The following morning Killian woke up and made his way around the old house. Photos still in the same spot along with other mementos. He reached the kitchen to get his much-needed caffeine fix. The old coffee maker was still there so he made a pot.

"Good morning, Killian, I'm surprised you're still here."

"Made some coffee, how can you drink this junk?"

"That's rich coming from you, years you were gone and you come back to insult my coffee? Why are you back?"

"I heard about Robin. I-"

"You what? Suddenly you remembered you had a family?"

"Whatever. What happened to mum's garden?"

Liam laughed, "I tried Killian but I lacked the green thumb you inherited from her. You were always the one that was more like her."

"Is there anything I can borrow, I mean to get around town, because I assume there is no Uber here?"

"Your bike is still in the garage. Oh and Killian, don't forget to do your dishes. There is no maid service here."

Liam watched as the temperamental younger man slammed the door on his way out.

Killian almost tripped running out of the house, with so many memories. So he did what he did best, he left, and although he felt utterly ridiculous riding his childhood bicycle, he pedaled until he'd gone as far as his legs would take him.

His destination ended up being the hospital, but he was sure he was not welcomed inside.

He took out his old phone. He knew he had to call Scarlet soon but what was he going to say? He readied himself for the stern talking to from his manager. One ring.

"Killian, where the hell are you? You missed a whole concert! Do you have any idea how much that has cost us? People are asking questions. Does that prehistoric cell phone of yours even have Wi-Fi? Where is Killian? Why is Killian Jones running around like a madman? They are wondering if you are on drugs? If you disappeared to rehab... Mary Margaret is going insane! She wants you to call her."

"I will, but first I need you to send me a credit card and I need a car."

"First, tell me where you are."

"My hometown. My best friend was in an accident and is lucky to still be alive."

"Oh, Killian I'm so sorry mate. I mean, are you all right? I wish you would have confided in me. Take your time."

"Yeah, I think so. I'm not the one that was in the accident."

"Okay. Don't worry about anything. I will take care of it. The good thing is that was the last concert date on the tour. We will set up Denver after Europe. Just be with your family and friends. I'm sure Mary Margaret already has a story about why you missed the concert."

"All right. Scarlet, where are my credit cards?"

"I didn't know you knew how to use one since I've never seen you use one by yourself before mate."

"There are a few things I want to buy. All I have is the cash in my pocket and it isn't much."

"I'll overnight them."

"Thanks, Scarlet. I'm gonna need a car too."

"Text me your address." Beep "It's Mary Margaret. I got to go, we'll talk soon."

With his conversation over, he noticed he had walked towards the small convenience store. He really needed a drink, so he went inside the store and proceeded straight to the liquor, maybe it was muscle memory. Grabbing a bottle of rum, he proceeded to pay at the counter where he encountered tabloid after tabloid with pictures of him shoeless while he frantically looked for the cell phone store. He rolled his eyes at the countless theories as to what was going on with him.

The cashier was helping a customer while he flipped the magazines around, and when he looked up she was looking at him expectantly, waiting for his items.

"Hello. How are you?"

"Good." He nodded unhappily at the small talk.

"There are more in the back."

"I'm sorry?"

"Magazines with your face on them. Do you want those too?"

"This is all."

"You don't remember me, do you? We went to high school together. My name is Ashley."

"Sorry."

"24.99, please."

"So. Ashley, you don't happen to know where Emma lives or where she works do you?"

She smiled sweetly and purposefully ignored his question in an attempt to protect Emma. "Thanks for shopping at Doc's."

"Yeah, thanks." He grabbed the bottle and left. Outside he looked around as he grabbed his bike and walked alongside it to a nearby bench.

He wondered who would be willing to point him in the right direction, he wanted to know where to find Emma. Looking around the street he noticed how everything had stayed the same. The flower shop across the street. He smiled at the fond memory that hid in his mind, but chose to put it away. Some things were too painful for him still.

He noticed the yellow bug pulling up in front of the shop. He couldn't be that lucky, he would know that car anywhere, but he waited for the owner to exit from the monstrosity just to be sure. The door opened and a petite blonde exited the vehicle. It was her!

Killian crossed the street to get to her as she entered the flower shop. He gathered the last bit of courage to prop the door open and was greeted by a chiming bell.

Emma came out of the back to greet the customer and her bright smile faltered as soon as she laid eyes on him. "Killian, what are you doing here?" She tried to busy herself at the counter and the bell chimed once more. Emma turned away from the man who broke her heart and smiled welcomingly at the older woman who had entered the store.

"Hello, Granny Lucas, how are you?"

"Well, I could be better." The pointed look she gave Killian indicated her dislike for him. "Do you have any Anemones?"

"I think so. For the Locksley's?"

"Yes, I hope they are aware of how truly blessed they are, unlike some people that don't appreciate their fortune." She glared at Killian as she said the snide comment.

"Okay, Granny I will be right back." Emma headed to the back of the shop.

The tip of his ears turned red, he was no fool. He understood the backhand comment was meant for him. He could feel the glare of the older lady.

"Granny, I have enough for a medium bouquet." Emma smiled brightly at the lady.

"That is perfect. How much do I owe you?"

"That will be $9.90."

Killian cleared his throat.

"I'm with a customer," Emma snapped as she and Granny both glared at him.

He raised his hands in surrender.

"Thank you, dear. They're beautiful." She handed Emma the money.

"I'm sure Marian and Robin will appreciate such a thoughtful gesture. Have a nice day."

"I'm sure they will, dear." As Granny made her exit, she mumbled idiot under her breath and slapped Killian on the back of his head.

Killian stared at her back as she left. "Wow, she has a strong hand for her age."

Emma snorted "I really wish she could hear right now, she would give you another good smack."

The sudden silence between the two was overwhelming.

"That was quite the punch you socked me with yesterday lass."

"It was just a warning shot."

"Ah-yeah?"

"Mhm-hmm."

"How long have you been working here?"

"It's mine, I own it. I bought it after Mrs. French passed four years ago."

"Impressive."

"Killian, I know it's surprising but I actually did something with my life after you walked out on me. You didn't break me. So many people have come and gone since you were last here. My mama passed away. Did you even know or care about that?"

"No, I'm sorry, I didn't know."

"Of course not, why would you?"

Emma studied his face and hardened her heart. "Haven't you noticed that since you left no one in this little town has ever spoken to the press of your life here? Nothing of your life here has been mentioned or posted on Facebook, Instagram or any of the social media sites. Do you know why that is, Mr. Big Star?"

"Because I abandoned you."

She laughed. "Killian, it's because you left us all that day, the whole town. No one has ever spoken about you, because we're family. We are loyal to our own and you don't belong here anymore. Please do what you do best and leave."

He was silent while she dared him to deny anything of what she had said to him. The door's bell rang once more and a bubbly redhead walked in with a little girl in tow.

"Mama!" The little girl ran to Emma and hugged her tight.

"Hello, my love." She held onto the girl. "Anna, hi, I thought you were taking her for ice cream?"

"I was?" She looked at Killian momentarily and then her focus was on Emma's pleading face.

"Hey, kiddo, your mom is right. How about some ice cream?"

The little dark-haired girl was studying the adults in the room. "Hi, I remember you."

"Oh, you do?"

"You were at church yesterday. Mama, isn't he the singer you listen to? Not my kind of music, sorry no offense."

Emma tried to change the subject. "Baby, don't you want some ice cream?"

"Mama, I don't want to ruin my appetite."

Sometimes Emma hated how much of an adult her little girl was.

"None taken, and it is always nice to make an impression on such a beautiful lass."

The courteous girl extended her little hand, "My name is Alice Hope."

"Such a lovely name. I'm an old friend of your mum, my name is Killian. " He looked at Emma then at the little girl in front of him. "How old are you lass?"

"I'm kind of small for my age. I'm seven."

"Sweetie, why don't you get going with Anna. A treat once in a while is nice."

"Come on Alice I want some ice cream and I would love some company," Anna added trying to aid Emma.

The girl defeatedly agreed. "Bye, mama. Nice to meet you too, Killian."

Anna grabbed her little hand and exited the shop.

"She's seven, huh?" He was doing the math in his mind.

Emma sighed, "Yeah, I have played out this conversation in my mind millions of times. I guess it's finally the moment of truth."

"It would appear so." He balled up his fists until they turned white. He couldn't believe it, he was a father. He had a daughter. He rubbed his sweaty hands on his pants as he waited for Emma's confirmation.

"I'm gonna need something strong to drink," she nervously said.

He extended the bottle of rum he had with him.

"I didn't find out about her until a couple of weeks after what was supposed to be our wedding day." She paused for a second… "I was so angry and humiliated after you just walked out on me. Somehow I mustered up all the strength that I had left and I called you to tell you about the baby. You didn't answer, it went straight to voicemail. I left you a message begging you to call me back. I promised myself that if you didn't care enough to call me back, I was never going to try again because we deserve better."

Killian shut his eyes as tears threatened to come. He had thought of calling back, but he still had no explanation for her. How could he call her back if he still couldn't explain to her his reason for leaving her behind, for being a coward. "You named her after my mum."

"I did that for Liam, he said she had her eyes, your eyes. She loves him so much, her Uncle Liam."

Lost in their conversation, they didn't hear the door open. Her brother entered, unhappy at the sight in front of him.

"Hey, Em." David greeted his sister with a charming smile before he glowered at Killian. "What are you doing here, Killian? Haven't you hurt her enough for one lifetime?"

"Nice to see you too, Dave." Killian forced a cordial response.

"David, he was just leaving," Emma said to calm her brother.

"Yeah?" Killian asked confused.

"Yes," she said firmly.

"It would appear... I was just leaving."

"Good," David said, his arms crossed as he stared Killian down as he made his exit.

Killian was so upset as he made his way back to the house. Once he reached his destination, he entered the house slamming the door. "Liam!"

The older Jones walked out of his room. "What is it?"

"Why didn't you tell me, brother?"

"Tell you what?"

"That I'm a father, about Alice Hope."

"Sorry to disappoint you, but I did tell you."

"When? What the bloody hell are you talking about? Liam, we haven't talked in years and this is a conversation I would remember."

"It seems it is not as memorable as you would think. Brother, I went looking for you, to your first concert. I believe it was in Seattle. You weren't returning any of my calls. So I tracked you down like some kind of fan." Liam defended himself to his brother's accusation.

"You were at that show?" He surely would remember his brother.

"I was. I even went backstage to see you after. I had to beg one of the security guards to let me in to see my own brother. You were unrecognizable, I honestly thought I'd stumbled into the wrong room. But I still had to try. I still had to tell you about Ali. She was on her way."

"I don't remember any of that," Killian reiterated.

"I'm not surprised. Allow me to refresh your memory?
You told me to leave and never come back, the only difference was that you weren't as considerate of the language you used. What was I supposed to do? Killian, you were an adult. I couldn't force you to come home with me."

"I'm not proud of that time in my life, I was indulging too much."

"Then? Well, you really seem to have it all together now."

"I'm better now."

"I just don't understand brother. You were a good kid. You were a good son and you were so in love with Emma. What happened?"

"I don't know," he mumbled as he struggled with past memories.

"That guy I saw in Seattle that night, I knew that Ali and Emma were better off without him. So yeah, shame on me brother." Liam stared down his brother.

"You call her Ali, just like everyone called mum."

"She is an amazing kid, Killian. Alice Hope Jones is everything to all of us. You have to be sure you are ready to be a father, her father.

The next day for the Jones brothers was one of peace. Liam prepared a basic breakfast for them. There was a comfortable silence between the two. Killian ate quickly and darted out of the house. He wore blue jeans, a white t-shirt, cap and sunglasses. Outside he found an envelope delivered by courier and there was a black convertible parked in the driveway. He let out a triumphant dance. His brother appearing just in time to catch his performance.

"Killian!" he called out with a smile on his features.

Killian slowly turned to face Liam. "Yes?"

"I've been thinking, since you're home, I was hoping you could help me with something."

"Sure. What is it?"

"Mum's garden after you left I could not maintain it. I never had the green thumb you do. We could return it to its former glory."

Killian scratched behind his ear. "Middlemist?"

"Those were her favorites."

"Okay just let me know when."

"One last thing. Come with me to the church for Sunday's sermon. I want to help ease your time here. It will not take long. I just want to reintroduce you to the church."

"Liam, I don't know if that is a good idea."

"Marian will be there and her son. Emma will be there too."

"What about dear old Dave?"

"He will be there."

Killian took in a long breath and scratched his beard as he considered his options.

"Is he giving you a hard time?" his forever overprotective older brother asked.

"Aye, nothing I can't handle or don't deserve."

"Are you sure? I can talk to him..."

"Brother I can fight my own battles," he shrugged and continued, "Robin and Marian have a son?"

"He is Ali's age. They are a few months apart and very good friends. I don't know brother, I think in the future he could be your son in law."

"Ali-Alice Hope she is barely 7 years." Killian glared at his brother, he'd barely found her and now Liam was marrying her off. "Liam, what does she prefer to be called? You call her Ali and Emma calls her Alice"

"To me, she is simply Ali, to Dave she is Hopey. It really depends on the person, and if she likes you, she will let you give her a nickname."

"Do you think she will like me?" Killian's voice cracked a bit.

"I don't see why not, I like you."

"You're my brother. You have to like me."

"She is your daughter and once she gets to know you, she will too."

"Fine, service still on at 8:30 a.m.?"

"Yes. Sunday 8:30 a.m.."

"What are your plans for today?"

"I'm going to go see Emma. I'm hoping she will agree to let me know Alice Hope."

"Good luck. She will, but you have to be patient."

Killian smiled as he waved goodbye and headed to the black, shiny, soft top convertible. He drove to the Flower Shop and parked. He was trying to work up the nerve when he saw a familiar face arrive. The deputy car was adjacent to his. He wanted to say hello but stopped as he saw Emma pulling up on the other side of the deputy car. Graham opened his door and rushed to help Emma out of the car. Killian just stared at the interaction. He slid down the leather seat to hide.

Graham and Emma entered the shop smiling at each other.

Killian slumped on the seat of the car. His back pressed firmly against the leather of the seats, the cap tightly hugged his head, and the sunglasses covered half his face. He questioned if he should go in or not, but the reality was that he was there for his daughter, not for Emma. He forfeited her a long time ago. As he waited for the other man to leave, he wondered why Liam hadn't mentioned Emma and Graham being together. He had known Graham had feelings for Emma years ago but she had chosen him, much to David's dismay. Some minutes later he saw Graham leave with a silly grin on his face. Bloody git.

Killian took in a breath and exited the car. The bell chimed as he entered the shop.

Emma emerged from the back smiling. Killian approached the counter.

"Killian, I wasn't expecting you."

"Oh, did you think Graham had forgotten something?"

Emma rolled her eyes. She had always loved the jealous streak he had when it came to Graham, and it seemed that he hadn't outgrown it.

"Not your concern. Now tell me what you are doing here."

"You're the mother of my daughter and," he paused, she was right, he had no right. "I want to get to know Alice Hope."

Emma stared at him as she subconsciously cleaned the counter. As if she was summoned, the little girl walked in with a trailing Anna.

"Hi mama." She smiled at Killian. "Hello, Killian."

His breath hitched for a second as he returned her simple greeting with a warm smile.

"Anna, what are you guys doing here?"

"We were on our way to visit with Marian and Roland but Alice realized she had forgotten Roland's favorite book."

The little girl did as she had done the previous day and just stared at her mother's actions in her friend's presence.

"Sorry, Anna," the little girl dashed to the back to grab the book.

"We didn't mean to interrupt. We will be on our way once Alice has the book."

Emma and Killian replied at the same time, "You are not interrupting anything."

Alice Hope returned with her book in hand and walked towards Anna and extended her hand. "Bye mom, bye Killian." They finally walked out and left. As soon as the door closed, Killian made his request.

"Emma, I want to know her, and although I don't deserve her, I'm her father."

"Killian, she doesn't know about you, but you are right. You are her father, but I will leave it up to her. If she wants to get to know you, she will. Just know if you break her heart, I will hunt you down."

"Love, Liam already made the threat."

"Not a threat, a promise. She's my kid, and her heart is mine to protect." She raised a single eyebrow as if challenging him.

"Okay, I understand and I'm willing to do it on your tems. Whatever you're comfortable with. Will you call me?" His nervousness showed as he kept tugging at his clothes.

"No, I will let Liam know." Emma nodded.

"One other thing, I wanted to buy some flowers for Marian."

"Okay, she loves hydrangeas." She gave him a small smile.

"Perfect, I'll get...I'll get 24."

"Twenty-four?" she confirmed.

"Yes, please."

"Okay, uhm, this is 12, can you grab those?"

"Aye."

They headed to the counter so she could charge him.

"That will be $180.15."

He handed her his credit card. "There, got my own credit card today."

"Good for you. Please, sign here."

"You got a pen for me to borrow?" He air-signed to show his intentions.

"Uh, you use your finger, you know to sign?"

"Ah, I knew that." His elven ears had turned blood red.

"Okay, if you say so."

"Thank you. Emma, please don't forget to let me know about Alice Hope." He grabbed 12 hydrangeas on one hand and the other 12 with the other.

"I will let Liam know." She followed him to the door, opened it for him, and she was about to follow him outside.

"I can take it from here."

Emma sat across the dinner table from Alice Hope. "Sweetie, there's something I want to talk to you about."

"Yes, mama?"

"About your daddy."

"I thought you didn't like talking about him?"

"I don't, Sweetie, but that is not fair to you. You have a right to know your father, but only if you want to. If you don't wanna get to know him, that is okay too."

The little girl stopped eating for a second. "He seemed nice to me. The guy from outside the church and the flower shop, Killian, right?"

"How did you know?"

"I'm not dumb just cause I'm a kid and you two weren't sneaky." Alice Hope rolled her eyes in a perfect copy of her mother's iconic eye roll.

"How did you get...so smart?"

The little girl shrugged and grabbed the last berry on her mother's plate and popped it in her mouth, Emma feigned insult.

"Alice, your dad and I met when we were very young. I just want you to know that he didn't abandon you, okay? He didn't even know that I was pregnant, I didn't even know."

"He did look surprised. Can we invite him for dinner so he knows I'm not scary?"

Emma snort laughed and suddenly she was serious, "Are you sure?"

"Yes, mama."

"Okay."