Ch. 2
Killian watched Emma walking away and he felt the loss immediately. At that moment he wished he were back at his old apartment because he wouldn't have let her leave. When she got to the corner she turned back searching for him and waved her hand suggesting he go inside. He didn't want to let her go alone, he would have preferred to walk her back home but she insisted she was fine. He finally gave in because he would have seemed entirely too eager to be with her if he insisted.
A figure appeared on the opposite side of the street and he strained his eyes to see who it was, suddenly a feeling of worry in his stomach. Then immediate relief when he realized it was her father. He laughed. Mr. Nolan was certainly a protective father. At that moment he felt lucky that her father hadn't shown up ten minutes earlier but relieved because she would get home safe.
Mr. Nolan waved to him as well. He smiled and waved back. He wanted to make a good impression and he did promise to come see her tomorrow. When they were out of sight he opened the door and went inside.
As he turned he saw Elsa perk up on the couch. "So, Killian. Was that Emma?"
"Aye, and thanks for the assist, Sis." He said.
Elsa grinned. "My Pleasure. She is really beautiful."
"Aye, she is, inside and out. I'm going to see her again tomorrow. She's only here for a few weeks until the new semester starts again. Where's Liam?"asked Killian.
"He's passed out upstairs. You would think he was the one carrying around the baby." Said Elsa patting her tummy.
"I should get to bed as well. I've had a long day and it doesn't look like I'm going to do any unpacking tonight." Said Killian.
"I figured that so I made up the bed for you." Said Elsa.
"Aw, you didn't have to do that. You staying up?" he asked.
"Anna is going to skype me soon. You know the time difference can make things tough but I love seeing her." Said Elsa.
Killian hugged her and smiled.
"Thanks again, see you tomorrow." Said Killian.
"Pleasant Dreams. " said Elsa.
"You didn't have to come get me Dad." Said Emma linking her arm in his as she kicked at the snow. She couldn't take the smile off of her face.
"Honey, I didn't want you walking around at night alone in the snow." Said Charming.
"Sure Dad, you know I'm a grown woman right?" asked Emma.
"Don't remind me. I'll always see you as my little princess." said Charming.
"I'll always be your princess Dad but you have to trust me. Are you sure you weren't just checking up on me?"asked Emma.
"I don't know you are fraternizing with the enemy. You did just meet him." said Charming.
"Dad, he isn't the enemy. Do you honestly think anyone's competition for Mom's cooking?" asked Emma.
"No. Better not tell her I said anything." He said kissing her on the head.
They walked back through the light snow and into the warmth of their home.
"You're back! I tried to convince your father you would be fine but he insisted on looking for you." Said Snow.
Emma smiled and hugged her Mom. "Yeah, it's ok. I've missed you guys. Thank you for the party tonight. It was so nice seeing everyone." She pulled her father into the hug too. Emma noticed her mother giving her father a hint to leave them alone.
"I'm going to finish cleaning up back there and I'll let you both catch up." Said Charming.
"Oh, Thanks Honey. You're so sweet." Said Snow kissing him on the cheek.
Snow grabbed two beers from the cooler, opened them and handed one to Emma.
"Beer?" asked Emma.
"Sure, why not. You're an adult right?" asked Snow.
"Thanks Mom." Laughed Emma.
"Bottoms up." Said Snow.
"Bottoms up." Said Emma.
"So, tell me about Killian. He seems really nice. Did you kiss him?" asked Snow.
Her mother's eyes were lit up and she was grinning with anticipation.
Emma nodded as she almost choked on her beer.
"Ooh I knew you would hit it off. He seems so nice." Said Snow.
"Mom, he really is. We had such a great night together. I didn't want him to leave. We talked about everything, you, Dad, school, his family and Storybrooke." Said Emma taking a sip of her beer. She still felt weird about drinking in front of her parents.
"Ooh, Emma. That's so exciting. I remember when your father and I first met. I didn't want to leave him that night either." Said Snow.
Emma took a sip of her drink. "Wait, Daddy said that you made it hard for him. He said he had to call to ask you out five times before you said yes."
"Well, I didn't want to seem too eager and he was just so cute. I just wanted him to sweat it out a bit. I figured if he kept coming back that he was worth my time." Said Snow.
"Mom!"said Emma.
"Well, it worked and look at us now. He's the love of my life. I don't know what I would do without him. He carries my heart with him Emma." Said Snow shrugging.
Emma smiled. Her parents were so cute. They still thought of each other even in the quiet moments.
"So, is he a good kisser?" asked Snow.
"Mom." Said Emma.
She rolled her eyes but nodded softly.
"What? Can't I ask my daughter things?" Said Snow.
"Alright Mom, I need to get to bed so I can help you tomorrow in the morning. You know the Uncles arrive promptly and way too early." Said Emma.
She hugged her mother who was still smiling brightly.
"I'm so glad you're home." Said Snow.
"Me too."
The morning breakfast rush came in like a fury. They had a line outside the Blue Bird like always but Emma was a little distracted as she kept peering out the window hoping to catch a glimpse of Killian. She felt at home in the café and the customers loved her. She made sure their coffee cups and belly's were full.
After the rush let up she bused the tables and helped her parents prep for lunch hour. She was elbow deep in suds when her mother tapped her on the shoulder.
"Honey, why don't you take a break? You've been at it for hours." Said Snow.
"Are you sure? I'm fine, really. I don't mind helping." Said Emma.
"Look, your father can handle the dishes. Why don't I pack you a lunch and you can go over and see if Killian is hungry too." Said Snow.
"Mom, but what about what you said, don't seem too eager." Said Emma.
"Forget that honey; you're only home for a few weeks. Live a little." Said Snow.
"Thanks Mom." Said Emma.
She hugged her mom and immediately forgot she was covered in suds. Snow laughed and dusted off the bubbles. "Sorry about that."
"Check the Fridge, my special meat loaf is in there for sandwiches and heat up some of that macaroni and cheese." Said Snow.
Emma nodded. She got butterflies just thinking about seeing him again. She quickly packed up a lunch bag and bundled up in her coat.
Killian spent the morning slaving away to help his brother finish unpacking and setting up the café. Elsa was working in the kitchen now that they'd organized and gotten everything ready for her. Her great grandmother's recipes were strewn out across the butcher block.
She'd already prepared a few batches of Snowflake cookies and explicitly ordered Liam not to eat anymore batter or he'd get sick. Then Liam tried to get away with eating the finished cookies but the powdered sugar on his shirt gave him away. He loved watching her tame his brother, who decidedly wanted to order him around all morning, so he rightly deserved it.
He'd been hoping to get over to the Blue Bird to see Emma but they had too much work to do so he figured the faster he finished the better. He swore the imprint of her lips was burned into his own and he could still feel them tingling. He watched from the window when Liam was busy talking to the charter team in Boston. He caught her talking and tending to the customers. He remembered the strawberry scent in her hair and smiled. Elsa caught him looking a few times and kept Liam distracted. He would have to make sure her gift was amazing this year.
He was in the back when the little bell on the door went off. He peered around to see Emma standing by their in her poofy hat, rainbow scarf, and red fluffy mittens. She had snowflakes lightly dusting her hair and sweater. She was carrying a big bag from the Blue Bird.
"Emma, What a surprise!" said Killian.
"Good Surprise, I hope." She said holding up the bag.
He walked up to her and kissed her softly. "Mistletoe." He said looking up.
She felt her cheeks flush a little and she couldn't help but smile. "Wow, your family really loves mistletoe. Not that I'm complaining."
"Yes, Elsa's gift keeps getting bigger." Said Killian smiling. He took the bag from her and walked her over to one of the empty tables. She pulled off her hat, gloves, and shook off the snow.
"The place looks amazing." Said Emma.
"Liam's had me working hard all morning. We are just about ready for opening." Said Killian.
The scent of baked cookies was wafting through the air along with the scent of fresh chocolate. "It smells amazing in here too." Said Emma.
"Elsa's in the back baking." Said Killian.
As if on Cue she came round from the kitchen wiping her hands off on her apron. "Oh, Hi! You must be Emma."
Killian smiled.
Emma walked over and offered her hand. "You must be Elsa."
Elsa hugged her tight.
"Ooh." Said Emma.
Killian grabbed some plates from behind the counter.
"I brought some food. I thought you might be hungry?" asked Emma.
"That would be lovely, I've heard so many good things about the Blue Bird's food and this little one would love Mommy to eat." Said Elsa rubbing her tummy.
"Aww, Killian told me how excited he was to be an Uncle." Said Emma.
Elsa looked over to Killian and smiled.
"I made sandwiches and macaroni and cheese." Said Emma.
"Elsa, you've got to try her Mom's macaroni and cheese. It's so good." Said Killian.
"Liam's lying down. I think he's eaten too much cookie dough." Said Elsa.
"Cookie dough? They smell wonderful." asked Emma.
Killian was filling the plates with food while Emma chatted with Elsa. They seemed to be getting along well. He loved hearing her laugh.
"OOOH, Emma this is so good." Said Elsa.
"I'll tell my mother you said that. She loves feeding people, as Killian will attest to." Said Emma.
"That she does and I don't mind at all. She can feed me anytime." Said Killian as he shoved in a big spoonful of macaroni.
Emma smiled. She loved when her mother got compliments too. She knew how hard she worked and she put such love in her food.
"What's all this?" asked Liam.
Emma looked up at the sound of his booming voice.
"Liam, this is Emma Nolan. She brought over some lunch for us." Said Killian.
"Hi." said Emma.
Liam was a nice looking man too and he had a strong commanding voice. She suspected from all of his military training.
"Brother, you've got to try this." Said Killian.
He handed him half a sandwich and some macaroni on a plate. Liam dug in straight away. "mmmm, this melts in your mouth, and the spices are so good."
"I told you." Said Killian.
"Wow, now I know what all the fuss is about." Said Liam.
"How about I get us some dessert, well them, not you Liam you've had plenty." Said Elsa.
"Fine, I need to get back to work anyway. It was nice meeting you. Thanks for Lunch." Said Liam. He took his plate with him as she suspected Elsa signaled him to give them privacy.
"That sounds great and you're welcome. Come over sometime. I'm sure my parents would love to meet you." Said Emma.
"Let me get these out of the way." Said Killian.
She watched Killian as he collected their plates. He had paint on his temple and dust on his pants. He looked adorable. "Do you want some help?" she asked.
"No Lass, you brought the food, let me take care of the clean up. Besides you've been serving and cleaning up after people all morning. Take a break." Said Killian smiling.
"Thank you." She said.
Elsa came walking into the room with a tray full of cookies and mugs. "These are my snowflake cookies and frozen cocoa."
"These are so cute and full of powdered sugar, my favorite." Said Emma.
"Elsa's been baking all morning." Said Killian.
"Speaking of baking, I need to get back in there. You're brother's probably eaten half a batch of cookies already. It was nice meeting you." Said Elsa.
Emma stood up and hugged her. "Nice meeting you too."
Killian handed Emma a frozen cocoa and a cookie. She sat back down and he sat next to her, his knee brushed against hers and she felt a little tingle. She really liked being with him.
The Snowflake cookies were the size of her hand. She picked it up and took a bite, showering herself with powdered sugar. She looked over to see Killian was watching her and smiling. She began frantically brushing away the sugar from her sweater.
"Let me help you." He brushed the sugar from her chin with his thumb and tilted her chin so he was gazing directly into her eyes. She smiled, feeling a little embarrassed to be sitting there covered in sugar. He leaned in and pressed a light kiss to her lips brushing his tongue gently over her bottom pulled back to see her smiling with her eyes closed. "You had a little powder there too."
She pressed her lips together and licked away the remaining sugar. "I like your method for clean up."
"Is that so?" he asked.
She nodded. He leaned in and kissed her softly. Her hand caressed his cheek and she returned the kiss tenderly. He felt like he was going to float away. A clatter in the kitchen pulled them apart. Killian was smiling and he was looking at her with such adoration. "Try the cocoa." Said Killian.
She picked it up and took a sip. "Wow that is good. It's so different."
"Elsa's a recipes are quite different from your Mom's but very good too." Said Killian.
"I don't know what this town is going to do with two amazing café's. We should probably open up a fitness center or we'll have to roll our neighbors down the block." Said Emma laughing.
"Perhaps we should." Said Killian holding up his glass and clinking with hers.
They spent the next half hour enjoying each other's company. They would take turns sneaking in little kisses here and there. She didn't want to leave but it was nearly time for the dinner rush and she had to get back or her Dad would probably come looking for her. "Killian, I have to get back to work." Said Emma pouting. He leaned over and kissed her until he felt her smile against his lips.
"Are you free later?" he asked.
"I can get away around 7:30." She said.
"I'll come round and pick you up." Said Killian.
"Sounds great." Said Emma.
"I'm going to walk down and dig out my truck so I can get my things unpacked. That should help me work off the calories from lunch. You know this town doesn't have a fitness center." He said grinning.
She wrapped herself up for the cold and he walked her to the door. He looked up raising and eyebrow. She smiled and leaned up to kiss him. "Elsa's going to get a big gift from me too."
"See you at 7:30." He said.
She nodded and head back out to work. He watched her greet and smile everyone she met. He stood there grinning like a fool. He didn't even hear his brother come up behind him. He felt a clap against his shoulder startling him. "Well done Little Brother, she's lovely."
"Aye, she is." He said not taking his eyes off of her until she entered the café.
"Elsa, get a net, Killian's floated away." Said Liam.
Elsa laughed from the kitchen and Killian swatted his brother across the chest. "So, how about you help me dig out my truck or do you plan to sit and eat away your profits all day?"
"Alright little brother, let's grab our coats." Said Liam smiling.
"Younger brother." Said Killian shaking his head.
Emma fluttered back into the café as if she were floating on a cloud. She was falling for him hard and fast. She knew this was dangerous but she didn't care. She wanted to let herself be happy for once. She was tired of being cautious and Killian was amazing. This feeling was also so new that she couldn't get enough of it.
"Hey Honey, over with the enemy again I see." Said Charming.
"Dad, they are not your enemies. They loved Mom's food and Elsa is a good cook too. You should really give them a chance. I think the town will love having two amazing café's to eat in. You and Mom work so hard. It will be good for you." Said Emma.
"How'd it go?" asked Snow smiling.
"Mom, your suggestion was great. They loved your food. You will love Elsa. She's due to have a baby in the spring. " said Emma.
"Charming we really should go over and introduce ourselves." Said Snow.
He grumbled.
"Dad, come on. Look, Liam and Killian are going down to dig out his truck. It got snowed in down there around the corner last night. "said Emma.
"Charming, why don't you go down and help them. That would be really nice of you." Said Snow.
Both of them were looking at him with their big green eyes and pouty lips. "Fine, you twisted my arm. I'll go down and offer my help." Said Charming.
Emma knew her Dad would have done it on his own and was only putting up a fuss because he knew that Emma liked Killian. He had to put up the overprotective Dad front. "Thanks Dad." Said Emma giving him a big hug.
Snow already had his coat and gloves in her hands. "The snow shovel is by the back door."
He grumbled again as he puttered out the door.
"Do you think it's safe to let Dad go alone?" asked Emma.
"I'm sure he'll be fine." Said Snow.
Emma watched him from the window and saw her father shaking hands with Liam. They accepted his offer and she watched them digging for awhile until the rush started coming in again. She got drawn back into the kitchen and then she was serving customers.
Her father came in covered in snow and grumbling to himself about 40 minutes later. She snuck in the back to check in with him when she could break away. He had a steaming mug of cocoa in his hands and her mom was rubbing her hands up and down his shoulders warming him up.
"Everything alright?" she asked.
"Fine." Groaned Charming.
"That doesn't sound fine." Said Emma.
"Dad got into it a bit with Killian's brother Liam. It seems that they had differing opinions on the best way to shovel the snow, drive the truck, and unload the boxes." Said Snow.
"Mmm. I see. So you helped him move too? What did you do Dad?" asked Emma raising her eyes.
Snow shook her head when Charming wasn't looking.
"That guy is a blow hard." Said Charming.
"No, Dad what did you do?" asked Emma.
"Nothing, I didn't do anything." said Charming.
Emma grimaced. Her father was kind, gentle, and would give the shirt off his back to anyone who needed it but he was so stubborn. He had to do everything his way or he wasn't happy. Her mom had a way of getting him to do things her way by making him think he came up with it himself. Others though, not so much. Emma bit her lip. She hoped that Killian would still be coming by to pick her up.
Killian came by the Blue Bird at 7:30 to pick up Emma as promised. He hoped he was still welcome after his brother decided to act like an arse. It was like watching clones together, those men were so similar. He wasn't sure which one he was taking more orders from Liam or David. After awhile he just kept unloading the boxes as they were deciding the best way to do it. By the time they'd had an accord he'd already completed the job on his own.
He saw Emma waiting through the window as he approached. She was biting her lip so he suspected she'd heard about the incident. He nervously pushed into the café. The loud Santa belted Ho Ho Ho and the little bell rang as he entered catching her attention.
She lit up with a smile when he walked in. She'd already had her hat and coat on to leave so he was certainly a bit relieved. "Mom, Killian's here I'm leaving."
"Ok Honey, I'll see you later." Called Snow.
Emma grabbed him by the hand and guided him outside and to the side of the cafe. Luckily her father was preoccupied somewhere. "Hi, I'm so glad you came."
"I'm so glad you are glad." Said Killian.
"Well I wasn't sure if my father scared you away. I know he can be a little intense. I'm so sorry about that." Said Emma.
Killian laughed. "I wasn't sure I would be welcome after the way my brother acted. You're father was fine. In fact I think that it might be possible that your father and my brother are cut of the same cloth."
She hugged him tight pressing her face to his chest. He wrapped his arms around her placing his chin on top of her head. She was so warm and she smelled like strawberries.
"Thank you for understanding." She said.
He kissed the top of her head. "It was nothing Lass. How about we find something fun to do?"
"What would you say to a little night sledding?"She was standing there holding her hands together smiling. She looked adorable and he would never get over seeing her in that pom pom hat.
"I haven't done that since I was a wee lad. It sounds like fun." He said.
"Great, I'll drive. I just need to stop by my house, pick up the sleds and some warm things for you. Then I'll take you to the best sledding hill in Storybrooke." She said.
"Sounds great." He said.
They hopped in her bug and carefully drove back to her house. The football field was next to the sledding hill so the lights of the field would be on until 10:00. Night sledding was so much fun especially on a clear night. They pulled up in front of her house and Charming was outside adding more lights to the exterior.
"Hey Dad." said Emma.
"Hi Honey, Killian." Said Charming.
Emma shook he head. 0"Let me guess, he saw the lights at your place."
Killian nodded, his mouth hanging open as he took in the sight in front of him.
"Come on, help me grab the sleds." She said.
Emma pulled out two single rider sleds and one for multiple riders. She also grabbed an extra hat, gloves and scarf for Killian.
"Here you go." She said smiling.
"Thank you Lass." He pulled on the gloves and put on the scarf. He looked at the hat laughing. It was a knit hat with side flaps and a pom pom on top. He shook his head and put it on. There weren't many people that he would put on a hat for and Emma Nolan made the list.
"You look adorable." Laughed Emma as she put her mittened hands on his cheeks and kissed him lightly. "You ready?"
"Lead the way Lass." He said.
They drove down to the field and trekked over to the side hills. The clear night sky was full of stars and there was no wind so while the air was chilly it was bearable. They took a few runs separately and then took a run together. They were laughing so much that they just lay at the bottom of the hill after they crashed together.
Killian got up and extended his hand to her so that he could pull her up. "Thanks." She groaned.
"I'm so glad you suggested this. I'm having a great time." He said.
She grabbed his hand. "Come on, let's get one more in and I want to show you something."
"First one to the top chooses the next date." He said.
"Next date?" she said hopeful.
"You're stuck with me until you leave Lass. I hope that's alright with you." He said.
"I think I like being stuck with you." She said smiling.
He leaned down and kissed her cool lips. He felt her smile and then she took off up the hill. He laughed and then ran to chase her. He caught up and beat her by a hair. She tackled him to the ground covering his body with hers so she was looking at him from above.
"I guess you win." She said.
"I guess I do." He said.
She captured his lips and licked along his bottom lip helping to ease the chill. He wrapped his arms around her and deepened their kiss. It was suddenly much warmer and he didn't mind being in the snow anymore. Things were starting to heat up when she pulled back leaning in to kiss him once more lightly.
"It's getting a little late and we won't have the light for much longer." She said.
"Aye, we should get back." He said.
She stood up and shook off the excess snow. She extended her hand and pulled him to his feet. She took a deep breath and wished she had her own place in that moment. "Uh, Look over there, you can see Main Street from here." She said as she pointed down from the hill.
"Beautiful." He said looking at her.
She had a pink tinged nose and cheeks. Her lips were red from the cold. Her hair was loosely hanging down under her red knit hat. She looked like a little snow doll. She looked over to see him staring and smiled. "Would you like to come back to my house for some hot cocoa?"
"Sounds wonderful." Said Killian.
He gathered up the sleds and helped her pack them into the car. They carefully drove back to her house taking in all of the holiday light displays on the way. The glow of her house could be seen from a few blocks away. Emma bit her lip nervously the last few blocks until they reached their destination.
"Emma, your house looks amazing. Your father may be a bit over the top but it truly is amazing." He said.
She relaxed when he said that freeing her bottom lip. She was really starting to worry about her father. "I'm sure he'll love to hear that from you." she said covering his gloved hand with her own.
"I'll be sure to tell him." Said Killian.
It was the smallest gesture but his heart warmed when she touched him.
"How about we get these sleds inside so we can warm up?"she said.
He nodded.
They unloaded the car and walked in through the side door directly into the kitchen. Her mom was busy rolling out cookie dough at the table.
"Hey Emma, Killian." Called Snow.
"Hi Mom." said Emma.
"Hello Mrs. Nolan." Said Killian.
"You both look chilled to the bone. How about I make you some cocoa? Go on and sit in the family room so you can warm up." said Snow.
"Mom are you sure, you're busy and I can do it." Said Emma.
"It's no problem. It's not often I have my girl at home to take care of so please let Me." said Snow.
"You're the best." Said Emma kissing her mom on the cheek.
"Please tell Mr. Nolan that the lights look amazing." Said Killian.
"Thank you for saying that. I will tell him. He wore himself out earlier and went to bed. Somehow he got it into his head that he needed more." Said Snow.
"That would be my fault. He saw my brother's place. His wife loves the holidays and she has a penguin snowman extravaganza on the lawn along with the house covered in twinkling lights." Said Killian.
"Ah, that explains it." Said Snow laughing.
"Go on. Get by the fire before you get a cold." Said Snow.
Emma took Killian by the hand and guided him into the family room where they'd spent most of their time last night. When they rounded the corner he pulled her into his arms and captured her lips for a kiss. She was so cold and warm at the same time. His heart was in serious danger of being lost to her. He couldn't get enough of her. Her hands were gently rubbing up and down his back and she was driving him crazy as tiny moans escaped her lips. He gently caressed the curves of her body and pulled her closer deepening the kiss.
She pushed back against his chest lightly when she heard the footsteps approaching. He leaned back to see her eyes were closed and she was smiling. When she opened her eyes all she could see was his pink rosy cheeks and toothy grin. She leaned up and kissed him lightly on his nose. She motioned to him to sit on the couch just before her mother came in with the cocoa.
He sat down and took a big breath to gain composure before her mother walked in. He hadn't meant for things to heat up so quickly but she was irresistible.
"Here you go! Hot Cocoa." Said Snow.
Her mother pulled out all the stops. She had big snowman ceramic mugs and the whipped cream piled high with sprinkled cinnamon all over the top. Emma took one of the mugs and handed it to Killian. She took the other from Snow.
"Mom, these look great. Thank you so much." Said Emma.
"I'll just get back to the cookies." Said Snow.
"Are they for the Christmas carnival tomorrow?" asked Emma.
"Yes, these are for the raffle basket. Did you tell Killian about the carnival tomorrow night?" asked Snow.
"No, I hadn't heard." Said Killian.
"Storybrooke has a carnival on Christmas Eve. All of the local businesses create a basket and we run a raffle. The money we raise goes towards buying books for the school. It's a lot of fun." Said Snow.
Emma took a sip of her cocoa and licked the whipped cream from her lip.
"That sounds great. I'll mention it to Elsa. I'm sure she would love to contribute something." Said Killian.
"Mom, she makes these amazing snowflake cookies covered in powdered sugar. You would love them. It's a recipe that's been in her family for generations." Said Emma.
"They do sound amazing. Please Killian, mention it to her. I hope to see you there." Said Snow.
"Thanks again Mom." Said Emma.
"Thank you Snow." Said Killian.
Emma looked over to see Killian had whipped cream on his nose again. She laughed and he looked up at her.
"I have whipped cream on my nose don't I?" he asked.
She leaned over and kissed it off for him. "Someone showed me this new method for cleaning earlier. I kind of like it."
He pulled her over onto his lap and kissed her lightly. "I rather like it too. So, what do you say, go with me to the Carnival tomorrow night?"
"You want to spend Christmas Eve with me?"asked Emma.
"Aye, I would love that." He said.
"Of course! That would be perfect. "said Emma.
"Emma, would you like to help cut out some cookies!" Called Snow from the kitchen.
Emma jumped off of his lap. Killian laughed. Emma looked over and laughed. "I know I'm an adult but they still make me feel like I'm a kid sometimes."
"I completely understand. I'm happy to help, I make a mean gingerbread man." Said Killian smiling.
"Ok, grab your cocoa."
They spent the next hour helping her mother with the cookies. He was right, he was a big help with the cookies and he did make a mean gingerbread. She was glad she got to help her Mom and he was so sweet to do that with them. He insisted that he could walk home himself now that he knew the way but not before he kissed her breathless. She watched him this time and he waved once he got to the corner. She waited until he was out of sight before she closed the door. She leaned back against it and touched her lips smiling. She was going to spend Christmas Eve with him. This holiday was just getting better and better.