Killian Jones wouldn't have described himself as a nervous man, but standing on the back deck of his house watching Emma lounge at the end of the dock, there was nothing else to be said for him. He kept shifting his weight between his feet as he leant on the railing, stalling for time as the sun crept towards the horizon across the bay. He knew he should go join her, let her know he was home, but instead simply stood there and watched as she dragged her bare toes across the water.
June had brought with it the first truly warm string of weather of the season. The two of them even braved opening the windows for a brief period that past weekend, allowing the breeze to air out the stuffiness that came with sealing up the house for the better part of the long Maine winter. But even with the warm days, the water still had to be freezing. Though you wouldn't know it from the relaxed set of Emma's shoulders.
In the months since they had settled into a relationship, or had been honest about what the one they had, the house had begun morph. More of Emma's wardrobe had settled in his closet and her shoes seemed to be forming a small army on its floor. Mary Margaret had helped them go through legions of vacation and other photos she had of them and their friends, printing some and having them framed to hang both in their bedroom and the downstairs den. And while she and Elsa were together often, Killian wasn't sure when was the last time Emma had slept in her own apartment.
The shadows cast by the trees grew longer as he watched her, unwilling to disturb her peace and still a tad shy about the box in his left hand, the contents of which were long overdue. He thumbed at the package, enjoying the crisp feel of the heavy, teal wrapping paper against his skin. The bow he'd tied earlier was coming loose, so he set the box down and went about tightening it as he tried not to worry about Emma's reaction to the contents.
He shouldn't feel nervous about this. He was pretty sure the smile she'd bestow on him once she opened it would be brilliant. He was almost certain she'd understand the question that accompanied the contents, even before he'd have a chance to voice it.
The box rattled as he straightened up, the keychain nestled inside sounding clear and bright to his ears. He'd had a swan design, patterned to mimic a Celtic knot, forged and 4 new keys cut just for her – one for the house, another for the office, and the last two for the boat and his car. He'd shot a quick photo of the set the night before, when the extra car key finally arrived, and sent it Liam. Despite it being nearly 1 AM there, Liam texted had him back immediately.
Don't you think a ring ought to accompany those?
One step at a time, old man.
Fuck off, baby brother. When are you giving them to her?
Tomorrow. She should be back from Portland by the time I return from work.
Good. Let me know when it's safe to call. She deserves a proper welcome to the family.
It's not an engagement.
As good as, as far as I'm concerned.
Killian smiled as Emma brought legs up and back onto the dock, pulling them into her chest as she wrapped her arms around her knees. He could almost imagine Liam pacing around his flat, waiting to hear from him. He gave the ribbon one last tug, setting its angle just right before making his way towards the stairs.
Tomorrow, he thought. Liam could wait to hear from them tomorrow. Tonight, hopefully, there would be plenty for Emma and him to celebrate, together. Everything else - everyone else - could wait.
