Chapter 14: Courting Danger

Emma wakes up the following morning feeling refreshed. She is engaged once more and maybe she should be nervous, seeing how great it worked out for her last time. The difference is this time it is her choice, she wi the one making the decision, not her parents or anyone else. Technically she had a little push in this direction because of the rumors but ultimately it was her decision to marry. The thought alone gives her butterflies. She finds herself smiling so brightly at the idea. It is funny; she doesn't remember feeling this way the last time.

She dresses quickly and is out her bedroom door. As she has promised to speak to her mother about Killian, she must tell her the news, and although things are moving fast, the decision is hers. Emma knocks at her mother's door and enters when Snow's voice comes through telling her to come in.

"Good morning, mother," Emma says a little too happily. She is happy though, and it scares her a little, but she will not dwell on that right now.

"Emma sweetheart, there is a glow to you. You look so happy," Snow says cheerfully, and then she gasps and asks, "Does this have anything to do with the mysterious man you mentioned yesterday?"

Emma looks at her mother and nods. "Yes, Mother! His name is Killian Jones and he is the steward here and-"

"Emma, did you say, Killian Jones?" her mother interrupts. "Please, tell me you are not talking about the pirate? I believe that is his name, Killian Jones, am I correct?" Snow asks.

"Yes, mother. I know Killian has a reputation but he is trying to be a better man. I thought if anyone could appreciate someone looking for a second chance, it's you," Emma says to her mother and starts pacing around the room, "How many chances did Uncle James get? Hmm? No one made more mistakes than him, Mother. I have not seen my father for years because he is out there trying to fix his brother's mistakes. You don't get to judge Killian. He is trying to atone for his past choices, not leaving the mess for someone else to clean up."" Emma says defensively.

"Emma, don't you dare compare your uncle to that man!" Snow is almost yelling at her daughter. Her loving daughter has filled her life with nothing but joy and has never given her a need to raise her voice, until today.

"Well, the man I'm to marry and the same man you obviously disapprove of is the same one. Where is your excitement for me now? You were so happy for me seconds ago and now all I hear is disapproval in my choices," Emma says as she is about to walk out of her mother's room.

"Emma, if he truly wanted to be a man of honor, why not come to me? He could have also waited for your father's arrival to ask for your hand in marriage?" Snow says, desperately trying to prove her point.

"This marriage is my idea. And as for your approval Mother, it is not like you have been in the greatest health. Please, do not blame him for any of this," Emma waves her hands between the two of them, "if it matters to you at all, he actually encourages for me to voice my opinion, above all he is my friend, we understand each other."

Emma walks out of her mother's room with unshed tears in her eyes. She'd had a feeling that her mother would not be as accepting as she'd originally led her to believe, and although things could have gone a lot better, there is nothing she can do about it right now. She will deal with what she can, therefore, she will go to the convent and talk to Mother Superior about her decision. Emma smiles in spite of the conversation she just had with her mother when she catches a glimpse of Killian in the dining room.

He sees her and smiles broadly as he stands, quickly pulling out her chair, hoping she will join him for breakfast.

"Oh, such a gentleman, but there is no need. I will not be joining you. I was actually on my way to the convent to let Mother Superior know that I will not be returning," she tells him.

Killian smiles and looks around to see if anyone is watching them. He slowly takes her hand while watching her face, and as he raises it to meet his lips, he slyly changes his tactic and catches her off guard as he pulls her to him for a kiss. Their bodies collide and somehow Killian manages to cradle her head and hold her in place. It's a soft, sweet, tender kiss that ends faster than either would have liked. They part and are both inarticulate, still lost in the sensation. For him it is a kiss so unlike any he has ever had before. For her, it is a first.

Emma's eyes slowly fluttered open and her stomach is full of butterflies. She has never been kissed before and although it was highly inappropriate, she doesn't regret it.

He looks at her and has to stop the need to touch his lips. The same spot where hers had been seconds ago. It feels like the sun has finally emerged from an abyss.

Trying to detach themselves from the overwhelming feeling, they both smile and say their goodbyes before parting.

Emma's heart is beating fast, that had been unexpected. She knew there would be some physical interactions but she never expected to feel the way she does right now. Perhaps leaving the convent is the right choice for more than just protecting her family. The thoughts and feelings she feels are in no way shape or form fitting of a nun.

Killian sits down once again and stares at his food. He is jarringly brought back to reality when Enith walks in to announce, "Sir, Mr. Hopper is here to see you."

"Thank you, Enith, I will take it from here," Killian says as he gets up from the table and walks to greet his old friend.

"Good Morning, mate. To what do I owe the honor of your visit on this amazing day?" Killian asks with a little too much glee.

Archie takes a good look at Killian. "You are awfully chipper today. Are you aware of what they are saying about you in town? To be precise, of you and one of the Nolan girls. Girls I know personally?" he asks, waiting patiently as he paces the foyer.

Killian grabs him by the arm and guides him outside of the house. "Aye, Smee stopped by and gave me the news."

"The girl you were going to marry was Milah, right? Is that the true reason you wanted the job here? Killian, what are you doing?" Archie asks, disappointment coloring his tone.

"Why assume that it was Milah? Why not Emma? Am I not good enough to capture fair Emma's, heart?" Killian asks as he purses his lips together and locks his jaw.

"First of all Killian, don't put words in my mouth. I mentioned a possible pairing between you and Emma at the convent, and you told me you two were only engaging in small talk. You dismissed the idea rather fast, if I remember correctly. I made the same comment again the last time I was here and you dismissed it once more. Now you tell me it was Emma all along? You know I love you as if you were my own flesh and blood, so don't take this personally, but I know both girls well and Milah was the obvious choice given the scandalous nature of the rumors."

"I hate to be the burden of bad news. It was always Emma, she thought that she had lost me and that is why she opted to join the convent. When she saw me, she was so bloody furious at me, she said she never wanted to see me again, that is why we lied about not knowing each other, I was just trying to protect her."

"But she was betrothed to August, we all just assumed she was heartbroken about him breaking off the engagement," Archie countered.

"About that, we met and fell in love rather fast. She was heartbroken, just not over the loss of the man you assumed. The foremost reason for the last trip I made was in hopes of becoming a better man in order to obtain her family's approval." He looks down toward his shoes, wondering if his story will hold any weight with Archie. "Alas, we have cleared the air. My love and I have resolved our issues and have decided to move forward and marry. She went to the convent to inform Mother Superior of her decision not to take the vows. I'm happy I was able to return before it was too late. I was wondering if you would be willing to help me find a house fitting of my lovely, Emma."

Archie looks at Killian and nods. He is still hesitant. He hasn't lied to Killian about knowing the Nolan girls. The rumors of the dalliance between Killian and one of the young countesses had finally reached his ears and he automatically made the assumption, that the woman in question was Milah. To him, she was the obvious choice since she had always been so reckless and Emma was the opposite.

"Archie, I know you don't believe me but I'm telling the truth and Emma will confirm my story. Now allow me to change the subject for a bit. How is the business coming along, have you had any problems?" Killian asks.

"Have you talked to her mother? Killian, please tell me you asked for her mother's blessing. Snow is a very kind woman, I don't believe she will oppose. I know she was heartbroken by Emma's decision to enter the convent. Her parents are good people, but if you are worried about the last name. I offer you mine once more," Archie tells him.

Killian smiles and answers, "Emma, accepts me as I am."

"I know of all her qualities and I'm not surprised. I'm more concerned with her parents. Sadly, you are not exactly the type of man they envisioned their daughter to marry. Killian, they are good people but your reputation may not make it easy, perhaps if you had my last name it would be easier?"

"I will ask again, is the business running well?"

"Everything is running smoothly. A lot better than I thought it would. I was also thinking that maybe it would be a good idea to contact Emma's father. He has an export business in Arendelle and we could perhaps partner with him," Archie says enthusiastically, finally letting Killian have his change of subject.

"Emma's father is in Arendelle?" Killian asks.

"Yes, I have mentioned him before. His name is David Nolan, he owns Nolan Importing and Exporting," Archie replies.

Killian turns whiter than a fresh sail. Her father is the owner of the business he had gone to Arendelle for, the final job.

"Is everything alright?" Archie asks with concern. " Killian?"

"That is where I was when I was detained on false accusations, I may add, luckily I came across an honorable Navy officer. One that happened to be my long lost older brother. Liam Long. Did you know of him?" Killian asks.

Archie simply smiles, "That is great news, and I vaguely remember hearing your father mention him once, a long time ago. I'm very happy you two found each other. Why not mention it before?" Archie asks as he pulls Killian into a hug.

Killian looks at Archie. "To be honest, I didn't feel much like celebrating at the time. I returned from the trip to the news I had lost my love." He is being honest, just not about the particular love he had lost.

"One last thing Killian, I support your relationship with Emma. The only thing I have a problem with is how the two of you have dealt with the situation," Archie says as he zips his lips to confirm that it is, in fact, the last thing he will say on the matter.

"Good Morning, Mother Superior," Emma greets the head nun.

"Emma, is everything alright?" Mother Superior asks with concern as she picks up on Emma's demeanor. "Is your mother okay?" she asks as she remembers the declining health of the convent's old benefactor.

"Yes, Mother Superior, everything is okay. My visit is only temporarily as I have come back to inform you that I will not be returning. I want to thank you for all your generosity. I found love, just like my mother and you had told me I would, I apologize for being so stubborn," Emma says to her kind confidant.

"I'm happy for you Emma, I hope to meet the lucky man soon."

Emma just nods her head, avoiding making any promises. "I'll just collect my things," Emma says as she excuses herself and heads for her room.

Emma knocks at the door and is welcomed by Tink.

"Oh Emma, are you back?" Tink asks.

"No, I'm here to pick up my things, I have some news I would love to share," Emma tells her friend.

"Oh, of course," Tink says as she sits on the bed and waves for Emma to join her.

"I'm getting married," Emma says, she takes a breath and continues, "to Killian, your good friend."

The look on Tinks face goes from curious to furious in seconds. "When you left I advised you to go after your cousin's man, not mine, how could you? I thought we were friends!" Tink screams at her.

"I am your friend, I'm sorry," Emma says. "We don't always choose love, Tink, sometimes it chooses us."

Tink doesn't respond, only stares at her with anger and hurt before getting up and storming out of the room.

Emma quickly finishes packing and leaves the convent.

Emma arrives at the Booth Estate to find Archie and Killian who have moved back inside, lost in conversation in the office. They both smile as soon as they see her.

"Am I interrupting?" Emma asks hesitantly.

"Of course not, love," Killian answers as he approaches her and gently grabs her hand and guides her to the available chair in front of the desk.

"Archie heard the rumors and I have confirmed our torrid love affair and plans to wed," Killian informs Emma. She looks between the two men.

"I'm sorry if I have disappointed you, Archie," Emma says.

"I'm not disappointed in you. I had hoped for a relationship between the two of you," Archie says and points to them, "Killian, kept insisting it was not a possibility. So imagine my surprise when I heard a rumor about Killian and one of the Nolan girls having an affair. An affair Killian assures me was real and with you."

"He is not lying; we met and just fell in love so fast. Then I feared I had lost him and I just couldn't go on. I joined the convent because of my broken heart, but when I saw him at the convent once again I knew my heart was still his. I'm sorry we lied about knowing each other but Killian was only trying to protect my image. Mother Superior never truly believed my vocation was true. I think she was just giving me time to heal my broken heart. Now I understand what a mistake I was going to make." Emma knows full well that although she is being honest about the feelings she had and what had led her to the convent's door, it was for a different man. She cared for August but she had never really known him. How could she claim love for him if she had no idea who he truly was? Then there is Killian, she had gotten to know him. They have talked about things that may not be suitable but he truly listens to her.

Archie studies her face and simply says, "Emma I'm truly happy that Killian found you. I know things may not be easy but I will support the two of you. I was telling Killian that I think it would be a good fit for his new business to work with your father. I wanted to suggest for me to take a trip to propose a joint business venture to your father."

"I thought my father was set to return by next month?" Emma asks.

"Yes, that is true, but there was an attempt on his business and he wants to tie up some loose ends before he departs. I could go and help him with the legal aspects and God willing, we will return together by the time he had planned," Archie says. Standing from the his char, Archie announces that he will be taking his leave. "Please, excuse me with your mother for not saying hello. I will be leaving now as I want to leave for Arendelle as soon as possible. Killian, I will be leaving Smee in charge while I'm gone.

"Aye," Killian replies simply as he sits there deep in worried thought. He doesn't believe David Nolan or Archie are aware of his involvement in the failed attempt on the business. At least he hopes there is no proof. Should he tell Emma?

Emma notices his change in mood after Archie takes his leave. "Killian, you are awfully quiet."

"Just basking in your beauty, love," he flirts.

Emma smiles and looks away. Should she tell him about her dreadful conversation with Tink or how well her mother received the engagement news?

Snow decides to ask Cora for help, she hopes that she can help get through to Emma and change her mind about marrying Killian. She has heard the staff mention her dislike for Killian on several occasions. She knocks on the woman's door, hoping to find the assistance she seeks.

"Snow, good morning, darling," Cora says as she greets her old friend and guides her inside. "What brings you out of your room? Is there a problem?"

"It is Emma, I'm afraid she is about to make the biggest mistake of her life. She wants to marry Killian Jones, your new steward," Snow says with shame all over her face.

Cora looks at Snow and she cannot help feel triumphant. She knew Emma would heed her concerns.

"I gather you don't agree," Cora says.

"He is a pirate! Cora, how can you ask me that? You are not his biggest supporter either. Why are you so calm about this?" Snow asks with outrage.

"I'm not calm about this. I just feel so much guilt over what my son did to her. He broke her heart and if my support in this marriage is what she requires, I will grant it. I'm sorry Snow."

Snow leaves the room in shock, she can't believe Cora would support this union. She hopes David is back before it is too late, he is her last hope.