"Killian Wake UP!" said Liam as he pushed against his chest.
Killian's eyes fluttered open and then he straight up in bed. "What is it? Is Elsa alright? What time is it? Did I oversleep?"
Liam shook his head. "Elsa's fine and no you haven't overslept brother. It's only 4:30. I just needed to talk."
Killian flopped back against his pillow and covered his face with another. "I'm tired brother, I've got to get up in less than 2 hours. Can't this wait until a decent hour?"
Liam sighed loudly.
Killian uncovered his eyes and looked at his brother whose head was in his hands. "OK, I'm up. What is it that couldn't wait until the sun was up?"
"I was waiting for you to come home last night but it got late and I didn't want Elsa to worry so I went to bed. I was just hoping you'd be my sounding board."
Killian sat up again and pushed back against his headboard. "Alright. What's troubling you?"
"The charter business is doing well but it could be doing better if I gave it more attention. I'd hoped but I wasn't sure." Said Liam.
"That's great brother. I'm still failing to see why this couldn't wait until a normal hour."
" I want to give more attention to the business but I can't abandon Elsa at the café. It's her dream too brother and with the baby due so soon I'll have to pick up more at the café."
Killian scratched his head. "I can see your dilemma but you forget that I'm still here and I've just bought a house so I'm not going anywhere anytime soon."
"You've got your own business to worry about." Said Liam.
"Liam, you're family. Emma and I are working together on our business. We will help you as long as you need us. Don't forget Elsa's sister, Anna and her husband will also be coming when the baby is here. I'm sure they will help as well. "
"You're right, I hadn't thought about Anna and Krystoff." Said Liam.
"If you are doing well you could also look to get some help. You don't have to do it all on your own."
"Thanks for the chat little brother. It did me a world of good. I'll let you get back to sleep."
"Younger Brother, Of course, now turn out the light."
Liam ruffled Killian's hair like he used to when he was a boy before grabbing his pillow and tossing at him. Killian grabbed the pillow and snuggled back into it. He needed to get to sleep, the sun would be up too soon for his liking. He smiled at the thought of waking up to see the sun with Emma in their new house soon. That happy thought was enough to send him off to dream land.
Emma pulled her hair through a pony tail holder and yawned as she finished getting ready for the long day ahead. She placed her toothbrush back into the holder and turned out the light before rushing downstairs.
She was just about to grab her jacket and leave when her mother turned the corner. "Oh hey mom, good morning."
"Good Morning. Do you think I can get a ride in with you today? Your father took my car in yesterday and it won't be ready until noon."
She pulled on her jacket and smiled. "Sure. Are you ready? Where's Dad?"
"Dad's still sleeping. He's going to come in later today. I'm ready to go. I made you a mug of hot cocoa too. Unless you'd prefer coffee. I know you had a late night last night."
She scrunched her nose. "You know about that huh?"
"Dad woke me when he came to bed. You know him, a bull in a china shop."
"I'm sorry about that. Time got away from me last night."
"Let's go. You can tell me all about it in the car."
Emma grappled with the decision to tell her mother about the house as they walked to the car. She took a sip of the delicious cocoa. She was thankful for that bit of warmth that morning. It helped to wake her up.
She started the car and looked over to her mother sitting with her hands in her lap and seatbelt fastened. She was on the path and she decided now or never. "Mom, I have something to tell you."
"What is it Honey? This sounds serious."
"It is serious but in a good way."
"Are you pregnant?" blurted out her mother.
Emma nearly choked on her cocoa. "What? No. It's serious but not like that."
"Ok, the suspense is killing me. Also I wouldn't mind a grand baby of my own. Just so you know."
"Mom! We aren't ready for that. Killian bought a house for us. He wants me to move in with him."
Snow's eyes widened. "Oh, when? Where?"
Her body relaxed a bit. "It's near the docks. It's a beautiful little cottage. Perfect in fact. As soon as possible."
"Hmm, I'm happy to hear you will be staying in town. I'm also happy that you're happy."
"Oh Mom, I am happy. He is just the best person. He really thinks of everything. He's so selfless."
"He is a kind soul."
"How am I going to tell Dad?"
Snow took a big gulp of her hot cocoa." Well Honey, he's not going to take this well. You know he still sees you as that little six year old ballerina."
Emma nodded." I know but hopefully he will see it the way you do. That I'm happy and that I'll be close."
"You know him Emma, it's not going to be that easy."
She bit the inside of her lip. "I know."
"Just let me know when you tell him. You know I can't keep things from him. I also want to see the house. When can we go?"
"I'm going to try to talk to him today. We can go to the house this week."
Her mother squeezed her hand. "This is great news. I'm so glad you will be staying close to us after graduation."
She smiled. "Me too."
They got to the Blue Bird and prepared the café for opening. Her mother had the cinnamon rolls in the oven almost immediately. She knew the customers would be lining up. By the time they'd got the café ready for breakfast opening the scent of cinnamon was wafting in the air. They smelled delicious. She hoped there would be a few left over so she could share with Killian later.
She looked over towards the Snow Flake and saw the lights on. She imagined Killian was busy helping with prep there as well. They planned to meet up later that afternoon to work on their own business. Now they had their own place to go to.
She had to think of a way to let her father know of her plans. Her mother was right, it was not going to be easy to tell him. She loved her parents and her home, so much so she'd been homesick when she left for college for what seemed like forever. This was different though, she'd be moving out to begin her own life.
Her family would be close and she'd still see them daily. This was what she dreamt about. She and Killian in their own home, waking up, cooking, and enjoying life, together.
"Emma, did you hear me?" asked Snow.
"Oh, sorry. What do you need?" she asked as she came out of her day dream.
"Can you turn the sign to open? I can see your uncles out there chomping at the bit to get in and get these hot buns."
Sure enough they were all waiting in line. She turned the sign, opened the door and greeted everyone as they came in and took seats at their usual table. The morning rush was busy, some for breakfast and others just for buns. The hot coffee was flowing for everyone. Thankfully the aroma was keeping her awake.
Killian barely made it in time for the opening. His brother was bright eyed and sipping out of his Captain's mug at the counter when he walked in the door. "Morning Brother."
"Morning, got any more of that coffee?" said Killian as he hung his coat next to the others.
"Of course. I'll grab you a mug."
"What needs to be done?"
"We are all ready for the opening. I got here early today and took care of the opening tasks. I wanted to give Elsa some time to test a new bake she's working on."
"Smells wonderful in here."
Liam grinned. "Ginger scones."
Elsa appeared with a plate of steaming scones. "Good Morning Killian. I thought I heard you come in. I hope you are willing to be a taste tester for me today."
Killian plucked a scone from the plate. "Gladly, and I can assure you that you not need to convince me to do it. They smell delicious, look good too."
Elsa smiled. "I hope you like them. I'm thinking of adding them to the breakfast menu one day a week to mix things up a bit."
Killian closed his eyes and savored his first bite of gingery goodness. "These are amazing. Honey too?"
"Yes, I got it from one of the local farms. You impress me with your palette sometimes Killian."
He laughed. "Well, when you eat enough Ramen noodles it makes you appreciate the finer things."
Liam chuckled. "That it does, same goes for Galley Food on a naval ship."
Elsa pat him on the shoulder and kissed her adoring husband's cheek softly. "You two are great for the confidence boost."
"Well deserved my love." Said Liam kissing his wife's dainty palm.
"Killian, you got home late last night. Everything at the house alright?" asked Elsa.
"Aye, I took Emma last night."
"Ooh, you finally told her!" exclaimed Elsa with delight.
Killian nodded. "She loves the house as much as I do. We can't wait to move in."
"Does that mean we finally get to see the place?" asked Liam.
Killian smiled. "Aye, now that Emma's seen it I would love to have you come by."
"Has she told her parents yet?" asked Elsa.
"Not yet. At least I don't think so. We kind of fell asleep at the house last night. That's why I got back so late. It appeared her parents might have been waiting up for her when she got home. I haven't had the chance to speak with her yet."
Liam laughed. "Wait til Dave hears about this."
Killian sipped his coffee and rolled his eyes.
"Liam, be nice. I'm sure they will both be happy for Emma." Scolded Elsa.
"Eventually." Chuckled Liam.
"I get along well with her parents. I'm sure it will be fine. Emma just wants to make sure she tells them at the right time. I hope we didn't ruin things by getting in late last night." Said Killian.
Liam went to the window. "The breakfast crowd is already lining up across the street. I see her working so my guess is Dave doesn't know yet."
Killian moved up next to him to get a better look. "You're probably right. It also doesn't appear that his truck is there this morning."
"Oh, right its Cinnamon Roll day. Liam be sure to go over and get a couple for us. The baby loves them." Smiled Elsa as she patted her tummy.
Liam nodded. "This baby certainly has a sweet tooth."
"Of course, just like its Mama." Smirked Elsa.
"Why don't I go over and get the buns for you? It would give me a chance to check in with Emma." Said Killian.
"Ooh, that's a great idea Killian. I need to get back to the scones and Liam can watch the front for us until you get back. Opening is in 15 minutes." Said Elsa.
Killian happily grabbed his jacket. "I'll be right back."
Liam grinned. "Hurry back, as you heard the baby loves the buns."
Killian pat his brother on his tummy. "My guess is that Papa has just as big a sweet tooth."
Liam smirked. "Just get on with it. I'll have to get mine later. I need to get down to the docks."
"Will do, see you later."
Killian rushed across the street towards the blue bird. He saw Emma's uncles waiting in line and Emma was just at the door changing the sign to open. She seemed to light up when finally saw him out of the corner of her eye.
He waited in line behind everyone filing in to the café. When he finally got to the door she was waiting happily for him. "Good Morning. "she said as she wrapped her arms around him.
"Good Morning My Love. How did it go last night?"
She took him to the side out of ear shot of her uncle's booth. "My Dad was waiting up for me, he was asleep in the chair when I came in. I helped him upstairs and went to bed. He didn't ask many questions so I didn't say anything yet."
"Whew, I'm glad for that. Last thing I want to do is give him another heart attack."
Emma closed her eyes and shook her head. "Don't even say that. It's going to be hard enough telling him. He was going on about me being his little girl."
"Oh, I see." Said Killian.
"But, I did tell my Mom today."
He couldn't fight the grin that popped up on his face. "Really? What did she say?"
"She's very happy for us." Beamed Emma.
"I'm so glad to hear that. Did she say anything about telling your father?"
"I just have to wait for the right moment. I promise that will be soon."
"Ok, I need to get back over to the Snow Flake but I'm here on another mission."
"Let me guess, Hot Buns?"
Killian laughed. "How did you know?"
"Mom already has a box ready for Elsa. She put them aside because she knows how much she likes them. In fact I was going to bring them over to you and fill you in." Emma grabbed the box from the counter and handed them to him.
Killian pressed a soft kiss to her smiling lips. "Well, I'm happy I got to you first."
"Tell Elsa and Liam I said Hello. I'll see you around lunchtime."
"Ok Love. Thank you for the buns."
"Emma, can we get menus?" called Leroy.
She leaned over and pressed one last kiss to his cheek. "Duty calls."
"Ok, see you later." He called before slipping out the door.
"Coming Uncle Leroy!"
Killian walked into the café with a spring in his step and the buns in hand. He was just about to call out to let Elsa know he'd returned when he heard his name. He turned to see Mr. Nolan sitting at one of the tables.
A bit of shock ran through him at the sight of the man. "Good Morning Sir." He didn't know why he felt he needed to be so formal.
"Good Morning." Chuckled David.
"I'm surprised you're here and not at the Blue Bird." Said Killian.
"Well, my family has been smothering me lately and I just wanted to sit, have a steaming mug of coffee and a sugar cookie without the doe eyed looks."
He nodded nervously. He was still feeling guilty for bringing Emma home so late. "I understand."
"Oh, Killian, you're back. I can't wait to taste these buns." Said Elsa with excitement.
He was thankful that his sister-in-law showed up when she did. "Aye, they had your order ready. Mrs. Nolan said she thought you'd like some."
"David, your wife is so thoughtful." Said Elsa as she took the sweet smelling box.
The man smiled." I know. She is always taking care of people. She's got the kindest heart of anyone I know."
Elsa smiled. "She certainly does."
"Killian, care to join me?" asked David.
"Ah, sure. I've got a few minutes before things get crazy." He said reluctantly. He knew Emma hadn't told him about the house and he was going to do his best not to mention it.
"How do you like living in Storybrooke?" he asked.
He sat down across from him and smiled. "I've never been happier. Everyone here is so nice and the town is great."
"I'm glad to hear that. I know things are getting serious with you and my daughter. It's nice having her home with us. I guess I was hoping you'd like it here too so maybe we'd get to have her for a while longer."
He smiled. He wanted to tell the man that moment about the house, ease his worry that his daughter would leave them soon but he held his tongue. "I care for her very much. I know she wouldn't want to be far from her family. Her happiness is most important to me so I'm happy to do whatever she would like."
"Thank you for that. I'm glad you're thinking of her happiness."
He looked him in the eyes. "Of course."
David moved his mug to the center of the table and started to get up. "Well, I need to get over there and pick up some buns of my own. The fellas at the garage took care of me this morning quick. This is payment for that."
He stood to join him and shook his hand. "That's great. It was nice to talk with you."
"You too. Will we see you later?"
"I think so. Emma and I have some plans for later this afternoon."
"Ok, let your brother know I'm available for a game night soon if he is interested."
He laughed. "OK, I will. Liam has been working overtime with both businesses lately. I will let him know you were asking."
"Great, See you later." Said David.
After the door closed Elsa reappeared. "I don't know how you were able to keep the house a secret."
"Ah, you heard?" he questioned.
"I did and I had to stay back there or else I would have cracked. I wouldn't have been able to keep a secret from that sweet man."
"I know Emma will want to tell him. I had to."
Elsa patted his shoulder. "I know that was hard. I'll be sure to tell Liam he asked for him and you are right. Liam has been working much too hard lately. "
He blinked slowly. Yet another secret he needed to keep. "Ah, yeah. That's probably a good idea." He said to keep himself from spilling his brother's thoughts.
"Well, come on now. I could use your help in the back. We open in 30 minutes."
"Ok. Let's go." He smiled.
Emma was wiping down one of the tables in her section when she heard the bells above the door jingle. She turned to welcome in their next patron and felt a surge of surprise when she saw her father. She still felt this heavy secret weighing on her and she hated it. "Oh, hey Dad. I didn't think you would be in so early."
"Good Morning to you too Honey." He smiled.
"Good Morning." She said giving him a hug.
"I got Mom's car taken care of right away. The perks of having the best cinnamon buns in town. I have to grab a box and take it back to the garage for the guys." He said smiling.
"That's great. Let me grab them for you."
"Thanks Honey."
She came back with a warm box in her hands. "Mom said she gave them extra icing because they helped you so quickly."
"I'm sure they will love that. "
"Can I get you a drink to go? Coffee or Hot Cocoa?" she asked.
"That's ok, I just had a cup at the Snow Flake." He said smiling.
A surge of surprise once again passed through her." You were at the Snow Flake? Did you see Killian?"
"Yes and yes. He sat with me for a while. He came in as soon as I sat down."
She pursed her lips and brushed a stray hair behind her head. "Oh really? What did you guys talk about?" she asked hesitantly.
"Oh not too much. I wasn't there long. Just asked him how he liked living here in Storybrooke."
She started feeling nervous. "Oh, yeah what did he say?" she asked knowing full well how he felt about their town.
"I was happy to hear that he likes living here."
"Oh?"
He leaned over and kissed her cheek. "I know you like him and I guess I just figured that maybe we'd get to keep you around if he wasn't in a hurry to leave. I know you're graduating soon and you can choose to do anything you want."
She sighed. "Dad, do you have a few minutes to sit and talk with me or do you have to rush out?"
"Of course. I always have time for my little girl."
The feelings in her gut twisted but she needed to tell him. "Come on Dad. Let's go to the table in the back."
He sat in the chair across from her smiling. "What's going on Honey?"
She twisted her hands and licked her lips. "Dad, I have something to tell you and I want you to know I'm very happy and excited about this. "
He blinked. " OK. "
"Killian bought a house in Storybrooke."
His eyes lit up. "He did? That's great. He didn't mention it to me."
"Well, that's because I wanted to tell you. He asked me to move in with him and I said yes."
His expression changed 6 times in the next few seconds until it went back to a kind of blank stare with a slight smile. "OK."
"I know that this might be a shock to you and I'm sorry for not telling you last night when I got home but I just needed to process this and I wanted to tell you when it was the right time. Since you seemed so worried about me leaving I thought now was as good a time as any." She felt herself blurting out the words quickly in hopes of easing his mind.
He touched her hands lightly and smiled. "Honey, you will always be my little girl but I know you have grown up. I'll admit that I was shocked when you first said it but I think the fact that you will be staying here in Storybrooke, close to your mother and me, well that makes me happy. I'm happy for you and for Killian."
She squeezed his hands. "Thanks Daddy."
"I will say that I'd rather have you married first but I know that isn't the thing that always happens these days."
She laughed. "Well, I hope that happens some day for us too but we are still figuring things out, getting our life started and for right now I'm happy to just take this step."
He nodded. "Well, just let him know I'd like to talk to him too."
"Daddy! Please don't make this weird."
"Honey, it's my right as your father to make sure he knows he has to treat you right. Before you move in I want to check out the house and make sure it's safe. . "he said in his best Dad concerned voice.
She let out a breath. "Ok. I'll let him know. I can't wait for you and Mom to see the house. It's perfect."
He stood and kissed the top of her head. "Ok, let's plan to have dinner one night this week and you let me know when I can see the place. I have to get these buns down to the garage. They are waiting. "
"Ok, see you later."
"Bye Honey. Tell Mom I'll be back around lunch time."
"Bye Daddy."
She felt relief and excitement wash over her. He took it very well and it was the best reaction she could have hoped for. She needed to let Killian know it was safe to talk to him about now and also to warn him that her father now knew. She smiled at the thought of him keeping their secret. She was sure that must have been hard, especially after coming in late the night before and him feeling guilty about that.
She looked at the clock on the wall, quitting time would be here soon enough. She'd let him know when they got together that afternoon. Now she had to let her mother know that she'd told him. She knew she'd be relieved since she could not keep a secret, especially from her father.