The excitement had eventually died down. The residents of Storybrooke went back to their normal lives, though possibly a little more exciting for some of the happily coupled, and Killian and Emma returned to a world where people no longer eyed them suspiciously, wondering what kind of fun THEY were having.

For something that had begun as a joke between them, the book had had more of an impact on their lives than Emma could ever have imagined. Though he never admitted as much, Emma knew that the generous cheque from the publishing company had been a source of great relief to Killian. Their partnership meant the world to him, and the day he had put a down payment on their harbourside cottage she had seen the pride in his eyes as a he contributed to his family's financial stability.

And when there was enough for him to no longer need to "borrow" a boat when he heard the call of the open seas, well that was an added bonus.

When they heard the news that he was now the proud author of a book at the top of the bestseller lists everywhere, Belle insisted she host a party in his honour at the library. He had missed the chance for book tours and autograph sessions – as had the ladies of the world, Ruby had joked – so it seemed only fitting that his friends and family would celebrate with him. After all, Storybrooke was always up for a party.

Emma and Killian walked arm in arm towards the library on the night of the party. She tucked her head into the crook of his neck and felt the grin spread across his face. She paused, and curled her arms around his neck, playing with the hair at the nape of his neck.

"Need a quiet moment before the onslaught, Swan?" he asked. She stretched up on her toes to kiss him softly then took his face in her hands. She looked intently into the eyes of the man who had stood behind her, beside her, every day since they met, realising that she hadn't ever told him how she felt about all of this.

"You know how proud I am of you, don't you?" she asked. He leaned in and placed a kiss on her forehead, the feather soft touch of his lips still making a flush of warmth spread down her spine even after all this time,

"Aye, Swan, that I do."

But she continued, regardless, "You wrote an amazing book, Killian, really something spectacular. I just got lost in it –"

At that opportunity, the devilish pirate made an unsurprising appearance. "I'm a hell of an author, Swan," he quipped, "And as for you getting lost in me…"

She slapped the back of his head playfully. "Seriously, pirate, I want you to know that the money thing was never an issue, but I am so proud to see you have this. And I have no idea what you will put that thesaurus of a brain of yours to next, but I know it will be amazing too."

He pulled her in close, her faith in him the best review he could ask for. She had more she wanted to say, but she decided to hold her peace. The moment would present itself.

"Better not keep your adoring public waiting any longer," she whispered.

The sign above the door was visible from a block away.

"Congratulations Captain Vocabulary."

When Emma realised what it said, she snorted. "I'm guessing Ruby didn't make that one," she quipped. Killian raised an eyebrow but said nothing. As they entered the library, they found themselves surrounded by family and friends, all quick to offer their congratulations on his success.

The champagne flowed and the room was filled with chattering voices. Killian was in his element here, and Emma could see what it meant to him to be accepted as part of this community. It was a long way from his first appearance in town and to see him here, joking and laughing with the people who now counted him among their number made her heart swell.

Belle called them to attention, the official part of the evening due to start. She called Killian to the makeshift stage and, one hand on his shoulder, she announced, "Ladies and gentlemen, we are here tonight to celebrate with our dear friend Killian. We may not have expected this turn of events, but there is no doubt that he is a most talented writer…" Here she was interrupted by a series of wolf whistles and cat calls from some of the rowdier guests, ably led by the doctor. Killian took a mock bow in response, his grin wide and full of bravado as Belle continued, "Yes, yes, we get it. As I was saying, Killian has written a fabulous book and we are so proud that the rest of this realm has seen that as well. So I ask you to charge your glasses to toast the good captain."

She raised her champagne glass and announced, "To Captain Fornication."

The assembled guests responded in kind – except each had chosen their own favourite title.

"Captain Sex Book." "Erotica." "Porno." "Smut." Killian threw his head back and laughed, pulling Emma into him so they could enjoy the moment together. He thanked them all profusely for their kindness and encouraged them to continue the festivities.

Sitting down next to his Swan, pulling her close again, he took a moment to just enjoy where he was in his life. A new career that he felt passionate about – he was mapping out a new book already – a home with Henry and his Princess, a seaworthy vessel to call his own. How Captain Hook had found himself a family man with roots firmly planted, he didn't know… but he was sure it had most to do with the woman beside him.

As if sensing his thoughts, Emma kissed him gently and spoke softly in his ear.

"Have you thought about your next book, Captain?" He began to answer but she silenced him with a finger on his lips. He looked at her quizzically, unable to read the expression on her face, which was certainly an unusual state of affairs.

"Because I was thinking you might like to try something a bit more family friendly? Something you could maybe read to OUR child?"

It took a moment for him to register her words and the way her hand rested gently on her stomach. His eyes widened as realisation dawned on him and he picked her up and spun her around, his joy at being a father knowing no bounds.

"Swan," he sighed, "You're a bloody marvel."