The Denver Arena welcomes Killian Jones with open arms. The city is having a slow month and is able to offer an earlier opening to the musician in lieu of the anticipated performance. They much preferred this to waiting until after the European tour to host the singer. An overcrowded arena applauds the music star's much awaited show.
"Thank you. Thank you, Denver!" Killian takes a bow on stage. He waves at the crowd as he runs to the backstage. For the first time in years he takes no notice of any groupie in the crowd.
Scarlet greets him with a water bottle, "Killian, that has to be best I've seen you perform. I think the crowd forgave your last minute concert cancelation. These new songs are just crushing it, you know?"
Killian gives him a tight smile, "Just get me out of here, mate. It doesn't matter."
Will stares at him and obliges. "Come on, let's get you out of here."
Tiny and Will share looks on the way to the airport, they've grown tired of Killian's brooding. After boarding the plane Will decides to engage Killian head on. "Killian, why are you doing this to yourself?"
"Doing what?" Killian asks, acting aloof.
"Mate, what happened while you were back home? You sounded happy and suddenly you asked me to organize the concert." Will prompts him to continue.
"She almost died because of me. I just..." Killian closes his eyes as he remembers.
"Who almost died?"
"Alice Hope, my daughter." Killian cannot contain the smile on his face at the mention of his daughter's name. He continues his tale, "We were all having dinner at Emma's. A big get together. Then Alice started choking, and instead of helping her I bloody froze."
Will's demeanor changes from business to friendly, "Killian, you froze because you love your daughter."
Killian rebuffs stubbornly, "She could have died, Will. I could have lost her and I did nothing."
"Killian, she didn't die. She's alive, back home, and most likely wondering where her father is. We all mess up, but it's what you do after you mess up that counts. You have to show up, be there for them. This whole time I've managed you I've never thought of you as a bloody arse, not until this moment. Kids don't come with manuals. Trust me. I love my Anastacia but if she tells me she's with child anytime soon I'm going to freak out." Will gives a little laugh.
Killian nods agreeing with his manager.
"Killian, don't get me wrong, I get it. I do. I know there are better men than you out there, but Emma doesn't love them. She loves you and you love her, too."
Killian ponders the advice for a second.
"Sorry, I'm late boss," his publicist says as she sits down.
Killian smiles, "MM I need the pilot to change the flight plans."
Mary Margaret looks at Will for backup.
"If that's not an option then I need to get off this plane." Killian raises a single brow.
Mary Margaret shakes her head, "No, no, no. We are supposed to leave right now."
Killian crosses his arms stubbornly. "Since you don't want to have him change course, I'm getting off this plane." Killian unclips his seatbelt and stands up.
"Killian, you are to perform in London in 14 hours. So no, you're not getting off this plane, and we are definitely not changing course." The petite publicist rises from her seat as well. "For the love of God, do not get off this plane."
"Oh, I'm getting off this plane," Killian affirms as he glances at Will.
Will nods, "Mary Margaret, let him go. We can make this work. He needs to do this."
Mary Margaret is confused at first, but she and Will had worked closely during Killian's absence. They'd formed a friendly bond. She moves out of the way and hopes Will can explain what just happened.
Killian gets off the plane and runs to the terminal. He goes to the closest airline and purchases a ticket to Maine.
As he waits for the plane to board he takes out his old taped up flip phone and listens to the voicemail.
"March 5th, one saved message.
Hi, Killian... it's me, Emma. I've lost count of all the times I've called. I still cannot figure out why you left me on our wedding day, and I fear I will never find out why. We need to talk. I really need for you to call me back. If you don't, I promised myself that I'll never call you again. I'll have to find a way to move on with my life. But I want you to know if I don't ever hear back from you, I will always love you, Killian. You will always be the one for me. And you'll have my heart forever."
Killian Jones finally does what he should have done eight years ago. The line rings… "Hi, this is Emma. Leave me a message after the beep."
Hello, Emma. It's me. I know it's taken me eight years to return this message and it's about bloody time. I always wanted to, but I knew I would need to have an answer for you. I had no answer until now. See, my mum was the love of my life until I met you. I know we were so young, but the thought of losing you someday, the way that I lost her, my heart couldn't take it, so I ran. But I can never move on, Emma. And that message you left me, I did listen to it. I've listened to it every day for the last eight years. And then when I met Alice Hope, my heart just burst open. I thought I wasn't good enough for you two. If you choose to give me one more chance, I'll spend the rest of my life trying to be a better man. I'm never leaving Storybrooke again without you and Alice Hope by my side. You're the one. You've always been the one."
The plane lands at Bangor International Airport and Killian quickly finds a car rental place. Normally he would have wanted a flashy car to show off to women, but today he chooses an SUV. He makes a point to ask the clerk about the crash statistics. The clerk pales until Killian smiles, "I'm not planning to crash mate, but I do intend to drive some precious cargo around." With that he leaves the airport for the seemingly eternal drive to Storybrooke. He hasn't heard back from Emma. He truly shouldn't be surprised after his unannounced departure, again. She is surely going to kill him
He parks the SUV in front of Emma's, scanning the house, it's so quiet and dark, perhaps no one is home. He decides to get out of the vehicle and find out for sure. His hands are sweaty as he knocks on the door. He rocks back and forth as he waits for someone to open the door, which nobody ever does. He waits for an hour and figures he should go home. As he is leaving, a thought comes to him, he takes out his old phone and leaves it for Emma on her front porch. With one last look he heads home.
Liam smiles as soon as he sees his brother walk inside the house. "Brother, you're back."
Killian takes a deep breath. "Aye, I should have listened to you. I'm sorry, but this time it's different. All those years I was away I knew something was missing. Now I know, home is the place when you leave, you just miss it. Being away from Emma and Alice Hope the last few days, I've never missed them more. I'm home and I'm done running."
Liam smiles big at his brother as he walks up to him and hugs him. He whispers, "I'm glad to have you back little brother." He claps Killian's back fondly. "She's out with the girls, and the little one is spending the night with Granny. I bet she was spoiled rotten by the old lady."
"How bad is it? Bloody hell, I mean how angry is she?" Killian runs his hand through his dark hair.
"Brother, she is mostly disappointed, and Alice Hope, she has been brooding since you left. In true Jones fashion." Liam smiles, "The girls wanted to cancel tonight but Emma insisted that celebrating a happy occasion was what they all needed."
"Happy occasion?" Killian asks curiously.
"Ah, yes. You don't know. Ruby Lucas is getting married," Liam says smiling.
"Who managed that? Ruby always claimed she would never marry." Killian smiles at his friend's antics.
"That was before she fell in love with our good Sheriff." Liam waits for the information to sink in his brother's mind.
"Sheriff, wait.. She's marrying Humbert? I thought Emma and him were..." Killian stutters.
"I'm afraid not brother. I won't lie, a few years after you left Emma and Graham tried, but your memory was always in the shadows."
Killian's jaw clenches at the confirmation, but he has no right, he knows that. He had enjoyed other women's company while he was gone, so he can't reproach Emma for trying to find love again.
Liam continues, "Don't worry brother, everything will work out. I need to pick up Ali from Granny's in the morning. I would invite you, but you need to talk to Emma first."
Killian nods, "I know, I called her and I'm hoping to hear from her early."
After a sleepless night, early in the morning as he is finally falling asleep, he is woken up by something hitting his window. He rises, and again he hears the clinking at the window. He opens the window to find Emma outside. She gestures for him to come outside.
This is it, the moment that he will find out if he has a family or if she tells him to bugger off.
As soon as he opens the door he is assaulted by her question, "You've really been carrying this old, prehistoric, beat-up, duct-taped, really ugly cell phone for the past eight years because of me?" She locks eyes with him as she waits for his answer.
He simply nods, "Aye."
She raises the phone to look at it once more. "And you listened to that message every single day since I left it there?"
Again he nods, "Aye."
"And you'll never leave Storybrooke without Alice Hope or me?"
"Never, love."
She smiles big, "Then all I have left to say is, welcome home Killian Jones." She rushes to him and pulls him by his shirt's collar into a passionate kiss. Their lips stay locked for what appears to be an eternity.
They separate and breathe each other in, her smile blinding him as she presses her forehead to his. They are so lost in their happy moment they don't hear the new arrivals.
Alice Hope's grip on her uncle's hand tightens at the sight before her.
"Dad?" Alice Hope's little voice breaks through their happy bubble.
Liam lightly squeezes her hand, encouraging her, he leans, "It's okay little one, go on." He lightly nudges her.
Alice Hope slowly walks towards her parents. Her unsure steps don't go unnoticed by Killian. He did that to her. He slowly unlocks himself from Emma's hold.
Emma catches on and she gently squeezes his forearm. Killian meets Alice Hope halfway and he kneels before her. "Little love, I'm sorry for hurting you but I can assure you, I will never leave this town again unless it's in the company of my two loves."
Alice Hope quirks an eyebrow. "I'm sorry I scared you away."
Killian smiles, "Little love, you've got nothing to apologize for. I'm the one that's sorry, I let old fears drive me away. First from your mother and now from you, but my biggest fear is not having you in my life." He stands up and she automatically throws her arms around his waist. Emma and Liam look on smiling.
Emma approaches, and says, "I hope you have room for one more." Liam chuckles as he reaches them. "Better make that two more." The group holds on tight to each other.
They break the engulfing embrace only to head inside.
Liam pulls Emma aside for a second. "I hope I didn't overstep by bringing Ali here."
Emma smiles brightly at Killian and Alice Hope talking animatedly as they entered the house, then turns to Liam. "No, you did the right thing."
"I'm assuming things went well between the two of you."
"Yeah, everything is okay."
Liam and Emma are making a quick lunch of spaghetti and a salad, while Alice Hope and Killian catch up.
Alice Hope lays her head on Killian's shoulder while sitting on the couch talking. "Dad, if you're gonna stay here, how are you gonna sing?" Alice Hope asks.
"Ah, little love," he scratches behind his elvish ear, "about that, your mum and I need to discuss some things. I was about to start the international part of my tour." He nudges her before adding, "those songs you and I worked on together were a big hit."
She sighs, "So you are going to leave again."
"Alice Hope, I meant what I said before. I'm not leaving Storybrooke unless you and your mother are by my side. And even though I have a contract to uphold, se will figure things out. I'll call my manager. Don't worry."
Liam and Emma call out from the kitchen when lunch is ready, and just as Alice Hope and Killian arrive, Liam excuses himself for a second. He goes to his room and quickly returns. Killian raises a brow in confusion, and Emma and Alice Hope share a look. Liam simply smiles as he takes his seat.
After enjoying a peaceful lunch, Alice Hope and Emma go sit down in the living room at the insistence of Killian and Liam, the perfect hosts.
While they clean the kitchen Killian's curiosity wins out. "Brother, where did you go earlier?"
Liam smiles and looks at him only to simply wink in response. "I'm happy things are finally as they should have been long ago."
Killian couldn't stop the smile. "Aye, I just need to make arrangements with my manager."
Liam scratches behind his ear, apparently it's a family trait, then shows Killian their mother's ring. "I believe all you need to do is ask." "She gave it back after-"
Killian purses his lips, "I left? I don't know if using that ring would be a good idea."
"Killy, she knows what that ring means to us... to you. You and I both know that the ring belongs on her finger."
"You're the oldest, what about Elsa?" Killian asks.
Liam blushes red, "Killian. Elsa and I aren't…"
Killian smirks, "Aren't what? I don't know who you think you're fooling." Killian rolls his eyes. "I'll accept the ring on one condition."
Killian waits for his brother to answer and finally Liam whispers, "What's that?"
Killian's smile broadens, "That you admit that you two are hopelessly in love."
Liam closes his eyes and takes a breath, "Fine! You win brother. Elsa and I have been secretly dating for years."
"Liam, why the secrecy?" Killian asks confused.
"Elsa and I agreed to take things slow. Her traveling back and forth has helped with that. I think part of me felt guilty, how could I find happiness when my brother was still lost?" Liam's sad eyes meet his brother's.
"Liam, I'm so sorry, but there's no more need to hold back."
"So don't hold back on my account either, ask her." Liam hands him the ring.
Killian studies the ring as he twirls it. "Do you really think she will say yes?"
"I'm not going to say she was pining for you all this time b" Liam is interrupted.
"Who's pining?" Emma asks as she walks into the kitchen.
Killian pockets the ring once Emma enters the kitchen.
The soft melody traveling from the living room fills the kitchen.
Emma quirks an eyebrow, "Is this about Elsa? Liam are you finally popping the question?" Emma shrieks in excitement and starts jumping up and down.
Liam's face reddens. "Oh no, this is about someone else."
"Sure Liam." Emma turns her attention to Killian. "Alice is playing that song you guys worked on together. She's good, just like her papa." She shares a smile with Killian.
"Emma, we need to talk," Killian says before he can chicken out.
"Yeah?" Emma looks between Liam and Killian. Liam shrugs and walks to the living room.
"Emma, I meant what I said in the message," Killian says, "but I have a contract I have to fulfill."
Emma's eyes dim, "Oh, right." She bites her bottom lip.
"I just have to call my manager and publicist to work something out. I'm not leaving my family behind ever again," Killian assures Emma in a soothing voice.
"Okay, so after you talk to them and figure something out, we can decide what to do next." Emma gives him a smile.
"Love?" He reaches out to her.
Emma lifts her hand to meet his and they twine their fingers together.
He reaches for the ring in his pocket and takes it out.
Emma notices the familiar heirloom.
Killian follows her gaze and he studies the relic. "Emma, I don't know if this is too soon or too late. As you know the ring was my mums and... I'm sorry, maybe this is a bad idea…" Bloody git, Killian mutters to himself.
"Killian, I..." she sighs.
They are too busy with their talk to notice they have an audience.
"Mom, dad, what's going on?" Alice Hope asks.
"Ali love, lets give your parents some time alone to talk." Liam smiles apologetically to the duo.
Alice Hope gasps when she sees the ring in Killian's hand. "Are you guys getting married?" Her happy smile blinds the room as she starts to jump up and down.
Emma and Killian look at each other with a little panic in their eyes.
Liam clears his throat. "No one is trying to rush you two, but why wait?"
Emma and Killian share a look.
Liam speaks again, "You're childhood sweethearts that found their way back together. You're parents to an adorable little girl. You have a ring. You have someone that will marry you in an instant." Liam points to himself. "All you need is a license."
Liam calls out for Alice Hope, "Come on little one, play more songs for me."
Alice Hope looks at her parents and follows her uncle.
Killian nervously looks at Emma. "Love, we don't have to rush. My brother was talking out of his arse."
Emma smiles, "Killian, he's right. We've known each other all of our lives. We have a daughter…"
Killian blurts out, "If this is about the ring I can buy you a new one. One that won't be tarnished by my actions."
Emma tilts her head as she studies his face. "This ring was your mom's." She grabs the ring and smiles.
Killian lovingly quirks an eyebrow and smiles as he reaches for the ring, "This ring belongs on your finger, it was always meant to be you. My love, my happiness. My true love." He clears his throat and lowers himself to one knee, "Emma Nolan, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"
Emma playfully rolls her eyes, "Don't think I'm taking my eyes off you for a second."
Killian laughs, "I would despair if you did."
They laugh together as he puts the ring on her finger, "That was a yes, right?" Killian panicks for a second.
Holding hands, they head towards the living room where Alice Hope and Liam are sitting on the couch. The youngest Jones strums the guitar, but stops as she notices them holding hands.
Liam gets up, "So, are we planning a wedding?"
Emma and Killian both answer, "Yes!"
Liam looks between them, "What kind of wedding are we talking about?"
Emma answers, "Something small, just family and friends."
Killian volunteers, "I could have my manager and publicist help."
Emma looks at Killian, "They can help make arrangements for your tour, but I think Granny's diner would be perfect."
Liam smiles, "You two need to go get that marriage license and the rest will fall into place."
Truer words had never been spoken. Liam should have been smug about how easy everything fell into place. They called Elsa, Ruby, Anna, and Marian to help Emma.
Killian and Liam kept an eye on Alice Hope, and Robin finally spent some quality time with his old friend. Liam enjoys teasing them about planning a wedding for their kids in the future. Robin and Killian both grunt.
Ruby quickly convinces Granny about letting the wedding and reception take place at the diner. "Granny, it's not like the groom can't afford to give Emma a wedding fit for a princess. They just want it to be us, family." The older lady quickly agrees.
The other women find the clothes and make floral arrangements at Emma's shop. Pieces falling into place.
Emma decides on Middlemist.
The diner quickly transforms into a fitting place for a wedding.
This time Liam and Robin keep Killian company. An irritated Killian says, "I'm not going anywhere. I'm just nervous Scarlet hasn't arrived yet."
His brother asks, "Why are you so nervous about that?"
"He has our traveling itinerary and documents. I had to invite Will and his wife. He convinced me I was being an arse. MM my publicist made sure no one got wind of the wedding, so I invited her as well. It's about time both parts of my life are introduced." Killian keeps looking out the window for Will and MM.
In the corner sat a sulking David. He still couldn't believe his sister had fallen for Jones' shit again. Here they are once more at a wedding.
David decides to go outside for a quick smoke. He stands near the patio exhaling the smoke and he can't help notice a petite brunette getting out of a car with a couple he hasn't seen before. A large man guides her and the others to the diner. Without realizing it, he is following her inside. They exchange pleasantries and introductions.
The wedding is finally about to start, and the group finally goes outside, everybody taking their place. Killian stands tall in a black suit.
The wedding march song begins and Emma emerges from the Inn walking hand in hand with Alice Hope.
Killian can't contain his blinding grin, she is beautiful. Her simple off white dress flows as she walks towards him.
Once they reach him, Emma stands next to him and their daughter stands on the opposite side of Emma.
Liam starts the ceremony, and the pair exchange vows and are finally pronounced husband and wife.
Emma and Alice Hope are backstage alongside Liam and Elsa who are holding hands. While they're all enthralled by the performance onstage, David is enthralled by his conversation with MM.
"Hello, London! I'm so grateful to be finally here." The crowd cheers. "Thank you for allowing me to reschedule, because of your generosity, I'm here offering a special treat, today I'm introducing you to my family." He looks at Emma and Alice and waves them on.
Emma and Alice Hope wave at the crowd.
Killian smiles at his girls. "Alice, come here little love. This song is very special to me because my daughter helped me write it, and she will be performing it with me tonight." Emma waves goodbye to the crowd and goes backstage to watch the two great loves of her life.
At the center of the stage two chairs are side by side. Killian sits in one and Alice Hope in the other, each with their guitar in hand. They start to play and their voices sync perfectly as they sing for the crowd.
Seen it all
Endless nights and storm clouds brewing
A tired heart
18 wheels, asphalt moving.
I felt the hurt along the way
Seen the tears roll down her face
Nothing could ever take her place
Out there on the road, so alone
Home, finally home
Sometimes it's hard to stop a rolling stone
But wherever it may roll
It always seems to find its way back home
Early sun rising
In and out of hotel rooms
Highways winding
another town to push on through
Painted memories in my mind
They got me through hard days and the longer nights
But now I'm turning back the tide
I didn't realize how far I'd gone
Home, finally home
Sometimes it's hard to be a rolling stone
But wherever I may roll
I always seem to find my way back home
Endless nights
That emptiness lasted forever
When all I wanted was for all of us to be together
Home, finally home
Sometimes it's hard to stop a rolling stone
But wherever it may roll
It always seems to find its way back home
It always seems to find its way back home
I always seem to find my way back... home