A/N: Okay, so first and foremost I just have to say that I love writing CS proposals so much, and this chapter was no different. That being said I do want to extend a warning to everyone – this is a two-part proposal chapter and it ends on a cliffhanger. I just had so much I wanted to include that it needs to be two installments. No worries though, I am planning to get this next chapter out hopefully tomorrow (or at the latest Thursday) so if you don't want to have to deal with the abrupt ending of this chapter you can just read then. I hope you guys enjoy, and thank you so much for reading!

"And you're sure it's no trouble for you to check in here? If it is I'm sure I can call Ruby or Mary Margaret or Elsa…" Emma asked the question aloud just as much to herself as to her nosey but kindhearted neighbor who had showed up bright and early this morning at her apartment.

Mrs. Hubbard was here under the guise of being Emma's 'apartment caretaker' but there wasn't really much reason to have one of those, not when this trip that she was about to take would last all of three days. But even though Mrs. Hubbard's presence wasn't explicitly necessary, Emma did appreciate it. She was currently walking a slightly crazed line, and Emma knew she was being ridiculous, but in this moment she almost needed someone to tell her this was okay. She wanted to go on this trip so badly, but after a lifetime of having to fight and scrape and commit a hundred and ten percent to get anything to go her way, Emma was worried. Could she really afford to go away with everything happening at Bliss? Or was she being selfish by trying to leave on this getaway with Killian?

"Oh you just stop with that foolishness, Emma. I am perfectly capable of getting your mail and watering some plants. I may be old, but I'm not decrepit. Give me a little bit of credit here."

Emma smiled despite the lingering flutters of anxiety low in her stomach. Whatever her worries, Emma couldn't ignore the humor of her kindest neighbor. Mrs. Hubbard had such a fighting spirit and she never, ever let anyone box her into a corner. Emma had always appreciated that, and it was one of the qualities that had brought the two of them together despite the uniqueness of their situation. Whoever said Manhattanites didn't give a rat's ass about their neighbors had clearly not anticipated the two of them.

"Maybe I should call Killian and ask to reschedule or push back a day… I feel like there's just a lot unaccounted for. Ruby didn't reply to my last few texts about our press junket next week, and Tiana forgot to check in on the Fioni's dress and bridesmaids fittings."

"No one forgot anything," Mrs. Hubbard said plainly before getting distracted with Emma's continued packing. "Bring the pink dress, dear, and the light blue sweater. Don't wear them together, but you'll need both where you're going. And more shoes, comfortable and nice. You want choices, honey, even if it's only a few days."

Emma took the advice, partially because she trusted Mrs. Hubbard's taste, and partially because packing for this trip had been particularly difficult thanks to Killian's not telling her where they were going. He'd given very little details at all, actually, and though in Emma's past with anyone else that would have been plenty annoying, Emma definitely didn't mind it.

Killian's lightheartedness and eagerness to share something with her that he'd carefully planned was one of the bright spots of all of this, and it was Killian's enthusiasm for the chance to steal away with her that Emma had clung onto in the worst moments of her doubt about leaving the city during the busiest wedding seasons of the year. Only after a moment of getting the last of her clothes packed, however, did Emma pick up on the first part of her neighbor's statement.

"What do you mean no one forgot?" Emma asked, turning around and sizing up Mrs. Hubbard to the best of her ability. Emma's hand came to her hip absentmindedly as her gaze narrowed, fixing on the older woman who didn't even bother to look caught red handed.

"I mean that they're all just following orders. No one is to reach out unless there's a real emergency, and since you've always surrounded yourself with capable, sensible people, there will be no emergencies and so there will be no one reaching out," the older woman offered matter of factly.

"Whose orders are the following?" Emma asked, already knowing but still wanting to hear it all the same.

"Well mine of course," Mrs. Hubbard replied, before clarifying. "I had a very much needed chat with your friends this week and we all agreed it was for the best. But I did promise that if for some crazy reason you got mad at this plan of ours I would take the blame. I figure it's rather difficult to stay mad at an old lady for long, especially one that bakes as much as I do."

It was on the tip of Emma's tongue to tell her loving neighbor that she was not old, but in that moment words began to fail her. Emma was so busy trying to wrap her mind around all of this and one of the sticking points for her was how all of this had happened without her knowing. Not only had Mrs. Hubbard reached out to her friends, but she'd also been in touch with Killian – thus her knowledge of what Emma should and shouldn't pack – and Emma was slightly thrown by the fact that she'd had no awareness that any of this was going on. She'd so long prided herself on nothing getting by her, but it seemed that she was slipping, and if that wasn't cause for concern Emma didn't know what was.

"Oh no you don't!" Mrs. Hubbard exclaimed as she came around to Emma and began to wag her finger in disproval. "I know that look, and you're trying to talk yourself out of a good thing – a wonderful thing even. Stop thinking so much and just listen to your gut, Emma. It's always worked for you in the past. There's no reason to think it'll lead you astray now."

That was true enough, and when instructed to do so, Emma found that as much as her mind was railing against the idea of stepping back or letting go even for a minute, her instincts were telling her that she not only wanted this weekend but needed it too. Life with Killian was so much better and so much fuller than it had been before when she had kept love at a distance, and she knew beyond the shadow of a doubt that whatever he had planned would be magnificent. It would be amazing and she would be happy, because this man never failed to find a way to bring her joy. But letting go for Emma had never been easy, especially when it came to her work.

"I'll try, it's just-,"

"Emma, my dear, I have known a good many people in my long life," Mrs. Hubbard began, interrupting Emma's arguments yet again. "And I can safely say I have never met someone who deserved a vacation more than you. You work so hard, too hard even, so this weekend you let yourself forget all these pesky little details and you just live, all right? Let that man of yours show you a good time and be in the moment. It doesn't make you weak or stupid to do so. It's the right thing to do, the healthy thing to do, and I promise the world won't come crumbling down if you aren't holding every piece together in place."

Emma listened to her neighbor's words and this time they finally broke through. It wasn't that Emma hadn't been excited for all of this, because she totally was, but Mrs. Hubbard was right – Emma had a tendency to get too inside her own head. A long weekend away from the city didn't mean everything would fall apart without her. Her friends could handle everything with the shop, and besides, there really were few things Emma enjoyed better than prolonged time alone with Killian. So she decided then and there to let that fear go and to just commit to this just as much as Killian had. It was what both she and Killian deserved, and after all this careful planning and thoughtful arrangement, Emma totally intended to make it a weekend to remember.

"When did you get so bossy?" Emma asked teasingly after a moment's pause, and it was both a genuine question and a way to show Mrs. Hubbard that she was giving in and accepting all of this without any more fight. The older woman laughed cheerily and patted Emma's hand as the two of them moved from Emma's bedroom to the living room once more.

"I have always been the boss because I have always been brilliant. I guess you could say it's my lot in life." Both of them laughed more at that characteristic, before Mrs. Hubbard's expression softened and she sobered a little.

"I don't say this to you enough, my dear, frankly I don't think anyone does, but you should be proud of everything you've made for yourself. Not just the business, though you have truly outshined so many others with your talent, but in life. You are not the same girl I met years ago. You are stronger and braver and good things are coming, honey. You just have to let them come."

The words, touching and inspiring as they were, almost felt foreboding to Emma. Not really in a bad way per se, but like Mrs. Hubbard was hinting at something yet to come. Emma couldn't say for sure what it was, but that feeling that there was more on the horizon had been present in Emma's mind as of late too. That was probably because she'd been thinking more and more of her future with Killian and all that she wanted to find with him. Moving in together, getting married, building a family from there, it was all a part of a dream Emma had been crafting since meeting this man, and maybe – just maybe – the time for those joyous occasions was coming sooner than she thought.

Before Emma had the chance to reply to Mrs. Hubbard, a knock sounded at the door signaling Killian's arrival and Emma's heart rate picked up. Her excitement returned once more, and gone were the worries of the world they'd be leaving behind for the weekend. Instead all Emma could focus on was what adventure lay in store for her and the man she so truly loved.

"Well, are you going to make the poor boy wait all day, or are you going to get a move on?" Mrs. Hubbard asked and Emma immediately moved forward to greet Killian.

When she opened the door he was standing there looking as handsome as ever, with his hair appearing a bit windswept from the breezy day outside, and his bright blue eyes sparkling with their usual mix of love and just a little mischief. His beard was just a tad more prominent today, as if it had been a bit longer than normal since he shaved it, but the most notable element of his appearance today was that dazzling smile of his. It was effortless and open in a way that tantalized every nerve ending in Emma's body, and the relaxation she was hoping to find on this trip was already so completely embodied by him. He looked totally calm, and yet absolutely thrilled to see her at the same time.

"Emma," Killian said as his only means of greeting, and the way he let her name fall past his lips held all of its usual power. Emma couldn't possibly have fended off the smile that came upon hearing him, and so she didn't even try, and instead she followed her instincts to pull him down for a quick kiss before leading him inside.

"You're timing's pretty perfect. I just got the last of my stuff together and Mrs. Hubbard has given me the all clear to let loose this weekend," Emma teased. The older woman offered a gruff sounding harrumph in response, but Killian, with all of his usual charm, managed to impart a gracious thanks to her neighbor.

"I'm truly indebted to you ma'am, and I promise to give Emma every reason to enjoy the weekend."

"I know you will dear, and I have faith that come the end of the weekend I'll be regaled with lovely tales and wonderful news of what the weekend brought you both."

The warmth of the moment that passed between the older woman and Killian was touching for Emma to witness, and though it was a little silly to think this way, Emma appreciated the thought that Mrs. Hubbard approved. Nothing anyone believed about Killian would have ever changed Emma's feelings of course, but over the course of her living in this building, Emma had come to care for the older woman as a sort of grandmother figure, and her advice and assessments had always been important to Emma as long as she'd been dishing them out.

"Now, if we're done with all this sappiness, I believe you two have a… ride to catch,"

Mrs. Hubbard's unusual phrasing and noticeable pause gave the impression that she'd caught herself at the last second before giving more of what Killian had in store away. Emma cast a quizzical glance in the direction of the older woman, but she bit back her quandary, deciding to just go with the flow as she'd vowed to do a minute before.

"That we do," Killian agreed and then he grabbed Emma's bag and offered his other hand to hold hers with. "Shall we, Swan?"

"I think we shall," Emma agreed, and from there she and Killian moved downstairs and into a cab that was idling for them at the curb.

Emma was surprised at the presence of the taxi to be honest, since one of the few things Killian had told her was that they didn't need a plane to get to where they were going and she'd assumed that meant they'd be taking his car, but then when they ended up at Grand Central, Emma found herself smiling. She should have guessed that Killian would figure out a way to do something cute like this, and there was just something romantic about the moment when he led her to the train terminal and gave the employee at the gate their tickets. He was tying this trip back to the way they'd found each other, and though he didn't say it aloud, Emma knew that was intentionally done.

"So the end stop is Boston. Should I assume that's where we're headed?" Emma asked and Killian shook his head, his handsome grin appearing as he did.

"You don't think I'd be that transparent do you? No, love, our stop is somewhere along this route, but the mystery remains for a while yet."

Emma laughed at that as they moved through the train, and she immediately noticed how much nicer this form of transit was than the normal subway cars they always rode together. Come to think of it, Emma had never even been on a train like this, and when Killian pulled her into the upscale car that held their seats, she was excited at the prospect. With big, bright windows and almost entirely above ground tracks, this would be a very different kind of experience than a trip on the subway ever was.

"You'll be happy to know that when procuring these seats I paid meticulous attention to air circulation, love. If memory serves that was a consideration of yours not too long ago."

Emma shook her head smiling as she remembered back to the first real day the two of them had sat together on the train. She'd been making a joke to keep things light, but leave it to Killian to remember that tiny detail. Emma meanwhile had been solely fixated on him and how all those months of fantasizing about what he'd actually be like were being made real. She'd been so flustered back then, trying to work out if he was as genuine as he seemed, but now all this time later Emma knew he was, and Killian continued every day to show more shades of himself and to make her love him even more.

"It would have definitely been a deal breaker for sure," Emma joked and Killian replied with equal playfulness, pulling Emma in closer before something knocked them from behind. Emma and Killian both turned to see the culprit – a mother with a baby stroller and two other little ones hot on her trail.

"Oh gosh, I'm sorry! I swear they make these darn things so complicated, it's like I can't stop hitting people."

"It's no problem," Emma responded, noticing at that moment that the woman also had luggage she was carrying off to one side and Emma's instinct was to help the woman out, but Killian beat her to it, offering to be of service in seeing the other woman and her clan to their seats. The mother looked incredibly grateful, informing Killian and Emma that her husband had to meet them later than expected, and then she confessed that they were still a car away from their destination. With that knowledge in hand Killian turned back to Emma and assured her he'd only be gone for a moment.

"I'll be right back, love."

"And I'll be here," Emma replied smiling.

It was kind of adorable how even in this moment Killian could be so earnest. As if Emma either could or would try to get off this train to wherever they were going. He still seemed slightly unconvinced so Emma pulled him to her for a chaste kiss before watching his easy smile return. Then he was gone, slipping down the aisle and heading into the next car with the little brood that needed his aid.

On his way, however, Killian knocked over the jacket that he'd laid upon the seat, and as Emma went to retrieve it, she noticed something had fallen from the pocket. It was a tiny blue box – one that was practically a Universal symbol for grand gestures, and it was sized perfectly for a ring.

"Holy shit," Emma muttered aloud as her shaky hands reached for the box and brought it closer for inspection.

It was crazy how fast her heart was beating just at the sight of this small compartment, and Emma's mind had immediately jumped to one word – proposal. Was Killian going to be proposing on this trip? Emma hadn't even considered that a concrete possibility when he'd asked her for the chance to leave the city. She'd wondered about it that night they were in Central Park, but then things had gotten so hectic and no other similarly charged moments had come to pass, but now she had to ask herself if that was what she wanted and the resounding answer chorusing through her heart and mind was hell yes.

If these past few months had taught Emma anything, it was that Killian Jones was the perfect guy for her. What had started as mutual attraction and interest had evolved into something so much purer and more valuable. Emma couldn't be entirely sure at what moment she had fallen, but she was halfway to in love with him by the time they first spoke, and her heart had been his pretty shortly after. They'd already talked about moving in together, and a few times ideas about what they both wanted for the future had cropped up too, but Emma was still stunned and so incredibly hopeful. Then she realized that she wasn't even sure if this was a ring, and her curiosity got the better of her as she flicked open the box and gasped.

There staring back at her was the most gorgeous diamond set she'd ever seen. It was elegant and classic, yet modern and unique, and Emma was amazed by the details and the undeniable sparkle. This wasn't just a ring, it was a statement, one of wealth and grandeur but more importantly love. She felt the warmth and the happiness of that yellow diamond down to her very soul, and Emma could just imagine Killian picking it out. Knowing him he'd been as thoughtful and as meticulous as any person could be, and the tears that came to Emma's eyes were just as much about his constantly giving nature as it was about how happy the prospect of marrying him would be.

Time passed at a strange speed in the interval where Emma examined this ring, and she was so wrapped up in it that she didn't tear her gaze away until a loud bang came from the end of the car, and Emma saw Killian coming back to her. With lightning speed (and a fair bit of fumbling), she closed the ring box and forced it back in the jacket of Killian's pocket, trying to compose herself before he got back.

Emma knew that usually she had a good poker face, but Killian was always able to read her. He would know something was up immediately, so she had to come up with a plan, a distraction, or some kind of diversion to keep him from knowing about her snooping. The last thing she wanted was to force Killian into proposing right this second. Honestly, what she wanted most of all was to see what he had in mind, and to experience whatever perfect moment he'd clearly been working so hard to devise.

"Everything alright, love?" Killian asked as he sat back in his seat, totally ignoring his jacket, and giving Emma hope that he hadn't noticed her snooping around.

"It is now," Emma responded, pulling him down for a kiss.

Just as she'd hoped, the tiny display of intimacy was enough to distract Killian's worried look and when they pulled back, his eyes showed nothing but love and affection, which made Emma herself feel more capable of letting go of the moment that had just transpired. Her fear of being found out ebbed away, and as Killian took her hand back in his and his thumb traced across it lightly, she felt herself centered and calmed in an instant.

"If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were looking for answers about my surprise, and I'm not too proud to admit that a few more kisses like this will leave me helpless to keep any secret from you."

Emma felt her cheeks reddening at the mention of secrets, especially given the ring she'd just found. Part of her was guilty for the nosiness, but mostly she was a bundle of nerves and excitement. The image of that ring was burned into her mind, and the thought that eventually it would leave that box and end up on her finger filled Emma with longing and impatience the likes of which she'd rarely seen in her usually controlled life. But right now Emma's need to let Killian reveal this to her when he thought the time was right outweighed her own need to confront what she'd found. Emma didn't like keeping things from Killian, but this was different. Right now she was biting her tongue for Killian so he could have the chance to find the moment he wanted when the time was right.

"Don't tell me," Emma whispered and Killian looked surprised at her request and so she expanded on it, tying it back to their physical destination so she didn't give too much away about having seen the ring. "I trust you, Killian. Wherever we're going, whatever this weekend brings, I'm ready for it and I want this too."

"Well I'm glad to hear it, love. Truly more glad than I can say," Killian said, taking her hand in his once more and pressing a gentle kiss to her palm. And with that the two of them settled down together for their impending ride, eager to enjoy whatever adventure Killian had laid out before them.

….

"God it's crazy just how quiet the world is when you aren't in the city," Emma mused the next morning as the two of them walked hand in hand through the quaint little square at the center of the town where they'd come for their weekend away.

Misthaven Connecticut wasn't a very well known locale, tucked away as it was along the western coast of the state just beside New York, but after a fair bit of research, Killian had known it was exactly the kind of place to spend the weekend with his Swan. It brought together all the things he'd had in mind for an intimate weekend away with Emma between its proximity to the sea and its small town charms, but the best part of this place, the real draw so to speak, was still to come. Killian had been waiting to get there since their train had stopped here yesterday morning, but finally the time had nearly arrived.

"Quiet isn't always a bad thing, love," Killian said, hoping that she'd agree with him. So far Emma had given him every indication that she was enjoying their stay, but maybe, despite Killian's growing attachment to this quieter way of living, Emma would be forever devoted to city life and always think lesser of a place off the beaten track.

"Definitely not. It's perfect. I kind of can't imagine going back tomorrow," Emma admitted.

Tomorrow. As he heard the word fall from Emma's lips, Killian felt the same flare of emotion that had been wracking him over the course of the past twenty-four hours. The reason for that was simple: Killian was clinging to an unyielding hope that by the end of this very day Emma and he would have taken a substantial step forward, and that all would have gone to plan and he would have secured her agreement in the proposal he'd been planning for weeks. If he did, it would mean that tomorrow would be inherently so much brighter than days past, and yet, there was still an element of question surrounding all of this. Emma could still say no, though Killian had good reason to believe that she wouldn't.

At first his assurance that she would accept had come from the way things were between them. The openness and love that the two of them had found together was substantial enough that there was little room for doubt, and though Killian found it almost fantastical to imagine that Emma could ever care for him as much as he cared for her, the evidence was amounting more and more with each passing day. Emma had given just as much of herself to this relationship as he had, and she'd amazed him with each passing stage of this thing between them with her willingness to take the risk. She had committed to this in a way Killian never could have imagined, but he would never, ever take that choice on Emma's part for granted.

But yesterday a new moment had occurred that cemented Killian's faith that he was making the right decision in choosing to propose now as opposed to waiting any longer. It had been an unanticipated event, and Emma likely had no idea that he'd even born witness to anything, but Killian had caught her peering at the ring that had slipped from his coat pocket, and the smile on her face and the warmth and desire in her green eyes in that moment had been everything he needed to rally his own courage and get on with it. Killian made a big deal of making noise and appearing to not have caught her in any way, though part of him had been tempted to ask her right then and there for her hand, but that waiting would hopefully be made worthwhile today when he and Emma found the moment he'd been planning for what felt like forever.

"There's nothing saying we can't return. This town will always be here if it's longstanding history is any indication," Killian promised.

"Oh I'm counting on it," Emma quipped, her playful smile returning as she leaned into him more and Killian felt the lingering nerves of the impending proposal ebbing away again. Emma might in some ways be the source of his anxieties today, but she was still the surest cure to any problems in his life.

"For now I have something in mind that I think you might appreciate," Killian offered, watching the excitement that came to Emma's eyes at the hint of a new adventure.

"Another surprise?" Emma asked eagerly. "First it's the train, then the sailing, and then dinner last night… you just can't seem to stop."

The teasing easiness in Emma's voice was laced in humor, and Killian swore he could feel the happiness Emma was expressing down to his bones. It washed over him like the same waves that had lapped against the boat he'd rented for the two of them yesterday when they first arrived in town, but as much as he'd loved that particular outing and the chance to see Emma so well-suited to the high seas, this would no doubt be better for a number of reasons. Right now they were off to an adventure that would hopefully live in his memory as one of the single best days of his life, but first they had to get there and the waiting was slowly starting to be his undoing.

"I hardly think I can be blamed for wanting to ensure you have the vacation you deserve, Swan," Killian replied but Emma shook her head, pausing their motions and halting their momentum towards the next spot.

"Killian, I'm not blaming you for anything. Honestly it's already been one of the best trips I've ever been on. But I don't want you to feel like you have to do all of this. Being with you is enough, everything else is just a happy bonus."

As she'd closed the space between the two of them, Emma's free hand came up and her fingertips traced along his jaw in a pleasant, gentle way. She studied him intensely, her jade colored eyes tracking for some kind of sign that planning all of this had led to any discontent for him, but she'd be searching for such a signal forever. The truth was Killian was never happier than when he got to share such joyful moments with Emma, and surprising her had fast become one of his all time favorite enjoyments. Still he sought to comfort her and assure the woman he loved that her worry was for nothing, so he smiled and leaned into her touch in a silent show of appreciation.

"It does my heart well to hear you say that, love, and I promise I've done no more than what I wanted. It's just that what my heart wants most is to see you happy."

"You make me happy, Killian," Emma whispered, reiterating a fact she'd stated before but that Killian always cherished before another humorous glint appeared in her eyes. "Well, you and good coffee, which you managed to find this morning so you're really two for two here."

"How about we make it three for three? Come on, we're nearly there, and this, I promise, will be the best surprise yet."

The 'there' that Killian was referring to was the central draw of Misthaven that few people aside from locals knew about, and even fewer had seen first hand. For here, tucked away in this unassuming little hamlet was a private series of gardens that was closely guarded and secretly maintained by the owner of the estate. It was incredibly hard to gain access too, but this home boasted one of the finest collections in all the country of flowers and blooms and more varieties than Killian and Emma could hope to discover at any other place in the area.

"It's simply unparalleled," the woman who ran the Botanical Gardens in Brooklyn had promised. "It's a living, thriving love letter that the owner of the house designed for his then fiancé. He's very choosy about the people he lets come on the property, but I have his number and his wife is a good friend. I just know that if anyone would love a chance to see it, it's Emma."

Killian had profusely thanked the director for her lead and he used that card to reach out to the owner more than once, but for a few weeks he got nothing in return. It wasn't until one day when Killian had gotten on a train himself and come out here that he managed to get the man to agree to speak with him, and that had only been because his wife had taken one look at Killian and sized him up, analyzing him in his entirety with only half a look.

"Charles, you must be able to see it. This boy's got the same expression on his handsome face that you have when you talk about me. Love like that deserves to be rewarded. At least let him look and see if it's something she would like."

The older man (who had to be at least in his late seventies by the look of him) had been stern and stubborn, reiterating that they very rarely let outsiders in at all, but eventually he caved, and when Killian saw what the grounds had to offer he knew this was the place. He'd been searching for the inspiration he needed to give Emma a magical moment and he was sure that if he could just get permission, this would be the perfect sight to propose to his Swan. He'd then expected to beg for the right to make that moment happen here, but had been surprised when the owner agreed without any kind of persuasion at all.

"I might not personally like it," Charles had qualified. "But my Marie will be all too happy if another life long love finds a start in these gardens. She'd always hoped we'd have kids to pass it on to but… well, life turns out the way it does. So if you're serious about this Emma, and you can swear to me by your honor that you will live and breathe for this woman and do right by her no matter what, then that's enough for me."

It had obviously been the easiest of promises for Killian and one he intended to keep no matter what, but Killian had smiled at the request all the same. It was clear to him that Charles loved his wife just as fiercely as Killian loved Emma, if not more so thanks to time, and he had to hope that was yet another a blessing on this place.

"Oh my God," Emma whispered a minute later as they came upon the house where Charles and Marie lived, her astonishment and intrigue evident from the reverence in her tone.

The house was classically elegant, a real New England Victorian structure with perfectly manicured greens and a wrought iron gate that was intricate and inviting all in once. The clean, crisp eggshell color of the house was so perfectly matched by the evergreen shutters, and though it was hardly the extent of the flowers on the property, there were bright blooms everywhere and clinging, teaming ivy vines that crawled up the side of part of the house, weaving and winding in miraculously even twists and turns.

"Do you like it?" Killian asked, as he opened up the gate, surprising Emma.

"It's gorgeous," she admitted. "Wait, are we allowed in here?"

"I should hope so," Killian said, "since the surprise I've been leading you towards is around back."

Emma nodded, the look of excitement in her eyes and expression undeniable as she did, and Killian brought her hand up to kiss gently. It was impossible to deny the urge to do so when she looked so sweet and utterly unassuming, but they did have things to get to and to see, much as Killian might like to stay and stare at Emma all day instead.

The two of them regarded the house with care and attention while Emma made comments about the structure and the clearly present dedication to detail. She was impressed, not just by the home alone, but by the obvious care that its owners bestowed on it, and the light in her eyes was the same kind of gleam Killian had seen before when Emma was feeling truly inspired. But it wasn't until they reached around the back of the house that Emma stopped in her tracks, totally at a loss for words.

Killian could understand her reaction – it was a completely entrancing scene before them, with a spacious yard an immaculate garden that was homey even in its extravagance. There was so much space, which in itself felt like excess compared to city living, and though it was quiet now, there were the persistent chirpings of birds and the buzz of bees and crickets alike. This backyard was teaming with life even if Emma and Killian were the only people out here and all that natural infusion, coupled with the manicured styling of this home, was an amazing compilation. This was not a case of grandeur just for the sake of grandeur, but of art and taste and commitment that Killian knew Emma, as an artist, would love.

"Wow," Emma muttered, clearly still ensnared by the beautiful house and Killian chuckled, loving that at least so far he was nailing this.

Emma was so open in her regard for this place, and Killian knew deep in his soul that he'd done the right thing in coming here. He led her over to a bench a ways away that gave them the perfect view of the house and everything else, and Emma followed him, completely giving over to the newness of this place and soaking up everything around them.

Yet underneath Emma's awe and appreciation there was something more, something swirled with intense emotion, and Killian felt this piercing need to find out what that could be. He pulled her in closer, moving one of his arms around her waist before begging her to let him in and tell him what was going on in that magnificent mind of hers.

"You're thinking more than 'wow' love. Tell me, what is it?"

"It's just… when I was a kid, too young to have really given up on finding that family I wanted so badly, this was always the kind of house I pictured. This was the kind of place in my books and in the movies where happy people lived and loved. Where two people who were really right for each other built their lives, filling the house with kids and family and laughter and everything I didn't have. In a place like this none of that stuff I went through could touch you. All I ever wanted was a house like this to call home."

Killian could only imagine the intensity of Emma's desires as a child. In his situation with a mother who tried her best to do right by Killian and Liam, and an elder brother who made sure Killian had never wanted for anything when she was gone, there were dreams and aspirations to be sure, but he had known the feeling of home. Their tiny rented houses through his youth might not have been much, but he'd known family, and for Emma that just hadn't been the case. She'd missed so much, and that made Killian's yearning to give her all of this or to share in next steps that might manifest this way all the stronger. If this was still what Emma wanted, then he had this undeniable urge to give it to her.

"And what do you think of it now, love? Has it lived up to expectations?" Killian asked, anticipating her answer more than he'd expected.

"No. It's better because…" Emma trailed off, her eyes moving down to the ground as she bit her lip. Killian could see that in her mind Emma believed she'd said too much, but the truth was it was nowhere near enough. Killian wanted everything because it was the only way he'd know exactly which way to go in offering her the future Emma most desired.

"Because what, Emma?" Killian asked, his voice subtly insisting to the woman he loved that she meet his gaze once more. It took her half a second but Emma rose to the challenge, and when she did Killian felt the pang of his heart beating back into place.

"Because I'm here with you, and now all those things I wanted seem like they could actually happen someday. It's not some daydream I had to put away to be practical. It's actually possible. Maybe not this house or this town, but… you know what, forget it, I'm rambling."

Emma waved her hand in the space before her as if she was trying to actually get rid of the confessions she'd just laid forth for him and she averted her eyes back to the great white house, but Killian couldn't let that stand. He knew his Emma, and right now she was probably thinking herself an inconvenience when all she'd done was given him hope of the purest kind and the opening he'd been searching for for weeks on top of weeks.

"Marry me," Killian whispered as Emma was still gazing at the sight before them. Too late did he realize that had just slipped out, but when Emma's eyes went wide and her head whipped back around to see him, he realized what he'd done.

"What?" Emma asked, her voice shaky, yet somehow still hopeful, and in that moment Killian knew that this was right. So what if it wasn't the exact incarnation of the moment he'd been planning? He didn't want to wait another second to ask this glorious woman to be his, and so without further ado he got done right there on one knee and asked the question he'd been biting back for far too long.

"Emma Swan, will you marry me?"

Post-Note: I know, I know I am terrible! How could I end it there – what the hell was I thinking?! Am I certifiably crazy or cruel or both?! Well to be fair I did give you guys fair warning, and to be honest it was just the perfect midpoint in terms of the total proposal chapter length. I am not making the wait for those of you brave enough to read tonight long, however. Tomorrow (or at latest the next day) will bring the next update of this story and we'll all get our answer to this question I've been building up to for a while. And honestly, if you even doubt that she's going to say yes… well then honey you clearly missed all of my other stories because I simply don't partake in angst when it comes to fluff and CS proposals. Anyway, hope you all have a lovely rest of your day and thank you so much for reading!