Note: Thanks for your responses to 'Proposal Interrupted' and the last part. Hope you enjoy this part! ~Steph

… True Love Waits: Part 6/8…

~Killian's POV~

I sit on the dock staring out at the water, the crisp night air blowing through my hair. I can't get Emma's face out of my head. I can still feel her lips on my cheek. I promised myself I would follow her lead. Her lead seems to be saying we have a chance. I suppose I have to hold onto that.

I hear the click of his heels on the wood before I hear his voice.

"Emma told me the water calms you."

I don't say a word. He sits down next to me. He stares straight ahead, eyes focused on the horizon as the sun sets.

"I proposed to Emma two and half years ago today," he says softly.

Bloody hell, I don't want to hear this. Why the devil is he here? Why is he telling me this?

He goes on. "It was a really hot day and we were at the park. Lia had been begging Emma for ice cream all day long. The ice cream truck stopped at the curb and I gave Lia money to get some ice cream. I watched her as she ran towards the truck, smiling and laughing. Then I looked at Emma. Her eyes were filled with such love for that little girl. I knew she would give her the world if she could. And I thought why shouldn't that child have the family she deserves?" He pauses and then says, "We were just friends, not even dating, but I said 'marry me'."

I look down at my hands. I'm not sure if he expects a response, but I can't seem to form any words.

His lips curl into a smile. "I think she probably thought I was crazy at first, but then she started to see how good we could be together. All three of us." His smile fades away. "I knew she wasn't in love with me, but I guess a part of me hoped that maybe someday..."

His voice trails off. He's silent for a few moments before turning to look at me. "I should have known I never had a chance. Dead or alive, she gave her heart away to you a long time ago."

I take a deep breath and finally find some words. "Why are you telling me all of this?"

"Because I heard you two tonight."

My eyes widen in shock. He goes on. "You're not the only one who imagined a future with Emma. I honestly thought we'd grow old together. It was enough for me to just be a part of her life, to get to love her." He lets out a breath. "But I know that's not possible now. I know I have to let her go."

I feel my heart begin to race at what he's just said. He's letting her go. I turn to look at him. His features are soft, but his eyes are clouded with emotion. I feel a strange combination of happiness, sadness, and guilt.

I lower my eyes. "I didn't do anything to try to break-..."

He nods. "I know you didn't. You didn't have to. I saw it in Emma's eyes the moment you came back. Hearing her with you just made me come to terms with it sooner rather than later."

He stops and smiles, his eyes taking on a faraway look. "I remember the first time I ever saw her. She had just been born and my father placed me in the wardrobe with her. He made me promise to take care of her. Once we landed in this world, I sought help at a diner. We ended up in the same foster home. I kept an eye on her. I remember making funny faces at her to soothe her when she cried." He pauses, as his smile fades. "But then I chose to leave with some of the other kids. I always regretted my decision and I tried to make up for it when I came back into her life years later. I guess I've always felt an obligation to look after Emma after I made that promise to my father. Maybe that's one of the reasons I proposed even though deep down I knew she would never return my feelings."

I stare at the broken man before me, knowing I am in some way responsible for his pain. And just when I feel overwhelmed with guilt for tearing his life apart he says…

"I'm a better man for having loved her and that little girl." He then meets my eyes. "Take care of them."

With that, he stands and walks away. I watch him go and realize for the first time that he's a better man than I am. He loves Emma enough to let her go.

…

~Emma's POV~

I sigh as I remove August's shaving cream from the medicine cabinet and place it in a box. I still can't believe this is happening.

I feel so conflicted. I know August is right. I'm still in love with Killian and it's not fair to August to act as if I'm not.

But we were a family. We were the only real family Lia's ever known. How can it just be over?

And now that it's over, how can I face my fears of losing Killian again and open my heart to him?

I hear her tiny voice and I'm thrown from my thoughts. I walk to the bathroom door and peer into the bedroom.

Lia is standing next to the bed, watching August pack his things.

"What are you doing? Are you going on a trip?"

I feel my heart drop. She's not supposed to be home. The babysitter must have dropped her off early. We've been trying to tell her for three weeks now, but we could never seem to find the words. And then it just seemed easier to have August move out and explain things after. I wonder now who we thought that would be easier for. It's clear we can no longer avoid the inevitable.

August looks down at her. "No, I'm not going on a trip."

Her brow furrows. "Then why are you packing all of your stuff?"

He looks down at his things and takes a deep breath. I know I should go out there. I know I should tell him with her. It's my place to do this. I'm her mother. But I can't seem to move from my spot.

He sits down on the bed and pulls her onto his lap.

"Lia, I have something to tell you. It's not going to be easy to hear, but you're a strong and brave little girl so I know you can handle it."

She nods, but her eyes betray her words. "I can take it."

He swallows hard. "I'm not going to be living here with you and Mommy anymore."

Her brow wrinkles. "What do you mean? Where are you going to live?"

"I'm going to live in an apartment."

"Why?"

"Because your mommy and I aren't going to be married anymore."

Her bottom lip starts to quiver and her chin begins to tremble. Tears spring to her eyes, but she blinks them back. I'm frozen in place. I can't find the courage to do what I know I should. I can't look into her eyes and know I put that pain there.

"I don't understand. Don't you love each other anymore?"

August nods. "Yes, we will always love each other."

"Then why can't you stay married?"

August sighs and shakes his head. "It's complicated."

Her eyes narrow. "That's grown-up talk for I-don't-want-to-explain-it-to-the-kid."

August chuckles, amazed at how wise beyond her years she is. "Yeah, pretty much."

She looks up at him, her eyes wide and her voice tiny. "It's because of him, isn't it?"

August looks down at her, but doesn't respond. She goes on. "It's because he came back."

"It's not that simple."

"Seems simple to me. He's not here, we're fine and happy. He's here, not fine and not happy."

She lowers her head then and a single tear rolls down her cheek. I squeeze my eyes shut, my own tears beginning to sting my eyelids. I open my eyes again. August wipes away her tear with his thumb.

"I know this is going to be hard, but we'll still see each other all the time. We'll go to the park and the library, just like we used to."

"That's what you say now, but then you'll get busy or get a new family. You'll forget about me," she whispers.

I feel my chest begin to tighten and my throat start to burn.

"Hey," August says, as he brings his thumb and forefinger up to her chin and tilts her head up to look at him. "That could never happen in a million years. You're unforgettable. You're my family, no matter where I live. I'll always make time for you. I love you. That will never change."

Her eyes narrow at him. "Mommy says you're really Pinocchio. How do I know you're not lying?"

He laughs and taps his nose. "Look at my nose. Does it look any bigger to you?"

She brings her hand up to his nose and examines it carefully. "No, looks about the same."

"See, then I'm telling you the truth," he says.

Lia folds her arms over chest.

"I hate him," she says softly.

August shakes his head, as I feel my heart sink into my stomach. "No, you don't. This isn't his fault. He loves you and your mommy, just like I do. I can't blame him for that. I understand that too well. This isn't anyone's fault, Lia. It's just the way it is."

She sticks her bottom lip out. "Well, it stinks."

August laughs. "Yeah, it does."

Then he places a kiss to her forehead and cradles her in his arms. And I realize for the first time that I may never see that again.

But, deep down, I realize I now have a chance to experience things with Killian and Lia that I thought were impossible. Moments like the ones we shared together on his ship a few weeks ago. As hard as it is watching Lia in pain, I have to hold onto that.

…

~Killian's POV~

I lie in my bed below deck thinking of Emma and Lia. Suddenly, I hear footsteps above me. I jump out of bed and grab my sword. Slowly, I climb the ladder, careful not to make a sound. I blink a few times as I make it above deck. I stare into the darkness, my sword before me.

"Do you have a TV on this thing?" I hear her voice come from behind me.

I spin around and slowly lower the sword as my eyes land on my daughter.

I release a breath. "Love, never sneak up on a pirate."

I'd be happy she came to see me if it weren't for the look in her eyes.

"What are you doing here?" I ask.

She gestures to the dock. "I needed to see you. My babysitter was supposed to bring me to the movies tonight, but I made her bring me to see you instead. She likes Kit-Kats. I gave her a whole bag."

Bloody hell. She's my daughter, alright. She knows how to trade to get what she wants.

My eyes narrow. "Lia, you shouldn't have done that. Now your mother doesn't know where you are."

She shrugs and walks past me. She climbs down the ladder into my captain's quarters. I follow her.

She looks around, her nose wrinkling. "Pretty small. I don't see a TV."

"If you ever wish to see me all you have to do is-..."

She shakes her head, her eyes now boring holes into mine. "No, you don't get it. I came to tell you I never want to see you again."

I feel the air go out of my lungs, as I realize what this is about. She knows about August leaving. And she believes I am to blame.

"Lia," I say softly.

She looks down at her hands. "You made him leave."

I reach my hand out to touch her, but think better of it. "I know about your mother and August. I am truly sorry. But I didn't do anything. It was his choice."

She looks up at me with glassy eyes. "He did it because of you. Everything was fine until you came back." She shakes her head sadly. "I was just starting to get to know you, to like you. And then this happened. Now I don't know if I'll ever like you."

I feel as if she just punched me in the gut. The thought of her and Emma is what kept me going all those years in that case. And now she's standing here telling me she detests me for what's happened.

"You can hate me if you like, Lia. That is your right. But I am your father and I want you to know that nothing you ever say or do will make me stop loving you." I touch her chin so she'll look at me. "The thought of you got me through those six years."

I want her to understand how much she means to me. I need her to understand.

She sighs. "I'll probably never see him again, you know. He says we will but people say lots of things."

I shake my head firmly. "He loves you. This doesn't change that." I pause and then add, "My relationship with your mother has taught me a great deal, but the greatest lesson I've learned is that love doesn't end because of separation or death. If you really love somebody and they love you, then they're always with you. That's how it was for me with you and your mother. And that's how it will be with you and August."

She wipes at her nose with the back of her hand. "We were a family. The only family I've ever known."

I nod. "I know. I am truly sorry."

She shakes her head. "No, you're not. You want me and Mommy to be your family. Then Daddy will have no one. You're selfish."

Her words sting me to my core and I squeeze my eyes shut. The worst part is I suppose she's right. Perhaps I am selfish. I want us to be a family. I want the future that was stolen from me. I suppose I feel as if I deserve that, as if we deserve that, after everything we've been through. The problem is I have nothing to lose and everything to gain. That's not true for everyone else involved. A better man might be able to walk away.

I bob my head. "Perhaps you're right. Perhaps I am selfish. I do wish for us to be a family. But that doesn't mean I don't want August to be a part of your life. You love him and he loves you. He makes you happy. I would never attempt to take that away from you."

She looks up at me and her face softens. She smiles sadly. "I don't hate you. I just don't like you very much right now. I'm a kid. I change my mind a lot. Don't worry, it won't last forever."

I smile and reluctantly put my arm around her shoulders. She doesn't pull away and I take that as a good sign.

"That's a relief," I say.

…

~Emma's POV~

I carry the last box down the walk and place it in the truck. August is right behind me, holding his keys in his hands.

"Well, I guess that's it," he says.

I cross my arms over my chest and nod. "Yeah, I guess."

Our eyes meet and hold for a minute. I see the pain in his eyes and it's almost too much to bear.

I look down at my feet. "If you forgot anything I'll-..."

"Just hold onto it. I'll come by to pick it up."

I raise my eyes to his. "You know you can come over whenever you want, right? I mean, Lia expects to see you."

He nods. "I know. I'm not going to disappear from that little girl's life."

"Good." I pause and then add, "I don't want you to disappear from mine either. I'm not sure where I'd be without you."

"You'd be fine, Emma. You will be fine."

"But our friendship is important to me, August. I've always had a hard time making friends and keeping them, but it was different with you. I don't know what I'd do if I thought I had ruined that...if I lost that."

August shakes his head and says softly, "We'll always be friends, Emma. Nothing will change that."

We fall into an uncomfortable silence then, until he breaks it. "Well, I better get going. I only have the truck rented for a couple of hours."

He starts to move to the driver's side, but my voice stops him. "I want you to know I was happy." He turns to look at me. "You made me happy. I know I couldn't give you what you deserved and I'm sorry for that. But you did make me happy, August, and you gave my daughter the family I never had. I'll always be grateful to you for that."

He bobs his head, his smile sad. "But it wasn't enough."

It wasn't the kind of happiness I had with Killian, but that kind of happiness is so rare.

I move my eyes to the ground. He offers me one last look and then opens the driver's side door and gets in. I watch as he drives away, paying no attention to the tears cascading down my cheeks and falling to the pavement.

…

~Killian's POV~

I sit down beside her on the bench, as I did all of those years ago when she could hide from everyone but me. I've been calling her for three weeks with no response.

"Somehow, I knew I'd find you here."

"Killian," she says softly.

"Why are you avoiding me?" I ask.

"It's not about you," she replies.

"Love, I've tried to give you space. I didn't wish to pressure you or push you," I say.

She nods. "I appreciate that."

She pulls her legs up to her chest and I notice her face is tearstained. Her eyes are red-rimmed and swollen. I bring my hand up to her cheek and caress it. She closes her eyes and leans into my palm.

"What happened?" I ask.

I know what happened. I know why she's been hiding from me, but she probably doesn't realize I know. I can't seem to bring myself to tell her for some reason.

She opens her eyes, but quickly moves them to her lap. "I don't think I can do this right now."

"Well, you don't have a choice because I'm not leaving until you tell me what's wrong."

She takes a deep breath and wipes at a tear on her cheek. "August is gone."

I try to sound appropriately surprised. "What do you mean he's gone?"

"I mean my marriage is over. He ended it after he heard us on the porch a few weeks ago. He left today."

"I'm sorry."

She offers me a bitter smile. "No, you're not."

I'm taken aback by her tone. "Aye, that I am. I didn't wish for this to happen."

She looks me in the eye. "You said you didn't want to interfere in my marriage. And you didn't. You didn't do anything. But it was in your words. It was in your eyes."

I sigh and shake my head. "And it was in yours. You know how I felt. I told you as much. I won't pretend that I didn't want you back the moment I saw you, Emma. That I didn't wish us to be a family." I pause and then look at her. "And you can't pretend either."

She scoffs at that. "Apparently. August saw right through me. He knew." She smiles sadly. "It's funny, you know. I spent so many years running cons and deceiving people. I used to be a master at pretending. But I've never been able to pretend when it came to you." She shakes her head. "August deserved so much better than I gave him."

I touch her chin, forcing her to look at me. "I know this is difficult. You feel guilty for hurting August. But I need you to see what I see. We have a chance, Emma. We have a chance to be a family. You, me, and Lia."

"I can't even think about that right now," she says, shaking her head.

"Why the devil not?" I ask more sharply than I intended.

She turns her gaze over to me. I see the fear in her eyes. I know she's afraid of opening her heart to me, investing in a future with me, because there's a chance it can be ripped away again. She's lost me too many times.

I pause and swallow hard, softening my tone. "We've already lost so much time, Emma. You said you never stopped loving me, but I already knew. I saw it in your eyes the moment I laid eyes on you again."

Her eyes become clouded by a million emotions. "Maybe it's not enough, Killian. Maybe there's a reason we've been pulled apart so many times. Maybe we're not meant to be. Maybe true love doesn't always win."

I feel my throat begin to tighten. "You don't truly believe that. If that were true, then we wouldn't keep finding our way back to each other. You're frightened, love. You're frightened to open your heart to me again because it's a risk. You're frightened you could lose me again. But, Swan, you can't allow your fears to prevent you from having the future with me and Lia we dreamt of."

She stares at me for a long moment, then wipes at her face with the back of her hand. "I just need some time...to sort all this out."

I move my hand to hers and rub my thumb over the soft skin. "I've waited this long, Emma. I'll never stop waiting for you and I'll never stop fighting for us. When you're ready, love, you know where to find me."

With that, I stand up and walk away, hoping one day I'll never have to walk away from her again.

...

End of Part 6

Thanks for reading! Hope you enjoyed it and please let me know what you thought. -Steph