Chapter 27: Coming Home
Emma and Graham make their trek to his cabin. He has a horse and a small carriage. They
had found her horse in the same spot she had left it. Once they arrive at his home he hurries with preparations for the trip. They feed her horse and his so they will have the stamina to make the trip. He offers Emma some old, worn out trousers and a shirt which she accepts as she looks at the dirty clothes she is wearing. At least these clothes are clean. She is nervous and excited, she wants to see her husband. The smile that covers her face doesn't go unnoticed by her companion.
"Mrs. Jones, you will be reunited soon," Graham assures her.
"Thank you for your help. I'm really sorry I'm taking you away from your hunt." Emma smiles sadly at the man.
"No worries," he smiles at her, "I needed to go for supplies, normally I go to Port Hook but in this case, I will gladly go further down to Misthaven. I used to live there."
As they finish gathering a few supplies for their trip they continue with some conversation.
Emma looks curiously at her companion, "Wait you used to live in Misthaven? I think I would remember meeting you." She blushes slightly, as she realizes what she's said. He is a handsome older man, she has eyes, but her heart is only Killian's. She is finally going home. Lost in her thoughts, she almost misses his answer.
"I did live in Misthaven, a long time ago. Perhaps too long ago for you to be aware of my presence." His smile brightens his rugged features.
Emma smiles as she replies, "You might know my parents. My father is David Nolan and my mother is Snow Nolan."
He laughs as he stares at her, "I don't know how I missed the resemblance. You look so much like your father. I do see your mother, but you are your father's daughter." He smiles fondly at her.
"So you knew my dad? What a small world."
Graham smiles, "He is a good man and your mother is the fairest in the land."
Emma grins at the thought of her parents. They have all they need for the trip and finally leave the small cabin. Emma can't help admire the scenery. For the first time in her life, she wishes she could have traveled a little.
Graham is quiet as he steers the horses. The wolf rests his head on Emma's lap. The small carriage moves swiftly through the landscape not allowing the bumpy road to slow it down. Its occupants enjoy the view as they get closer to their destination.
Emma's thoughts keep drifting back to her husband. Once she gets home she will talk to Killian about finally going on a Honeymoon. They had never discussed it before, but now things are different, they loved each other. Besides, it would be nice to get away from her cousin and her mischief. The thought alone makes her smile. She knows her cousin is involved in her kidnapping, who else would want to hurt her?
Emma is eager to see her husband once more. Her heart is racing with anticipation the closer they get. Sometimes she wonders if he's missed her as much as she has missed him. She laughs at her brief insecurity. Milah has tried several tricks to separate them and has yet to succeed. in her gut, Emma knows Milah is somehow responsible for her kidnapping; the only question is, why keep her alive? She remembers Rufio saying that she wasn't meant to be killed. Wouldn't it be easier to have her killed? She would be out of the way- she knows Killian wouldn't fall into her loving arms, but once upon a time there had been a plan for them to be together. Milah and Killian would take August for all he was worth. Would her absence send Killian into darkness? He was trying to be an honorable man. Emma's thoughts are driving her crazy. She will feel better once she sees his face and looks into his deep sea blue eyes to calm the storm brewing within her.
Sheriff Nottingham watches as Milah walks away. His eyes glance towards Killian's house. He still can't believe it, a dirty pirate marrying into an honorable family like the Nolan's. He needs to find the girl to appease the Booths.
He grumbles thieving scum as he walks back to the house. His knock is loud and powerful.
A startled Tink opens the door with a scowl and crossed arms as she stares the man down. "What do you want? Killian doesn't want to see you and you know that."
Nottingham smirks, "I know that but I'm here to help him find his wife that's all." He leans into her space, "How do you think her family would react if they were to find out he was making my job difficult."
Tink stands her ground and considers the options. She knows he is right and it is obvious that the Sheriff does want to find Emma, even if it is just to be in the good graces of such powerful families.
Sheriff Nottingham stares at TInk as he waits for her to allow him passage inside the house. He would rather be doing something else with his time but he knows upsetting such important people won't end well for him.
Tink releases a breath, "Killian is not here, he just left and I'm not just saying that to give you a hard time. He-" she mumbles, "gotaransomletter."
Nottingham stares at her, "Wait! What did you say?"
Tink is second-guessing herself because she knows Killian wouldn't want him to know but he is trying to help. She gnaws at her bottom lip as she looks in the direction of the letter.
Nottingham purses his lips, "So are you going to let me in or not?"
Tink makes room for him to pass by her.
"Where is Jones? I was in the area and I didn't see him leave." Nottingham asks, doubting her truthfulness.
"Well, he left not long ago. Maybe you were distracted. I don't know. He got a letter."
"He got the ransom letter. May I see it?"
"He wanted me to show to Mr. Hopper and Mr. Nolan when they arrived but I can show it to you for a second."
"You and that damn pirate are making things so much harder than they need to be," he grumbles in frustration.
She walks quickly to the little table by the door and grabs the letter. Walking back toward him she hands the letter to him.
Nottingham reads the letter fast. "Is he going to do it? Is he really going to give away his ship?"
She rolls her eyes, "Of course he is! Do you really think he would hesitate? He wouldn't risk someone's life, much less the woman he loves. His wife."
"You do know this could be a trap. He could easily be walking towards his death."
Tink laughs, "Like you would care if that was the case."
"You're right, I could care less but I have a feeling that you care for the good Captain and want to protect him."
"He is my family, of course, I want to protect him."
Nottingham hands the letter back to her. "I'm going to the harbor and I'll take one of the small ships to Port Hook. I hope I get there in time." He storms out of the house as he considers the options. He could make a deal with the sheriff in Port Hook and they could keep the Jolly and sell it. They would make a good profit. Maybe arrest the kidnappers and get the girl home. He isn't too happy about helping the pirate but the Jolly would be a good price to extract from the scoundrel. Upon arriving at the harbor, Nottingham is able to procure transport on a ship to Port Hook.
At the Booth Estate, Cora sits in the office awaiting news. She is anxious for this to be over. She hated using Emma to her advantage but sometimes sacrifices have to be made. Malcolm had proven to be trustworthy so there was no doubt in her mind Emma would be okay. Perhaps a bit frightened but no real harm. So she waits for his return.
August walks into the house and calls out for the maid. "Enith!"
The poor startled woman quickly approaches him, "Yes, sir?"
"Where is my mother?"
"She's in the office, sir." She curtsies and starts to walk away.
"Enith, I haven't excused you. How about my wife?"
Enith turns white, "I'm sorry sir, I thought you were done. I haven't seen Miss Milah. I'm sorry. Is there anything else I can help you with?"
August waves his hands and rushes to the office to talk to his mother.
"Mother, I spoke with Sheriff Nottingham and he will be working hard to bring Emma home." August notices his mother is upset. "Don't worry mother, she will be home soon. I also spoke to the Priest. I want to have her marriage annulled. It's Killian's fault she was taken. His dastardly actions have caused this."
"Son, don't you think this should be her decision?" Cora asks. "Why the interest? You made your choice and so did she."
"I'm only concerned with her well being. Have you seen Milah?"
"No, I haven't. Perhaps she's in your room."
"Alright, let me know the moment there is news," August requests as he walks out.
Milah sneaks back into the house. She is furious. She cannot believe Killian is willing to trade his ship for Emma. She paces the bedroom. Emma will soon be home and once she returns, Milah's window closes. She will lie and tell Emma that while she was missing Killian had eagerly fallen back into bed with her and they had not used any contraceptive. Now all she needs is to bed her husband. The thought makes her want to throw up. He is a poor substitute for the man she truly wants in her bed.
The door opens and August enters approaching her as he holds her gaze. "Hello, sweetheart. I know you are worried about your cousin. Don't worry, we will have her back. There will be no stone left unturned."
Milah tries not to roll her eyes as she gives her husband a small smile. "I know." He grabs on to her and holds her, the situation quickly escalates into Milah's favor.
At the Nolan's, Snow sits by the window waiting for news. Her daughter is coming home and she doesn't care if she has to make a deal with the devil. She is waiting for any kind of news.
At the Jones home, Tink is still waiting for David and Archie to arrive to give them the news about the ransom letter. She is worried about Killian. She knows that Nottingham is right. This could be a trap and it could end badly for Killian. The waiting feels eternal.
Not long after Nottingham leaves, there is finally the knock Tink has been waiting for. She opens the door and lets Archie and David in. She tries to act like a proper lady in David's presence. She knows he is Emma's father and she doesn't want her presence to upset him. This is his daughter's home.
"Tink?" Archie is surprised to see the young girl there, but the smile he gives her is genuine.
"Hi Archie, uhm, Killian- picked me up from the Convent. He said it was Emma's decision to bring me here."
Archie nods "Allow me to introduce you to Mr. Nolan, Emma's father. David this is Tink, she is like a little sister to Killian."
David smiles, "Hello, nice to meet you, Tink. Where is my son-in-law?" David looks around the living room.
Tink clears the throat and both men turn their attention to her.
"He got a ransom letter, and he went to go pay for it." Tink warily replies.
Archie and David exchange looks, but it is David that responds, "I'm sorry, he went to pay the ransom, but didn't think about waiting for us to arrive?"
"He just wants Emma home, he rushed out to make sure he arrived on time to pay the ransom. I tried to convince him to wait for you two, but Killian is stubborn."
"I know he is. Tink, did he take the letter with him?" Archie asks.
"No, he left it here for me to give to you two. I think I made a mistake. Nottingham was here looking for Killian. I showed it to him, and he left right after."
"Tink, you know he hates Killian. Why would you show it to him?"
"He said it could be a trap. I'm worried about Killian. I don't think he is thinking clearly. He just misses her so much."
The silence that had enveloped David as he paced the room while Archie and Tink talked comes to an end. "May I see the letter?"
Tink quickly grabs the letter and hands it to him.
David holds the letter in a way he can share it with Archie. They read swiftly.
Archie speaks first. "The Jolly Roger was the cost?"
"That ship has been his home for as long as I can remember." Tink's eyes water at the thought.
"He is trading his ship for Emma. Is he at the docks?" David asks, ready to leave.
"Mr. Nolan, he left a while ago. He is probably at Port Hook by now."
"We can go to the docks and hire a ship to takes us to follow him. The Jolly is easy to spot. And it is possible that Killian is walking into a trap." Archie worries for the younger man he sees as a son.
"Let's go then!" David agrees.
The two leave the Jones home and make their way to the docks, hoping they will get to Port Hook in time for the exchange.
Port Hook is a much smaller port. Once Killian docks the ship and disembarks the vessel he looks around to see if anyone is paying too much attention to him. No one stands out as he approaches an older sailor.
"Excuse me mate, I was wondering, where I could go about purchasing a horse?" Killian inquires.
"A horse? You have a magnificent ship there." The older man questions, clearly confused.
"I do, I need to travel on land for a while, and my crew will stay with the ship." He is lying, since no one is with him. He can handle a short trip by himself. He should stick around and keep an eye on the ship, but he needs to go home and wait for his Emma to be returned.
The man finally points him in the right direction and Killian Jones is quickly on his way back home.
After hours on horseback without any rest, he arrives at his house. He doesn't expect to find what greets him once he crosses his threshold.
His Emma! She stood, wearing some old clothes, looking like a vision. She wears a simple smile as she greets him. "Did you miss me?" His answer doesn't require words as they rush into each other's arms and reunite with a tearful kiss.