A/N: Hello everyone – so I know I was slightly evil with where I left off for the last chapter, but I mean really… are any of you thinking these two won't end up together? Either way I appreciate your patience, and I hope it will prove worth the wait. Thank you all so much for reading this and please let me know what you think!

"Emma Swan, will you marry me?"

A heartbeat past and then another where Emma tried to wrap her mind around what Killian had just said. Even though she'd seen this moment coming and dreamed it up so many times before, those words still took Emma's breath away. It was impossible to describe how truly overwhelmed she was in that instant, but even as her system flooded with adrenaline, there was nothing like fear in sight.

In fact, all Emma could feel was a rush of pure joy and excitement like nothing she'd ever known. It was amazing and dizzying and oh so perfect, and Emma was so happy she couldn't seem to find her voice. This gave Killian more time, and he made the most of it, sending her one of those handsome smiles of his before pleading his case (which he so did not need to do).

"This isn't exactly how I saw this going, love, but I don't want to let another minute go by without saying this. I love you, Emma, and that love will be a part of me forever. You've changed me. You've made me a better man and shown me what life can be like when shared with the right person and I want it all. I want to make every dream you've shared with me come true. I want the whole future you just detailed. The house, the kids, and whatever else you could possibly wish for. But mostly what I want is you, Emma. You're the key to everything. I want to be by your side and go through life with you, and only you. So please, make me the happiest of men, and marry me."

"Yes."

Emma's answer the second go around was instantaneous. Though tears had started streaming down her cheeks, they were of the happiest variety and the grin that appeared on her face was so big she felt she might burst. This was the perfection she'd been hoping for when she waited in confronting Killian about the ring yesterday, but as he slipped the ring on her finger Emma wondered what he meant when he said this wasn't how he'd saw his proposal going. What could possibly have been better than this?

There wasn't much time for Emma to linger on that line of thinking, however, because as soon as that band found its home on her hand, Killian pulled her to her feet in for a kiss so right that Emma felt it branding itself throughout every part of her. The magic that it held and the feelings of simultaneous safety and pure adrenaline were invigorating. It was as if, after years and years of searching, all the pieces of her world had clicked together and though Emma had known that this was where they were headed, it still felt so good to be sure. Killian wanted to marry her. He wanted the future she'd been keeping close to her heart for so long, and now Emma wanted to soak up every second of this particular shade of bliss as long as she could.

When they finally pulled back, Emma could see all of her emotions and feelings so keenly reflected in Killian's expression. He seemed just as dazed and elated as she was, and the hope and happiness he was so clearly displaying only made hers grow more. Right now it felt like they had everything just by having each other, and Emma found herself giggling, so gleeful in this moment that she couldn't stop the bubble of her laughter from flowing out. That only made Killian growl out one of those sounds of approval he often threw her way before he kissed her all over again, leaving her breathless and oh so satisfied.

"I love you too Killian," Emma said, tearing her lips from his before either of them was really ready because she had to make him see that she was in this too. "And I want you to know that you're the only person who could do this for me, who could make me feel safe enough and really believe that I can have this, that we can have this."

"We will have it, Emma. I've no doubts that in the years that come we'll find every bloody detail to the perfect life together. I just have to plead for one thing."

"Anything," Emma answered eagerly, hoping to give Killian something after everything he'd done for this proposal.

"I know it's a lot, and it's fast, and you've a million other things to see to in the coming weeks, but if we could not have one of those long, drawn out engagements…"

Emma smiled as she realized just what Killian was asking for. He wanted a wedding and he wanted it soon, and Emma had to find humor in his hesitating tone. Did he think that she wanted anything different? Because she didn't. The last thing Emma desired was months and months of drawn out planning and a hundred 'team meetings' between her and her friends about every minute detail. All Emma wanted was Killian, and the sooner she could be his wife, the happier she would be. That didn't stop her, however, from having a little fun with him in the meantime.

"Anybody ever tell you that you have got it really bad for me?" Emma asked and Killian grunted out a reply as his hold on her tightened.

"Aye, they have. And my answer has always been the same – you're damn right I've 'got it bad.' You're the woman I love Swan, the only woman for me. There's nothing else but you."

With words like that it was impossible for Emma not to melt further into his embrace, and her hand came to hold Killian's in hers, their fingers weaving together as she put him out of his misery.

"I think I can bargain us down to two months."

"Two?!" Killian asked, clearly shocked. "Ruby said four was as low as your friends were willing to go."

Of course she did, Emma thought to herself. Because Ruby knows an easy mark when she sees one. Emma could only imagine how eager Killian had seemed to her friends when mentioning this proposal, and Ruby would totally use that to her advantage, bargaining up with a man who was so desirous to have their approval that he'd probably agree to anything. Emma, on the other hand, would be a much better negotiator.

"Yeah, but that was you asking. It'll be a hard sell, but I think I can swing it. They owe me, and I can remind them of the sweet spot at the end of September when the leaves are changing but it's still warm enough for something outside."

Emma's words hadn't been meant as any sort of explicit planning, but the mention of a timetable and a general idea of when she would walk down that aisle to Killian set off a flutter within her. It was a tantalizing sensation and Emma found her mind wandering to the kind of wedding she'd want in those circumstances. She'd always pictured intimate and outdoors (at least for part of the evening) but now she had more particulars, and the image of Killian waiting for her and slipping on her wedding band just as he'd slipped on her ring mere moments ago made Emma's heart skip a beat.

"Damn I love it when you talk details," Killian groaned, pulling Emma from her own imagination and making her laugh again as he pulled her in for another kiss, his hands roaming and Emma's doing just the same. She clung to him for purchase, feeling like she might just float away if she let go, and not wanting that to happen at all. Even when they broke apart again, Emma kept her hands squarely on him, not wanting any distance between her and the man she loved so deeply.

"I failed to mention before, but there's a good chance the owner of this house and his wife are currently spying on us. Hope that's not a problem," Killian joked.

Emma felt herself go a little red at the thought of two nosey elderly people casting glances through the window and watching her and her boyfriend – no fiancé – making out like this. But she had to smile at the thought that someone was spying on them. If they were home or if any of her friends were within a ten mile radius of here, Emma was sure they'd be desperate to take it all in. As it was she and Killian were going without the sassy commentary and happy crying of her best friends, but if the older couple who owned this place were watching then it felt like they were here at least in spirit. Plus things were so good right now Emma couldn't possibly linger in any kind of discomfort. She didn't want to hide any part of what she felt for Killian if she could help it.

"Well I guess it's lucky for them we put on quite a show," Emma said as her hand came over to rest on Killian's chest, soaking up his warmth and the thump thump thump of his heart beneath her palm. "How much farther are you thinking of taking it?"

Her innuendo heavy question was responded to with swift motions from Killian as he pulled her behind one of the trees in the yard, separating them from the line of sight of the house. Emma was pushed against the hard surface, positioned in the center of the old tree trunk as Killian boxed her in, shielding her from everything else. The bark was rough behind her, but Emma didn't mind at all, not when Killian's hard body was pressed against her, heating her up from the inside out, and his lips found hers again. Mmm, alone at last – or at least as alone as one willow tree could make them.

The line they'd been walking before between acceptable public behavior and the passion they were both feeling grew hazier this time around as Killian's hand moved up her thigh while Emma's legs widened to give him access. When it slid under the hem of Emma's sundress, she arched closer into him, urging him onwards and hoping he'd cave to this as he peppered kisses down her neck with expert finesse. She was so on edge and unable to pull away herself, but then his hand stilled and Killian moved back, taking a breath and exhaling it again with a shakiness that spoke to just how much effort it was to stop their forward momentum. His forehead leaned against Emma's and at the contact Emma closed her eyes, taking in the sounds of their heavy breathing and the world that still remained around them.

"Part of me wants to whisk you away back to our place and forget everything else I have planned," Killian admitted as his piercing blue eyes continued to take her in. "But it wouldn't be right for you to miss this, love. Not when we've come all this way and I know you'll enjoy it. So I guess patience will have to lead my way."

Emma must have pouted slightly at the idea of patience because Killian chuckled in that low, enticing vibrato of his and then kissed her once more. But when his hand was in hers again, leading her down the path at the edge of the woods surrounding the backyard she could tell something was coming. They walked a short ways until they reached a stream and a bridge to cross it, but it wasn't until they made it to the other side that Emma saw what Killian was talking about. She gasped, totally awed and amazed all over again. If Emma had thought the house before was the surprise she was clearly wrong, because the spectacular space that they'd just entered was something out of a fairytale.

"What is this place?" Emma asked, not believing what her eyes were taking in.

It was a huge open field, though parts were obstructed by larger shrubberies, but it was impeccable in its design and layout. Emma was amazed that a place like this was hidden away. Shouldn't there be people here, soaking in the beauty and the artistry that had made these gardens a possibility? But Emma awaited Killian's explanation, sure he would have his reasons.

"The house we just saw belongs to a couple who might give us a run for our money in the attachment department," Killian said, pulling a smile to Emma's lips at the mention of that particular word. "And it's my understanding that Charles started building this for Marie just before they married. They've been together fifty years and it's grown to encompass more than a few acres of land, but he cares for it each and every day to see her happy."

Emma was totally and completely blown away by all of this, and as the two of them made their way through the different arrangements she couldn't understand it. This was an almost otherworldly place, with pathways that varied from classic flowers sprouting from the ground like daisies and pansies and tulips to rows of trees that came together allowing for beautiful hanging white wisterias, fuschias, and lobelias. Emma recognized so many of the varieties from her time at the Botanical Gardens, but there were some that escaped even her expertise. They came in every shade and size and shape, some of them wild and some amazingly rare, but they were all gorgeous and if ever there was a time for one's imagination to run rampant about fairies or magic or mystical powers it was in a place like this.

Though they were still in the same small town they'd always been in, Emma swore that the light and the air and the feeling was different here. There were more golden hues from the sun and the breeze was understandably sweeter and more luscious because of all the blooms surrounding them. Emma had sensed that unique aura at the house as well, but the further they walked and the more Emma learned about the couple who'd made this place a reality, the more she was assured that love was the key to so much of the beauty before them. The flowers were amazing to be sure, but the heart and the work and the testament of enduring commitment that all of this represented was an even stronger pull for Emma.

It was shocking to think that one man could make all of this, and yet Killian was adamant that Charles was particular and wouldn't let anyone else tend to these flowers aside from him and Marie. There was just so much out here, and so many little coves and nooks and places that might seem small to the unaware observer, but that Emma knew had more meaning. There were intimate benches built just for two people, a gazebo with vines delicately hanging at just the right intervals, a fountain, and pathways with such a multitude of blossoms that were all so spectacular they looked like they were maintained by an army of botanists instead of one old man in this tiny, unassuming town.

But then Emma thought to herself that this wasn't really an impossible feat. Sure it was intense and all consuming, but for someone in love it was still possible. Honestly anything was possible if one found the right person, and as she looked back at Killian Emma smiled, knowing that she'd absolutely found the right one.

"So where was your perfect moment supposed to be?" Emma asked a while later, thinking there were at least half a dozen spots that could have been considered ideal for a completely romantic proposal. Killian scratched behind his ear in that nervous way of his when she asked but then offered a smile and nodded towards the line of trees surrounding them.

Emma hadn't noticed before but inside the thick start of the forest was a pathway, and there appeared (at least from what her eyes could see) to be unlit twinkling lights in the canopy above. Wordlessly, Killian led her down the path, and though Emma wasn't entirely sure about what direction they were headed in, she did sense they were heading back around towards the house once more. Only before they got there, the path cleared and there was a meadow filled with the most enthralling sight.

Roses lay everywhere, in every natural shade and so many varieties. There were wild ones growing on more unkempt bushes that were off to the side, while meticulously groomed ones wove in an untraceable pattern through the greenery. They were breathtaking and comfortably squared away from everything else Killian and Emma had seen before, but amongst this space there was more than just flowers; there was the makings of a picnic and Emma could see now what Killian had had in mind. He'd dreamed up a day away for them in this intimate corner of the world, away from everything and everyone else surrounded by things Emma loved.

As she moved further into the grove, Emma noticed that aside from just food and lights and places to sit, Killian had brought more thoughtful things like her sketchpad and her camera. She'd taken to photographing things that inspired her when she didn't have time to sketch, and Emma was shocked that he'd managed to get all of this out here – how had he even found the time?

"So I guess earlier when you told me you went for a run…"

"I ended up here, yes," Killian admitted. "And when I arrived Marie was rather eager to be of service. Rather lucky for me since I couldn't have enacted half of this without her."

Killian at that moment reached for a bottle of champagne that Emma could see was still cold and when he'd poured her a glass and one for himself he led her down over to the blanket. Once there, Emma leaned into him, sipping on the cool refreshment and sighing happily as she took in all the splendor around them.

"I know that the moment you would have made here would have been beautiful," Emma whispered before looking back up at him. "But I'm glad you asked the way you did. That was perfect."

"Aye it was, love. Though you didn't exactly make it easy. It took damn near everything in me not to ask you on the train with the way you were looking at that ring."

"You saw me?!" Emma asked, her voice rising in surprise. "What am I saying, of course you saw me, it's you. I never get anything past you, but you specialize in surprising me."

"I've only ever kept a secret from you when the reward was more than the price of holding back, Emma," Killian promised and Emma smiled kissing him again and feeling that freedom and delight of being so utterly content in the midst of a perfect, wonderful day.

"Everyone knew about this, didn't they?" Emma asked, thinking back on her friends and Mrs. Hubbard. They'd all been acting strangely, though Emma had tried to write that off as them giving her grief for going away with a boyfriend. She hadn't wanted to really believe that a proposal would come this weekend because she didn't want to be disappointed, but now Emma had to believe they'd all been aware of what lay in store for her this weekend.

"They knew I had plans to ask for your hand, yes. But the details I kept private. Call me selfish but I liked the idea that we had some things left for just you and I," Killian claimed.

"I think selfish is the last word I'd ever use to describe you," Emma countered and Killian smiled at the compliment. She truly meant it though, for there had never been a moment in the time that she'd known Killian where he really put himself first, and even now he was giving her what she wanted by procuring them a bit of privacy and securing some of their story to belong only to them.

"There is one last thing, love. I made a promise to Marie that I'd give you this," Killian said as he retrieved a letter from his back pocket. Emma accepted it with fascination as Killian got back up to get the rest of their picnic. It was an excuse to give her some space, but Emma appreciated it as she opened the envelope and took in the handwritten words.

Dear Emma,

I know that we have never met, but in speaking with your Killian I believe I have learned so much about you already. I know that you clearly love nature's more beautiful elements if Killian believed this to be a perfect spot for you, and that you're an artist to your very core (he was very proud of your talents and achievements when he came before). I know you've worked hard to get to where you are today, staking a claim on your own fate instead of letting the world dictate your future. And I know that you are the kind of woman who could inspire great love in a person's heart. That is not an easy feat, but it does make me believe that you and Killian are worthy of sharing a part of this place with me and my Charles.

If my instincts are right, you and he are at a pivotal part in the story of your love. I remember all those years ago when Charles and I had a similar start, I was so excited and yet terrified to boot. I felt so much more for one man than I'd ever felt for another, and in loving him I'd given him every chance to hurt me. But the thing about love is it doesn't hurt you. It heals you even at the lowest points, as long as you choose to put it first.

Know that you and Killian will be in my thoughts from this point forward, and I truly hope that you will find the happiness you're looking for together. Love is a rarity in this world, and love that thrives and lives as long as mine has is sacred. Never take it for granted, but know that once you have it, it's yours to hold forever.

All the best,

Marie

"Anything interesting?" Killian asked when he returned and Emma had slipped the card back into the envelope and in her bag. Emma nodded, but she didn't intend to get very specific.

"Just another person rooting for us to get married and live happily ever after," she offered cheerily.

"I knew I liked that woman," Killian joked. "And since that's exactly what we'll be doing, I think she'll be well pleased."

"Do you ever have any doubts?" Emma asked, knowing in her heart that he didn't but loving the moment when he assured her as such.

"Not a single one."

And with another brief kiss shared between them, Emma and Killian spent the rest of the afternoon into the early evening sheltered away in that miraculously beautiful glen. It wasn't until the first of the evening stars appeared that they came back, and though the day was over, Emma knew it would in many ways live on forever. For Killian had provided her with an unparalleled memory to cherish always, and Emma was certain that she'd never, ever let it go.

"Killian, I love you, and God knows I love where that dirty mind of yours is headed, but we are going to be late for the train. Like late late."

Killian grinned against Emma's neck, pressing a kiss to her pulse point before latching on to the spot just above it that always pulled a thrill from the woman he loved. If there was any idea in anyone's mind that getting his ring on Emma's finger would tame the need he had for her, those people were terribly mistaken. All it had done was fill him with more need and want and an unyielding desire to hold her close and show Emma just how right she'd been in choosing him and choosing their life together.

"About that… I called ahead while you were sleeping and changed our tickets. We've got three full hours to kill, and if you think there's any chance I'm letting you out of this bed you're dead wrong, love."

The thready sigh from Emma that sounded out to Killian's ears was a mix of appreciation and frustration, and he couldn't help but pull back to look at her face, finding her expression heated from the teasing he'd been dishing out all morning (and most of last night). Yet underneath that heat and lust and wanton love, there was this light in her eyes that Killian recognized. Emma totally knew what he was up to, and though she might be letting him lead her to satisfaction right now, there was no doubting who was in control here. Emma was indulging his want to drive her mad and make love to her all morning, but she still had room in that brilliant brain of hers to see through his maneuvering.

"And you assume I want to spend those hours here? We could go back to the beach, or…"

Part of Killian had wanted to see what Emma might outline as potential activities to partake in during the rest of their stay in Misthaven, but he couldn't deny the raw sensual pleasure he got from distracting her. He kissed down her body, worshiping every slope and curve until he was down to her breasts, and the distraction that resulted was exactly as he'd anticipated. Emma was too caught up in his mouth's attentions and one of his hands slipping between her thighs to continue her sarcastic reply.

"I'll take you anywhere you want to go, Swan, at any time you so wish, but I happen to believe that what you want – what you truly want – is to stay right here and let the man who'll one day be your husband ravish you fully."

"Okay, that works too," Emma breathed out quickly.

The words were rushed but her insistence was clear. Emma writhed beneath him, leaning every part of her gorgeous body up towards him and trying to get him where she wanted him, but he didn't need any form of instruction. Killian had grown intimately acquainted with nearly every spot on Emma that could make her gasp or plead or moan, and he was planning a full out attack on each and every place that would build his Swan's pleasure as she deserved.

As Killian waivered between delicate and demanding in his ministrations, Emma's hands came to weave through his hair holding him close, and though that had always been enough to set his own need firing up more and more, this time it was different than so many of the others proceeding it. Now Emma had that ring on her finger, the one he'd given her yesterday to tie them together, and the mere reminder of how much she'd given him with her one whispered 'yes' was enough to have his mind and his heart racing.

Killian's tempo took a turn, moving from the slow, languid perusal of before to harder and more insistent and Emma was right there with him, feeding off every nip and suck and lick at her breasts while his thumb swirled against her clit. He had her exactly where he wanted her, toeing the precipice and just about to fall, but before he pulled her under he needed to hear those three lovely words again. And because Emma knew him just as intimately as he knew her, she gave them over freely and without a single string attached.

"I love you, Killian."

Ecstasy for both of them was secured with that, as Killian timed his attentions just right to have Emma rushing into climax and his whole system flooded with that feeling of her love. It was a fire racing through his veins and keeping himself from giving over to it was a harder prospect than it should have been, but he was determined to give Emma all due pleasure before finding any himself. He took the time in which Emma fought to catch her breath and used it to his advantage, murmuring promises of how he loved her too and how he always would as he went.

Whether it was his words or his heated touches that had Emma climbing back up again, he didn't know, but by the time Killian had made it back to her sex ready to take her fully with his mouth she was already panting out that same familiar sound of need and wanting. He could have drawn it out more, teasing and taunting, but that would merely have been torture for both of them. Instead Killian delved in, tasting her desire for him and heightening it all the more until she was just on the brink again. Only then did Emma's fingers comb through his hair again and pull him away. Killian was surprised by her action but then she pleaded with him so sweetly for something they both wanted.

"This time I want you with me."

"As you wish."

With that understanding between them, Killian climbed back up her body, taking in the sight of her gorgeous, sun-kissed skin beneath him. She'd picked up some color during their stay here, but the glow she was currently sporting was all Emma. It was the magic of who she was and her ability to give herself fully to this thing between them. It made her more beautiful than words could say, and as he traced the likeness of her face, making note of every feature, he was spell bound and completely and totally hers.

They started out with slow even strokes designed to have them both growing more and more mindless and more and more frantic, but soon enough that patience couldn't be clung to any longer. They needed hard and fast and that eternal connection that they'd found only with each other, and as they chased it Killian knew that the best thing in life would always be feeling this close to Emma. No matter what blessings life may bring, it was this bond between them that he'd hold most dear because it would be the starting point for all good things yet to come.

When both of them were finally spent, having found that hazy high once more, Killian took the time to revel in this moment. This peace and this calm that they'd found on their weekend away was everything he'd hoped for and more, and as he looked in Emma's eyes, there wasn't a trace of regret. He'd been successful in not only in securing her promise to be wed, but also in diverting her from the crazed pace she'd been taking on at work. He worried about her always going so hard, and though he knew there was no one stronger than Emma Swan, he wanted to show her that sometimes she didn't need to be.

"Best vacation ever," Emma said with a smile sometime later as Killian's fingertips drew lazy lines up and down her back and Killian laughed at her affirmations. They were, after all music to his ears, and it was that confirmed fact that she had enjoyed herself so much that made it possible for Killian to say goodbye to the weekend at all.

Though he was tempted to let them linger here, soaking in the solitude and the calm outside the storm for a while longer, he knew the two of them had to get back to the city and to their real lives as well. But someday, Killian hoped, things might slow down enough or open up in a way where they could make this calm and peace a more central part of their routine.

The rest of the morning passed in a way that was to be expected, ending the weekend on the highest of notes. Once they'd left the house, they procured more of that coffee Emma had been so enamored with (as well as enough beans to keep her satisfied back at home for some time),then they found some small trinkets at one of the village shops for her friends as souvenirs. They said goodbye to the sea with a quick stop at the beach (mostly for Killian's benefit) and then made one final visit to peer upon Charles and Marie's house. Neither of them were outside when Emma and Killian passed by, but Killian was relatively certain he'd seen a figure in the window moving away and causing the curtains to stir. As Emma and Killian were leaving the night before, he'd dropped (as requested) a note in their mailbox reading: 'She said yes' and some more words of thanks, and now, in the light of the new morning, he could tell that note had been received and in it's place was a single red rose that Killian offered to Emma.

"For you, my love," Killian said and he watched as Emma's cheeks flushed from the term of endearment. She leaned into him, pressing a kiss against his cheek and walking with him hand in hand back to the train yard once more.

Yet even with all of that, it was still hard to say goodbye, and as the train began to depart from the Misthaven station Killian found himself hoping that the chance would come sooner rather than later for him and Emma to steal away. But even if it didn't, and even if the limits of NYC were all they ever had, Killian knew it wouldn't matter. Because in two months time he'd be marrying this miraculous, glorious, brilliant woman and pledging himself to her from now until forever.

"You look happy," Emma said to him as she pressed a kiss to their intertwined hands and the world passed by in the windows around them. They were surrounded by a train car full of people, and yet to Killian it was just the two of them. All he could see was Emma and the only thought he had room in his mind or heart for was that she was his and he was the luckiest man alive.

"That's because I am," he promised and Emma looked about to respond when a ding came over the speaker system and one of the train attendants took to the intercom.

"Good afternoon everyone, this is Doreen your conductor, and though it's a little unorthodox we have a nice bit of news to share with you all today. Two of our passengers are recently engaged, and it turns out that the happy couple actually met on a train. So we want to say congratulations to Emma and Killian. We're wishing you all the best!"

"What the – how did they know?" Killian asked, thoroughly flummoxed about how any one could have picked up on that. Were people just more perceptive than he imagined? Maybe one of the train workers had noticed Emma's ring – but then how would they know about their meeting on the train? Killian was trying to come to terms with it as applause and kind murmurings went through the train car they were sitting in and Emma began to laugh beside him.

"They knew because I told them," Emma announced happily, leaning into Killian's arm and sharing her warmth with him. "Actually I can't stop telling people."

It occurred to Killian then that when he'd gone to secure their tickets earlier, Emma had been conversing with a group of women outside. He'd thought it was just his Swan being kind and encouraging as she usually was with new people, or perhaps being recognized as an up and coming designer, but now he was filled with this sense of contentment that she'd actually been the one seeking out others so as to share her good news. This was a big deal, at least in Killian's estimation, and Emma's pride at their story and their new tie to each other fed something in Killian that he couldn't quite describe.

"You'll hear no complaint about that from me, love. If I had my way the whole bloody world would know you said yes," he whispered, noticing the way Emma's gaze heated and her body inched closer to his, their lips only barely apart.

"Knowing you you'll find away. You always do."

"That sounds like a challenge, love, a challenge I'd only be too happy to take you up on."

Emma smirked at that and then pulled him down to kiss, telling him without her words just how amiable she was to that offer. It seemed the two of them were both just as blissfully content with their new direction, and that pride in having found love together was one that they shared.

"I love you, Killian," Emma said when she pulled back and Killian tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear, thinking that he wanted a full life spent with other moments just like this one. "And for the rest of the day I need you to do something for me."

"Anything, Swan." Emma's smile widened at his easy willingness.

"I need you to keep me thoroughly distracted and remind me that technically vacation isn't over until tomorrow morning. Think you can handle that?" she asked, her voice dipping lower as her eyes flicked to his mouth with all the seduction a siren like her could muster.

"Aye love, I believe that I can."

Post-Note: So, with the second half of the proposal chapter here I am eager to know what all of you thought – did it live up to expectations? Have I been forgiven? Hopefully it did and I am, and as we start winding towards the end of this story (I think there will be about five chapters left including the epilogue), I am hoping to keep this level of fluff and cuteness up. It shouldn't be too hard hopefully since the show is finally back in a good place and I am feeling so upbeat from that. Thank you all so much for reading and I hope you have a fantastic rest of your day!