingers.
They didn't notice that Mary Margaret had awakened and was observing her friends with a knowing smile on her face, thinking how natural her friends looked holding a baby together.
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By Thanksgiving, Emma was back to work full-time and no longer experienced any effects from her injuries. Killian was taking two engineering classes at a branch campus nearby, while continuing to work at the library. They had adjusted well to living together, as they discovered each other's habits, both annoying and endearing.
The week of the holiday, neither of them had to work past Tuesday, so Emma called her dad and asked if she, Killian and Evie could drive down Wednesday morning and stay through the weekend. Marco was very happy to oblige, since August had moved in with Claire the previous month and he was lonely in the house by himself.
Killian hadn't yet been to the house where Emma lived when she was younger, so he was interested to see it. She'd told him about the window seat in her bedroom, and about her father's workshop, which were her two favorite places to spend time.
It was also the first time for him to celebrate Thanksgiving. It wasn't an Irish holiday, and when they moved to America, it only meant that Killian's father got the day off from work. Even when he was in the Army, the only significance of the day was the turkey dinner they served in the mess tent. His buddies always took the opportunity to Facetime their families to wish them a Happy Thanksgiving, but Killian had no one to call, so he usually volunteered to be on duty that day.
When they pulled into the driveway late Wednesday morning, Marco came rushing out of the house to meet them, giving Emma and Killian warm hugs, while Evie released her pent-up energy by running circles around the yard. The day was spent helping to prepare food for the feast the next day, taking Killian on a tour of the house and the buildings outside, and having game night, with Emma and Marco teaching Killian how to play the board game Catan.
Killian had laughed and taken a picture of Emma when she rolled back the barn doors and laid on the hood of her beloved yellow car to give it a 'hug'. While she took it out for a short drive to keep the battery charged, he wandered around the house studying all the photos that were displayed, especially the ones of Emma with her mother.
Claire and August joined them the next day to watch the Macy's parade, after which they had a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. As Emma and Killian sat cuddled together on the sofa watching football that afternoon, he whispered into her ear, "What are you most thankful for today, Swan?"
She turned in his arms and ran her hand along his jaw. "I'm thankful to have you in my life, Killian. I'm thankful that even though we've both been injured, physically and emotionally, we were able to help each other heal. I have far too many things to name, but those stand out to me the most." She gave him a sweet kiss, then asked, "What about you, Babe?"
He looked around the living room at Marco, with Evie curled up in his lap, then at August and Claire laying on the floor, playfully arguing about which team would win. Finally, his eyes settled back on his gorgeous girlfriend.
"I'm thankful to have a family again."
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The next day, Emma and Claire ventured out to do some Black Friday shopping and August had promised to help a friend do some painting, which left Killian alone with Marco most of the day.
"What would you like to do today, my boy?" Marco asked, after they'd finished breakfast.
"Would you mind showing me how you work with wood in your shop? Emma showed me around in there, but I'd really like to see how you create such beautiful pieces."
"Of course, of course! I'd be very glad to share my woodworking skills with you!"
They chatted amicably as they walked across the yard and entered the little building. Killian noticed that as soon as they were through the door, Marco closed his eyes and took a deep breath. When he opened his eyes, he saw Killian looking at him curiously.
"The wood speaks to me," he explained. "It lets me know which project is demanding my attention today!" He chuckled good-naturedly as he led Killian over to his workbench, where a half-finished baby cradle was sitting.
"Is this going to look like the one you made for Mary Margaret and David?" Killian asked, running his hand along its smooth edges.
"Similar, but not the same. I try to personalize each piece I make somehow. Did you notice the birds carved into the headboard of baby Joshua's?"
"Yes, I did, and Emma explained the significance to me. I am in awe of the craftsmanship on it. The whole cradle is absolutely perfect!"
Marco chuckled again. "Thank you! God gave me a gift and I'll continue to use it for as long as I'm able. Now, what would you like to see?" he asked, waving his arm in a broad gesture to direct Killian's gaze around the workshop.
They spent nearly ninety minutes exploring as Marco patiently explained the function of each tool, and showed Killian all of his works in progress. He demonstrated how to choose the correct board for a project, which reminded Killian of the analogy Marco had made that Emma shared with him so many months ago.
When they sat down to take a break, Marco noticed Killian fidgeting nervously. He repeatedly scratched behind his ear, then rubbed the back of his neck. Marco waited quietly, knowing that something was on the younger man's mind.
He was watching Evie sleeping on a pile of wood shavings, wondering what she was dreaming about as she kicked her feet and wiggled her nose, when Killian finally spoke. "I, um, I wanted to ask you something, sir, uh, I mean...Marco."
"And what is it you want to ask, my boy?"
Killian stood up and took a step forward, straightened his back and looked the other man in the eye. "Marco, may I have your blessing to ask for Emma's hand in marriage?"
Marco immediately got to his feet and clasped Killian's hand with both of his, shaking it enthusiastically. "Of course you can, Killian! There is no one in the world who is a more perfect match for my Emma, of that I am certain!" He pulled the younger man into a firm hug, before standing back and grasping both of his upper arms. His smile was warm and genuine as he asked, "When do you plan to ask her?"
"I want to wait until after the sentencing for Milah is over. I don't want that hanging over our heads during what should be the happiest time of our lives."
Marco nodded. "I agree. Yes, that is very wise. Have you chosen a ring yet?"
Killian dug into the front pocket of his jeans and pulled out a black leather box. He held it in his hand and used his prosthesis to flip the lid open. Marco moved closer to have a better look at the white gold band with an oval cut ruby, surrounded by half-moon diamonds on each side.
"Beautiful! And so unique!"
"Just like Emma," Killian responded. "I wanted her to have something different and special. I don't know why, but I feel like a ruby is more her style than a diamond."
"I think you may be right, my boy! My Cygnet has never been one to be conventional." He looked thoughtful for a minute. "Did Emma ever tell you about the first project we made together soon after we adopted her?"
"She said you helped her make a treasure box. She told me how kind and patient you were, even after you caught her snooping around your workshop. She also said that was the day she unpacked the garbage bag that held all her belongings and threw it away, because she finally felt like she had a home."
Marco's eyes filled with tears. "I never knew," he said in a voice thick with emotion. "She didn't share that story with me."
Killian took one more look at the ring, before closing the box and pushing it back down into his pocket.
Marco cleared his throat and asked, "Perhaps you would like to make a treasure box of your own to keep that in until it sits on Emma's finger?"
Killian hesitated. He appreciated the offer and really wanted to take Emma's father up on it, but he wasn't sure how adept he would be with the tools.
"We'll work together, eh? Come, let's pick out your piece of wood."
After careful consideration, Killian chose a board made of cherry wood.
"Excellent choice!" praised Marco. He showed Killian how to measure, then cut out the pieces using a table saw. As they worked together, the older man explained how to use the tools, but encouraged Killian to do the majority of the work himself.
Despite his initial hesitation, Killian found that he was able to do far more toward creating the little box than he thought he could. He attributed much of that to Emma's father, who didn't seem to consider his having a prosthesis an issue at all. The more time Killian spent with the woodworker, the more he liked and respected him.
After several hours of working together, taking only a half-hour break to get a bite to eat, Killian sat back and admired the result. The rectangular box was just a little larger than the one containing the ring, with a hinged lid on which Marco had carved a design based on a drawing Killian sketched. It was a heart formed from a swan's head and neck, and a stylized hook. Months ago, he would have been too self-conscious to use a reminder of his handicap in his doodle, but living with Emma had taught him to embrace it as a part of himself just as much as his remaining hand.
"You did a fine job, my boy! You should be very proud!" Marco declared.
"I could never have done something like this without your help. Thanks very much!" Killian replied, smiling broadly. He once again pulled the ring box out of his jeans and fit it down inside the treasure box. "It's perfect! Now I just have to find a place to hide it until I'm ready to give it to Emma. Would you...I'd rather not tell her about the box, so can you, um…"
"Your secret is safe with me, son," Marco chuckled, running his fingers across his mouth as though he was zipping it shut.
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A week-and-a-half later, Emma received a call from Regina telling her that the date for the sentencing was scheduled for the following week. She asked Emma if she or Killian wanted to make a statement before Milah was sentenced.
When Emma asked Killian about it later that evening, he thought about it for a while before answering.
"I think it would be a good idea to make a statement. This will be the only chance I have to make it known just how much she hurt you"
Emma bit her lip. She'd been considering what she wanted to do ever since she'd talked to the district attorney that afternoon. "That's a good point, and I also want the judge to hear it. He heard all the facts, but if we spoke, he'd hear the impact it had on our lives as well."
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On Tuesday of the second week in December, they found themselves back in the same courtroom where the trial had taken place. This time, there was no jury and very few people in the gallery.
When the judge asked if anyone had a statement to make before he passed sentence, Emma stepped forward to the small podium.
"Your honor, I am a Physical Therapist. I was unable to work at all for almost two months because my injuries were so severe. It was over three months before I could return to my job full-time. I have given you a written statement which details how much income I lost, along with the total of my medical bills."
"For weeks after Milah Gold attacked me, I wasn't able to drive, take a shower, or wash my hair without assistance, to name just a few inconveniences. I had to rely on other people to take me to all of my doctors appointments, and I couldn't go out into the sun because the concussion caused me to be extremely sensitive to bright light. Pain woke me up in the middle of every night for over a month. I experienced nightmares about the attack, and whenever someone knocked on my front door, my heart would begin to race for fear that it was her."
"She completely disrupted my life and caused me physical and emotional pain and suffering. I'm asking that you please sentence her for the longest amount of time possible so she won't be able to hurt anyone else the way she's hurt me, and to ensure that she gets the help she needs. Thank you."
Emma hadn't yet looked Milah's direction, but as she turned to walk back to her seat, she caught a glimpse of her and could tell that she was seething.
When Killian walked up to the podium, he glanced over at the defense table and could see that Milah was shaking her head with a pleading look on her face, mouthing the word, 'No'.
He turned back to face the judge and cleared his throat. "Your honor, I am a veteran of the United States Army. I was injured in an IED explosion and had to have my left hand amputated. As I was in the hospital recovering from my injuries, this woman, Milah Gold, who I was dating at the time, told me that she didn't want to be with me anymore because I was a cripple. She also called me damaged goods before she walked out on me."
"Months later, she found out that I was being awarded the Purple Heart, so she showed up at the medal ceremony, which I believe was because she wanted a share of the limelight. She wasn't happy that Emma was there with me, and she acted out that anger by attacking Emma."
"Milah made it clear that she wanted nothing to do with me, until she found out that I had moved on, then she tried to get rid of Emma in the hopes that I would take her back. No rational person behaves that way."
"Emma Swan is one of the strongest people I've ever known. It's been so painful to watch as she reacts in fear whenever someone knocks on her front door, or when she wakes up shaking from a nightmare in the middle of the night."
"I had to have my hours cut to part-time at my job for almost three months in order to stay with Emma because of her serious injuries. I've tried to help as she's suffered from terrible headaches and other symptoms of the concussion, and have taken over household duties that she hasn't been able to do because of her injuries."
"Milah Gold has no regard for other people, as evidenced by the calloused and calculated attack that she made on Emma, and the way she treated me after I was injured. She deserves the most severe sentence possible. Thank you, your honor."
He returned to his seat and took Emma's hand, before turning his attention back to the judge.
"Milah Gold," the judge began, "You have been convicted of Stalking, Felony Assault, Burglary-one and Attempted Murder. You were found guilty of these crimes by a jury of your peers. Do you have anything to say before I impose the sentence of law upon you?"
Milah stood, threw a spiteful look over her shoulder at the seated couple, and said, "Your honor, what those two said just isn't true! I would never do anything to hurt Killian!"
"Milah, that's enough! Sit down!" her lawyer hissed.
"No, I won't! I've been unfairly convicted because she brainwashed him into thinking that I didn't love him anymore! If anyone is guilty of a crime, it's her! She...she probably caused those injuries to herself just to keep me away from Killian! She's the one who deserves to go to jail! Please have mercy on me, your honor!"
The judge looked at her sternly. "Milah Gold, you are hereby sentenced to life in prison, with the possibility of parole after you've served no less than twenty years. You are remanded into the custody of the Correctional Institution for Women. Court is adjourned." As he banged his gavel, two police officers led a protesting Milah out of the courtroom. Killian and Emma could hear her shouting all the way down the hallway.
After walking over to thank Regina one more time, Killian wrapped his arm around Emma's shoulders and brushed a kiss against her temple. "Ready to go home, Sweetheart?"
"More than ready. Let's get out of here."
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Killian couldn't remember ever experiencing a better Christmas than the one he had less than two weeks later. He and Emma went to Christmas Eve services at the church they attended with Mary Margaret and David. Two-month-old Joshua had a starring role as Baby Jesus and slept through the entire performance, much to his mother's relief. The candlelight service was very moving, as the congregation quietly sang all three verses of "Silent Night". Each person held a lit candle while they all stood together to form a circle around the inside perimeter of the church.
Emma was standing close enough beside him that their arms were touching, and seeing her face bathed in the warm glow of the candle while she sang in lovely harmony, made his breath catch in his throat. The peace and meaningfulness of the night, coupled with the company of the beautiful woman he loved, filled him with a happiness he never even knew was possible.
When they returned home, it was nearly 10:30 pm. Killian poured two glasses of wine, then curled up on the sofa with Emma to watch "It's a Wonderful Life". It was well after midnight by the time the familiar strains of "Auld Lang Syne" faded away.
"Happy Christmas, Emma," Killian said softly, using the traditional greeting he'd known growing up in Ireland.
"Merry Christmas, Killian," she replied. The lights from the Christmas tree reflected in her striking green eyes, adding a little extra sparkle. Killian framed her face with his hand and leaned in to kiss her.
She moved to straddle his lap, not breaking the kiss as her fingers roamed down his chest to unbutton his shirt. When she reached the bottom button, she pulled on the ends to untuck them, and ran her hands over his abs and back up his chest.
The atmosphere in the darkened room, lit only by the soft lights of the Christmas tree, the buzz from the wine, and the feeling of being adored by the person whose arms were holding them, created an ambiance which held the couple captive for minutes on end. They shared long, languid kisses that caused their hearts to race and their blood to surge.
Killian paid special attention to Emma's throat and the line of her collarbone. Finally, she pulled his face back up and nipped at his lips before thrusting her tongue into his panting mouth.
He growled low in his throat, then wrapped his arms around her backside and stood up. As he walked them into their bedroom, Emma's hands never stopped moving through his hair, down his back, and up his chest. She was making little noises in her throat that caused him to hurry just a bit more.
He gently laid her on the mattress, and sat down, gazing at her.
"What?" she asked, wondering why he'd momentarily stopped their progress.
"I...Emma, I love you so damn much. No matter what is in those gifts under the tree, the greatest gift I've ever received is you falling in love with me."
"I feel the same, Killian. You're definitely the best thing that's ever happened to me." She sat up to push his shirt off his shoulders, and he reached around to unzip her dress. They'd become very familiar with undressing one another, but it always gave them a thrill of anticipation as each article of clothing hit the floor.
The top of her dress slipped down and she pulled her arms free. He ran the tips of his fingers along the top edge of her lacy bra, dipping them into her cleavage as he licked his lips. He glanced up at her and their eyes met. Just watching his facial expressions as he explored her body was enough to make her ache for more.
She slid her hands along his scruffy jaws, shivering at the prickling sensation on her palms. Then she pulled him toward her to meet his lips once more. Their kisses were soft, creating an unending dance that expressed their deepest emotions.
He undid the clasp on her bra and she flipped it off to the side, giggling as it landed on Evie, who was laying in her bed. The little dog grumpily shook it off, then curled up with her back to them.
"I think somebody's mad at us," Emma laughed, then drew in a sharp breath as her boyfriend sucked her nipple into his mouth.
"She'll get over it," he murmured, moving to do the same to her other breast.
Her hands found his belt and made quick work of it, then skillfully undid the fastener of his dress pants and slid his zipper down. He threw his head back and moaned as she reached inside to squeeze his erection in a way that nearly drove him mad.
Eventually, his pants and boxers, along with her dress and underwear, also found their way to the floor. Killian slipped off his prosthesis and toed off his socks before he lay down beside his love, stretching his body alongside hers with his head propped on his wrist while he lightly ran his fingers up and down her side. She squirmed and giggled as he tickled her, and flipped over onto her side to face him.
"I have a little bit of a present to give you right now," she said, tracing the shell of his ear with her fingertip.
"Now, Love?" he asked, his voice gruff with desire. "Can't it wait until after...until later?"
"I think you'll want it now. I went on the pill a couple of weeks ago. I didn't tell you right away because I wanted to give it time to get into my system."
His eyebrow raised. "No more condoms?"
"No more condoms. Just you and me, with nothing in between us," she said, running her hand down his arm and then up along his length.
Killian once again molded his mouth to hers as he moved to hover over her. She welcomed him into the cradle of her legs, and he paused to tell her, "Thank you for that gift, Sweetheart," before he pushed himself inside her warmth and wetness. As her walls surrounded him, he pressed his forehead against hers, trying to keep himself under control as the new sensations caused every nerve ending in his body to tingle.
Emma was trying to hold on, too. Her boyfriend usually prided himself on being able to drive her over the edge multiple times as they made love, but tonight, she wanted them to take that fall together.
Slowly Killian began to move, sliding in and almost all the way back out, focusing on pleasing the woman who was currently wrapping her legs around his hips and closing her eyes in ecstasy. He kept the pace slow as he used his thumb circling over her bundle of nerves, and his mouth nipping, licking and sucking over every inch of skin with which he came in contact, to drive her higher.
Her hands roamed over him, squeezing his muscles and feathering over his skin, causing him to come alive from her touch. Meanwhile, the sounds and uttered words that were coming out of her mouth helped push him to the brink.
He dropped to his elbows and brought his arms up under her shoulders, snapping his hips a little faster as her moans and gasps spurred him on.
"Killian...m-more...deeper!"
He was happy to oblige and she met him thrust for thrust as she raked her fingernails along his back, heightening the sensations he was experiencing.
"Close...close...come with me, K-Killian! Now...pleeease!"
He plunged back in one more time and felt her orgasm rippling against him. He couldn't hold back, and didn't want to, as he joined her in that state of bliss.
As soon as she could rouse herself from her bonelessness, she threaded her fingers through his thick hair and started smothering every part of his face that she could reach with kisses. He was still panting against her neck, unable to move, but able to enjoy her whispering, "I love you, I love you," over and over.
Finally, he pushed up on his forearms and looked down into her stunning face. "I love you too, Emma, so very, very much. I hope this is only the first of many Christmases we spend together."
"It will be. There's no one else I want to be with, Killian, now or ever."
"I'm very glad to hear that," he smiled.
After they both made quick trips to the bathroom, they decided to forgo digging out their pajamas, and snuggled together under the covers. Killian wrapped his arms around Emma who burrowed into his chest, tangling her legs with his. He tugged the blanket up to cover her bare shoulders, and kissed the crown of her head.
"Good night, my love," he murmured.
"Good night, Babe. Sweet dreams."
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Killian had decided he wouldn't propose to Emma on a holiday. He wanted it to be a special day all its own; he just didn't know when that day would be exactly. He kept the little treasure box tucked away in the zippered pocket of his duffel bag, which lay in the closet of the spare bedroom.
He didn't want to take her out to a fancy dinner, or turn the proposal into an elaborate show. He'd rather have it be just the two of them at their house, so they wouldn't have to share their intimate moment with anyone else.
It was at the end of the first week of the New Year that the opportunity presented itself. They had planned on spending Friday evening with David and Mary Margaret, but Joshua was congested and had a bit of a cough, so the parents asked to postpone the dinner.
Killian threw together a chicken stir fry meal that Emma always loved whenever he made it. Afterwards, they sat together in the recliner, playfully battling over the remote control.
"You watched your show last time, Swan!" he protested.
"I don't remember it that way, Buddy!" she retorted, making a lunge for the remote as he held it over his head. "We chose that show together!"
"I highly doubt that I would vote to watch Gilmore Girls!"
"I think you have a thing for Lorelai!"
"Wrong, wrong, wrong! It's you that has a crush on Luke!"
Just then, Emma's ringtone sounded. She frowned at her boyfriend as if it was his fault she'd been interrupted by a phone call. When she looked at the screen, her eyes lit up and she quickly swiped her finger across it.
"Hi Dad! I didn't expect to hear from you since we'll be seeing you this weekend."
While she was chatting with her father, Killian had an idea. He slid out from under her and went into the spare bedroom. His heart was hammering painfully in his chest as he extracted the treasure box from his bag, sitting it on the dresser within easy reach. He waited until he heard her say goodbye, then walked back out into the living room.
"Is everything alright?" he asked, trying to make his voice sound normal.
"Yeah. Dad just wanted to verify what time we'll be arriving tomorrow. He's teaching a woodworking class for kids at Lowe's in the morning."
Killian let out a breath. Her explanation created a perfect opening for him. "He's an excellent teacher, which reminds me - I never showed you what your Dad and I made together at Thanksgiving while you and Claire were shopping."
He went back into the room, took some deep breaths, then grasped the little box and returned to where his girlfriend was sitting, wearing a look of curiosity. He sat down on the arm of the chair and showed her the box in his hand.
"Oh, Killian! How beautiful! Why haven't you shown this to me before?"
He raised his left arm to scratch behind his ear. "I um, I guess I was waiting for the right time."
"Right time? What do you mean?"
He held out the box so she could take it from him. As she was running her fingers over the smooth edges and the carving of the heart on the lid, Killian subtly eased himself onto one knee on the floor. She opened the lid and gasped, then reached in with shaking fingers and removed the black leather box. Carefully, but without taking her eyes off the smaller box, she placed the wooden box on the end table. Finally, she lifted her misty eyes to look at her boyfriend.
"Emma, I thought I was going to be alone for the rest of my life. I've lost so many people that I love, and I was afraid to give my heart to anyone else for fear it would be shattered again. Then, when I was at my lowest point, you entered my life, bringing light, happiness and hope back into it. I felt like I had nothing of any worth to offer you, but you showed me that a heart full of love is the most precious treasure of all, and one that I don't intend to lose. So, Emma Swan…"
He reached out to take the box from her hand, brought it up between them, and raised the lid. The light reflected off the ruby and diamonds and Emma gasped. When she looked up at her love, tears were streaming down her face.
"...what do you say? Will you marry me?"
"Yes, Killian! Oh, yes!" She wrapped her arms around him and pulled him into an ardent kiss. He could taste the salt of her tears on her lips, and wondered briefly if she could taste it on his as well.
They separated and Killian extracted the ring from the velvet lining of the box. She lifted her trembling hand and he slipped it onto her finger - a perfect fit. Then he raised her hand to his lips and placed a tender kiss to the knuckle just above where the ring now rested.
"I love it!" she exclaimed in an awe-filled voice. "It's absolutely gorgeous!"
"So are you, Emma, and I love you."
Sliding to the floor to kneel in front of him, she placed her hands on the sides of his face and traced his cheekbones with her thumbs. "Killian, you've changed my life completely. When I was growing up, before Mom and Dad adopted me, I was convinced that I was unloved and unlovable. My parents showed me that I was wrong, and they also showed me, by their example, what true love looks like. But just because you learn what true love is, doesn't mean you believe that you'll ever find it. But thanks to you, now I have."
She briefly touched her lips to his, then gazed into his beautiful blue eyes. "I love you, Killian Jones, and I can hardly wait to become your wife."
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