Chapter 28: Reunited

Emma arrives sometime before Killian. She slowly opens the door to her home, unaware that he is not there, and hoping to surprise him. She is startled to see Tink, asleep on one of the couches in the living room. Emma shakes her head as she smiles at her friend. Killian had gone to get her because he knew it would make her happy. She gently rouses Tink from her sleep.

Tink blinks a couple of times before her eyes adjust and she realizes she is not dreaming. Emma is back.

"Emma? Is that truly you? Tell me I'm not dreaming," Tink urges her friend as she rushes to her feet and embraces her.

"It's me, I'm home. Where's Killian?" Emma looks around the room.

"He shouldn't be long. He went to go pay your ransom," Tink answers.

"My ransom? Oh. I escaped from the kidnappers. Rufio helped me. I hope it wasn't too much money." Emma gives a sad smile.

"Wait, Rufio? Was Felix with him?" TInk can't believe it. Killian was right.

"Yes, and he doesn't like me very much. I think my cousin was involved somehow." Emma shrugs.

"Killian found out the boys had left with an older man. DId you see anyone else with them?"

"No, they were the only ones that would come to feed me. I heard voices but that's all. The only ones I saw were the kids when they approached me."

"Oh, maybe we should send a message to your parents to give them the great news that you are home."

"Actually, my friend, the one that helped me get home, he went to let them know. I just wanted to come home but I know my parents are worried sick so I asked him to go."

Tink smiles, "Killian is going to be so happy. Emma, I'm truly sorry I was such a brat when you told me of your plans to marry him. I've never seen him in love, and I've known him for a long time. He was so worried for you."

"It has been forgotten. I'm happy he wasn't alone."

Snow looks out her window as she worries a hole in the floor from continued pacing while waiting for news. She quickly opens the door when she notices movement outside. An oddly familiar man stands on her porch smiling.

"Graham, is that you?" she gasps as a smile forms.

"Yes, it is. I come bearing good news."

Snow quirks a brow. "Good news, seeing you is great but I'm waiting to hear news about my daughter."

He nods, "A young blonde that shares your chin and her father's charming personality? The family resemblance is uncanny."

A silent Snow opens the door wide enough for him to enter.

"I came across your daughter and she is now safe at home. She asked me to come and give you the news. Is David here?"

"Emma is home?" Snow hesitantly asks, but the hope in her eyes is evident.

"Safe and sound. She couldn't wait to reunite with her husband. Do you have any idea who would want to do such a thing?"

"No, Emma has always been a light to everyone she knows. There is no one I can think of who would want to harm her, but that husband of hers is a different story." Snow purses her lips. If that man was responsible in any way for her daughter's disappearance she would never forgive him. "Cora Booth and her son have actively been involved in trying to find her."

"That is good to have powerful people helping. She is no damsel. Snow, you should be proud. I have a feeling no one saves her but her."

Snow smiles as she realizes she will soon be able to hold her daughter and relax.

He smiles, "You can relax now, I'm sure she will come by soon, and we could find out more about her captors."

"I'm just happy she is okay, I've been worried sick," Snow sniffles.

"Snow, a word of advice. I haven't known your daughter long, but she loves her husband. If you truly believe he is somehow responsible, I would suggest you keep it to yourself."

Snow's memories fill her mind. She knows he is right, things with Emma had been difficult once she announced her plans to marry the pirate. She also remembers how distraught Killian had been since she'd disappeared. They were in love and for a second she let the fear of never seeing her daughter ever again cloud her mind. Graham's words reassure her that she can let go of that fear.

Milah and August get dressed after their activities. She had noticed her husband's attitude was darker and somehow she found it arousing. That thought surprises her. Somehow the menacing quality that engulfs Killian and makes him dangerously attractive had emerged in the very proper August. They await news in their bedroom.

Cora eagerly waits for Malcolm to return. She is happy things have gone her way. Soon Emma will be returned and Snow will keep her mouth shut. If only she can find that damn letter, she'd have all her loose ends tied up..

When Malcolm reaches his destination, Golden Cove, he remembers how much he truly hates the place. He enters the old house and everything seems in order. Now to return the girl. He makes his way to the room the boys were sharing and knocks The door opens and there stands a beat up Rufio, his eye barely open. The bloodied bruises on his face don't go unnoticed. "Rufio, where's Felix? And who beat you up?"

Rufio winces, "Mrs. Jones escaped. The last time I came to check on her she got the upper hand and beat me. Felix found me on the floor knocked out. He and the doctor left to go look for her. They've been gone for a while now."

Malcolm paces the room. "She got the upperhand?" He approaches Rufio. "I'm here to take her back. Now what am I gonna do? If she is not found, I cannot return her home safely. There will be powerful people after us."

Rufio hopes Emma had gained enough of a head start. Once he regained consciousness he was interrogated by the doctor and Felix. Felix had gone into a rage and the doctor had to stop him from making his injuries worse.

The duo returns empty-handed shortly after Malcolm's arrival. Rufio hides his relief as best as he can.

Malcolm glares at the trio. "I have to go back. If by some miracle she made it home, everything will be fine. Did she see you Hyde?"

Hyde shakes his head, "No, she didn't."

Malcolm turns his attention to the boys, "She only saw you two?"

Felix glares at Rufio, "Yes, we fed her. Rufio here was quite fond of the new Mrs. Jones."

"Did you say anything to her that might come back to us?" Malcolm turns his focus to Rufio.

"I didn't say anything to her. She already knew we know the Captain when we approached her. She just talked about him."

Malcolm seems happy with the response. "Hyde I think you should go home. You two are coming with me."

"Why can't we stay here?" Felix asks.

"Because I said so, let's hope your absence went unnoticed. I have to go back to find out if the girl arrived home or not. If she is home, I'm sure everyone will be happy and perhaps she will want to just forget the ordeal. For your sakes, I hope that's what happens." Malcolm points to the boys. "If she is still missing, or something happened to her on her return. We might not be so lucky."

Rufio nods his agreement and adds, "The Captain might not be as forgetful as his wife. He will want to know what happened."

Felix glares, "This is your fault, you let her go. You wanted to because she was nice to you."

"I didn't let her go!" Rufio returns the glare, "she hit me with that cup." He points to a discarded bloodied cup on the table. "Yes, I liked her because she was nice but that doesn't mean I would let her go."

Malcolm's voice booms, "It doesn't matter anymore. We are going back and that is final. Grab your things and we will be on our way. Hyde, thank you for your help. I will send word if the girl returned safely home. I know the reason you agreed was to ensure her safety."

"Thank you old friend." Hyde smiles and makes his exit.

The boys grab their few belongings and soon they are on their way back to Misthaven.

Killian returns from Port Hook brokenhearted, not only was his wife missing but now his ship is gone as well. He has to believe that the kidnappers would be true to their word and return his wife. He doesn't care as long as he has her. He is about to walk into his home and hopes to avoid Tink. He doesn't want to talk about anything right now. His Emma would tell him to have faith, and that thought makes him smile.

He doesn't expect to find what greets him once he crosses his threshold. His beloved Emma, with a simple smile upon her face.

"Did you miss me?" she greets him.

He doesn't need words to express his answer as they rush into each other's arms and reunite with a tearful kiss.

Killian is just happy that Tink has vanished to her room. He doesn't want anyone to have any part of their reunion. They quickly make sure their reunion is complete and the days apart melt away as they merged into one.

The day after her return Emma wants to do nothing more than spend it with her husband in bed, reconnecting. But she also knows that a visit to her parents is inevitable. Killian agrees with her assessment and is getting dressed begrudgingly. While she waits for him, TInk announces the Priest's presence. Emma is surprised when he requests to speak to her alone. He is waiting for Emma in the living room.

"Good day, Father. How may I help you?" Emma quickly greets the priest as they exchange pleasantries.

"Emma, I've had a disturbing visit." He stares at her.

Emma furrows her brows in confusion. "I'm sorry father but I don't understand."

"August Booth paid me a visit on your behalf, and it left me concerned for your well being."

Emma is now more confused then ever. "I'm sorry father but that doesn't help me understand. I was kidnapped and I've barely been back home. I have no idea why he would go see you and make you worry about me. Sure, my ordeal was not pleasant but I'm okay. I'm home with my loved ones."

The priest smiles, "I'm happy you are back and safe. August mentioned that he felt Killian coerced you into the marriage."

Emma's eyes widen. "Killian would never coerce me into doing anything I don't want to do. Our life together is as much my choice as it is his. He has been wonderful. He encourages me to be me. I don't have to let a man speak for me because I'm a woman. Like August did by coming to you. If his claim was true, shouldn't I have come to you? Why would I need him to talk to you? Perhaps if I would have married someone like him, someone who sees me as a weakling, I would need to, but I married someone that sees me as an equal." She is pacing the room like a caged animal.

The priest's small smile tells her he understands. She slowly starts calming down. "Emma dear, I believe you. You are positively glowing with happiness. Even if I've managed to upset you, for that I'm sorry. I will take my leave now."

She smiles and walks him to the door. She is just happy Killian didn't hear any of the nonsense August told the priest.

Killian joins her minutes after the priest has left and wraps her in his arms whispering in her ear, "Darling, I'm not letting you out of my sight, ever again. I cannot lose you, my love." They go visit her parents together, holding hands, possibly more in love than before.

Days later the families come together for a "family" dinner to celebrate Emma's safe return. The only reason Milah is excited about the get together is because she can use it to her advantage. She will get to spend time with Killian. How she hates her cousin. She rolls her eyes at the way everyone goes out of their way for her. Doting on princess Emma. She has made her dumb cousin into a martyr.

The dinner had been pleasant only because she was seated so close to Killian. She could smell his scent. She missed him so much. His voice took her out of her thoughts many times, thoughts where they were the only ones. No Emma. No August. That thought makes her smile.

After dinner everyone is scattered into small groups. Snow, David, Archie, and Graham catching up.

Cora and August in the opposite corner talking. Cora occasionally inspecting her surroundings.

Killian and Tink had opted for the garden to get some fresh air, most likely to avoid Milah.

Milah excuses herself to go to the powder room. Emma wants to keep an eye on her to make sure she isn't going to follow Killian, but is distracted by August.

Emma is not as happy to see him as he is to see her. The dinner had been her parent's idea. What was she supposed to say? Mom, Dad, I don't think it's a good idea. Milah wants my husband because she had a relationship with him before she married the man I was supposed to marry, and August tried to annul my marriage because he thinks I need to be rescued.

August hesitantly approaches Emma. "I'm happy you're home safe." He smiles at her.

Emma sighs, "I'm home safe and extremely happy." Her normally sweet voice is annoyed.

August quirks an eye.

"The day after my return I had a very interesting visit from the town priest. He said you paid him a visit. An uncalled for visit in my opinion."

"Emma, I only did it because you are not safe with Killian. He is the reason you were taken. Don't you see?"

"The only thing I see is that it's not your business. You had no right. How dare you?"

August's eyes are blown wide and he stammers for an excuse.

Emma shakes her head furiously. "Remember, you're the one that called off our engagement. You're the one that fell hopelessly in love with my cousin."

"Emma, wait a second. You said you were happy I called off the engagement because your true calling was the convent. Then later it turned out you had an illicit affair with Killian while you were engaged to me."

Emma turns her face to the side. "The point is, you had no right. We are not married. You married Milah and I married the man I love. I have no idea why you suddenly dislike Killian so much, but this ends now. If you want to be welcomed in our home, your attitude will have to change." Her gaze pierces through him and she turns to walk away.

Cora notices the exchange and slowly approaches them. "Is everything alright?"

August is still shocked by Emma's attitude and mutters a response, "Yes mother, everything is alright."

Cora smiles and lets her gaze follow Emma's retreating body.

Milah attempts to approach Killian in the garden.

"Killian, we need to talk."

He tenses, "We've nothing to talk about." His eyes never meet hers. He looks around to make sure no one is watching them.

"We do, Killian. I know you still love me, you're still angry because of what I did." Her voice cracks with emotion.

Killian glares at her. "Milah, I'm sorry, how do I have to say it? How do I make you understand? I love Emma, my wife. You were a mere dalliance. Lass, please forget about us, about me."

"Killian, am I interrupting?" It is Tink with the drinks she had gone to obtain for them. Her voice has a bit of bite, he hopes it's for Milah and not him.

"How long do you think the company is going to stay?" Tink asks, ignoring Milah's presence completely. She hopes she will get the hint.

"Let's go find out." Killian holds out his arm for Tink to take and they enter the house.

Milah's eyes water as she stands in the dark.

Not long after, Milah finds a moment alone with Emma. "Cousin you should know I took very good care of Killian in your absence."

Emma squints at her cousin as she studies her. "Just come out with it, what are you trying to insinuate?"

"Oh dear, if you want me to be blunt, we fell into bed together. I told you he would never be completely yours. Deep inside, he still wants me."

"Is that so, I find it hard to believe since my father told me he was with Archie and him most of the time I was away, and later on with Tink. I know for a fact that Tink would toss you on your behind if you tried something while I was away." Emma leans into Milah's space. "And just to be clear, I know you had something to do with my kidnapping."

Milah's eyes widen and she tries to quickly hide it. "Did I? Why not tell everyone? I know, because you want to protect your true love August's reputation."

"Oh, please, you know this is about your reputation. Our family, the one you seem to care so little for. I loved you like a sister, but that didn't stop you from dishonoring our name, and on top of that, you married August knowing full well who he was to me. You are a selfish brat, and the most ungrateful person alive. You are just mad. I have something you want and you cannot believe he wants me and not you. Your deceit will eventually come out. In the end, all treachery is revealed. So no, I'm not falling for your lies. I know Killian loves me as much as I love him." Emma walks away as Milah stares at her back.

Cora is brushing her hair getting ready for bed. The evening had been a bore to her. She was concerned with August's heated conversation with Emma. She'd wondered what had happened, but when she asked him he had brushed it off. There's a light knock on her door that brings her out of her thoughts. "Come in."

Enith stands embarrassed in front of her boss, "Ma'am, I was wondering if you needed anything before I retire for the evening?"

Cora waves dismissively, "No, I'm fine, but maybe check in on my son."

Enith stands still, she's nervous. "Ma'am?"

Cora rolls her eyes, "Dear lord, Enith, I don't have all night. Just spit it out!"

Enith takes out a crumpled paper and a vial from her apron's pocket and hands the items to her.

Cora smooths out the paper and when she realizes what it is, the damn letter, her heart pounds, Cora can't believe it. "You've had this all along? Why give it back now? What are you after?"

"Ma'am, I don't want anything. I was afraid of your reaction, that's why I didn't return it sooner. Ma'am you were so upset at Mrs. Snow."

Cora cooed "Alright, I suppose that's plausible, but why now?" she enunciates.

Enith's whispers in a low voice, "I just wanted you to stop worrying about it, if you must let me go for not handing it over as soon as I found it, I understand."

Cora tisks, "Yes, I would have preferred you return my property as soon as you came across it but you're doing it now and I'm just relieved. What about the vial? That is not mine." As she starts to open it, Enith stopped her, "Please, don't do that, it smells like old blood."

"Blood? Why are you giving it to me?"

Enith's nervousness returns, "I found it right after Mr. August's wedding, I saw Miss Milah burying it. I didn't know what it was so I dug it out."

Cora tenses. "Milah had this? That harlot, you can retire for the evening after you check on my son."

Cora is unable to rest after Enith's visit. The letter should have been a relief but the vial, she's no fool. She knows what the vial means. It was not uncommon, she had been a young widow at the time her match with Brennan had been made, so there were no illusions there. There was no doubt in her mind why Milah had used the blood in that vial. Now, how was she to deal with her whore of a daughter-in-law? She had not been pure when she first laid down with her son. She had made fools of them all and that was not acceptable. Her first thought is to expose her, but August would be ridiculed. Sure Milah would be shunned but the damage to their name would be done.

The next morning Cora looks for her son. "Enith, where is August?"

Enith answered swiftly, "He went riding."

Cora smiles, "Thank you, Enith, what about Milah?"

"She left to go visit her family."

"Let me know when they return. I'll be in my room."

Felix and Rufio had been returned to the docks where they had been admiring the Jolly all those days before.

Felix had begged Malcolm to take him along but the older man simply said that they couldn't be seen together or suspicion would arise. He did give them some money so they could stay in a room rented from one of the old maids.

Rufio understood better than Felix that they should avoid the docks. He also hoped Emma was able to convince Captain Jones that he had helped her.

After the dinner, Emma had wanted to express her worry for Rufio to Killian without him threatening bodily harm to the boy. They had briefly talked about her abduction right after her return. She had insisted that the subject could wait for now since Graham, Archie, and her father had gone back to find any indication as to who was involved and why. Graham is a great tracker and was able to find the house she was held captive at, but there were no signs of anyone.

That worries her when she is informed no one is there. They find that the house belongs to a woman named Fiona Black. So far it's the only information they have. Emma confirms Killian's theory about Felix and Rufio. The anger that clouds his blue eyes makes her think it'll be best if she waits to talk about Rufio in a positive way. She had promised the boy she would give Killian a good word about him.

Emma smiles at Killian as she tries to think of a way to bring up the subject of Rufio without her husband muttering explicits.

Nottingham's Office

Milah stands outside of the Sheriff's office. She has no idea why she came here but she needs Killian to pay for rejecting her. Actually she knows why she is here. She knows the good Sheriff is not a fan of Killian.

Knock, knock

"Come in," a strong voice says.

Milah enters slowly and Sheriff Nottingham stands when he sees her.

"Mrs. Booth, please come in, take a seat."

She laughs, "Mrs. Booth is my mother-in-law. Please, call me Milah."

It's his turn to laugh, "I imagine you are happy to have your cousin back."

Her face must answer for her. "Let me ask you, something Sheriff."

"Please, call me Keith."

"Well, Keith. How would you like it if the person that gets everything in life had done it again? To answer your question, no I'm not happy Emma is back."

"May I ask why?"

"Growing up with Miss Perfect wasn't easy. She had everything given to her. Even the perfect match to a rich powerful man to marry. She always gets everything."

He understands her, "I know someone like that."

"Who would that be?"

"Why your cousin's husband of course. Jones is lucky beyond belief. He has escaped capture each time I've attempted to rid the town of him."

"How about we make a deal, Keith? We can do something about it."

"What do you have in mind?"

"First, let's seal the deal, Keith." She smiles and approaches him, and sits on his lap.

After sealing their deal and making themselves presentable once more, he tells her that he has the Jolly. He was able to confiscate it since no one claimed it, it was fair game.

Snow and David are eating breakfast. "Honey, dinner last night was nice, wasn't it?"

David offers his wife a charming smile. "It was nice, but I sensed that something was bothering Emma. She was upset. I was going to ask what was troubling her, but I didn't want to pressure her while there was company."

Snow sighs, "She looked fine, maybe she was just nervous about the dinner. Which I think she did an amazing job hosting by the way."

He proudly adds, "She did an amazing job. I hope Emma and Killian are ready to host another dinner party soon."

She quirks a brow. "Why soon, is this about the infamous brother?"

David smiles, "I think you will like Liam, he is a good man."

Snow starts to fidget nervously.

His eyes bore into her. "Snow, why are you so nervous?"

She shakes her head, "I can't say but can I ask you something?"

"What do you mean you can't say?" Since when can his wife keep secrets from him or anyone for that matter? He decides to indulge her. "Ask away, my love."

"Does Killian remind you of anyone? An old friend perhaps."

David ponders the question. "I can't think of anyone."

Snow is getting frustrated because she made a promise. A promise in exchange for help to get her princess back home safely. Now that she thinks about it, Cora didn't really do anything. Emma found a way home on her own. She couldn't say the words but she could plant the seed. "Well, Killian reminds me of one of Archie's dearest friends. There used to be a portrait at the Booth Estate, and now it's gone."

"Wait, are you talking about Brennan? Cora's dead husband."

"Yes!" Snow finally relaxes, "Killian looks so much like him, and I found it odd that right after Killian arrived at the Booth Estate the portrait disappeared."

"Sweetheart, that is not something one can say without any sort of proof."

Snow bites at her bottom lip. She is pretty sure that she had that proof in her hands. Oh dear, Killian is Brennan's son.

The Nautilus is one of the fastest ships. Its captain had avoided a nasty storm but in doing so it had deterred their arrival. Finally, the ship docks at the Misthaven harbor, and the port is overwhelmed by activity.

Captain Nemo had offered passage to his former Lieutenant and his companions. The old captain had become the father young Liam Long craved during his earlier years.

The passengers emerge from the ship, Liam setting foot on his birthplace, decades after the passing of his mother. After reading the message he knew he had to be there for his brother. He could finally be the brother he desperately wanted to be. Sadly mother nature decided to make it hard for him. He was happy he bumped into his former Captain after getting the news. His superiors didn't even bat an eye when he asked for time off due to a family emergency. They were still upset about him letting Captain Jones slip through their fingers. The fact that the young captain had claimed Jones as his surname didn't go unnoticed by his superiors.

His love Elsa jumped at the chance to accompany him. Then Ingrid invited herself, saying that they wanted to support David in his time of distress. The group found transport, and a guide to the home of Killian Jones.

A thundering knock is heard in the house. An irritated pirate captain swings the door open. "Buggering-" Killian's insult dies at the tip of his tongue once he realizes who the visitor is.

Liam's smile broadens, "Hello, brother."

The brothers Jones are once more reunited.