Sunday morning Killian got ready to go with his brother for the service. He was nervous since it was obvious the little town was not happy with him.
In front of the parishioners, Liam thought the best way to help his brother was to get the town to lighten up a bit.
"Good morning, everyone. Well, we got lucky, but it's been a rough week. In these dark times we should show mercy and forgiveness. Scripture says, "Bear with each other and forgive each other as the Lord has forgiven you." To forgive, sounds so easy, doesn't it? Yet it remains so profoundly difficult to achieve. Inside this church, we've always practiced forgiveness, haven't we? With that in mind, let's try today, to forgive those that have hurt us, and to move forward. If we can truly forgive, then we can truly be set free. Let us pray."
The church was at full capacity, Killian had opted to stand by the door again. He saw Emma, Alice Hope, and David. Marian was next to a small boy with wavy dark hair. Sadly, still no Robin. There were so many people, a lot of them he didn't recognize.
Once the service was over, Liam walked towards Killian.
"Brother, I'm glad you're here, stick around."
"Pastor Jones." The older woman smiled fondly at Liam.
"Hello. Killian, remember Ms. Lucas?"
Killian subconsciously soothed the spot the older woman had hit the other day. "Ms. Lucas, always a pleasure."
"Killian." She walked away smiling.
Marian and a very adorable boy with dimples approached Killian to say hello and shake his hand. Soon some familiar faces, among them Ashley and Anna approached him to say hi and shake his hand. Some faces not too familiar but welcoming. Everyone made their way to greet Killian, they all acted like he'd never left.
Alice Hope had sneaked a peek or two towards Killian's direction throughout her uncle's sermon. She was nervous, she was going to meet her father. Okay, she had met him before but that was before knowing who he was.
Liam and Killian were animatedly talking to some of the parishioners when Emma and Alice Hope approached.
"Hi, Liam, Killian." Emma smiled nervously.
"Hello, lass." Both of the Jones Brothers replied simultaneously.
Alice Hope tugged her mother's hand. "Hi Uncle Liam. Hello Killian, or do I call you dad?"
"Hello, little one." Liam smiled fondly at her. "I'm going to give you guys some privacy to talk."
"Oh, there is no need for that Liam. Killian, Alice Hope and I were wondering if you would like to join us for family dinner tonight?" Emma rushed out the invitation.
"I would love too, but only if you're both sure?" Killian questioned.
Alice Hope smiled at him and nodded her approval. Emma looked at her and met her smile with a smile of her own, "The kid said she wanted to get to know you, so she will."
"I accept your invitation with pleasure." He smiled at them both. "Lass, will your lovely brother be there tonight?"
Emma snickered. "No, I told him it was a dinner for you and Alice Hope to get to know each other."
"I'm sure he loved that. He has always acted more like a father than a brother," Killian reminded her.
"But to answer your question, Dave will not be there."
Killian stroked his beard, and smiled, "I accept, should I bring anything?"
"No, just show up this time." Emma couldn't help make the comment as Alice Hope squeezed her mother's hand.
Killian scratched behind his ear as he smiled at his little girl and answered, "I will be there."
"Good, we'll see you at 7:00 P.M.," Emma confirmed with her ex.
"Aye." Killian's gaze landed on Emma.
Emma broke off the brief moment, swinging her daughter's hand as they walked away, leaving Killian behind to wait for his brother's return.
Killian was more nervous than when he would perform in front of thousands of people. After Emma and Alice Hope had left him, he excused himself with his brother and decided to take a drive to the store. He did not wish to attend empty handed to dinner.
He didn't know Alice Hope well enough, but he figured one cannot go wrong with a stuffed animal His gift for Emma was intimate, he really hoped she wouldn't throw it at his head. Killian now stood in front of Emma's home with a giant duckling and a swan necklace he could not resist buying. He had purchased a pair of jeans for himself and a few v-neck shirts. He was beyond nervous, his hair a mess because of all the times he'd ran his fingers through it. He wore dark jeans and chose an old flannel shirt he found in his childhood room, instead of one of his recent purchases. It was time to finally get to know his daughter. He knocked loudly on the door. The house looked well taken care of. While he waited for someone to answer the door, he reminisced about their first date. He remembered feeling so nervous, ironically a feeling he shared this time also.
The door opened to reveal mother and daughter standing together united. Alice Hope smiled at him while holding on to her mother's hand. "Come in Killian," Emma encouraged her ex to enter her home. "I hope you don't mind, but I picked up some lasagne from Granny's."
Killian smiled, "Are you sure that's safe for me to eat? She's not my biggest fan."
Emma laughed, "She might not like you, but she loves me and Alice Hope." She shrugged.
Killian looked around the house as he walked in. The place looked the same from when they were young, but it had a warm feeling that he had always associated with Emma, it felt like home.
He stood still as if briefly transported back in time. In his mind, he could see a young blonde lass running around in the living room followed by a young dark-haired lad laughing as he finally caught up and was tickling her. Her giggles echoing in his memory.
Emma cleared her throat to gain his attention. "Hey this way. You act like you've never been here before." She tilted her head and playfully raised her eyebrows towards the dinner table where Alice Hope was finishing setting up the table.
Killian approached the table slowly. His mind playing cruel jokes. The image of a loving family enjoying dinner at the table together. If only he would have followed the original plan all those years ago this would have been real. He stood in front of one of the chairs and looked at the meal, he had enjoyed gourmet meals on tours, but a lasagne with a simple tossed salad had never looked as appealing as it did now.
Emma cleared her throat, "Hey are you ready?"
Killian looked at her and simply smiled, "Yes, so where do you want me?"
Emma blushed lightly at the question. Killian was still waiting for an answer. Alice Hope looked at her parents interaction and simply rolled her eyes.
"You can sit there," Emma pointed at the chair he was in front of. "Normally, David sits there, but he is not coming."
Killian nodded as he rushed to move the chair for her to sit on and smiled to Alice Hope. His daughter caught his meaning as she paused while Killian made his way to her and gently moved her chair. Finally, he made his way to his assigned seat and sat down. He put down the stuffed animal in the far corner.
"Are you sure David won't mind if I sit in his chair?" he asked while nervously reaching for his ear.
Emma leaned over giggling, "It will be our little secret," and winked at him.
Killian smiled at her and focused on Alice Hope. This was about her, not flirting with her mother. "Alice Hope, I got you this," he handed her the duckling, "I know it's not much, but I hope you like it."
She smiled, "I'm too old for stuffed animals, and it's kind of big, but it's nice. Thank you." she sits it in the chair next to her.
"I'm sorry, I just wanted to get you something and since we just met, I-" His ears were red. "How about we get to know each other, that way I won't buy you anymore stuffed animals." He winked at her. "Little love, tell me what's your favorite color?"
Alice Hope scrunches her nose, "My favorite color is-" she looks at her mother who smiles fondly at her, "green, like mom's eyes."
Killian tilts his head as he admires Emma from his seat, "Your mum does have lovely eyes."
The small talk continued with questions ranging from favorite food to favorite school subject.
There was never an awkward moment between the adults and the young girl. The night was quickly approaching.
"Alice Hope, I think it's time for bed now. Say goodnight to Killian, your dad, and get ready for bed. Don't forget to brush your teeth. I'll be up in a second to tuck your in, okay." Emma gave her daughter a smile as she got up to clear the table.
"Okay, mom, is it okay if my dad, tucks me in?" Alice Hope asked with her big puppy blue eyes.
Emma stared at her for a few seconds, "If it's okay with Kilian, I have no problem." She smiled as she headed to the kitchen with the dirty dishes.
Killian was just rising from his seat but freezes at his daughter's request. He realized he had stayed quiet for too long without responding, unable to put together coherent words he simply stammered, "I would love to, little love. I will be up there in a second."
Alice Hope smiled and turned to run up the stairs. Killian watched her go and once she was out of sight, he followed Emma to the kitchen. She was washing dishes with her back to him.
"Love, are you okay with me tucking her in?" Killian asked as he entered.
"This dinner was for you two to bond, and it's what she wants." Emma finally turned to him, "She's in my old room. Go and make sure she washed her teeth. She is a sneaky one, just like her father."
Killian snorted, "If memory serves, I'm not the only one she inherited her sneakiness from." He wiggled his eyebrows as he made his exit, and Emma giggled at his antics.
Killian found Alice Hope in her bed, waiting for him. She studied him with her blue eye, his mother's eyes. He walked in and looked around the room. His daughter is too much like her mother: a tomboy. That was why they connected at such an early age. She loved playing outdoors, running around, kicking a soccer ball, and arguing about the proper name for it. Soccer or football?
"Little love, did you want me to read you a story?" he asks, scratching behind his ear. He knew his nerves were showing because he could feel the excess moisture on his forehead.
"I'm good, but maybe you can sing for me? Mom listens to your music, but I think it will be nice."
He smiled fondly, "How about I sing to you one of my mum's favorite lullabies? I know you're too old, but I would love for you to know something of your namesake."
She smiled, "Okay, I'd love to hear it. Uncle Liam gets so sad when I ask about her."
"Lay down and close your eyes, little love." She did as he asked and his soft voice started:
"My love said to me
My Mother won't mind
And my Father won't slight you
For your lack of kind
Then she stepped away from me
And this she did say
It will not be long love
'Til our wedding day.
She stepped away from me
And she moved through the Fair
And fondly I watched her
Move here and move there
And she went her way homeward
With one star awake
As the swans in the evening
Move over the lake
The people were saying
No two e'er were wed
But one has a sorrow
That never was said
And she smiled as she passed me
With her goods and her gear
And that was the last
That I saw of my dear.
I dreamed it last night
That my true love came in
So softly she entered
Her feet made no din
She came close beside me
And this she did say
It will not be long love
Till our wedding day."
As he finished singing, he got up from the bed and was about to slip out.
"Dad, do you want to pick me up from school tomorrow? We can talk more," her soft sleepy voice asked.
"I'd be honored to." He smiled as he closed the door so she would finally fall asleep.
While Killian was upstairs with Alice Hope, Emma went to her porch and sat down on the top step. A familiar old brown truck parked in front of the house.
"Shit," Emma mutters.
David strode toward her quickly. "Please, tell me Killian is not inside. Emma, you cannot let him in your life again."
"David, I love you, you know that, but this is not about me. This is about my kid. She wants to get to know him. I know you don't approve, but I don't want her to grow up without knowing her father." Emma sighed and stood up to block her brother's way.
"He is going to do it again, he is going to leave, and this time it will be so much worse because he will not only leave you broken hearted but Hopey too. I hope it's worth it." He turned around and left her standing there with her mouth open. Once in his truck, he peeled out and soon the brake lights faded into the night.
As her brother's truck disappeared Killian came outside to join her. "Was that Dave?"
"Yeah." She kept her eyes on the road her brother just disappeared into.
"Is everything okay?" His concern is evident in his voice.
"He wasn't happy you were here, but he will learn to deal with it." Emma shrugged. "Is she down for the night?"
"I believe so, she asked for me to pick her up from school. I'm hoping that's okay with you?" With nervous energy he waited for her response.
"I said that it was up to her, and she wants to spend time with you. Yeah, that's okay, no problem." Emma confirmed. "Are you leaving?"
"I just figured it would be best if I didn't overstay my welcome. Before I go, Emma, I have something for you." He was digging through his shirt's pocket, and then a jewelry box came into view. Emma gasped. "Relax I'm not proposing," Killian quickly assured her. His eyes went wide when he realized his mistake. "Bloody hell," he muttered. "I'm sorry, that was insensitive of me, I saw this and I thought of you, I hope I'm not overstepping." Killian handed her the box. "I hope you like it."
Emma studied his face and accepted the box. She opened it and was greeted with a swan necklace. It was a simple silver swan. "Thanks, but you shouldn't have troubled yourself. I'm sorry I cannot accept it. The duckling for Alice Hope was enough, although highly unnecessary. She needs to get to know you, not gifts."
"Emma, I swear I'm in it for the long haul. I will not let you down." Killian assured her, his eyes full of promise. He accepted the necklace back with a sad smile. "Or Alice Hope." He played with the little black box. "I should go, but I will be on time to pick the little one up."
"Alright, that sounds good. Can you drop her off at the shop for me? Actually take her home with you. That way she gets to spend more time with you and with Liam." Emma smiled, encouraging him with a slight eyebrow raise.
"That sounds lovely. Until tomorrow, love." He bowed slightly and started towards his car.
The next day Killian woke up with a calmness in him. He got ready while softly humming his mother's lullaby. He found his brother sitting at the kitchen table, a hearty breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon, toast, and some fresh coffee waiting. "Morning, Liam," Killian greeted as he served up a plate of food.
"Good morning, little brother," Liam smiled as he met Killian's gaze.
"It's younger brother," Killian corrected, taking a bite of his toast.
"I take it things went well?"
Killian smiled his response. "I'm picking up Alice from school. Emma suggested I bring her here to spend some time with us. Is that okay, or should I take her to the park?"
Liam rolled his eyes, "This is her home as well as yours. She is family and always welcomed. There is no need to ask for permission. Besides Ali and I haven't had our weekly visit."
"You guys are really close aren't you?" There was a tinge of jealousy in Killian's tone.
"Killian, you will get there. I think you are doing an amazing job. You just found out you had a daughter, and instead of running away you've embraced the idea. You want to spend time with her. I think you are close to falling in love with her." Liam smiled as he put his plate in the sink. "Oh, and by the way little brother, it's your turn to wash the dishes, I made breakfast."
"Liam before you go, I have a few questions I've been curious about. Where's Elsa and is Emma dating Graham?" Killian asked nonchalantly as he finished his food.
Liam sighed, "Elsa is visiting her aunt Ingrid."
Killian got up and made his way to the sink. "Ingrid, her aunt that lives in Bangor?"
Liam snorted, "Yes, that's her," he wags his eyebrows. "She got married a few years ago."
Killian smiled, "I cannot believe she got someone to marry her. Wasn't she a bit of an ice queen?"
"Killian, she wasn't so bad," Liam scolded his brother.
Killian laughed, "To me she was, she only had a soft spot for you, brother. She thought you hung the moon. I was not good enough for Emma. She has always loved her as her own. Once you finally admit your feelings for Elsa, she will be thrilled."
"Very funny brother, I don't have feelings for Elsa," Liam crossed his arms stubbornly, "and there is nothing more to discuss about her."
"If you say so brother, what of Graham? Now that I think about it, I haven't seen Ruby either." Killian's brow raised as he waited for his brother's answer.
"Ruby is around, she's in charge of the diner now, so she's busy. Once a week the girls have their night out, but since Elsa is out of town and Marian is taking care of Robin that will have to wait." Liam paused for a second, "As for Graham, how is that any of your business whether or not Emma finally gave him a chance?"
"Liam, I know it's not my business but- never mind forget it." Killian scrubbed the dirty dishes with his back turned to his brother.
"If you truly want to know, I suggest you ask Emma. I'll see you later."
Hours later Killian waited on the hood of his car outside Alice Hope's school. He laughed a little as it was once his school too. Some things never change, he thought as he noticed fliers for the annual talent show.
The bell rang and soon all the children were running out of the school. His breath hitched when he saw the top of her head approaching him. It was not lost on him that every child and adult were staring at him, but he just ignored them. He couldn't stop his smile as he gazed at his little girl. Her big smile was contagious.
"Hello, little love. How was school?" Killian asked as he guided her to his car.
She stopped and looked at him, "I don't think mom will approve." Alice Hope said matter of factly, pointing to the car.
"Why not?" he asked as he inspected the vehicle.
"Well, mom has a list of safe cars," she air quoted, "she is looking to buy a new car, but it has to be dependable and most important safe. That's what she keeps telling Uncle David."
"Ah, I see, and this car is not on the list."
Alice Hope smiled, "She studied all kinds of cars, and convertibles have low survival rates in crashes. She also thinks I'm too small for my age," she peeked inside the car, "and you don't have a car seat."
"Does your Uncle Liam's truck pass inspection?" Killian inquired of his little girl.
"Of course, silly. Uncle Liam picks me up when mom is too busy or if it's our day."
"Good, little love, how about we walk to the park and I call him to pick us up over there." Killian fished out his phone from his pocket.
"You can push me on the swing," she exclaimed, "but you have to push hard."
He snorted a laugh, "How about I safely push you on the swings, little love. I don't want your mum to be cross with me." He gave her his best puppy eyes.
"I won't tell her if you don't," she giggled.
Killian only smiled. They walked to the park holding hands and talking about her favorite food, grilled cheese, like her mom. As he pushed her on the swings at a safe pace, much to her dismay, he told her about his childhood memories. Most of them featured her mother, whether they were playing tag, hide and seek or football. They were thick as thieves. They didn't wait long for Liam's truck to arrive. The honk went almost unheard. They walked towards a waiting Liam with smiles on their faces.
They arrive at the Jones' house and Alice Hope runs inside and heads to the kitchen to grab one of her juices. "Uncle Liam, what are you gonna make to eat? I'm so hungry!"
"Ali, you're always hungry. Are you sure you're not a little monster?" Liam grabbed, and tickled her as he probed, "I don't think you are a simple little girl."
She giggled at him, "Uncle Liam! Please, stop, I can't breathe."
"Okay, little one, how about some grilled cheese, your favorite." Her beaming smile was answer enough. "Off you go." Killian, you should go with her and keep her company. There's no telling what kind of mischief she will get into if she's left to her own devices. Might I remind you, she's your daughter and the apple didn't fall far from the tree." Liam quirked an eyebrow.
"Oi! I was a very well behaved lad," Killian rebuffed as he followed his daughter to the backyard.
Liam decided on some grilled cheese sandwiches and a nice tomato soup. He was taking his time to give his brother and niece more time together.
Killian and Alice Hope finally entered the house. "Little love, we've been thinking about planting some Middlemist. They were your grandmother's favorite, I was wondering if you would like to help us? We can make it a Jones activity." Killian lightly bumped her with his hip.
"Yeah, I could help. Maybe we can get mom to help too?" She gave him a little hopeful smile.
"We shall ask her if she wants to join us." He led her to his old room. "I thought it would only be fair for me to show you my room since you showed me yours." Killian pondered for a minute as he noticed her hesitation as they near the room. "Alice Hope little love, have you been inside?"
"Uh, nope. Uncle Liam said it was bad form to invade other people's privacy." She shrugged as she walked past him inside his room.
"I'm your father, he didn't say anything about me, ever?" Killian felt a little hurt at the realization that he was only a glorified sperm donor. He planned to change all that though.
"No, they never said anything. I mean mom or Uncle Liam. I thought he was my uncle like Uncle Graham, but she did tell me he was my dad's brother." She paused for a second, "I could see the sadness in her eyes." His little girl looked down, "I wanted to ask about you, but I knew it hurt mom. So I didn't." She smiles, "So I never spent the night, we would come visit for a little bit. Mostly Uncle Liam visits us."
"I see, well how about we rectify that now? Let's get to know each other. Come now, don't be shy."
She took his invitation to snoop happily. Seeing an old guitar, Alice Hope grabbed it. "This is cool! Does it still work?" She inspected it closely, gently caressing it.
"Aye, little love, though it might be out of tune. This guitar," he took a deep breath, "my mum got it for me, it was my first guitar, she taught me how to play it. My mum had a beautiful voice. She loved to sing, to play," he said, strumming the guitar. "You remind me of her, She would have adored you." His eyes watered, but he continued playing, improvising a melody as she watched intently.
A light knock interrupted father and daughter. "Sorry guys but the food is ready," Liam said, "come on now. Ali, your mum wants you to give her a ring once you are finished eating."
Alice Hope simply nodded.
"Come on, little love, let's see what Uncle Liam has prepared." He put the guitar down and followed Liam. His little girl followed suit but paused to turn back and grab the guitar. She carried it to the living room and gently put it down then rushed to the kitchen where Killian and Liam were waiting for her.
"Allow me, little love." Killian pulled out her chair.
She blushed as she walked to the chair in front of her dad and sat down.
"Grilled cheese and tomato soup?" Killian asked Liam.
"As you know brother, that is Ali's favorite, but instead of those dreadful onion rings I thought I'd add something healthier," Liam replied with a grin.
Alice Hope gasped, "Uncle Liam, don't let my mom hear you." She took a bite of her sandwich. "It's delicious," she exclaimed after swallowing the buttery cheesy goodness.
Killian laughed contently and agreed, "It is brother. Thank you."
"I'm happy you are both enjoying it."
Over dinner Killian told Liam about the plan he and Alice Hope had come up with for her to help them with the Middlemist garden, which Liam thought was a great idea. When they finished dinner Liam began to clear the table.
"Let me help, you cooked. It's only fair." Killian quickly came to his aid and directed his attention to Alice. "Little love, can you sit in the living room, and entertain yourself for a minute or so." Killian smiled fondly at her.
She got up and went to the living room. She was drawn to the guitar she'd placed there before dinner. Picking it up, she slowly placed it on her lap as her dad had. She strummed the strings of the guitar in the same melodic way.
As they finished in the kitchen, Killian could hear the faint music, and approached slowly, Liam not too far behind. Killian turned to look at his brother, cocking his head. Liam simply shrugs.
"Little love?"
Alice Hope stopped playing and looked up. "I'm sorry, you said to entertain myself, and I..."
Killian quickly interrupted her, "You're not in trouble, have you played before?"
She relaxed, "No, this is my first time. I just watched you earlier." She looked a little confused.
"I think it's time I take you guitar shopping, you are a natural," Killian said, awestruck.
Liam smiled, "I told you the apple didn't fall from the tree."
Alice Hope beamed at her father, "Okay, but you tell mom," she gulped, "I better call her. I forgot." She winces apologetically.
"No need to worry, little love, I'll call her." Killian grinned to himself as he called Emma. He was proud of his little girl.