Title: Love & Lies
Author: Steph aka CaptainSwanLuver
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Killian/Emma
Characters: Killian, Emma, August, Belle, Robin, Gold, Regina
Category: Romance/Drama/Humor
Disclaimer: I do this out of a love for this couple. No infringement is intended.
Spoilers: Nope!
Summary: Emma Swan is the star of the failing soap "Love & Lies". Killian Jones is the star of their rival soap. In order to raise ratings, Killian is hired to star on Emma's soap. They immediately clash. Will sparks fly too?
Note: Thanks for the responses to the last part and the story! I enjoyed reading your passionate thoughts! Hope you enjoy the end! ~Steph
…Love & Lies: Part 11/11...
It had been over two months since Emma had quit "Love & Lies". She missed all of her cast mates and the crew. She missed the rush she got from acting. But, most of all, she missed Killian. She missed seeing his sparkling blue eyes and gorgeous smile every morning. She missed the way he touched her and how touching him made her feel. She missed sparring with him and having those unexpected moments when they let their guards down and were open with each other. Not being with him was harder than she ever imagined it would be.
In the past two months, Emma had tried to keep busy. She had taken a long awaited trip to Europe all by herself. She took cooking classes and learned how to make pottery. She had always wanted to learn a language so she started taking a French class once a week. Writing had become a passion and a creative outlet for her. She had even started writing a short story.
Everywhere she went she met new people. She met men who were successful and handsome. They would hit on her and ask her out, but she always turned them down. She had already made the mistake of being with one man while in love with another. She refused to do that again.
Emma had always had a fear of being left behind. Her parents had abandoned her. None of her foster parents ever wanted her for longer than six months. Neal had turned his back on her when she got pregnant. She was always waiting for the people in her life to leave. That's what made August such a safe choice. She knew he would stay. And that's what made Killian such a risky choice. He seemed like someone who would leave.
But as Emma roamed around Europe or created a meal in cooking class or placed a vase in a kiln or aced her French test, she began to realize one thing: Killian had stayed.
Emma had given him plenty of opportunities to run, plenty of chances to wash his hands of her for good, but he never gave up on her, not truly. He proved his love for her over and over again. She was just too scared to see it. But she saw it now.
And she knew now that she didn't need a man in her life to give her security or stability. She didn't need a man to fill the holes in her heart left by those before him. She didn't need a man at all. It had taken her a long time to realize it, but she finally understood that it was okay to be alone.
But needing something and wanting something were two different things. Emma knew she didn't need a man to feel complete or worthy. She also knew she had spent far too long denying her desires. She didn't need Killian, but she wanted him. Emma wanted a life, a future with him. The person she was a few months earlier wasn't ready to be in a relationship. She was now.
Emma shook free of her thoughts of Killian and looked down at the script in her hands. She took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves.
She had only been on one audition in her life and she had been 14 years old at the time. She glanced around the room at the young, beautiful women there who had probably been on hundreds of auditions.
Emma had purposely turned down any offers of auditions over the last two months. She needed to step back and make sure that acting was what she truly wanted to do, not just something she had fallen into that she happened to be good at it. And during those two months she missed it desperately. She knew it was her passion.
Today, she was reading for a primetime pilot. It was a fantasy show. She would be reading for the role of a princess.
"Emma Swan," she heard just as she looked back down at the script.
Emma stood on shaky legs and smiled at the assistant as she led her into a large room. There was a conference table on one end with several people sitting at it. A couch sat parallel to it.
"Emma, thank you for coming in today," the casting director said.
"Thank you for the opportunity."
"Will you please do Livie's scene on page 3?"
"Sure."
Emma turned to page 3. She read the scene quickly. She had been practicing it. She licked at her dry lips and swallowed roughly, as she took a deep breath.
"Connor, we could never make things work between us. We come from two different worlds. I'm a princess and you're a pirate. I'm sorry."
The casting director nodded. "That was great. We're familiar with your work already, Emma. You were at the top of our list from the start. We still have others to audition, but we've been taking our top candidates for Livie and doing a chemistry test with our top picks for Connor. Would you be willing to do that?"
Emma nodded. "Of course."
"Great. Can you come back tomorrow at the same time?"
Emma bobbed her head with a grin. "Yes. I'll see you then. Thank you."
Emma left the room, her heart beating wildly in her chest. She had a real chance at getting the role.
...
Emma met Belle for lunch at their favorite little cafe. Her best friend smiled as she sat down across from her.
"So how did it go?" Belle asked.
Emma smiled. "It went great. They want me to do a chemistry test tomorrow with the actors at the top of the list for Connor."
Belle's eyes sparkled with excitement for her. "That is wonderful. I'm so happy for you, Emma. I just know you're going to get it."
Emma nodded. "Thank you."
They lapsed into silence for a few moments while they perused their menus, even though both always ordered the same thing.
Belle tilted her head to the side. "Okay, go ahead."
Emma's brow furrowed. "What?"
"Ask me how Killian's doing. Everytime we see each other, you find a subtle way to inquire about how he is."
Emma blushed. "Am I that obvious?"
Belle nodded. "Yes."
"I just miss him so much."
"He misses you too," Belle said.
Emma arched her brow. "He does?"
"Of course. He won't admit it, but he finds ways to inquire about you all the time too."
"Is he okay?" Emma asked softly.
"He is. Emma, you've been working on becoming a better person, healing yourself so you can be ready for a relationship. I think he's been doing the same. Robin and I both feared he would never leave the bar after what happened with you, but he made a conscious effort to avoid it. I think he knew drowning his sorrows wouldn't help and that wasn't the man you wanted him to be."
"I'm glad to hear that." Emma paused, dropping her eyes. She licked her lips nervously. "What about dating?"
"You mean did he go back to his womanizing ways?" Belle shook her head. "No, he hasn't. In fact, Robin says he hasn't been with anyone in the last two months."
Emma's eyes widened in surprise. "Really?"
"He knew returning to a playboy wasn't what you wanted for him, that wasn't who you fell in love with."
"But I want him to be happy, Belle."
"He loves you, Emma. I think he's determined to wait for you. And he knows that being with another woman while his heart belongs to you wouldn't be fair to either of them. You of all people should know that."
"You're right," Emma said.
Belle reached over and covered Emma's hand. "I'm really proud of how far you've come, Emma. Killian would be too."
Emma smiled at her best friend.
...
The following day, Emma returned for her second audition. The waiting room now held far less people. There were two other women and two men. They were the short list for Livie and Connor.
Emma sat down and eyed the two men. They were in their early thirties and handsome. One was blonde and blue eyed and the other had dark hair with green eyes.
Emma knew from her years on soaps that chemistry was tricky. Two people who look good on paper could have no chemistry at all and be rejected by the audience. There was no defining chemistry. There was no predicting or creating it. You either had it or you didn't.
And that made Emma nervous. She could be right for the role, but if she didn't have chemistry with those up for the male lead, then if wouldn't matter. They would choose someone else.
Emma was so lost in her thoughts she didn't hear him enter or notice him sit down next to her. She didn't realize he was there until she heard his voice.
"Fancy meeting you here, love."
Emma felt his eyes on her. A smile pulled at her lips and her heart immediately began to race.
She turned her eyes over to him. He never failed to take her breath away. "Killian."
"Hello, Emma."
"What are you doing here?"
"The same thing you are, I'd imagine. Auditioning."
"You're on the short list for Connor?" Her eyes narrowed at him. "Did you find out I was auditioning for this pilot? Did Belle tell you?"
He shook his head. "I hadn't a clue until I walked into this room and saw your beautiful face."
Emma felt her face redden under his appreciative gaze.
"I don't understand. Are you leaving Love & Lies?"
"My contract was only for one year. I knew I wanted to do pilots so I asked for only a year. The network wanted me to bring up ratings and weren't really looking far into the future anyway so they agreed. My contract will be up soon. If I don't get a primetime gig, then I'll re-sign for another year."
Emma nodded, as her voice lowered. "How's my recast?"
She had quit so suddenly that the show didn't have a chance to write her out. Instead, they had to do an emergency recast. Luckily for them, the star of another soap, "Love in the Afternoon", had just left her show due to a contract negotiations dispute. They scooped her up immediately.
Killian shrugged. "Rebecca is a perfectly fine actress, but she could never fill your shoes, Emma. You originated that character. The audience hasn't accepted her yet and I'm not sure they ever will." He paused and then added, "And our chemistry, well, it's nonexistent. I don't think they're going to keep Eva and Tyler together much longer. You know how chemistry is. It can't be forced, but when you have it, it's magical."
His gaze held Emma's for a long moment. "Yes, it is," she agreed softly.
Killian licked at his lips. "How have you been, Emma? What have you been up to?"
She shrugged her shoulders. "I've been keeping busy. I've been doing a lot of things I never had the time to do before. I went to Europe, took cooking classes, learned to make pottery, I'm learning French. I've even been writing."
Killian smiled. "I'm happy for you."
She nodded, her expression growing serious. "I've been learning how to be alone and that it's okay. That it doesn't mean I'm worthless or that I was abandoned. It doesn't mean I'm not deserving of love."
"I'm glad you're discovering things about yourself," Killian said.
Emma could see the sincerity in his eyes.
"I think I'm finally growing up. I think I was a 14 year old girl stuck in a 30 year old woman's body this whole time."
Her eyes met his and they held for a long moment. Killian reached out and covered her hand with his.
"I miss you," he whispered.
Emma felt her chest tighten with emotion. She could see the love he still had for shining in his eyes.
"I miss you, too," she breathed.
He swallowed roughly. "Emma, I'd like to-"
"Emma Swan, Killian Jones," an assistant called, interrupting the moment.
Emma lowered her eyes and slipped her hand from beneath his, as they both stood and entered the room.
The same people were there as the day before. The casting director addressed them.
"Emma, Killian. Thank you for coming in. We've seen your work together and we know you have great chemistry. It was a stroke of luck that you both auditioned and were at the top of our lists."
"Thank you for considering us," Emma said.
"Aye, thank you for the opportunity."
"You're welcome. Now let's get to it. Please sit on the couch and perform page 8."
Emma and Killian were both nervous about performing together for the first time in so long and after everything that had happened between them. Would their chemistry be affected? Would their past negatively influence their performances?
The script called for them to sit close to each other and for Killian to cup Emma's cheek. They sat down, so close that their lower bodies were touching. He met her eyes, as he slowly lifted his hand to her face. Emma sucked in a breath at feeling his touch again.
"Livie, I know we're from two different worlds. I sail the high seas and you are nobility. And I know that we are quite different. But I also know that I love you and that we belong together."
Emma felt the emotion of his words.
"Connor, my father would never accept you."
"You are your own woman, Livie. What do you want?"
Emma stared at him, not as Livie, but as herself.
"I want you," she whispered.
Killian's eyes sparkled in delight. As the script instructed, he leaned forward and pressed his lips to hers. Emma sighed into the kiss. Killian had missed kissing Emma, feeling her body against his. He deepened the kiss, slipping his tongue into her mouth. This was a primetime network show. He knew he wouldn't be scolded.
Emma cupped the back of his head, as she felt his hands travel down to her waist. They finally parted, but their foreheads remained touching, which the script did not call for.
Killian's tongue darted out to his lips to taste her one last time.
He smiled. "Then I'm yours, milady. The rest we will deal with together."
Emma grinned. They were both relieved and delighted that their chemistry was just as combustible as ever. And their feelings for each other only enhanced their performances.
They had nearly forgotten the people in the room, until they heard clapping. Killian and Emma turned to look at them.
"That was incredible," the casting director said. "We knew you had chemistry, but, wow."
Emma blushed. "Thank you."
Killian nodded. "Aye, thank you."
"Well, we still have some other chemistry tests to do, but I don't think there's any point in having either of you test with the other actresses and actors up for the roles. There's no way you could have more chemistry with them than each other. We will test them with each other and they'll have to beat your chemistry if they want the roles."
Emma and Killian exchanged excited glances. It sounded like they were their roles to lose.
"Thank you again," he said. "We'll be in touch very soon."
Emma and Killian exited the room and the office. Once in the hall, they turned to each other. Emma excitedly threw her arms around Killian's neck. He wrapped his around her and pulled her close to him. She buried her face in his neck, savoring his scent. Killian closed his eyes, relishing the feel of her body against his again.
They reluctantly parted and met each other's gazes.
"We could get this," Emma said, her smile wide and her eyes bright with hope.
"Aye, that we could," he replied with a wide grin.
"I've dreamt of being on primetime for a long time."
"As have I."
They fell into silence for a moment, neither wanting to address the elephant in the room. Killian finally gained the courage.
"Would you be comfortable working so closely with me again?" he asked.
They both knew their feelings for each other were just as strong as ever, if not stronger. But if things didn't work out, they didn't know how they would handle it. Emma couldn't just walk away this time. Regina and the network had kindly chosen not to sue her for breach of contract, but she knew a primetime show would not be so forgiving.
Emma swallowed hard. "I think we'd be crazy to pass this opportunity up. We're professionals." She paused and then chuckled lightly. "Most of the time."
Killian smiled. "I believe we can do it, Emma. I believe in us."
Emma nodded and replied softly. "So do I."
Their eyes met and held for another moment. Killian opened his mouth to say something, but then snapped it shut.
Emma longed to tell him she loved him and wanted to be with him. She wanted to tell him she wasn't scared anymore and that she was finally in a place where she was ready to be in a healthy relationship. She opened her mouth and he looked at her expectantly, but no words came out.
Killian finally bowed his head, his eyes flashing with disappointment that he tried to hide from her.
"Goodbye, Emma," he said softly.
"Goodbye, Killian," she whispered.
He turned on his heel and headed for the elevator, as she stood rooted to her spot. He pressed the button and waited. He could feel her eyes on him the whole time. It felt like an eternity before the elevator doors slid open. He stepped inside, forcing himself not to look at her one last time.
Emma watched him disappear into the elevator and her heart dropped into her stomach. He pressed the button for the lobby and Emma saw the doors start to slide closed.
She didn't realize what she was doing until she was at the elevator, sliding her arm between the doors just before they closed. Killian's eyes widened as the doors slid back open, revealing Emma.
"My apologies. I thought you weren't getting on yet. I didn't think you were ready."
Emma stepped onto the elevator, her eyes never leaving his.
"I'm ready now," she said, her words carrying more meaning.
The doors slid closed behind her. But before the elevator could start moving, Emma slammed her hand against the stop button, halting its movement.
Killian looked at her. "What are you doing?"
Emma smiled, as she moved close to him and cupped his face in her hands. Their eyes met and held. "Something I should have done a long time ago, but I was too scared. I'm not scared anymore." She paused and then whispered, "I love you, Killian."
Killian's heart immediately began to race, as a smile curled his lips. "I love you, too."
Emma blinked back the happy tears filling her eyes. "I want to be with you. I want to take that risk. I know there are no guarantees, but I don't want them. I just want you. I have spent the last two months trying to figure out who I am, trying to understand how I can deal with being in a relationship. I've grown and changed for the better. But one thing has remained the same. My feelings for you. My love for you. I know we belong together and I know that whatever comes our way, we can deal with it."
Killian's grin widened. "You haven't a clue how long I've waited to hear those words from you."
Emma chuckled. "I have some idea."
She then closed the distance between them and placed a kiss to his lips. This kiss was different from every one they had ever shared, on and off screen. This kiss allowed them to freely express their feelings for one and another. This kiss held promises for the future.
They pulled back and Killian smiled. "You said you've been taking French. Have you learned how to say I love you in French yet?"
Emma nodded, her eyes twinkling. "Yes."
Killian cocked his head to the right, as he brushed a piece of hair off her cheek. "I've heard French is the language of love."
"Is that right?" she asked, as she looped her arms around his neck.
Killian slid his hands down to her hips. "I believe so."
Emma smiled. "Je t'aime," she said softly.
"Je t'aime," he repeated in a whisper, his lips curled into a grin.
Emma loved the sound of those words coming out his mouth, as did Killian.
"I visited Paris on my trip to Europe. The City of Love and I was all alone, missing you like crazy. I kept seeing all of these couples holding hands, eating romantic dinners, kissing under the stars. And all I could think about was how one day I wanted to go back and experience the magic of that city with you."
Killian nodded. "I think that can be arranged."
Then he placed another kiss to her lips.
Killian pulled back and met her eyes, as he lifted his hand to her cheek, his thumb brushing across her jaw.
"We finally got to finish what we started in that elevator," he said.
Emma laughed lightly. "And without an audience this time."
She then pressed a kiss to his lips again.
...
Emma arrived at the bar and found Belle already sipping a martini.
"You started without me?" she asked, as she sat down across from her.
"It was that kind of day. Couldn't remember my lines to save my life," Belle said.
"Sorry," Emma said.
She then stared at Belle, unable to keep the smile off her face.
Belle eyed her best friend over her martini. "What's going on with you?"
"What do you mean?"
Belle shrugged. "You've got this huge smile on your face and your eyes are just sparkling." She paused. "Did you get the part?"
Emma shook her head. "I don't know yet. The chemistry test went really well. Guess who I tested with?"
Belle stared at her for a moment, before her mouth dropped. "No! Killian?!"
Emma bobbed her head. "Yes and it was so amazing seeing him again. I told him how I've been growing and trying to find out who I am. We reconnected and I wanted to tell him that I loved him and I wanted to be with him."
"But?" Belle asked.
"But I couldn't get the words out in time and he started to leave."
"Oh, Emma," Belle said.
Emma's smiled grew wide. "I didn't let him go, Belle. I went after him. I stopped the elevator and I told him I loved him. I told him I wasn't scared anymore and I wanted to be with him."
Belle jumped up from her seat and threw her arms around Emma. "I am so happy for both of you. It's about time!"
Belle sat back down as Emma met her eyes. "Thank you. And thank you for always being there for me, even when I make it pretty impossible to be my friend."
"We're family, Emma. I'll always be there. And now Killian will too."
"Did I just hear my name?" Emma heard come from behind her.
She looked up and found Killian staring down at her.
"Hello, love," he said, before leaning down to place a kiss on her lips.
"Hello," Emma said, her smile spreading across her lips.
Killian sat down next to Emma. She reached over and linked their fingers together. He smiled and tightened his grip on her hand.
Belle shook her head at them. "I'm really happy for you two. I now look forward to years of your displays of affection annoying me."
Killian and Emma could only laugh.
...
One week later, Emma and Killian received the good news they had been waiting for. They were the new stars of the primetime show "The Princess and The Pirate." The pilot would start filming in a few months, just as Killian's contract was up with the soap.
Killian came up behind Emma as she stood at the stove stirring her risotto. He wrapped his arms around her waist and placed a kiss to her neck. Emma giggled as his scruff tickled her skin.
"Stop distracting me or I'll ruin the risotto," she said without conviction.
"Do you really want me to stop distracting you?" he muttered against her skin.
Emma closed her eyes and threw her head back onto his shoulder, as she dropped the spoon into the pan.
"No," she breathed.
"Good," he whispered.
Emma turned around in his arms and found his mouth, her tongue diving in. Killian's hands moved down her sides to her hips and he lifted her up onto the counter. He moved between Emma's legs as she wrapped them around his waist.
"I think dinner can wait," he said as his lips trailed down her chest.
Emma nodded, as she clawed at the muscles of his back. "We finally agree on something."
Emma reached over and turned off the stove. Killian lifted her up and she wrapped her legs more tightly around him, as she snaked her arms around his neck. She then met his lips again.
Killian somehow managed to make it to the bedroom without injuring either one of them. He gently laid Emma down on the bed and then hovered above her.
They both recalled when they had to pretend to make love on screen and how carried away they had gotten. But now they were all alone. They were in a committed relationship and had declared their love to each other. There was no stopping them now.
Killian caressed her cheek. "You're unbelievably beautiful, Emma."
She smiled as she made quick work of the buttons of his shirt and slid it off of him. He helped her with his pants, leaving him in nothing but his boxer briefs. She could see he was very ready. A moment later, his boxer briefs were gone.
Killian's mouth moved back to Emma's skin. She sat up and together they removed her t-shirt. He smiled at her lacy purple bra and his mouth immediately moved to the tops of her breasts. He kissed across her shoulder, pulling the strap down with his teeth. Emma arched her back, as she felt his hand undo the clasp of her bra. She pulled back for a moment and finished removing the bra. Killian's eyes darkened with desire at seeing her bare for the first time. His mouth moved to replace her bra, as his hands pulled her matching panties off.
He pulled back for a moment and brought his hand up to her cheek. "God, I love you," he whispered.
Emma smiled. "I love you, too. So much."
And then Killian entered her. They established a rhythm that had them both breathless. Emma flipped them over and straddled his hips, remembering when she had done the same thing during their love scene. This time, there was no stopping them. Killian reached up and cupped her breasts as she moved above him. She leaned down and kissed him, her hair tickling his chest.
When they had reached their peaks together, Emma collapsed on top of him. She placed her head over his heart, smiling at how it was racing. Killian wrapped his arms around her.
They reveled in the opportunity to lay there and hold each other. They thought they had lost their chance, but now they knew it was just the beginning.
Killian trailed his fingers across Emma's bare back.
"Did you ever think we would end up here that first day when we bumped into each other and your dress got ruined? And then you didn't even want to change in front of me."
Emma chuckled as she found his free hand and entwined their fingers. "Can't say that I did."
Emma paused and then lifted her head, propping her chin up on his chest as she met his eyes. Her brow furrowed.
"Hey, what ever happened to that dress? You were supposed to get it dry cleaned."
Killian laughed. "You're just remembering that now?"
"I've had a lot on my mind."
"Well, love, I hate to break the news to you, but that dress is in a landfill somewhere."
Emma playfully swatted his chest. "You owe me a dress, Mr. Jones."
Killian smiled. "I owe you a lot more than that. And I intend to give you everything you deserve and more."
Emma lips curled upward.
He then added, as his hand ran down her back. "Although I do believe I prefer you sans clothes anyway."
Emma laughed, as she lifted her lips to his.
...
~One Year Later~
Emma and Killian walked hand-in-hand in Paris. The past year had been the best of their lives. Their primetime show was a huge hit, propelling them to stardom they had only dreamt of. They loved getting to work together everyday.
But the best part of the last year was getting to spend it together. It was even better than either one of them could have imagined. Two months earlier, Emma had asked Killian to move in with her. It was a huge step for a woman who had been terrified to risk getting her heart broken again. She still knew there were no guarantees but she also knew that every moment she got to spend with Killian was a gift.
They were currently on hiatus from their show and Killian had surprised Emma with a trip to Paris. They had spent two blissfully wonderful weeks exploring the City of Love. Tonight was their last night there.
Emma looked up at Killian, her heart so full of love for him she thought it might burst. "Experiencing this city with you is so much better than experiencing it by myself."
"I have loved every moment we have spent here together," he said, as he dropped a kiss to her temple.
Emma looked down at the itinerary she had in her hand. She had meticulously planned out all of the places she wanted to visit. Still, Killian was able to convince her to be a little spontaneous here and there.
Emma pointed. "Here. This is the last place I want to go."
Killian smiled. "Lead the way."
…
Emma and Killian arrived at the Butte Montmartre in The Square des Abbesses in Paris. Emma led the way to their destination.
"Here it is," she said.
"It's beautiful," Killian said, as he looked at the wall before him.
"It's called the Le mur des je t'aime, which translates to I love you: the wall. I love you is written in more than 300 languages on the wall. I sought this place out when I came to Paris and I thought of you, Killian. I thought of how one day I wanted to experience it with you."
Killian stood behind Emma and wrapped him arms around her waist, as he placed a kiss on her hair. "I'm glad I get to experience it with you."
Emma lifted her hand to point. "See the splashes of red? They represent broken hearts. It helped me realize that the only way to truly heal a broken heart is to love again."
Emma tilted her head up and Killian's lips met hers. They then turned their attention back to the wall, as they took in its beauty and meaning.
After a few moments, Emma felt Killian's arms slip away from her body. She let out a little groan at the loss of contact and then turned around.
Her mouth dropped open at what was before her. Killian was down on bended knee and he was holding a red, velvet ring box in his hands.
She brought her hand up to her mouth. "Oh my God."
Killian took her other hand in his. "Emma, this last year with you has been the best of my life. I know it was a long, difficult road to get where we are today, but I wouldn't change any of it. We are stronger today than I ever imagined we could be. I love you with all of my heart and soul. You have made me so happy and I want to spend the rest of my life making you happy. I want to give you the life you've deserved since you were a little girl."
Tears streamed down Emma's cheeks as he spoke. Her heart was pounding in her chest.
He paused and took a deep breath. "Emma Swan, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"
This felt so different from every time August had proposed. She wasn't scared. She was unbelievably happy and at peace. She didn't hesitate. Her head bobbed up and down.
"Yes! I will marry you, Killian!"
Killian grinned from ear-to-ear, as he opened the box, took out the ring, and placed it on her finger. Emma didn't even look at it. It didn't matter what it looked like. All that mattered was that it was from him and a symbol of their love and future together.
Emma leaned down and cupped his face in her hands, pulling him into a standing position. She pressed her lips to his in a kiss, as his arms snaked around her waist.
They parted a moment later, their foreheads still touching, as Killian brushed a tear off her cheek with his thumb.
"Je t'aime," Emma said.
"Je t'aime," Killian replied with a grin before kissing her again.
…
"Killian, this is not the way back to our hotel," Emma said.
"You're quite perceptive, love," he said. "We have one more stop to make tonight."
Killian led the way to a boat on the river Seine. He handed the captain some money and thanked him for allowing them to have the boat to themselves.
Killian helped Emma into the boat. They sat down on a padded bench. Emma moved close to Killian, as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders.
"Where are we going? This was not on the itinerary," she said with a smile.
"You're not the only one who can plan things, you know," he said. "I was planning on proposing to you at that wall the minute you showed me your itinerary."
Emma smiled. "You were?"
"Aye. Don't worry, love. I think you will approve of this little detour."
The boat began its journey down the river. Emma laid her head on Killian's shoulder, enjoying his warmth. The stars and Paris lights twinkled on the water. Emma noticed them glisten off her ring. She really looked at it for the first time. It had a three carat princess cut diamond with two white gold hearts holding it in place. It was almost as gorgeous as the man who had given it to her.
They enjoyed the ride in silence, a soft breeze blowing around them. Emma never thought she would be able to feel comfortable sitting in silence with someone, but she did with Killian.
"This is it," Killian said, raising his arm to point.
Emma lifted her head and looked at where he was pointing. It was a bridge.
"It's the Pont Marie," he said.
"I didn't see it last time I was here," she said.
"Do you know the legend?" he asked.
Emma shook her head. "No."
"Legend says that if you kiss the person next to you and make a wish while passing beneath it then you'll be granted everlasting love."
Emma smiled. "I think I already got my wish."
Killian grinned as they began to pass under the bridge. "As have I. But I thought it would be a perfect way to end a perfect night and a brilliant way to start our life together."
Emma nodded, her smile widening. "I couldn't agree more."
Then she lifted her head and he lowered his lips to hers. They parted a moment later and Emma placed her head back on Killian's shoulder, as they came out the other side.
Emma felt a smile pull at her lips at the symbolism. They had come out on the other side stronger than ever and ready to begin a future together that was full of possibilities.
…...The End…...…...
Thanks for reading the story! I hope you liked the end! I'd appreciate any feedback you'd like to give! ~Steph