Ch.3
Killian came down bright and early to find Elsa seated in the kitchen having breakfast. He was still smiling; in fact he might have been smiling in his sleep because he dreamt about Emma and gingerbread. They might have been living in a gingerbread house. He noted that he should probably not eat so much gingerbread before going to bed next time.
"So Killian, how was your date with Emma?" asked Elsa smiling.
He grabbed a bowl from the cabinet, a box of cereal from the counter and placed it on the table before turning to face her grinning from ear to ear. "It was amazing." He grabbed the milk from the fridge and a spoon before he sat down.
"Do tell." said Elsa.
"Is Liam here?" asked Killian.
"No, he's at the café already." Said Elsa.
He smiled. "Good, he would rib me for this for sure but Emma and I went sledding. Then we spent the rest of the night making gingerbread and drinking cocoa."
"Gingerbread and cocoa?" asked Elsa.
"Yes, and Snow asked me to tell you that there is a charity carnival tonight and all of the local businesses donate a basket to help them raise funds for the local school to buy books. The gingerbread cookies we made are for the Blue Bird's basket." Said Killian.
"I see, that sounds lovely. I would love to help as well. Perhaps Emma would return the favor and help you and I make some snowflake cookies?" asked Elsa.
"I think that can be arranged." Said Killian smiling.
"So you really like her?" asked Elsa.
"I can't stop thinking about her. She's not like anyone I've ever met. She just seems to really understand me and she's so easy to be around." Said Killian.
"She's leaving soon though right?" asked Elsa.
"Aye, she is." He said frowning.
"Killian if you like her you should talk to her about it." Said Elsa.
"Aye, this has been a very pleasant unexpected event. When I left university I had some ideas of what I wanted to do but now that I've met Emma those things just don't seem quite as interesting any longer. Well alone anyway. All I can think about is doing those things with her."
"Be careful Killian. If you wear your heart that close to your sleeve there is always a chance of getting hurt but I can safely say that when I met your brother his heart was just as close to his sleeve as yours appears to be. I took it and have cared for it ever since. "said Elsa.
"I never thought I'd see the day that Liam Jones would be tamed by a woman. He's lucky he's got you."
Elsa smiled. "He's lucky I came along when I did or he might have lived on that ship forever if I hadn't rescued him."
He got up and kissed Elsa on the head. "Aye, Lucky for both of us. I'll get dressed and then go by the Blue Bird to see if I can enlist Emma to help us. "
"Sounds great. I'll get the batter going and I'll see you there soon." Said Elsa.
Emma flittered around the café all morning as if she were floating on a cloud. She could see Killian's eyes and his smile at every turn. Everyone was in a good mood today since it was Christmas Eve. Her tips were better than usual and she kept the coffee flowing.
Her mother made her famous cinnamon buns that morning. They were a menu item reserved for special occasions that the patrons loved. They had an extra line early that day so folks could pick them up.
Her father was busy in the back helping her mother prepare the dishes for the holiday tomorrow. They did a lot of preparation ahead of time since they had a majority of the town at their home for dinner. It was something special they did each year since most of the town was really like family.
She'd been in the back grabbing additional place settings when she heard her named called to come up front. "Be right up!" She grabbed the place settings and head to the front of the café. She nearly dropped them when she saw him. "Killian, hi. I didn't expect to see you." She said smiling.
"Good Morning." He said.
He was smiling brightly at her and his eyes were glittering blue. He had on a gray knit cap and blue plaid scarf under his black wool peacoat. He looked completely adorable and all she could think about was kissing his perfect lips. She put the place settings down in the basket on the counter and picked up a menu. "Are you here for breakfast?"
"No, no. I'm here to ask you for help." He said.
She put the menu down. "Sure, what can I do?" asked Emma.
"Well, I was wondering if you would return the favor and help Elsa and me with the cookies for the raffle basket?" He asked scratching lightly behind his ear. His eyes looked so hopeful.
She smiled brightly as she didn't even have to think twice about his request. "It's the least I can do. Let me talk to my parents and I'll be right back. They should be fine with me leaving but I just want to be sure. Have a seat here at the counter." She said.
He nodded and smiled as he watched her walk into the back. She looked so beautiful today. Her hair was swept up into a ponytail that cascaded down her back. She had on a v neck green sweater that hugged her curves. The color was almost a perfect match for her eyes. He noticed she had red and white socks peeking out of the tops of her boots. He loved that she wanted to be festive, even her feet. He looked over the café and the patrons were all smiling. It smelled wonderful, the scent of cinnamon and sugar swirling throughout the shop.
"Killian, didn't know you were here. How's your brother and his wife?" asked Charming.
He jumped back into reality. "Hello Mr. Nolan. They are well, things are moving along with the café. They should open soon." He said.
Charming nodded. "Stealing my daughter for the day I see?" he asked.
"Well, I hope she can come along. If it's not too much trouble." He said.
He couldn't figure out why this man intimidated him so much. He was just like his brother but he wanted to make a good impression on him. He really liked Emma and it was important to him that her father liked him. He knew how much she cared for her parents.
"Well, I would love to keep her but she is a grown woman and she doesn't let me forget that she can make her own choices now. She doesn't need me anymore." Said Charming with a sigh.
"I wouldn't say that. I know how much she cares about both of you. She told me so much about you both." said Killian.
"It's nice to hear. Here, take some of these with you when you go." Said Charming.
He happily took the warm box of cinnamon buns from him. "Thank you sir." Said Killian.
Emma came out from the back all bundled up to leave. He felt relieved that she was able to come along.
"Daddy, you aren't causing trouble are you?" she said as she slid her arm over his shoulders.
He kissed her on the side of the head. "I promise, I'm behaving myself." Said Charming holding up his hands.
"Ok Dad, well you know where I am if you need me. You better get back in there and help Mom. She's looking for you. Ruby's got the front." she said.
"Ok, have fun you two." He said.
"Bye Dad." Said Emma.
Killian nodded and walked behind Emma out of the café into the morning air.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~K&E~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
There was a light wind whipping down the street. She felt the temperature change immediately. When they were out of window view she turned around and kissed him softly. "I've wanted to do that since I saw you." She said smiling.
He kissed her on the tip of her nose. "Aye, me too." He said.
"So do you really need help with cookies or was that just a clever ruse to get me out of work?" she asked.
"Aye, Elsa really does need help but I will remember that for next time since it seems to work." He said grinning.
"Darn, I thought maybe we were going to sneak away for awhile but I'm happy to help with the cookies. I'm sure this might have overwhelmed her." she said.
"She's got the batter made so we will be rolling and baking." He said.
"Ok, then maybe we can go play for awhile?" She asked.
"What's next making a snowman?"he asked.
"Only if you're lucky." She said laughing.
They walked straight back into the kitchen and got to work rolling and cutting the dough into snowflakes. She had so much fun working with him. He looked adorable covered in flour and sugar. It was so sweet how he made sure that Elsa had a seat and was feeling ok. Every now and again Liam would peek in and shake his head, taunting Killian to come help with more manly work. Killian would just glare at him and Liam would grumble and walk off.
Eventually Elsa pushed Killian to go help Liam since clearly the man missed his brother and it was more about that than actually taunting him about baking cookies. Emma waved him off letting him know she was fine since he seemed hesitant to leave her.
Emma didn't mind hanging out with Elsa. Elsa told her about her sister and her brother-in-law back home. Elsa told her that she and Anna had this mutual love for all things chocolate that she could completely identify with. She could see how much she missed her sister and she felt a little sad for her. It was a shame that she could only talk to her on skype. She would get so excited when she talked about Anna's coming visit in the Spring.
Killian was helping Liam build a display case in the front of the store while she and Elsa worked on the last batch. She couldn't help but watch him out of the corner of her eye. She was now dreading that she had to leave home once again to go back to school. She didn't want this to end. They'd just met and now she couldn't remember what life was like without him. In a few short days he made her remember what she loved so much about this town, how much she loved her family, and now how she would like him to be a part of it.
"You like him." Said Elsa.
Emma snapped out of her gaze and she felt a blush creep up on her cheeks. "Oh." She smiled and nodded.
"I know he likes you." She said.
"He does?" asked Emma.
"He'd kill me if I told you but oh yes he does. I've never seen him like this before." Said Elsa.
"Really? I'm so glad it's not just me. This was just so unexpected." Said Emma.
"That's good because I just don't want to see him get hurt. He may seem all charm but those Jones boys have amazing hearts. I believe they can be bruised quite easily. Their tough exteriors might show you otherwise but I know them well." Said Elsa.
Emma looked at the men up front.
"Yes, even Liam." Said Elsa laughing. "Ooh, I have something to show you. Elsa got up and grabbed a box from the side counter.
"What's that?" asked Emma.
" I think you will find this quite interesting. In the move I came across some family photos." Said Elsa as she pulled one particular picture to show her.
"Is that Liam in a reindeer suit?" asked Emma.
Elsa nodded and held a finger to her lips signaling her to remain quiet. "Liam would kill me if he knew I had that here." She said giggling.
"That's a lot like a picture my parents have. My mother convinced my father to dress as Hansel one year for Halloween when she was Gretel. He hates when anyone brings that up but I see how he looks at my mother and I know he would do it again if she asked." said Emma.
"Would you like to see the rest? There are some cute photos of them as children." said Elsa.
"Oh yes, it's only fair. Killian had to endure a few hours in my family room, aka shrine to my baby photos the other night." She said.
Elsa and Emma spent the next hour looking through family photos. The Jones brothers were adorable little boys. Their mother was beautiful and their father was very regal. They resembled them both in different ways. Elsa and her sister were the cutest little girls in braids. Their wedding photo was amazing. Elsa was adorned in lace and Liam looked dashing in his naval uniform. Killian looked so handsome too.
"What's all this?" asked Killian.
"Elsa is just showing me some of your family photos." Said Emma smiling.
"I'm going to see if Liam needs a hand. Why don't you stay with Emma. I'll take over for awhile with your brother." Said Elsa.
He grabbed a bottle of water and sat down next to her. He picked up the photo of his parents and smiled.
"Your mother was beautiful." She said.
"Aye, she was." He said as he took the photo from her.
She grabbed his hand. She could see he was affected to see it. He squeezed her hand back and smiled.
"You were an adorable baby." She said holding up his baby photo.
"It's only fair that you've seen mine since I've seen yours." He said scratching behind his ear.
He picked up the picture of Liam in the reindeer costume and laughed. "I've got one of these saved for a special occasion." He said.
"You should frame it." She said.
"You know, that's a great idea for a present for Elsa. I can get some of these framed for the café." He said. He gathered up some of the loose photos from the table.
"Oh, I love that idea. Here let me help you with a few of her favorites. "She said.
She grabbed a few of the photos that she remembered Elsa fawned over. There was one of Elsa and her sister holding hands walking through wild flowers that was just beautiful.
"So you think you can be my tour guide again? I need to figure out where to get these framed." He said.
"Of course. It'll cost you though." She said as she pulled out a piece of mistletoe from her pocket and held it over his head.
He laughed and kissed her lightly.
"I owe Elsa a nice gift too." She said smiling.
They stacked the photos back into the box so Elsa wouldn't notice the ones they'd taken and grabbed their coats. He hid the photos inside of his coat and zipped it up with a devious grin on his face.
"Perfect." She said.
"Alright Love, Lead the way." he said holding out his arm to her.
She looked over, smiled and looped her arm through his. They walked through the kitchen to find her mother standing by the door talking to Elsa. "Mom, you're here?" said Emma.
"Hi Honey, Are you leaving?" asked Snow.
"What's up? Do you need me? We were going to do a little last minute shopping before the stores close." Said Emma.
"Your mother was kind enough to bring us a welcome basket." Said Elsa.
"Well you've been talking about them so much that I felt awful for not getting over here sooner." Said Snow.
"I'm so glad you came." Said Elsa.
"Do you need any help?" asked Snow.
"The last batch of cookies is coming out soon but I would love to show you around and get your opinions on some things." Said Elsa.
"Oh that would be my pleasure." Said Snow.
Killian gave her a look that suggested they needed to go.
"Mom, see you later. We need to run." Said Emma.
"Thanks for your help Emma." Said Elsa.
"No problem, anytime. I'll see you tonight!" Said Emma.
Killian held open the door and he waved as they left. "Sorry about that, I feared you would never be able to leave." He said.
"Thanks for the rescue. We better move or we won't get what we need. " Said Emma.
Emma took Killian to the Frame store on Main Street. They were kind enough to wrap them for him too. Time seemed to fly by and soon the stores were closing. He walked her back to the café.
"Thanks for your help today." He said.
"It was my pleasure. I'm glad you asked me. I'll come by and pick you up at 7." She said.
"Sounds great. I can't wait until they deliver my car. They couldn't get it here until after the holidays. I feel bad that you have to chauffeur me around." He said.
"I don't mind being your tour guide and chauffeur." She said laughing.
He squeezed her hand. "I was hoping you'd say that."
"Well I'm going to get ready." she said smiling.
He leaned down and kissed her cheek. "Bye." He said.
He turned to walk back towards the Snowflake. She watched him until he was near the door and turned around to wave to her. She walked into the diner and pressed a hand to her cheek reveling in the feel of warmth where his lips had just touched her. This day just kept getting better.
She burst into the warmth of the Blue Bird, Decoration Santa's booming ho ho ho announcing her arrival to her parents.
"Hey Honey, glad you're back. We are just about to lock up for the night." Said Charming.
"Can I help?" she asked.
"I've got it covered here. Why don't you give your mother a ride home so you both can get ready for the carnival?" Said Charming.
"Ok, I'll try to tear her away from the kitchen." Said Emma. She walked in back and found her mom putting the finishing touches on the displays for the dinner tomorrow. "Hey Mom."
"Emma. How was shopping?"asked Snow.
"It went great. I think Elsa is going to be really surprised. Did you have a nice visit with her?" asked Emma. She walked over a picked up a few carrots out of the bowl to munch on while she waited.
"Emma, she's lovely and Liam is so much like your father. They are really cute together. She and I are going to spend a little time together after the holidays. I also invited them to come to dinner tomorrow. I hope that is alright with you." said Snow.
"That sounds great. How about you let me give you a ride home so we can get ready for the carnival? Dad suggested it but I think it would be nice if we could spend a little time together." Said Emma.
She walked up and hugged her Mom. Snow put the final piece on the tray. "Let's go before your father changes his mind."
They bundled up and head out to Emma's bug. "It's been awhile since you've been in here." Said Emma.
"You've kept it really nice." Said Snow.
"She's my baby." Said Emma smiling.
"I can't believe my baby is all grown up." Said Snow wistfully.
"Oh Mom, don't get sappy on my now." Said Emma.
"You know I can't help it." Said Snow.
Emma grabbed her hand and gave it a squeeze. "Ok, buckle up." Said Emma smiling. As soon as she started it and the holiday music boomed out of the speakers startling her mother.
Snow turned the music down a little and composed herself. "So you and Killian seem to be getting very cozy." Said Snow.
Emma looked over and smiled immediately putting her eyes back on the road. "I like him a lot Mom, he's so thoughtful and such a gentlemen." Said Emma.
"I knew it, as soon as I saw you together. Something just clicked looking at you." Said Snow.
"He's so easy to talk to and gorgeous. Mom, I just can't get over how amazing he is." Said Emma.
"I know how hard it's been for you since that boy broke your heart." Said Snow.
"Well, it worked out for the best. I just dug in at school and I've come out of it stronger. Good riddens to bad rubbish. "said Emma.
"Your father was never too keen on that guy anyway. He really seems to like Killian though." Said Snow.
"Really, because so far I haven't gotten that impression." Said Emma.
She pulled up in front of the house. The lights were fully illuminated out front.
"You know your father. He still thinks of you as his little princess. It's hard for him to see you grown up. You were always his little shadow. He misses you." Said Snow.
"Aww, I miss him too Mom. I miss both of you. It's kind of funny because showing Killian around the town and introducing him to people has made me realize just how much I've missed being here." Said Emma.
She turned off the motor. Snow grabbed her hand. "We're always here, although now with the Snowflake café opening we might actually take some vacations again." Said Snow.
"Really, you aren't worried about the competition?" Asked Emma.
"No, we've got plenty enough business. We own our building and while we don't mind feeding the town it would be nice to have a break once in a while. I've always felt like we had to be open or things would fall apart. You know your father and I have always loved to travel. " said Snow.
"I'm glad to hear you say that. I'm sure it was a relief to Elsa to know you didn't see them as competitors." Said Emma.
"Yes, she's a nice girl and with her baby coming. She needs some friends. It's a shame that her sister lives so far away." Said Snow.
"Yes, I know what you mean. It will be nice when Anna comes to visit her in Spring. Come on Mom, we better get a move on or we will be late for our dates." Said Emma smiling.
"I love you Honey." Said Snow.
"I love you too Mom." Said Emma.
After much primping and about 20 different outfits Emma arrived at Killian's house promptly to pick him up. The glow of blue and white light was like a beacon guiding her to him. She was about to get out of the car when he came bounding down towards her. He popped open the door and waved back up towards the house.
"Hi." she said smiling.
He leaned over and kissed her lightly. "Hi." He said.
"Does Elsa need any help?"she asked.
"No, Liam's got the car packed. She was just putting on her "finishing touches" as she likes to say." He said using air quotes.
"Ok, then let's go have some fun." She said.
"Liam's pacing back and forth by the door waiting for her." He said laughing.
"Elsa made quite the impression on my mom today. " said Emma smiling.
"You've made Elsa's week. She's so happy to have met both of you. I really appreciate you making her feel welcome. I know you've really put her at ease about her decision to move here. I must say that this town is growing on me too." Said Killian.
"Good." Said Emma.
They'd arrived before he could put together another thought. The grounds near the school were all lit up with lights, carnival booths and a few scattered rides. "Has your father seen this place yet?"asked Killian smiling.
"Oh yes, he's head of the lights committee." Said Emma laughing.
"I thought I recognized his handy work." Said Killian laughing.
"This would be the only light display in town that he would allow to outdo his own since it's for charity." Said Emma.
"You know Liam added a few extra strands today too." Said Killian.
"I noticed it was a little brighter tonight. What are we going to do with those two?" asked Emma.
"Perhaps we should get them to combine forces and have them charge admission. For charity of course." Said Killian.
"Great idea for next year." Said Emma.
He liked the idea of next year with her. He knew that her break would be over quickly and that he wanted to keep seeing her. He just hoped she would want that too. He smiled at the thought.
"I have to warn you I'm pretty excellent at darts." Said Emma.
"Is that so? I do love a challenge." he said grinning.
"Great, let's go!" she said.
Emma introduced Killian to different members of the town as they passed to help him get acquainted. She gave him her own little commentary on each person and how she knew them. He was fascinated by the history of the town and its people. They were all so friendly. It was refreshing after having grown up and lived in the city his whole life where most people rarely smiled or gave him the time of day.
They had a great time playing games and Emma was right. She was an excellent shot at darts only he was better. He won her a fuzzy stuffed duckling and her eyes lit up when he handed it to her. She held his hand as they walked the carnival and it was as natural as it could be. It was as if they'd always been together and not for just a few days.
"Killian, I hope you're not afraid of the Ferris wheel." Said Emma.
"No Lass, I'm game if you are. Looks like it's starting to snow will they still run it?" asked Killian.
"Yeah we better hurry before it gets bad and they stop the ride." Said Emma.
He got them tickets and they quickly got on. It didn't appear anyone else was interested in braving the ride. Most folks started to head inside to the gym when the flurries began. They hustled into the seat and the attendant, Uncle Leroy, locked them in. Emma handed her duck to Leroy for safe keeping.
"Thanks Uncle Leroy." Said Emma.
"No problem, I'll give you guys some extra time as long as the weather holds out." Said Leroy.
"Thanks Mate." Said Killian.
He put his arm around her shoulders and she snuggled in close as the ride began. He leaned his head against hers and she held his other hand. They seemed to fit perfectly, like two pieces of a puzzle.
"Emma, I'm so happy that I met you." He said.
"Me too. I'm happy that you came to my rescue." Said Emma.
She looked up to see the snowflakes falling a little faster and she caught his gaze. He was looking at her with such adoration that she couldn't help but lean in closer. He leaned over meeting her and captured her lips. His kiss was so gentle and sweet. She caressed the side of his face and smiled against his lips. It was probably the most romantic setting she could ever imagine being in with someone she liked. He was just about to ask her something when the ride came to a stop.
"Sorry Princess, I gotta shut her down." Said Leroy.
She felt a little disappointed that her time alone came to such an abrupt halt. He hopped off the car and helped her down. He was such a gentleman.
"I hope you have your dancing shoes on." Said Emma smiling.
"Dancing?" he asked.
"Oh, this night is just getting started." She said.
She grabbed her fuzzy duckling and they ran towards the gym to meet up with everyone else to get out of the cold. The baskets aligned the tables against the walls. The band was playing and there was a crowd dancing in front of them on the make shift dance floor. Her mother and Elsa were working the cocoa table. They had both frozen cocoa and hot cocoa showcasing both café's. She looked at Killian and smiled.
"Surprise!" said Snow.
"How did you keep this a secret?" asked Emma.
"Oh, it's just something we cooked up earlier while you two were out shopping." Said Snow.
"Where's Liam?" asked Killian.
"Yeah, where's Dad?"asked Emma.
"Those two are outside checking on the light display. Apparently part of the maze was glitching and they were determined to have it working so that the children could see it in the snow." said Snow.
"Can you believe it's snowing again?" asked Elsa.
"It's beautiful." Said Killian eyes on Emma.
She looked up feeling the blush darken her cheeks and then noticed both Snow and Elsa smiling at each other.
"So, you promised me a dance." Said Killian extending his hand.
"Let's see what you got." Said Emma.
She grabbed his hand and pulled him out to the floor. The band was playing a mixture of all kinds of music and she was surprised to see Killian could hold his own on the dance floor. Finally they played a slow song. She wrapped her arms around his neck and he held her close as they danced.
"So my mother tells me that she invited your family to Christmas dinner tomorrow." Said Emma softly.
"Yes, that was really nice. I hope you were ok with that." He said.
"Of course, I would have asked you myself if she didn't." said Emma.
She relaxed and put her cheek to his chest as they swayed to the music. He smelled wonderful and he felt amazing. She had to bring her dirty mind back from the gutter. She was surrounded by her family and friends. The song came to an end and everyone clapped. She pulled away slowly but she felt like she could stay in his arms all night.
He kissed her on top of her head. "Time to go?" he asked.
"I'm afraid so. You are an excellent dancer." She said.
"Thank you. I'll grab our coats." said Killian beaming with pride.
Emma walked back over to the booth to check on her mother and Elsa. They'd already had everything packed up. Snow handed over Emma's stuffed ducky to her and smiled. She took it and snuggled it close. "You need any help?" asked Emma.
"No, you go on. We're fine. Dad and Liam are loading the cars."said Snow.
"Wow, they seem to really be hitting it off." said Emma.
"At first they were fighting a bit and then someone mentioned medieval times and they both realized their mutual affection." said Elsa.
"Liam too?"asked Emma.
"Oh, yes. "said Elsa.
"Apparently we aren't the only couple who have costumes for the renaissance fair hanging in our closet." said Snow.
Emma laughed.
"What I miss?"asked Killian.
Elsa moved her fingers over her lips like she was zipping them.
"Oh nothing, just stories about your brother and my dad." said Emma.
"All set to go? You ladies need any help?"asked Killian.
"No, we're good here. Thanks for asking. You better get going before the snow starts to stick to the road." said Snow.
"Aye, it's starting to get heavier." said Killian.
"See you back at the house." Said Emma.
It was a quick trip back to her house. They got there just before the snow started really laying. Emma grabbed her duck from the back seat. "Can't leave this little guy out here in the cold." She said smiling.
He couldn't help but feel proud that he won that for her and she seemed to really like it. It would have been worth a hundred darts to keep seeing her smile like that. He helped her out of the car. She seemed to wait for him to let her out this time.
The snow was coming down fast and it looked beautiful against the lights. She looked up to him and held out her hand so that he could help her out of the car. "Milady." He said smiling.
"Thank you." She said.
"So your dad likes medieval times too." He said grinning.
"You know!"she said.
"Of course, Liam would love it if I didn't know all of his secrets but of course I know. They pair of them were mock sword fighting in the hall when they didn't think anyone was watching." Said Killian laughing.
Emma laughed. "I'm glad you know. That was one juicy secret that I didn't think I'd be able to keep from you." She said.
He kissed the tip of her nose and she smiled.
"I know it's getting late. You want to hang out with me for awhile? I can walk you home later." She said.
She was really hoping he didn't want to go home yet.
"That sounds great but I'm not letting you walk me home. I'm sure I can manage. Let's get out of this cold." He said grabbing her hand.
The house was warm and it felt good to shake off the chill from the cold. Emma took his coat and hung it in the closet. She grabbed a couple of beers from the fridge and they went into the family room. She suddenly realized they were alone. Of course she had no idea when her parents would walk in.
Killian was checking out the photos again and smiling.
"Ugh, stop." She said.
"You were such a cute baby and I can't help it. It's nice to see a happy family." He said.
She handed him the beer. She felt little butterflies in her stomach as her fingers brushed against his. She was afraid any minute she was going to wake up in some post finals haze and that this was all a dream. She reached out and touched his face gently to make sure he was real.
He grabbed her hand and kissed her palm. "Emma, I know it's only been a few days and you might think this is presumptuous of me to ask but I really like you. This might sound corny but will you go steady with me or whatever they call it these days." He asked.
Emma smiled. She put down her beer, took his face in her hands and stared into his eyes. She leaned forward and kissed him lightly.
"I have to keep pinching myself to see if you are real. I didn't expect this at all, I wasn't looking for it, and I had a lot of different ideas for what I wanted but you made me stop. You made me remember what I loved about me and my life. When I was little my mom would tell me to write my heart's desire on my Christmas List and this year it would say Killian Jones. So yes, I will go steady with you. You big dork." Said Emma.
He pulled her into his arms and kissed her. He would agree with her sentiments and she would be at the top of his list as well. At that moment the clock on the wall struck midnight.
"Merry Christmas Killian." Said Emma.
"Merry Christmas Emma." said Killian.
A/N: So this story was originally my CS Secret Santa story – it was meant to end here but I had a lot of nice readers request more so I kept it going so if things moved a little fast that was why but as you know this is a super fluffy story so read on if you want to get a sweet tooth.