Welcome back. I think you will enjoy this chapter.

Emma 2014

Emma had picked up the letter from Killian that explained her Saturday instructions a few days previously and so when the day arrived she woke early and excited about spending the day with him. She got out of bed, dressed carefully and drove to the art deco district, Killian's letter in hand. Having not been to this area of Miami before, she was anxious to see it as most of the buildings in South Florida were newer ones. If a building had some age on it, more often than not, it seemed they were torn down instead of remodeled. While she knew this had to do with making sure the buildings met the current hurricane codes, she couldn't help but wish for a way to bridge the old with the new and was happy that it seemed Killian might have had similar thoughts. The Art Deco District, a small area of land that included over 800 structures of historical significance, built between 1923 and1943, was located along Miami Beach and situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Biscayne Bay. Parking her car and grabbing her bag, Emma was ready to go.

Good morning Swan,

Today I want to show you a piece of my family, for my father, Brennan Jones had a hand in the rejuvenation of this area. Follow these instructions and I'll be there with you all along your journey.

Yours, Killian

Once you've parked your car, start at 5th street, which dead-ends at Ocean Drive. Head north and notice the porthole windows, metal rails, and flags, just like the many Ocean Liners that used to dock at the Port of Miami in the 1930's. The first hotel I want you to take a look at is the Park Central. It is most famous for stars such as Clark Gable and Rita Hayworth staying there.

Emma slowly walked down the street taking in everything around her. The buildings were old Florida, very grand in style. There were colors everywhere. So many things to see and with the sea breeze blowing softly she tried to take it all in. People were milling about, some looked to be dressed for the beach, others like they just stepped out of the theater, even this early in the morning. Shaking her head, she kept walking noting that the Beacon Hotel looked a bit like a wedding cake with its design and color, white with lacy trim. Glancing through the doors as she passed she noted the marble flooring. She smiled to herself thinking about Killian walking in this same area and enjoying the old windows, flags and metal railings, which made him feel close to the sea, while on land and that didn't even take into account that his father was responsible for the rejuvenation of many of these buildings. Moving into an area close to the Colony Hotel, she read her next set of instructions,

When you reach 7th street, cross and take some time to wander through Lummus Park. You will be able to smell the salt and feel the breeze blowing off the ocean and hear all of the many musicians who are always singing and playing instruments, like the guitar and the bongos.

There's a man who plays his guitar and always seems to be standing in the same place, every time I happen upon the park. He plays the guitar and sings music that haunts me. Listen to him and imagine that I am standing there with you. If he's still there, you'll know him by the red beanie, that he always wears, no matter the weather. Look for him Emma and know that I am with you.

She took a minute to absorb what she had just read. I feel his presence she thought to herself. How can that be? How can someone whom I can't even touch be so real to me? Fate, he says, but I'm a doctor, a woman of science, how can fate have such a strong impact on me? At that moment she didn't know and didn't really care, she just wanted to enjoy being in the here and now. She stepped away from the building and walked to the corner to cross over to the park. It was beautiful. People skating and biking and jogging. She could smell the coconut scent from the suntan lotion and see nets for volleyball, most of them occupied. Bright umbrellas here and there lined the beach and people could be seen floating in the water, laying on chairs or on colorful towels in the warm sand or standing around talking to others or walking along the shore looking for shells.

And music, everywhere she looked she could hear music playing. Wondering if the musician that Killian enjoyed could possibly still be there, she entered the park and began to walk slowly. She saw a person with a red hat on but he was playing the bongos so she kept walking. Suddenly she heard a melody whose chords resonated in her brain as it reminded her of Killian and their talk of fate and magic. The song the man was playing was Over the Rainbow, a song of dreams possibly coming true. Turning she spotted a man that had to be the one Killian had mentioned in his letter. He was standing off the beaten track just a bit, on his own, playing his guitar and wearing a red beanie. He didn't fit the stereotypical street musician and she wondered what his story was but the closer she got to him, the less she cared as his ability to convey the feeling behind the music was wondrous. Emma felt her blood soar and when she looked down at his guitar case her heart stopped for leaning against the case was a small sign. And on that sign was Emma Swan? For all to see. She was shocked but slowly reached down and picked up the sign, turned to the man, who by this time had stopped playing, "I'm Emma Swan," she said quietly, "Where did you get this?"

He smiled at her, "I've been waiting for you, Emma. A man with dark hair gave me this sign and asked me to wait for you. He said when you came to give you this," and he pulled a tattered envelope out of his pocket and handed it to her. "He made me promise, which I always try to keep, and he asked me to play this for you." He closed his eyes and started strumming the strings of his guitar.

Emma immediately felt tears well up in her eyes, for not only was the music he was playing incredibly beautiful but he was playing Unchained Melody, the haunting tune played during the movie Ghost. It was a very warm day, yet she felt chilled and goose bumps appeared on her arms and then, it was as if someone was standing behind her and had their arms wrapped tightly around her. She looked over her shoulder to make sure she was still alone but no one was there, still, she couldn't shake the feeling she wasn't alone. Realizing she hadn't opened the envelope in her hand, she did so and pulled out a single piece of paper with Kilian's hand writing on it:

Do you feel my arms around you Emma?

I'm right here.

Emma allowed the tears to fall down her cheeks as she wrapped her arms around her waist and listened to the remainder of the song. When he had finished playing she wiped the tears off her cheeks with the back of her hands and reached to pull some money out of her purse to leave for the musician. When he saw what she was going to do, he stopped her, "No, Emma, the gentleman took care of it."

Emma smiled at him, "Thank you for the beautiful music and for keeping your promise to my friend," and she walked away with a heart that felt lighter.

Finding a bench in the park, she sat down and pulled the letter with the directions for their walk out of her bag. Opening it up she read:

I trust that you were able to find the musician and to listen to his music. Now it's time for the next part of our journey. Go out of the park and head north on Ocean Drive. Admire the Waldorf Towers with its rounded glass towers that look like a lighthouse and if you have time stop by the welcome center. The Clevelander isn't too far from the welcome center but the building with the really interesting history is the Casa Casaurina. This mansion was once the home of Gianni Versace, who was shot to death on its steps. His killer then later committed suicide on a houseboat docked off shore. It seems Versace owed the Mafia a bit of money and he paid the ultimate price. It has also been said that there is a 54foot pool in the center of the mansion lined with 24 karat gold but I've not been privy to see that.

She tucked the letter away and walked north on Ocean Drive. There were people of all shapes, sizes, and color out and about. Many strolling slowly just as she was and others who appeared to have a specific place to be in a specific amount of time. A melting pot of people she thought as she took in the sites around her. Going into the Welcome Center she browsed through the books and brochures and picked up a couple to read later. She also noticed several signs advertising guided walking tours but was happy that she had her own personal guide, even if he wasn't right there holding her hand, she still felt as if they were together.

Leaving the Welcome Center, she passed by the Clevelander, a very sleek looking hotel with a lot going on inside. She could see people sitting on terraces eating and knew also there was a bar by the pool, a sports bar, and that live entertainment was offered every day.

Another block up was the infamous Casa Casaurina that Versace had owned. What a magnificent estate she thought. Imposing gates kept her from seeing into the lobby but if the interior was anything like the exterior then she could imagine it was ultra-posh, but maybe not worth the rumored price of around $1200.00 a night. Shaking her head at that thought she found her way out of the crowd anxious to see what came next.

Continuing north, you will pass by several more hotels, some with porthole windows and an almost plain exterior with simple designs, to more complex buildings that have brain coral embedded in the railing and columns. The Cardoza hotel is owned by the singer, Gloria Estefan and her husband, Emilio and is the home of many entertainment events in the Miami area. The hotel is said to be very posh and ethnically themed rooms. You will also pass by the Leslie Hotel which is lemon colored and one description says it has eyebrows wrapped around its front. I'm not sure I can see these Swan, can you?

Emma once again tucked the letter into her bag and started walking. She was impressed by the many differences in the buildings around her but yet all of them gave off the same impression, one of great wealth. She marveled at the fact that these buildings had been built nearly a century ago when modern machines were not readily available. And upon close inspection of the columns outside the Cardoza Hotel, she spied a piece of brain coral or two. Settling into a table at a little place on the porch of a hotel, ironically named Front Porch Café, she ordered a hot chocolate and a bear claw and pulled out her letter to see what came next.

If you want to treat your sweet tooth to a delicious pastry and something to drink, stop at the Front Porch Café. What will it be Swan, possibly hot chocolate, and a bear claw? I'm having the pancakes. I trust you've enjoyed what we've seen so far. Only a few more sites are left. At 15th street, you'll need to turn left and then take a right at Collins Avenue. The National Hotel has a pool in the back that is 205-feet-long. No, it's not from the same time period as the building but impressive nonetheless. Several other taller hotels in this area are the Delano and the Sagamore. You should also check out the Raleigh Hotel where many flicks from the 40's and 50's were filmed. You might even smell pizza as there is a wood- burning pizza oven in the back next to the pool. Once you've enjoyed these sites, double back and head west at 17th street and then go across Washington Avenue. There is a pedestrian only, outdoor mall for you to spend time looking in the boutiques and shops. To close our day together I am hoping you will join me for a late lunch at the Icebox Café, which is on Lincoln Road. See you there at 2:00 Swan.

Reading over that last part of the letter she was trying to figure out how Killian knew she liked hot chocolate and bear claws, as she couldn't remember them sharing that information. Yet another item to add to the many other 'strange' items about this 'relationship' she thought. Maybe it was a lucky guess that I would order the hot chocolate instead of coffee, or order a bear claw of all things, small facts about herself that men she was in the actual company of, might not even remember. Choosing not to question these mysteries too much she finished her treat, paid and once again began walking. She was so caught up in what was around her that she almost missed her turn and actually ended up having to double back a block. Looking at the National Hotel, while the hotel itself was not the most impressive, the pool though was something else. It was lined on both sides by huge palm trees and appeared to go on forever, making her wish for some time to lounge under the sun. Wanting to have a better look, she casually strolled to the deck and wandered in and out of the palm trees and then glancing around to make sure no one was watching she took off her sandal and dipped her toes in the water. Perfect temperature but in this decadent environment she would expect nothing less.

Wanting to be assured of having enough time to peruse the shops at the Lincoln Mall, she quickly walked by the other places that Killian had mentioned and then doubled back to 17th street. Lincoln Mall was a cornucopia of things. High-end fashion and eating to a chain pharmacy store as well as a simple taco stand, something for all and since no cars were allowed you could easily cross from one side to the other with no difficulty. In one store she bought Mary Margaret a new scarf and David a pair of pair of socks with tacos on them. Thinking she might need something to read she happened upon a store aptly names Books and Magazines, and scanned the contents of several aisles and displays. Curiously while looking over the displays of biographies she saw a book titled "Brennan Jones' Life Works" and on it was a picture of the house where she had stayed for those glorious few months. The picture had a simple title, The Beach House, which while appropriate, didn't seem as magical a name as it was becoming in her mind. She picked up a copy of the book and flipped through a couple of pages of it and telling herself it was for her to look over at a later time because anything else would be ludicrous, she bought one. Leaving the bookstore, she noted it was almost time to go to the Icebox Café and walking out of the mall, she proceeded on her way.

What first caught her eye as she walked up to the café were the windows lining the entire front of the building. They were large and open and she was sure allowed for a beautiful view in the mornings as the sun rose over the Atlantic Ocean, and even at 2:00 there was plenty of sun to give the place a warm atmosphere. She gave them her name and they quickly sat her at a table that allowed her to look out toward the beach and observe the people. Just after she sat down an elegant looking woman came up and introduced herself as Cora Mills. "I'm the manager of the Icebox Café and I'm so happy to have you here." Then she held out her hand to shake Emma's as if they knew each other.

Emma reached out and shook the woman's hand but was quite curious as to why the manager of such a place would be introducing herself. "Uh, thank you, but excuse me, do I know you?"

Cora smiled gently, "No dear, I'm sorry to say you don't know me but I've been waiting for you to arrive as I have something very special for you," and with a flourish she pulled out an envelope and handed it to her. It was just like all the other letters that she had received from Killian so she knew immediately that somehow this woman had been holding on to it for two years. And with an "Enjoy your meal, my dear," Cora left.

Smiling, she held the letter close to her heart with both hands. Was he sitting here when he wrote this she wondered, and thought maybe he had been. Sitting not only here in the Icebox Café but here, at this very table where she was sitting. While she had no idea what color his hair, nor his eyes were, in her mind's eye, he was gorgeous, not just to look at, but his spirit, his gentleness, his passion and the care he had shown her, someone he had never met. Frustratingly enough, the story of her life as he was the one man whom she felt she could give her whole heart to yet he was the man she could not have. With a sad sigh, she opened the letter and began to read.

Emma,

Thank you for spending your Saturday with me, even though we are separated by time. My wish is for you to know that I would give anything to be by your side, saying these words to you instead of your having to read them. Fate can be a fickle woman but this time I thank her that somehow she brought you into my life. Remember that neither time nor space can separate two hearts that are meant to be together. I feel that what is meant to be will be and Emma Swan, I don't know how, where or when but I feel we are meant to be. But those thoughts are for another day. For now, I wish you to enjoy your meal and believe I am sitting right there too.

Yours,

Killian

Wiping a couple of tears off her cheeks, she folded the letter and put it away. Her lunch had arrived as she was reading and picking up her fork she began to eat while thinking about what he had written. Wondering why there was a mailbox that appeared to allow letters to travel through time and space and how it's possible for two people to meet when where one is, the other has already experienced. For her it was July 2014, but today wouldn't happen for Killian for two years, what would she be doing in two years, would they be together? Shaking her head at her musings, she made up her mind that she would take a page from Scarlett O'Hara's book and think about them later since "tomorrow was another day." Living in the 'here and now' she whispered quietly, "Thank you fate," and finished her meal.

Once done she knew there was no way she could end such a great day without writing out her thoughts on paper and leaving a little something for Killian in the mailbox before she went home. Her letter ended up not being long but she felt that it held some sentiment and she hoped he enjoyed his gift.

Killian (2012)

Killian was pleasantly surprised when just a few days after his day with Emma a letter and a small gift was waiting for him in the postbox. Gathering them both, he carried them in the house, and let Rumple out to take care of his business. Pouring himself a small drink, he picked up his treasures and carried them to his chair so he could look out at the surf. Opening his gift first he was touched to see what she had purchased for him. It was a magnet like you would attach to your refrigerator that read; We don't meet people by accident. They are meant to cross our paths for a reason. Killian read the words out loud. "Very true, Swan. Now let's see what you have to say about our day."

Killian,

First I want to thank you for going to so much trouble, writing all of those instructions, leaving me notes, and arranging for music to be played. I feel touched and while you weren't standing there next to me, I felt your presence.

In your letter, you speak of magic and fairy tales. Tell me Killian, are you trying to 'charm' me into believing you're my Prince Charming?

My father used to quote a Chinese Proverb to my sister and I when we were teenagers, he said "Fate brings people together no matter how far apart they may be." When he quoted that, it usually had to do with when we had broken hearts but in this situation maybe it's true. If it's meant to be, it will be.

Thank you again, Killian. I had a wonderful day.

Emma

While Killian had been reading the latest letter, Rumple had come in and sat beside the chair, putting his chin on Killian's knee, "What do you think boy?" he asked the dog affectionately, "Am I a Prince Charming?" Rumple growled low in his throat and Killian laughed, "No, I didn't think so either. I'm a pirate who's out to capture a princess. Think I can succeed?" The dog lifted his head up and tilted it one way and then the other, as if thinking about the answer, and then with a low whine, turned and trotted in the other room. Killian watched him go, "What's with that?" he yelled after him. "Shall I take that as a negative or a positive answer?"

The next day still feeling good about his time he had 'spent' with Emma, Killian decided that he needed to make plans to speak with his father. Knowing that the best option would be a weekend, he checked his calendar for the following Saturday, saw that it was pretty open and for the rest of the week kept busy planning the details. Waking early on Saturday he was feeling positive and after showering and letting Rumple out for a quick run, he was ready to leave.

It was a sunny morning and Killian hoped to have a real, grown-up conversation with his father. While they'd had dinner and drinks a few times since he had been back in town, Liam had always been there and they hadn't discussed anything specific, such as the box of letters he had found in his mother's belongings. Letters his father had written to his mother, letters talking about regrets of times that he had missed and chances to make amends. Also, letters of promises that never happened, but after talking to Liam made sense, however, forgiveness wasn't something that came easily to Killian. It was something he wanted to change, though, hopefully starting today.

His plan to get his father to open up started with coffee, warm croissants, honey butter and catching him home early on a Saturday when hopefully he would be reading the morning paper and not leaving for a meeting. He'd thought about asking Liam to check his father's schedule but decided that he no longer wanted Liam to feel as if were in the middle. If he wanted to be the man his mum would have been proud of then he needed to start by making peace with the great Brennan Jones. And hopefully, his father would meet him half way.

Standing on the front step to Brennan's home, he took a moment to appreciate its architecture style as it represented everything you would want to see in a Florida home. Pale peach stucco walls with terra cotta tile roof. Rounded archways and windows. Tile driveway, sidewalks and patio and he knew in the back was a large screen covered pool and hot tub, with a deck, built in BBQ, fans, and surround sound. As boys, he and Liam had spent several afternoons racing each other from one end of the pool and back and as Liam had gotten older, and brought girls around, Killian had created waves, literally, soaking everyone within close range. He loved it when the girls got angry because they would leave and Liam would have to pay attention to him, of course, he would never tell that to Liam. Shaking his head at himself and what a prat he had been, he knocked on the door.

The door was opened and he came face to face with his father. He had always thought his father such a large and imposing figure and so when the door was opened and he saw him standing there in his sleeping pants and a t-shirt, hair a bit untidy and showing some gray, he was a hit taken aback. Brennan had a surprised look on his face that quickly turned to joy, "Killian, lad, what brings you by this early on a Saturday morning?" And then noticing the bag in his hand, "Do I smell croissants?"

Killian smirked at his father, "Croissants and honey butter from that little bakery you used to take Liam and I when I would come to visit."

Brennan smiled warmly, "You remembered," he said quietly. "Come in, come in. Let's see what you brought."

Killian entered the foyer and looked out toward the backyard and was immediately mesmerized by the view. Large windows and sliding doors ran the back of the house and beyond them, he could see the glistening water of the pool and hear the tinkling of a fountain just out of sight. The covered patio had several paddle fans that were lazily stirring the air and comfortable tables and chairs were scattered around. Killian could see one of the tables had papers spread over it as if his father had been doing some paperwork and he had interrupted. "I'm not interfering, am I"

Brennan put his hand on Killian's shoulder as they walked toward the patio, "Son, you aren't interfering. I'm glad you stopped by. It's time we talked. Come let's sit and see if those croissants taste as good as they smell."

They moved on to the patio where Killian noticed the fountain was actually tiered flat stones on one end of the pool and it appeared that above they encased a hot tub and that water bubbled up and then formed a waterfall over into the pool. There were flowering trees and shrubs, a veritable oasis for relaxation. He looked at his father, "Redo the patio?"

Brennan led them to a table, taking a couple of plates off a serving tray as he walked by and they set down. He looked up at Killian, "I see your brother didn't tell you,".

Killian started pulling the croissants, butter, some packets of honey and a couple plastic knives out of the bags, "Tell me what?"

"He is expanding into landscaping architecture so this is what you get. Be careful, he'll be after you to let him change the landscaping at the beach house before long."

Killian shook his head and smirked, "He can try but I'm kind of partial to the plants that are there." After that, the conversation veered off into several directions, with both talking about their feelings which hadn't always been such an easy thing. Laughing together over a memory from living at the beach house, Killian found himself relaxing thinking maybe he could forgive his father and they could all move forward as a family. "When I was going through mum's things I found something." He picked up an extra bag that he had carried in, but that had been hidden by the food. "I thought you might wish to have them." He sat the bag in front of Brennan.

Brennan knew what they were before he even looked in the bag, had been prepared for it really, but now that it had happened, wasn't sure what to say, "I wondered if you had. I'm sure you have questions."

Looking up at his father, Killian couldn't remember everything that he had wanted to say and the first thing that popped into his head was, "Why? Why did you say you were ready to give up all this and move back to be with mum and then not follow through?"

Brennan took a deep breath, "It seems it's time to tell you the sad story of my beginnings." He went on to tell Killian about his mum who had been promised to marry a man she didn't know at a very young age. He had been older and had children by another woman who had died, years before. His mum didn't have any options so she had decided she would make the most of it. The man hadn't been kind to her, and his children even less so and shortly after Brennan's fourth birthday, he died, his children took everything and he and his mum had been turned out. They had lived from day to day since his mum had no skills, but cleaning and those positions were almost impossible to find. When he was six she had died and he had been put into the system, finally running away at sixteen.

During his story, he had been staring off as if watching a movie of his life but after that last comment, he looked back at Killian. "I swore to myself that I would provide for any family I may be lucky enough to have, and never treat them like I had been treated. And while I didn't die, nor did you and Liam end up in the system, my misguided desires caused you to be lost boys anyway. It just took me a while to come to terms with the realization that treasures aren't always what you think they are. I loved your mother but it wasn't meant to be," and Killian could see his father's eyes glass over, "Our fates were forever destined to be apart."

Killian wanted to be angry at his father, mother, and even the fates, but found that he had changed his way of thinking since Emma had come into his life. Maybe bringing her into his life was the fates' way of allowing him to change the destiny of one of the Jones' men. And because of Liam, he knew why his father hadn't made it to England before his mom had passed. "Thanks for telling me all this. I'd like to process it all and talk about something less heavy, if that's alright."

Brennan smiled at his son, thinking what an amazing job Anna had done with him, "I think I'd like that. So tell me, any special woman in your life?"

Killian quipped "With me charming self, you have to ask?" But then relented after his father gave him a side eye look. "There is someone but it's kind of long distance." And before any more questions about Emma were asked, he started cleaning up, "I need to be off, as I have a few things to take care of at the office."

Once up, Killian walked back toward the doors, and happened to glance down at the papers sitting on the other table, "What's this?" He picked up pages that looked like they belonged in a book.

Brennan looked at his son, "Oh didn't I tell you? I'm working on my memoirs. You want to be in it?"

Killian lifted an eyebrow, "Memoirs? No I didn't know." And without giving or waiting for any more comments, he was in the house and out the door with only a quick, "It's been nice. Let's do it again," hanging in the air between the them.

Over the next week, Killian thought about what he had learned about his father, not only about his father's beginnings but about his father writing his memoirs. Was it possible that his father was writing his memoir and planning on leaving his business behind and settling down again with his mother? His thoughts were all tangled up in the hurt and anger he had felt for so many years that he really needed to talk to Liam, but he didn't want to be the one to share secrets that his father might not be ready to share. His hope was that now that he had spoken to his father, as well as his father having shared with him, that the bridge to mend their family was being constructed.

Thank you for reading. Did you enjoy their 'date'? Let me know your thoughts.