Title: The Santa Sub

Author: Steph

Rating: G

Pairing: Hook/Emma

Characters: Hook & Emma

Category: Romance/Humor/Drama

Disclaimer: I do this out of a love for this couple. No infringement is intended.

Spoilers: Nope!

Summary: Emma Swan is the new event coordinator for Macy's and it's her first year organizing the Thanksgiving Day Parade. When the man who usually plays Santa in the parade has a heart attack one week before the event, Emma is forced to replace him with the CEO's son, Killian Jones.

Note: This is the last part. Thanks for the responses to the story and for reading. Hope you enjoy it! ~Steph

...The Santa Sub: Part 6/6...

It was Christmas Eve and a light snow had begun to fall. Emma made her way to the Rockefeller Christmas tree. She had been visiting it every day. It helped her feel closer to Killian.

They had been able to keep in touch through email, texts, calls, and Facetime. She could see something in him changing. He seemed content and like he had a purpose for the first time. Emma was happy for him, but still missed him terribly.

She had been hoping they could spend Christmas together. Every Christmas she had ever experienced had been dismal, except for the one with the family who had taken her to see the store window displays. She was always made to feel like an outsider or left all alone. As an adult, she figured it was easier to act like Christmas was just another day rather than face the pain of spending another one alone. But this year, she had Killian and her heart ached knowing she would still be alone this Christmas.

Emma watched the lights on the tree twinkle before her as the snow began to fall harder. She heard footsteps behind her, but didn't pay them any attention.

"Ah, we meet again," she heard come from behind her.

Just like at the airport, she was almost afraid to turn around. By the time she did, Killian had already closed the distance between them and was pulling her into his arms to kiss her. Emma sighed into the kiss, as she threaded her fingers through his hair and deepened it.

When they pulled back, she smiled at him. "I can't believe you're here."

"You didn't think I'd miss our first Christmas together, did you?" he asked.

Emma liked the sound of the word 'first'. It implied they had many Christmases in their future together.

"I missed you like crazy," she said.

"I missed you, too," he replied with a grin.

Emma smiled. "I have a surprise for you."

Killian arched his brow. "I'm intrigued."

She took his hand in hers. "Come on."

With that, she led the way out of Rockefeller Center.

...

Killian stopped in his tracks when they reached his father's penthouse.

"Why are we here?" he asked worriedly.

"Well, it is Christmas Eve and I'm sure your father would like to see you."

"I'm not sure I'm ready for that," he said.

Emma squeezed his hand. "Trust me, it's okay."

Killian nodded slowly as they made their way inside and found Mr. Jones in the library.

"Killian," he said, clearly surprised by his presence.

"Merry Christmas, Father."

"Merry Christmas, son."

They stood in awkward silence for a few long moments, until his father broke it.

"Emma told me about the work you've been doing in the Dominican. I'm proud of you."

Killian's eyes widened. He had never heard his father say that to him before. "Thank you."

Emma smiled. "Mr. Jones, why don't you tell Killian about the idea we came up with?"

Killian eyed them both with cautious interest. "What idea?"

"It's really more of a job offer," his father said.

Killian shook his head. "I appreciate it, Father, but I told you that I do not wish to work for you. That hasn't changed."

Emma rubbed her hand down his forearm. "Killian, I think you may change your mind when you hear what he has to say. Just give him a chance."

Killian sighed, but nodded. "Go on."

Mr. Jones cleared his throat nervously. "Emma told me how much you have enjoyed your work in the Dominican. It is evident to me that helping others is where your heart lies. So, Emma and I discussed it and we came up with an idea. As you know, at the end of every season, we have a great deal of excess inventory. Normally, some of this inventory is discounted, while some of it is sold to discount retailers. Well, Emma and I would like you to run a new division. A charitable one. I want you to take this excess inventory and donate it instead. Clothes and shoes to the poor. Toys to group homes. Home goods to shelters and low income families. You can put that business degree to use, Killian, while still helping others."

Killian shook his head in disbelief, as he looked at Emma. "You came up with this together?"

Emma nodded. "Your father came up with the idea actually. I just helped flesh it out."

"It's amazing," he whispered softly. "But financially it doesn't make sense, Father. You will be losing a great deal of money."

"Some things are more important than money," Mr. Jones said. "Your mother would have adored this idea, Killian."

"Yes, she would have," he agreed.

Mr. Jones went on. "She loved helping others. I think you reminded me too much of her. I have spent years using her memory as an excuse to push you away. I sincerely apologize for that."

Killian stared at his father in disbelief. "Thank you," he whispered.

"Now I would like to honor your mother's memory instead. If you agree, I was hoping we could call the division Helen's Helping Hand," he added.

Killian bobbed his head. "I love it."

Emma smiled. "There's more. Since you're going to need help, I will be operating the division with you. Your father felt that with your business sense and my organizational ability that we would make a great team. I couldn't agree more."

Killian shook his head. "But what about your job? You just got promoted and you worked so hard to get where you are, Emma. I can't ask you to give that up for me."

"You're not. I'm offering. Belle will be taking over my job. She has worked just as long and just as hard as I have. She deserves it. Look, Killian, I love my job, but I don't feel like I am making a difference. I would with this. I was a less fortunate kid and I have a lot in my life now. I want to give back." She paused for a long moment. "Unless you don't want to work with me."

"Are you mad? I would love nothing more." He paused and then added with a grin, "Although you will have to learn how to take orders from me."

Emma laughed. "We'll see about that."

Mr. Jones looked at his son. "Does that mean you accept the job?"

Killian nodded and extended his hand to shake his father's. "I do. Thank you for the opportunity, Father."

Mr. Jones responded with a smile and a nod of his head.

Emma pulled Killian to her in a hug and whispered, "This is the best Christmas I could have hoped for."

Killian smiled. "I couldn't agree more. Merry Christmas, love."

"Merry Christmas, Killian," she said, as he placed a kiss to her lips.

Mr. Jones used their preoccupation with each other to discreetly slip out and give them their privacy.

Killian pulled back and met Emma's gaze. "I love you," he whispered.

A smile lit up Emma's face. "I love you too, Killian," she replied.

He returned her smile and then kissed her again.

...

...One Year Later...

"Can you believe it's been a year already?" Emma asked, as she watched Killian get ready.

"Best year of my life," he said, as he winked at her in the mirror.

Helen's Helping Hand had been a resounding success. It had even inspired other companies to donate some of their excess inventory to them. Killian and Emma made an excellent team and loved working together everyday.

Emma came up behind him and attempted to wrap her arms around him, but the fat suit made that impossible. Following Leon's heart attack, he decided to retire from being Santa. Killian was glad to officially take over the Santa position.

Killian laughed at her attempt and turned around, pulling her into his arms and pressing a kiss to her lips.

A moment later, a harried Belle appeared in the doorway to the dressing room.

"Will you two give it a rest already? Killian, it's time for you to take your position," she said.

Killian placed a kiss to Emma's temple. "See you at the finish line, love."

Emma smiled as she watched him go. She then walked over to her best friend who looked like she was about to have a panic attack.

She placed her hands on her shoulders and spoke calmly, "Breathe, Belle. Everything is fine. You've done a great job organizing this."

"I learned from the best," she said with a smile.

Emma pulled her in for a hug. "I think we both ended up exactly where we're supposed to be."

Belle nodded and took a deep breath. "Okay, it's showtime. Ready or not."

With that, they left the dressing room.

...

The parade went off without a hitch and Emma thought it was the best one in years. She stood at the end awaiting Killian's arrival. A smile spread across her lips as he came into sight. He immediately found Emma in the crowd and grinned at her.

Killian gave his Ho Ho Ho's as the float came to a stop. He waved at the children until the crowd slowly thinned out. Emma made her way to the float and climbed up.

"You're a pro at this now," she said.

He smiled at her. "Well, I was trained very well."

Emma laughed. Killian turned toward her, his expression suddenly becoming serious. He took her hands in his.

"What's wrong?" she asked, growing worried.

"Nothing's wrong. Everything is very right and it's because of you. I love you, Emma."

A smile spread across her face. She never tired of hearing him say those words to her. "I love you, too, Killian."

A grin pulled at his lips, as he stared into her eyes. "So, I was thinking it gets pretty lonely up there at the North Pole. I was thinking I could use a Mrs. Claus."

Emma felt her breath catch in his chest, as she watched him get down on one knee.

Emma looked around and suddenly realized they weren't alone. A few of the stragglers were staring at them.

"What are you doing?" she whispered.

Killian pulled a velvet ring box out of his pocket, opened it, and held it up to her. "Emma Swan, I can't imagine my life without you. You are the best thing that has ever happened to me. Would you do me the great honor of marrying me?"

Emma's mouth hung open. She was speechless. Suddenly, the small crowd, which thankfully did not include any confused children, started chanting. "Say yes to Santa! Say yes to Santa!"

Killian chuckled and gestured with his head at them. "I'd listen to them if I were you."

Emma finally recovered from her shock and a smile spread across her lips. "Of course I'll marry you, Killian!"

The crowd cheered, as his lips spread into a grin. Emma bent down, cupped his face and kissed him, giggling as the beard tickled her. When they parted, he pulled the ring out of the box. Emma held her trembling hand out as he slipped it onto her finger.

"It's beautiful," she breathed, mesmerized by the princess cut diamond.

"It was my mother's," he said, tears filling his eyes.

Emma lifted her hand and stroked his cheek. "I am honored. Thank you. I love you so much, Killian. I can't wait to be your wife."

Killian smiled, as he stood up and pulled her to him for another kiss. As they kissed, they both had one thought. They were so grateful for second chances. This year would surely be a Christmas to remember.

...The End...

Thanks for reading! Hope you enjoyed it! ~Steph