The Beach House

by Flslp87

When fate is involved, can Emma and Killian change their destiny so their love transcends time and space to give them their happy ending?

13. Chapter 13

Welcome back. This chapter answers a lot of questions you may be having.

Emma (2015)

Taking her new resolution to heart, to focus on things she could control, Emma put her emotions over Killian in a box and vowed to keep it closed. She also dove into preparations for M&M's bachelorette party as well as helping her with the last-minute preparations for her wedding, which was happening on Valentine's Day. " Flowers, cake, dresses, candles, guests, clergyman, I think that's everything M&M. Now get over here to your bachelorette party. It's bad form for the guest of honor to be the last to arrive." Hanging up the phone she turned to the rest of the group, "She said she'd be over in a few minutes."

"Good, I'm starving," quipped Regina.

"You're always hungry these days, Regina," commented Ariel.

"What do you expect, Ariel, I'm eating for three these days."

Ruby and Belle, hummed in agreement, "She's got you there, Ariel

Before Ariel could say anything else, there was a knock on the door and Rumple ran to answer it by jumping up on the handle so that the door popped open. Thankfully, it was the guest of honor and Emma ran and pulled her into the noisy room. "It's about time you got here."

Ruby took M&M's hand and led her to the sofa, where Ariel stood with a glass of whiskey. "Here, thought you might need this."

Taking the glass, M&M downed it in one shot, "Thanks, I'm a bit scattered aren't I?"

The women all laughed and several murmurs of that's putting it lightly could be heard. Emma had called a friend who catered small parties and there was a smorgasbord of treats waiting for them to try. Everyone filled their plates and sitting around caught up on the happenings in each person's life. M&M smiled over her plate at Regina, who had eaten only a small amount but was sitting back massaging her stomach, just under her ribs, "Are you feeling ok, Regina."

Regina grimaced and then laughed softly, "I'd be feeling fine if the babies didn't take up so much space! I find that I can't eat very much at one time and right now baby A, has its little feet tucked under my ribs and it hurts!"

Everyone groaned in sympathy and smiling Ariel announced, "So I guess this is a good time to tell you all that I'm pregnant too! But don't worry, it's only one!"

There were congratulations all around and Ariel and Regina got involved in a conversation about morning sickness, that apparently can happen at any time or all the time and having to go to the bathroom at all hours and fatigue. The others made the appropriate overtures but all knew that since they had never been pregnant they truly would not be able to understand.

When everyone was finished eating, Ruby gave M&M a couple of packages, "Here, a little something for the bride to be. The flat box is from all of us and the bag," she paused dramatically, "is from yours truly," then she giggled.

Emma looked at her sister, "Oh, dear sis. Sounds like that might be something David will enjoy." Ruby was nodding affirmatively the entire time.

M&M picked up the gift from Ruby, I think I'll open this one first." Peeling aside tissue paper, she peered inside the bag, "Ok, I know what to do with these," and she pulled out a pair of pink fuzzy hand cuffs. "Just David's color too." Sorting through the rest of the bag, she pulled out several bottles of massage oils. Turning them over, she read the labels, "Edible?" And she looked over at Ruby, who nodded and winked. Also included were matching G-strings, that got a "These look uncomfortable" comment and something that vibrates, which she refused to take out of the bag. Standing up she hugged Ruby, "Thank you Rubs. David will appreciate these."

"Who do you think suggested I buy them?" she said with a sly smile.

M&M's mouth dropped open, "Really?"

Ruby smirked, "No, but I'm sure he would have if he'd thought of it. You'll thank me when you get back from your honeymoon. And by the way, the strawberry is best and the chocolate, while tasty, makes a mess!"

The entire time she was talking M&M sat there in shock, "Well, that's good to know," she finally answered. She looked around the room at Ariel, Belle, and Regina, who all sat with twinkling eyes and lips twitching from fighting to keep from breaking into smiles. "Oh, you guys."

Realizing that her sister was a little embarrassed, Emma picked up the long gift and handed it to her. "See what this one is. It's from all of us but Belle picked it out."

"Now what do we have here?" she whispered before unwrapping the beautiful box. Pulling back the tissue paper, there were lots of oohs and ahs when she held up a white satin lingerie set. The gown was fitted at the bodice with double spaghetti straps and a high waist that ended in a long flowing skirt. The accompanying robe had long gossamer sleeves, that closed with a single rosette at the waist. "This is gorgeous. Thank you so much," she gushed.

Everyone was quick to feel of the soft fabric and comment on Belle's excellent taste. The rest of the evening progressed uneventfully with a delicious chocolate layer cake, champagne and a slide show presentation that Regina had put together. It was beautifully done with pictures she had gathered from David's early days on the police force, combined with pictures Emma had shared of M&M. The pictures progressed until finally, the one Emma had been waiting for of David in his tights.

"Wow, look sis. Now you have a gown worthy of Snow White to go with David's Prince Charming outfit," which of course was met with laughter.

The ending was beautiful as it showed their engagement pictures and all set to the song, Can't Help Falling in Love with You. At last, it was time to say goodnight, with promises of being there early for the wedding to provide moral support to the nervous bride to be.

Killian (2013)

It had been almost six weeks since the fateful day that Emma had walked out of his life and Killian still felt her absence. He was currently sitting at his desk in the NeverLand Adventures offices organizing the many papers he had haphazardly tossed there over the past few weeks while he felt like his life was slowly falling apart. It had become a habit to toss them there because he was out of sorts and didn't feel like muddling through any mundane tasks, all over a beautiful blonde princess who lived in some other realm and could never be his.

He was not looking forward to having Tink come bounding in here all happy over her new romance with one of his best mates. He found it ironic that over the past year that out of his group of friends, he had felt settled into something special while he was pursuing the lady Swan and now he was the odd man out. Liam was happy with Elsa, Wendy and Eddie had become a couple and Tink and John had been making eyes at each other since their initial meeting back in January. Looking down at the pile after pile of papers on his desk, he felt the ire at the situation rise up inside him, and finally swept his hand across his desk knocking the papers all over the room. His timing couldn't have been worse as it happened just as the door opened and in walked Tink.

Standing there with her mouth agape, Tink looked at him and then down at the floor where the forms were settling.

"Finally!" Sitting down on an extra chair, she crossed her arms over her chest. "Talk, now!"

Killian just looked at her, "There's bloody nothing to talk about."

"Oh come on, Killian, stop being a horse's arse. You've listened to me talk about my relationships, or lack thereof, over the last 18 months, it's only fitting that I listen to you. You've been an arse to work with and we're all tired of it."

Killian reached up and scratched behind his ear, "Sorry luv, it's nothing," and he winked, thinking a little charm might save him a lecture.

Tink blew air through her lips and stared at him. "Please, you've lost weight. You're looking pale and gaunt. Your hair is too long and your facial hair has gone past scruff straight to beard. And let's not talk about the fact that you're drinking way too much rum."

Killian tried to pull off a cocky smile as he said, "Gaunt? I'll have you know I am still devilishly handsome."

Groaning in frustration, Tink threw her hands up in the air. "I give up, but you need to talk to someone and if it's not me, talk to Liam."

She picked up a pile of the forms off the floor and tossed them on the desk. "Just remember all the decisions for the new excursions need to be made soon, spring break is coming and well…,". And leaving that hanging between them, she walked out of the office and shut the door a bit harder than necessary.

Sitting there for a minute, Killian looked around and then leaned over to pull open the bottom drawer and grab his emergency flask. As he started to take a drink he thought about what Tink had said. He also thought about his mum and father and slowly put the lid back on, tossed it in the drawer and slammed it. "Bugger that!" He needed speed! Pushing back his chair so hard that it bounced off the wall, he stormed through the door and on the way out took the keys that Tink had held up. Looking down at them, he shook his head. "Not the Schwan, Tink, the Eala." He was out the door before she could ask any questions.

The Eala, a 28-foot powerboat, was NeverLand's newest acquisition, which was to be used for another new excursion that was planned for during the spring break season, that of parasailing. The art of being attached to a parachute with a harness and pulled by a boat so that you are flying above the water. Once the ride is completed, the person lands safely in the warm ocean.

The Eala was a fast little boat that could top out at 80 to 90 knots, and while Killian might not risk that speed on a normal basis, speed was what he required now. He was hoping the speed would blow his frustrations away, at least for a little while. Hopping on board, he untied the lines and started the engine. Once he was out of the Bay, he pushed the throttle wide open and flew over the waves as if the very hounds of hell themselves were on his heels.

Emma (2015)

The morning of the wedding arrived and Emma was happy to see the sun shining through her windows. She hadn't wanted anything to mar the day that her sister was marrying her true love. Rousing herself from the warmth of her bed, she jumped in the shower and took Rumple outside for a brief morning walk. Her hair in curlers, she picked up the garment bag containing her dress and shoes and leaving the apartment walked next door. Mary Margaret was running around the apartment as if she were the energizer bunny without her head but with a little redirection, Emma had her and all of her necessary garments packed up and they were on their way to the church with a few minutes to spare.

The church was a small one room chapel up on Fort Lauderdale Beach that was built of gray stones, with a center steeple and stained glass windows, that allowed the sun to shine through creating a romantic atmosphere of many colors. Pews made of mahogany lined both sides of a center aisle leading up to a set of stairs that directed one to a podium. M&M and Emma stood just inside the rear doors and looked around at the beautiful decorations. Fan shaped candelabras lined the front of the church where they ended in heart shaped ones at an arch in the center where M&M and David would be married.

Pedestals of red flowers sat in bunches on each end of the candelabras tied with large white bows. The flowers were woven around the archway and the bows were tied to every other pew. "Emma, look. It's beautiful."

Emma took her sister's hand and squeezing lightly agreed, "It is. Ready to get married?"

"Let's do it." They walked together down the center aisle to the bridal dressing room where a woman was waiting to do their makeup and hair.

Sending M&M to put on her dress, Emma quickly slipped on hers and admired the simple lines of the long red chiffon dress, with the scooped neckline and zippered back. Taking her curlers out, she combed her fingers through her hair until loose waves fell down her back. Once she was satisfied, she put one side back in a clip with small flowers that matched her dress perfectly. As she was clipping on her earrings with the matching bracelet and a gold necklace, M&M stepped out from behind the dressing area.

As she stepped out the door opened and Ruby and Ariel walked in, "Oh M&M, you look beautiful," Ruby remarked. "Do you have everything?"

M&M went through her list, "Something new, my dress. Something old, these pearls, something borrowed, this bracelet from Emma. What am I forgetting?"

Ruby and Ariel proclaimed, "Something blue," and held up a blue garter before giving it to her to slide onto her leg. "Now you're ready."

Mary Margaret and Emma stood in front of a long mirror and looked at their reflections while memories of their parents played out in their minds. Smiling at each other, they communicated without speaking and then heard the music start. Picking up their bouquets they moved toward the aisle to begin the walk toward where David waited for his bride.

After the wedding, there was a reception at a hall not far away. Everyone sat down to a nice meal and the champagne flowed freely. Emma met people from M&M's work, David's days on the police force as well as all the people they worked with at the hospital. There was even a friend of David's from his childhood, who was a scuba instructor nearby. Mary Margaret got her dream wedding and even though Emma was happy for her sister and proud of herself for not dwelling on things that weren't possible, she couldn't help but think about 'what if' things had been different. Once David and her sister left on their honeymoon, Emma stayed a while longer before going home to her empty apartment and Rumple.

Killian (2013)

Over the course of the next few months, Killian tried to make sense out of what he felt. He went to work, went home, spent time with the dog and sometimes with his friends but he never felt that he was whole. Even when the new excursions were added to his business and it grew exponentially, he still found himself looking for answers to questions that he knew could never be answered. As one month ended and another had begun, he continued to pour out his feelings of love and frustration in letters and leaving them in the post box, always hoping that Emma would change her mind and one day the flag would be down and his world would be right again. That didn't happen and as time went on his post box became full of unanswered letters. Finally, in June, he remembered that Emma would be looking for a rental property soon, and he made up his mind about what he needed to do. He took the letters that had gone unopened out of the post box and along with all the ones that she had written him before, he packed them in a cardboard box, sealed it and placed it in the back of the small attic. Since his father had left him his house, Killian had his furniture packed and sent to storage. Remembering what Emma had told him about how she ended up in the beach house, he took the keys to the Key Largo Rental Agency and gave them to Marion, obtaining her promise that she would rent the house to no one but Emma Swan. After that was over he drove back to the beach for a last walk through and waited down on the beach for Liam.

Liam found Killian exactly where he expected to, standing on the sand, Rumple at his side, looking out over the water. "What are you thinking about brother?"

Killian turned toward Liam, the wind blowing his longer hair, across his forehead, "Too many thoughts to put them into words." Then he looked closely at Liam, "What happened?"

Liam squinted his eyes, "What do you mean, what happened?" Not saying a thing, Killian just lifted a brow until Liam opened his mouth again, "Elsa and I won't be seeing each other for a while, that's all."

"That's all? What did you do?"

"What did I do? Why do you assume it was me?" groused Liam, "And it's not permanent, it's just for a year. She's going to Europe to take a specialization course or something like that. Once she said she was leaving in a few weeks, I," he hesitated and rubbed the back of his neck, "checked out, I guess you could say."

Taking a deep breath, Killian remarked, "Sorry to hear that. I know you care about her, but at least you can stay in touch, which is more than I have."

"Come on Killian, I bared my soul, it's your turn. What's been going on with you? You've been a bigger arse than usual."

"So Tink told me in no uncertain terms a while back, but if I tell you, you might feel the need to send me away."

He stopped and looked back out over the water, and after sighing with all the weight of his unhappiness weighing on his shoulders, answered, "Maybe if I show you instead. Come with me." He led Liam up the beach to the path and into the house.

Walking inside a basically empty home, Liam looked around at the boxes that they would be loading and then looked back at his brother questioningly.

Killian went straight to one of the boxes left open and pulled out a hardback book. "Read this, then I'll try to explain." And handing him the book, he walked back to the windows that looked out over the water.

Taking the book, Liam looked at the title, My Life's Works by Brennan Jones. "This is the book you were telling me about? But how did you get it?" And then he looked inside and saw, published June 2014, "Killian? You need to explain."

Killian turned back to look at Liam." I'm not sure I can explain, but I'll try."

He told Liam about Emma and how when he received her first letter, it had mentioned the paw prints that weren't there until Rumple appeared and walked through the paint. He explained about meeting her at her birthday party and how he fell in love with her. He also explained that they had made plans to have dinner together at a specific point in her time. But for some reason he hadn't shown up and now she had given up and asked him not to contact her again.

Taking a deep breath, he then went on to explain how she had given him the book after their father had died, as somehow she had known how he had felt. How he had felt that he never lived up to his father's expectations, but knew that the book would give him some peace.

"But now Liam, she's gone and I have to respect her wishes and try to move on." Then quickly changing the subject he suggested they finish loading the truck so he could leave the beach house behind.

Liam took a few minutes to absorb what Killian had said, but seeing how difficult the situation was for his brother to talk about, he followed his wishes, and putting the book back into the box, carried it and several others to the truck.

"I'm sorry it didn't work out Killian, but fate is a funny thing so you never know."

"We're a pair aren't we Liam?" he said as he walked by with another load. "Now quit your meddling and get your arse in gear and help me get the boxes loaded.

Working together they were able to load up both trucks. Killian sent Liam on ahead, telling him, he wanted to make sure they had gotten everything. While that was partially true, it wasn't the entire truth. He did walk through the house, that he loved so much, but he also took one last look inside the postbox and touched the initials he had lovingly carved in the trunk of the magnolia tree.

"Can one's fate be changed, Swan? I didn't think so until you. I thought you had changed mine, or maybe I just wished it were so."

As he drove away from the house for the last time, Rumple stared out the window, appearing to be deep in thought.

Emma (2015)

Days passed in a blur as Emma tried to stay as busy as possible. She found working herself to exhaustion, going home and taking Rumple out and pushing him to run farther each day were the only way she made it through without holding a 'pity party' as M&M called them. She hadn't touched the box with the letters from Killian, but she knew they were there. A few times she had even gone as far as standing in the door of her closet, before finding the strength to push the temptation aside. Eventually, as one month turned into the next, she developed a routine where life was bearable.

Regina had finally delivered her twins, via emergency C-section, a few weeks ago and today was the day that she and M&M were going to meet the new babies. Hearing a knock at the door, Emma went to let her sister in before Rumple could beat her. "It's about time," she scolded her sister. I thought you were supposed to be here an hour ago. What have you been doing?"

M&M didn't say anything, but looked a bit embarrassed, "Well."

"Ah, I see. So the question is not what, but who?" She giggled, "Let's go."

Rumple made to follow them out the door and when he was told no, tucked his tail and went to lay down.

M&M laughed at him, "Boy, he's an expert with the guilt, isn't he?"

They chatted on the way to Regina and Robin's and Mary Margaret broke the news that she and David were going to start looking for a house. Emma wasn't surprised as David had moved next door with M&M, and it was a tight fit.

Arriving at the Mills-Hood residence, they discovered they would have some time alone to visit with the new additions for which they were thankful. A baby for each was the way they looked at it. Robin opened the door looking tired and ushered them inside to where Regina was sitting, propped in a recliner, two bassinets close by. As Regina looked up to welcome them, Roland came barreling around the corner, "Dr. Emma! Dr. Emma! Come see my new babies." He took her by the hand and pulled her further into the room.

M&M handed Regina the gifts they had brought as Emma followed Roland. The first bassinet they came to had pink ruffles everywhere, "See Dr. Emma, this is my baby, Rosie." Emma looked down at the sleeping baby and saw pink chubby cheeks just begging to be pinched and a full head of dark hair. Her little bow mouth was moving in her sleep as if she were having a dream.

Once she had made the appropriate amount of comments about baby Rosie, he pulled her over to the other bassinet, which appropriately enough was covered in blue lace. Roland pointed inside. "And this is Robby. He's a boy, like me" and he pointed his little finger at his chest.

Emma looked in the bed at little Robby, "Thank you for introducing me, Roland. They are very cute. Do you like your new brother and sister?"

Roland stood there for a few minutes, tapping his finger on his chin as if he was trying to come up with just the perfect answer, "Well, most of the time, they sleep so that is ok but then sometimes they can get very noisy."

The adults made the appropriate comments and Emma gave him a gift bag with some small Lego kits that they had brought. He shouted thank you and took off with his loot, ostensibly to put them together. Emma looked over at M&M, who was already picking up baby Rosie and glad she didn't have to wait any longer, picked up Robby. The ladies spent an enjoyable hour loving on the sweet smelling infants and hearing about the every two to three-hour feeding schedule, before they passed a baby to each parent, and said their goodbyes with promises of future visits.

Driving back to the apartment complex, Emma kept up a steady stream of conversation because she didn't want to give her sister a chance to ask any questions that she wasn't prepared to answer. Several times M&M gave her a questioning look because she knew exactly what was happening, but the conversation stayed away from anything too serious. Once back home, they took advantage of the warm temperatures and no work and put on their bikinis for a little sun time. Music, the smell of coconut and cold lemonade, helped the day drift along.

Killian (2014)

Summer sped into fall, then winter and before he realized it, 2014 was upon them. He had been living in his father's, now his, home for over six months and it had been a year since he had heard anything from Emma. It was late January and he was waiting for Liam to get his arse over as they were going to go through the letters, his parents had written each other. Emotionally he knew it might be a difficult day but he wasn't sure he would ever truly be ready as every time he had tried in the past, the feelings of pure sadness had been too much to bear.

Liam arrived looking happy and rested from his vacation abroad to visit the lovely Elsa and after a few brotherly bantering moments they settled in to read the letters. Once they actually had them separated by date, it appeared that his father had written the first letter to Anna, not long after she had left him to go back to England and she had answered. Killian looked up from the letter that he was reading, "Can you believe all this?"

Liam looked up to answer, "I know. They wasted so much time. If Elsa decided that she wanted to stay in Europe and practice I'd move heaven and earth to be with her."

Killian smirked, "Like that is it?"

Liam looked at his brother, "Yes it is. When she comes back to the States in July, I'm going to beg her to marry me"

"That's blooding amazing Liam. I just wish it was that easy."

"Killian, I've always believed that a man unwilling to fight for what he wants, deserves what he gets. Think about that, will you?"

Killian nodded his head in agreement before he pulled one of the letters from the pile, "Here's the letter dad wrote to mum that you were telling me about."

My dearest Anna,

I love you, I always have. Being separated from you and Killian has been one of my life's greatest regrets. I've always felt that there would be time to do all that I wanted but, while it has taken me a while, I am finally realizing that life doesn't work like that. Sometimes you just have to take the moments and hope all else falls into place.

You always said you were my Penelope and would wait for me to finish what I needed to finish but Anna, I'm tired of there being an ocean between us. It's taken me too long to realize that home is not what you own but what owns you. And Anna, you own me. You own my heart, my body, and my soul. You, Anna, are my home. I'll be there soon. Wait for me Anna.

All my love,

Brennan

After Liam finished reading the letter, Killian sat quietly thinking about his father's words of love for his mother. "I never would have thought he was capable of that much feeling, without reading it with my own eyes," he said quietly.

Killian then picked up a letter that had been sitting in front of him, "Listen to this, Liam. It's mum's letter to him, in response, I believe, but it was never mailed. Based on the date, I think it must have been right when she discovered she was ill."

Dear Brennan,

Your letter filled my heart with such joy. I have waited years for you to feel that I am enough, that our boys are enough, it's truly an amazing feeling. We have wasted so much time that we can never get back, but we are still young and I look forward to spending the rest of my days with you by my side.

I've been feeling tired lately but your letter rejuvenated my soul. There is so much I want to share, about me, about Killian and Liam. Now we can finally be the family we were meant to be. I will be here Brennan. Your Penelope will be here.

Yours Anna

After they completed reading all of the letters, Killian wasn't sure what to do with them, but hoping Liam might have an idea, he asked, "Any ideas for what to do with these letters?"

"I don't know. Pack them back up for now I guess. Maybe someday we'll have another idea."

They kept the letters in chronological order, just in case they wanted to read them again and put them in a few boxes. Leaving them sitting on the dining room table, Killian thought back on the letters he had exchanged with his Swan, but before his thoughts became too melancholy, he pushed them away and went with Liam to have a bite to eat. They walked into a sports bar that was very loud as the local basketball team, the Miami Heat were playing the New York Knicks. Killian and Liam sat in the back, away from the crowd, and enjoyed their meal.

Emma (2016)

Emma's days looked the same. Work, home, and spending time with friends. Same old routine, every day, day in and day out. She wasn't miserable really, but she wasn't truly happy either. She described herself as existing, or alright, or even ok, which of course wasn't an appropriate way to be, at least according to the friends she surrounded herself with on a daily basis. Especially newly engaged Ruby, who thought everyone should be as happy as she was. She had even taken it upon herself to set her up on a blind date with one of Victor's friends. She had spent the evening wishing she were at home in her sweats hanging with her dog. In fact, thinking back on the experience, she couldn't remember his first name. All she really remembered about him was that his last name was Walsh, and he reminded her of a monkey for some reason, maybe the shaggy brown hair, she wasn't sure.

Reflecting back over the past year, she realized it had been a busy one for her friends. Her sister and David had gotten married, moved into a house they were remodeling and in another six months or so she was going to be an aunt. Regina and Robin had Roland, Rosie, and Robby and surprisingly Regina had even cut back on her time at the hospital, even though she had, Colette, her full-time nanny. Eric and Ariel had their baby girl to keep them busy and Ashley was happy with Thomas.

And she couldn't forget Belle, who had just recently taken over M&M's lease now that they were no longer living there, and whom she hoped to get to walk Rumple for her on the days she worked late. Belle, who had lost her father a while back, was dating August Booth. And while she hadn't seen them together yet, Ruby said he was treating their friend well and they looked "just adorable" together and Emma had to agree, he had always seemed to be a really nice guy and was quite pleasing to the eyes. Asking Belle for such a favor is why she found herself knocking on Belle's door late one evening in early February, Rumple sitting nicely at her side.

Belle opened the door, phone in hand and a huge smile on her face. She motioned Emma and Rumple inside and from the conversation, Emma gathered that Belle was thanking August, for a huge bouquet of flowers that had been delivered to the library that day. Hanging up, she greeted Emma but then before they could continue with any civilized conversation, she had to bend over to properly greet Rumple. He had been standing next to her, tail wagging madly, and what looked like a huge smile on his face, waiting for a little rub. As Belle was making him so happy, he had fallen on the ground and was letting her scratch his belly. Shaking her head, Emma thought, oh, the life of a dog, a little scratch and rub and life was good.

"Emma, so nice to see you and your dashing friend here. Excuse the mess."

"Thank you so much for doing this for me, Belle. Some days get really long at the hospital and knowing he doesn't have to hold it if you know what I mean, is a big relief"

"No problem. He's a sweetheart so I don't mind picking up his messes." She scratched his ears which he loved so much, the look on his face almost euphoric.

Emma told Belle about Rumple's little idiosyncrasies when out with him and then they walked back home and she showed Belle where his leash, food, treats and pooper scooper and bags were kept. With another pat goodbye, Belle left them and Emma sat down to her solitary meal, once again.

Killian (2014)

Over the next few days, every time Killian walked by the open box of letters, he would bring one or more out and read over the words. The love between his parents jumped off of the page and made him rethink fate and destiny and whether or not it could be changed. He also spent time thinking about everything that Liam had said to him, especially the comment 'a man unwilling to fight for what he wants, deserves what he gets' and then he thought about what his mother had said in her letter to him.

"…. Fate chose a different path for us and now it is time for you to follow yours. Killian, find your path. Make it one of love and light and happiness. Find that special woman to love and when you find her, hold on to her with all you have. Love is precious and you, my son, have such an immense capacity for it. My wish is that when you find her, you will know."

Killian knew what he wanted but he just didn't know how to get it. Feeling like he needed to talk to Liam, he picked up his cell and hit Liam's name. As he waited for his brother to answer, he thought maybe they could get together for dinner, and see if his older brother had any words of wisdom for him. Disappointed that he didn't answer, he left a message, and then sent a quick text as well and then took his cup of coffee to the patio to think.

Emma (2016)

Emma was sitting with Mary Margaret in the architectural firm of Innovative Designs waiting for their early appointment. Looking over at her sister she smiled, "You nervous?"

M&M glanced at her out of the corner of her eyes, "Not nervous, really. Just anxious, I guess. I really hope this architect has the same vision for the house that I do."

"Well, it is your house and if he doesn't then you can always go elsewhere. Tell me again, how you selected this architect?"

"He's a friend of David's from when they were kids. They ran into each other a few weeks back and here we are," M&M responded. "You forget dear sister that we don't have all the time in the world. In six months or so there will be someone taking up my time" and she stopped to rub her hand back and forth over her still flat stomach, "And I don't want to be dealing with a new baby and remodeling a house at the same time. Is it too much to ask that everything be done before the baby comes?"

"No of course not sis. You'll get there. Have some faith." She reached over and gave her sister's hand a squeeze.

Squeezing Emma's hand back, she said, "Thanks, Em, I'm so glad you took the job at Bayside a couple years ago."

"Me too," said Emma, and just for a minute, she had the strangest feeling. Like today was important, more so than just being Valentine's Day. "So what are you and David doing this Valentine's Day? It seems that there's always something momentous happening. In 2014 he proposed. In 2015, you got married in a romantic candlelight ceremony. What will 2016's momentous occasion be?"

M&M just looked at her, a sweet smile on her face, "He's taking me on a sunset cruise. Didn't Graham take you on one of those a few years ago?"

Emma shook her head, "Yes, he had me meet him on a boat for dinner a while back. I'm sure it will be very romantic."

Mary Margaret turned to Emma, "So are you doing anything special tonight?"

Emma smirked, "Let's see. I bought Rumple a bone that is shaped like a heart. I thought we'd take a nice walk by the water and settle down to a good movie after that."

Mary Margaret rolled her eyes, "Are you ever going to move on?

Emma looked at her sister and thought carefully about what she wanted to say. "When I'm ready,…. maybe. I just keep thinking it's not the right time."

Then she paused for a minute, "I don't know why I feel that way, but something holds me back every time I think of moving on."

Mary Margaret noticed a faraway look in Emma's eyes. "What is it? Is Killian still in your heart?"

Emma lifted her lips in a semblance of a smile "I think a part of my heart will always belong to Killian, but that wasn't meant to be and." but before she could say any more the receptionist came and told them Liam was ready for them.

Walking next to Mary Margaret, they entered a conference room, where they were met by a man, who was not altogether unattractive. "Mary," he said pulling her in for a hug, "It's so nice to see you again. Where's David?"

Mary Margaret returned his hug, "Thanks for making time for me today. David had a meeting so I brought my sister, Emma. Emma this is Liam. Liam, my sister Emma."

Shaking his hand, Emma murmured, "It's nice to meet you." Then as she let his hand go felt something like a shiver pass across her skin. Wondering where that came from, she gave herself a gentle shake and quickly moved aside to one of the chairs around the table.

Liam quickly took control of the meeting, pulling out chairs for the women and then moving around the table to take a seat across from them. He unfurled the plans that he had drawn up for the changes that M&M wanted and started pointing them out to her. It was obvious to Emma that he was giving M&M everything she wanted as the smile on her face got wider and wider with each uncovered secret. Emma found herself lost in her thoughts, barely paying attention until she heard M&M say, "Emma, can you think of anything that I forgot to ask?"

Pulling herself out of the fog she was in, she shook her head, "No, I think you covered everything you told me you wanted to cover," not really knowing if that were true since she hadn't been listening and from the glint in Liam's eye she thought he knew she hadn't been listening as when she looked up at him as she finished her sentence, he winked. Emma felt herself blush and looked down to gather her belongings. Standing, she got her first look around the room and what she saw caused her heart rate to race inside her chest. As if in a trance she moved closer to it until she was able to reach up and touch the frame, "It can't be," she said softly. But there was no denying it, in front of her was a hand drawn picture of the house that she would forever consider 'their' house.

"This picture," she whispered as she turned to Liam, "Who drew it?"

Killian (2014)

Watching Rumple run through the grass while he was sitting on the patio enjoying coffee, Killian let himself think back over the letter exchanges he had with Emma and how real that relationship had seemed to him. As he took a sip, his phone vibrated and he looked down to see that Liam had responded. Hoping he now had a dinner companion, he was disappointed to read; Wanker, it's Valentine's Day and I plan to be spending the evening with my lady, even though she's in another country. Sorry. Muttering to himself about what a sorry lot his life had become for him to be sitting at home alone on a day meant for lovers, he stopped a minute, "Today is Valentine's Day 2014. Something happened today, in Emma's time, that brought her to me. Can I, instead, go to her? Can I choose my destiny?" Knowing that he had to try he picked up the keys and ran out to the SUV before Rumple knew what was happening.

Emma (2016)

Liam moved to stand behind her, "My brother, Killian drew this picture."

Hearing Killian's name from his brother's lips caused her breath to catch in her throat. Talk about fate, Emma thought as she reached out to run her finger along the outline of the mailbox as if she were trying to hold onto something before it slipped away. Turning toward him, "Do you know how I can get in touch with him?" she asked before her eyes were drawn back to the picture."

She heard him sigh softly, "Oh, you don't know?"

There was such sadness in his voice, that her eyes were pulled back to his face, and fear caused her stomach to clench, but she asked anyway, "Don't know what?"

His face showed great sorrow at the news he had to share, and opening his mouth he said, "I'm so sorry to have to tell you," and then he stopped, and looked away a moment clenching his jaw, before bringing his gaze back to her and continuing, "Killian died."

Emma felt her knees go weak and found herself taking hold of Liam's arm to remain upright.

"Killian," and then she hesitated for a brief moment, "is dead?" while inside she was shattering to pieces, "When?"

Liam placed his hand on top of hers, "An accident on Biscayne Blvd, two years ago today actually. He was crossing the street when he was hit by a bus. He never regained consciousness."

Emma's mind raced as she connected the dots of why she had felt such loss for the John Doe and how fate had chosen to link her with Killian. "It was him," she whispered.

"I'm sorry, did you know Killian?"

Looking up at Liam, she repeated, "It was him," and then turning to Mary Margaret, she took her hand and squeezed it as she said, "I'll call you later," while running out of the office. Taking the stairs down as quickly as possible, she jumped in the bug, pointing it toward the beach house, hoping and praying that she would not be too late to change fate.

Killian (2014)

Traffic was light making the drive fairly easy, allowing his memories to play over and over again. From the very first letter and then of getting to know her, of hearing about her day and seeing the city with her even though they weren't truly together. Everything with Emma Swan had been more real than any time he had spent with other women, ever. Emma was the woman he wanted and he couldn't believe that there wasn't a way for them to be together. When he had 'met' her in 2012, at her party, he had been scared to make his move. Scared that by telling her what was happening, she would think he was nuts and walk away. She kissed him and the connection had been real, but then, she slipped through his fingers anyway. This time, he was going to take what fate had given him, and change his destiny. He was going to make his move. This time Emma Swan would be his.

Emma (2016)

The traffic was sparse which was unusual for this time of day but she didn't complain and said a silent thanks to whoever was watching over her. She was sailing right along until just as the road ended at US 1 and traffic stopped. The cars were bumper to bumper for as far as she could see, and she couldn't see any reason, nor could she hear any sirens signaling a wreck. She was tempted to drive on the shoulder but was afraid the bug wouldn't make it or she would get stuck behind whatever was causing the delay. After a few minutes, she found herself repeating, "come on, come on," over and over again. She was worried that she would be too late, that she had missed him. Finally, after repeating the same few words what seemed like hundreds of times, the traffic started to move, slowly at first and then picking up speed and after passing a horrible traffic accident, she was driving the speed limit. Seeing the accident reminded her of the urgency of her journey and her new mantra became, "please let me get there in time, please, please," over and over until finally she saw the palm trees and whipped the bug onto the sandy driveway causing the back end to slide precariously close to the trees lining the entrance. Pulling past the box, she stopped with such desperation, she popped the clutch and the car came to a startling halt, almost causing her to hit her head on the steering wheel. Gripping her notebook and pen she wrote;

Killian,

I met Liam and he had to tell me the awful news that you had died but his news connected so many dots that I pray this letter is not too late. I know why you missed our dinner on New Year's Eve. It was you at Bayside that day two years ago. I knew I had felt a connection to that person, but I never knew why, and now I do. It was you.

Fate has given us an opportunity. Please don't come to Bayside. Wait for me. It's taken me too long to admit this but, I love you. Don't try to find me. If you still care for me, Killian, then wait for me. Wait with me. Wait for me two

years and then come to the beach house. I will be here waiting.

Emma

Once she finished the letter, she sprinted to the mailbox, put it inside, pushed up the flag and prayed.

Killian (2014)

Turning onto the drive to the beach house was bittersweet. Throwing the SUV into park, he hopped out and ran into the house. Not bothering to turn on any lights, as the sun was filtering through the windows, he walked directly to the attic, pulled down the ladder and climbed up. Taking the box with him into the kitchen he set it on the counter and opened it. He could still smell her, or at least what he imagined was her and rifling through the letters he found the one he wanted. Pulling it out he skimmed it until he found the part he wanted …

and I was having lunch with my sister at Bayside Marketplace. While we were eating a man was hit by a car and killed right in front of me. I did everything I could to save him, but he died anyway. I never understood why, but I felt a connection to him and after I learned he was gone, I kept thinking, it can't end just like that on Valentine's Day. I thought about all of the people at home who love him and who will never see him again. And then I thought, what if there is no one.

"Bayside Marketplace," he repeated to himself. "She's at Bayside Marketplace right now having lunch with her sister. I am going to find her and make her listen." Killian ran toward his truck and took off for Miami. She hadn't said what time she had witnessed the person being hit by the bus but he knew it was lunch time which meant that he had an opportunity of catching her. He hoped the traffic gods were smiling on him.

Killian parked his truck and hurried along the sidewalk on busy Biscayne Blvd. Across the street, he could see people sitting on benches, but he couldn't find Emma. The street was busy, cars, trucks, and buses speeding along in both directions and pedestrians everywhere. Feeling relief, he spotted two women sitting on a bench, one of them blonde, and he knew it was her. He could feel something about her reaching out to him. His sense of urgency increasing to get to her with every step he took, caused him to walk quicker, moving around slower walkers, trying not to knock them down in his haste. Realizing it was going to take too long to get all the way to the corner, he opted to cross to the median, directly across from her. Waiting for the traffic to thin, he prepared to step off the curb when he was jostled from behind, and heard, "sorry sir but you dropped this" and was handed the letter he had crammed in his back pocket. His destiny was his to change and the time was now.

Heart racing yet?