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.

26. Chapter 26

And the reunions continue as Emma reunites with her friends and family.

A couple of songs show up in this chapter.

A new one Can You Read My Mind can be found watch?v=YVBoReq2kUw
And one we've seen before in Chapter 11 = Can't Help Falling in Love can be found watch?v=vGJTaP6anOU

Chapter 26

Portland to Boston
Sunday, Noonish

As soon as Killian drove across the Massachusetts state line, Emma felt the butterflies take flight in her stomach, which really...was ridiculous. These were people that she had known her entire life, why was she scared?

"What's got you so vexed, love?" Killian's soothing voice broke into her thoughts.

She sent him a small smile, but then something pulled her gaze back outside...at the scenery as it flew by the car window. Was it just yesterday morning that she had taken this road...in the opposite direction? In fact, she could even remember that moment...that as she drove past the sign that said Leaving Massachusetts, she had felt anticipation for what was ahead...more so than sadness for the fact that she was leaving her home state. That even though her driver's license listed Boston as her home...that wasn't what she missed and at the time, she wondered why.

But now, she thought, as she looked down at her ring, she knew why. Boston wasn't her home...her home was Killian.

"I'm scared," she finally answered him. "I know it sounds odd, but...they thought that I was...dead." She saw him wince and mentally kicked herself. "Sorry."

He laid his arm on the console, palm up. "I'm here, Swan."

Emma didn't have to think twice about laying her hand in his. When he laced their fingers together and closed his hand around hers, the butterflies in her stomach caused by fear dissolved into the butterflies of love that were always around when he was near.

"I'm being foolish, aren't I?"

He squeezed her fingers and braked as the flow of traffic slowed. "I'm a little scared too," he admitted quietly. "After all, the man that Blue saw this summer might not be someone she wants her girl to marry."

Emma squinted at him, wondering if he was serious or just teasing, but then he looked her way...and his eyes...those showed fear. "Well, Mr. Jones, too bad. This time next week, we will be-"

"-married," he finished. I can't wait to make you my wife. Speaking of, it is customary for one to take a honeymoon after nuptials are exchanged, is it not?"

"I...I guess so," she answered hesitantly wondering what in the world he was thinking.

Killian sent her a cheeky smile, his usual confidence restored. "I'd like to take you to England. I'd like to show you where I was born."

Her heart sped as she had dreamed of seeing some of the places he'd described. "But to travel across the pond," she tried to mimic his accent...horribly, "don't you need a passport?"

"Aye." His one-word response made it sound like it was a natural occurrence for someone to carry their passport.

"Oh, then," she told him forlornly, "I don't have one." He looked at her like she had suddenly grown two heads. "Never needed one." She shrugged her shoulders as if that answered the question.

"Then," he kissed the back of their joined hands, "we will get you one and it will say Emma Swan-Jones, my wife."

She giggled, "Now you're just being corny."

"Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn." he joked, using Rhett Butler's famous line. "I got several giggles that I love so much, meaning you relaxed and..." the car slid to a stop, "we're here, Swan. You ready?"

Was she ready? She glanced at him again and then looked down at her ring. "I'm ready."

"Stay right there." She watched him run around the car and open her door. "Here we go."

When she put her hand in his, he pulled her into his arms, kissing her soundly and ensuring that she knew he was there by her side...and would be, should she need him.

As they walked toward the door, her hand in Killian's, Emma suddenly felt a rush of love and peace settle over her and knew that everything was going to be fine. She had her memories back, her love and, through the doors...part of her family.

Killian reached around her for the door, and before it had even fully opened, she was pulled into the maternal arms of Blue. As soon as Blue's arms settled around her and Emma got a whiff of her perfume, the tears flowed and she could barely hear Blue saying, "You're home. My girl's really home," over and over again.

It took several moments before Blue let her go enough to see that they were surrounded by Green and Astrid. She cried more tears of joy than she could ever remember crying in her life, but it was worth it to know how much she was loved. Astrid passed her to Johanna who passed her to Marion and then she heard, "Emma!" and she barely had enough time to lock her knees before Henry launched himself into her arms.

"Whoa there, kid, don't kill me," she joked around the lump in her throat.

"Emma," he pulled her across the room and pointed to a chair, "sit, please." Emma sat down as he had asked, very curious as to what he had in mind. Henry cupped her jaw with his hand, turning her face from one side to the other, frowning a little the entire time. "It looks good," he proclaimed. "Welcome home," and this time when he hugged her, he whispered, "I missed you." and the tears flowed again.

The fact that Henry was here opened her mind to her other friends, and he had hardly scampered off before she was pulled tightly into Ashley's arms. "Ruby said to give you an extra hug for her and to tell you we are going to kick your doctor's ass if she doesn't watch out."

What did Ashley and Ruby know of Doctor Blanchard and why would they want to kick her ass? A question she really wanted to ask, but before she could, Robin was there. He looked happy, she thought, as he sent her a huge smile that made those dimples pop and pulled her back into his arms. "Heard you forgot a few things there for a while." She nodded her head, but was afraid if she said something the tears would start again. "Well, what do you expect? Killian is quite forgettable."

"Watch it, Locksley," she heard Killian quip, "that's my girl you've got there."

Robin stepped back, letting her go, his eyes locked on Killian. "Welcome back bro," Emma heard him say quietly, "I missed you" before he too hugged Killian.

Regina, with Roland in her arms greeted her next and after small talk, Emma heard her name and, with a squeal, her reunion with Elsa happened. "I missed you like crazy, Emma." Elsa squeezed her hand, noticing the ring on her finger. "Does this mean we have a wedding to look forward to?"

"Yes," Emma nodded, "next Saturday. We've plans to make."

"Anything you need, Emma. Just ask." Elsa relinquished her hold when Killian stepped into the fray.

"Thanks, Elsa. We'll talk later."

Killian took her hand, leading her a little away from the crowd. "Emma, there's someone I want you to meet." They stopped in front of his brother. "Liam, meet Emma."

Emma's eyes met Liam's, and there she saw care and concern and so much more that her heart turned over in her chest, and as the tears clogged her throat, she wrapped her arms around his neck...and hugged him.

When he didn't immediately hug her back, she wondered if she had misread what she saw in his eyes, but then, with a soft cry, his arms closed around her, and burying his face against her shoulder, he chanted, "I'm sorry, lass. I'm so sorry."

His words, so unexpected, released the tears, and as they flowed down her face to land in the cotton of his shirt, healing was complete by all.

~~~CS~~~

Killian had watched Emma study Liam after the introduction, but what she was thinking he didn't know. He also wasn't sure what he had ex pected, but for Emma to step forward and wrap her arms around Liam's neck hadn't been it. Liam's look of shock had to have been mirrored on his own face, but when his always larger than life brother fell apart in the love of his life's arms, he was humbled.

Humbled by Emma's grace and willingness to see the best in people even after adversity. Her love made him a better man, and just like that she brought Liam into their family circle.

He looked away briefly, his gaze connecting with Elsa's who was wiping the tears from her face, telling him that she knew the whole story. It seemed he had several things he needed to discuss with his brother.

As Emma stepped away from Liam, Killian noticed that Elsa stepped closer to him, sliding her hand into his. The look they exchanged was private, and that his brother was allowing her to see his vulnerable side was new.

"Did you have something to do with this?" his fiancée asked as she tucked herself closer to his side and gazed up at him with eyes that were still a little watery.

Killian swiped one of her tears away with his thumb, and sent a smile Liam's direction. "I had a little help."

"Thank you," she told him quietly before standing on her tip toes to kiss him gently on the cheek.

"And thank you," she repeated the process on Liam's cheek before looping her arm through Elsa's. "And now if you boys will excuse us, we have wedding details to discuss." And without waiting for an answer, they waded into the circle of women and all disappeared.

Liam looked at him like he had been punched in the gut and was unsure what had just happened, but Killian noticed that his eyes never strayed far from Elsa, much like when he was in the same room as Emma. "Thank you for pulling this together so quickly, brother. It's nice to see Emma surrounded by all her closest friends."

He took his eyes off Elsa long enough to say, "I was happy to help, after all it's the least-" but as soon as Killian interrupted, his gaze was gone.

"-I believe my lovely bride-to-be's hug was an indication that it's time for our family to move forward."

Liam's smile was self-deprecating. "That's what the lovely Elsa keeps saying to me."

"Then perhaps it's time you listened," Killian finished just as Robin walked over, bringing with him bottles of beer for all.

"What's this," Robin tapped his bottle against Liam's and then Killian's, "I hear about a wedding? Emma just drew my wife into a discussion and I heard the word."

The smile on Killian's face grew, as he hadn't been sure the time would ever come when he would find himself standing next to both his brother and best mate. "Aye, Emma's agreed to be my wife and we're getting married next Saturday...in Maine. You will both be there, right?"

"I wouldn't miss it for the world." Robin's promise assured Killian that their friendship had indeed survived the darkest of times.

"And you, Liam. Will you too be there?" Killian thought he knew the answer but hearing Liam say it was something he felt he needed.

Liam put his arm around Killian's shoulder. "I'd be honored to be at your wedding to Emma, but," his grin turned devilish, "there's one condition."

Killian's thoughts were pinging all over the place, trying to figure out what the condition was and finally he decided to practice what he had learned this summer and tackle it head on. "And what might that be?" His voice sounded a bit sharp even to his own ears.

"Why, that you allow Robin and I to throw you a bachelor party, of course." Liam laughed at what Killian assumed was the fight flowing from his body.

"A bachelor party?" He hadn't even thought of one of those. "Alright. But no strippers." He glanced off toward the direction Emma had disappeared, thinking that was not particularly something he wished to explain to her.

"Well," Robin drawled, "even if Emma has them at her party?"

Killian's eyes snapped right back to Robin. "Wait...what?" And then he saw the devilment dancing in his mate's eyes and just shook his head.

"Seriously though, Killian," Liam asked, "what do you want us to do?"

"Actually," he looked around to make sure he couldn't be overheard, "there is one thing."

"Anything," Robin and Liam answered in unison.

"Alright. I want you to..."

~~~CS~~~

The wedding plans complete and Alex awake from her nap, the conversation turned toward other things, giving Blue a chance to spirit Emma away for a little alone time. "I haven't told you congratulations yet." She linked their arms leading Emma to her office where they could talk in peace. Emma's face lit up with the mention of her engagement sending a thrill to her heart that her girl was back and so happy.

"And I didn't tell you thank you for fighting for me." The look on Emma's face was contemplative, as if she were trying to piece together snippets of information.

How much do I tell her, skipped through her head before Blue decided that she would give her the information she wanted...or was ready to hear. "You know...I've always fought for you...all my kids really. But...how did you know?"

A little smile crossed Emma's face, like there was more to her thoughts than she was willing to spill. "Killian has Doctor Blanchard's number, so I let her know I was," she shrugged, "whole again and she told me that she spoke to you. She wanted me to know that she was the one who told you to give me time." Her smile grew broader. "She didn't want me to hold it against you."

"I didn't like waiting...or keeping the secret. But I am happy that everything returned, and with a kiss, just like in all those stories you love." Blue rubbed Emma's shoulder, a comfort to both in some ways before continuing, "The doctor never told me but...Emma, what caused you to lose your memory? Did you hit your head?"

Emma shook her head. "No, I didn't have a head injury but...the doctor suggested fear...and somehow after talking to Killian and his talk with Liam, fear seemed to be the prevalent factor with all three of us...that and lack of communication." She wrinkled her nose at the thought that if they had talked through things perhaps it all could have been prevented.

Blue found the fact that Emma was bringing the brother into the conversation interesting, but from what she could gather when everyone arrived, everything had worked out as it should have. "It sounds as if there has been quite a bit of growth and maturing by all. And Henry appears to be quite enamored with his 'Uncle Liam'."

"That's what I hear," Emma chuckled. "I bet Liam will be happy to have his house back."

"Speaking of Henry," Blue smiled, anxious to share the secret she had been keeping for over a month, "let's get Killian and Henry in here, as I have some news."

~~~CS~~~

Liam had spent a surprisingly enjoyable hour with Killian, Robin, Henry, Roland and another boy, Wyatt, building with Legos. He'd forgotten how much time he had spent as a lad designing building after building, with his father always around to help him with construction. And while he could remember a few times doing the same thing with Killian, really…there had been too many years between them, that by the time Killian was interested in Legos, he had been older and off doing other things. Times that he looked back on and wished he had done things differently. And now...a second chance. What more could he ask for?

"Killian, Henry," Emma's voice interrupted his musings, "Blue would like to see us about some news." She looked happy and when his brother reached her, pulling her in for a kiss, her giggle was infectious and made him smile.

"They're good together, aren't they?" Robin put the finishing touches on a building and handed it to Roland. "Watching him chase his tail for a year after their first meeting was rather...entertaining." he smiled at the memory.

And if I hadn't been behaving like such a prat, I could have...no, not looking back. "Elsa has been filling me in on some of the happenings during their courtship. I'm particularly fond of the one where you are all waiting in the hospital in costume." he laughed thinking about the pictures Elsa had shared from her phone.

"Hey, don't laugh," Robin deadpanned, "I looked rather dashing dressed as Batman."

"Oh, I'm sure you did," Liam agreed, "but you had her dress as Robin?"

Robin's reply was cut-off when Emma's friend, Ashley, came to get the boys for snacks, and as they ran out of the room with Robin following, the answer to his earlier question was there: What more could he ask for? A woman who loved him...and a family.

Elsa...he wanted Elsa. That thought that had him quickly cleaning up the loose bricks and leaving the room to go in search of the blonde who took up quite a bit of space inside his head these days.

The Home was a maze, and after ending up down a couple of wrong passages, Liam found one that looked familiar and rounded a corner only to be hit with the full weight of an exuberant Henry. "Whoa, there," Liam held Henry's shoulders and yet he could still feel his body practically vibrating under his hands, "where's the fire?"

"Uncle Liam," Henry was all smiles, "it's 'fficial. I'm 'dopted!"

"Well, my lad, that is big news." So that made his baby brother a father...which meant, he was an uncle.

"My name's same as yours!" Henry exclaimed.

"Is it, now?" Liam found himself containing the need to chuckle, which felt very strange.

"Yes," Henry nodded vigorously, "I'm Henry Swan Jones. Just like you."

"That you are. Congratulations."

"Thanks! Come with me while I tell my friends." He grabbed Liam's hand, pulling him along behind, and as Liam followed he realized he was no longer living on the fringes of life, but right in the very center of it. That felt amazing.

~~~CS~~~

Emma and Killian left Blue's office just as Henry pulled Liam around the corner, their laughter echoing in the small hallway. The chance to talk to her fiancé's brother was something she had been waiting for, but as of yet there just hadn't been the perfect opportunity. She kept hearing the tortured tone of his voice repeating I'm sorry over and over, and with Henry dragging him toward the backyard, perhaps the perfect occasion had just been gifted.

She laid her hand on Killian's arm. "I think...I'm going to go talk to Liam...if you don't mind."

He tilted his head, taking a long, hard look at her. "Why would I mind love? I want you and my brother to be friends." He pulled her close, her body flush to his. "Shall I come with you?"

Emma chewed on her lip thinking that a part of her had a few things to say to Liam that she didn't care if Killian heard, but, "I think...this is something I want to do on my own." And before he could say anything else, added, "I'll be fine and...so will he," she dimpled, gave him a lingering kiss, which somehow reminded her of their morning's activities before they left the cabin, and went to move past him.

He snagged her wrist before she could get very far. "That," he popped his t, "gives me loads of ideas," he whispered as he circled her waist. and invading her space, pushed her against the wall, holding her there with his hips. "I seem to recall a powder room around here...where," he placed barely there kisses along her jaw, causing her heart to race and her knees to buckle, "we never quite finished what we started." His hands moved up to rest just under her ribcage...right below her breasts, and his thumbs...lawdy...they were hypnotically moving up...then down...every up movement bringing them closer to...

The unmistakable sound of repeated throat clearing halted any further movement.

"Bloody hell," Killian whispered, "what is it going to take?" was all he got out before Emma clamped her hand over his mouth as she had peeked around his shoulder.

"Sorry, Blue," she mumbled, feeling like she was sixteen instead of close to thirty.

Emma gasped in surprise as, in a single motion, Killian turned toward Blue, pulling her in front of him. His ears were red and two spots dotted his cheekbones as he looked up at Blue from beneath hooded eyes. "Pardon me, Blue. Won't happen again."

Emma couldn't be sure but she thought she saw a twinkle lurking in Blue's eyes as she stood there looking over the top of her glasses at them. "I would hope not. You are parents now, after all."

As Blue walked away, Emma's eyes followed her...and just as she rounded the corner, Blue looked back and winked. Darn that woman, Emma thought, she's always surprising me.

Killian gave her a dejected look. "Think she'll forgive me?"

Unable to help herself, Emma laughed at his pout, "Oh, I would bet on it." Gently steering them away from temptation, she pushed him in the direction of the main part of the party and, after grabbing a couple drinks, went in search of Liam.

She found him in the backyard, sitting on the glider under the big trees, watching Henry, Roland and Wyatt playing on the jungle gym. From her vantage point on the porch, she marveled over how different the man before her was than the one she met in May...or the one she briefly met in Doctor Blanchard's office. It seemed the summer brought changes to all of them...Liam most of all.

He saw her coming, and the flair of his eyes when he noticed her walking his way made her think he was surprised but pleased she had sought him out. He stood, smiling, waiting for her to approach, and in his eyes...

Gone was the anger.

Gone were the secrets.

In their place she saw joy, happiness and...was that...love?

"Thirsty?" She held out the water in deference to the warm late summer day.

He wasn't quick enough to hide his reaction but shock...and then pleasure crossed his features. "Thank you, Emma." He inclined his head giving her a shy smile.

Emma returned his smile with one of her own. "Shall we?" They sat down on the glider, and as she always did, Emma angled her body toward the person she was sitting next to and tucked one leg under the other. It was peaceful sitting beside him, watching Henry, the rhythmic motion of the seat reminding her of quiet talks with Ashley, Ruby and others. For several long minutes nothing was said while they each took several drinks from their bottles. She was sure they were both thinking the same thing, and that was wondering what the other would say.

She glanced at Liam, watching him swallow before opening his mouth. "I'm-"

"You're not solely to blame, Liam," she interrupted gently. "Killian and I talked about this...and I know you spoke to Doctor Blanchard...but we all made mistakes." Emma took another drink, swallowed and tried again, "I left. That was on me." He closed his eyes slowly, as if in pain, but as she continued speaking, he reopened them...watching her. "As far as Killian and I are concerned, the story stops with us. For everyone else, you helped me get where I needed to be in order to heal. Some might even say you're a hero," she finished with a gentle smile.

Liam shook his head. "Oh, Emma, I'm no hero."

Her smile was understanding. "I've been told that I'm a savior...and until the accident I would have denied the title. But since then...Doctor Blanchard helped me see that if I helped...just one person...and that's how they saw me then..." she let him complete the statement.

He laughed. "I see what you're doing there, but-"

"-oh I can think of several, besides myself, who think there might be a hero inside of you." She saw Elsa watching them from the back porch.

"Killian put you up to this?" he asked curiously.

"No," she shook her head as Elsa stepped off the porch and headed their way, "all me. But, perhaps I should tell you that you better not hurt my friend, or..." Emma giggled at the look on Elsa's face when she realized what had been said.

"Emma, must you?" She shook her head. "I'm sorry, Liam. I didn't put her up to this."

He stood and tugged her closer. "It's quite alright, Sweet Elsa."

Emma watched them make eyes at each other, and quickly decided that yes...she approved. Promising them a few minutes alone, she called the boys in with her, leaving Elsa alone with Liam.

~~~CS~~~

"Are you alright?" she asked him as she took the seat vacated by Emma. She had been keeping an eye on him since they had arrived, and had to admit he had never looked better. When they met, which she couldn't believe it was only a month ago, he rarely smiled and in groups always held himself stiff...formal...almost as if he were an observer and not a participant. But Friday night and again today, he was engaged. Another side of the man who drew her unlike any other.

"I'm fine." His arm was stretched out behind her, and periodically his fingers would caress her shoulder or run through her hair, almost as if he were seeing if she would allow it. "More than fine, actually." His smile grew, showing teeth, his eyes sparkled and the lilt in his voice became more pronounced, "I feel bloody amazing and much of that is thanks to you." He hesitated briefly and then slowly...oh so slowly, he leaned toward her.

When his lips touched hers, Elsa forgot to breathe, forgot to think. His lips were soft, and with gentle summer breeze blowing the leaves and the glider moving back and forth in a rhythmic fashion, he seduced her. She cupped his face and he pulled her closer into the circle of his arms, all the while his lips moved on hers.

Teasing.

Testing.

Tantalizing.

Opening her mouth, Elsa invited him in, and when Liam accepted her heart jumped to her throat and the desire to crawl closer clawed at her, but their whereabouts played chaperone, just as Henry had done the past two days.

His lips moved to her cheek, "Your taste, your perfume, separately pull me in but that's only a small part of what I'm feeling." He cupped her jaw and kissed her again...oh so tenderly...and slowly slid his thumb over her bottom lip, his eyes burned into hers. "I want you to know," he swallowed before continuing, "that I'm..."

"Liam, Elsa," Blue called from the back porch, "it's time to eat now."

Liam closed his mouth, his forehead falling forward to land against hers. "I guess we're being paged."

Elsa wanted to scream in frustration. I'm what? And why did Blue have to come outside at precisely that moment. Divine interruption? "I guess so."

He stood and offered his hand. Elsa placed her hand in his, and all the way across the yard she kept hoping he would say something...anything to tell her what he wanted her to know, but by the time they climbed the back stairs, the opportunity was lost.

"Are you alright, Elsa?" Blue asked as they reached the porch. "You look a little flushed."

She thought she heard Liam snicker, but when she chanced a glance in his direction, his expression was sober. "I'm okay, Blue. It's just...blonde hair...sun, they don't always mix." It was the best she could come up with, after all, she couldn't tell her that the man next to her had just been kissing her senseless. Nor could she tell Blue her timing was horrible.

"Well, it's a good thing I called for you then," Blue told her happily. "I'd hate for you to burn."

Arriving in the dining room with all their friends surrounding Emma and Killian, Elsa pushed her disappointment away. The time would come again...the question was just when.

~~~CS~~~

Once the meal was over, Henry appreciated being a kid because he didn't have to do the dishes, and with Roland, Wyatt and J.J. following him, led the way to the treehouse. From their vantage point in the big tree there was no telling what they might overhear or see...you just never knew.

"Henry," Wyatt called as he followed him up the ladder, "why are we going up here?"

"No reason," Henry shrugged, "guess I kinda just want to say goodbye."

"You're so lucky," J.J. mumbled as he scooted across the floor, "I wish I had a family."

"Me too," sighed Wyatt, "you and Roland have all the luck."

"I'm sorry, guys," Henry patted his friends on their shoulders, "something will come along. I just know it will."

"You think so?" Wyatt brightened a little as Henry put his finger to his mouth, hushing him.

"Shh, listen." They all moved closer to the opening that was their 'window' and looked down through the leaves just in time to see Blue and Liam sit down on the glider.

~~~CS~~~

"Thank you for talking with me Liam," Blue smiled at him as she sat down, adjusting her dress more comfortably on the glider.

He gave her what she would describe as a cautious smile, before answering, "It's nice to finally meet you. Henry has told me so much about you...and the work that you do here."

Blue went on to talk about the Home and how many children had been through its doors since its inception. Some for a few days...others for most of their lives like Emma, Ashley and Ruby. "That's what I'm going to miss most about Emma, Killian, Regina and Robin living in New York...is their generosity in helping the children here."

"Killian helped with the children?" At her nod, he continued, "A part of me is still having a difficult time seeing my brother as a man...and now, with...a family of his own." His voice lowered and his smile was almost as if he had gone someplace far away, "I still see that four-year-old that used to follow me everywhere."

"It's good you'll be close," she told him softly, "to learn to be brothers as men."

"Aye, I'm looking forward to that." His eyes cut away for a brief second and when they returned there was a sadness there that she hadn't expected. "I...went through some really dark times a few years back and feel...I've much to make up for."

Blue found herself wanting to say something profound to this younger man, but she wasn't sure what, nor sure if he would even care, but she would try, "It's not what we've done in the past that are going to define you as a man, Liam. It's what you do in the present...and...what you choose to do in the future. Those choices are yours to make...and from where I'm standing...that makes you a good man."

She watched his jaw tic as he gritted his teeth before he turned glassy eyes her direction. "Thank you, Sister Blue. That means so much to me. And," he looked away as if uncomfortable with what he was going to say, "if there's anything I can do for you, don't hesitate to ask."

That surprised...but pleased her too. "Oh, I think you've done quite a bit for me already."

There go those cautious eyes again, she noticed, but then they were quickly masked, replaced by a smile. "I have?"

"Oh yes," she sent him a huge smile, "you paid all that money so that my Emma could have the very best care. That was very generous of you."

This time his eyes clouded as if he didn't enjoy the topic of conversation, and he shrugged, "It's only money."

"True," she agreed, "but when you've grown up without much money, it is a very big deal."

One side of his mouth lifted. "I'm just glad it all turned out alright," a full smile bloomed on his face, "and that she's back with Killian and Henry. He's quite the spitfire...Henry is. Elsa and I enjoyed his company the past few days."

Oh, now that's interesting to know, she thought. Elsa was with him, which could explain the tête-à-tête she had witnessed earlier. "Elsa is a lovely girl," she stated, watching his cheeks tint pink.

"She is," he answered, a secretive smile adorning his face.

A few questions later, Blue was assured that Elsa would be in good hands. Surreptitiously, she glanced at her watch, and when she saw the time, rushed into action. "Liam, I'm so sorry, but I need to run. We have a secret planned for Emma and it's happening in ten minutes."

~~~CS~~~

Once she was gone, Liam understood what Killian said about Blue being a force to be reckoned with. He felt as if he had been interrogated, and rather thoroughly too. But, he was pretty sure he had passed whatever test she had given him, as he was here to stay.

He still wanted to talk to Elsa and tell her how he felt and, he hoped, hear she was feeling the same things. Just as he stood to go find her, Killian stuck his head out the back door. "Robin and I thought we'd take the kids to the park to play football. Care to come?"

"That sounds interesting." Liam pushed up, walking toward the porch. "Have you seen the boys?"

"Robin went looking for them." Killian answered as the door slammed shut behind them.

~~~CS~~~

As soon as the door shut, Henry started scrambling. "Come on, guys. We need to go somewhere so they can 'find' us."

"Wait," Wyatt stopped him before he disappeared out the door, "Liam likes Elsa?"

"Oh, yeah," Henry nodded his head, "I've caught them making gooey eyes at each other several times. Like this," and he showed the boys his imitation of gooey and then climbed down.

Once all the boys were down, Wyatt grabbed his shirt. "Hey, Henry, if Liam and Elsa get together like Killian and Emma...think they'd want a little boy?"

"Hmm," Henry's brows went up, "maybe. We should ask...later. Let's go." They ran to find the men, hoping there wouldn't be too many questions asked.

~~~CS~~~

Emma was enjoying catching up with Ashley, Elsa and Regina when Blue hurried past them and down the hall, barely sparing a glance in their direction. "Where's she going?" she asked, perplexed.

"Not sure," Elsa answered her. "Where's she been might be the real question."

"I think I saw her outside talking to Liam earlier." Ashley answered innocently.

Elsa's eyes met hers, question after question flashing through them, until just as quickly as her confusion appeared, it vanished when the laughter of the Brothers Jones preceded them into the room.

Killian winked on his way through and mouthed, "Looking for the Henry," before they disappeared in the direction of the boys' rooms.

Then wha... was as much as she had time to think before Blue came running around the corner. "It's time, Ashley."

Ashley jumped up and squealed, pulled Emma out of her chair and down the hall behind Blue. Once in her office, she flipped her monitor around and there, looking back at her, was Ruby's smiling face. "Red!" she exclaimed, running up to touch the monitor. "You look wonderful."

"Oh, I miss you guys." Ruby cried, the tears already starting to fall.

"We miss you too," Ashley and Emma gushed, each sniffing back their own tears.

Ruby asked Emma questions about the accident and surgeries and while Emma answered, she found that she preferred not talking about the actual event and everything she went through immediately afterward. Yes, she had come through stronger, but there were some memories that were just too painful to think about.

When Emma got to the story about the proposal and when and where the wedding was going to be, they all cried, sad that Ruby was going to miss it. The conversation continued, moving from topic to topic until suddenly Emma noticed something different about the placement of Ruby's hands. "Oh my, Ashley! Do you see what I see?" She pointed at the screen.

"What? What?" Ashley asked several times before one of Emma's fingers landed directly on the image of Ruby's. "You're engaged?! And you didn't tell us?! Ruby!"

Ruby screeched excitedly, "Yes, we're engaged! He asked me tonight because he knew I was going to be talking with you and he wanted me to be able to share." Ruby sighed, holding her diamond out in front of her with such a blissful look on her face that Emma couldn't help but reach over and squeeze Ashley's hand in happiness for their friend.

"You got engaged tonight? Yet...you're here talking...to us? You...don't have better things to do?" Ashley asked slyly.

"Well..." Ruby giggled and winked, "later...but enough about me. Ashley, how's Alexandra?"

The women spent another enjoyable fifteen minutes talking, until the connection kept cutting out and they had to say goodbye. "Oh, Ashley," Emma hugged her friend. "I'm so glad we got to talk to her."

Ashley shut down the computer and linking arms, they left the office. "I know. Me too. And can you believe they'll be back before Christmas!"

The closer they got to the main living area, the clearer they could hear a screaming baby and the voices of several adults all trying to calm her down. "Oh my!" Emma sent a look her friend's way, "Someone is not happy at all!"

"Do I want to go in there?" Ashley whispered out of the side of her mouth.

Emma shrugged her shoulder as they turned a corner and could see what was happening in the room, "Maybe..."

"Look at those men," Ashley sighed and just shook her head at the scene.

"Being brought to their knees by a ten-month-old." Emma tilted her head watching the antics before her. Sean, Killian, Robin and Liam were all sitting on the floor with Alex in the middle...in only her diaper...screaming her head off. Every time someone picked her up to try to dress her, her body bowed backward and her scream grew louder.

"She gets like this when she's pushed beyond exhaustion. Guess we need to take her home." Ashley waded into the melee and picked up the baby and her clothes. Alex's cry immediately calmed down to a whimper, and as soon as her momma had sat down, slipped on her pajamas and handed her a favorite stuffed mouse, she closed her eyes.

Emma laughed at the looks that every man sported, not only 'what the hell', looks but also looks of fatigue. While Ashley was dressing Alex, she sat on the sofa behind Killian and whispered, "Problems?"

He turned to her, laying his arm across her thighs. "We could have handled it." He gave her a cheeky smile, "We just needed a little more time."

"Oh, I'm sure you could have," Emma quickly agreed tongue-in-cheek. "Looks like the magic touch was momma, though." Emma glanced across the room to where Ashley was rocking Alex, and such an overwhelming influx of emotions rushed through her system that she wasn't quite sure what to do. Killian must have sensed something was off, as he moved up onto the sofa next to her and gently pulled her into his arms. With her head on his shoulder, her heartbeat slowly decreased and she was able to focus on the quiet conversation going on around her.

"Alright now, love?" Killian whispered.

Emma nodded, "Better, now." She lifted her head from his shoulder, "It's just been an emotional day, that's all. I'm okay." Kissing his cheek, she had just laid her head back down when...

Henry yelled into the room, "Dessert's on," unfortunately sending Alex back into tears again.

"I think we should get her home," Ashley apologized as Sean took the screaming baby while she gathered the diaper bag and hugged everyone, saying goodbye.

Once they were gone, Killian held her back while the others headed to the dining room for dessert. "Are you sure you're alright?" Killian's arms were safe and warm, and just as they had a few minutes ago, served to bring her feet back to the ground.

Emma cupped his jaw, bringing her lips into contact with his. "I'm fine, Killian. Just after seeing so many people that I love and then talking to Ruby and then...watching Ashley with her baby, I just realized how blessed I am." She shrugged her shoulder. "That's it. Thank you for my day."

"My pleasure, Swan." His lips hovered above hers as his eyes sent message after message of love, "Ready for a little sugar?" When she smiled and started to move out of his arms, he tightened his hold and closed the gap between them, allowing her to feast on the sweetness of his kiss for quite some time.

Swan-Jones Cabin
Portland, Maine
Thursday Evening

Henry couldn't remember ever being as happy as he had been since they had arrived at the cabin. Spending time together as a family had been better than he had imagined, and before he had actually lived with them, he had imagined it a lot! He had dreamed of doing the same things together they had always done: going to the beach or the park, out to eat and playing lots of video games together. And while they did do those things, he was quickly learning that being a family was so much more.

This summer when he had been staying here with Killian, they had spent lots of time together but both of them had been...sad...missing Emma and so their time together always felt incomplete. Now though...it felt as if the story was almost complete...just like in Emma's fairytale books, when the ending started...'And they lived'...that was his life.

Oh, sure, there were some things that he didn't like so much, such as cleaning up after himself or having to remember to put the seat back down after he peed. Killian hadn't made him do that at all, as they had eaten on paper plates that they could just toss in the trash, and in the bathroom...well…they were men and when you had to go, who wanted to take the time to put the lid back up? He just didn't get it at all, but he was trying. Emma had only yelled at him once in the last day or so. Well, maybe twice; after all it wasn't his fault she had fallen in. She should have looked. Duh.

He was quickly coming to think that his favorite times as a family were when they just talked. They would watch a movie and then talk. Or go for a walk on the beach and talk. It was like Emma and Killian really cared what they had to say...to each other...and to him. It was cool.

"What's running around inside that head?" Emma broke into his thoughts as she scooped him out his nightly bowl of ice cream.

He took a slow bite of the ice cream while trying to decide how to bring up something he had been thinking about since Sunday when they had been at the Home. "I was thinking about my friends," he told her as he slid the metal spoon back into the cold treat in front of him.

She frowned around her spoonful of ice cream. "Which friends? Friends in New York or the ones in Boston?"

A bony shoulder went up. "Boston. I haven't met anyone in New York yet."

"And?" She waited for him to give her more information, but he wanted her to keep asking questions, that way maybe she wouldn't guess what he had in mind.

"Well," another spoonful of ice cream slid down his throat leaving behind cold tingles in its wake, "I'm going to miss them...especially...Wyatt and J.J. I wish they were getting families like Roland and me."

"Oh, Henry," Emma sighed, "I wish that too. Maybe something positive will happen for them soon."

Henry laid down his spoon and leaned forward on his crossed arms as if he was going to tell a secret. "You know what I was thinking?"

"That look on your face scares me almost enough not to ask," she laughed at the puppy dog face he sent her way, "but I'll bite. What were you thinking?"

"Wouldn't it be SO cool if Uncle Liam and Elsa got married and 'dopted them?" he told her excitedly.

Emma laughed. "Whoa, kid, where did that idea come from?" A contemplative look crossed her face. "As far as I'm aware, they're not even dating. Do you know something I don't?"

He nodded his head and resumed eating the quickly melting ice cream. "Oh, yes. I caught them making goo goo eyes at each other just like you and Killian do all the time."

"Oooh, did you now?" Emma stretched out the first syllable. "Do you think I need to have a talk with Uncle Liam?"

He thought about that for a few seconds. "Mmm, maybe. But I think he likes her," his voice dropped to a whisper, "a lot. Except," his grin grew as the memory crossed his mind, "he did get all red that one time she walked in and saw his willy." When Emma started coughing, Henry jumped off his chair and ran around to pat her on the back, wondering what it was that caused her to choke so much.

When she was finally able to get herself under control enough to talk, he heaved a sigh of relief because he wasn't finished giving her his ideas.

"I'm sure there's more to that story Henry," Emma told him slowly, "but...how did you get them from making goo goo eyes to getting married and adopting one of your friends?"

"I don't know," he admitted, "but it would be so cool. We could live close to each other again."

~~~CS~~~

Emma had been wondering where Henry was going with the pieces of information that he was doling out, but his last statement clarified it all in her mind. "Are you not happy to be living in New York?"

He dropped the spoon into his bowl and pushed it toward her. "I'm happy to be with you and Killian, but...I..." He dropped his head as if unsure how to explain what he was actually thinking.

Emma took their bowls, set them in the sink and filled them with water. She held out her hand, and when he put his into hers, walked him to the living room. "Henry," she said slowly, "it's perfectly normal to feel a little...unsure about moving," she licked her lips before continuing, "even I'm a little scared. But you understand why we're moving, right?"

Henry nodded his head. "I think so," he told her. "He's going to work with Uncle Liam and Robin, right?"

Emma knew from talking to Killian that he hadn't started, but that he was scheduled to start as soon as Henry started school. "That's right, he is. And Elsa and Regina, too." She changed directions with her questioning, "I know you haven't started school yet, but you like your new room, right?"

"I like it a lot," Henry assured her, "it's just going to be weird not having a backyard, you know?"

That wasn't something she had expected, and because she hadn't lived there she wasn't really sure what to say, finally deciding on the truth. "How about we take it one day at a time, but if you're feeling sad, you know you can talk to me or Killian, right?"

"I know. Do we have time for a walk on the beach before I go to bed?"

"We do. Should we go see if Killian is done talking to Uncle Liam and wants to go too?"

"Yep. I'll do it," Henry yelled as he ran from the room before she had time to say anything else.

While she waited for his return, Emma placed their bowls in the dishwasher and wiped down the counter. She also made a mental note to speak to Killian about Henry's concerns, thinking that communication would be the key to making their transition from three individuals to a family unit as smooth as possible.

Swan-Jones Cabin
Portland, Maine
Friday Morning

That was a lonely shower, Killian thought as he wrapped the towel around his waist and dried his hair with another. He understood that with a child in the house there was a need to be a bit more circumspect with their behavior, which meant Emma wouldn't be able to spend the day in his shirt and nothing else. "Such a shame," he sighed tossing the second towel over a rack and stepping into their bedroom to her eyes.

A little shiver ran through his body as her appraising gaze traced something that only she could see, but she started at the top of his head and worked her way down to his feet. And then she returned to his chest and repeated the process all over again. When he dropped the towel to pull on his boxer briefs, she studied his stomach, his arse...not as if she were seducing her lover but as an artist, memorizing her subject. It unnerved him, because she didn't say anything...just watched. What did she see? What was she looking for?

"You've lost weight," her soft voice answered his question.

"Aye," he agreed, "a little. That's what happens when you believe you've lost the woman you love. But," he pulled on his jeans and shirt, turning toward her as he buttoned it, "so have you."

She smiled and inclined her head as if to say, 'touché,' before answering, "That's what happens when you are put on a liquid diet for two months."

Killian sauntered toward her, watching as her eyes grew larger and she licked her lips...in nervousness...or excitement...or perhaps anticipation. "I love you." he whispered, stopping a foot away, the surprise at his statement showing on her face.

"That wasn't what I expected you to say," she murmured.

"I know," he reached out a hand and pulled her up and into his arms, "but I do. I love you this size...I loved you before...and I'll love you when you are pregnant with our child. I love you." Gently, he kissed her lips, almost feeling like she was porcelain that he needed to treat delicately and reverently...but he knew that not to be true. She was strong. She was tough. And she was his. Releasing her lips, he tightened his hold on her saying without words everything he was feeling. She was precious and he wanted her to know.

"You don't have to stay away tonight, you know?" Her question quiet against his chest where her head rested...just over his heart.

"Swan, after the summer we've had I'm not willing to take any chances. I'll be at the B&B with Liam, Robin and Sean and you can have girl time with Elsa, Regina and Ashley."

"I know," she sighed. "I wish Ruby was here."

"Do you want to wait to get married until she's back?" He thought he knew the answer and realized if she said yes, it would hurt...but...he wanted her to be happy.

"No," she stepped out of his arms and pointed her finger at him, but the laughter dancing in her eyes belied her warrior stance, "if you think you're backing out of marrying me, Killian Jones, you can just forget it. We will be getting married tomorrow. Got that, Captain?" Her hands cupped his jaw, forcibly bringing his lips down to meet hers in a hot, sloppy...sexy kiss that left both of them breathing a little harder when it was over.

Unable to tear his gaze away from her kiss swollen lips, he asked softly, "No second thoughts, Emma?"

"None," she answered quickly, this time going up on her tip toes to kiss him gently. "I'll let you finish getting dressed and go make sure Henry has everything." She trailed her fingers down his chest. "It's okay if you've lost a few pounds. You're still...hard," her fingers reached his stomach, "in more places than one." She winked and with a lingering caress to his hard...parts, she left the room.

A smile bloomed as he studied his bemused reflection. "Bloody hell, I'm a lucky git," he mumbled as he tossed everything he needed into a small suitcase, grabbed his garment bag and left the room.

Airport
Portland, Maine
Friday, Mid-Morning

Killian had been standing with Henry as Liam exited NID's corporate jet, following Ashley, Elsa and Regina, and after a quick whispered conversation with Henry, the two had vanished back into the plane. The next time Liam had appeared, he had been helping Johanna down the stairs and she was carrying a rather large garment bag. As soon as they reached him, she handed him a piece of paper saying, "Be there in one hour to be fitted in your wedding finery," and then pointed at the waiting limo asking, "For us?" Killian nodded, hoping for more of an explanation, but without giving one she quickly headed for the car.

He frowned at Ashley. "What did I miss?"

When she sent a panicked look Elsa's way, Killian knew they were up to something, he just wasn't sure what that something was yet. Finally, Liam came to her rescue. "Don't question it, Killian. Johanna is going with the girls and then will be taking the plane back to Boston shortly."

"But..." he started to say before stopping when he realized that Liam wasn't standing next to him any longer, as he had walked the women...or more specifically, Elsa...to the limo.

"Alright, Brother, what do we need to do?" Liam asked as he walked back to the car Killian hadn't ventured far from.

"Wait, Liam," Killian looked back toward the jet, "where are Robin and Sean, and why is Henry on there alone?" He ran his hand through his hair sending it flying in several directions.

"It's nothing nefarious, Killian," Liam tried to assure him, "Henry will be going back to Boston to stay with Blue and she will bring him back tomorrow, and Robin and Sean are driving up this afternoon."

Killian kept looking back up at the plane, trying to decide if leaving Henry behind was a good idea when Liam read his mind, assuring him that Henry was in the middle of some X-Box fight with the pilot and would be fine. "You're sure?" he asked one more time.

"I'm sure," Liam confirmed. "Now, let's go see what they chose for you to wear tomorrow."

"But I already have my suit," Killian remarked, as they climbed into the car. "Are you sure you don't know anything?"

Liam held both hands aloft, "Would I keep secrets from you?" and then as if realizing what he said, he winced, and tried again, "I mean..."

Killian reached over and squeezed Liam's shoulder, "I'm glad you're here, Liam," he told him quietly.

"Me too, Killian. Me too," Liam agreed softly.

The Cabin
Portland, Maine
Friday, Mid-Morning

Emma wasn't sure what to expect after Killian and Henry left as he had given her free rein with the decorations, but had been very secretive about the guest plans and the music. Assuming she had several hours at least, she had taken a long bubble bath and was making a cup of hot chocolate when there was a knock on the door. A huge bouquet of pink roses greeted her and hiding behind them were the smiling faces of Ashley, Elsa and Regina.

"What are you doing here?" she exclaimed as they filed past her, uncovering another surprise visitor, "Johanna!" who smiled and lifted her arms, revealing a rather large garment bag that she was holding as if it were the Crown Jewels.

Ashley laughed, "What are we doing here? Did you forget that you're getting married?"

"No, but..." Regina and Elsa held up bags of food and Emma pointed to the kitchen before looking at Ashley in confusion. "I didn't expect you all to get here so early. And Johanna..." Emma opened and closed her mouth several times as the woman's presence was a huge surprise.

"Let's get to the bedroom, Missy. My ride's awaitin'." She gave Emma her patented glare that used to always scare her, Ashley and Ruby when they were young.

Emma pointed to the hall leading to the bedroom and Ashley took pity on her, linked their arms and led her the way she pointed.

"Simple version, Em," Ashley began, "Johanna made you a dress, and as soon as you've tried it on, she will get in the car and be taken back to the jet and go back to Boston to make any alterations."

While she was talking, Johanna had unzipped the bag and revealed the most beautiful dress Emma had ever seen. "Recognize it, Emma?" she was asked quietly.

Emma nodded yes as her eyes filled with tears, "You kept it? All this time?" she asked reverently as she fingered the ivory lace of the wedding dress that she had drawn for herself when she was...fourteen or fifteen.

"I did," Johanna picked up the dress, spreading the laces wide. "You had watched some old movie and the next thing I knew you handed me this sketch and said-"

"-When I get married will you make me this dress?" Emma finished.

"Exactly," Johanna beamed, "now get the proper undergarments and get this on. I've not got all day."

Fox' Diner
Friday, Noonish

After being fitted for his suit, Killian took Liam to a place that not only had good food, but also had a shop in the front that sold arts and crafts from local vendors. He had been in there several times during the week with Emma, and when Cleo saw him, he was pleased that she remembered who he was. "Killian, no Emma today?" she joked as she led them to a booth beside a window.

He explained where she was, introduced Liam, and after congratulations, she left to seat other patrons and they were left alone. "She wants Emma to sell her paintings here," he proudly told Liam.

"Is Emma interested?" Liam asked as the waitress left with their order.

"She's not really said much, but it is one of the items on our list of things to discuss." They had put a lot of items on that list, he thought, as before the accident, moving to New York and getting jobs hadn't been something that seemed real. Now, in just a handful of days, the time to truly embrace adulthood would be upon him. What would that be like?

"What's on your mind, little brother?" Liam's quiet question broke into his thoughts.

Killian shrugged his shoulder. "I was just thinking about being an adult," he confessed.

"Must have been deep thoughts if you let me get away with calling you little brother," Liam teased him.

Killian was saved from answering when their fish tacos were set in from of them and both dug in as if they hadn't eaten in days instead of mere hours. Liam finished and, pushing his plate back, leaned on the table. "Killian, I want you to know that I'm proud of the man you've become. Since Mum and Dad's passing I've not been there for you, but that's going to change."

Killian had to swallow the lump that was wedged in his throat, as all he had ever wanted was to make his big brother proud. Hearing the words made it a good day indeed. "I appreciate that, Liam. Much of it can be attributed to Emma." His voice sounded wistful, wishing she was with them.

"I'm sure," Liam responded quietly. "She is a special woman."

"That she is," Killian agreed, "but I believe," he gave Liam a devilish smile, "you have your own special woman." He still got a chill every time he thought of his dream and how in it...Elsa had been what had stood between Liam and him. Was she his brother's fate...just as he had been Emma's?

~~~CS~~~

Liam kept pinching his thigh, reminding himself that this was real! That somehow, he and Killian had come through the storm and were stronger than he could remember being...ever, and much of the thanks was due to Emma...and he had to admit...Elsa. On and off during the day, thoughts of her had floated through his mind. Hell, who was he kidding? On and off...mostly on...through the week, she had been on his mind. And without Henry around, that excuse to keep her close had evaporated and she had slept in her bed...and he in his.

He owed her a date...but between catching up at work and coordinating the guest situation for the wedding they hadn't seen much of each other and...he found he missed her. When he had stopped by her apartment this morning to pick her up, he hadn't been able to help himself, because the second she had opened her door, he'd had to kiss her. "She's a special woman," he heard Killian say.

"Wait...what did you say?" He pulled his head out of the clouds where he had been reliving his morning taste of honey.

"I said," Killian sent him a cheeky grin, "that you seem to have a special woman of your own." Liam watched him arch that one eyebrow while waiting for an answer. "Is there something you wish to share...or ask perhaps?" he teased.

A snort escaped before he could catch it. "Ask? You mean like the birds and the bees?" Killian just shrugged as if to say whatever, and Liam rolled his eyes. "I seem to remember answering a few questions for you one time when you were too embarrassed to ask Mum and Dad."

Killian shook his head, a pink tint covering his cheeks. "I'd forgotten about that. Mum would have been so embarrassed if I would have asked her."

"Maybe," Liam smiled fondly, "Mum was usually willing to answer most of my questions. It was only periodically that she sent me to Dad."

"Good memories," Killian murmured, "but...I'm still waiting. You and Elsa? Now talk."

Liam wasn't planning to say much but when he opened his mouth and the words spilled out, he let them flow.

The Cabin
Friday, Noonish

Emma finished the last bite of her bagel and wrapped her hands around her mug of hot chocolate and leaned back in her chair. "Those were delicious." She took a sip of her drink.

"Weren't they," Elsa agreed, "Liam and I stopped and got them on the way to the airport this morning."

"Oh?" Emma felt her eyebrows go sky high, "Do tell."

"I'd like to hear too," Regina seconded the statement.

Ashley smiled at Emma. "This kind of feels like when we were asking you about all those pictures you drew when you first met Killian."

"It does," Emma teased Elsa, "and I bet your face is just as red as mine was at the time." Elsa's smile was soft...smitten for sure, and the way she kept rubbing her hands together said the story had to be good.

~~~CS~~~

Elsa could feel her face flaming the more they teased her, but yes, she deserved it as she could totally remember asking Regina and Emma the same things when they first started having feelings for Robin and Killian. "Don't we have to run some errands before our appointment at the The Glass Slipper?" she tossed out, thinking that might save her for a few hours.

Emma glanced at the clock and sighed, "Yes we do, but..." she wagged her finger playfully at Elsa, "don't think this saves you for the entire weekend. A few hours of reprieve at best."

Elsa felt her whole body relax when Emma put her dishes away and left to go get ready. She relaxed even more when Ashley and Regina both left to call their spouses, leaving her alone to do what she had become quite good at...taking a walk down memory lane. And boy, she licked her lips, this morning's memory was hot.

She hadn't seen him much during the week but that didn't mean that he hadn't spent an exceptional amount of time in her mind. And her dreams, well...those were getting rather steamy...and now that she'd gotten an eyeful of the goods, well...she was interested in seeing them in action. Just the thought made certain parts of her dance...and dance.

Finding herself nervous and anxious about his arrival this morning, she had tried to keep busy but when his knock had sounded, she didn't know if she should run or walk sedately. In the end she did neither...most likely a bit of both...but when she opened the door, she was toast. Burned to a crisp by the laser stare of his blue eyes as they seared into hers. Singed...every single hair...singed.

Goosebumps collected on all the exposed skin and the only thing that went through her mind was that she was going to tell Emma she finally understood. Emma had spoken about there being something about Killian that made her lady parts scream ME, ME, and now...she knew what that meant...as that was exactly what hers were doing.

"Hi," she greeted him rather breathlessly, as just seeing him made her forget to breathe.

"Elsa," he stalked her, there was no other word, following her into the apartment and shutting the door with his foot. "Before we go, I need..."

"What?" She watched, waiting for him to make the next move.

He reached his hand out, urging her to come to him and with no hesitation she took the last step and practically leaped into his arms. He lifted, holding her tightly against his strong chest, his lips nearly consuming hers with their heat.

Their lips communicated in a language meant for lovers.

A kiss full of primal need.

A kiss full of heat.

A kiss that, by the time it was over, left neither one of them untouched. A time when two became one, so tightly were they intertwined.

Liam groaned as he created distance enough between them, while his body, still shaking with need, calmed...the edge slowly receding...but if it was like hers, never as far as the time before. "You undo me, Elsa," he sighed against her lips. "I don't know how much longer I can resist."

But then he had realized the time and they had hurried to get bagels and then to the airport where they were meeting Robin, Regina and Roland. Question was, how did she let him know she didn't want his resistance?

~~~CS~~~

"Earth to Elsa. Earth to Elsa," Regina repeated several times in a row, but Elsa had a dreamy smile and appeared to be lost inside a special memory and wasn't responding. "What do you think?" she asked Ashley, who had just walked into the room.

Ashley snapped her fingers in front of Elsa's face a few times, and while there were eye blinks, for the most part Elsa's smile remained beatific. "Maybe she's asleep and having such a good dream, she doesn't want to wake up."

Regina's brow went up in thought, but then she looked back at her friend, "With her eyes open?"

Ashley shrugged, "Stranger things have happened."

"Boy, I can vouch for that," Emma joined the conversation when she came back into the room. "When I had amnesia, one of my dreams was so real I woke with a hickey...and some very graphic memories. In fact, I need to get those drawings back," she murmured absently.

Regina looked at Ashley, who mouthed 'no clue' and wondered what it was about those Jones men that seemed to have a bit of mystical powers surrounding them. But, she was quick to think, she appreciated Robin's mystical powers just fine, as often as possible, in fact as he was quite good with his-

"Regina," her name being called by Elsa interrupted a good memory and she turned to notice that Elsa had once again returned to the room with them.

"I'm right here." She noticed Elsa's fair complexion had a bit of color to it. "Welcome back," she smirked.

Elsa just shook her head and busied herself cleaning around the kitchen until Emma called them to leave.

~~~CS~~~

After leaving the cabin, they stopped by the Castle Lodge where the reception would be held, and Emma showed them the horse drawn carriage that would bring her, Elsa and Ashley to the park.

"Just like in your fairytales," Ashley hugged her friend and sighed, "I'm so happy for you."

Emma sniffed, "I'm happy for me too." Then she giggled and linked her arm with Ashley's as they walked toward the dining room. "Except my Prince Charming is Captain Hook. Go figure."

"Fate," Elsa intoned.

"True," Emma agreed. "Okay," she signaled to Regina, "I need your help with the food, as you've been to more fancy parties. If it were up to me we'd have-"

"-Grilled cheese and onion rings," her three friends finished her sentence.

"Exactly."

"Nothing wrong with grilled cheese and onion rings," Regina told her.

"I know but with a fairytale dress..."

"You want fairytale food." Regina finished.

"Please?" Emma asked.

"I'm game." Regina smiled.

As they walked into the dining area to meet Katheryn, the wedding planner for the Lodge, the many delicious smells emanating from the kitchen were so heavenly they were almost overwhelming. "Mmm, do we get to taste?" Elsa whined. "I'm hungry."

~~~CS~~~

When Emma drove away from Castle Lodge, she was happy with the final choices they had made and ready to be pampered at The Glass Slipper, but...then Elsa asked about the wedding location and well...the car had a mind of its own. As she drove the few miles to the cliff, she reminded them that it was the place Killian had first proposed back in May and told them of its reputation for playing music to reunite lovers who had separated.

"It's the strangest feeling to hear music when you know in your head there are no musicians anywhere around," she reflected absently as she turned into the park.

Ashley met her eyes in the rearview mirror. "You mean...like actual music? Not just the whistling sound the wind makes sometimes?"

"Like actual music," she answered, but then quickly amended, "but before my memory returned, I couldn't hear words to the song, just the promise that Killian and I had made to each other the first time we were here."

Parking, they stepped out of the car and the first thing Emma noticed was how quiet it was...peaceful. The music had been hushed as the cliff had completed its legendary task. It had reunited her with Killian...and with herself.

The feelings that had surrounded her last Saturday when she had first arrived, she kept to herself. She didn't know why, but for some reason those were hers, not meant to be shared with others...except with Killian...her True Love.

Her friends asked questions...about the rock...the beads...the reunion...but, as if sensing her reluctance to share much, they mainly stood on the edge of the cliff and gazed out at the sea, absorbing the sheer awesomeness of being so far above the water and observing the power of the waves, realizing that many years ago the water would have covered their feet when the tide rolled in. But as time went on, the power behind those waves had subtly chipped away at the soil, until they were separated by distance, yet...still...very much connected.

The thought that there was a parallel there between the cliff and her and Killian this past summer was interesting, especially in light of how they had been reunited. That even though there had been a distance between them that seemed insurmountable...their connection continued. And the longer they had been separated the stronger their bond had grown.

Powerful.

That's love.

"Emma," Elsa cut into her thoughts, "where will you be standing and what kind of decorations have you planned?"

Shaking her head a bit to clear the deep thoughts, Emma took them back to where they had parked the car. Spread out in front of them was an inverted V, with the point being where the rock stood and then the sea stretched as far as the eye could see.

"Okay," Emma pointed, "imagine a field of pink roses covering the ground," she emphasized, "not in baskets as was typical at weddings."

She pointed to where the chairs would be placed, simple...white, just a handful, really, as they hadn't wanted a large crowd. Just their closest friends and family...and them. "And then," she smiled, remembering that her sketchbook was in the car, and getting it showed them, "a raised dais...Elsa and Ashley here...over here...Liam and Robin.

"And in the center, surrounded by the pink flowers, will be Killian and me." Her eyes grew misty thinking that this time tomorrow she would be Emma Swan-Jones. Batting the tears away quickly, she looked into the smiling faces of Ashley, Elsa and Regina. Three strong women, who had come into her life at different times, yet who were now connected to her for life. Not just through their friendship, but with Regina and it seemed Elsa too...the connection between the men they loved. "I wish Ruby were here," she said quietly, thinking that even Victor had come into her life via a connection...as Blue's physician and...as Killian's friend.

Ashley put her arm around her shoulders as they walked back to the car. "It was supposed to be a surprise, but we have instructions to Skype again tonight."

"Thanks, Ash," Emma gave her a grateful smile. "Let the pampering begin."

They climbed into the car, ready for an afternoon of massages, facials and fun conversation. On top of the list...Elsa's growing feelings for Liam, a topic of interest to all.

B&B
Friday Afternoon

When Killian had pulled him and Robin aside at the reunion and told them that he wanted to sing his vows, and that he wanted them, and not just Robin to sing harmony, Liam had almost called him a blooming lunatic. But the excitement on his face had been infectious and the way that Killian and Robin had included him in the planning had made him feel honored and humbled, even if he hadn't known what the hell they were talking about some of the time.

Once home the reality of the situation had set in and he had decided that it was not Killian who was the blooming lunatic, but that title belonged to him, one Liam Jones, for even agreeing to such an idea, especially when he pulled out his old Gibson and ran his fingers along the strings. Out of tune, and since he hadn't played the thing in forever, his memory was faulty for some of the chords. Thankfully he could find just about anything on YouTube, and after a few 'lessons' he felt comfortable enough to attempt to learn the chords to the song. Of course, that had been in the privacy of his own apartment, not here in front of his brother…or more terrifying, the possibility of making a mistake and messing up his brother's wedding day.

"Are you going to admire it or play the thing?" Killian laughed at the way that he was running his fingers over the battered old case.

"Sorry, Brother, I was just thinking about when our father used to play this thing." He improvised, not wishing to give Killian anything to worry about. "Do you remember?" Opening the case, he pulled out the guitar and settled on a chair close to where Killian was already tuning his instrument.

"Aye," Killian smiled, "I remember he used to bring it out for Mum's birthday, right?"

"He did," Liam agreed, "and we'd all take turns singing her favorite songs. And then inevitably—"

"—she and father would end up getting lost in old stories," Killian finished.

"Aye."

"I miss them," Killian said quietly, "especially at times like this. Do you think they would have liked Emma?"

That they would have liked Killian's choice in wives much more so than Liam's own, there was no doubt. "I think they would have loved your Emma," Liam reassured him. "And even though they aren't here in body, they are here in a way, as they are in your heart."

Killian sent him a grateful smile. "Thank you, Liam." Then his smile turned cheeky, "Now are we going to play or what?"

Baby steps, he thought, his heart lighter than he could remember it being in quite some time.

~~~CS~~~

Killian had known that Liam had changed, but just how much, he hadn't been aware of until today, and spending so much time together, just them…talking…laughing…sharing, the memory of singing with their parents something he hadn't thought about in…forever. It felt good, he thought as he absently tuned his guitar, thinking how unfamiliar it felt in his arms, as he hadn't played much all summer. With Emma gone, it had been as if the music was lost...he had been lost in more ways than one.

But now...Emma was back, and his life was better than he could imagine, and his music...well, the song he was planning to sing kept speaking to him. He thought that meant his music had returned, or was he just hoping?

Emma brought music into his world.

Emma brought love into his life.

And one look was all it took, the words in the song aligning with what had occurred in his life. He strummed the opening notes, watching Liam's fingers as they fumbled on the strings. "I thought you said you remembered how to play," he teased as Liam hit yet another wrong note.

Liam gave him a disgusted look, "I do, it's just..." This time he was able to get through the opening bars without a mistake, but then it was Killian who played the wrong chord.

"Bloody hell," Killian exclaimed, starting the process all over again. "Perhaps this was an awful idea," he admitted as he tried again.

"Afraid you'll botch up your vows?"

Killian studied Liam, his face serious...concerned...empathetic, not something he had much experience with when it came to his big brother, but something he thought he could get used to...and pretty quickly, it would seem. "Aye. I don't want Emma to be disappointed on our wedding day."

Liam laid his guitar down on a nearby chair and moved closer. "Killian, do you love Emma?" Killian gave him an 'are you daft?' look, and he then continued with, "And she loves you?"

"Bugger all, Liam. You know the answer to that question. Of course, Emma loves me." In his agitation, he could feel his jaw clenching tighter and tighter.

"Then don't you think the only way Emma is going to be disappointed is if you don't try?" Liam patted him on the shoulder, picked up his guitar and resumed strumming as if he'd never gotten up.

Was that true? Would Emma be upset only if he didn't do it? The more he thought about it, the more he decided that he would be upset if he didn't try it. The song spoke to him, and through it he was sending a message to Emma that she was the only one for him and he loved her unconditionally, and with those thoughts he felt his confidence return once again. And this time when he played, he sounded better. "Thank you, Liam."

"Anytime, little bother," Liam quipped.

"That's younger brother," Killian corrected, starting a chord all over again, just as the door opened.

"And you gents call that music?" Robin entered the room, all cocky attitude and sparkling eyes as if he had been up to something. "It's a good thing a professional is here to show you how it's done."

Killian arched a brow and watched his best mate pull up a chair and lovingly stroke his guitar before slinging the strap over his shoulder and strumming a few chords. When his finger slipped and the notes squawked, Killian let out a snort. "You were saying?"

"Just warming up," Robin retorted sheepishly. "Don't get your knickers in a twist. Let's go again."

~~~CS~~~

Several hours later, Liam had finally convinced Killian that they needed to be on their way to Blackbeard's Tavern to meet with the boys. Killian hadn't stopped fretting over the song, even though they had played it no less than a hundred times and it sounded fine. He couldn't quite understand getting that worked up over a woman...but he did have to admit that being near Elsa worked him up quite a bit. Singing for her...well, that was a worry for another time.

"Are you sure we shouldn't have gone through the song one more time?" Killian asked anxiously.

"Killian..." Liam groaned, thinking that his brother was beginning to sound like a broken record.

"It's fine Killian," Robin reiterated. "Any more right now and my fingers are likely to bleed."

"Don't be cheeky, Robin. It's not becoming," Killian retorted.

"Boys, behave. We're here and only grown-ups are allowed." Liam opened the door and he and Robin manipulated Killian to a table back in the corner where a few friends were waiting.

"Congratulations, Killian." Graham handed him a beer.

"About time you showed up," Arthur called from across the table.

One after another of Killian's friends from his time in Boston shook his hand and congratulated him, and once again Liam felt like a fool for being such an arse. When a beer was shoved into his hand, he looked up in surprise into Robin's serious face. "I'm supposed to tell you to stop."

Liam frowned, "What?" He shook his head, wondering if he heard him correctly, "What did you say?"

"Your watchdog gave me instructions." Robin assumed what Liam thought might be a more feminine posture, by cocking his hip and flipping invisible hair over a shoulder. "She said...'Now Robin, if after Killian sees all of his friends, Liam gets all pensive, give him a drink and tell him I said stop.'" He shrugged, "So I did, although I have no clue what she meant."

"Elsa said that?" Liam asked quietly, amazed at how well that woman knew him.

"She did," Robin told him softly. "She's a good person."

Liam agreed nodding his head. "Elsa's the best."

"She cares about you, but," Robin's smile disappeared, "just remember...if you hurt her, well..."

"I don't plan to hurt her," and then he surprised himself by admitting, "I care about her, too." He sent Robin a grateful smile and nodded toward the table of rowdy men. "Go have fun, as these are your friends too. I'll be fine."

And as the night wore on, Liam found that he was fine and even enjoyed himself immensely. Hearing about Killian's years at Boston showed him a lot about Killian…the man…someone he was coming to admire quite a bit.

As the evening wound down and the guests disappeared one by one, Killian leaned over and whispered, "Where's Nemo? I thought he was flying down with you today."

"Last minute change of plans," Liam explained. "Nemo and Cora will be stopping in Boston and bringing the rest of the guests with them tomorrow. He said I'm to keep you calm."

"Calm?" Killian questioned, "Why the bloody hell would you need to keep me calm?"

Liam shrugged. "He said all grooms are nervous."

"Not this groom," Killian scoffed repeating again, "Not this groom."

Famous last words, Liam thought as he excused himself to check-in with Nemo.

The Cabin
Friday, Late Night

Emma's day with some of her closest friends had been perfect, from the dress fitting, to the spa, and ending with dinner and a Skype session with Ruby, but she couldn't sleep. While her friends were sleeping soundly, she was wide awake. Her mind wouldn't slow down and her arms...those were empty. Was Killian missing her too?

She crawled out of the bed and padded out onto the patio. The sky was black this close to the sea and between the gentle breeze and the soothing sound from the waves, she began to relax. Leaning against a column, she stared up at the stars and just like on Sonata Cliff, she could hear a song.

Lois Lane sang it to Superman, but many of the words could be used to describe how she felt about a super man, her very own Captain Hook...one Killian Jones. And tomorrow she was going to marry him. "How did that infant who was left on the steps of a group home just hours after birth get so lucky?" she murmured to the dark summer sky.

As the breeze blew through the sea grass, the notes grew louder. "Can you hear me, Killian?"

Across town, the men had turned in early, and just as he was slipping into sleep, Killian heard Emma's voice. It was so clear that he picked up his phone making sure that she hadn't called, but no...she wasn't there. Silence, until notes were ringing inside his head and he heard her beautiful voice. Pulling on a pair of sleep pants, he took his phone and stepped outside. She was there...in the wind...in his mind.

"Can you read my mind?
Do you know what you do to me?

The same things you do to me, Swan.

I don't know who you are
Just a friend from another star

You know me, Emma. Sometimes better than I know myself.

Here I am like a kid out of school
Holding hands with a god
I'm a fool
Will you look at me
Quivering
Shivering
You can see right through me

I'm a fan of every part of you, you should know that by now

Can you read my mind?
Can you picture the things I'm thinking of?

Our future; you, me, Henry...and perhaps...

Wondering why you are
All the wonderful things you are

The words touched a space inside of him that made him question whether he was worthy of having someone as wonderful as his Emma, but she brought out a side of him that he had never known. She made him a better person.

You and I
Could belong to each other
If you need a friend
I'm the one to fly to
If you need to be loved
Here I am
Read my mind

You belong to me, just as I belong to you. I'm here, love. Answer my call.

She needed him, Killian thought as he hit the Emma button and waited for her to answer. She needed him and he...needed her.

"Killian?" her soft voice came over the line.

"I'm here, love. I heard your call."

Fort Williams Park
Saturday Afternoon

Killian was nervous...and he didn't know why. He didn't think it had anything to do with pledging his life to Emma's, because...if the truth were known, he would have married her two years ago when he had first heard her laugh. She had captured his heart then and loving her had become better than he could have thought possible.

Did it have to do with singing, he couldn't help but wonder. But...he had sung to her many...many times. Was it singing with Liam and Robin for the first time? That didn't seem right either.

Was it that he was singing his vows? That he didn't write them like he said he would?

Or was it the song itself? Maybe...but not because the song wasn't the right song...but because it was the perfect song. He was nervous because this time, the meaning behind the words mattered. This time it meant forever.

"Ready, Killian?" Liam and Robin asked, both carrying their guitars, with Henry following behind carrying his.

"I've got your guitar," Henry told him, pounding hard enough on the body that Killian winced and bit his tongue to keep from saying something he shouldn't.

"Watch it there, Henry," Liam said gently, "guitars are like women and must be treated delicately."

Henry side-eyed Liam for a few seconds and then as if a lightbulb went off, he smiled and nodded his head, "Oh, I get it." He rearranged it in his arms so his hands clasped tightly to the waist of the guitar and its headstock rose up along his head and he started swaying, "Like this? Isn't this the way you were treating Elsa the other day, all delicately and all?"

A laugh burst from Killian and Robin simultaneously, and when Liam's speech was rendered incoherent, they laughed even harder, only stopping when The Minors started playing I Can't Help Falling in Love. He met Robin's and Liam's eyes.

"Think she'll show?" Robin quipped taking Killian's guitar from Henry, as he was going to be sitting with Regina and Roland.

"Wanker," Killian shot back, just he had thousands of times in the tenure of their friendship.

"Boys, boys," Liam grinned. Show's on."

As they turned to walk to their places, Henry asked, "What's a wanker?" but thankfully, Regina called for him to go sit before they had to think of a good answer.

Killian jabbed his elbow into Robin's arm and realized he was no longer nervous. "See what you started."

"Me?" Robin frowned at him, "How did…?" was all he managed before they reached where Pastor Lancelot was waiting for them.

"Shall we, gentlemen?" Pastor Lancelot led them close to the edge of the cliff, and after setting their guitars on the stands, they took their places next to him and turned to wait for Emma.

~~~CS~~~

Emma had been pampered, coiffed, and with Johanna, Blue and Green flitting around her in their jewel-toned outfits, she felt like a fairytale character being dressed for her fairytale wedding. Which was completely fitting, considering her dreams growing up.

Once she was dressed and everyone had left except Ashley and Elsa, the butterflies kicked in and started a swarm. Her day was here.

Her prince was waiting.

But...for some reason, she couldn't get out of her head that something...no, someone was missing. Not Ruby, even though she was missed greatly, but...the woman who had been there for her this past summer...during her darkest times...Doctor Blanchard had been there. Realistically, she knew it made no sense for her doctor, who was very pregnant, to fly across the country...but emotionally, she would have loved to share the day. Even a phone call would have been nice, but...there had been no answer.

"Emma, they're ready for us," Elsa told her, picking up her spray of flowers, ready to go. "Shall we go?"

Was she ready? Unequivocally, yes, she was. "We should." Her vow was that she was going to live in the moment and enjoy each and every second to its fullest.

The horse-drawn carriage added to the fairytale ambiance and the closer they came to Sonata Cliff, the clearer the music. "You two can hear that music too, right?" Their expressions to her question made her laugh. "Just kidding. Killian brought The Minors, from Boston, to play today. Pretty isn't it?"

"I love this song," Elsa hummed.

Emma had to agree that I Can't Help Falling in Love, was both beautiful and romantic and reminded her of her first proposal. Was that on purpose? Would other songs from their courtship make an appearance today and make her cry? Knowing Killian...probably.

The carriage stopped, and as the music continued to play Elsa and Ashley started their walk down the path, the roses parting for their every step.

With a nod from Katheryn, Emma took the first step toward her Happy Beginning.

~fin

I hope the reunions were everything that you wanted. Drop me a line or two and let me know. Next week is Chapter 27 as well as a Promise compilation. See you then.