Ch. 5
In an effort to keep her mind off of how much she missed Killian she helped her parents clean up the remnants of the party after the guests left. She couldn't believe how much she missed his company already. She climbed the stairs after a long day and smiled as she thought of him. She quickly dressed for bed and snuggled with her duck. She had to be in the café early the next morning for the breakfast rush. As she thought of Killian her eyelids grew heavy.
She never believed her friends when they told her about how they fell in love. She thought it was just something people said because it's never been that way for her. She tried a relationship before and she eased into it only to have her heart yanked out. She's never had it where the other person reached at the same time. With Killian, they equally reached and grabbed hold together. That thought lulled her to sleep with a lazy smile on her face.
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The Jones family climbed into the car and quickly made it a few blocks to reach home. Killian looked up as he passed under the mistletoe hanging above on the porch and smiled as he thought of Emma. Their lawn was still illuminated and festive. He walked in behind Elsa and Liam pulling off his jacket.
"Little brother, I don't think I've ever seen you smile so much." Said Liam.
"I know, it looks good on you Killian." Said Elsa.
Liam helped Elsa out of her coat and took Killian's as well.
"I'm happy. I'm truly happy. I've had so much fun with Emma since I got here." Said Killian.
"The Nolan's are such a sweet family. They've been so kind to us and Emma. I adore her. She is thoughtful, kind, and so helpful. " said Elsa.
"She really is. We really have so much in common. I feel so at ease talking with her." Said Killian.
"She's quite a beauty too. Not as pretty as Elsa but she is beautiful." Said Liam.
Elsa rolled her eyes and Killian laughed.
"She is beautiful. I love when she smiles so hard that her eyes light up too." Said Killian.
"I know she really likes you." Said Elsa.
"She said that?" asked Killian.
"Oh yes, I'd say the girl's got it bad." Said Elsa.
Killian grinned from ear to ear as he thought about his sister in law's words.
"I'm off to bed, Love are you coming?" asked Liam.
She grabbed his hand. "Goodnight Killian." Said Elsa.
"Merry Christmas Little Brother." Said Liam.
"Goodnight." Said Killian rolling his eyes.
When was his brother going to realize he was a grown man? He'd just finished University with an MBA. He wasn't that little lad chasing after him anymore. In fact he believed if they actually measured he was at least an inch taller.
He was really just happy to be home. He still wasn't sure if this was permanent but he was starting to see what the appeal was to small town charm. He'd only known Emma about a week but he really liked spending time with her, he even missed her. He couldn't remember a better night sleep than he had the night before. Even if it was accidental he was happy he had that time with her.
Emma was warm and loving. He was never much of a cuddler but it seemed he wanted to do that with her all the time. He would not admit this to Liam but he began to think that perhaps he would wear a Reindeer Jumper if Emma asked him. In fact he would likely do anything for her. He was definitely falling for Emma Nolan and hard. He went to bed that night with thoughts of Emma and gingerbread swirling through his head.
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The 5:30 AM alarm came fast and Emma found it was really hard to peel her head from her soft plushy pillow. She pushed the alarm clock button to the off position and shuffled back onto the bed into her pillows. She looked up at the ceiling and smiled, hopeful that she might get to see Killian early. They hadn't really made exact plans. She quickly got ready and beat her parents downstairs. She called up to let them know she would run over and open the café. She heard the groans coming from their room and figured they were still exhausted. She figured that this would give them a bit of extra time to get ready.
She bundled up for the cold snow laid morning. It was again brisk but the air was clean. She took a deep breath letting the cool air fill her lungs. It was very refreshing; if she wasn't awake she was now. The sun was coming up and the soft light was pleasing to the eyes. She fumbled for her keys and accidentally dropped them into the snow. She leaned down to pick them up only to be greeted by a familiar set of beautiful blue eyes staring back at her.
"Killian, Hi!" she said.
"Good Morning." He said.
He handed her the keys and he lingered a bit holding her hand.
"Would you like to ride with me?" she asked.
"Thought you'd never ask, but first things first." He said.
He pulled her into his arms and smiled. He leaned down and kissed her lazily.
She chuckled feeling the warmth rush to her cheeks. "Good Morning."
"I was thinking about you and happened to be up at this ungodly hour. Thought I might surprise you. I wanted to get an early start at the café since I'm meeting Walter today." He said.
She leaned forward and kissed him softly. "I missed you too. Lucky for me I had a cuddly duck to keep me company." She said smiling.
"Ah, perhaps I need one of those too." He said.
She pressed her face to his chest as he wrapped his arms around her tightly. He kissed the top of her head. She smelled of strawberries and he loved it. It was completely Emma.
"I would love to stay here and never leave your arms but I promised my parents I'd open the café." She said.
"Alright, if we must." He said smiling.
She kissed the tip of his nose. "This is the best surprise. Thank you for coming here so early." She said.
"I'm happy I caught you. I'd help if you asked." He said.
"I'd hate to impose. I know you have a lot of work to do at the Snow Flake." Said Emma.
"I'd still make time to help you if you needed." He said.
He pulled open her car door; she sat in, looked up and smiled at the sweet gesture. He closed it and ran around to the passenger side to get in. She had the car running and the air blasting in hopes that it would get warm quick. They buckled in and she was off on the road.
Main Street was still pretty quiet and that was expected the day after Christmas. Most of the town slept in so they generally got a bit of a break and the breakfast rush started later. That was part of the reason she didn't mind coming down to open. She could do it alone. Her parents also let the waitresses come in a bit later too.
She parked in her usual spot and before she had the car turned off Killian was at her door. She smiled and just thought, he can't be real, but he is, and he is amazing.
"Thank you." She said.
"You're welcome milady." He said with a bow.
Emma laughed. "You are amazing, you know that." Said Emma.
"I'm glad to hear you think that." Said Killian.
"Come on in, let me make you some breakfast good sir." Said Emma laughing.
"Really? Perhaps we can make it together." He said.
"OK, let me open up the place and then we can get started." Said Emma.
They walked in to the room, Santa was now sleeping so they didn't get bombarded with the loud ho ho ho that Killian was first greeted with. Emma turned on the lights and took his coat along with hers to the back placing them on the hooks. She walked quickly past the coffee bar and pushed the button on the coffee maker to start the brewing process.
She leaned over, kissed his cheek as she passed, and went back to work.
He reached up and touched his cheek as he watched her run through the café quickly. She seemed to have a routine and ran through it quick. He looked around and their kitchen was immaculate. He'd expect nothing less from her parents. Her father was certainly a perfectionist for sure.
Emma came walking through like a whirlwind. She turned on all the burners and started pulling items from the fridge and setting up the stations. She had the oven going and began pulling out the proofed rolls and buns.
"Emma, can I help you?" he asked.
"Nope, I got it. You can grab some coffee if you like. Should be ready." Said Emma.
She pointed back to the brewed coffee that was percolating and permeating the air.
"Thanks, I would love some." He said.
She ran through a few more items and he watched her talking to herself and mumbling things. She was highly adorable when she was on a mission. Her pretty curls were bouncing as she hustled through. The sun was up and the café was illuminated by the early morning light along with the soft lighting they had at the tables.
She popped up next to him and kissed him on the other cheek before she went back to her mission. He laughed.
"Are you sure I can't help? Let me help." he asked.
She walked over to him slowly and smiled.
"I'm all yours now. Let's make breakfast." She said.
"I like the sound of that, of you being all mine, which reminds me." He said as he fumbled into his pocket.
She looked at him with a puzzled expression.
He looked up with a devilish grin.
"What?" she asked.
"Close your eyes." He said.
"OK." She said smiling and she did as he asked.
He took her hand, peeled it open and dropped a small tie pin with a K on it into her hand.
She opened her eyes to see him standing in front of her. His eyes were gazing into hers and he was grinning from ear to ear. It felt like she had an earring in her hand. She looked down to see the little golden K pin.
"Oh my gosh, you got me a pin? I was really just kidding." she said smiling.
She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him sweetly.
"Yes, lass, I thought perhaps you would ask and I wanted to be prepared. I know you were only teasing but I couldn't resist. I believe I put it on you and tradition states we are officially going steady." He said laughing.
"Put it on me. I am totally going to wear this." She said laughing.
He fumbled with the pin but eventually got it on her sweater. She brushed her hand over it.
"I can't believe you did this. How?" she asked.
"My brother got me the tie pin for an event we had to go to a long time ago. I was doing a little unpacking yesterday and came across it. I thought perhaps it would give a bit more weight to your story." He said.
"Killian, I love this. I'm not this kind of girl. I'm not the girl who goes gaga for guys, in fact I haven't had a guy around for a really long time. My mother was starting to worry my heart was too broken. But this, and You; I just can't help myself but jump in further and further, head first with you. "she said smiling.
She felt happy tears forming in her eyes. He looked at her to see the sincerity of what she just told him. He brushed a tear from her cheek.
"Emma, I feel the same. You don't have to worry about me. Believe me, I don't pin women. I've never introduced a girl to my family before. Clearly I'm a novice, I asked you to go steady. I haven't dated anyone in a really long time. I've been completely focused on finishing school. It's almost from the minute I met you that the clock started ticking for me again on my life. I was suddenly awake and my heart was beating again. You make me want to do these things so pinning you may seem old fashioned but I'm proud to have you as my girlfriend." He said.
She caressed his face and cupped it with both hands. "I'm proud to have you as my boyfriend too. Thank you for this. Thank you for all the old fashioned tradition and chivalry. It's just perfect and in fact you're perfect." She said.
He kissed her lightly smiling against her lips. "Should we get started making breakfast? When does it get busy here?" he asked.
"Well, after the holiday we get a little later rush but yes, we should, so we can eat." She said.
She leaned up and kissed him once more. She touched her pin and smiled. Killian felt light like he was floating on air. He laughed. He couldn't believe he just pinned her. Liam would never let him live it down.
They fixed breakfast together easily just like the day before. They were completely in sync and this time it was just quick omelets and toast so they could eat before the rush came running in. Her parents would be along soon but they had their own breakfast ritual so it was just the two of them today.
They picked a little table in the back, the table he sat in the first time he came. They had easy conversation. He was going to visit her Uncle Walter early and then over to the Snow flake to help Liam finish up for the opening tomorrow.
She was working at the café up to dinner. It was a long day but it helped her parents recover after the big party the day before. She planned to surprise him later at the Snow Flake to see if she could help them if they needed her. They were finishing up when her parents walked in.
"Hey you two. Good Morning." Said Snow.
"Hi Mom, Dad." Said Emma.
"Killian you're here too." Said Charming.
Killian laughed. "Yes, Good Morning Sir." Said Killian.
"Dad." Said Emma.
"Thanks for taking care of opening this morning Honey. Your Mom and I really appreciate it. It was nice to make breakfast and eat at home for once. It was a long day yesterday." Said Charming.
"No problem Dad. I'm glad to help." Said Emma.
"Thank you so much for inviting my family to the party yesterday. Liam and Elsa both had a wonderful time. They are so happy to have made friends with you all." Said Killian.
"Oh, we were so happy they came. Elsa is so sweet. She and I are going to try to get together more often so I can help her meet some new mothers and help her find the good places for moms to go with babies." Said Snow.
"Mom, that's so nice." Said Emma.
"I'm happy to help her and I know your father has been having fun with Liam. They seem to be equally matched and he hasn't had someone to compete with in a long time. It's good for him." Said Snow.
"I'm happy to hear that. I know they were nervous about being so new in town. Your warm welcome has been so reassuring to them both. He certainly has a competitor in Liam. He thrives on it." Said Killian.
"Dad, are you alright back there?" asked Emma.
"Yep, got it Honey. You have everything ready. Just going to put these rolls and buns in the oven. Can you ask Mom to come back when she is ready?" Said Charming.
"Duty calls." Said Snow.
"What time do you have to meet Uncle Walter?" said Emma.
"Oh, he just said come round mid-morning." Said Killian.
"He usually stops in for coffee and buns." Said Emma.
"I don't want him to think I'm stalking so I'll go over to the Snow Flake and finish up a bit of inventory work that I started. I'm nearly finished some of the business activity so Liam will be putting me to work on hard labor again. I believe we still have to finish building the tables and chairs. It's going to be a long day." Said Killian frowning.
He turned to pick up his coat from the hook behind him.
"I'd love to help if I can." Said Emma.
He leaned forward and kissed her softly. "That would be wonderful but you are needed here." He said.
"I'm here through dinner so if you need a break you know where to find Me." said Emma.
"You do the same." Said Killian.
"I'll walk you out." Said Emma.
She grabbed her coat from the hook.
"Mom, be right back." Said Emma.
"Ok Honey." She called.
Emma buttoned up and walked Killian outside. The town was finally coming alive and she saw a few cars on the street. They walked down around the side of the building near her car.
"It was fun this morning, making breakfast with you." Said Killian.
"I had fun too. Thanks again for the pin. Don't forget if you need a break, come see me or wave the white flag and I'll come rescue you." She said.
"Will do lass." He said.
He pulled her close and hugged her tight. His warm arms were nice around her in the cool morning air. She quickly kissed him softly.
"See you later?" she asked.
"Aye." He said.
He was on his way and she head back inside. The rush was starting at the café and she needed to get to work. She grabbed an apron and an order pad. She looked over to see the Snow Flake light up.
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The day went by quickly. He spent about an hour with Walter looking over his finances. He was able to tweak things for him and help him save a lot in expenses. He also managed to show him a few new things to help him earn more money. Walter was a very happy man. He'd been spreading the word about Killian's help to the other Storybrooke business owners. He told him to expect a call and that he should probably come up with a consulting fee.
He'd done it for Walter as a favor because he'd helped him with the charm bracelet for Emma. Walter put a rush on things to make sure he'd have it for Christmas. While he was waiting he happened to look over his notes and saw a few quick tweaks. It would be different to look at the other businesses. He'd probably have to do more research for them but he lived to find the flaws and fix failing businesses. It was one of his favorite subjects in school.
He thanked Walter for the referrals and he picked up a little something for Emma while he was there. As he walked back he saw the line at the Blue Bird and Emma was hustling back and forth between customers. She seemed to be in her element. He waited by the door for a few minutes just in case she noticed him.
She must have been looking for him because as soon as she saw him she came rushing forward to the window and waved. She blew him a kiss and he actually caught her pretend kiss. She was laughing at his gesture. He loved to see her smile. He really hoped his brother wasn't watching at that moment since he was a fool in love.
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"Emma can you come back and help me for a sec?" called Snow.
"Sure Mom, be right back." Said Emma.
She finished up with her current tables. She'd been looking out the window from time to time hoping to catch a glimpse of Killian. When she saw him she felt little butterflies in her stomach. He was smiling and waving to her. She had no clue what came over her but she rushed to the window and blew him a kiss. She was turning into a love sick puppy and it felt glorious. She'd never felt like this before and when he caught her kisses she couldn't help but laugh hysterically at her boyfriend who was clearly as goofy as she was.
"Emma!" called Snow.
"Sorry Mom, What's up?" she asked.
"Can you help me heave this tray of lasagna into the oven for tomorrow's special?" she asked.
"Sure, where's Dad?" she asked.
"He had to run out to get some containers for the holiday décor and said he'd be right back." Said Snow.
She picked up half of the pan and her mother had the other side. It was a big catering pan and it was going into the big oven. Her mother put in a lot of cheesy layers so it was really heavy. Emma closed the oven and dusted off her hands.
Snow pulled her into a hug. "Thank you Honey." She said.
She stood in front of her and brushed her hands over her daughter's shoulders taking her in.
"You've grown into quite the lady. Where did the time go?" Said Snow.
"Oh Mom." Said Emma.
"You know I can't help it. I'm so happy you are here. "said Snow.
"Me too Mom. I've missed you guys too." Said Emma.
"Wait, Emma what is this?" asked Snow.
Her mother saw the little K pinned on her sweater and smiled. "No. Emma is that a K pin?" she asked laughing.
"Yes, I'd been teasing him so much about the "going steady" comment and I made a joke about getting a pin when you go steady. Well, it turns out the joke is on me. He is so sweet and actually had an old tie pin. He gave it to me this morning." Said Emma smiling.
"Emma that is fantastic. I love it so much. What a great story." Said Snow.
"I know Mom. I missed him last night when he left and I was just hoping to see him before the rush. He showed up this morning and offered to help me. He missed me too." Said Emma.
She could feel the blush creeping up on her cheeks when she realized she was having this conversation with her mother.
"Sweety, I'm so glad you're happy. You know how worried I was after that break up. You were so down and I didn't think you would try again. It's been awhile." Said Snow.
Her mother won't even say his name. She dated him for 6 months and nameless broke her heart.
"Mom, it was two years ago. I think I've mourned long enough and maybe my heart just needed the right guy to come along and wake me up." She said.
"I'm sure that's it. I am just so happy to see you in love." said Snow.
"In Love? You think." asked Emma.
"You seem to have all the signs." Said Snow smiling.
"All the signs for what?" asked Charming.
"Oh nothing." Said Emma blushing.
"Did you get that stuff?" asked Snow.
"I better get back out there Mom." Said Emma.
"Yeah, thanks for your help Honey." Said Snow.
Emma rushed back out front thankful that her mother helped avoid that conversation with her father who was not ready to hear about feelings that her daughter had for a man. Her mom was always good about helping her avoid those delicate conversations with her Dad when she needed to. She thought secretly he was happy he didn't have to hear about them. He was great too and she knew she could count on him for anything but she was a Daddy's girl and in her eyes she was six.
Her mother said it but she felt it. She knew her mother was right. She was falling in love with Killian hard and fast. She touched her little pin and smiled. She wasn't going to stop it this time. She wanted to run in head first.
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Killian walked into the café. The place looked great. Liam hung the photos that he and Emma gave them for Christmas. The black and white checkered ceramic floor gleamed under the afternoon sunlight that was pouring through the front glass window. Snow Flake Café was written in bright blue with silver outline across the clear glass. Liam also ordered a few crystal snowflakes to hang near the window. The sun reflecting through them made little rainbows appear around the café.
Liam walked into the room with a pencil tucked behind his ear and a tape measure in his hand. He was covered in dust and grinning.
"Ah, I see you've finished catching kisses out front and decided to come in and do some man's work." Said Liam.
Killian felt his cheeks flush and he rolled his eyes. Liam came over and clapped him on his shoulder.
"Liam, leave Killian alone. I think it's sweet." Said Elsa grinning.
"Ah, so you saw the whole thing then." He said scratching behind his hear nervously.
"Oh Yes!" said Liam laughing.
Killian shook his head.
"You left early this morning." Said Elsa.
"Oh, yeah I met up with Emma and we had breakfast. I figured I'd come by early and catch up on a few things here before I had to meet with Walter." Said Killian.
"I noticed that you got a bit done this morning. Thanks Mate." Said Liam.
"Yes, I finished some of the administrative stuff and built some of the chairs. Good of you to leave the instructions out on the counter." Said Killian.
"You boys hungry? I've been cooking all day to prepare for the opening tomorrow." said Elsa.
"Smells wonderful in here. I'm always ready to eat." Said Killian.
"You should see what's she's cooked up. My wife is amazing." Said Liam.
"Can't wait." Said Killian.
"It will be just a few minutes." Said Elsa running back to the kitchen.
"So little brother, how'd it go with Walter?" asked Liam.
"Great, I was able to help him. Seems he's been talking to some of the other business owners about me and said I should expect calls." Said Killian.
"That's great. Put your education to work." Said Liam.
"Aye, I'm looking forward to helping them. So far the people in town have all been really nice. I think you've chosen a great place to raise your child." Said Killian.
"Elsa is very happy so I'm happy. I'd also say that you seem happy here too. Does that mean you think you'll stick around for awhile?"asked Liam.
"Aye, I guess you could say that. I will say that I've certainly been thinking about my future this week. Perhaps what I thought I wanted isn't exactly what I truly wanted." Said Killian.
"Mmmm, the right person can do that to you. Just when you think you'd be happy on a ship for the rest of your life, hanging with your mates, and visiting new ports they swoop in and get under your skin. Next thing you know you're hanging on every word and trying to find ways to make sure she is happy. The best part about it is that you want it. You want all of it. You'll happily wear a reindeer jumper if she asks you." Said Liam.
Killian laughed. "Aye, I'm starting to see what you mean brother. I think I'd do anything to see her smile including catching air kisses." Said Killian.
"I'd say I was worried but I've been watching the pair of you together and there is just something magnetic between you. I see how she looks at you and you look at her. It's the same. You know what I like her. She's a nice girl. I think she will be good for you." Said Liam clapping him on the shoulder.
"Aye, I do too." Said Liam.
"Here you go boys! " said Elsa.
"Let me take that tray from you." Said Liam.
"I've got it but thank you Honey." Said Elsa.
She placed the steaming plates of food on the newly built table and the guys sat in the chairs.
"This looks great." Said Killian.
"I hope you like it" said Elsa holding her hands in front of her mouth in anticipation.
"Are these your Grandmother's meatballs?" asked Liam.
"Yes." Said Elsa.
"You know I love the meatballs." Said Liam.
"Elsa these are delicious. I'm sure they will be a hit." Said Killian.
"I'm so glad." Said Elsa.
They finished lunch and then started working on the chairs. Between the pair of them they knocked them out quickly. They set up the configuration of the tables and chairs. Elsa set them up with napkin holders. She also folded several bundles of silverware and napkins together.
Several hours passed and they'd completed almost the entire checklist for opening. Elsa was in the back cooking the food that can be pre-made and preparing her baked goods for opening. They were up front cleaning and setting up the tables. The place looked perfect.
It wasn't until the light changed that Killian noticed just how much time had passed. He looked over towards the Blue Bird in hopes of seeing Emma. She wasn't visible in the window. He frowned. He went in back to grab some additional rags when he heard the new little bell he'd installed above the door jingle.
He turned around to find Emma standing by the door looking around awestruck. He felt like running to her but he calmly walked over to greet her.
"Hey, the place looks great!" said Emma.
"Hi, you're a sight for sore eyes." Said Killian smiling.
"I was hoping you were still here. I just finished up and I thought maybe I could help you." Said Emma.
He pulled her into his arms and hugged her. He breathed in her strawberry scent that was currently mixed with cinnamon, cocoa and coffee. It immediately put him in a happy mood.
"I was thinking about you and in desperate need of a break. Perfect timing that you are here to rescue me." said Killian.
He held her hand and guided her to one of the tables and sat next to her. She snuggled into his side and he put his arm around her.
"I was hoping to get here sooner. I really wanted to help you. How did things go with Walter?" asked Emma.
"It went great. I think I was really able to help him. It seems I may be consulting with others soon too." Said Killian.
"Oh that's great. I will happily spread the word if you are interested." said Emma.
"Yes, that would be nice." Said Killian.
"What's left to do?" asked Emma.
"We're just about finished. Elsa and Liam are rolling dough in the back." Said Killian.
"Oh, that's sweet. Are they ready for tomorrow?" asked Emma.
"They've been advertising for awhile. I know they spoke to several people and they were getting lots of questions at the party. They are very excited so here's hoping things go well." Said Killian.
"If you need help would you please call me or come get me? I mean it. I would love to help you. I've been working with my parents at the café as long as I can remember. I'm so excited for them." said Emma.
"I'll keep that in mind. Look for the waving white flag." Said Killian.
"I will happily come and rescue you." Said Emma grinning.
"Hi Emma. How are you? I didn't know you were here." Said Elsa.
She had flour all over her apron and she brushed her hand across her forehead leaving a trail of white.
"I'm great. Are you ok? Do you need my help?" asked Emma.
"Oh, we've just about finished. Why don't you take Killian with you? He's had a long day." Said Elsa.
"What? Are you sure?" asked Killian.
"Yes, I'm sure. Go home watch a movie get a pizza. We have a long day tomorrow and I need you to be rested." Said Elsa.
"Wow, I see Liam is rubbing off on you." Said Killian saluting to her with a smile.
Elsa laughed. "Go on now. You've both been up since the crack of dawn and working too. Go have some fun." Said Elsa.
"OK, I'll happily take him off your hands if you don't need him." Said Emma rising from her chair and hugging the kind hearted blonde. . "I've already told Killian but if you need me tomorrow please call me. I'm happy to help you." Said Emma.
"You're so sweet. Thank you." Said Elsa.
Killian had his jacket on and was bundled up to go.
"Ready Lass?" he asked.
"Yes, it has been a long day." Said Emma.
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They went back to his house since she was driving and they'd both had a long day. She would have to be home by midnight at the latest or her parents would worry. They called Marco's and ordered a pizza. He had an amazing wood fire pizza oven and he had a spicy sauce that was out of this world. She was having fun introducing him to her favorite things in Storybrooke.
He pulled out a few beers from the fridge and joined her in the family room. They sat by the fireplace on the floor and had a little indoor picnic with their pizza.
"You were right, this pizza is fantastic. I've never had anything like it. I'm beginning to think that Storybrooke really is the hidden gem." He said smiling.
He had sauce and cheese on his chin and he looked adorable. She leaned forward with her napkin and wiped it off for him. His cheeks flushed when he realized what she was doing.
"Yep, it's a hidden gem." Said Emma.
"Elsa and Liam should be coming home soon. I'll put the rest in the kitchen for them." Said Killian.
"OK, I'm stuffed." Said Emma.
She took a sip from her beer and watched the fire rolling in the fireplace. She looked up to see all of the stockings hung and smiled when she saw her name.
"What's next on our tour of Storybrooke?" he said.
"I'll have to think about that. There's quite a bit to explore here in our hidden gem." She said smiling.
He reached down and held out his hand to pull her up from the floor and into his arms. She snuggled in close and brushed her hands up and down his back. She took in his scent of light soap and salt. He smelled amazing and she could probably get lost in him.
She felt his lips press to the top of her head. She loved all the little kisses he gave her. He was so affectionate and it surprised her how much she liked it. She leaned back and looked up to see him smiling but didn't let go.
"I haven't asked yet and I'm hoping you don't have plans but will you spend New Year's Eve with me?" he asked.
"I'd love to. What do you have in mind?" she asked.
"Perhaps my personal tour guide has some ideas of what to do here. It doesn't matter to me as long as I'm with you." He said.
"I'll ask around to see if there are any special events this year. In the past the town has had a big bash to ring in the New Year. It's kind of like the Christmas Carnival but with a good band and a bar." She said.
"That sounds like fun. If not we'll come up with our own party." He said.
She leaned up and pressed her lips to his. His kiss was warm and sweet. He slanted his lips to deepen the kiss. She felt that kiss all the way to her toes. It was only the sound of keys in the lock that broke them apart. He kissed her softly and they moved to sit on the couch in front of the fireplace.
"I detect pizza." Said Liam.
"You'd be right. I left some in the kitchen for you just in case you were hungry." Said Killian.
"I can always eat. Hello Emma. Nice to see you again." Said Liam as he marched off to the kitchen.
"Hi." She said as she waved from next to Killian.
If she was being honest she was still trying to recover from that kiss. She looked over to see him blow out a breath and adjust his collar. She smiled because he was clearly effected too.
"I don't think I could eat another bite. I've been nibbling all day to keep this little one happy." Said Elsa patting her stomach.
"Make sure Liam saves you a slice. It's delicious." Said Killian.
"From Marco's. He makes amazing pizza." said Emma.
"I'll keep that in mind." Said Elsa.
"Love, you have to try one bite. It really is good." called Liam.
"Ah, one bite. Goodnight guys. See you tomorrow." Said Elsa.
"Goodnight." Said Emma.
"See you in the morning." Said Killian.
Elsa shed her coat and walked into the kitchen to meet Liam.
Killian held her hand and gave it a little squeeze.
"I guess I should get going. It's getting late." Said Emma.
He pulled her close and held her. "I wish you didn't have to go." He said.
He had his chin resting on top of her head and she had her cheek pressed to his chest as she ran her hand up and down his arm.
"I know I wish I didn't have to go either." She said.
"How about we meet tomorrow, same time?" he asked.
"The crack of dawn will be our special time. It's a date. I like making breakfast with you." She said.
She felt so warm in his arms. He just wanted her to stay. He hated that she had to drive home alone. His car would be here in the next two days so he could drop her off like a proper date instead of relying on her to drive each time.
He stood and pulled her to her feet.
"Ah, not really interested in going out in the cold again. It's so warm right here with you." She said nestling in before she broke his embrace.
She picked up her coat and bundled up. She pulled on her pom pom hat looked over and smiled.
She looked adorable and sweet. He patted her pom pom and huffed from his nose as he smiled at her.
"I'll walk you out. It's the least I can do is make sure you are safely nestled in your car." Said Killian.
He put his hand on the small of her back and guided her through the door. She turned and put her hand on his chest looking up. The mistletoe still hung in its place. He leaned forward and captured her lips in a sweet and loving kiss. She broke apart and looked to see he still had his eyes closed. She caressed his cheek.
"Can we keep that?" she said pointing up.
"I'll make a request or perhaps I'll just keep some in my pocket." He said.
"Great idea." She said.
The snow was mostly gone and the sidewalk and roads were clear. She wasn't too worried about getting home. He opened the door to her car and she sat inside looking up at him. He leaned in and gave her a gentle kiss.
"Be careful Love." he said.
"I will, sleep well. I'll see you in the morning." She said.
"You too." He said.
He shut her door and ran up the walk as she drove off. For the first time in a long time he had a date for New Year's Eve. He was excited to start his year, his life actually, with someone he cared about. Now he just had to help Liam and Elsa get through this café opening tomorrow.