The rest of the morning seemed to go by quickly. Killian did the inventory and helped in the café. The patronage was very light due to Blue Bird special buns that morning. They were considering a late opening on that day in the future.

It actually worked out well because Elsa was able to continue her baking experiments while he handled her usual tasks. The sweet and spicy aroma coming from the kitchen was intoxicating. Her ginger scones were sure to be a hit with their customers when she was ready to start selling them. He knew Elsa was in the zone when he heard her humming a familiar tune.

She told him once that it was a song she'd remembered from her early childhood that always seemed to be resident in her mind. He wished he had more memories like that. He was brought back to reality when he heard a crash in the kitchen.

"Killian, do you mind coming in and giving me a hand?" called Elsa.

He rushed in to find her standing on a stool, covered in white powder with her hands pressed against items that were about to tumble down from the shelf above her. He quickly moved to take her position and pushed the items back onto the shelf.

"Thank you."

"Certainly, what do you need from up here?"

She hung her head. "That pan at the top. "

"What's wrong?" he asked.

"I just like to be able to do things for myself and this little one is making that a bit more difficult for me." She said.

Killian looked around at the kitchen. "How about if I reconfigure things in here to make them more accessible to you? You can change things back after the baby is here but this way you don't have to do any climbing."

Elsa smiled. "That would be wonderful. What a great idea."

"OK, let me know when you are settled in the kitchen and we can trade places."

"Just let me get this batch into the oven and I'll come get you."

"Alright, in the meantime call me back if you need my help getting anything else."

She nodded and moved quickly to get back to her task.

He handled the front of the café as a few patrons came in. They all asked about the amazing scent wafting in the air as they walked in. He told them it was a secret addition coming to their menu and they were all intrigued. He decided he'd have to work on a marketing campaign for these new treats when Elsa was ready to start offering them.

Soon enough he was in the back working in the kitchen. With a little instruction from Elsa he reconfigured the kitchen to make it easier for her to get what she needed. He'd just finished when he heard the familiar tone of his beautiful girlfriend's voice in the front of the café.

He grabbed a couple of hot scones and put them into a bag. Their scent had been driving him crazy all day. He was anxious to taste Elsa's new creation. He also grabbed the lunch he prepared for their afternoon at the house. They would need to get some groceries at some point but for now this would have to do. He eagerly moved to greet Emma in the front of the café. He needed to let her know about her father's appearance that morning.

She smiled when she saw him emerge. "Hey, all finished? Elsa told me how you were helping her."

"Aye, it's all set."

Elsa grabbed Killian and kissed him on the cheek. "Thank you. I appreciate your help Killian."

"It's the least I can do. I'm just taking a couple of these as payment." He said with a grin as he held up the bag of scones.

She laughed. "Of course! Let me know what you think."

"If that's what I smell I can't wait to taste them." Said Emma.

Elsa nodded. "It is! I've been working on this recipe all morning. I'm hoping the town will love these as much as they love your mother's cinnamon buns."

Emma nodded. "If they taste as good as they smell, I'm sure the town will love them. Besides you have met my Uncles, they will be regular customers for sure."

"What are you two up to for the rest of the day?" asked Elsa.

"We are going to the house to wait for a delivery." Said Killian.

"I've got some school work to do too." Said Emma frowning.

"It's almost over. Just keep that in mind." Grinned Killian.

Emma let out a breath." That's true. I'm just glad I've been able to finish up the semester here at home."

"Me too." Said Killian wrapping his arms around her for a hug.

Elsa looked at the clock. "I wonder where your brother is. He should have been here by now."

"We'll stay and help until he returns. I'm sure he will be along soon enough." Said Killian.

"I'll help too. What can I do?" asked Emma.

"Well, if you don't mind I'd love to get back into the kitchen to work on my recipe." Said Elsa.

Killian waved her forward and wrapped his arm around Emma's shoulders. "Yes, go on. Everything is ready for you. We'll take care of things out here."

Emma leaned over and kissed him slowly. "I've missed you."

"I missed you too. I noticed how busy you were today."

"Yes, non-stop, but being busy is good. Time flew by and seemed to get me here quicker. What can I do?"

"Sit down, rest your feet. It's been slow this am due to the Blue Bird's special but I suspect the lunch crowd will be coming soon. Liam should be back by then. "said Killian.

Just as he said it, Liam walked hurriedly into the café. " Sorry I'm late. Things got busy at the docks this morning. I didn't mean to hold you up."

"Not a problem. Emma just got here. Elsa's in back working on her new creation. It's been a bit slow this morning but I'm sure it's about to pick up." Briefed Killian.

Liam pat him on the shoulder." Thanks for taking care of things. I appreciate the help."

Killian smiled. "We can stay longer if you need."

"No, go on ahead. I've got this." Said Liam.

"Dave came by. He wanted to see if you wanted to get together soon. Give him a call. I'll see you sometime later this evening." Said Killian.

Liam smiled. "Will do. Thanks again!"

"Bye Elsa!" called Emma.

Elsa came rushing forward. She smiled when she saw her husband. "Bye you two. Thanks again!"

"See you later." Said Killian pushing through the door out into the crisp air.

Emma hugged in tight to him. "So, you talked to my father this morning."

"Uh, yes, he came in and I promise I didn't say anything."

She squeezed his hand. "I know but I did. "

Killian perked up. "You did? What did he say? Is he angry with me?"

She smiled sweetly. "No, he's happy for us. He's happy I'll be staying in town. He does want to have dinner with us this week and he definitely wants to see the house. You know check it out for safety."

He laughed. "Of course. That's great. I'm so relieved. I wanted to tell him earlier. He was afraid I was going to whisk you away from here. I'm glad you eased his mind. I know the heart attack has been hard on him too. Another thing, you and your mother might want to ease up on him just a bit. He's feeling better and I think he would like to be useful."

She cocked her head to the side. "He said that. I'll have to talk to my mom about it. We just worry, you know?"

"Oh I do but I can see his point too."

"Thanks for telling me. You ready to go home?" she grinned.

"Home; that has a nice ring to it Love. Let's go. I expect that our delivery will be there in about an hour or two." He said waggling his eyebrows.

"Hmm, that sounds nice too. Let's go! I can't wait to see the place in the daylight."

The cottage was even more perfect now that she had a better look. They had a beautiful view of the water and the docks. She also found a cute little bush that had pink buds peeking through in their modest yard.

Their bed was delivered shortly after they arrived so there wasn't too much work done that afternoon between day dreaming about the house and enjoying each other's company. Maybe a little too much because Killian was out cold.

Neither of them had much furniture so it would take time but it was fun to imagine what it could be. The bones of the home were great, the walls were a bit dated in color and old wallpaper but that could be changed quickly.

While Killian was napping she took the liberty of looking at every detail in the home. She even ventured into their dark little basement. When Killian found her she had been looking out at the water through the kitchen window.

He scratched his hands through his wild hair. "Everything ok Love?"

She turned with a start." Yes. More than ok. I'm just enjoying our view."

"It can be very relaxing. I've spent many a night watching the waves dip up and down in my life."

She nodded. "I took a look around while you were sleeping. I really love this place. You really did find the perfect house for us."

"I'm so glad to hear you feel this way. I just wanted you to be happy."

She hugged him tight. "I am. Sometimes I can't believe how lucky I am to have you and how life has turned out."

He squeezed her pressing a soft kiss to the top of her head." I know. I could never have dreamed life would be this good."

"Unfortunately I have to get some work done today. I have to turn in that paper by tonight and it's not going to write itself."

Killian pulled her into his arms and kissed her softly. "To tide you over until later."

She giggled. "That's not making me want to do schoolwork."

He pat her on the butt. "Go ahead. More for you when you're done."

She reluctantly grabbed her bag and moved to find a space she could sit and quietly work. She remembered seeing just the space she needed and smiled as she realized this was their home.

Killian started as the sound of knocking woke him. He didn't remember falling asleep on their little couch but the quiet sounds of the sea from outside their windows had a way of lulling him to sleep. He scratched his hair and stretched out to answer the door.

As he got closer to the door he saw that it was Emma's father through the window. He took a deep breath, straightened his clothing and opened the door.

"Hi Killian, I hope it's not a problem that I stopped by." Said David.

Killian stepped aside to let him in. "No, sir. Come in. Emma's studying in the back room."

David smiled. "Great. I was hoping you'd both be here. I took a look outside and this is a great lot. You have a beautiful view."

"Yes, it's incredible. Wait until you see it from the kitchen. Let me show you around."

Killian was about to call out to Emma when she emerged. "Hey Dad. I didn't expect you."

David moved forward and hugged her tight. "I hope its ok Honey, I was driving by and I saw you were here. "

"Of course Dad. We don't have much yet as you can see but wait until you see the place. Killian found the perfect house for us. Straight through there to the kitchen. " she said excitedly.

"Great, I can't wait to see it." Said David moving forward.

Emma grabbed Killian's hand and smiled. "Sorry about this. I had no idea he would just drop by."

Killian picked up their joint hands and kissed the back of hers. "Your family is welcome to our home anytime. I'm glad he's here. Let's give him a tour."

She nodded. "Thank you."

"Emma, this is a great view and you're right. The kitchen is perfect." Said David.

"Isn't it Dad? I just love it."

They continued the tour of the rest of the house. David pointed out some areas for improvement that he graciously offered to help with. She remembered Killian's words about how their father wanted to be helpful and happily accepted.

She was thankful that she made the bed quickly when she heard her father's voice. She knew she was an adult but she never wanted to have that awkward conversation with him. When they got to their room, he did a quick look around but they didn't linger.

David spent most of the time in the basement checking out their wiring, plumbing and water heater. Even though Killian was quite handy, her father was extremely skilled and would be able to point out anything worrisome.

Killian was great, even though the house was thoroughly inspected he let David do what he needed to do. He was gracious about the suggestions and he let her father get the peace of mind he needed to let his daughter go. He knew it wasn't about the house but getting comfortable with Emma moving out of his home.

"Dad, we don't have much to offer for food and drinks yet but I can get you some water if you like?" asked Emma.

David wiped his hands on a paper towel and smiled. "Thanks Honey. That would be great."

"Thanks for your offer to help with the house." Said Killian.

David slapped him on the shoulder and smiled. "I'm happy to help you both. This is a great house."

"Dad, does Mom know you are here? I would have thought she'd want to come too." Asked Emma handing him the water.

David took a big sip. "It was kind of a last minute decision so I didn't mention it to her before I left."

"Ok, I can bring her over later or she can stop by if she is up to it. I know today was busy for her." Said Emma.

David smiled. "She'd love that Honey. I better get back to the café. I don't want her to worry."

Emma leaned up to kiss her dad on the cheek. "Thanks Daddy. I'll see you later."

"Ok, see you at home."

She watched her father go out to his truck and then shut the door. She turned to find Killian leaning against the wall with his arms folded across his chest and a grin across his face.

She smiled. "He seems to be taking this better than I thought."

Killian pulled her into his arms. "I'm glad he is alright with this. I know it gives you peace of mind. He also found a few things that our inspector didn't."

"He is very handy, not to mention the fact that he intends to come over and help fix them."

She grinned wildly. "I think giving my Dad something to do will help both of us."

"Did you get your work completed?" he asked.

She frowned. "Most of it. I still need to get this paper done by tonight."

"Ok, you get back to work. I'm going to run out and get some groceries for us. We should have something in our refrigerator to offer guests, just in case they drop by."

Emma laughed." OK. That sounds like a good plan."

He kissed her softly. "I'll be back soon."

She hit send and finally got the paper in to her professor. Luckily the following week was their mid-semester break. She was looking forward to a week of rest, at least in one area. Killian had been kind enough to let her work while he continued cleaning the house so they could move in.

She stretched up her arms letting out a breath to ease the ache from leaning for so long. She turned around to find Killian leaning against the doorway, arms folded smiling at her. "Oh hey. I didn't hear you come up."

"I didn't want to disturb you. I was just listening to you talk to yourself." He grinned.

A warm blush covered her cheeks. "I'm finally done."

She walked over and he pulled her into his arms. "I'm glad. Now I've got you all to myself."

She pressed her cheek against his chest. "Yes, I'm all yours."

"I hope you're hungry. "

She looked up. "Famished."

"Good, come with me." He said smiling.

She held his hand as he led her through the darkened hallway back towards their cozy living room. Without having a kitchen table he'd set their little coffee table for two. He had a few candles lit and a small fire in the fireplace made it nice and toasty. "This is beautiful."

He leaned over and kissed the top of her head. "I'm glad you like it. I've made omelets."

"Breakfast for dinner. One of my favorites." She grinned.

"I'll be right back."

She plopped onto the couch and sat in front of one of the place settings he'd put out. The fire felt warm on her skin. She was just about to call in and ask if he needed help when she heard a knock at the door. She quickly got up and peered out the window. It was her parents once. Her mother was smiling brightly.

"Was that the door Love?" called Killian.

"Yes, it's my parents."

She was thankful in that moment they were both dressed decently. She unlocked the door and smiled. "Mom, Dad, I didn't know you were coming."

Snow leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. "Well, it's only fair. Your father got to come check out the place earlier and I wanted to see too. "

Her father was carrying a box that smelled amazing. "Do you want me to take that Dad?"

David smiled and leaned over to kiss her cheek too. "No, I got it. Your mom thought you might be hungry. It smells like you've already cooked though. I knew you didn't have any food here earlier when I came by."

Emma smiled. "Killian made omelets. We were just about to eat. Do you want to eat with us? We can grab a few more place settings."

Snow smiled. "We brought plenty of foods and some plasticware just in case. I wasn't sure if you had forks yet."

Killian emerged with plates in hand. "Hi, welcome. I've made some omelets. Would you like some?"

"We brought some food too." Said Snow.

Killian nodded.

"Let's sit down." Said Emma.

She and Killian took the seats on the floor with the fireplace to their back letting her parents sit on the small couch.

"Wow this is very cozy." Said Snow.

David unpacked the box onto the table revealing the delicious items they brought from the café. "Wait until you see the rest of the place. Kind of reminds me of our first rental in some ways."

"Really?" said Snow.

"Yes." Said David grinning.

Emma and Killian watched them pass nostalgic glances between them.

"I'd offer to take you on the tour now mom but I'm starving. I just finished my paper. Is it ok if we wait?"

"Emma, of course. Eat. I brought some dessert too."

She looked at Killian and smiled. "Great. I can't wait to show you around."

It was nice having her parents in their living room. This was going much better than she'd anticipated.