Chapter 18

AN: Thank you so much to every for reviewing! I have to give a special thanks to Natalie for editing my story. You're the best! This chapter is named 'Almost Paradise' by Eric Carmen and Ann Wilson.

Killian slowly woke up to the feeling of Emma running her fingertips over his cheek. "I don't think you have any idea how much I love you, Killian," she whispered to him, unaware that he was awake.

"Back at you, love," Killian replied, his eyes fluttering open to see his wife propped up on her elbow, staring at him.

Nervousness ran through her, wondering if he would be angry with her today. After all, he'd been furious and hurt about her calling out for Graham in her sleep few nights ago ― and she had kissed Graham with him in the room. He had to be furious with her after having time to ponder it.

"Killian, I'm sorry if I hurt you ― I do love you." She bent her head down, placing tender kisses on his chest while her hands gently stroked his dark chest hair.

"Love, please look at me." Killian pulled her up so she could see love and anger in his eyes. "I meant every word I said last night." He leaned in, kissing her softly on the lips before pulling away to look into her green eyes and running his fingers over her right cheek. "I didn't know how empty and miserable my life had become, only caring about revenge and myself. I didn't think I could...until you came along, reminding me that I can."

Emma shook her head at him. "You did the same for me," she rasped, cupping his cheeks while taking a deep breath. "That night I met you in the woods, I was on my way to jump off a cliff," Emma confessed, making her husband's blue eyes grow wide. "The pain and loss grew stronger every second I spent without Graham and my baby ― I couldn't take either anymore."

"Why didn't you jump after you left me in the woods?" Killian questioned, unsure of why she had changed her mind.

"You," Emma breathed out, seeing the stunned look in his eyes. "The moment I laid eyes on you, I felt we had a connection ― and I hadn't felt connected to anyone, not even my parents, after I lost Elizabeth."

"Do you regret not jumping? You would have been reunited with Graham and Elizabeth, lass." Killian knew he shouldn't ask, but he couldn't help himself.

"No. I cannot image my life without you, Killian. You're my husband, my family, and my home." Emma lovingly smiled at Killian, seeing relief and happiness flooding over his handsome face.

"Would you ever consider expanding our family?" Killian asked in a voice so low that she barely heard it. His eyes were taking in the surprised look on her face ― he was unsure of what to think about her reaction. The words had come out of his lips before he could stop them, but he needed to know.

"You want children?" Emma whispered, trying to grasp the fact Killian would want children in the first place.

"Aye, I do...with you," he replied, pausing. "Do you want children with me?" He hadn't been completely sure until he saw Emma's daughter and fell under her spell instantly. She made him wonder what his children with Emma would look like, and he found the idea of it more thrilling then frightening.

Emma nodded at him slowly, unable to speak because she was overwhelmed by the fact that Killian wanted children with her. The idea of having child again would have scared her to death before last night, but now she felt at peace, having met her daughter. "We should wait until Rumpelstiltskin isn't a threat anymore," she said, finally finding her voice as her fingertips brushed over his jawline.

A wide grin crossed Killian's lips, feeling excited she felt the same way he did. His eyes ran over her body down to her abdomen, reaching out to rest his hand on her flat stomach. "I must admit ― the idea of your belly swollen with my child brings me more joy than I thought possible," he whispered as Emma's hand covered his on her stomach.

"Well, I guess we will need to go to another realm instead of Neverland ― after we visit Tinkerbell ― since we are trying to have a baby," Emma said, watching Killian raise his head up and look at her with euphoria, which she knew was mirrored in her own eyes.

"You know what they say, darling?" he asked with a large smirk on his face. Emma raised a brow, grinning at him. "Practice makes perfect," he winked.

Emma laughed, shaking her head at him. "Shut up and take me, Captain." Killian chuckled before pressing his lips to hers while she unbuttoned his shirt slowly.

Killian felt his heart soar at knowing that Emma wanted to have children with him, kissing her reverently and needing to show her how much she meant to him. He had never thought he would ever feel whole or have love in his life. Yet here he was: whole, happy, and loved.

They made quick work of getting their clothes off, only pulling away from each other's lips to get their shirts off or to catch their breaths. They softly caressed each other, wanting to explore every inch of their bodies. Killian reluctantly tore his lips away from his wife before hovering above her, looking down as he slowly pushed inside her. Emma let out a soft moan, her eyes shining with bliss and wonder as her arms wrapped around his waist and her hands ran up his back.

A groan of pleasure left him once he was fully inside of her, a feeling of contentment rushing over him on being joined with Emma. "I love you," he softly whispered to her before kissing her, slowly pulling out of her and getting a whimper of protest from Emma. He pushed back inside her again, setting a slow unhurried pace and mesmerized by the ecstasy on Emma's beautiful face.

"I love you, Killian," Emma moaned, her lips finding his to kiss him lovingly while she let her magic run through them.

Above Deck

Juliet approached Captain Jack, who was propped up against the railing of the ship, downing a large decanter of rum while looking out at the water. "Captain Jack, are you alright?" She put her hand on his shoulder. He stumbled, catching himself on the railing before turning to look at her.

"I'm just enjoying my drinking rum," Jack slurred, his dark eyes glazed over from intoxication. "Would you care to have a drink with me?" he asked, giving her a leering stare before chugging down more rum.

"I'll have a drink with you," Juliet replied, not really wanting to drink but hoping it would give her the courage to ask what the hell happened last night ― she'd heard Emma's loud sobbing and pleading for a man named Graham not to leave her. She reached out for the decanter of rum, but Jack pulled it away, shaking his head.

"This is my rum. You can drink from this." Jack stumbled again, reaching into his coat and pulling out his flask. He thrust it into her hands, regaining his footing.

"Thank you." She nodded, opening it and taking a small sip of rum. "Do you want to talk about what has gotten you drunk this early in the morning?" She raised a brow at him.

"I'm a pirate, lass. We enjoy our rum no matter what time it is," he chuckled, continuing to down the rum. "Anyhow, you don't have the right to question me ― I'm the Captain, I'm in charge of this ship."

"Yes, Captain." She handed him the flask back into his free hand. "I'll leave you to your rum." She walked away from him, not in the mood to deal with the very inebriated pirate captain.

Despite the knowledge that she shouldn't develop feelings for Jack, she was growing attached to him. He was the first man who had offered to save her from the life of a tavern wench without conditions ― except for respecting Emma's relationship with Captain Hook, but she had been only after Hook for freedom. Once she stopped her pursuit of Captain Hook, she was able to see he would only have eyes for Princess Emma. The notorious womanizing pirate captain had married Emma, for love and not fortune ― it was very obvious to everyone on the ship, besides the dimwitted prince.

"Don't mind, Captain Sparrow," Gibbs said, walking up to her. "He'll sober up in a few hours and seek you out. He's close to gaining a goal which he's worked hundreds of years to obtain."

"I might be a tavern wench, but I'm not an idiot. I'm aware of the fact my presence in his life is only temporary. But I do appreciate your attempt to make me feel better, thank you." She nodded, walking off to the cabin she shared with the other girls aboard.

Captain's quarters

Emma snuggled into Killian's chest, basking in the afterglow of their lovemaking. This had been the first time they had kept the pace of their coupling slow and unhurried, able to fully enjoy burning passion and not lose control of their lust. She kissed the place on his chest over his heart. "You're amazing," she smiled, resting her chin on his chest and looking up into his blue eyes.

"You're magical." Smiling, he took one of her hands in his and raised it to his lips, kissing her fingertips. "I wouldn't mind spending every second I have left in my life, laying naked in bed with my beautiful wife."

"Mm, that sounds like a great plan," Emma agreed, her eyelashes fluttering as he placed a kiss on the palm of her hand. "I have a present for you." His eyes lit up from delight, lacing her fingers through his.

"I love presents," he purred, trying to pull Emma's face up to his lips, but she rolled out of his arms and off the bed. "I've changed my mind, Emma. The only gift I want is to ravish you again," he protested, watching her walk over to her satchel and bending down to reach inside it. "On second thought..." His eyes ran over her bare form, licking his bottom lip and starting to get out of bed.

Emma found the items she'd searched for in her bag, turning around to see her husband moving off the bed. "No, stay in bed and close your eyes!" she exclaimed, holding the item in her hands behind her back.

"I usually don't take orders from anyone on my ship, but since it's from my very stunning, naked wife, I'm up for it," he winked, earning an eye roll from Emma. He moved back on the bed, closing his eyes after his head was propped up against a pillow on the headboard of the bed.

Emma tiptoed over to the bed, stopping short on seeing Killian open his eyes a bit. "Hey, no peeking," she ordered, making him chuckle. Climbing on the bed, she moved over him and straddled his hips, his hands moving immediately to grip them. "No touching." She smacked his left hand in warning and then took it in hers.

"You expect me to keep my hands off my naked lass ― who, in addition, is straddling me. Sorry, darling, but I'm not sure I can follow your rules for very long. It's too hard." He stressed the last part, thrusting his hips up to rub his hardness against Emma, getting a soft whimper of pleasure from her. He started to repeat this action when he felt her sliding a ring down his ring finger, which caused him to stop.

"You can open your eyes, Killian," her soft voice called out. They opened, his gaze setting on the simple gold ring resting on his finger. "I know it's not much, compared to your rings..." Killian cut her off by kissing her deeply.

"I love it," he said, smiling at Emma. "Though I must ask when you found the time to get me a ring..." He raised a brow, wondering where she had taken it from.

"I kind of...stole it from my family's treasure room. It's Will Turner's wedding band...and I thought that since he was a pirate, you might like it." She looked down at the blankets on the bed, her cheeks flushed.

Killian's warm laughter filled the room, and he leaned in to kiss her on the forehead. "You're bloody brilliant, love," he told her, tilting her chin up so he could look into her eyes. "Wait, did you plan on proposing to me before you even left the castle?" Happiness and smugness were flickering in Killian's eyes at the idea of Emma planning the proposal before she had even found him.

"Um, I..." She stumbled over her words, seeing a satisfied smirk on her husband's lips. "Fine, maybe it was somewhere in the back of my mind. I knew my father wouldn't be happy with me choosing you, but I couldn't lose you," she huffed, annoyed by his arrogance and crossing her arms over her chest. "Are you happy now?"

"Elated, actually," he remarked, pressing his lips to hers and kissing her passionately while rolling her under him on the bed. The loud growl of Emma's stomach made him pull away from her. "Darling, let's get you some food." He helped her out of bed and they dressed, making their way down the hall of the ship.

The muffled sound of a girl crying stopped Emma in her tracks. "I'll meet you in a few minutes." Emma received a look of hesitation from Killian. "Trust me, I'll be fine." She rose up on her tiptoes, kissing him on the lips.

Killian nodded, walking off to get Emma sustenance and to check in on his crew. Emma knocked on the cabin door softly. "May I come in?" she asked through the door, waiting for an answer.

A few moments later, the door opened, revealing Juliet wiping away her tears. "Princess, you don't have to check on me ― after how I treated you, I do not deserve it." She sniffled as Emma shook her head at her.

"If you would have touched my husband, then that would have been a different story. Our history is clean, in my opinion," Emma smiled. "May I come in?" she repeated.

"Yes," Juliet answered finally, moving to the side to let Emma enter the cabin and shutting the door behind her.

"I didn't pick this life for myself. My parents were killed when I was twelve, and I was sent to the tavern to work off my parents' debts." Juliet saw Emma's eyes tear at hearing her story, and it stunned her. She hadn't expected a princess to sympathize with her. "I've dreamed about escaping every day for the past thirteen years. I've thought marrying a successful man is the only way to get out of the life of being a whore...that in order to get out of it, you have to be willing to do anything to get it. It's a hard habit to break," she explained, sitting down on her bed as Emma sat down next to her, taking her hand in hers.

"If you want freedom, then I can offer it to you. I'll pay off your debt and you can start a new life in my kingdom. You will be free to live, work, and marry whomever you please," Emma offered, seeing tears stream down Juliet's face and her hand shake in hers.

"Why are you being so kind to me?" Juliet rasped, trying to figure out why Emma would be forgiving when she had tried to steal Killian away.

Emma felt tears running down her own cheeks. "It could have been me born into your life. My mother taught me not to judge someone when I can't fully understand the circumstances of their lives and to put myself in their shoes." Emma squeezed her hand, giving her a small smile. "I'd want someone to give me chance at a life that is one of my choosing."

"It sounds wonderful, but I don't have any money to start a new life or a way to repay you, Princess." Juliet voice cracked ― she was so close to freedom, but it was still beyond her reach.

"First of all, please call me 'Emma'. Secondly, my parents always need help with work in the castle. You may choose from the many jobs at the castle, as well lodging. As for repaying me, you can do that by being happy." The moment that last word left Emma's mouth, Juliet hugged her, crying tears of happiness.

"Thank you so much, Emma," Juliet sobbed, clinging to the princess and feeling so grateful to her for rescuing her from a life as a whore. "I will find a way to repay you. I swear it."

In that instant, Emma felt like a true royal for using her position in court to make a difference in someone's life. "Actually, I know a way you can help me," she whispered very softly. Juliet pulled away, her whole face lit up with joy.

"Yes, please just name it!" Juliet squealed, light shining in eyes that Emma had never seen in them until now. Emma bit her lip as her cheeks turned bright red. "Oh..." Juliet exclaimed once she had figured out it was her sexual experience she was inquiring about. "Please don't be embarrassed about asking me sex questions ― I'm a professional in that area, Emma."

"You were," Emma corrected, getting a huge grin from Juliet. It took all of Emma's courage to force the next few sentences out of her mouth. "I've only been with one other man besides Killian, and we were each other's first. My fiancé Graham didn't have anything to compare me to, but Killian has had lots of experience." Emma took a deep breath. "I, um, used my, um, mouth to you know on Graham, and he really seemed to like it. We were only together for a year before he was murdered. We waited three months to sleep together, even though after that we couldn't keep our hands off each other. My nine months of experience is nothing in comparison to Killian's hundreds of years," she babbled nervously, picking at her nails and humiliated to look at Juliet.

"There is nothing to be embarrassed about, Emma." Juliet's tone was understanding and reassuring, her voice convincing Emma to meet her gaze. "First of all, I'm sorry to hear about your fiancé." She patted Emma's hand, the gesture reminding her of her mother, who always did it when she was upset. "Secondly, your inexperience is nothing to be ashamed of. I'm sure Captain Jones is very happy to teach you everything he knows. Thirdly, I can definitely teach you some tricks to blow your husband's mind." Juliet waggled her eyebrows, making Emma join in her giggles.

Above Deck

"We're making good time on getting the prince back to his kingdom. It should only be two more days until we reach his kingdom," Smee informed his Captain, who nodded at him in approval.

"Watch where you're bloody going," Jack slurred loudly, barreling into a crewmen who looked frightened that he might be forced to walk the plank.

"I'm sorry, Captain Sparrow. You have my word I'll be sure to stay out of the way." The man bowed, scurrying off to the other side of the boat.

Killian approached his father, knowing that seeing the ghost of your dead lost love had to impact you. It had been heart-wrenching for Emma, and he personally never wanted to know what that felt like, because he wouldn't survive losing Emma. "I see you've had rum for breakfast," he drawled out, meeting his father's dark eyes. They were filled with despair and conflict. "Is there some danger that I should know of, father?" Killian asked, studying his father closely to see guilt flash briefly in his eyes.

"No. After the events of last night, I need to drink all my thoughts away," Jack lied, patting his son on the back. "Are you and the lass alright?" He had changed the subject, not wanting to give anything away until he decided what he was going to do for sure.

Killian knew his father was lying to him, but decided to keep that bit of information to himself. His father was fantastic at bluffing, but Killian's skills at spotting a liar were better than his father's ability to lie.

"We are bloody fantastic," Killian grinned, leaning in closer to his father and laying his hand on his shoulder. "Once the Dark One is gone, Emma and I will start working on creating our own family," he whispered, pausing. "Well, honestly, we've been doing that for awhile now." He smirked, unable to help himself from gloating. "I wouldn't be surprised if she were carrying my babe very soon, or perhaps she already is." The mischievous smirk was gone from his face, turning into a smile of happiness and excitement.

Jack's fingers loosened around the bottle of rum in his hands and it fell through the air, but Killian caught it quickly, looking at him questioningly. "That's fantastic, my lad." Jack grinned, feeling sick to his stomach at Killian's words. Dread ran over him that what Milah had showed him might come to pass if he didn't heed her warning. If it was true, he would not only murder his son's wife but also take the life of his grandchild. "I'm happy for you, Killian." He hugged him, patting him roughly on the back. "Rum?" he offered, holding out the bottle to him.

Killian took the decanter from him. "To family." He held up the decanter, taking a drink and then handing it back to him. Emma's laughter mixed with another girl's caused Killian to turn away from his father, surprised to see Emma and Juliet looking like best friends. "Emma, are you ready to eat?" he asked, happy that she and Juliet had put all their issues in the past. Bringing the girls on board for the men had been a risky move and very likely to upset his wife, but now she seemed happy about it.

"Yes, I'm starving." She grinned and then turned to Juliet. "Please join us for breakfast, Juliet. You too, Jack," Emma added, wrapping her arms around Killian's waist.

"I would be honored," Juliet smiled, appreciating and enjoying Emma's friendship.

"I'm having a liquid breakfast, but thanks for the offer," Jack slurred, unable to meet their eyes.

"Captain, please join us." Emma's sympathetic voice made his guilt to increase tenfold. If he avenged his love, he would be destined to end her life. "I know how it feels to..."

"NO, you have no clue!" Jack angrily spat out, rum fueling his anger ― the rage was easier to feel than the guilt. His outburst stunned everyone on the deck except his infuriated son, who moved in front of his wife protectively. "I spent over three hundred years mourning the loss of my love, enslaved on a ship and believing my lad was dead as well. I've never loved or cared for another. You fell into bed and married my son after a year of mourning, so do not tell me you understand."

The ship was deadly silent for only moments before Killian's hands, shaking with rage, reached out. He was enraged by his father's disrespect towards his wife and their relationship.