Ch. 8
He woke up that morning and came bounding down the stairs to find Elsa and Liam cuddling together on the couch with their tea and coffee in hand.
"Good Morning." He said smiling.
"You got home late last night. I'm surprised to see you so chipper." Said Liam.
"Emma and I had a great time. We went out bowling and sang at Karaoke night." Said Killian smiling.
"Karaoke huh? I'll have to check that out." Said Liam.
Elsa smiled as she took a sip of her tea.
"Listen I have a surprise for you. I know this is last minute notice and that you had other plans but I got you tickets to go to the Gala tonight with Emma and I. " said Killian.
"You did!" said Elsa.
"I thought you wanted a quiet night with just us?" asked Liam.
Elsa rubbed her hand over her growing baby bump gently.
"I did but next year we won't have a choice and this year we do. We can spend every night alone together until our little one arrives. I think I would really love to go." Said Elsa.
"If that's what you want Love then I will happily take my lovely wife out for a night of dancing." Said Liam.
"Great, then it's settled. I put the tickets on the table in the kitchen just in case you'd be interested. Emma went out and got a dress yesterday. Will that be a problem for you Elsa?" asked Killian.
Elsa smiled.
"I do have some things but if you can spare me for a bit at lunch I'd happily go shopping in town." Said Elsa.
Liam kissed her softly.
"Of course Love. I think today will be rather light anyway if everyone is preparing for a night on the town. Charming mentioned that it's usually a slow day on holidays like today." Said Liam.
"I've got to get going. I'm picking up Emma today on our way to the café's. " said Killian.
"Killian, Thank you so much for thinking of us. Sometimes I forget that it's really not just us right now. You're very much a part of our family too." Said Elsa.
Killian smiled.
"Be there at 7 sharp!" called Liam.
"You got it boss." Said Killian.
He grabbed his jacket and rushed out to go pick up Emma. He loved being mobile again.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~E&K~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Their morning routine went as usual with the exception of him waiting out front for her when she came out this morning. She looked beautiful in her puffy coat and pom pom hat. It was a chilly morning and he could see steam rising from the two mugs she had in her hands as she walked towards him. He hopped out of the truck and opened the door for her.
"Your chariot awaits milady." He said grinning.
She walked up and pressed a soft kiss to his lips. She tasted of mint and chocolate. She also smelled of fresh strawberries. He took in her scent to allow it to register for the day.
"Good morning." She said.
"It's a great morning actually." He said.
He helped her into the truck and ran around to his side to get in.
"I'm so excited for the gala tonight. We are going to have so much fun." She said taking a small sip of her steaming cocoa.
She handed him the other cup. She added a little whipped cream this morning too.
"I spoke to Liam and Elsa today about going to the gala with us and they are on board. I'm so glad you suggested that I ask." He said.
"Really? That's great." Said Emma.
"Elsa was so excited. She said she has a dress but she may run out at lunchtime to take a look too." Said Killian.
"Maybe I'll go with her." Said Emma smiling.
"I'm sure she would love that." Said Killian.
Killian made chocolate chip pancakes this morning to surprise her as she hustled around the cafe running through her little checklist. She stopped often and hugged or kissed him in appreciation. Her parents were taking a lazy morning since they expected a light day and they were also going to let her leave early to get ready for the gala.
They ate breakfast huddled together at their table.
"Killian, these pancakes are the best yet. I love them." Said Emma putting a sweet sticky forkful in her mouth.
"I'm glad you like them. I remember you mentioning the chips last time." Said Killian.
"I'll be right back." She said.
He hopped up from the table to let her out. She pressed a sweet maple kiss to his lips before leaving him. She rushed in the back and grabbed the wrapped little box she had in her bag and came out smiling.
He shuffled out of his seat and let her back in.
"Close your eyes and hold out your hands." She said.
He raised a brow and looked at her skeptically but he did as she asked.
She took the silver wrapped little box with a red bow and placed it into his open palms. He cocked his head to the side an opened his eyes.
"What's this Love?" he asked.
"Open it." She said grinning.
He opened the box and inside he found a silver watch with a navigation edge around the face. He smiled and looked up at her.
"Emma." He said.
"Look on the back. "she said.
She'd had it inscribed for him with the date they met and the words "life began".
"This is.. this is amazing." He said as he looked over the watch.
He put the little box down and took her face in his hands. He gazed into her eyes and saw her looking up at him with such adoration and hope. He pressed a soft kiss to her lips.
"I'm so glad you like it." She whispered.
"I love it. It's perfect. he said.
"I wanted you to know how much I care about you. Life began for me that day too." She said.
He hugged her close and she put her cheek against his chest listening to his heart thrumming.
"When did you have time to do this?" he said.
"Let's just say you're not the only one with connections." She said.
"You are so amazing." He said.
"Oh, it's waterproof too." She said chuckling.
"That's great because I want to wear it and with all the café work I'd be afraid to ruin it." He said.
He looked at the watch on the table and noticed he had five minutes to get to work.
"You have to go?" she asked.
"You've met my brother. He gave me orders this morning." He said grinning.
He carefully took it from the box and wrapped it around his wrist. It fit him perfectly. He held out his arm and examined the face staring back at him.
"I look like a proper professional now." He said.
"Handsome as ever." She said grinning.
He stood and let her out of the table. She started to walk towards the door when he pulled her back and held her in his arms. He dipped her back and kissed her tenderly. She giggled against his lips at the move.
"There will be much more of that tonight at the dance." He said.
"So you've got dance moves I haven't seen yet?" she said.
He lifted her up and kissed her softly.
"Aye, I plan to sweep you off your feet." He said.
"I believe you've already done that." She said wistfully.
He twirled her around in a swift move. She giggled as he pulled her into his arms.
She leaned up and kissed him softly.
"I'll pick you up at 4:00." He said.
"Right and then I'll make my transformation for tonight." She said.
"I can't wait to see you in this dress." He said.
Emma smiled wide. He checked his wrist and noted he had two minutes.
"Gotta run Love." he said.
She leaned up and gave him a breath stealing kiss. He wrapped his arms around her as she held his soft hair between her fingers kissing him with all she had in her. They broke apart slowly. He shook his head.
"Just something to get you through the day." She said grinning.
"Oh Love, that will definitely get me through the day. I'll be looking for you." he said.
He grabbed his coat and pulled it on before rushing towards the door. He passed her parents on the way up.
"See you later." Said Emma.
"Bye Love." he said.
Emma touched her lips and smiled as she watched him cross the street to the café. She turned and caught her mother looking at her with a big grin on her face.
"Is Killian excited for tonight?" asked Snow.
Emma nodded.
"Elsa and Liam are going too. Killian was able to get them tickets. Elsa was pretty excited." she said as she grabbed their dishes and cleared their space.
"Oh, that's wonderful. I'm glad they are able to go. "said Snow.
"Yeah me too. I'm so looking forward to tonight. It's so different than last year." Said Emma.
"Last year wasn't bad, it was just different." Said Snow.
"Oh I know Mom, I'm not complaining. I'm just really happy to start the year with an actual kiss at midnight." Said Emma smiling.
"I know, your father is a wonderful kisser." Said Snow laughing.
"Mom! I don't need to know that." Said Emma.
"Well he is! Even after all these years." Said Snow smiling.
She watched her mother look back at her father who was pulling out the daily rolls and muffins. He was completely oblivious to their conversation. The look of adoration on her mother's face was not missed.
"I just hope I have 1/10 of the love you have for each other in my lifetime." Said Emma.
"I think you'll have it 100 percent. I can't see you settling for any less. Daddy and I wouldn't want that for you. " said Snow.
She came up and smoothed her hand over her daughters back. Emma smiled.
"Thanks Mom." Said Emma.
The rest of the day flew by. She caught Killian a few times when they both happened to be tending to customers near the windows. She blew him some kisses and he caught them because he really is that sweet. She was so in love with him and she didn't care who knew it anymore. She did get caught once by her father and he just shook his head as he watched her.
It was inevitable. She was a grown woman, almost out of University, and she was in love. He was going to have to let her go sometime and so far he seems to be inching to understanding. He'd always be her buddy though. The man she followed around until she was 8 and couldn't get enough of. He used to swing her between his legs and toss her up in the air until she couldn't breathe from laughter. He was (is) the best daddy any girl could ever have.
She mentioned to Killian her parents would be amazing grandparents but she knew it. She knew it in her heart that they were made to be grandparents. They were the best parents to her and her friends envied her relationship with them. She felt lucky and she never took them for granted. She knew she had it good, better, than any one of her friends. Someday she might lose a little piece of them to her child and that would be the only way she would be ok with it.
At 3:45 the little bell over the door jingled and she looked up to see that sweet handsome face and too blue eyes staring back at her that she was starting to get accustomed to.
"Hey you're here early. How'd you swing that with Liam?" she asked.
He walked up, put his arms around her waist and spun her around. She squealed in delight at his gesture and then he kissed her softly.
"Liam felt bad for all the orders he'd been throwing at me. They had a few customers but he said he could handle it and let me take off. I also think he's starting to get excited about the gala too. " said Killian.
"I'm happy you're here. I've missed you. I kept hoping to see the white flag being waved." She said.
"I missed you too. I also think Liam caught me catching kisses again. He kept silently grumbling as he passed me towards the end of the day." Said Killian.
"You don't understand how happy it makes me that you catch my kisses." She said smiling.
He fingered the little K on her shoulder and smiled. He liked that she'd been wearing it even if it was an inside joke between them.
"They are just place holders for the real thing. I believe I caught six kisses so I'm here to cash them in." he said.
She wrapped her arms around his neck and laced her fingers together.
"Only six?" she said pouting.
He leaned forward and kissed her softly six times wiping the pout from her lips.
"I'm pretty sure it was way more than six." She said.
"Perhaps, it was." He said grinning.
She leaned up and kissed him softly. He pulled her close and returned the gentle pressure. He felt her smile against his lips.
"Let me get my coat and we can get out of here." She said.
"Are you sure, you've still got 15 minutes." Said Killian.
"As you can see we are empty and my parents are in back working on bread dough for tomorrow." Said Emma.
"OK, I'll be here waiting impatiently." He said grinning.
She turned and blew him three kisses.
"Bank those for later." She said smiling.
He pretended to catch them and laughed heartily as she walked towards the back. He looked around and they had the place pretty well closed up for the day. He felt better about showing up a little early knowing they weren't busy.
"Ready?" she asked.
She came bounding into the room buttoning her coat and joined him at his side. She pulled on her fuzzy pom pom hat and looked up at him grinning.
He held her face in his hands, brushed his nose against hers and kissed her softly.
"I can't wait to dance with you tonight." He said.
She wrapped her arms around him and hugged him tight.
"Let's get out of here." She said .
They walked out and hopped in Killian's truck. The weather was cooler and there was a slight chance of snow that night but the sky was clear as the sun was setting. On the ride to her house they shared stories of their day. Nothing too eventful on either side of the street but they mutually agreed it was more fun to work together.
He dropped her off at her house with the promise to pick her up at 7:30. She was more excited than anything to go to the gala. It would be her first New Year's Eve with a date that meant anything to her. She climbed the stairs and proceeded to turn into the princess she hoped he would see.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~E&K~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
He wasn't ready to let her go but he did only because the promise to see her in a few hours would tide him over. He missed her all day. He kept hoping to catch a glimpse of her in the window as he performed his tasks. He worked on the books, inventory orders, and maintained the customers as they came in. Working in the café was certainly not his passion but he would do it to help his family for as long as necessary.
He also setup a few appointments with the other business owners in town for the following week. He was looking forward to the additional income and getting back into what he really loved doing. Liam was paying him to help at the café but it wasn't nearly enough to live on and he was going to have to start paying back loans eventually. He was happy he was going to get the opportunity to work with his business skills while living in Storybrooke.
He had a nice black suit to wear for the evening with a black bow tie to go along with it. He had his white shirt cleaned and pressed at the local dry cleaners so he was all set for the night. Even with the last minute invitation Elsa was able to find a beautiful dress in town and Liam also had a nice suit hanging in his closet. Elsa bought him a tie to match her dress while she was out too.
They arrived home just as he was putting on the finishing touches. He looked down at the watch Emma gave him and smiled. She really did know him and that was the perfect gift.
"Little brother you clean up well." Said Liam.
"Thanks, everything go well after I left?" asked Killian.
"We had a few last minute customers but nothing we couldn't handle." Said Liam.
"That's great. I'm glad you will be joining us tonight. I think it's a good opportunity for you to get to know people. From what I hear once the baby is here you are going to be busy." He said smiling.
"Yes thanks for inviting us to go. We'll certainly be busy once our wee one arrives. Kind of makes a case to stay home and spend time with my lovely wife alone. You can't blame a man for that either." Said Liam.
"No, I can understand wanting to be alone with the person you care about." Said Killian.
"Thank you for suggesting this though. Elsa is really looking forward to it. When we made these plans she hadn't made friends in town yet. Now that she has she is very excited to be out tonight." Said Liam.
"I'm glad. I appreciate you taking me in and giving me a place to stay. I'm happy that you both will be with us tonight. It's nice to celebrate the start of a new year with my family." Said Killian.
"You know we are glad to have you here with us. It's rather nice to get to see your face every day." Said Liam clapping him on the back.
"You better get ready or Elsa will have your head. You sure you want to drive separately?" asked Killian.
"Yes, Elsa gets tired and she doesn't want to force you to leave early on her account if it comes to that." Said Liam.
"Alright but if you change your mind it would be no trouble." Said Killian.
He looked down at his watch to check the time. He was expected to pick up Emma in twenty minutes.
"Nice watch." Said Liam.
"Oh, Thank you. Emma gave it to me." he said grinning.
"She has good taste. See you there then?" Said Liam.
"See you there." Said Killian.
Liam jogged up the stairs and out of site. Killian slipped into his overcoat, grabbed his keys, wallet and other essentials before he head out the door to pick up Emma.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~E&K~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Emma was in her room primping when she heard the door crack open to her room. Her mother stepped in and they stood looking at each other with exchanged open mouth gapes.
"Emma you look beautiful." Said Snow.
"Mom, so do you. Has Dad seen you yet?" she asked.
"No, he's downstairs making a snack in the kitchen. You know it takes him no time at all to get ready." She said.
"He's going to be blown away when he sees you." She said.
"I think he's going to be blown away when he sees you. It's hard enough for him to admit you've grown up but this is going to be the nail in the coffin Honey." Said Snow.
"Do you think you could help me with my bracelet?" asked Emma.
"Of course." Said Snow.
She helped Emma clasp her charm bracelet over her wrist. Emma held out her arm and admired the twinkling charms hanging down.
"I'll meet you downstairs." Said Snow.
She kissed her mother on the cheek.
"Love you Mom." Said Emma.
"Love you too Honey." Said Snow.
Emma continued to primp but she listened in as her father gushed over how pretty her mother looked in her gown. He always knew what to say to make her mother feel beautiful. She shook her head and smiled. Her parents were adorable.
She grabbed her wrap when she heard the door chime. She took a deep breath, checked her makeup and head towards the stairs. The tulle over satin of her dress was shimmering with some of the sparkles that were laced through it. She felt the satin swish against her skin as she shuffled forward.
She looked down the stairs to see Killian looking up and smiling at her with his mouth hanging open. Her father turned around and she had twin gapes looking at her.
"Emma you look stunning." Said Killian.
Her father was standing there still unable to say anything. He covered his mouth with his hand and his eyes appeared to have tears in them.
"Thank you, not so bad yourself." Said Emma smiling.
He took her hand and helped her down the last step into the living room.
"Honey, you look beautiful." Said Charming.
"Thanks Daddy. You look nice too. Where's mom?" she asked.
"Your lovely mother is in the back room getting the camera. I'll go check to see what's keeping her." Said Charming.
Emma rolled her eyes. Killian laughed.
"Love, you look gorgeous in this color. Red really suits you. I'm one lucky man to have you on my arm tonight." He said.
Emma felt the blush creep over her cheeks. She leaned up and kissed him quickly on the lips.
"I don't know. I think I'm the lucky one." She said caressing his face.
"Liam and Elsa decided to ride on their own so it'll just be us in my truck." He said.
"Oh ok, so we are meeting them there. Let me take your coat. I hope you are ok with my parents taking a few photos." Said Emma.
"Of course Love. I'd love some photos with you." He said as he took off his overcoat.
"Wow, what a great suit. You look amazing." Said Emma.
"Thank you, I believe my watch makes the outfit." He said holding out his wrist.
"I'm so glad you like it." She said beaming.
"Wow, look at you two. You look like you've stepped out of a magazine." said Snow smiling.
"Mrs. Nolan you look beautiful." Said Killian.
"Oh, thank you. Now you two get together there so I can get your picture." Said Snow.
Emma took Killian by the hand and directed him towards the spot they used for family photos. She snuggled against him and smiled her brightest smile towards her mother.
Her father came in the room behind her and watched them over her shoulder.
"Why don't you let me take a photo of the three of you?" asked Killian.
"That would be so nice." Said Snow.
Killian walked over and traded places with Snow as she and Charming moved to stand on each side of Emma. Emma looked beautiful. Her blond hair hung in curls around her bare shoulders. She had a deep red lip and her eyes were sparkling green like emeralds.
He framed them in the camera and they smiled. He snapped several pictures before they protested.
"Killian, will you take a picture with me and my Mom?" asked Emma.
"How can I resist a photo with such lovely ladies." Said Killian.
Charming took the camera from him and he moved to take his place in between them. Charming snapped a few photos.
"You go on ahead. Your father and I have a few things to finish up here and then we'll be along." said Snow.
"Ok, We'll see you there. We're at the same table right?"asked Emma.
"Yes, Belle made the arrangements for us all to be together." Said Snow.
Killian grabbed his coat and slid it on as well as helped Emma with her coat. He was still stunned at how beautiful she looked.
"Ready Love?" he asked.
She smiled and nodded.
"Bye Mom, Dad!" she called as they walked through the door.
They made good time getting to the gala. There were lots of couples arriving at the same time so parking was a bit of a nightmare until they found a spot. He quickly ran around and helped her down out of the truck.
"Killian, thank you for bringing me tonight; I wanted to tell you just in case I forget to mention it later." She said.
"It's my honor to bring you. Thank you for suggesting it." He said smiling.
She wrapped her arms around his neck and met his lips with a tender kiss. He took in her amazing scent of strawberries mixed with flowers from whatever perfume she sprayed on. She pulled back smiling and rubbed a bit of red smudge from his lips.
He laughed.
"I hope you have your dancing shoes on." She said.
"Oh I do, sure you can keep up?" he said grinning.
"Oh, I think I'm ready for the challenge." She said.
She looped her arm in his and they walked up to get in line with the other party goers waiting to have their tickets taken. She saw a lot of familiar faces from the past as well as patrons from the café. She also knew that her family would be attending.
"Hey Emma." Said Belle.
"Hey Belle. This is my boyfriend Killian." She said smiling.
She squeezed his arm a little tighter and snuggled a little closer. He handed Belle the tickets from his pocket.
"Killian, nice to meet you." Said Belle.
"Nice to meet you." Said Killian.
They shuffled forward towards the coat room. He helped her out of her coat and put it together with his own and handed them to the young man checking coats.
"Is Belle your friend?" he asked.
"We were friends once but we lost touch a long time ago. She married one of the landowners in Storybrooke. He caused some trouble for my family when my parents were trying to buy the café property. They were lucky for some loop holes but we haven't been close since that happened." She said.
"I see, I'm glad things worked out. Do you think there will be any problems if he is here tonight?" he asked.
"No, they are on good terms. I heard he was out of the country traveling on business. Belle works with the ladies auxiliary and they put this event together along with the nuns from the church. I don't expect that we'll see him here tonight." Said Emma.
"So, he owns a lot of the land in Storybrooke?" asked Killian.
"He does but most of the businesses in town own their shops." Said Emma.
"Aye, my brother and Elsa bought the place as well. They were going to lease and I suggested that they would be better off financially owning the property in the event things were successful." Said Killian.
"That's good advice. I can see you're going to be quite the business man yourself." Said Emma.
"It sounds like it was a good move if others have had trouble in the past." Said Killian.
"I didn't mean to put a damper on our evening before it's even started. Let's put that conversation off for another time and get out there and dance." said Emma.
"Love, I appreciate you telling me about all the workings of the town. I agree, let's talk about this another time. I find this very helpful." He said lifting her hand and placing a soft kiss to the back.
"Let's visit our table first so I can drop off my things." She said.
"Alright, and perhaps we can get some drinks as well." He said.
"Good idea." She said.
Her mother worked it out that they would all be assigned together at the same table. They were given table 23 and as they got closer they saw that Elsa and Liam were also arriving to the table.
Elsa was wearing a light blue gown with a white lace overlay. It was perfect for her with her little baby bump showing just slightly. Liam had on a dark blue suit and a light blue tie to match Elsa's dress. They both looked so nice.
"Emma, wow you look so beautiful." Said Elsa.
"So do you. You look like a princess in that color blue." Said Emma.
"Brother, any trouble finding a parking spot?" asked Liam.
"No, it appears we got here just in time. I was just about to get some drinks. Would you like to come along?" Said Killian.
"Fine with me. Ladies, will you excuse us?" asked Liam.
Emma nodded towards Killian and took a seat next to Elsa at the table. Elsa was looking around in awe of the room. There were metallic streamers in gold and silver hanging down all over the ceiling. There were also balloons tied with ribbons to match all around the room. There were candles lit on each table and the lights were dim.
"This place looks amazing. I can't believe there was a carnival in here not long ago." Said Elsa smiling.
"They did a really nice job transforming this place. I'm so glad that you decided to come with us tonight." Said Emma.
"Thank you for encouraging Killian to ask us. Your parents are coming too?" asked Elsa.
"Yes, they should be here soon. They were right behind us." Said Emma.
"So I heard you sang karaoke and bowled last night." Said Elsa.
"Oh My Killian has the most wonderful voice. He sang to me and it was so beautiful." Said Emma squeezing her hands under her chin smiling.
"You should hear him play guitar." Said Elsa.
"I can't wait to hear him play. I suggested he tell you to have an open mic night. He was shy about doing that though." Said Emma.
"I'll press him about it in the future if we need it, he would be amazing. I saw the watch you gave him. It's the perfect gift." Said Elsa.
"I saw it when I was out shopping and I thought about him. He got me this bracelet and I just love it so much. I think about him every time I see it. Not that I need the bracelet to think about him." Said Emma.
Elsa laughed.
"It's so sweet to see you two falling in love." she said smiling.
Emma cocked her head to the side and smiled. She looked over to see Killian and Liam walking towards them.
"I think about him all the time. I can't get enough of him." Said Emma sighing.
"That was what it was like when I first met Liam too. He was so stiff and rugged when I first spoke to him. I think he was nervous because after a few drinks he was like a giant teddy bear and I just didn't want the night to end. Now look at us." said Elsa grinning wistfully towards her husband.
"Here you are ladies." Said Killian.
Killian handed Elsa a sparkling water and Emma a New Yearstini. A drink they made up for the gala.
"This looks good." Said Emma.
"I wasn't sure what you wanted so I thought something light since we plan to dance." Said Killian.
She put her hand over his as he sat beside her.
"It's perfect. Thank you." she said taking a small sip.
She looked up to see her parents walking towards them. Killian and Liam stood until her mother was seated at the table.
"Snow you look so beautiful." Said Elsa.
"So do you Elsa. I love your dress. It's so perfect and brings out your blue eyes." Said Snow.
"I'd say we have managed to have the most beautiful women at the gala seated at the same table." Said Charming.
"Indeed." Said Liam.
"Care to dance?" asked Killian.
"I thought you'd never ask." Said Emma.
He stood and extended his hand to her lifting her from her seat. They walked hand in hand to the dance floor. A slow song was playing and several couples were dancing on the floor around them. Killian pulled her into his arms and led her around the dance floor. It felt as if they were floating. He was an amazing dancer.
"You're really good." Said Emma.
"Thank my brother for forcing me to take lessons in primary school." Said Killian.
"I'll be sure to thank him." She said.
He spun her around and pulled her back into his arms. She placed her hand on his shoulder and gazed into his beautiful blue eyes as they sparkled under the lights of the dance floor. He twirled her around keeping time to the melody of the song.
She felt like nothing in his arms as he spun her around. He loved listening to her laugh as he spun her out and back. The DJ played a variety of songs and they danced for awhile before they needed to break for a drink.
They got back to the table just in time for dinner to be served. They had a salad course, choice of three entrees, and a dessert buffet. They had a few more drinks as well. Her mother was getting a little tipsy and her cheeks were flushed pink.
"Mom, you should go easy on the New Yearstini's." said Emma.
"Oh Emma, its only one night, come on Charming let's hit the dance floor." Said Snow.
He smiled at the table and got up to help his lovely wife out to the dance floor.
"We've been having so much fun. Your parents have been introducing us to a lot of people in town. We've met a few groups that like to order catered food for meetings and parties. I'm so glad that we came out tonight. Those types of orders will be great for business." Said Elsa.
"That's great news. I'm glad we were able to drag you out." Said Killian.
"I was hesitant earlier but I'm happy we came out too. Darling how about a spin on the dance floor?" asked Liam.
"Of course!" said Elsa jumping up from her chair.
Emma laughed and took a sip of her drink. She was starting to feel the alcohol too.
"I'm having so much fun tonight. I'm so happy to be here with you." Said Emma.
Killian thought it was the right time to take advantage of the fact that they were alone at the table. He pulled a little wrapped box from his pocket.
"Close your eyes and hold out your hands." He said using the same tactic she used earlier.
"Ok, what's this about?" asked Emma.
She did as he asked and he placed the little box with a red bow into her hands.
"Happy New Year Love." he said.
Emma opened the little package and inside she found a little mirrorball charm to commemorate the new year.
"Killian, this is beautiful. You didn't have to do this." She said.
"Love, I wanted to. Here let me help you put it on." He said.
She leaned forward and kissed him tenderly pulling back and rubbing her nose against his.
"You are going to spoil me." she said.
"I intend to Love." he said.
She smiled sweetly at him as he affixed the new charm to her bracelet. She held it up and examined the new charm.
"Killian I love this. You have no idea how much I look at this throughout the day and think of you." She said.
"I'm counting on that. I think of you all day as well." He said.
He never thought he would love to hear her say that. His heart thrummed in his chest with the emotions he had for this beautiful woman in front of him. She took his breath away.
"So, we can sit here and cash in on some of those kisses or go out to the dance floor." She said grinning.
"Can we do both?" he asked.
She leaned forward and kissed him again. He pulled her close and deepened the kiss. They were completely oblivious to anyone around them. Most people were on the dance floor by that point.
She smiled against his lips.
"Come on, I've still got a few moves you haven't seen yet." She said.
"Ok Love, Let's go." He said.
They arrived on the dance floor just in time to see Liam and her father in a dance off. Snow was laughing so hard and Elsa was just standing there shaking her head. Killian laughed as he watched his brother performing all the old dances to the fast beat that was playing. The crowd gathered around the two men in a circle and clapped their hands.
Emma wasn't sure if she should be embarrassed or not but at that point the alcohol was swimming in her mind so she just went with it, smiled and clapped along with everyone else. As the song wound down the two men shook hands and collected their partners for a slow dance.
"Nice moves Dad." Said Emma.
"Thanks Honey, the old man's still got it." Said Charming.
"Looking good out there brother." Said Killian.
"I couldn't let Charming have all the fun could I?" asked Liam.
"Oh, you. It's my turn, this baby isn't going to let me dance all night." Said Elsa stealing him away to dance.
Killian pulled Emma into his arms and she laid her head against his chest as the swayed to the simple melody that was playing. It felt good to hold her soft warm body in his arms. He kissed the top of her head. She squeezed him tighter and listened as his heart thrummed softly.
They stayed out on the floor for the remainder of the night. Elsa and Liam made it until about 11:00 but the baby and her feet forced them to go home early. Her mother sobered up a little as they were on the dance floor. Emma had one special dance with her father too. She imagined in her mind what her wedding would be like one day and she felt tears prick in the back of her eyes.
It was finally time for the countdown to midnight to begin with one minute left. They moved out to the dance floor with noise makers and funny hats. She held his hand and gazed into his eyes as if they were the only two people in a room. When the clock struck midnight he leaned down and captured her lips in a tender kiss.
"Happy New Year Love."
"Happy New Year."
It was the first time he had someone he cared about to kiss at midnight on New Year's Eve. He felt such a swell of happiness in his chest in that moment as his beautiful girlfriend looked up at him. Her eyes were sparkling under the lights as confetti fell into her silky hair. She smiled sweetly at him.
Champagne flutes were given to all the guests to toast. They clinked their glasses together. " Cheers"
"Here's to a year to remember." Said Killian.
"A year to remember." She said.
The gala was over shortly and they made their way back to Emma's house. She invited him inside since the night was still early for them. Her parents made it home shortly before them and her father took he mother to bed immediately. She was still pretty tipsy after all the New Yearstini's but she was so happy. She heard her laughing heartily as they walked in the door.
"Can I get you something to drink?" she asked.
"Sure, whatever you're going to have." He said.
He followed her back into the kitchen and snuggled up against her from behind looking over her shoulder as she searched in the refrigerator. She stood and turned around in his arms. She cradled his face in her hands and took in the look of adoration in his eyes and kissed him softly.
"You really were the most beautiful woman at the gala tonight." He said.
"Thank you. I was pretty happy to make all of the women in the room jealous when they saw us together too. You are quite the catch Killian Jones." She said grinning.
"I'm glad you think so. I quite like spending time with you Emma Nolan." he said.
"Good, because you're stuck with me. I don't think I can give you up now that I know you exist. " she said.
He pulled her into his arms and kissed the top of her head.
"I rather like being stuck with you and you're right. I don't plan on giving you up either. Good thing we like each other." Said Killian.
Emma reached into the fridge and grabbed a couple beers.
"Come on, let's go watch New Years around the world." Said Emma.
He took the beers from her and she leaned down and pulled off her shoes.
He trailed behind her back into the family room. She grabbed the quilt from the love seat and turned on the TV. He sat on the couch and she snuggled into his side. He handed her one of the beers and took a sip of his own. At some point in the evening they both fell asleep watching the celebrations. Emma woke up briefly and pulled the quilt over them both and snuggled next to Killian on the couch so they were both lying down. He pulled her into his arms and breathed softly into her hair. She closed her eyes and went back to sleep. She dreamt happily about what was to come in the New Year.