Author's Note: I don't own OUAT. I hope you all like these two scenes.
Emma slid her sunglasses down over her eyes as she sat down next to Sophie on the picnic blanket. It was an unusually warm spring day, so the Swan-Jones family decided to have a picnic at the local park. Emma sat Liam in between her legs as Killian arrived with a cooler full of sandwiches, chips, water, juice, and cookies. He unloaded the food before taking his place next on Sophie's other side. Emma took a few minutes to observe her little family as Killian handed Sophie a turkey sandwich before digging one out for himself. He handed Emma Liam's squash baby food, snapping her out of her staring. She started feeding the baby and waiting for her friends to arrive.
As the family was eating, the Nolans arrived. Baby Leo was three months old now and just about the cutest baby ever, besides hers, of course. David carried his carrier over and set it down next to Emma and Liam. Liam was giggling as his best friend arrived. He loved Leo, always doting after him as only another baby could – pulling his arms and rubbing his hair. The baby had his mother's dark hair and his father's light eyes. Emma leaned down to pick Leo up, smiling to herself. She missed having a baby. Liam was so grown up now, learning to walk and talk – he was "obviously advanced" according to Killian. As Emma retrieved and cuddled her godson, she took in the scent of baby emanating off of him. She would never tire of that smell. Her baby was growing up, as was Sophie, and Emma couldn't help but want another baby. It was too soon, though, and she knew it. But that didn't stop the panging in her heart when she looked at her children growing up right before her or her dreams of another baby.
"Mmmm," Liam mumbled, trying to get his aunt's attention as she unloaded her and David's lunches. He aimlessly thrust his pudgy little arm towards Mary Margaret. As the woman settled down on the picnic blanket, Liam crawled into his godmother's lap, laughing when she blew him kisses. Emma laughed loudly at her son's antics. He was such a Killian Junior. Such a little ladies man. Sophie spent lunch filling the Nolans in on her latest soccer game ("Football, Swan" was all that Emma could remember Killian shouting from his place on the sideline – apparently, correcting her was more important than coaching). Following lunch, Killian, David, and Sophie went to play Frisbee while Mary Margaret and Emma stayed with the babies.
"So, how's everything going?" Mary Margaret asked as she bounced Liam on her knee. It had been a couple weeks since the women had been alone together. Having families tended to absorb a ton of time.
"Great, I started working a couple days a week at the Center… Archie lets me bring Liam in with me. It's been nice to work with the kids again. What about you guys?"
Mary Margaret smiled brightly. "We're great! Leo got his shots on Friday, and he was such a champ. I went into school this week, did Sophie tell you? I checked in on the class and the substitute, Ingrid, she's awesome. We went out to lunch after – it was great. I miss being in the classroom, but I'm glad I'll have the whole summer with Leo, ya know?" Emma nodded. "David's been busy down at the Sheriff's Office… Oh, I didn't tell you. Sheriff Humbert is retiring and he wants David to take over for him!"
"Oh my goodness! That's amazing!" Emma yelled and lunged over for a hug, thrilled for her best friends. Just then, Tink arrived, dragging a talk, brunette man behind her.
"What's amazing?" Tink asked.
"David's being promoted," Mary Margaret replied, eyeing Tink's companion. "And you are…?"
"Oh, Mary Margaret, Emma, this is my, uh, boyfriend, Peter. Peter, this is Killian's girlfriend Emma and her best friend Mary Margaret." The duo shook the man's hand and exchanged pleasantries. Emma felt herself getting nervous. How would Killian react to Tink moving on? It had been years since Liam's death, but as far as Emma knew, Tink hadn't dated at all. At least she never mentioned anybody to Killian or Emma. And now she was bringing a boyfriend along for a family picnic? Emma knew it must be serious. While she was thinking, Killian abandoned Frisbee and came over to give Tink a hug. He glanced curiously at Peter before meeting Emma's gaze.
"Killian," Tink mumbled as they separated. Killian moved to stand near Emma. Tink was biting her lower lip, clearly nervous. "This is Peter. We've been dating for a while. I hope you don't mind that I brought him along." She looked down at the floor and shifted on her feet. It was rare to see Tink so nervous, but Emma knew how important it was for Killian to approve and be okay with her moving on after Liam. She reached for Killian's hand, squeezing it tightly as he stood silently for a few moments. It was her silent way of giving him all of the support that he needed. Suddenly, he smiled. A genuine, kind smile. Liam would be proud, Emma thought.
"It's nice to meet you, mate. Care to play some Frisbee?" he said, offering his right hand to the other man, who shook it eagerly.
"Sure," Peter said with a smile, following Killian out to the field. Tink grabbed Liam and did their usual routine, swinging him around while he giggled and kicked his legs. When she put him down, he dizzily hobbled over to his mother, planting himself on her crossed legs. Emma kissed his head and sighed contentedly. She was happy, her family was happy, and her friends were happy. Life was good.
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It was early fall when Killian decided that it was time. Liam was a year and a half old, Sophie had just had her seventh birthday party, and his relationship with Emma was stronger than ever. So, one weekend when Neal and his girlfriend, Tamara, were visiting, he asked if the two would be willing to babysit overnight so that he and Emma could go away, to a small cabin that Tink's boyfriend, Peter, had in the wilderness a few hours from town. Of course, Neal was more than willing to watch his sister and de-facto little brother.
When he approached Emma, he honestly had no idea if she would say yes to the trip. They had never been away from Liam for more than a few hours, and definitely never so far away. When she said yes, with a laugh and an eye roll at his surprise, he was thrilled. Packing had been difficult, as Liam kept crawling in the suitcase and crying. They had tried to explain to him that Mama and Daddy weren't leaving forever, that they were just going away for a couple of days, but at 18 months old he had no concept of that. Finally, Neal took him to the guesthouse to play, away from the packing, to distract him. Sophie wasn't thrilled either. After what had happened to the Golds, she was always insecure about her parents going away. But she settled after Emma promised that they would be back to take Sophie to the zoo on Sunday afternoon. Overall, leaving the house was by far the most difficult part of the trip.
As they drove to the cabin, Killian found himself singing along to ridiculous boy band songs from the early 2000s and smiling as Emma danced in the passenger seat. It had been so long since he'd seen her so carefree. Killian, on the other hand, was a nervous wreck. This was the moment he'd been waiting for… and he was bloody terrified. When they pulled up to the cabin, he couldn't help but chuckle as Emma bolted from the car and entered the cabin, exploring the home with intense interest. Her excitement over the little things, an innocence she kept from missing so many childhood experiences, never failed to entertain him. Killian unloaded their bags and made sure that the ring was still safely in his toiletry bag before joining Emma on the back deck. The cabin was lakefront; the deck overlooked the lake and the adjoining woods. It was a picturesque view.
Emma pulled out her camera before taking pictures of the scenery. "Come here," she beckoned to him. When he stood next to her and wrapped his arms around her waist, she decided to take a selfie, capturing the moment beautifully.
"We should definitely bring the kids here sometime, if Peter is okay with it," Emma said. Their children were outdoorsy, always choosing to play outside in the fresh air. Killian was especially diligent in ensuring that he instilled a love of nature in them. He regularly took them hiking, swimming in the ocean and lakes, and on picnics.
"Definitely…" Killian agreed, snuggling close to Emma. She turned in his arms to face him.
"I think I'm going to take a short nap, if that's okay. I've been so exhausted."
Killian kissed Emma's forehead, his lips lingering. That worked perfectly into his plan. "Of course, love. I will get dinner started. Tink assured me that all of the linens and towels are clean. I'll come get you when dinner is ready." She nodded and kissed him chastely before turning to go upstairs. Killian immediately set to work. He set up the outside table with candles, flowers, and dinnerware. Then he fired up the grill and made some steaks that he'd asked Peter to stock up, knowing they were Emma's favorite. Within the hour, everything was set up and he went to wake Emma from her nap.
When he entered the master bedroom, Killian saw Emma fast asleep on top of the covers, still wearing the sweatshirt and tee she'd traveled in. She was curled in a ball, head resting on her arms and a golden halo of hair framing her face. He kneeled next to the bed so that his face was level to hers. "Emma love, it's time to wake up. Our meal awaits." She didn't stir. "Emma," he said again, shaking her lightly. She sighed deeply before her eyes flickered open.
"Huh?" she asked, wiping her eyes.
"Dinner is ready. Come, love." Seeing Emma made his heart beat faster and his anxiety revive itself. As she crawled out of bed, he took her hand in his own and led her to the deck. She gasped quietly as she saw it, gripping his hand even tighter.
"You did all of this for me?" she asked in a near whisper.
"Aye," Killian responded. She leaned into him, pressing a quick kiss to his cheek.
"It's beautiful." Killian had to admit that with the sun setting and the scenery, it looked like he and Emma had walked into a painting. Perfect, he thought as he pulled Emma's seat out for her. As he served the food, he took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves. He was quiet during the meal. Well, quiet for him. Emma looked at him with a gleam in her eye.
"Good food, beautiful location, and my boyfriend is being silent. What's up? Am I that boring?" she asked teasingly.
"Nothing, love. Just tired I guess. Are you enjoying yourself?"
"Of course! This was such a great idea, Killian. We never got to go on that boat trip when I was pregnant…" she trailed off, probably realizing that she just brought up their previous separation. But Killian wasn't affected. That was in the past and it was just that, the past. He was more concerned about their future.
"Aye, I thought you would enjoy this. You deserve it Emma, you work so hard and do so much. And maybe one day, when we are old and grey and our kids are in college, we'll finally have time to take a yacht trip."
Emma laughed softly. "Yeah, maybe." Killian relaxed a bit, savoring the alone time with Emma that was so rare with two children and careers and responsibilities. By the end of the meal, he was mentally prepared. He watched as Emma got up, moving to the railing of the deck and looking over the stunning view of blue water and vibrant green trees. Killian joined her silently, getting down on one knee before tugging on her hand to get her attention.
When Emma turned around, he couldn't help but smile. A momentary look of confusion was quickly wiped away and replaced by a thousand watt, totally Emma smile. Her right hand went over her mouth and she stared at him wide-eyed.
"Emma Swan, I've loved you since the moment I met you. I know we had an… unconventional start, but we are stronger for it. We have built an amazing life together and I can't imagine my life without you by my side. You're the best mother, lover, and support system I could ask for. Would you marry me?" Emma started nodding frantically as tears fell down her cheeks.
Killian gathered her left hand in his and placed the delicate platinum band on her ring finger. "It's amazing," she whispered, staring at her hand.
"It was my mother's. She told me to give it to my one true love. I never took it out of the safety deposit box at the bank. Not until you."
Emma stared at him as he raised himself to his feet again. "Not even with Milah?" she asked, surprised.
"No, love. Only you. You're the only woman I've ever imagined my future with." With that, Emma lunged at him, wrapping her thin arms around his neck and running her fingers through the hair on the nape of his neck. He pulled her closer and sighed with relief. He'd done it. He'd finally asked. And she'd said yes. She was going to marry him. He growled as she pushed herself closer to him. He lifted her up, wrapping her legs around his waist and holding her up by the ass. She pulled away, bringing a hand up to his cheek.
"I love you," she breathed out, tracing the scar above his scruff.
"I love you too, Emma. So much," Killian replied.
"You proposed to me while I was wearing sweatpants and a tee-shirt," Emma complained, wrapping herself around him even further.
"And you've never looked better than you do in sweatpants and a tee-shirt with that ring on your finger," Killian assured her. She leaned close to kiss him deeply. Pulling away slightly, she sighed.
"Take me to bed, Killian," she commanded. And he had never been so happy to oblige.