Ch. 11

He'd be lying if he said that his drive home wasn't the longest he'd ever had. He missed her the minute he left. Her scent lingered on his clothes and skin, it was wonderful. She loved him and his heart was soaring. They'd given themselves to each other and it was more amazing than he could ever imagine. A huge weight had been lifted from his chest after telling her how he'd felt.

He nearly turned the car around four times in the first hour. He'd made it to the half way point before she called him. Hearing her voice for the remainder of the car ride kept him going. They just kept each other company; it was nice that she was with him, even if it was only in spirit or voice. He couldn't wait until she was finished her semester and the distance was gone.

They hadn't yet talked about what they would do once they graduated but he wanted to plan a future with her. He knew she was the one he wanted. The depth of his feelings were overwhelming sometimes but it was clear that the first time he met her she was someone special and he was so grateful that he had the opportunity to know her. Emma was smart, thoughtful, kind and giving. She cared for her family, his family and she loved him.

He would certainly have to thank Elsa for finding that magical little town. When he got home that night he carried his bag in, trying not to make too much noise as he entered the house, closing the door softly behind him. When he turned around he was surprised to see Liam standing there.

"Brother, I didn't think anyone would be awake when I got here."

"It was a late night in the café, Elsa's gone to bed but she wanted a little something. How was your weekend with Emma?"

He couldn't stop the grin from spreading across his face."Perfect. We had an amazing time. She told me she loves me."

He shook his head and grinned."It was obvious to me that she did. Didn't you know?"

"I knew how I felt about her and I hoped but she confirmed it for sure. We had an amazing time together."

"She's a lovely lass. It's nice to see you so happy little brother."

He smirked at the connotation."Me too. She's it for me brother. Someday I will marry her I just know it in my heart."

He pat him on the back, grinning."I'd hoped I'd get to have my brother with me. It makes me very happy to know that you will be around. You do plan on staying right?"

"Aye, I suppose you could say this place has grown on me. I could certainly see making Storybrooke a home here."

"I really hope so brother. Nothing would make me happier. Elsa would be overjoyed to have you close. Both of you."

He smiled at his older brother and continued off to his room. Emma was drifting in and out as he entered town so he wasn't going to call her to wake her. They would be speaking in a few short hours at their usual time and he was already looking forward to seeing her face again. Nothing would take the place of her warm in his arms but seeing her and hearing the sound of her voice would have to do for now.

He fell asleep with the happy thought of Emma's love in his heart.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~E&K~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The annoying song she had set as her alarm was blaring loudly. She rolled to the side and tapped it off looking to her left remembering that Killian went home. He'd only been gone hours and she missed him so much. She checked her phone and there was a good night text from him letting her know he'd made it home. She felt a sense of relief knowing he was alright although she felt awful that she couldn't remain awake until he got home. Her muscles still ached in a good way from all the fun they had together.

She sat up slowly and stretched out her arms above her head. She quickly went through her morning routine and jumped on her phone for their morning call. He rang exactly on time. His beautiful blue eyes and sleepy smile warmed her heart.

"Good morning Love."

"Hi, It's so good to see your face. I wish you were here."

He sighed."As do I. It was a long ride home without you."

"I woke up this morning and I half expected to see you sleeping soundly next to me. The dreams I had about you last night were so vivid I could swear you were here."

"You've no idea how much I wish that were true. I missed waking up with you in my arms. Being with you really makes me happy. Remind me to ask you about those vivid dreams later."

"Oh I will, I promise. I wish I could speed up time or be closer to home."

"I never intended for things to be hard on you."

"It's not so long until I'm home for good. I can handle it as long as you can."

"Of course; especially if it means that you're coming home to me when it's all over."

She smiled brightly. The thought of coming home to him was just what she wanted."I like how you put that. It's my turn to drive home this weekend and I'm looking forward to seeing you again although I kind of wish you were coming back here so we could be alone".

"I know we don't get much chance of that here in town."

She felt a bit crestfallen. "Especially this weekend. With all the party stuff and working at the diner to help out. I'll be so busy. My Mom's going to love her gifts."

"I'm sure she will and I promise we'll find time to be together."

She started to feel a bit melancholy. Maybe she was being greedy but she just had a full weekend of just them. "OK I hope so. I guess I better let you get ready. I know how Liam can be. I'll be thinking about you all day. Talk to you tonight?"

"I'll be thinking about you too. I love you Emma."

Her heart nearly melted. "I love you too."

She disappeared from the tiny screen and he ran his fingers through his hair. He couldn't stop the grin on his face from growing as her words took hold of his heart.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~E&K~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Snowflake Café was busy that morning. The friendly faces of Storybrooke were happily waiting in line at the counter and lining the tables when he got there. Elsa created a special batch of breakfast cookies as a test the last week and the people in town loved them. She decided to put them on the menu for Monday mornings as a special.

He watched his brother smile at his wife with pride as she handed out each cookie to the patrons. He looked across the way towards the Blue Bird and thought happily of Emma. It appeared their café was also busy as usual. He often wondered if anyone in town actually cooked and laughed to himself as he walked into the back room.

He'd been going over their financials and so far they looked to be doing well. Soon Liam would be starting the boat tours again. He loved being out on the water almost as much as his brother. Liam promised to let him have time away from the café and use of the boats for helping them get things off the ground.

He poured some coffee and looked out the window towards the Blue Bird again. He saw Emma's mother serving customers as usual and her father working behind the counter. He needed to make a point to stop over and see them to let them know Emma looked well.

It was still early and he knew that it was going to be a long day; he needed to stay away from the window. The day after being separated from her was always the hardest. He grabbed his coffee and went back to do the inventory.

Based on what they had it appeared the Snowflake had a great weekend. He placed orders for the suppliers and then completed café business for the day. He went to work on his own business activities. His client list was increasing and he was starting to make decent money, things were looking very promising for him too.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~E&K~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

She leaned back against the wall in front of the financial aid desk wistfully looking out into the ether. Her mind was distracted by thoughts of Killian's blue eyes and his gentle touch on her skin. She loved the way his scruff tickled against her neck and his soft lips brushed her ear lobe.

Her morning classes seemed to drag on and she'd be lying if in at least one of her notebooks there wasn't a page that had Mrs. Killian Jones written in it a few times. She was still a little tired from their amazing weekend. She was so happy he finally got to see her apartment and what her campus life was like both good and bad.

She was still angry with Neal for starting trouble. He put her through so much pain and she wished that she never had to see him again or at least get to a place where civility lived between them. She didn't think he was the type of person that could or would ever be civil to her. All he wanted to do was control her and that was not the type of relationship she ever wanted.

When she thought about the relationship she wanted she had her parents as the quintessential example of what she hoped for. They had given her something to aspire to have and if it wasn't like that she knew it was wrong. The way they loved each other was beautiful. Even after all these years her mother could take her father's breath away. That was everything she hoped for in a partner and thought she may have found with Killian.

She didn't realize she was daydreaming until a student waved her hand in front of her face. "Do you work here or just hang around?" asked the mousy girl.

"Oh, sorry. How can I help you?"

"I need a work study form."

She reached behind her and pulled out the form handing it over to the girl. She yanked it from her hand and walked way grumbling.

"Oi Nolan, whatcha do to that one?"

"It was my fault. I was in la la land and didn't even see her come in."

"The quiet ones always getcha. How'd you like the show?"

"It was great Will. You guys sounded amazing. We had a nice time in spite of Neal's appearance."

"Seems you've found quite the gentleman with that one. I'd have cocked that ex of yours several times over."

"Yeah, I'm glad he didn't, I wouldn't want Killian to get in trouble. Neal is a jerk and he doesn't deserve any attention from me or Killian. He just wants to cause trouble."

"Well, if he gives ya any problems ya let me know. I'll take care of him for ya. I've scrapped it up a bit in my day and seems that one needs a serious beat down."

"Thanks Will. I appreciate that. I hope it was just a rare occurrence that we happen to run into each other. I never go out on campus and of course the one night I go, he's there to spoil it for me."

"Ya never know when a snake will bite ya."

"I won't be on campus the next few weekends so hopefully that's the last time I'll run into him."

He nodded and went back to filing the Student forms he was holding. She leaned back against the counter and waited for her next student, daydreaming of Killian once again.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~K&E~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The week went by quickly since she was swamped with homework and work study. She also still took a little time to help Killian with his business activity. That was one of her favorite parts of the day. They would get online and work together. He was really brilliant and she was learning a lot just by helping him with small things.

She had a brief call with her mother and told her about the run in with Neal. Her mother never liked the boy and she said she could see through him from the minute she met him. Her mother was her rock when Neal broke her heart. She would always remember how amazing she was at helping her pick up the pieces to put her heart back together.

Her mother mentioned that Killian stopped in daily to get cocoa and fill her in on what was going on. It warmed her heart to know he was keeping an eye on her parents for her. She was far away and she did worry about them being alone. They worked hard, sometimes too hard and the fact that he checked on them for her made her feel at ease.

Her mother also mentioned that he looked a little sad sometimes until he started talking about her. She hated the thought of him being sad at all but she knew how much she missed him and assumed she probably looked the same shade of sad that he did. She couldn't wait to get home and wrap her arms around him. She could already smell his delicious scent. She shook her head and put her focus back on working. Mondays were certainly going to be the hardest.

By the time Friday came around she couldn't even put a label on the emotions she had stored up. She was excited, anxious and homesick. Relief washed over her when she finished the exam and got to leave class early. She already had her car packed so she could leave immediately. She wanted to surprise Killian by getting in a little early just like he surprised her the prior week.

Unfortunately that was not in the cards. On her way home she ran over some debris in the road and got a flat tire. She ended up changing it herself by the side of the road, and of course that took awhile. She looked a mess by the time she got into her car. She was frustrated, dirty and disgusted. She thought about calling someone for help a few times but determination won out and she did it herself. She did feel proud that she remembered how her father taught her to do it. She made it to town safely and pulled into her spot at the Blue Bird.

She went to open her door but it was graciously opened by her handsome smiling boyfriend. She all but jumped up from the seat into his arms pressing soft kisses to his cheeks and lips. He laughed as he pulled her back so he could see her face. His brow went up in that critically amusing way that it always did when he seemed concerned. He examined her face, brushing his thumb across the dirt on her cheek. "Seems you had a rough trip home. Is everything alright?" She let out a breath."I got a flat tire and I had to change it. I was hoping to get here sooner to surprise you but that didn't happen."

He kissed her softly."Why didn't you call me? I would have gladly come to help you."

She caressed the side of his face and smiled."I was trying to surprise you and I was also an hour away, to force you to drive out an hour and then back an hour separately would have been torture and not fair to you. My dad taught me how to change a tire right after I got the car so I got it eventually. Believe me there were a bunch of times when I almost did. Those bolts can be tough to get off."

"Well, for the record if you do happen to need me I don't care if I have to drive all day and night to reach you. I'm glad you're ok and that you're here. Do you want me to take a look at your tire?"

She nodded."If you wouldn't mind checking the bolts for me that would be really helpful because I'm always worried I don't have them on tight enough."

He kissed the tip of her nose."Of course; Go on inside, greet your parents and I'll take a look at your tire." He moved to walk away and she pulled him back pressing her cheek to his chest and hugging him tight. He smelled uniquely of him but also cinnamon and sugar."God I've missed you." He laid his cheek on top of her head and squeezed her."Aye, Love. I've missed you too. I'll be right behind you."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~K&E~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

She walked into the café, the sweet smell of cinnamon and chocolate was heady in the air letting her know she was home. Her father peered from the back smiling and came rushing towards her."Welcome home honey." He squeezed her in a tight embrace."Thanks Dad. I smell cinnamon buns. What's the occasion?"

He smiled."Well your mother thought you might like some when you got home. She's really missed you this week."

"I've missed you both too and she was right I'm starving. I had to change a flat on the highway."

He looked at her and she saw the concern flash across his face."You want me to check it out?"

She looked slightly away realizing that he might be upset that she didn't ask him."Actually Killian's out there checking out for me now. He should be in shortly."

He nodded and gave her a short smile."Ok honey. I'm glad you're ok. You know you could have called me and I would have come out and helped you."

"I know Dad but I was still an hour away and I figured it would just be easier to have it done. I didn't want to trouble you and you did teach me well."

"Emma, you are never a bother or trouble to me. Call me when you need me." She nodded. He leaned forward and pressed a kiss to her forehead. "Let me get you guys a couple of cinnamon buns. A fresh batch just came out of the oven."

She washed her hands in the sink and picked up two mugs from the shelf filling them with coffee. "Where's Mom?"

"Oh, she'll be back soon. She had to run some errands. She'll be happy to see you. "

"Is everything on schedule for the party tomorrow? How can I help?"

"Everything is on track. The restaurant is setting up most of it and I'm sure she will love everything you planned. She always does."

"Thanks Dad. I found the best gift for her. I really hope she likes it."

He grinned. "I don't know if you can top mine but she certainly loves those mugs you bought her."

She laughed and shook her head. Always a competition with him. "I spoke with Elsa earlier in the week about the cake. Everything's taken care of. Killian said she looked so happy working on the little sculptures."

"Your Mom went out and bought a new dress. I can't want to see her in it."

"I'm sure she is going to look beautiful. That's all I want is for her to have the best birthday ever. She takes such good care of us and everyone else. I want her day to be special. "

He patted her on the shoulder."It will be."

Killian came in and his hands were covered in dirt like hers were and his face lit up in a perfect smile when she caught his gaze."Everything looked perfect Love; just a little extra tightening was required."

She felt relieved that her efforts were successful."My Dad's getting us a couple of cinnamon rolls, I hope you're hungry."

"You know I can't say no to your mother's delicious baked goods. Let me wash my hands and I'll meet you at the table." He moved forward taking the place next to her. She pulled him close, leaned up and kissed him tenderly letting her lips mould to his and memorizing how soft they were. She pulled back and looked into his hazy blue eyes."Thank you for checking on my car. I'll be waiting at the table over there."

She carried their mugs to the table and then came back to grab the plates from her dad. "How are classes going?"

"Dad, they're going well. I have two classes that are tougher than the others. I'm counting down the days now until the end."

"That's great. What about your job at the financial aid office?"

"It's really boring but I'm happy for the extra money."

He started wiping the counter and averted her eyes."Mom mentioned you ran into Neal."

She huffed out a breath, knowing how much it pained him to ask her about that."Yeah, Killian and I went out to a local pub and I ran into him. Smug as ever. I handled it and Killian was amazing. Neal was trying to provoke a fight with him and he just took care of me."

"I still feel like I should have come down there and had a talk with that guy after what he did to you."

She frowned."I'm wiser and happier that I'm not with him anymore. He did me a favor by revealing who he really is. It wouldn't have helped having you come down and fight my battles for me. I appreciate that you would have though Dad. It means so much that you and Mom are always so supportive of me."

He leaned over and kissed the top of her head."Ok Princess. As long as you are ok. You know I worry about you."

"I know Dad but I'm a big girl. That doesn't mean I won't call you because I will but there are some things I have to be able to do on my own. You and Mom taught me well. I'm made of tough stuff."

He laughed."That you are."

She looked over and saw Killian approaching their table. She grabbed the cinnamon buns from the counter and walked over to meet him. She placed the buns on the table and hugged him so tight he huffed out a breath. She looked up to see him smiling. "Sorry I just missed you so much." He held her against him and smoothed his hand down her back. He took in the delicious scent of strawberry from her beautiful hair. "I've really missed you too."

She sat in the booth across from him and picked up her mug. "My dad was asking me about the encounter with Neal."

She saw him stop his hand mid way to sipping from his mug."That ponce. He hasn't been giving you any trouble has he?"

"No, I haven't seen him since we saw him together."

He smiled and took a sip of his cup."Good. I'd hate to think you have to deal with that kind of harassment on a daily basis."

She grabbed his hand over the table and brushed her thumb across his in an effort to soothe his worry. "No, I managed to avoid him all this time I think I can manage for the rest of the semester."

"Alright Love, you can be sure that if he were to give you trouble I would be there in an instant."

She smiled and looked over to the counter where her Dad was working. "I think you would have to get in line behind my Dad. He hated Neal."

"Ah, I see another reason to like your father, he has good taste."

She laughed and squeezed his hand."He does, he seems to like you."

He laughed."I'm glad to hear that. I wanted to make a good impression."

"You did and I think you won them over almost as quickly as you did me."

"What's our plan for the evening?"

"Well, I wanted to hang out here until my Mom got back if that's ok then I thought you and I could do something together?"

He picked up her hand and pressed a kiss to the back."That sounds wonderful. As long as I'm with you I'm a happy man. I'm all through at the Snow Flake so I'm all yours."

She raised an eyebrow."Sounds good to me."

They sat and talked about his business activity and his prospective new clients while waiting for her mother to arrive back at the café. He also told her tales about how Liam tried to help Elsa in the kitchen one night and they wound up cleaning for an extra hour just to fix what he'd done.

She was brought out of a fit of giggles by the soft "hello" from her mother coming into the café. She got up from her seat and rushed forward taking her mother's bag and dropping it to the counter so she could hug her properly. "I missed you Mom." She felt her mother's soothing touch on her back as she squeezed her tight."I missed you too Emma. I'm so glad you're here. I didn't expect to see you until later."

She smiled."Well I couldn't wait to get back so I had everything ready to go after classes. I would have gotten here sooner but I got a flat." She looked towards the door. "Is everything alright?"

"Yeah, I took care of it and Killian checked it for me when I got here." She leaned to the side so her mother could see his smiling face. She waved at him then twisting back to face Emma."Wait, you didn't ask your father to check the car for you?"

She bit her lip and traced her toe in front of her."I know, I saw his face when I told him and realized. I did promise to call him if I was ever in trouble."

"Good cover. You know he lives to be the rescuer. He loves being your Dad and I think he feels like that is sort of Dad territory."

"I know mom, but it also falls into boyfriend territory when your boyfriend actually knows how to fix cars."

She linked arms with her mom and walked back towards her table. Killian was smiling with his mouth full of cinnamon bun. "Thanks for making the cinnamon rolls."

"Of course, you know it was a nice change for the customers this morning too. You know how they love them."

"I'm glad you did. It smelled like home when I walked in here. They are perfect as usual. So are you excited about your birthday tomorrow?"

She watched as her mother hid her face and smiled. She loved making a fuss over everyone but didn't really enjoy the spotlight that way for herself. "I am. I'm sure you and your father will make my day special like you always do. Just having you home is enough of a gift for me though. I missed my little girl."

"Well Dad seems to think we are in a gift competition again this year so make sure you make a big fuss over whatever he got."

She watched her mother look back at her father and smile. "Of course Emma. He always tries so hard and I love what he gets. I still can't get over the fact that he got us tickets to Fiji!"

"You can't tell me you've loved everything? Even that weird beaver skin robe?"

She laughed."Yeah, not so much but he redeemed himself quite nicely since that first year we traveled."

"Well, I hope you like the present I found for you."

"I'm sure I will. Are you planning to run home soon?"

She nodded."Yeah, I got a little grimy while I was changing the tire. Killian and I are going to go out tonight so I probably won't see you until tomorrow morning. I'll open the café for you so that you and Dad can have some time for a special birthday breakfast at home. "

"That would be wonderful Emma. Dad and I are planning to go out too. Thank you for extending our night."

"No problem Mom."

"I better get back and help you father. We'll make sure everything is ready for opening tomorrow."

"Thanks Mom. Love you"

"Love you too Honey."

She leaned over her smiling boyfriend grinning devilishly. "What is it?" She leaned forward kissing him slowly licking along his lip pulling back with a smile on her face. "You had a bit of icing on your lip." He looked over and of course her parents were tucked in the back.

"You're playing dangerous games Love."

She grabbed his hand pulling him from his seat and grinned. "I'm sorry I couldn't resist. You ready to go? I'd like to run home and get ready for our night."

He nodded and helped her grab their dishes to clear the table.

"Bye Mom, Dad! See you later!"

They peered out and waved them off. He covered her shoulders with his arm, pulled her close and they walked out to her car. He pulled open her door as he always did.

She placed her hand on his chest. "I need to get a shower."

He closed his eyes and opened them smiling. "I'd like to get in with you."

"I know it would certainly save time. I miss our showers together. Every time I got in I thought of you. I know there are some spots that could use your touch."

He brushed her hair back over her shoulder. "You have no idea how much I want to help you with those right now."

She leaned up and kissed him softly."Oh believe me, I do."

He watched as she climbed into her car."I'll run home, take a cold shower of my own and come pick you up for our date." She nodded thinking about how much she wished she had her own place here. "OK, I'll see you soon." He gave her a sweet kiss and slowly closed her door walking over to pick up his own car.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~E&K~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

She drove home feeling the frustration boil under her skin. She wanted nothing more than to have him come back with her, take her in the shower and all night after. She really wished she had her own place because they were adults and sometimes living with her parents made her feel like she was still just a little girl.

She grabbed her bag and the gifts for her mother and carried them into the house to get ready for her date. The familiar scent of home engulfed her as she walked in the door. She immediately went to her room and tucked the gifts into her closet, selected her outfit for the date and took a quick shower. She felt refreshed after a long drive and it was also nice to have the grime from the road off of her face. She also started to feel her second wind kicking in which she needed because their night hadn't even begun.

She dressed in a cute black mini skirt, black flats and soft light blue sweater. She had her hair hanging down around her shoulders in soft curls. She was about to put on the finishing touch of a little light lip gloss when she heard the doorbell. Her heart started to beat a little faster in anticipation of seeing him.

She quickly smudged some on and ran down the stairs to greet her boyfriend. She pulled open the door to see him standing there smiling. "You look beautiful." He barely had out the words before her lips met his. He moved her forward walking in the door and pushing it closed with his foot behind him never letting her leave his arms.

She pushed him back against the door and he ran his hands over her back and around her soft curves. She pulled back smiling and looking up at him with adoration in her eyes. He took a deep breath to compose himself and smiled.

"I'm sorry, I just haven't stopped thinking about you since you left and we are finally alone." He ran his hand over the silky strands of hair that hung by her shoulder with one hand and pulled her closer with his other arm. "You don't have to apologize. I've missed being able to kiss my girlfriend whenever I want. That was perfect. In fact it was so perfect that I need more."

He leaned forward capturing her soft warm lips as he wrapped his arms around her pulling her tight against his body. It felt so good to have her in his arms again. She moaned softly as his lips traveled down her neck. Her fingers trailing in his silky hair pulling his lips back to hers.

The broke apart breathless and her heart was racing. "God I want you so much." He closed his eyes and pulled her into his chest pressing a soft kiss to the top of her head."Now would be a good time to have my own place." She looked up into his face, he looked completely wrecked in that moment, his hair mussed and his eyes gazing at her with want. "I know what you mean. I guess that's one advantage to coming to see me." He picked up her hand and pressed a soft kiss across her knuckles.

"I was going to talk to you about this later but perhaps now is as good a time as any." She cocked her head to the side. "Let's go sit down." She took his hand, guiding him into the family room to the couch where they spent most of their time together. The room where they got to know each other and first spent the night in each other's arms, even if it was accidentally.

Without letting go of her hand he looked into her eyes and smiled."Emma, I love you." She smiled, suddenly worried about what he needed to talk to her about. "I love you too." He pulled her a little closer. "I know we've only been together for a short while and in that time I've come to some conclusions about where I would like to see my future and hopefully our future."

She licked her lips holding her tongue while he spoke but he seemed like she was uncertain about him. She took his hand in hers."Killian, I can't see my future without you in it. I hope you know that." He seemed to relax a little."I'm glad to hear you say that because I'd like to get a place here in Storybrooke and I hope that eventually it will be our place." She leaned into his arms and pressed her face against his chest. "I can't think of home anymore without you being part of it. I'm so happy to hear you say that you would like to live here." He wrapped his arms around her."Emma if it means being with you and I am also close to my family it's the perfect place for me."

She looked up to see the sincerity in his eyes feeling tears being to prick her own."Won't Liam miss you?" He laughed."Love, there will be a newborn gracing our presence soon and I think that my brother and his wife will want some time to get used to it without having me there watching over them." She nodded."You're probably right."

"Will you help me look? I'd like to make sure you are happy with whatever I choose."

"I would love to. We can start looking tomorrow. I'm opening the café for my parents in the morning so that they can have breakfast together. My father wants to cook for her and make the whole day special. We are also closing early for the party so I'll have time in the afternoon to help you look."

"Well since I don't have any duties this weekend at the Snow Flake I would love to help you. I'm all yours if you'd like."

"Really?" That would be amazing. I love working with you."

"We could have our own special breakfast."

She hugged him tight. "I'm so happy to be home with you."

"That reminds me; while I was home Liam called and asked if we would like to have dinner with them tonight. There's an Italian place, Tony's that they've been interested in checking out. Elsa's been craving meatballs and she thought it would be nice if we got together. She's missed you too."

"That sounds great. What time are we meeting them?"

He checked his phone for the time."In about 30 minutes."

She flashed a wicked smile."So we have at least 10 minutes before we have to leave and lots of time to make up for." She leaned up and pressed soft kisses along his jaw.

"I like the way you think." He leaned back against the couch and pulled her onto his lap wrapping his arms around her and capturing her lips.

She missed being with him and if this was as close as they could get she would take it. It felt so good to kiss him again. Her thoughts were laced with the happy thought of him putting down roots in Storybrooke and his warm wet kisses against her skin. She felt like she could float away at any minute she was so happy.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~E&K~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

They arrived at Tony's a few minutes late. Elsa and Liam were already seated and waving to them from their table when they walked through the door. She looked up to his smiling face and wiped away the bit of lip gloss she'd left on the side of his mouth before they walked over. She didn't want to give Liam any reason to rib him tonight. He smiled and led her forward.

Elsa was standing, waiting with open arms when they got to the table. "Emma, I'm so happy to see you." She walked up and hugged her gently being careful of her growing baby bump. "I'm so happy to see you too. You look wonderful and I can't believe how much the baby has grown. It just makes me more excited for baby Jones to get here. I can't imagine how you must be feeling."

She was glowing and smiling brightly."I'm so ready, you have no idea. Baby Jones likes to keep me awake at night, takes after its father." She laughed."I'll bet."

They turned to the table and found both Jones brothers standing by their chairs waiting to help seat them. "Wow you are such gentleman."

Elsa grabbed Liam's hand before taking her seat."Oh Emma, you have no idea. Their mother did quite a nice job with these boys."

She looked up to see Killian smiling brightly and could swear he was blushing."She certainly did."

They had a great dinner. It was so nice catching up with Liam and Elsa, listening to how things were going with the café. They were starting to feel like her family too. They laughed so much her sides hurt by the end of dinner.

They wanted to go out for a little fun after but Liam and Elsa were pretty tired. Elsa needed extra sleep as her little bundle kept growing. She assured her that the birthday cake looked amazing and that her mother would be so pleased with the design they chose. When she hugged her goodbye she got in one tummy rub before she left. They just looked so happy.

She noticed Killian watching her talk to his family and he kept smiling. He shook hands with his brother and told him he'd be home later. The fact that they were opening the café was going to force them to go home a little early too but not this early.

They parted ways at their cars and they decided to go to the local pub for a drink and watch a little karaoke. They got inside and were lucky to get a quiet little table off to the side. Neither planned to sing but that didn't mean they couldn't have a little fun watching the rest of the town.

She slid into the booth and he sat next to her so that they were facing the little stage. He ordered them a couple of drafts and they watched as the first singers took the stage. He slid his arm behind her and she leaned into his side placing her head against as he held her. "I had a great time with your family tonight." He smiled."They really like you. I'm so glad we did it. It's nice to hang out with them and not be the third wheel."

"I can understand that and you're right. It feels good to be your +1. It is one of the perks of having a girlfriend after all right?"

He leaned over and kissed her running his tongue along her bottom lip. She hummed softly and closed her eyes."Don't forget I also get to kiss you whenever I want." She giggled, already feeling the wine from dinner."You're right. That's a perk for me too." Their attention was forced back to the stage when she realized her parents were there and her father was about to sing. "Oh My God! My father is going to sing!" He laughed."Did you know they were coming?" She shook her head, too stunned to speak.

"I don't think they've seen us." She leaned in closer."Let's keep it that way. I want them to have their own fun."She watched as her father chose his song and smiled at the crowd. He seemed like a natural on stage. Her mother sitting off to the side hands folded in front of her in anticipation of what he chose.

He chose "You are so Beautiful" and sang it directly to her mother seated in the front of the stage. He wasn't perfect but it was so sweet that he brought tears to her eyes. Killian wiped the tears from her eyes. "He's quite good, your father." She choked back a sob."He really is. That was very sweet."

The crowd erupted in applause when he finished and she saw her mother stand up and hug him as he got off the stage. She looked beautiful wearing her favorite blue dress and her cheeks were tear stained from crying.

She covered her mouth with her hand and breathed into it hoping to stop the tears from falling. He pulled her close and kissed the top of her head. "I can't believe my parents. They are so adorable. They still act like love sick teenagers after all these years."

"Aye, they are. I hope we're like that when we are there age. "She looked up into his eyes suddenly realizing what he said. She kissed him softly and whispered against his lips. "I hope so too." His heart swelled when she confirmed his thought. He couldn't believe how that sentiment just flowed from his lips.

They watched a few more acts, no one as good as her father and generally not quite as serious as he was. When she yawned he decided he needed to take her home. They had to wake up early the next morning to open The Blue Bird. He actually looked forward to waking up and seeing her in person at their special time.

They managed to sneak out without alerting her parents to their presence. She wanted them to have that little secret and decided that it was better if they just kept hidden since they appeared to be having such a great night on their own.

He pulled up in front of her house and walked around to help her out. She hugged into his side as he walked her to the door enjoying the warmth of his body next to her. "I had such a great time with you but I can't think of a single occasion where I haven't." She pressed her cheek to his chest listening to his heart beating faster and took in his lovely scent that was uniquely Killian. "I don't want to go in without you."

He hugged her tight. "I know Love; just knowing you are so close but I can't be with you kills me." She looked up into his eyes."I feel the same but I can guarantee that I will go in, get into my pajamas and pass out before I hit the pillow. Before you know it I'll be with you again."

He nodded."Shall I pick you up at our special time?" She gazed into his eyes and caressed his cheek."Yes, please pick me up at our special time. I'll be waiting for you when the sun comes up." He leaned forward capturing her lips and she pulled him flush with her body. Her hips pressed against his and her hands on his arse. He moaned in her mouth at the contact and he felt her smile against his lips. She pulled back smiling.

"Keep kissing me like that and I'm not leaving." She threw him a wicked grin."Promise." He bit his bottom lip smiling."Your father would have my hide, head or both hanging on his wall." She huffed out a breath. "Good night Killian. I love you." He pulled her close for one quick kiss."I love you too. I'll see you in the morning."

She walked in and watched him go to his car sending her one last glance before he drove off. She covered her heart with her hands. Killian Jones planned to marry her one day and she would happily say yes if he asked.