Chapter 47
Disclaimers: I don't own Once Upon a Time or The Backstreet Boys song "What Makes You Different Makes You Beautiful."Also, this is a sequel to La Lisboa's original "Thicker than Water."
As always, I thank Lisboa for betaing and letting me use her story as a starting point.
Although Emma talked to David regularly now, she still avoided Snow. It was easier to talk to David. He didn't expect everything to be "fixed" simply because they were speaking again. Because things with her parents were still complicated. Emma was glad she had parents, and she didn't want anything to happen to them. She was happy that David and Snow still seemed interested in her, even though they were also having a new baby. But she wasn't ready to forgive them, either.
Emma couldn't stop thinking about her three – year – old self after the Swans left her in that group home all alone. Because they were having a new baby. Maybe it was unfair to compare David and Snow to the Swans, but Emma couldn't help it. Every time someone made a reference to the new baby, she would think of what happened to three – year – old Emma.
David accepted what Emma gave him. She would smile at him, talk to him about small things, even joke with him about what happened at work. But she never talked about the baby. It just wasn't something she could deal with. But Emma knew Snow wouldn't accept what she gave her. Snow just didn't have the patience for that kind of acceptance. Snow would insist they talk about the baby. A couple of times, Snow tried to corner Emma so they would be forced to talk, but Emma was an expert at running.
What made Emma feel guilty was that Mother's Day was coming up. What should she do about that? Emma wanted to show her mother that she was happy to have a mother now, but she knew Snow would use it as way to force them to talk. Besides, a part of Emma couldn't help but wonder if she would lose her mother to the new baby soon.
Eventually, Emma bought Snow a simple Mother's Day card. After all, even the year they were in Storybrooke and Emma wasn't sure whether to treat Snow like "Mom" or "Mary Margaret" (not to mention Emma was angry at her for pushing everyone away because she'd killed Cora), Emma had bought her a card. Still, Emma hesitated to give it to Snow. Would she use it as an excuse to force Emma to talk?
That's when Henry gave Emma a Mother's Day card. On the inside cover, he'd written a long note
Mom,
I know you've been struggling about where you belong since Grandpa and Grandma announced they were having a new baby. I wish you could be excited about it, but I know it's hard. I remember what it was like to not know where I belonged. When I was about seven or eight years old, I realized I lived in a town where nothing changed except me. I didn't belong in Storybrooke. Talking to Regina about it only made it worse.
Eventually, I figured out the Curse, and that made me feel better. But I didn't find anyone I felt like I belonged with until I found you, Mom. And because of you, I now belong with a whole family.
Love,
Henry
Emma gave Henry a huge hug that morning and decided she would keep the card on her nightstand for the rest of her life. Later that day, Emma finally placed Snow's Mother's Day card on the table where her mother could see it. And then Emma left the house before her mother arrived home and could confront her. She was going to do something with Killian. She knew she belonged with him, whether she did with her parents or not.
Emma went straight to the boat shop where Killian worked. It was perfect timing, because he was almost finished with his shift. "Hi, Killian, let's do something together this afternoon!"
Killian smiled at her. "Sounds great, Swan. What did you have in mind? Dinner?"
Emma shook her head. She needed something that lasted longer than that. As she looked around the boat shop, she thought of the perfect plan. "What if we rent one of these boats and take it on the Penobscot River? Didn't you say you had a discount?"
Killian's eyes lit up. He obviously loved the idea of taking a boat on the water again, even if it was just the river and the boat wasn't The Jolly Roger. "Sounds even better than dinner." He took her hand as he said that. Then he paused. "But do you think you can handle it? Some of the rivers can get pretty rough, especially at this time of year. That bloody water is so high."
Emma snapped her hand away from his. "Of course I can 'handle it.' I may not be an expert on water like you are, but I'm not weak either!" The nerve of him! Didn't he know her better than to ask that?
Killian laughed. "That's not what I meant, Love. Of course I know you're not weak. I just meant because of your injury. You've only recently stopped using the cane, remember. What if we slam into something?"
Emma calmed down, realizing what he was actually asking. "I'll be fine, Killian. My hips are getting better all the time. I need to start living again. Don't you want to go on an adventure with me?"
Killian nodded. "Of course I do." He took her hand again, and Emma let him. They picked out an orange two – seater canoe that they would be able to carry out to the river together. After they paid to rent it for the day, they headed out.
OOOOOOOOOOO
Killian had been right, although Emma would never admit it him. Sometimes her hips bothered her when the boat hit something. But it wasn't anything she couldn't handle. And it was worth it to be out on the water with Killian. Away from Snow, of course, but it was more than that. Spending time with Killian like this, as they rowed the boat together, made her feel closer to him than she already was.
"There's a log over there in the distance," Killian commented. "Do you see it, Emma?"
She nodded. "Yeah. Ready to row around it?"
"Aye." So they used the ores to steer the canoe to the other side of the river.
Many times they were able to avoid the canoe bumping into things because they were working together like that. In some ways, this trip was better than the time Killian had let her family sail on The Jolly Roger with him. Emma knew that trip meant a lot because they were on Killian's prized vessel. Plus, it had helped her and her family see Killian in a better light. But this canoe trip was just the two of them, and they knew each other much better now. The canoe was also smaller than the ship, so it felt more intimate.
"It's getting late," Killian commented, hours later. "We should return this soon. Aren't your parents still expecting us for dinner?"
"I suppose," Emma grumbled. Why did he have to ruin a perfect afternoon by mentioning her parents? Well, she supposed it wasn't so bad if they were going home for dinner. Henry would be there, as would Killian, and even David, so she wouldn't be forced to talk to Snow.
"Thank you for this, Emma," Killian told her as they pulled the boat back on land. "I knew we still had water here, working at a boat shop and all. But I guess I forgot how much fun a river could be. Nothing beats the ocean, but this was fun, too. Especially with you." His eyes shone with happiness and love.
"Same here, Killian," Emma told him, smiling. But perhaps she was spending too much time watching him. As she moved to get out of the boat, her hand brushed against a sharp rock nearby. When she looked at her hand, it was bleeding.
"Emma!" Killian exclaimed. "Careful. I knew I shouldn't have brought you out today. I got you hurt again."
Emma laughed as she looked at her hand. "It's just a cut, Killian. I think you told me something similar when I left a bruise on your arm. I've had worse when I was in the foster system and in prison. We had a great adventure, today."
Killian sighed. "I guess you're right." But he still looked a little upset. So it was no wonder when he moved to get out of the boat, he cut his hand as well.
Emma shrugged. "Well, now we have matching injuries. I think it worked out well." With that she took his face in her hands and gave him a deep kiss. Killian rapped his hand around her face as well. When they drew back they both had blood from the cuts on their faces. She smiled. "I marked you."
"I believe it is I who marked you, Love," Killian told her smugly. He rubbed the blood on her cheek.
"We marked each other," she corrected, rubbing the spot of blood on his face. "I love you."
"I love you, too. Let's return this boat." Emma nodded. She was glad he hadn't suggested they wash the blood off yet. She knew it made them look less clean – cut, but having their blood on each other's faces gave her a possessive feeling. She liked being marked. And she liked Killian being marked, too. Besides, Killian always looked sexy as a rough and wild man.
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OOOOOOOOOOO
Red and Justin had been preparing for their wedding for several months. Now, on the third Saturday in May, they were ready. They were able to hold the wedding in the park, just like Red had wanted. They rented sixty folding chairs so their guests could sit. They bought a mechanical device that played music by itself. And Justin had been correct; with his harness on Champ knew not to play. The best part, however, was the weather. It was a clear, sunny day, perfect to hold a wedding in a park. Their park.
Snow had agreed to be the matron of honor, and she was even able to find a green gown that covered her slightly expanded stomach. As Snow walked down the aisle they had created, Red was a little disappointed that Emma had decided not to be a maid of honor, after all. Emma had claimed she didn't want to wear a gown, and Red supposed that may have been true. But she had a feeling Emma was uncomfortable standing so close to her mother. It was too bad mother and daughter were still distant, and Red wished she could have both of her best friends with her today. But Red also understood why Emma was still upset.
Soon it was time for Red to walk down the aisle. She took a deep breath as she looked at all the people looking at her. How was it possible they had so many guests at this wedding when she hadn't even been living in this world for two years? It wasn't as if Justin had a lot of friends himself. It didn't matter, Red supposed, as long as she could get married. Still, she clutched Fredrick's arm as they walked down the aisle.
One person Red was pleased was there was Justin's father. Justin had thought for a long time whether it was worth it to invite a man who he believed didn't approve of him. But, finally, he decided that it was his wedding. And Red had been correct when she said "at least you have a father." So Justin sent his father an invitation. What was even more wonderful was that Justin's father had agreed to come.
Finally, Red and Fredrick made it to the front, where Justin, Champ, and his best human friend, Lucas were standing. Fredrick smiled as he handed Red to Justin. Red gave Fredrick a grateful smile as well. Fredrick had come so far from the days when he'd been suspicious of Justin. It was wonderful that he celebrated the wedding with them now. Red turned to Justin and squeezed his hand. The officiator began the ceremony.
Eventually, it was time for the vows. Red loved that people in this world were able to write their own vows. She and Justin had written vows perfect for their relationship. Justin began. "I remember the day we first met. You impressed me, the way you were able to relate to the dogs you took care of. And when you found out that I was blind, you said it made me more interesting. We quickly became friends, because we both loved to play with dogs and you didn't care about my eye sight. But then we started talking, and I noticed how much I liked listening to your voice. And in the next few months, I met your friends and family. You met mine. We told each other more and more secrets because we trusted each other. And I fell in love with you. I knew I'd never meet another person like you. And I don't want to. I just want to spend my life with you. And I promise to love you and trust you always." Justin smiled at her as he finished.
Red smiled back and squeezed his hand again. "I grew up in a very different place. But I was an outsider there, because of things I couldn't control. Eventually I found people who accepted me, but I still knew I was different. Then I moved here, and I was still an outsider. Until I met you, I never met anyone who understood and appreciated how that felt. You understand me so well. You even understood when I told you I needed our relationship to move slowly, because of some bad experiences. The more time I spent with you, the more I looked forward to being with you. Now I'm ready to marry you, and nothing makes me happier. I promise to love you and understand you for always."
They slipped rings on each other's fingers, promising love and fidelity. Red was happy that men wore wedding rings in this world as well. It was nice that they both had a physical sign of their marriage.
Finally the officiator concluded, "I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may exchange a kiss." Justin lifted her veil. Snow had done a marvelous job with it. The veil was simple netting with lace on the edge. Then they carefully, leaned in for a kiss. Red had enjoyed kissing Justin for almost a year now. But none of those kisses felt as wonderful as this one, knowing that they were now married.
Everyone clapped as they walked back down their make – shift aisle with Champ, Red rubbed her shoulders a little. It was a little chilly, considering it was still mid – May, even with the lace sleeves on her dress. But it was nothing she couldn't handle. She certainly didn't regret having the wedding outside, at the park where she and Justin had discovered each other.
Justin noticed she appeared chilly and rubbed her shoulders as well. "The lace on your dress feels pretty," he told her. "I like it."
"I knew you would," Red replied. She'd made a point to find a dress with a lot of lace so Justin would be able to feel her dress easily.
They poured everyone a glass of wine and Lucas stood up, congratulating Justin for finding a nice woman who could put up with him. Red commented that she was happy to do so. Then Snow stood up and thanked Red for always standing by her and being the best friend she'd ever have. She told everyone she was happy to stand by Red for a change, considering she found a great man to marry.
As Red took a sip of wine, she swatted a black fly. (Another problem of having the wedding outside. But she could handle them.) Unfortunately, that caused her to spill her glass. Three drops of red wine landed on her dress. "Shoot!" she exclaimed, looking at the stain. "This dress is ruined!" Red sighed. Things were going so well until now.
Snow sighed and took her hand. "It will be all right. It's just a dress."
Red shook her head. "No. It's my wedding dress. It'll end up in all the pictures!"
Snow sighed again. "Yes, it will. But it's still just a dress. It doesn't take away Justin, or your vows, or your marriage. And you shouldn't let it take away all your good times today."
Red smiled at one of her best friends. "Your right, Snow. Thank you."
She shrugged. "I remember when Regina crashed my wedding in the old world. I thought my wedding was ruined. But Charming convinced everyone we should still have a feast afterwards. And he convinced me we should still go on our honeymoon, too. He's smart like that." She looked over at David as she said that.
"Yes, he is," Red agreed.
"Look, I need to use the restroom, but enjoy your wedding, please," Snow told Red as she dashed off.
Red ate crackers and cheese, fruit, vegetables, meats, and fried chicken. She talked to Emma. She talked to Granny. She talked to the dwarves. And she did her best to ignore the wine stain on her dress.
Justin talked to Killian. Apparently he felt some sort of kinship with the former pirate, considering Killian only had one hand. It was nice that he was becoming comfortable with more of the people from the Enchanted Forest. Justin also spoke to his father. She smiled at that. It was so good to see them together. The scene also gave her hope that Snow and Emma would reconcile eventually. She knew Justin talking to his father today wouldn't erase all the problems father and son had, but it was a start. Justin's mother agreed with Red. "I'm so glad you helped him reconcile with his father, Ruby. He should have his father," she told her. "You're good for him."
Red nodded. "Thank you." It was wonderful that Justin's mother approved of her.
Eventually, it was time for the couple's first dance. Justin had told her he had the perfect song for the two of them to dance to. Red was eager to see what it was. As she and Justin began to dance, the song began.
You don't run with the crowd
Red remembered how horrible she'd felt, when she discovered she was the wolf everyone was looking for. The one time she'd thought she found a place to belong, they encouraged her to kill Snow. And then it got worse, when she came to this world. She felt so out – of – place, she encouraged that creep, Mr. Jenison. And Justin had felt just as she did, with his blindness, Red knew.
You go your own way
You don't play after dark
But Red liked working with the dogs, even though a lot of the things she did with them made her look different. Such as running the same speed as the dogs or sniffing out scents along with them. And she knew Justin liked his life the way it was, too, no matter what others thought.
You light up my day
Got your own kind of style
That sets you apart
Baby that's why you've captured my heart
When Red met Justin, she found someone who accepted her differences. She remembered how her closeness to dogs interested him. She remembered his reaction when she told him his blindness made him interesting. And Justin even accepted her past with the Enchanted Forest eventually. They bonded over their differences.
I know sometimes you feel like you don't fit in
And this world doesn't know what you have within
Red remembered the time when they went to McDonalds, and the man treated Justin like a child, just because he couldn't see. She would never do that. He was a special, and definitely a man.
When I look at you I see something rare
A rose that can grow anywhere
And there's no one I know can compare
Justin had told her he was impressed at how well Red adjusted to this world. But he still didn't want her to lose who she was in the Enchanted Forest, either. He loved her for those things.
What makes you different, (alright) makes you beautiful (alright)
What's there inside you, (alright) shines through to me
In your eyes I see, all the love I'll ever need
You're all I need, oh girl
What makes you different, makes you beautiful to me
Red's mind flashed through all the moments she and Justin had that showed they accepted each other as they danced.
Hey, yeah yeah yeah
You got something so real
You touched me so deep (touched me so deep)
You see material things
Don't matter to me
So come as you are
You've got nothing to prove
You've won me with all that you do
And I wanna take this chance to say to you
The way other people saw them had never mattered to Red or Justin. They knew both of them were worth more than that.
What makes you different, (alright, yeah yeah) makes you beautiful (alright)
What's there inside you, (alright) shines through to me
In your eyes I see, all the love I'll ever need
You're all I need, oh girl
What makes you different, makes you beautiful
Red looked at Justin as the music continued to play. "This was the perfect song for us," she whispered to him.
"I'm glad you agree," he whispered back.
You don't know (you don't know) how you touched my life (touched my life)
Oh in so many ways (so many ways) I just can't describe
You taught me what love is supposed to be
It's all the little things that make you beautiful to me (so beautiful)
Oh yeah, yeah
Without Justin, Red would still believe romantic love wasn't available to her. After Peter died, Red had always believed her romance was gone almost before it started. Didn't she deserve it, considering she'd killed Peter? But Justin taught her more about love than Peter ever did.
What makes you,
What makes you different, (what makes) makes you beautiful (to me)
What's there inside you, (there shines) shines through to me
In your eyes I see, all the love I'll ever need
You're all I need, oh girl
What makes you different, makes you beautiful to me
Everything you do is beautiful (so beautiful)
Love you give shines right through me (shines right through to me)
Everything you do is beautiful (ooh, ooh ooh ooh oh)
Oh, you're beautiful to me (to me)
"I love you," Red whispered to Justin as the song ended.
"I love you, too," Justin whispered back.
Other couples began dancing after that. Snow and David, of course, although Snow kept dashing off to the bathroom. Abigail and Fredrick, who would be having their own wedding ceremony soon, since they'd finally saved money for the fancy wedding they wanted to have in this world. Emma and Killian. Red was glad they looked so happy. She wondered if they would get married someday.
Snow also danced with the dwarves, Emma danced with Henry, and Red danced with Fredrick and David. The black flies continued to be a nuisance, but overall, Red and Justin had a wonderful wedding. They even managed to pose for a few pictures.
OOOOOOOOOOOO
Eventually, the guests began to leave. As Red left to go change, she realized she had completely forgotten about the wine stain on her dress. Snow had been right. It was just a dress. Soon Red and Justin boarded the bus to take them to Vermont. They had decided on renting a mountain lodge, especially considering Red told him her home in the Enchanted Forest was in the mountains. It was going to be wonderful.
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OOOOOOOOOO
A week after Ruby's wedding, Emma and Killian made plans to spend the afternoon together. "So what did you want to do?" Emma asked him as they left the house. "Do you think we could take one of those canoes down the river again?" That had certainly been an enjoyable afternoon.
Killian smiled. "That was fun, wasn't it? But today, I have a better idea. A treasure hunt!"
Emma looked at him blankly, but still followed him. "What?"
"Swan, you know how much a pirate loves a bloody treasure hunt, don't you?"
Emma shrugged. "I suppose, but Killian, I don't think there's any treasure around here. Sorry. I'm sure there's something else we can do today." Killian had been living in the real world for a while now, but sometimes he forgot it wasn't like the Enchanted Forest (or Neverland for that matter).
But Killian brought her to the riverbank, looking at Emma with his cocky grin. "I know for a fact that there is treasure hidden on this riverbank. Because I'm the one who hid it. And I want you to find it."
"Oh." She hadn't expected this, but Emma supposed it made sense for Killian. "What kind of treasure am I looking for?"
"A pirate, even a reformed pirate, never reveals his secrets, Swan!"
"But if I don't know what kind of treasure I'm looking for, how will I know when I've found it?" Emma wasn't opposed to…playing this odd game that Killian had come with, but she wanted a few more details first.
"You'll know it when you see it. I know you can meet the challenge. You've got a bit of a pirate in you, too. And you're the only woman who's ever bested me. You can find the treasure."
Emma nodded. "All right." So Emma looked under rocks for…whatever it might be. She looked in the trees. She dug around in the dirt. There, she found an empty bottle of wine and an old lighter. But by the expression on Killian's face, she knew they weren't the "treasure" he wanted her to find. So she kept looking.
And looking. And looking. If only she knew what it was he expected her to find!
"I never said it would be bloody easy, Swan," Killian told her as he watched. "Treasure hunting is often difficult. But the challenge is what makes it so much fun."
Emma supposed he may have a point. She always did like overcoming the challenges in her life. This was another. She looked under another pile of rocks. As she moved her hand, it got caught on something. Emma bent over to retrieve her hand, pausing to examine what it was her hand had been caught on. Between her hand and a rock, there was some type of ring. She wondered if this was the "treasure" Killian wanted her to find. Emma wasn't really a jewelry person, but it was just the sort of treasure that Emma could see Killian looking for as a pirate. It was also just the sort of treasure he would be able to hide for her. She picked the ring up, washing the dirt off it in the river.
It was a diamond ring, set in white gold, twisted band. Could it be…It wasn't supposed to be…Maybe Emma was assuming too much. It probably wasn't even the treasure Killian had hidden for her. She tried to walk over to him casually and held out the ring. "You probably haven't ever seen this before, right? I need to keep looking."
But Killian grinned at her, from ear to ear. "I knew you could find it, Emma! Like I said before, you've got a little pirate in you."
"So Killian, is this supposed to be what it appears to be?" Emma asked nervously, looking at him and then at the ring in her hand.
Killian shrugged. "Only if you want it to be, Emma. I'd never force you into anything. You don't have to wear it, you know. But after seeing Ruby and Justin get married I thought maybe…Well, I never really thought I was the marrying type. It goes against the freedom that I believe in with piracy. In only depending on yourself. Even when I was with Milah, as much as I loved her, we never considered marriage. Of course, she was still technically married to the crocodile, but…Well, I've told you before I want our relationship to be different. I think it is different. To have a permanent relationship with you…be a family with you and Henry, and your parents, of course. For you to wear this little treasure..." He pointed to the ring. "But if that's not what you want, it's okay."
Emma thought for a few minutes, examining the ring he'd chosen. He picked a good one, she admitted. Nothing ostentatious, just a simple diamond. And she did like the white gold band. Emma never thought she'd be married, either. Even when she and Neal had discussed settling down permanently, they hadn't really discussed…well, marriage. But Emma also knew her relationship with Killian was different. They loved each other. Emma had even started to wonder if they might have what her parents had someday. She also remembered how it felt to have marked each other a few weeks ago. If they were married, they could wear rings to mark each other permanently. It was…a nice idea, actually.
"I think I'd like to wear the ring, Killian," she told him finally, putting it on her left hand.
Killian smiled and kissed her deeply. "I love you, Emma. I'm glad you decided to wear the ring."
"I'll warn you though, I don't want a big wedding," she told him when they came up for air. "I mean you mentioned Ruby and Justin…but I don't want something like that. Too many people. Too much fuss. And certainly nothing like the celebration I hear Abigail and Fredrick are planning, with the hotel ballroom and all."
"That's fine, Emma. We can just invite Henry and your parents."
"Maybe Ruby, too. And Justin I suppose. But that's it."
Killian nodded. "Maybe we could have a small ceremony on a beach somewhere?"
"Like Old Orchard Beach, maybe?"
"Great idea, Swan."
"I suppose we should go tell my parents and Henry now.
"Well, could we do that a little later? We're alone now and…" He kissed her deeply again.
Emma smiled and kissed his furry jaw. "You're right. You know, now we really need to find a place of our own."
OOOOOOOOOOOOO
Emma and Killian eventually arrived home, and right away David noticed something was different. (Emma thought she was getting used to a father who could read her so well, but sometimes it still caught her off guard.) "Is there something you would like to tell us, Emma?" he asked, without making it sound like he was forcing her.
"Well…" Emma began, not sure how she should begin this conversation.
Killian looked at her and grinned. She loved that grin. Happiness bubbled up inside her and she blurted out, "Killian and I are engaged!"
Everyone wished them congratulations. Henry nodded at her and shook Killian's hand. It was so nice to see Henry becoming close to Killian. David looked like he was trying to decide whether he wanted to scowl or smile. Eventually, he just gave Emma a hug. Emma even hugged him back. It was nice to have a dad, she supposed.
Snow smiled softly at Emma. Emma wondered if Snow wanted to hug her daughter, but she was afraid of being rejected. Emma wouldn't blame her after the way she'd been treating her mother recently. A part of her felt badly about it. But Emma still wasn't sure she was ready to initiate a hug to her mother. She was still angry at Snow for replacing her with a new child. And she still wasn't positive she would be loved when the new baby appeared. Cared for, maybe. But loved? Emma wasn't sure. Perhaps Snow didn't want to hug her at all right now.
David looked at his wife for a second and then suggested, "We should all go out to dinner to celebrate!"
"Would you like that, Emma?" Snow asked.
Emma nodded.
"I think that's a great idea, mate," Killian agreed.
Snow looked pretty happy about that. Emma wondered why that was.
OOOOOOOOOOOOO
They ended up going to The Olive Garden for dinner. As they munched on breadsticks, pasta, and drank white wine (Henry had ginger ale), they discussed plans for the wedding.
"No big wedding, please!" Emma told them all firmly. "I know I'm supposed to be a…" she paused for a moment "a princess" she whispered. "But that's just not my thing! No gowns and fancy parties."
"And we'd rather not wait that long, anyway," Killian added.
Emma sighed. She wasn't sure that was something he should say in front of her father, even if it was true. "We actually talked about a wedding on the shore at Old Orchard Beach."
"It's fine if you don't want a big wedding," Snow replied. "Small weddings can be very romantic. I hope…we'll be invited, though."
Emma nodded. "Of course. As long as you want to come. You'd have to find a dress that would…fit."
Snow smiled. "I'm sure I can find something. Or if I can't, I can always make my own."
Emma smiled, too. She'd never admit it, but she was glad her parents wanted to go to her wedding. Not only did it show her she was still important to them, but Emma was beginning to really admire her parents' marriage. She hoped her marriage would have as much love as theirs did. Their parenting may be wrong, but their marriage was something to strive for.
"Henry," Killian said slowly, looking right at the young man. "Would you like to be my best man?"
Henry paused for a second and then nodded. Emma loved the fact that Killian asked him that. That he wanted her son included in their wedding, even if it would be a small one. And what made her heart swell was that Henry accepted. She knew he'd struggled to accept Killian at first, but now he supported their relationship.
"I know you said it was going to be small…but do you think…would it be okay if I walked you down the aisle?" David asked quietly. Emma had never heard him sound so nervous before. She supposed it meant a lot to him.
Emma smiled. "I think that will be fine."
OOOOOOOOOOOO
They decided their wedding would take place in six weeks. They had even found a gorgeous apartment, with a view of the Penobscot River in the back. Too bad it wouldn't be ready sooner, but the people in the apartment promised they would be out by the time Emma and Killian returned from their honeymoon.
Honeymoon. That sounded great to Emma, especially considering they still hadn't actually had sex yet. (They'd come close, but Emma and Killian still couldn't bring themselves to do it in her parents' house.) Plus, Killian had suggested they spend their honeymoon on the Jolly Roger. Emma loved the idea. It would be cheap, considering they wouldn't need to rent any rooms. It would be private, considering it would be only the two of them on the boat for a week. And best of all, Killian would be sharing a part of himself, by taking her to the ocean on his ship.
Snow found a maternity dress to wear to the wedding. It was a deep green dress made of silk – like material that went to her ankles. "What were you planning to wear to your wedding, Emma?" Snow asked her as she showed her the dress.
Emma shrugged. "I don't know. I'll probably just wear my red one. It's the best dress I have."
Snow nodded as she looked at the green dress again. Then she took a deep breath and looked back at Emma. "What if…I made you a dress? With that new sewing machine you and David gave me for Christmas?"
Emma sighed. She thought her mother had accepted she didn't want a fancy wedding with a gown! "I told you, I don't want a fancy wedding dress! Forget your image of a princess dress for me!"
With that she ran into the bathroom and slammed the door. Then she took a long shower.
OOOOOOOOO
The next day, as they finished supper, Emma tried to leave before her mother could force her to agree to make her a dress. But her mother cornered her. "Look Emma, I don't have to make you a dress. Wear the red one if you wish. I just thought…I could make you a simple white dress, that you would help me design. That way, you could wear a white dress, but it wouldn't be so fancy it would make you uncomfortable."
"I see," Emma replied. "Well, I'm going to see if Henry needs help with his homework."
But Emma felt badly for snapping at her mother. Her mother had been trying to reach out to Emma for two months. And no matter how many times Emma shot her down, Snow would try again. She certainly acted like she still loved Emma. And she'd offered to make her something with the sewing machine. Emma remembered being a little jealous as Ruby came in to see the veil Snow made for their friend. Snow also mentioned making a quilt for the new baby, which drove Emma crazy with jealous. If Snow made Emma a wedding dress, it would be something just for Emma. It wouldn't make up for the lonely childhood she had where no one cared enough to make her anything, nor would it make up for Snow replacing her, but it was something.
On the other hand, if Snow made the dress to Emma's requests, it would mean they would have to spend a lot of time together. Just the two of them. Was Emma ready for that? Was Snow trying to force Emma to talk to her?
She didn't know.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
OOOOOOOOO
Snow didn't know why she was surprised Emma didn't want her to make her a wedding dress. Emma didn't want to spend any time with her mother anymore. When Emma had agreed to celebrate her engagement as a whole family, rather than with just Killian, Snow thought she might have been coming around. But Snow supposed there was a difference between spending time with their family and spending time with just her mother. The one carrying the new baby. At least she would be able to go to the wedding. If Emma wanted to wear her red dress, there was no real reason why she couldn't.
Snow remaindered herself what she had told Charming a month ago. Even if Emma never loves me again, I'll still love her. And right now, loving Emma meant accepting she didn't want her mother to make her a wedding dress. "I'm proud of you, you know," Charming told her one night, as Snow pouted in their room again.
"Why? For pouting?"
Charming chuckled and kissed her. "No. For accepting Emma's decision about the dress. I know how much you want to make her one, Snow. To do something together. But with Emma…"
" – You can't push her," Snow finished. "I know. I'm trying. I love her, Charming."
"I know, Sweetheart." He rubbed her arms up and down in comfort as he looked into her eyes. She kissed him and then laid her head on his chest.
OOOOOOOOOOOOO
And the next day, as the family finished breakfast, Emma looked at the sewing machine. "How fast does that work?"
"Really fast!" Snow replied. "I can't believe how quickly I can make things with it. Ruby's veil only took a week."
"So if…you made me a dress, you wouldn't get too tired? I mean because of…" Emma pointed to Snow's belly.
"No, of course not!" Could Emma be asking what it sounded like she was asking?
"Then maybe we could go to the store sometime. Look at some fabric. If you have time, I mean," Emma added quickly.
"Of course, Emma! Anytime you want."
OOOOOOOOOOOO
Emma chose plain white satin fabric. She wanted the dress without frills, lace, flowers, or pearls. She decided on short sleeves that were off the shoulders, because she would be getting married in June. The neck fell just above Emma's breasts (David wouldn't like that, but Snow was sure Killian would). The dress would fall just below the knee. Through it all, Snow and Emma didn't talk about anything except the dress, but Snow was still able to spend time with her daughter, so it was wonderful.
One day, Snow had to cut their fitting session short, because she had a doctor's appointment. "I'm sorry, Emma. I'm enjoying this, but I'm going to have to cut this short. I have to see the doctor. Charming will be here anytime. Can we pick up tomorrow?"
Emma shook her head. "I'm working tomorrow," she snapped.
"Would you like to come with us?" Snow asked nervously. "We might be able to see one of those ultra – sound thingy today."
"I'd rather not see my replacement until I have to," Emma replied, without thinking. Then she covered her mouth and ran toward the door.
Snow went after her. "Emma is that what is bothering you? Do you think we're replacing you with this child?"
Emma was silent for a few minutes. But at least she didn't leave. Then she replied, "Yeah. Kind of. You told me before you wanted to have a chance to raise a baby, because you missed it before. That sounds like a replacement to me. I'm trying to deal with it. And I appreciate you still care about me. But it isn't easy."
Snow sighed. "I didn't assume it would be. It isn't easy for me, either. But Emma…we're not trying to replace you. Yes, we missed the chance to raise a child, but that isn't the only reason we want to have a baby. The truth is Charming and I always wanted several children. It something we talked about back in the Enchanted Forest."
Emma looked at her, as if the idea of her parents having several children had never occurred to her. "I see. I still don't like the idea of a new baby. Whether you wanted to raise me along with a bunch of other siblings, that didn't happen. And that means a new baby will make your life easier and mine harder."
"It won't make my life easier at all, Emma. The new baby will make our lives better. I have to believe that. But easier? Of course not. I'll have to divide my time between you and the baby. And David and Henry, of course. That makes me nervous. But even more than that,…I've never taken care of a baby, Emma. As a princess, I was pampered. I didn't babysit like many girls here do. And of course, I never had any siblings myself. As bandit, it was all I could do to take care of myself. And I lost my mother when I was young. I have no one to go to for advice….It scares me Emma," she admitted softly. Tears were coming down her face. "Sorry. Hormones."
David came through the door then, and wrapped his arms around her as Snow cried. "Snow, we can take care of a baby. You may not have experience with babies, but you have plenty of experience with taking care of people and loving them. The dwarves. Red. Me. Henry. And Emma, too."
Emma finally opened her mouth. "I really do think you'll be a great mom to the new baby," she told her softly.
"Thanks, Emma," Snow replied. "That means a lot."
"You really think the new baby will be more difficult than I am?" Emma asked then. "I thought that was one reason you wanted a new baby. Because I was too difficult and too independent."
"Emma, it's true you're very independent. And that does make it difficult for us sometimes. But that makes us proud, too. It's one of the reasons you've accomplished so much already."
"Really?"
"Emma, I'm sorry you thought we wanted to replace you. We think you're wonderful exactly the way you are," David continued, turning to look at Emma.
"Really?"
"Yes. You're not only independent. You're brave. You protect people when they need it and you help those that lost themselves. You're a wonderful mother to Henry and are very understanding to him. You love Killian and will be a good wife for him. Not to mention all the help you've given us Enchanted Forest folks since coming to this world. All those horrible experiences have made you our Emma, the daughter we love. Nothing will ever be better than you," David finished.
Snow smiled, glad that he could explain this better than she could.
Emma stood there for a minute or two, staring at her parents. Then she walked toward them, and they opened their arms for her. "We'll always love you Emma," Snow whispered, as more tears ran down her face.
"I'll always love you guys, too. Sorry I haven't shown it recently. Especially to you. Mom." Snow squeezed Emma tighter at that name.
"So would you like to go to the doctor's appointment, Emma?" Snow asked her gently.
Emma shook her head. "I'm not quite ready for that yet. But I will be. As me again next time. And, maybe we could work on the dress later tonight?
"Absolutely."
With that, Snow and David left for the hospital. Everything felt wonderful
I know the song in this chapter is a little corny (not to mention fifteen years old), but I really think it's the perfect song for Red/Ruby and Justin. I really wish I could make a video of them to that song, but that's not going to happen, so I hope you'll join with me in picturing the flashbacks I described to go with that song.
The song also has a lot of personal meaning for me. Let me know if you want to know why.
Lots of feels in this chapter, huh? Many of these scenes have been in my head for anywhere between one and two years.
Let me know what you think, please.
Here's a review.
Misscam: Glad you still review when you get the chance, and that your still enjoying the Snowing stuff and Emma dealing with the new baby.