-/-

It was near midnight when they got the word her father was stable. The night nurse made up a cot for her mother since she refused to leave her father's side. He'd been sleeping peacefully, and his monitor had been normal for the time she'd been present. Her mother promised to call if anything changed with her father's condition.

She and Killian planned to open the Blue Bird in the morning and let their friends know what was happening. They'd close the café after the morning breakfast rush and she'd come back to give her mother a break. She'd made her promise to actually take a break but somehow felt that might be the first promise her mother would ever break.

She'd always watched her parents together. They were the couple to envy. So in love that they put other couples to shame. She thought about them dancing together and cooking in the café. They were so in sync and such a great team. She was always hopeful to find a love like that and vowed never to settle for anything less. Especially after her parents set such an amazing example of how to love.

She did feel less hopeful after having a bad relationship in college but she was thankful her mother was there. She never let her give up hope or feel less. Now with Killian in her life, she felt like she just might be part of one of those couples to envy, just like her parents.

She looked over at him sound asleep on the couch next to her. She picked up the soft blanket from the side chair, covered him and pressed a kiss to his forehead. She slumped back down into the warm spot she'd created and cuddled in close to him. She had a lot to think about. How could she go back to school after this? How could she leave her parents now? She'd have to figure this out but not tonight. She needed sleep. They had to be out of the house in 4 hours to open the café. She hugged Killian tight.

"Everything alright Love?"

"Yes, just a little cold."

"Come here, I'll warm you up." He kissed the top of her head and pulled her in to a tight cocoon next to him.

"I love you."

"I love you too. Now get some sleep. You need to rest."

She took a breath and nestled in.

-/-

The opening went smooth, it was a routine imprinted in her head for years and even after being away at school, it wasn't something she'd ever easily forget. There was a little extra clean up in the back from the previous day's baking. Her mother and father left everything at once to go to the hospital. Killian helped with the cleaning while she prepped the café. She would never be able to thank him enough for all of his kindness.

Throughout the morning each patron and friend asked about her father just as her mother expected they would. They had an outpouring of offers to help them if they needed it. She explained they would only be open for breakfast for at least a week. All were very understanding and seemed to have decided collectively that tips were going to be outrageous that day.

She thanked each person for their generosity and tried to protest by giving back the money but each kind soul declined. They reminded her that they thought of her family as their family and wanted to help. After a while she graciously took the tips knowing that it was something they felt they needed to do. She also knew her parents would do the same.

Killian was amazing. In addition to the cleanup work, he cooked all morning. She prepared all the daily baking for the day and for the next. She helped cook by his side when she could, that was her favorite part of the day. The rest of the week would be easier having the servers come in the morning to cover the front.

They managed to handle the breakfast shift without issue and she was thankful to turn the closed sign around when she did. "We did it." She said as she pressed her back against the door.

He turned to face her after he spun off the last burner. "Aye, we did. You were amazing. I never knew you had such a talent for stacking and carrying plates."

She laughed." Just you wait. I've got many hidden talents."

He pulled her into his arms and hugged her tightly." I'm sure you do my love. I'm sure you do."

"Thank you. Thank you so much for all that you do for me."

He grinned." Wouldn't you do the same for me?"

"Of course I would."

"Well then, just get used to it. We're partners. Where you go I go, and so forth."

She held out her hand. "Deal."

He took it and shook. "I'd rather seal my deal with a kiss though Love."

She smiled, wrapped her hands around his neck and pulled him down for a kiss. That was one request she would never refuse.

"Let's grab some food for my Mom and head over to the hospital. I want to check in. I hate that the hospital won't let her use a cell phone and you see how stubborn she is. She won't leave his side."

"I'm sure you can't blame her though. They are inseparable. I'm sure your mother is extremely scared."

She put her hand over his heart. "I know. They do have a special kind of love."

He played with the little K that he noticed once again on her shoulder. "That they do." He smiled.

-/-

She knew her mother was stubborn but she just didn't know how much. When she got there she saw her mother pacing back and forth in front of the room. "Mom, what's going on? Is Dad alright? Why didn't you call me?"

"He's fine." She said curtly.

"Why are you out here pacing? Why are you angry?"

"Because he tried to get me to go home and take a shower. I refused and he told me that I was beginning to smell. I told him if I smelled so bad I'd leave. He said good, then you can take a shower. Well I'll show him. I'm not leaving and I'll stay right here. " she said with a huff.

Emma laughed and looked at Killian who was holding in his laughter. She knew why he was doing it and he was much better than her.

"What's so funny Emma? The man's laid up in a hospital bed, had a heart attack on me and now is telling me I smell after I've sat by his bedside for hours. He's got some nerve. If he wasn't laid up I might smack him."

"I'm sorry Mom, it just in kind of funny."

Her mother glared at her. "It's not funny. This is very serious."

Emma leaned in to hug her mom. "You know, you do kind of smell a little funny. I think it's because you were working on the bread dough and got yeast all over you. If you don't want to go home for a shower, can I at least bring you some clothing?"

Snow let out a breath. "You agree with him?"

"Mom, I do. Please go home, take a shower and come back. I can hang out here with Dad for an hour without you."

"Emma, I don't know." She said with reluctance as she kept glancing back at the door.

"Mom, bread is going to start growing on your clothing. Go home, get a shower, take a nap if you want, I promise I'll stay right by his side."

Her mother stood biting her lip quietly.

She looked into her father's room. "He's sleeping Mom. I've got this. Go ahead."

Snow looked at her and then to Killian. "Alright, I'll be right back!"

"Ok, Mom. Here take this bag. We made you something to eat."

"Thank you honey."

"It's no problem Mom, now go. We've got this. I'll go outside and call you if anything happens."

"No, don't leave him." Said Snow with worry in her voice.

"Ugh, ok, Killian will call you. Just go ahead and take care of yourself. "

"I'll call you Mrs. Nolan." Said Killian as he handed her the bag.

"Thank you Killian." She said nodding as she walked towards the doors.

She watched her mom walk away. She must have looked back at least a dozen times before she left the ward. Emma shook her head and looked up to Killian's playful smile. "It's alright. You can laugh now."

He let out the laugh he was holding. "Your father."

"I know, he was only doing it for her own good but he has to realize how scared and upset she is. She's holding it in but I just know it."

"Maybe we can talk to him when he wakes." Suggested Killian.

She nodded. "Come on, I promised I'd keep watch over him."

-/-

They sat playing cards for about 30 minutes before her father stirred. "Hey Dad, you alright? You need anything?"

He held his hand to his throat and nodded. "I could use some water." He rasped.

She grabbed his cup and handed it to him. "Here you go Dad."

After finishing the cup he handed it back to her. "Thank you Honey. Is your mother here?"

She rolled her eyes. "Did you have to tell her that she smelled bad?"

He tried to laugh and she watched Killian holding it in once again. "She did!"

"Do you realize how worried she is? She is so scared Dad. You shouldn't mess with her right now." Scolded Emma.

He nodded." But she did!"

Killian laughed out loud.

"See Killian actually has a sense of humor."

"Dad, so does Mom. You better be on your best behavior. She's going to make you eat mush."

He grumbled. "You're right. I wish I had a cheeseburger right now."

"I'm afraid they are going to be off the menu for a while based on this list." Said Killian.

"Let me see that." Said David.

"What is it?" asked Emma.

"It's a list of foods your father will need to eat and what he needs to avoid." Said Killian.

"Humph, well this just stinks. Not as bad as your mother but it stinks."

Emma swatted him. "Dad!"

Killian laughed again.

"What's so funny?" asked Snow as she entered the room.

They all quieted down. "Well don't you look lovely dear." Said David.

"Thank you. I trust you are doing well." She said icily.

"Yes, I just woke up. I'm doing well aside from the fact that I've just read the do's and don'ts list for foods."

"Ah, so you finally saw that. You can bet your bottom dollar that we will be sticking to that list." Said Snow pointing her finger.

"I know Dear. I'm sorry for what I said earlier. I appreciate that you came back. " said David.

"You know I'd never leave you Charming. Of course I came back. "

"Here Mom, you can have this seat." Said Emma. She got up from her chair to let her mother sit in position next to her father again.

David immediately grabbed Snow's hand pressing a kiss to the back. "I missed you."

"Well, I missed you too. I trust I smell better now?"

Emma shook her head. She knew her father was going to hear about that for a while.

"Yes, you smell lovely. I hope you feel better. I only said it so you would go home and take care of yourself. I was worried about you too." Said David.

"Ok, I forgive you."

"Good. Did you happen to smuggle me in any cookies?" said David playfully.

"There won't be any cookies of any sort for you until the doctor says its ok." Said Snow.

David frowned.

"So looks like you've been keeping busy with cards. Still want to play?" asked Snow.

"Yes, let's get another game going."

"Emma, take my seat. I'll get another." Said Killian.

She leaned up and kissed his cheek. "I saw one in the hall in front of the room next door. Thank you."

"Of course, I'll be right back."

She looked to her parents, once again happy and acting a lot more like themselves. She felt a wash of relief come over her. Things were going to be alright.

-/-

They'd built up a routine over the week. Her mother refused to leave the hospital so Killian would stay with her at the house. They'd open the café, serve breakfast and then go to the hospital. Her mother would go home for a break and they'd stay until she'd return. The rest of the day she spent doing school work and helping Killian with their business. He also spent time helping at the Snowflake as he'd promised.

She'd contacted her professors on Monday and informed them about what happened. She'd gotten them all to agree to allow her to finish her classes remotely. She'd already had all the assignments, most were already in progress. She just needed to make sure she had the assignments uploaded by class time.

She'd also managed to have a friend agree to record lectures for her and upload the files so she could listen to them. She promised she'd send home made chocolate chip cookies in exchange for the efforts. That was the easiest agreement she ever got.

Will also agreed to do some work vs just standing around chatting up the girls at work study, at least until they found someone to fill in for her permanently. Then she wasn't holding him to that agreement any longer. She just appreciated him picking up her slack.

Things were running like clockwork. She was a little tired but happy to be home. She was sad that it had to do with her father being ill but just the same she was glad she could be with him.

Her father returned home at the end of the week. He was tired of laying in a bed and refused to do it anymore, even though her mother was insistent he rest. They argued until finally coming to an agreement that they'd go back to the café and he'd come along while they were working. He would only help with light things if they asked. She agreed but he had to remain home for the rest of the weekend.

This seemed to satisfy her mother as long as he kept his promise and kept to the diet without sneaking anything on the "no" list.

Once again their routine was building up and changing but she was happy to have her family back together again. Life was going back to normal. Now that her mother was working with her back at the café, Killian could go back to his jobs full time. Business was picking up and he needed to give all his attention to it. It was important for their future.

After the first day, she realized how much she missed working with him. She also missed sleeping next to him. Now that her parents were home he couldn't stay the night. She didn't want to give her father another heart attack. He knew she was a grown woman but they still didn't talk about that.

They spent the evenings together, she would do her school work and help him with the business where she could. This routine was also ok but still, she missed him. He'd asked her to meet him at the Snow Flake after work instead of going to her house so they could have a date night alone.

She dressed up for the occasion and made sure her charm bracelet was in full view. She loved all the reminders of their firsts and how thoughtful her boyfriend was. She grabbed her jacket before walking to the door. "I'll see you guys at home later." She called.

"Ok Honey, see you at home." They called out in unison.

-/-

He'd done everything to plan the perfect evening for them. The lasagna he'd promised her they'd make was baking in the oven. He'd make it with her sometime too, after all he was planning forever and tonight was a big step towards that.

With everything that happened he couldn't talk to her about his plans. The timing was off but things were getting back to a new normal now. He hoped it wasn't too soon but he desperately missed their alone time.

Elsa and Liam left for the day while he finished the daily clean up. Elsa's knowing smile gave him hope because if she thought it was a good idea, chances are that Emma would too. Liam was in the dark on this one because he didn't want to be chastised by his big brother if Emma wasn't ready yet.

He'd just lit the candle on the table when he heard the jingle above the door. He looked over to see his beautiful girlfriend standing there smiling. She'd had her hair down in beautiful curly locks and her nose was tinged pink from the final chill of spring. He walked to meet her half way and held her tight. "Hello My Love."

"Mmm, your arms are the best warmth there is." She whispered into his chest.

"Well you'll always have them to keep you warm on even the coldest of nights."

"Does your invitation also include rubbing my ice cold feet against your legs at night?" she said giving him her biggest grin.

" I'm happy to warm up any body part you wish." He said cheekily.

"I might have to take you up on that offer later." She said running her finger across his chest catching the open button.

"I like the sound of that."

"Mmm, what's that delicious smell?" she said looking towards the kitchen.

"Well, I've taken the liberty of baking lasagna for dinner. I hope that is alright with you."

"If it tastes half as good as it smells I'm sure it's fantastic. I thought we were going to make lasagna together?" she asked.

"Just consider it as a sample of what we will make together many times in our lives."

"Now, I like the sound of that." Said Emma smiling.

He took her hand and led her to the table he set for them. "Let me show you to your seat my dear."

"Killian this is beautiful. You didn't have to go to all this trouble."

He pushed her chair into the table. "Thank you, I'm glad you like it. I've missed our special time together."

She frowned. "Me too. That's one of the draw backs of coming home. We don't have a place to go on our own."

He nodded, as he wasn't ready to reveal his intention yet. He poured them each a glass of wine and leaned over to steal a small kiss. The sound of the oven timer ringing in the background saved the moment. "I'll be right back. Let me grab dinner for us."

She moved to stand and he gestured her to stay seated. "I've got this. Let me serve you."

She picked up her glass. "Ok. I'll just enjoy the wine."

He walked back to the kitchen with a smile on his face. Her words gave him hope that she felt the same and that she would be happy about his plan.

He quickly pulled the steaming lasagna from the oven and placed it on the stove top. The cheese bubbled perfectly on top. He was satisfied with the look and as Emma said he hoped it tasted as good as it smelled.

He dished out a helping for each of them onto a plate careful not to splash himself when he did so. He touched the box in his pocket and then picked up each of the plates. He walked out to see Emma sitting up tall in her seat smiling at him as she swirled the wine in her glass.

"Looks amazing." She said as he placed the dish in front of her.

"I hope you like it."

He sat down in the chair facing her and smiled. "Please try it, I'd like to know what you think of my special recipe."

She nodded and cut into the pasta with her fork. He watched as she took a bite, closing her eyes and smiling. She was beautiful.

"Killian, this is fantastic. I'd say it taste better than it smells. Thank you for cooking for me."

"I'm so happy you like it."

"I love it. I will say though, I love everything you cook for me."

"Thank you, I do try. I've been alone for a while and a man can only live on Ramen for so long and my budget didn't allow me to dine out. I shopped at discount grocery stores and picked up a recipe or two that I enjoyed making. "

"Well, my hats off to the chef, this is a fantastic meal."

He smiled. "Emma, I'd love to be able to cook for you like this every night."

"I know, that's one thing I really miss about our weekends together. Our alone time."

"I'm glad you mentioned that because there's something I'd like to discuss with you."

She looked up at attention. "OK."

"I planned to talk about this with you when we were at the apartment but timing didn't allow for it." He pulled the tiny box from his pocket and placed it on the table.

"What's this?" she asked smiling.

"Open it."

She pulled off the lid to find a tiny key charm with a little ruby heart at the end. "This is so cute. I love it but I don't understand. All the other charms are for our firsts."

"Well, I'm hoping this will be as well. I found a great little house just outside of town and I believe it will suit all the specifications you've mentioned. I'd like you to move in with me. "

She stood up so quickly it rocked the table and the wine glass nearly tipped over. "Really?"

He stood as well, uncertain if her reaction was good or bad. "Yes, Really Love. I planned to ask you to move in when school was over but seeing as you are home why not now?" He asked, hope in his eyes.

She jumped into his arms and hugged him tight. "Of course I'll move in with you. I miss snuggling close with you among other things. I'd love to wake up with you every morning and as you said have dinner together every night."

He looked into her smiling face and kissed her softly. "I'm so happy you said yes."

"Oh Killian, did you think I'd say no?"

"A man can hope but I didn't want to assume you'd be ready. I know it's a big step and after everything that happened with your family recently I didn't want to pressure you."

"Killian Jones, I think we've established that I plan to be with you always. I've never been more certain of any decision in my life than the fact that you are the one for me. We aren't moving away, we'll be in town. I think in the long run that will make my parents very happy. "

He pulled her close and held her as he kissed the top of her head. "I feel the same way about you Emma. I love you."

"I love you too! Now, I just have to figure out how to tell my parents."

"If you'd like me to be there with you I can."

She looked at him and smiled. "Thank you but I think this is one conversation that I should have on my own. "

"If you're up for it I'd like to take you to the house."

She looked at him with excitement in her eyes. "Yes, let's go now!"

"I did prepare dessert too."

She leaned up and kissed him softly. "I can think of a dessert we'll both enjoy and it's not in the kitchen."

"Mmm, I think I like your idea better."

"Good, then let's go see the house!" she said eagerly.