The Promise

by Flslp87

Killian and Emma, two people longing for love. Come along on their journey of True Love, filled with romance, passion, and challenges as they fight for their Happy Beginning in The Promise.

25. Chapter 25

In our last chapter, Emma and Killian exchanged a TLK and all of Emma's memories returned. This chapter picks up right there. Also, there are two songs that are used in this Chapter.

Close Your Eyes - by Michael Buble can be found watch?v=LoEWmc60wJY&list=RDLoEWmc60wJY

Through the Eyes of Love can be found watch?v=eLQ9qEx4wIY

Chapter 25

Fort Williams State Park
Portland, ME
Saturday Morning

As he had walked along the base of the cliff on his way to their spot, Killian couldn't believe how fast his heart was racing. Almost as if he were running a race instead of just walking in the sand, and then once he had climbed up to the top…fear returned that he had somehow…missed her. But with the wind bringing the soft music, he had pushed the rock aside and underneath the blue from the beads gleamed back at him…his fear dissolved into excitement. And excitement was a word that didn't even really explain how he was feeling…that couldn't be put into words.

He was feeling elation.

And wonder.

Bliss and pure euphoria.

He knew that Emma had arrived long before he ever saw the car, as the music he had been hearing, grew louder. The minute her car turned onto the lane, his heart had stuttered…and then took off galloping as he watched her step from the car. When she staggered, he knew that their hearts were still…after almost three months apart…in sync. That they both were being serenaded by the wind…and holding her in his arms was the only thing on his mind. He had wanted to run to her, and while he mind was screaming run…RUN…his feet wouldn't move. They were stuck in place…leaving him with no option but to watch...and all the while the beads in his hands almost vibrated with a longing for its owner...or was that him?

It had been as if his feet were pinned in place and then...she looked up, and his heart stopped. She was so beautiful and he couldn't believe that she was there; that she wasn't just a figment of his imagination. And then her mouth moved and when she called him Hook, and his breath stopped with the knowledge that she didn't remember him, that he was someone she had created in his mind, and that hurt. But it was if her heart recognized him…drawing her closer and closer into his arms, bringing her home. When their lips touched he didn't care what others would say, there was magic at work. It was in the air...and between them and because of it...her memories returned.

He was powerless to describe how good she felt...how familiar she tasted, and the time apart melted away. He cupped her jaw, finding that he couldn't stop looking at her, cataloging the minor changes to her face...because of him. He wanted to say so many things to her and yet...every sentence that floated through his head seemed inadequate. All he wanted to do was look at her and love her, and with every kiss the thought of letting her go became more difficult, until...

"Emma, do you trust me?" he asked her hesitantly.

"Of course, I do." She covered his hands with hers. "Why would you even ask that?"

"I need you," he peppered her face with kisses, "need you now. Come with me?" As soon as she nodded her head, he took her hand, leading her to her car and helped her into the passenger seat. Running around to the driver's side, he hopped in, started it and they were on the road back to the cabin. He needed to assure himself that she was really...here.

The energy inside the car was intense and skittered along his flesh, bringing with it anticipation and an urgency unlike any other time they had made love. Were they going to make it? Was he?

The engine hadn't even completely stopped before he was out of the car, flinging open her door, pulling her out directly into his arms. The instant his lips touched hers, his body jerked, threatening to go off like a horny teenager, but...Emma...was back in his arms again. "Tell me if I'm too rough, Swan," he whispered when he managed to wrench his lips away briefly.

"Never," was what he thought he heard before she slammed her mouth once more against his.

He didn't get another breath in as their lips mated, at first hungry then searching, relearning after all their time apart, testing for familiarity. Killian swallowed Emma's moan, shoving her lips farther apart with his own. His arms twisted around her body, jerking her more tightly against him, a shudder working its way through his system...desire...love...relief...happiness...all bubbled to the surface at once, forcing him to take a step back.

"Best not to give the beach goers too much of a show." Over her shoulder he could see people spread over the sand, brightly colored umbrellas and chairs behind them.

"No?" Her green eyes sparkled as she stepped back into his space, wrapping her arms around his neck. "Then what do you propose we do," her hot breath glided across his lips, "make sand castles," her lithe body arched against his, "or...?"

The little minx, he thought as he kissed her lightly and backed them up enough to shut the car door, turning them toward the cabin.

"Where are we?" She turned questioning eyes his direction.

Killian pushed the door open, and without giving her any time to look around, pulled her flush against his firm body. "Our place. Now, where was I?" was mumbled against her lips.

~~~CS~~~

Emma hadn't had any time to process everything that had transpired, but she found that now...she didn't care. All that mattered was him...and them...and what his lips were doing right now. Because, blimey, the man could kiss and it was way better than any dream could have been.

He lifted his head, changing the angle and when his lips touched hers, her breathing sped up, her heartbeat raced out of control as his hand slid beneath her hair to cup the back of her neck. He held her closer as he parted her lips and began sipping from the hunger that raged through her.

The fire between them had always burned hotter than anything she could have imagined but this time, she realized she didn't just want him...no...she needed him. Her body, her heart, her mind came to life as never before, her flesh tingled in anticipation...and that place between her thighs ached for him. The pleasure of just being in his arms was so intense a moan whispered between her lips each time he touched her.

So many thoughts rushed through her brain that she wasn't sure which one to follow first, until a raging storm began to rise inside of her and instinct and hunger took over.

Sliding her hands up his chest to his shoulders, she held them with desperate hunger as Killian's head tilted, and his lips slanted over hers again with a groan.

The sensation of his hands moving down her back to cup her rear and lift her into the cradle of his thighs stole her breath. His hands guided her knees to his hips as she found herself pressed against the door, the hard wedge of his body pressing firmly between her thighs.

His kisses were hungry, deep, his tongue flicking over hers, tasting her as she tasted him, a haze of heat and need enveloping them as his lips became harder, hungrier.

She couldn't remember it ever being like this between them before, almost as if they were trying to imprint the other onto their skin...their souls. The very essence of one entwining itself so tightly with the other, it was impossible to determine where one stopped...and the other began.

Her jacket fell around her hips as she felt him tugging at the shoulders of it, working to get to skin. Terrified of losing his kiss, she lowered her arms long enough for him to jerk it from her, allowing it to fall forgotten at their feet.

His groan vibrated against her lips as her fingers slid into his hair, feeling the heavy warmth against her flesh. As though in retaliation, his hand slipped under her shirt, cupping her breast, slowly gliding his thumb over the hardened tip, sending a current of need straight to her core.

"Can't wait," he mumbled, pushing her pants down just enough to bare one leg, opening her up to his exploring fingers.

"Bloody hell, Emma." His fingers were a whisper stroke of pleasure against the damp material of her panties. Her inner muscles clenched at the sweeping sensation of static heat and aching want. Every nerve ending tingled with awareness and need.

Gripping his shoulders, Emma surrendered to him, to whatever he wanted, her body his to command...for now anyway.

While his fingers played above the silk of her panties, tormenting the flesh beneath and drawing more of the slick, wet heat from her body, his other hand, gently cupped her face, as if...she were a treasure...one meant to be savored.

"My love." His lips trailed across her cheek to gently suck her lobe between his lips.

He slipped his hand from her face, returning to cup the weight of her breast, causing her heart rate to ratchet up another notch and her body to squirm against his ministrations. His finger gripped her nipple through the thin cotton of her bra with firm, erotic pressure that brought a cry from her lips. Arching into him, her body tightened further when the hand caressing her thigh tugged at her panties, until she helped him rid her of the offending material.

Pulling her leg back to his hip, his fingers returned, stroking...caressing...gently rimming that place where she longed to be touched...by him...only by him.

"Please..." she whispered, moving against the probing caress. "Killian...feels...so…good."

She pushed against his fingers, needing more, until he hit just the right spot and she arched back, crying hoarsely as pleasure only he could give her suffused her entire body.

His fingers pulled back, nearly releasing from her intimate depths, pulling a cry of protest from her. He couldn't stop yet. Waves of pleasure were building in her, pounding at her core, making her crazy for the feeling again...and again.

His lips settled at the bend of her neck and shoulder, the rasp of his scruff pulling a moan from her mouth. He kissed the flesh gently, taking a lazy, sensual taste of her as her breath caught in her chest.

Then a harsh, desperate cry tore from her lips.

His fingers thrusting, pulling from her body every ounce of pleasure possible until she tightened, jerked and then dissolved around his fingers in a rush of fiery heat.

She was only barely cognizant of his movements. The release of his jeans, her awareness that he had freed his hardness, and then their bodies were connected. The heavy, fierce penetration was almost a shock to her senses, a pleasure bordering on agony as the sensual storm pulled at her again.

~~~CS~~~

Killian was on fire. She was hot and tight around him, squeezing him like a glove, and he wasn't convinced he would be able to hold on long enough to bring her up again, but blimey, he planned to try. When her head fell forward against his shoulder, he used his torso to anchor her to the door, allowing him to get enough leverage to slide in and out, nearly blowing the top of his head off.

Beads of sweat broke out across his forehead he body established a rhythm, her depths stroking his sensitive greedy flesh as she met each of his forward strokes with her own. Faster and faster their erotic dance moved.

Killian buried his hands in her hair, urging her head up. "Emma, open your eyes," his beseeching cry torn from inside. "Look at me." He wanted that connection with her when they fell over the edge.

His hips were moving, thrusting, spearing, and then...he felt it...that quiver of her body that pulled his over the edge. Over and over, his body jerked against hers, wringing from him everything he had, pulling his soul from his body and laying it all at her feet.

He hadn't been aware of the tears running down his face until she cupped his jaw, smoothing the wetness aside with her thumbs. Her eyes, too, were wet...their connection too intense to stay bottled inside. "I love you, Emma." It didn't seem enough, just mere words but so...so...much more.

Her whispered, "I love you too...so very much," soothed his soul, allowing his heart to heal.

As his body softened, and his senses returned, he realized his muscles ached from his position of holding her against the door. Hoping his legs would support them both, he cupped her arse and headed for the bedroom where round two would commence.

Liam's Apartment
New York, NY
Saturday Morning

A loud crash above his head brought Liam straight up in bed, causing him to wonder who the hell was in his house and what the hell they had broken. And then...he remembered, "Henry!" He tossed the blanket aside, quickly making his way down the hall and up the stairs to the main level, encountering a rather surprised Henry standing in the center of his kitchen.

Ignoring the broken shards of pottery and glass, Liam reached out to help Henry up. "Blimey, lad, that's a lot of racket. Are you hurt?" he asked as he busily checked for bumps, bruises or blood in the places that were noticeable.

When Henry didn't immediately answer, Liam worried that perhaps he had hit his head. "Henry, answer me, lad. Are you alright?" When he leaned over to check on the boy, he discovered, he wasn't crying after all...but was giggling hysterically.

Henry looked up at him, his eyes dancing in merriment. "I'm fine, Uncle Liam. But I see your willy." Then he covered his mouth, resuming his giggling.

Liam frowned down at the lad, "My what?" as he hadn't quite heard what was said over the giggles.

"You know," he waved his hand toward Liam's midsection, "your di..." he got out before he was stopped by Liam's hand over his mouth, as Henry's hand gesture had clued him in to the fact that in his haste to check on the little firecracker, he had run upstairs without...anything.

"What's all the commotion about?" Elsa exclaimed, running into the room from the direction of the study where she'd been sleeping.

Liam looked up into her shocked face, which was checking out his...goods, and immediately let go of Henry's mouth, grabbed a kitchen towel and held it in front of his hips. His face afire, he met her blue- eyed gaze expecting to see humor but was met with something much different.

Interest.

Lust.

Excitement...as her pupils were huge and her cheeks sported identical red spots.

Liam arched a brow, but the attraction between them was so strong that his body decided to join the discussion, and when one had only a kitchen towel that covered barely half of him, that bloody poor timing. He was trying to think of something to break the spell, but he shouldn't have worried as they had a ten-year-old chaperone.

Henry pointed to the mess on the floor, "Oh, hi Elsa. The noise was me. Look what I did." He stood there with his hands on his hips, ostensibly waiting for her to comment.

While Elsa made appropriate noises about the mess on the kitchen floor, Liam relaxed slightly, thankful his body's response to her had too, and sidled around, hoping to make a quick get-a-way.

As he moved past her, her gaze nearly burned a hole in his chest, and only a quick glance in Henry's direction prevented him from pulling her flush against his naked...and needy body.

"Will you...?" he indicated Henry. "But you should slip on some sandals.

~~~CS~~~

"I will," she whispered, and then a little louder, "Henry, don't move. Let me get some sandals and I'll be right back." She turned around to head back to the study and got an eyeful of Liam's...very fine...ass. When he stopped, and turned back toward her, she realized her thoughts had presented themselves in a very breathy moan.

He stalked toward her, as if she were the prey he was hoping to devour, and just like the chicken she was, she ducked down the hall. The pad of his bare feet against the hardwood floors sent her heart rate skyrocketing as she watched him advance on her. He was within touching distance when, letting go of his towel, he presented her with a view that very nearly had her swallowing her tongue. With a flick of his wrist, the towel was tossed around her neck, and with a hand on each end, he drew her flush against his hot and very...hard body.

"Oh my heavens," she murmured before his lips met hers, in a kiss meant to scorch...singe...sear...char...ruin her for life...for any other man. Just when she had gathered her wits enough to put her arms around him, his lips retreated…and he took a step back, bringing the towel with him. He tossed her a wink, and with the precision of a soldier performed a perfect about face, flipped the towel over his shoulder and disappeared down the stairs, his perfectly, fine...ass flexing with every step.

Elsa sagged back against the wall, fanning herself furiously, until Henry's, "Elsa, hurry," reminded her of what she was supposed to be doing. Slipping on a pair of shorts and grabbing her sandals from where she had tossed them, she made her way back to the kitchen.

Henry hadn't taken kindly to having to stand still, but not wanting to risk cutting his bare feet, he had hopped up on the counter. Elsa found him where he had landed, sitting and swinging his legs, eating from the Captain Crunch box that they had bought on their way over yesterday afternoon.

"Henry, what happened?" she asked, listening with half an ear as she located the broom and dustpan and went about picking up the debris.

"Well," he started his story around a mouthful of cereal, "I woke up and was hungry and came looking for my Captain Crunch." He held his box aloft, "but when I reached for the box, there were dishes in front of it and somehow," he shrugged a shoulder, "they fell." He looked around where Elsa had picked up the tray, placing it back on the counter. "It made a really loud noise, that's for sure."

Else found herself wincing when he mentioned the things in front of his cereal, as she knew exactly what had been on that tray. The remnants of a late night talking session with one Liam Jones, gah-it had been intense, and putting everything away had been the last thing on their minds.

"No injuries?" She dumped the broken crystal and china in the garbage bin, then put away the broom.

"Nope. Want some?" He held the box out in her direction.

She wrinkled her nose. "No thanks. How about I make a bagel run while Liam's showering?" When that earned her a fist pump, she picked up her things from the study and left with plans to stop by her place, finish dressing and run to the bagel shop up the block. With a little luck when she returned, Liam would be dressed and she would be able to move beyond the image of his nude body that had been burned into her brain...and she assumed, it would be there...forever.

The Cabin
Portland, Maine
Saturday, Late Morning

Emma was barely aware of Killian moving, walking the distance from the front door to the bedroom, as he lowered her to the incredibly lush support of the mattress, his lips sliding to the curve of her jaw before he lowered himself to his knees.

Lifting from her, she watched as he hurriedly unbuttoned his shirt, tossing it aside. Emma's gaze was pulled away from his perfect chest as she stared around them in awe, taking in the incredibly romantic candlelit bedroom. The soft light gleamed off his shoulders and chest as he toed off his boots and pushed down his jeans, leaving his body open for her perusal.

She sat up, running her hands along his chest and down around his waist to cup his tight butt cheeks, pulling him close to bury her face against his firm abdomen. She could feel him tremble in her arms, her nearness affecting him...just as his was affecting her.

Tilting her head back to look up at him, she could see so many emotions in his eyes, his blue eyes searing into her until she pushed up, wrapping her arms around his neck. She thrilled when Killian took the hint, angling his head to nudge her lips apart, opening her wider to him.

"Get this off," he growled, pulling her shirt over her head and tossing it over his shoulder to join his on the floor.

The rasp of his whiskers against her soft skin was so familiar...so comforting...so sensual that goosebumps broke out, scattering their way toward her core.

Killian had one arm around her waist and the other was working at the clasp of her bra while his lips painted a sensuous pattern around her face. She pushed the remaining pant leg off, and as her bra fell to join the rest of their clothes on the floor, pulled him down onto the bed with her. Pulled him so close that every single hard...inch of him covered every part of her. He surrounded her, so close, she felt cocooned by their love.

"Bloody hell, you feel good," he groaned, his voice vibrating against her skin. "Better than I remembered." His hands were never still, soothing up and down her back, kneading the muscles of her shoulders, her back, her butt.

She was hard-pressed to stay still, as every time his fingers moved they left a trail of fiery need behind. His lips lingered on her mouth, her neck, pushing her over onto her back where he had ready access.

"Mmm," he growled, lifting his head just enough for her to see his pupils blown wide with desire.

"Mmm," he repeated as he lowered his head to take full advantage of everything she was offering.

And take full advantage he did.

He lowered his head, his eyes locked with hers, his lips covering the nearest tip and suckling it into the heat of his mouth. The rasp of his tongue licking, stroking the violently sensitive peak sent a wave of exquisite pleasure rushing through her, shredding her control.

Heat suffused her entire body. It was burning through her thighs, pulsing in her core, her body on fire. Her hips moved against the hard wedge of his...sword...as it pressed against her, his lips drawing on her nipple, his tongue stroking and rubbing it until her fingers tangled in his hair to hold him closer.

Each lick, each draw sensitized the tender tip further until the raking sensations shuddering from her nipple to her core had her gasping with each surge. Only then did he move to the opposite breast, his lips covering it, sucking it inside, and devouring her there as he had its mate.

Arching to him, whimpering cries fell from her lips, need becoming a fiery demand, a sensual demand she couldn't fight. His teeth raked against her nipple as he moved back, his lips moving down her torso in a direction she wasn't sure she could handle, but, oh sheesh, was she going to try.

~~~CS~~~

Killian moved down her body, licking, stroking, sucking every inch. God, he loved the smell of her and she tasted...just like heaven. He swiped his tongue along her abdomen, loving the way she responded. "I've dreamed of this...every single night." he moaned against her thighs, punctuating each word with a lick here, a kiss there.

Sliding further down, he braced himself between her thighs. He couldn't wait to give her this experience. He had no plans of getting her off fast so that he could get inside her to claim his pleasure. Nothing else was in his head except making her feel good and he planned on giving her his all.

"Killian," she begged.

Her hips jerked in his hands and she writhed beneath his caress as he pushed her thighs farther apart. Sliding his hands beneath her knees, he lifted her thighs, parting her further to his hot mouth.

He blew across her tender tissues, eliciting a shiver before returning with his tongue. His mouth flicked over the entrance, licking around it, laying heated, suckling kisses to it as she squirmed in his arms.

Her breathing came fast and heavy. He smiled, staring up at her as he lashed her with his tongue again and again. Every muscle in her thighs were taut. Her core twitched beneath his tongue. He had no words to describe the pleasure he felt at having her in his arms again. Whole...he was once again whole.

Unsure how much longer he would survive, he added fingers to his assault, driving her to the brink, before backing off and then repeating the process. Using her body movements as hints telling him what and where she wanted his mouth, Killian alternated between licking, sucking and kissing feeling her reaching. After he placed one more well-placed suck, she screamed his name, her body pulsing over and over.

When she went limp and sighed, he pulled back, his lips moving up her body as he moved over her. "I can't wait any longer," he muttered, burying in her neck as the crest of his hardness pressed its way inside of her.

She felt like heaven, tight, wet, warm, his; holding him tightly, she spread kisses across his face and neck.

Nuzzling her neck, he smiled against her skin, then eased back languidly. When she hummed with pleasure, he took that as a good sign, and then slowly...pressed back in. Her skin flushed rosy, her nails digging into his back just as he remembered.

"Faster, Killian," she pleaded grabbing handfuls of his ass pushing his body closer to hers.

She arched up, taking him a fraction deeper. He brushed her hair from her face and fused their lips together, shuttling inside of her over and over, feeling her body tense, reaching out for that crest one more time. He closed his eyes, filling her with long, deep strokes, hoping to stimulate and wake all those tender nerve endings deep inside.

Her nails sank into his butt cheeks, his first indication that she was nearing the edge again. With one more thrust, her body rippled around his, then exploded as sensation after sensation pounded through his system. His breathing was rough, agonized. Pleasure still coursed through his senses, rasping along his flesh.

Under him, she clung to him, her breathing slowing until with a tender kiss, he eased off her, tucking her close to his side. "I've missed you so...so...much, Swan."

~~~CS~~~

Emma felt like she was in a dream, as just this morning she had woken up in a Boston hotel room...alone...and not knowing whom she was. And now...she had her life back. She pushed up, just enough to be able to look down into Killian's beautiful face, the overwhelming amount of love looking back at her was almost too much...but yet never too much.

"What?" A tiny frown formed between his brows, his concern for her, causing her heart to flutter.

"Is this real?" Her fingers drew circles in the hairs on his chest, causing his male nipples to harden, and tiny goosebumps to appear on his skin. "I want it to be real."

He cupped her face, his thumb gently brushing back and forth over her cheek, "I'm here, love. Feel me?" He turned toward her inserting a knee between her legs, while butterfly kisses landed randomly across her face. "I'm willing to show you how real," he thrust his pelvis against hers, "as often as you need."

"Round three already?" she asked as her hand traveled south taking hold of the...sword she had dreamed about rather vividly...was it just Sunday night?

Killian kissed her gently, "We were apart about a hundred days. That's a lot of missed opportunities." His hand joined his wandering lips making it rather difficult to stay focused.

"Well..." she pushed him over onto his back and straddled his torso, "seems I've some catching up to do."

Killian arched a brow, sending her a cheeky smile, "I like this position." both hands came up to caress her breasts.

It felt so good to be able to touch and be touched at any time, that she allowed him free rein for...just a bit before she pinned his arms down, "No touching. It's my turn."

"But Swan," he pouted.

She kissed his pout away, "You'll like this. I promise."

Killian flung his arms wide, "I'm yours. Do with me what you will."

"You won't regret it." she sent him a saucy wink. But where to start was the question. She began at the top of his head, reacquainting herself by touch...using her hands to gently trail her fingers through his hair, massaging his scalp as she went along.

She followed with smell...using her nose, she took deep breaths, breathing him in, reminding her of his unique scent.

And then came taste...her lips and her tongue feasted upon him, licking, nibbling, sucking and kissing.

Sight and hearing were not to be ignored...for as she reacquainted herself with each and...every part of his male body, she watched him. Cataloguing his facial expressions, his squirms, his looks of wonder, of ecstasy, of love. And with his groans and moans, ahhs, and bloody hells, she had him singing for quite some time.

Liam's Apartment
New York, NY
Saturday Morning

Since his first meeting with Elsa, merely four weeks ago, Liam constantly found himself surprised by the man that he became when he was with her. He had been so used to living on the fringes of life that he had forgotten how enjoyable spending a quiet evening with friends could be, and having her by his side gave it a meaning that he had never known. And the past two days having Henry with them had added a dimension to his life that he had refused to think about since the debacle with Lily. In helping Killian, Emma and Henry find their happy ending, was it possible that there was one waiting out there for him?

He wanted to believe that and as he had walked away whistling, he couldn't remember the last time he had felt this...bloody amazing! Yesterday had been special, from the time with Henry to the dinner with friends and then after Henry was asleep, he and Elsa had just...talked. And after just a few hours of simple conversation, he felt that he knew her...and much better than he had ever known the woman he had married. How was it possible that he had been so stupid? Or so blind?

Blind? He certainly wasn't blind when it came to Elsa, as when she had walked into the kitchen this morning, he had read everything on her face. The interest, lust and excitement were evident in her eyes and, he was sure, mirrored in his own. But there was more between them...an awareness that he hadn't ever experienced before, and that kept him going back for more.

More...more...he couldn't imagine ever feeling like he had enough, he thought, as he tossed aside the pitiful excuse for a towel and stepped into the shower. She stimulated his senses so completely that he was hard-pressed to define any one part that he wasn't irrevocably enamored with, and yet...they had never even gone out on a date.

But they had kissed...and kissed. He groaned as he remembered how sweet she tasted and how she always responded to his touch. While she might not have shown up in the kitchen sans clothing as he, her clothing had been revealing. The thin t-shirt over her delectable and otherwise bare body did nothing to hide the arousal that was happening beneath, and being the git that he was, the picture of her twin peaks was burned in his brain. He grabbed the soap and, turning his face up to the water, created a lather, and the memory of the look on her face as he had slid past her fluttered through his mind.

The hot water cascading across his shoulders and chest paled in comparison to the warmth he felt when her eyes did the very same thing. Trailing his soapy hands in the path of her eyes, he could easily imagine they were her hands. And now, just as then, his body came alive, and when he had dropped the towel...bloody hell, he had wanted more than just a kiss. Much more, he thought, but, blimey... what a kiss it had been. He flipped the water temperature cooler, attempting to refocus his carnal thoughts back to safer ones.

Safer ones, such whether or not Killian had found Emma in Boston and how impressed he was that his younger brother was moving heaven and earth to get to her. Killian was one lucky SOB, having a woman who loved him and a child who was a little spitfire. He hoped that someday he was lucky enough to have someone in his life who made him a better man...you do, his subconscious reminded him.

Yes, he did, he thought as the image of her in that thin t-shirt once again presented itself to the front of his mind. The hem barely skirting the top of her thighs. The v-neck low and wide enough to reveal the swell of her breasts. And then her body had hardened just like...his. Bloody hell...his heart spiked, as he closed his eyes and let his hands roam free.

The Cabin
Portland, Maine
Saturday, Afternoon

"Oh, my gawd, Killian, do that again," Emma moaned, as he stroked over the spot that was giving his lady such pleasure.

"Like that, do you, Swan?" He pulled her thigh farther over his, opening her more to his exploring hand and doubled his efforts to bring her with him over the edge.

"Every time you stroke me there, I see stars." She dug her fingers into his flank, holding on as his pace increased.

With a few well-placed flicks, Emma's body detonated around his, gripping him like a second skin, wringing everything from him that he had to give. Wrapping his arm around her, he pulled her tighter against his chest, burying his face in her hair. He had missed this, he realized, not just loving her, but the tender moments when the loving was over. He felt his body drifting toward sleep, only to be startled by a loud rumble from the vicinity of her stomach. A laugh burst forth before he could stop it, "Hungry?"

"Yes," she clasped her hand over his, holding them against her stomach, "starving. What time is it, anyway?"

Killian rolled over and reached for his phone. "3:00."

"P.M?" she asked incredulously. "We've been here for the better part of four hours?"

"Mmm. It's been heavenly." He nuzzled the back of her neck.

"Killian, I'm hungry," she whined, rolling over in his arms, "and this bed smells like sex." Her smile was equal parts sweet and sexy, a siren pulling him closer with every breath.

"Shall I order pizza?" He kissed her nose. "And what did you expect?" he asked, reacquainting himself with the tiny freckles that faintly covered her skin.

"You know me so well." She gently pushed him. "Pizza now, more kisses later."

He gave a tender smile, before climbing out of bed and pulling on a pair of gym shorts. Grabbing an old t-shirt from a drawer, he tossed it to her and went to order the food. While on the phone, he heard the old pipes groan and would have loved to join her in the shower but opted instead for changing the sheets.

He was in the kitchen locating plates, napkins and something for them to drink when he felt her arms wrap around his midsection. "Want to shower and let me wait for the pizza?"

Since he could feel her unfettered breasts pressing into his back, he assumed she was still wearing only his shirt. "And allow the pizza man to see you like," he turned around, pulling her close, "this? Not just no, but oh hell no."

"What's wrong with the way I'm dressed?" she flirted, pressing her palms flat against his pecs.

Killian grinned wolfishly. "Oh baby, nothing." He lifted the hem of the shirt enough to palm her butt cheeks, pushing her pelvis closer to his...which seemed to have recovered from their earlier escapades. As he attempted to take the flirtation deeper, the knock on the door deflated him in more ways than one, and after retrieving the pizza, they sat at the kitchen table to eat.

~~~CS~~~

While they ate, by tacit agreement, their conversation was innocuous...never touching on anything too heavy. That the time was coming to talk was understood, but to get them both to the right frame of mind was where they were heading.

When the last bite was completed, Emma sent Killian off to shower while she cleaned up the kitchen; washing the plates, putting the items that could be recycled in the appropriate places and wiping down the counters. And once all was complete, she took her bottle of water and left the room.

Killian had told her while they ate that he bought the cabin in June, and while he and Henry had stayed in it for several weeks, it still held the taste of the past owners. Made of weathered wood with a steep roof and a large front porch, its back built into a cliff and its front looking out at the beach, it had survived many years and many seasons. The front room was essentially one large room with the living area on one side, the kitchen on the other and the master bedroom with its own bathroom off the back. A circular staircase led up to a second floor that was separated into two bedrooms, a common area and a small bath.

Wandering into one of the rooms upstairs, she knew immediately it was the one that Henry had claimed as his own. There was his old ball cap lying on the bed, a pair of flip flops next to it and the bucket and shovel she had bought him during one of their beach outings in a corner. Opening a few drawers in the chest, she found those empty and the top held only a few seashells. No books, balls or Legos wasn't typical Henry, making her wonder if perhaps he had left his things in the closet. She opened it, expecting to at least see a forgotten dirty shirt, or a few pieces of a puzzle or Lego but no, the closet was bare except for a few lone hangers and in the floor of it there was...a secret hiding space, just like the one in her closet growing up in the home.

"What mysteries have you hidden, little man?" she murmured, bending down to reach inside and pull out nothing but a...book. When she turned it over and read Grimm's Complete Fairy Tales, she had to swallow back the emotions that threatened to overtake her.

Flipping through the pages, her eyes were too watery to see anything, but she had read every story in it so many times that she knew them all by heart. Each story special to her in its own way, and lodged in between the pages where Snow White started was...a picture. A picture of her...and Killian and Henry, and on the back in his messy boyish scrawl, he had written, Our family.

~~~CS~~~

Killian found Emma sitting on the floor, in Henry's closet clutching a book and a picture to her chest, her shoulders shaking as great sobs shook her body. He tenderly took them from her, pulling her into his arms getting his first view of what had started the waterworks. "Would you like to talk to him?"

She turned her tear-stained face to him, a smile blooming on it like one he hadn't seen in a while. "Can we?"

"Of course, love." He stood, pulling her to her feet. "Go wash your face and I'll meet you downstairs.

After she skipped off into Henry's bathroom, he looked at the title of the book. It was Emma's, he knew, and the last time he had seen it had been at the apartment. How it had gotten here was a mystery, but one solved later. Leaving it on the shelf, he went to get his phone to contact Liam.

As the phone rang, he found he was curious about how Liam would sound. Would his voice be quiet, tortured like it had been Thursday? Would it be haughty, stiff like it had been most of the last five to six years? Or would it be the Liam he remembered, confident...cool...serious?

"'Lo," The laughter in Liam's voice surprising him speechless for a minute. "Killian? Everything alright?"

His second question broke through Killian's bewilderment, enough for him to form a coherent question, "You sound happy. What did I interrupt?"

"Oh, not much," Liam sobered. "I'm just watching Henry and Elsa play this game called Twister. But...never mind us. Did you find Emma in Boston?"

"No-"Killian started.

"-Oh, Killian, I'm sorry," Liam interrupted.

"Bugger all, Liam," Killian exclaimed, "stop being a wanker and listen." Liam's chuckle was another surprise, but his silence gave Killian the floor.

"My Emma's back, Liam," he said quietly.

"Oh Killian," Liam congratulated him, "you don't know how happy that makes me...wait a second. You said 'your Emma.' She remembers?"

"Aye."

"But how? Did it just come back all at once?"

They hadn't talked about it yet, but there had been magic on that cliff. "I kissed her," he stated matter-of-factly.

"Excuse me," Liam laughed, "did you just say you kissed her?'"

"Aye. That's what happened."

"Sounds like your kissing has improved, little brother."

Killian laughed. "Wanker," he repeated, feeling light-hearted and so...happy, as did Liam. "You sound lighthearted, brother. I'm pleased to hear that."

"I'm getting..." was all he got out before his phone was snatched away.

"Did you find her? Where are you? When are you coming home?" all said breathlessly by a laughing Henry.

"Calm down, Henry." Killian shook his head at the exuberance in his voice. Emma walked in looking much better with the tears washed away…and walked right into his arms.

"Sorry, Killian. Can I talk to Emma?" he asked, this time with a bit more patience.

"How about we Facetime?"

"Alright! Bye."

"I guess Henry's excited," he told Emma as he pushed the button to call Liam's phone again. It was answered immediately and he handed it to Emma and let her and Henry catch up.

~~~CS~~~

It was so good to talk to Henry that Emma's face hurt from smiling. She did find it interesting that Elsa was with him and Liam and thought there might be more to that story, but Henry moved off to another topic, never sticking to one subject for long. When he ran out of things to say and started running all over the place, showing Uncle Liam's treasures, she was reminded of the sketches she had drawn with his many faces. It seemed that perhaps Henry had uncovered a few more.

"Bye, Emma. I've got to go to the bathroom. I'll see you tomorrow." And then the phone went blank.

"Well, I guess he was done," she handed the phone back to Killian, "thank you." Leaning in, she kissed him. "I saw a box of hot chocolate in the kitchen, want some?"

"No, love, go ahead. I'm just going to call Liam back."

She squinted, trying to read his mind, before kissing him one more time and heading to the kitchen.

~~~CS~~~

Killian watched her leave the room, and not wanting her to hear, went out onto the patio and pushed the button to dial his brother. "Liam, I need a favor. Here's what I want you to do..."

~~~CS~~~

As Emma moved around the kitchen, her thoughts were on the impending talk with Killian. It was time. They needed to talk through their mistakes and move forward together, which was something she had learned from Doctor Blanchard. The question, it seemed, was if Killian felt it was time too.

"When I say always
I mean forever
I trust tomorrow as much as today
I'm not afraid to say, I love you,
And I promise you, I'll never say goodbye"

She sang as she filled her mug with hot water, settling for some tiny marshmallows in lieu of whipped cream. She had just picked up the mug to take a drink when she saw Killian standing just inside the kitchen, an odd expression on his face. "That's not usually the look you give me when I sing." The hot chocolate was still steaming, but she took a sip anyway to cover the awkward silence.

Killian shook his head. "Sorry, love...it's that song. How do you know that song?"

Emma tilted her head slightly, studying the perplexed look on his face, "You know," she finally answered and, taking his hand, led them to the overstuffed sofa she had seen upstairs. After a few more sips, the cup went on the table and she sat waiting for Killian to say something.

"You heard it?" She nodded her head.

"You were really there?" She nodded again.

"But how can that be?" he asked quietly. "How can two people share a dream?" He swiped his hand over his face, then looked back up at her. "Did you remember the dream or have any...marks?"

Emma felt her face heat up. "I remembered some of it...and well..." she pulled the neck of her shirt aside showing him the yellow remnants of her love bite, "that and...I was a bit sore..." she glanced down, "kind of like now." Her eyes grew wide as she teased him, leaning forward for another kiss when his ears turned red with embarrassment.

"Sorry?" He arched a brow.

"Oh Killian, don't be sorry. I thoroughly enjoy being ravished by you." She took another drink of her hot chocolate, feeling like she needed to keep her hands busy.

"What did Doctor Blanchard say?" Her head popped up at the question. "You did ask her about it, right?"

"I shared parts of the dream with her, but...she just said that some things can't be explained. And I," she shrugged her shoulder, "just decided it didn't matter. That you had been with me ever since I woke not knowing who I was, and that perhaps...I needed you more that night." Her voice trailed off hoping he didn't think her too loco.

"She told me I was with you," he admitted, "showed me some of your drawings even. I'm glad that at least a small part of me, at least, was with you." He dropped his gaze, reluctant to meet hers.

Emma tilted his chin up, forcing him to look at her. "Killian, you can't blame yourself for everything." When he opened his mouth to say something, she moved her finger over his lips, "And not Liam, either," she reiterated. "We all need to take responsibility for our own actions."

He wrapped his fingers around her wrist, lowering her hand. "But if I hadn't made you go with me, you wouldn't have been hurt. And that you were hurt," his voice softened and tears filled his eyes, "tears me apart."

Emma wasn't sure what to say to take away some of Killian's pain, but she took a deep breath and tried to channel Doctor Blanchard. "Doctor Blanchard and I spoke a great deal about why I lost my memory and she seemed to think perhaps it was fear." The startled look on his face had her quickly assuring him, "No, not of you...or even of loving you." She took another deep breath before continuing, "I think in the hospital I was worried about having to depend on others too much and then...Liam gave me the opportunity and...even with the way it was offered, initially... I felt independent. Like I had made the right decision to take care of me. But," her gaze moved to stare out the window as she relived waking up in that hospital, "when I woke up, I was afraid of being without you, and inside my dreams you were waiting."

"And I," he picked up the topic, "heard something that I thought meant you had died...and ran inside myself where I knew you would be waiting," he finished.

"I think," Emma picked up his hand and scooted into the circle of his arms, "I like Doctor's Blanchard's advice. She says that we are each responsible for ourselves. That means you didn't make me go with you, and Liam didn't make me go to Seattle. That is on me. But, because we love each other, we talk..."

"...and listen to each other," he finished.

"Exactly." She sniffed, sending Killian a watery smile that became even bigger when he bestowed a rather hot kiss on her lips. Placing her finger over his, she sent him a playful grin. "Finish talking and then we can get back to the good stuff."

Killian stuck his bottom lip out in a cute pout but then finally started talking. He told her about his injuries and how helpless he felt when Liam left to go find her, but then when he admitted that he had essentially willed himself into a coma, she had to bite her lip to keep from becoming a blubbering mess. The thought that she held that much power over someone was both terrifying and exhilarating at the same time. His feelings for her humbled her in ways she had never experienced before, yet somehow, she felt that their ordeal had made them stronger.

When he returned to Boston and had gone back to the apartment on what should have been their graduation day, it sounded painful...but in all the pain there had been hope, too. Henry had given him hope that somehow the pain would one day become bearable. Gave him something to hold onto while he got stronger, just as she held on to his eyes...her dream lover...until she got stronger.

Liam's behavior leading up to her meeting with him in May and his responses since then were interesting. It was as if he had undergone a complete transformation, not just over the summer but now that he was spending time with Henry, he was still changing. "Killian," she interrupted, "what happened when Liam showed up?"

"I punched him," he shrugged. "Thought he deserved it."

She inclined her head in agreement that Liam hadn't acted in a chivalrous manner in the beginning, but in the end, he had proven to be someone that Killian...and Henry...and even she could count on. The fact that he had changed seemed to be the real story, and based on the snippet of conversation she heard when she had walked into the room, it sounded like he had changed quite a bit.

"Tell me about Elsa and Liam," she asked, curious about Killian's feelings.

He glanced at her, his brow arched, causing her to shrug. "Sorry, it's just some things that Henry said."

"I don't know much," he ran a hand through his hair, "but I think she's good for him. He told me she started his heart beating again."

"Really? Mmm." She was curious about the man who could interest her friend, Elsa. Many men had tried and failed. "Seems there are quite a few interesting stories I'm coming home to," she muttered, hoping it didn't take her too long to catch up with her friends.

Emma knew there were many pieces of information that she had missed, but so much had happened that she wasn't sure where to start. "What about Robin and Regina?" she asked suddenly, realizing she had no clue how Robin had faired during the accident.

He gave her a lop-sided grin. "They're married and I feel bloody awful that I missed the wedding."

"Killian..." she warned.

He held his hand up. "I know." He cupped her face. "You know, Emma, this summer was the lowest that I have ever felt, but now...that it's over, I feel...stronger."

Emma launched herself into his arms and kissed him. "So do I, Killian. So do I," she repeated, stopping in between her words to scatter kisses across his face.

~~~CS~~~

Killian found it very cathartic to finally share his story with Emma. It was interesting hearing her questions, especially those that centered around his relationship with Liam, as well as Liam's relationship with Elsa. "Emma, you're really not mad at Liam?" He was having a hard time believing that she had no ill will against his brother at all. He still found himself fighting...something...

"No, Killian," she interrupted his musing, "I want us all to be a family. Think that's possible?"

"Aye, Swan," he adjusted her across his lap and leaned his cheek against her head, "I believe it's not only possible, but probable...plus, Henry seems to like him."

"That's nice," she said around a huge yawn. "How did you find me? You never said."

Killian told her the story about meeting with Doctor Blanchard, finding her drawing and barely missing her at the airport.

"You know, when I realized where I lost the drawing, I...almost didn't get on that plane. But then I asked what I wanted and," she turned toward him, "I wanted home. And that's you...you are my home. I just wish..."

He didn't say anything, just let her work out what she was thinking, knowing she would share when she had organized it in her head. She worked over her bottom lip, which was quite distracting, as it was becoming red and plump and he was tempted to lean in and take a...bite.

"I wish," she bit her lip again, "I could let Doctor Blanchard know that I'm okay," she finally blurted out.

Well, bloody hell, he thought. "If I could make this happen," he scooted forward on the sofa and moved her around so she was straddling his legs, "what would you do for me?"

A contemplative look crossed her face. "Well," she scooted closer to him, "what would you like?"

He didn't need anything, as he had everything he could need.

He didn't want anything, except...leaning in he whispered a suggestion in her ear that involved a little something he had impulsively purchased in the men's room at the airport. At his suggestion, her eyes flared wide, "Really?"

"Please."

Emma gave him a sexy smile and peeled her t-shirt over her head, tossing it over his shoulder. "I'll call her later. Take me to bed."

He wasn't stupid and didn't have to be asked twice. Standing up, he tossed her over his shoulder, and made haste to their bedroom, where it was several hours before Emma was ready to make the phone call.

Liam's Apartment
New York, New York
Saturday Afternoon

When Liam stepped out onto the balcony to speak with Killian, Elsa initially was worried. But a quick peek out the window told her there was nothing to be concerned about, as he was all smiles and happy hand gestures. It made her heart thrill to see him so carefree and it seemed like the rift between the brothers was on its way to truly being mended. And now that Emma was back...she felt like dancing!

It was obvious that there would be no more Twister, so after putting it away, and Henry was still bouncing around, she pulled out her phone, and using one of Liam's speakers turned on Meghan Trainor's Lips Are Movin. "Henry, let's dance." They bopped around the room, sometimes together, sometimes apart, but it felt good to be so carefree. She still tried to keep an eye on Liam and even danced by the patio doors several times. The look on his face just served to make her even happier and spur on the dancing session. And when she saw how excited Henry was with the activity, she decided that looking a little foolish in front of Liam was well worth it.

One song morphed into another and when Henry showed no signs of slowing, she kept dancing. After the fifth or sixth song finished, Beat It by Michael Jackson started, and while he wasn't an artist she listened to a lot, she liked this song. It had rhythm and just made her feet want to move...and Henry too, apparently, as he had dropped to the floor and was moving his body in a variety of contortions that she supposed could be construed as break dancing, but she wasn't really sure.

His movements quickly became so comical, she finally had to stop...and just watch. "I hope he doesn't hurt himself," she muttered as he stood up, and then dropped to the floor to repeat the process all over again.

When a warm hand settled at her waist, she had to clench her fists to keep from melting right there at his feet. "What does he think he is doing?" Liam's hot breath whispered in her ear.

"Dancing?" She grinned as a little shiver worked its way through her body. "I think...anyway.

Once the song ended and a slower song started, Henry spread out on the floor, his breath coming hard and fast. "That was hard work. Can you dance like that Uncle Liam?"

Elsa saw a tiny wince cross Liam's face before he sent Henry a grin and just shook his head. "Henry, my lad, I believe Killian and I have much to teach you about females. Dancing, for example," he handed her phone over and she watched his thumb glide along the screen on his phone as he looked for the right song, "is not something that should be done quickly. When a man dances with his lady, he wants to savor holding her in his arms."

His lady? Elsa thought, oh be still my heart, was the last thing her mind was able to settle on as he took her hand, pulling her flush against his body. As Michael Buble crooned the romantic words to Close Your Eyes, Elsa almost forgot to breathe as Liam held her close, making her wish there was a reason for his song choice.

"Relax, sweet Elsa, I've got you," he whispered.

"Sorry," she whispered, allowing him to pull her even closer. "I wouldn't have pegged you for a Buble man."

He didn't say anything as the words, Think you're one of a kind. Thank God you're mine, floated from speaker, moving back far enough for her to see his face. "I heard it on that station Colleen listens to all the time, and..." the heat from his blue eyes burned clear to her toes, "it reminded me of you," he finished quietly.

His lips were so close that all she had to do was move her head...just a little bit...and she would once again have the pleasure of tasting him. She licked her own lips slowly, watching his eyes flair, but just as she inched forward...so close that his breath mingled with hers, he turned their bodies, giving her a view of something just as effective as a glass of cold water being thrown at them. "Henry," she groaned, inclining her head in his direction.

When Liam didn't release her, just moved them around so she could see him, her heart flipped and she leaned her forehead against his chest. His chuckle was low, and gaw so sexy her mind almost went straight to the gutter, but the fact that he was talking to Henry gave her strength. "Henry," she heard him say, "I'm sure in a few years you will change your mind."

She could hear Henry making gagging sounds behind her back before stating he was going for a snack. "Maybe I should help," she started to step out of his arms.

"He'll let us know if he needs us." He twirled her around a couple of times. "Stay...please."

She would have stayed anyway, but when his voice broke on the please, she was lost. She didn't know what it was about him that called to her so strongly...but he did...and the more they were together, the harder she fell. "Liam..."

~~~CS~~~

He hadn't lied when he told her the song made him think of her, because it did. It was as if he had sat down and penned the lyrics himself, so perfectly did they fit how he felt. And while there were still moments when he wasn't sure that he deserved having her in his life, he already knew it was too late. She was his...and he was hers.

His name but a whisper on her lips sent his heart rate skyrocketing and hardened his body more than he was comfortable with when Henry was close by. Leaning his cheek against hers, he promised himself just a little longer and then...

It's your beauty that betrays you
Your smile gives you away
Cause you're made of strength and mercy
And my soul is yours to save
I know this much is true
When my world was dark and blue
I know the only one who rescued me was you.

"You did, you know?" Liam kept his jaw pressed against her cheek, not sure he was ready for her to see everything he was feeling.

"I did what?" she asked just as quietly.

"Rescued me."

Her head moved so she was looking up into his face. "I thought Emma rescued you?"

One side of his mouth lifted at her revealing comment, confirming that she definitely hadn't been sleeping when he was talking to Killian. "Emma and Killian helped mend my heart that had been shattered into a thousand pieces, but you, Sweet Elsa," he stopped moving and cupped her jaw, tilting her face to his, "started my heart beating again. And for that...I thank you." Her lips proved too tempting and he tried to just give her a little peck...but one taste wasn't enough and he sank back in figuring he had at least as long until the song was over to enjoy the feel of her mouth beneath his.

~~~CS~~~

After Henry's snack, Liam asked Elsa to entertain the lad while he took care of Killian's request, and once everything was arranged, he offered to buy pizza. A trip to Numero 28 Pizzeria served to fill their stomachs and keep his mind from imagining several different scenarios involving him, Elsa and quite a few of the rooms in his apartment. But once the meal was over and he didn't think Henry would take too kindly to bedtime so early, he had to come up with another way to tire the lad out.

As luck would have it there was a nice little park not far from his apartment and, after a quick stop where he grabbed a frisbee and an old blanket, he led them to the park. With Elsa on one side and Henry on the other, they walked through the gate and he couldn't help but feel wistful that everything wasn't real. Elsa as his...partner, and a child on the other, a lad...or a lass, he wouldn't care.

"I think I'll go sit under that tree...unless you need me?" She looked at him expectantly, waiting for his answer, which somehow or other he had ended up in that proverbial rock and hard place scenario with her and wasn't sure how to get out of it. Their eyes were locked in a dual of such great epic heat that he felt if he didn't look away he might burn and yet...he couldn't look away. Henry's shout broke the spell and as he ran over to a jungle gym, Elsa smiled and rolled her eyes, "I'll be okay. I'm just a little warm." Her face was flushed, he noted, but nothing else was said as she took the blanket and moved toward the large tree taking up one corner of the park.

Liam snagged her hand, stopping her before she got very far. "You sure?"

She gave him a gentle frown. "I'm sure. Even though the sun is almost down, you know how I burn." And he was drawn right back to Key West and her in that bikini and that kiss.

"Aye, I remember." And he did too...red hot and skimpy.

"Come on, Uncle Liam."

Liam watched Elsa walk away, that gentle sway to her hips making his mouth practically drool. "Okay, Henry, lead the way." Liam smiled and followed Henry as he led him from the jungle gym to swings, from the merry-go-round to the slide. They hadn't been at the park very long before Henry made some friends who involved him in some game and Liam made his way over where Elsa was sitting. "Room for another?" He couldn't read her expression behind the sunglasses, but when her lips turned up and she scooted over, he didn't waste any time.

His knees popped as he lowered to the ground, earning him a snicker from his blanket partner. "You too, will be old someday." But still beautiful, he couldn't help but think.

He had barely made it down onto the hard ground when she placed her hand on his arm. "Liam, what did Killian say about Emma?" she asked softly.

He glanced at her, noting she had pulled off her sunglasses, and the way she was looking at him made him feel like he wanted to beat on his chest. Here sitting next to him was this beautiful, smart, kind and caring individual, and she cared what he...had to say. "How did I get so lucky?" he murmured softly, unable to look away from her.

Her lips tilted, showing off the tips of her pearly white teeth, "About?" Her eyes crinkled a little at the corners as the late day sun brought out the platinum highlights in her hair.

Maintaining her gaze as long as possible, he leaned toward her ear, nuzzling the hair aside to whisper, "I think you know."

"I could say the same thing." She turned his direction, her nose brushing against his scruff, and unable to resist, he kissed her. It was too brief…but might help tide him over for a while longer.

A shout across the way pulled his attention back to Henry, but once he ascertained that he was fine, he gave his attention back to Elsa. "What was the question?"

"Killian," she laughed, "what did he say about Emma?"

Her smile when he told her was brighter than the sun…and made him feel ten feet tall.

Group Home
Boston, MA
Saturday Early Evening

As soon as Blue hung up the phone after speaking with Liam Jones, she knew the day of reckoning was upon her and so...she did what every female does when they want to avoid...she cleaned. But no matter which room she ran to, it didn't change the fact that for months she kept her suspicions and findings to herself, allowing many to believe that Emma was dead. And now, while they were going to be ecstatic, they were going to be peeved. And for that, she didn't blame them one bit.

Several hours later she was finishing up in the powder room and, finally feeling calm enough, she let herself wonder about her caller. He was a mystery, as, last fall according to Emma, there had been some sort of discord between him and Killian, and yet...the man on the telephone was very congenial. And at Christmas when she asked Killian about him, he had been uncomfortable...but was it the question or the answer he gave, that made him that way? It had been unfortunate that Neal's call about Henry had come just then, as it would have been nice to find out more information, but perhaps…tomorrow. With everyone under her roof, it wouldn't hurt to ask...would it?

She decided that instead of telling her story one at a time, she would get it over all at once. A few phone calls later, while she was waiting, she made a cup of tea to calm her nerves, and then paced...and tried to come up with the best way to explain her decisions.

~~~CS~~~

Ashley hung up the phone and as if in a trance, sat Alex in her high-chair and gave her a handful of cheerios and a cup of juice. A split-second decision had her calling Sean's father to come watch the baby while she drove to the Home to see what was going on. Sister Blue's voice was worrisome, and after the loss this summer, she wasn't sure she could take any more bad news.

Walking into the House, Ashley was surprised when none of the children greeted, her but pushed the thought aside and quickly hurried to Blue's office. Blue was seated behind her desk, almost as if she was using it as a shield, and on the other side...Green...Astrid...Johanna, and...Marion. She frowned at the group. "What's going on, Blue? You're scaring me," she finally got out, but had to hold on to the door facing to keep her knees from giving out.

Blue gave her a strained smile. "Ashley, come in. I have some news."

Blue's heart problems had worsened immediately ran through her mind, but on trembling legs she made her way into the office, sitting next to Marion on the small sofa.

~~~CS~~~

Blue looked at each of women sitting before her and decided to just get it over with. Taking a deep breath, she blurted, "Emma's alive and Killian's bringing her here tomorrow, so we need to plan a party," all in one breath.

No one said anything for a few seconds and then everyone started talking at once. "Hold on, hold on." She held her hand up trying to calm everyone down, and for just split-second she was happy Ruby wasn't sitting in front of her. "And no, before you ask, I haven't known all along, just a few weeks-"

"-a few weeks?!" Ashley interrupted, "How?" was all Blue let her get out.

"Just listen," she pleaded with them, making a point to add a little emphasis for Ashley. "You might not agree with my choices, but...for the most part they were my choices."

Once Ashley gave a little nod and relaxed, Blue took a deep breath and began, "When Elsa gave me the news about Emma," that thought still caused her to shake, but knowing the outcome gave her strength to continue, "I needed information. You know that is just how I am. Not willing to take anything at face value, but once Killian and Henry were gone, it was just a matter of being a detective."

She continued on with her story of how she had searched for the accident, but what she didn't tell them was about all the times that she had found out information, only for it to be a dead end. Of all the sleep she lost while she was searching and how every time her leads didn't go anywhere, she cried. That by the time she finally found out where Emma had been hospitalized, it was in the middle of the night and she had cried then, but this time tears of relief. Of how she had lain awake each night wondering what she was doing wrong or how she could have worked faster.

Sister Green blew her nose loudly. "But why didn't you ask for our help, Blue? We would gladly have helped you."

Why hadn't she? "I think...partly I didn't want to get your hopes up, because until I knew something for sure...I was afraid you would think I was just a crazy old woman."

Johanna shook her head, making a 'tsking' sound with her tongue, "You might have been shady, Sister Blue, but we would never have thought you were crazy. We love Emma, too."

"Well, I am sorry, but...I did what I thought was best at the time."

"Where has Emma been and why didn't she contact us?" Ashley asked with a frown. "That makes no sense to me."

"Emma had amnesia," she finally told them the whole truth as well as rest of the story. Again, though, she held back the many emotions that she had experienced this month. To know that one of her girls needed her, and didn't even remember who she was, and for it to be Emma had been gut-wrenching. She loved all the children of the Home, but Emma had been hours old when she found her, and being the one to feed her and care for her from infancy gave them a bond that was unique. And one that could never be broken.

"And today, I finally got the news I've been waiting for...Killian found her, and she remembers and tomorrow…at long last, she will be here with us."

"So...you wanted to tell us after you found Emma in Seattle?" Astrid asked curiously, and Blue nodded her head in agreement. "But Emma's doctor wanted you to wait?".

"Yes. Emma's doctor asked that I keep it quiet," she agreed.

But then they all started talking at once, asking the same questions over and over until she was getting a headache, and they still needed to plan for the party. When she couldn't handle it any longer, she put her fingers in her mouth and whistled. That got their attention.

"I'm sorry and I will let you talk to Emma's doctor, but I think we are forgetting the most important thing here. and that is that our Emma is alive and healthy and coming home, and we," she looked at each of the women individually, "have a party to plan. Who's with me?"

"Just one more question," Marion asked quietly. "How did she get back her memory?"

Sister Blue thought about her conversation with the brother, as she had asked the same thing. "Seems, Killian kissed her…and they returned," she shared happily.

"A true love's kiss," Ashley sighed, "just like in her fairytales. How wonderful."

"Well," Blue stated practically, "I'm not sure there's such a thing as a true love's kiss, but I do agree that love is the most powerful magic of all."

This time when everyone started talking at once, Blue was okay with it and, for Emma, they worked together.

Fort Williams State Park
Portland, ME
Sunday Mid-Morning

Emma's ring was still in his pocket almost twenty-four hours later, but the perfect opportunity to slide it back on her finger just hadn't happened. He wanted it to be special. Different. Something they could tell their children...and grandchildren someday. But even as he tossed their bags in the back and rounded the car to get in, he was still in a quandary.

He smiled at Emma as he hopped in, his heart much lighter than the last time he had driven away from the cabin. "Ready to go, love?"

"I am...but," she nibbled on her bottom lip, a sure sign that she was worrying over something.

Killian kissed the back of her hand, then rested it, entwined with his, on his thigh as he drove off the beach lane. "Talk to me," he said quietly.

"You don't think I've talked too much the past day?"

He gave her a surprised look, "Emma," he squeezed her hand, assuring both of them that they were indeed together, "after what we've just endured, I've learned there can never be too much communication between people who love each other."

Hitting the blinker, he intended to take the road to join I-95, which would take them to Boston, but other forces seemed to be at play because almost immediately he realized…Boston wasn't where he was heading. "What the..."

Emma grabbed his thigh. "What?!"

He waved his hand in front of them, "Look. Seems a force stronger than I had other ideas."

"Wha..." He saw her glance in the direction he pointed, and turn back, a curious look on her face. "Fort Williams State Park?"

Killian mentally knocked himself on the side of the head, bloody hell, you wanker. Why didn't you think of the spot? It's perfect! He sent her a questioning look, "You don't mind?"

~~~CS~~~

"Mind, why would I mind?" She sent him a questioning look as he followed the road. The strangeness that she had felt yesterday morning when driving into the park surrounded her yet again.

The magical atmosphere with singing trees and dancing winds...and their spot.

"I don't know," he finally answered, as if he was lost in deep thoughts. "I just know you want to get back. Speaking of...what has you worried?"

Right at that moment, Emma felt her concerns didn't matter, or perhaps it was just this place. "We can talk about it once we're on the road. This place is just so-"

"-magical," he finished her thought.

"You feel it too," she looked around her in awe, "the change in the air."

"Aye, and the guiding force."

"Exactly," she nodded. "I don't remember feeling this the first time we were here." She frowned at the thought that there might have been something else about that day that she had missed...or worse, forgotten.

Killian interrupted her musings by squeezing her hand. "It wasn't there then. Even this summer when I would come here with Henry, it wasn't. Odd, that."

"Maybe, its magic wasn't needed then," Emma shrugged. "It's called Sonata Cliff for a reason, you know?"

"Sonata Cliff? Like a song?" Killian asked as he followed the path between the trees and pulled the car to a stop.

Emma waited until he opened her door, pulling her into his arms before finishing, "Yes, Sonata Cliff. The brochure says it's well-known for its tale of reuniting lovers by luring them with music created by the wind through the trees."

He inclined his head, as if to listen to something. "Hmm, interesting," he hummed and wrapped his arm around her, turning her away from the car.

They started walking toward the water side of the cliff, still just as beautiful and still just as peaceful as always. This time, though, she could hear the music again. "Do you think it's true, Killian?"

He stopped not far from the rock, wrapped his arms around her waist and...perfectly in time with the music she could hear, they danced. She was pulled back to the first time they danced together and how nervous and excited she had been. And he had lived up to all her expectations.

"I think there has to be an inexplicable reason for our dreams-"

"-and your eyes," she added.

"And the memory. There's something magical about this place. And us."

He kissed her then, and as his lips explored hers, the music grew louder and words joined in, yet this time they weren't the words from their vows, but ones from a song. One that she really wanted to hear. When he released her mouth, he cupped the back of her head, holding her close to his chest...his heart.

~~~CS~~~

Killian knew the moment was near. That perfect moment when, with your heart in your hands, you offer it completely to the woman you love. The moment when you tell her that she is your whole world. That the feeling you have for her is one that is so special...so unique...that it's one you want to live with...forever. Forever, he thought, such a powerful word.

But he needed the ones to tell her exactly what he was feeling. The words to tell her exactly what he was thinking. Not the ones they had already said, here...the last time they had promised to love each other forever.

Not the words he had used when he had returned from New York, gotten down on one knee and put the ring on her finger for the first time. Not even the words that he had used to ask again the day in May before the accident. These words had to be special. More powerful than any other words between them.

He wasn't sure what he was going to say, but knew he had to try, when he heard her say, "Can you hear it?" her voice so soft, he had to lean into her to discern words.

"Aye love," he rubbed his chin against her head. "loud and clear"

"Do you know the song they're playing?

Did he? The music was hauntingly familiar but when and where had he heard it? He cocked his head, turning his ear up to the trees, listening...letting the notes float toward his ear. As they spun around inside his head, he knew...and that gave him the chills, for he had no recollection of how that song came to be a part of his music library. Pulling out his phone, he scrolled through the many love songs he had stockpiled. Some new, some old, each one with a message meant for them. "It's this song, but," he gave her a lopsided grin as he cued the song, "I don't know when...or where it came from."

She gazed up at him with wide green eyes. "That's odd. It just appeared one day?"

"Aye. As if by magic...one minute it wasn't there...and then the next...it was," he shrugged a shoulder, "but listen." As the intro music started, he pulled her back close...

Please, don't let this feeling end
It's everything I am
Everything I want to be

And his heart stopped, for right there were the words. The ones he had been searching for, and hadn't found...yet, the wind knew. The trees knew. This place knew. Listen, Emma. This is me.

I can see what's mine now
Finding out what's true
Since I found you
Looking through the eyes of love

I feel as if I have loved you forever.

Now, I can take the time
I can see my life
As it comes up shining now

You, Emma Swan, make my life infinitely better. Without you, there was just gray.

Reaching out to touch you
I can feel so much

You give my life color.

Looking through the eyes of love

I was always with you...and you were always with me.

And now, I do believe
That even in a storm we'll find some light
Knowing you're beside me, I'm all right

And we made it through the storm, Swan.

Please, don't let this feeling end
It might not come again

It's going to grow and grow.

And I want to remember
How it feels to touch you
How I feel so much
Since I found you
Looking through the eyes of love

Did you hear my words, Emma?

Every...single...one...

She tilted her head up and as the tears cascaded down both of their faces, he kissed her gently on the lips.

Killian then took a step back, reached into his pocket and withdrew the ring and slowly lowered to one knee.

Emma's knees almost buckled threatening to let her to fall flat on her face. But somehow, she was able to lock them, so she could keep standing as she wanted nothing getting in the way now.

Except her ability to see, apparently, as another wave of tears overflowed. The song...the magic...and then hearing his words spoken so...eloquently...so spiritually...so full of love. Her heart was so full that it threatened to burst and spill onto the ground.

His eyes, she thought, he really was looking at her through the eyes of love, for she could see it there and hoped he could see it in hers too.

Killian held the ring up to her. "I don't believe I can say it any better," his voice trembled with emotion. "Our love...you and me...they are everything I am...and everything I want to be. Marry me, Emma."

As soon as the last syllable passed his lips, Emma threw herself at him, catching him unawares, knocking them both to the ground. Killian recovered barely in time to ensure he was on the bottom of the pile, and as she loomed over him, she peppered his face with kisses, each kiss punctuated with multiple yeses.

Not wasting any time, he fisted her hair long enough to direct her lips to his and proceeded to very thoroughly ravish her mouth. A long while later they sat up, and with leaves in their hair and dirt on their clothes, he slid the ring back onto her finger. A perfect fit, just like them.

"Sorry, love. You've a bit of debris on you." He plucked a twig from her hair.

Emma looked at her pants and shrugged, "It was worth it. I love you, Killian."

"And I love you, soon to be Mrs. Jones." He stood and pulled her up with him then directed them towards the rock where he sat down and tugged her onto his lap.

Emma leaned back against his firm chest, his arms wrapped around her, keeping her warm. Making her feel safe...and loved...and through it all the music still played, serenading them with its melody. Giving her the chills, bringing forth answers to questions that she didn't even realize she needed to ask just yet. "Killian, when does Henry start school?"

"A week from Tuesday, as next weekend is Labor Day. Why?"

She turned slightly in his arms to see his face. "I want to get married, here."

"Here?"

"Yes, here." She nodded, pushing up and ran back to the car, grabbing her sketchpad and pencils. I can see it all." She turned in a full circle, taking in everything about the place that made it magical. The way the leaves hung over the path. The rocks hugging the shore and then over the edge of the cliff, how the water stretched on and on…just like their love. "Do you think that's possible?" she asked him breathlessly.

"Your heart's desire, Swan. That's all I want."

She rolled her eyes at her romantic man but wouldn't trade him for the world. With a giggle, she swooped in for a short but sweet kiss. "Then what am I waiting for? I have some work to do before we leave," and skipped off with her sketchpad.

Killian watched her work, using her fingers to create a magical scene that would be worthy of sharing the extraordinary day that would be their wedding. He didn't care what she had in mind though…for as long as she was by his side, anything was possible.

~fin

Toss me your thinking on the chapter and be sure and listen to those songs. Two more full chapters and The Promise will be complete. See you next week.