Chapter 48

Disclaimers: I don't own Once Upon a Time. Also, this is a sequel to La Lisboa's original "Thicker Than Water."

Also, I use "Alan" as Fredrick's name in the real world. I think it makes more sense because it means "something to do with gold."

Things between Snow and David and Emma became easier after they cleared up their misunderstandings. Everything in the house felt lighter and happier. "I'm sorry we didn't explain the reasons we wanted another child to you earlier, Emma," David told her one evening at dinner. "We could have saved you a lot of misery." David usually believed in not pushing people, and Emma in particular didn't listen when she was pushed. But if they had just explained how much they loved Emma as soon as they had become pregnant…Emma wouldn't have been so miserable the last couple of months. Snow wouldn't have believed Emma didn't accept her as mother anymore.

But Emma shook her head as she swallowed a piece of chicken. "No, David. I don't think I would have listened if you tried to explain it to me right away. I needed…time to come to terms with…with…the new baby first. I need to realize that…you were still my mom and dad, too." David's heart warmed at those names and he looked straight at Emma, grinning from ear – to – ear. He knew Snow was doing the same.

"But I'm sorry about the way I treated you before," Emma added. "Comparing you to my old foster parents wasn't fair."

"I accept your apology, but I don't really think it's needed. Like you said, you needed time to come to terms with everything," David told her.

"Your attitude hurt Emma, but I understand it," Snow added.

"So how did the doctor's appointment go, Grandma?" Henry asked. "Is the baby okay?"

"Great," David replied. "We heard the heartbeat today. It was wonderful."

"I thought that was something only the doctor could hear," Killian commented confused.

Snow opened her mouth to explain, but Emma beat her to it. "In this world we have technology so everyone in the room can hear the baby's heartbeat. It's…kind of cool, actually. I'm glad the baby's heartbeat sounds good," she added to her parents. David and Snow looked at each other at the same time, smiling. Emma really was coming around if she was willing to talk about the new baby.

"We're glad, too, Emma," Snow told her, just before she stuffed her face with chicken.

OOOOOOOOOOOOO

Still, even though the house was happier, David knew Snow was quite busy these days. She was sewing Emma's wedding dress, helping Emma and Killian with other details of the wedding, assisting with Abigail and Fredrick's wedding, and still carrying a baby at the same time. All these things made her happy, but they also wore her out. He tried to help her relax, and sometimes it worked (especially in the evening and at night).

Yet, David believed what Snow really needed was a day to herself, without any of her concerns. He began making plans to take her to the armory, remembering how relaxing it could be to practice with his sword. Surely Snow would feel the same about her bow.

OOOOOOOOOOOO

That Saturday, after breakfast, David looked at Snow. "What are you planning to do today?"

Snow shrugged. "Grocery shopping, of course. I might call Abigail and make sure she's decided on the food she's going to serve for the reception. And then – "

"No, Snow," David interrupted her. "This is exactly what I mean. You're trying to do too much."

Snow shook her head. "I do it because I love these people, Charming. You know that. I love to cook and feed our family. And I care about our friends, too. I want to help them have the wedding they wish for. And Emma. Of course I want her to have the wedding of her dreams. And –"

David kissed her to interrupt this time. "I know that. And I'm glad you care so much, Snow. You're a very caring person. It's one reason that I love you. But, sometimes, Snow, you need a break. It's okay to admit that. Especially when you're pregnant." He caressed her stomach as he said that. "Do you remember when you were pregnant with Emma, and you got too busy, or too worried, and I'd tell you we needed a day to ourselves?"

Snow nodded smiling at the memories.

"Well, I think that's what you need here sometimes, too, Snow. Emma can do the grocery shopping just this once. And Abigail can wait another day for you to call. How would you like to go to the armory today?"

Snow thought for a second and then nodded. "Okay. That's a good idea. But let me talk to Emma first. And…use the bathroom, of course."

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Snow talked to Emma, and Emma agreed to do the grocery shopping this time. Then she put some…necessities in her purse and used the bathroom twice. Then they were ready to go to the armory. David hoped this trip would go much better than the last one, when Emma had been hit by that idiot drunk. Of course, they left that day after that. But David wanted this trip to be relaxing and fun for Snow. Not a day to worry about Emma.

When they arrived, David paid the fees and Snow was given her supplies right away. The grin on her face as she picked up the bow and arrow showed him what great idea this had been.

OOOOOOOOOO

Snow spent the afternoon shooting target after target. (And using the bathroom many times.) She fitted the bow. She let the arrow soar. David would never get tired of watching her like this. Her determined look as she fitted another arrow. The way her hands moved as she released the arrow. The smile on her face as the arrow hit its target. It had been a few years since she had used a bow and arrow, but as David watched her, he knew it was a skill she definitely hadn't forgotten. And he found it as sexy as he always had.

Actually, if anything, Snow was sexier today than she'd ever been. Between shooting the bow and the extra curves her pregnancy gave her…David felt deliciously warm as he watched. He hoped Snow would be up to intimacy tonight. With her pregnancy, it could go either way. Sometimes she was especially affectionate and…horny. Other times she was too tired to do much of anything. But either way, coming to the armory today had been a wonderful idea. For Snow and for David.

OOOOOOOOOOOOO

Eventually, it was time to leave. Snow gave the supplies back, used the bathroom, and gave David a great big kiss. "Thank you for this idea, Charming," she told him. "You were right, I needed to relax and stop thinking so much about everything. How did you know? I mean, I didn't even realize…"

David smiled and kissed her. "It's simple. I know you."

Snow smiled as she took his hand and they walked to the bus stop. "Yes. You do." She lowered her voice and whispered, "It was good in other ways, too. Ever since we've come to this world…I feel like it's harder and harder to hold on to me. I mean, where we've come from. That's important to me. I mean, in the beginning, it was so important that I tried to force everyone to act like they did in the Enchanted Forest."

David nodded, remembering how she tried to get the "guards" (who he now knew had been police), to help them find baby Emma and the Enchanted Forest. "I remember."

"And now that I'm pregnant, I mean…I love that we're having a new baby, but I worry how we'll teach him or her about their heritage. But today…I found out there are still aspects of the Enchanted Forest here. We just have to look for them."

David nodded. "I know. That's how I felt when I finally bought a sword here. You know, I saw a bow –

and – arrow set for a child at the store that I found my sword. Maybe down the road…you could teach the baby." He patted her stomach.

Snow nodded. "I think I'd like that."

They got on the bus and headed for home.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

OOOOOOOOOO

In the next couple of weeks, Snow and Emma finished her wedding dress. It looked wonderful on her daughter, and Emma was pretty pleased with it, too.

"I'm sorry this took so much of your time," Emma commented as she modeled the dress after it was finished. "I know how tired you are now."

Snow smiled. "I am tired, Emma, but it was still a pleasure to spend time with you and make your dress. You're important to me. Didn't we talk about this already?"

Emma smiled. "You're right. Thank you." She even gave her mother a hug, to Snow's delight.

OOOOOOOOOO

Snow also altered the Matron of Honor dress she'd worn to Red's wedding to fit her for Abigail's wedding in this world. Snow knew Abigail would have liked to have Red for a Matron of Honor, but Red was too busy with her honeymoon and settling in her new home to assist with the wedding. Besides, since Charming was to be Fredrick's Best Man, Snow was very happy to be Abigail's Matron of Honor.

Abigail and Fredrick's wedding would be held at the Bangor Hotel, complete with fancy decorations and harps and cellos for music. It took some work to plan the wedding, but they were able to do so. After all, a fancy wedding was important to Abigail. One Saturday in June, everything was ready to go.

First Snow walked down the aisle (after using the bathroom again), and then Abigail and Charming came in behind her. Abigail was wearing a dress she'd bought at the shop she worked at; a white dress with a hoop skirt and pearls sewn in at the top. She also had a beautiful lace veil. She looked beautiful, just like the princess she really was. However, Snow believed Charming looked even better in his grey suit.

Snow smiled at them, glad that they had a wonderful platonic relationship. Snow was glad that Abigail had Charming to give her away. She remembered what she'd thought of Abigail when Snow had first seen her. "The nag with the bad attitude." Abigail certainly wasn't that anymore. She was glowing with happiness because she could legally marry Fredrick in this world. She laughed at herself as she remembered a time when she'd believed Abigail might want to steal Charming from her. Now Snow knew that Abigail belonged with Fredrick, just as Snow belonged with Charming.

Finally, Abigail and Charming reached the alter. Charming placed Abigail's hand in Fredrick's and then stood next to him. Snow gave him a tender smile, happy to have him close by. He gave her the same smile back.

The officiator began the ceremony, explaining how marriage was a wonderful relationship but also a serious commitment. Snow agreed completely. Then the couple began their vows. Fredrick began, "Ah...Kathryn (It was weird to hear Fredrick calling Abigail by a different name, but Snow realized they had to use their names in this world for this wedding.) From the time I was young, I knew it was my job to protect you. As I grew older, it became a lot more than a job to me. It was a pleasure. Because being with you was a pleasure. Just as we were about to marry the first time, I was lost. But you found a way to save me. As we settled into life, we had to come to a new place. And I continue to protect you, even though the dangers in this place are different. It's my pleasure. Because…l love you."

Abigail looked right at Fredrick as she replied, "Well, Alan. I always knew I could depend on you to protect me. As I grew older, I started to enjoy it and enjoy having you around. I remember how I felt when you were lost, just as we were about to marry before. I was lost. And I thought there was no way for me to be found, until the day you came back. Just as we settled in, we had to come to this new place. I didn't know very much about this world, but I knew as long as I had you to protect me and love me, we'd be fine. Sometimes I think you go too far, but I still love you for protecting me anyway. I love you for everything you do."

After that, the officiator asked for the rings. As Charming handed them to Fredrick, he and Snow smiled at each other again. Snow knew he was remembering the time they'd put the gold bands on their own fingers. She hoped the rings would come to mean as much to Abigail and Fredrick as they did to her and Charming. "Kathryn, I give you this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity," Fredrick told her as he slipped the ring on her finger.

"Alan, I give you this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity," Abigail told him as she placed the ring on his finger.

Finally, the officiator announced, "I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may exchange a kiss." With that Abigail and Fredrick kissed. It was much more chastely than Snow and Charming would have kissed, but Snow remembered Abigail and Fredrick didn't seem to be as physically affectionate as she and Charming were.

The officiator continued, "Ladies and gentleman, I present to Mr. and Mrs. Alan Woodson." Everyone clapped, although Snow knew they would still be known as Abigail and Fredrick to most of the people there. With that, the bride and groom walked back down the aisle together. Then Snow was able to take Charming's hand and walk back down the aisle with him, as well.

Abigail and Fredrick planned a feast and dancing in the hotel ballroom after the wedding, so all the guests eventually found the next room. (Snow used the bathroom first. And then again after they found the ballroom.) All the guests enjoyed the feast. Abigail and Fredrick had obviously tried to pick a lot of the food that was available in the Enchanted Forest. It included chicken, fish, ham, bread and rice. There were also vegetables like green beans, peas, and carrots. The fruits included blueberries and (unfortunately for Snow) apples. It was a wonderful dinner, although Snow would have loved to have had a gordrive as well. They were so much juicier than blueberries. The people didn't even mind that the honey for the bread had been forgotten. Charming made a toast, congratulating Fredrick on marrying the woman in the ceremony she wished to have. Then Snow made a toast, congratulating Abigail on marrying the man who would always protect her and do his best to give her what she wished to have.

Later, Snow and Charming danced to the harp music. "This music is so much like the type we had at home," she commented. "This whole wedding reminds me of home. Of the balls my father had, or of the balls we used to have after we married. I'm happy we're here, Charming but sometimes…I miss…I miss home."

Charming nodded and kissed her softly. "I do, too. But that's when I remind myself of all the pieces of home we still have here. I have a sword and you got to shoot a bow. We can dance," he commented as he let her go and she leaped back into his arms expertly. "There's even some food from home that's here."

Snow sighed. "I know."

Charming smiled as he watched Emma dancing happily with Killian. "Emma seems pretty happy here, too."

"Of course."

"In fact, I'm going to go do something I couldn't do the last time we had a ball in our land. Dance with Emma."

"Sounds perfect," Snow replied. She watched them dance for a minute before she went to use the bathroom again. When she came back, Charming and Emma were still dancing, smiling as they did so. Snow loved seeing that, especially considering it was easy to see how similar they were when they danced.

Abigail came over and sat next to Snow while Fredrick danced with Red. "I think your wedding day is going well," Snow commented.

"I do, too. Thank you for all the help, especially considering I know you have so many other things to do." She looked at Snow's slowly expanding stomach and Emma as well as she said that.

Snow nodded. "Yes, but I still wanted to help you. You're good friends to both of us." This was such an ironic conversation, considering how Snow had wanted nothing to do with Abigail at one time.

Abigail nodded. "Thank you. You know, now that Fredrick and I are married in this world, we're talking more about adopting. Maybe someday, we'll have a baby to take up our time, too."

"I hope so," Snow commented, knowing how much Abigail wanted a child.

Just then Fredrick came back to dance with Abigail again. Snow decided to dance with Henry, who was really enjoying his "first real ball." Everything was all right.

XXXXXXXXXXXX

OOOOOOOO

Emma and Killian continued to make decisions for their wedding as well. Emma was glad they'd decided on something simple. Even though she'd had some fun at Abigail and Fredrick's wedding, Emma was even more certain she didn't want a wedding like that than before. A small seaside ceremony fit her and Killian.

Emma also realized Father's Day was coming up soon. Even though she was busy with her wedding plans, she wanted to do something for David. Emma thought about what David had done for her in the last couple of years, from looking after Henry, to supporting her, to forgiving her shutting him out, and even accepting Killian. He was a wonderful father, and Emma should find a way to tell him that.

Last year, she had set aside time for a father – daughter dance as a gift, and David had loved it. But Emma and David just had a father – daughter dance at Abigail and Fredrick's wedding. So perhaps she could think of something different? She could take David out to lunch, but somehow a lunch date still didn't feel like them. She could buy David some new clothes, she supposed. After all, she'd bought him some for Christmas that he'd really liked. But when Emma examined the men's clothing they had available right now, nothing seemed to be the kind of thing David would wear. Besides, Emma had to save most of her money for her wedding.

In the end, Emma only bought a Hallmark card for David. She thought he would really like it, though. It said "To the best Dad in the world," and showed a little girl kissing her father on the front. On the inside, it said "I love you."

OOOOOOOOOO

For Father's Day, Snow cooked David's favorite breakfast, blueberry pancakes. Of course, Emma and Henry enjoyed them as well. But Emma, Killian, and even Henry let David have the extra ones. "These pancakes were the best ever," David told Snow as he kissed her when he finally finished.

They shared a rather long kiss, but Emma thought it was alright. It was easier for her to see her parents being affectionate since she'd become engaged to Killian, after all. Sometimes their kissing was still…a bit much for public viewing, but Emma had learned to live with it. Especially on Father's Day.

After that, Snow and David had a short argument about the dishes. (Snow thought David should let her do them because it was Father's Day, while David thought Snow should rest after all the work she'd already done making breakfast. She was still pregnant, and she did so much these days.) In the end, they did them together, as usual.

When they finished, Emma decided it was time to give David her card. She really wanted to give it to him, unlike the Mother's Day card she'd simply put on the table for her mother to find a month and half ago. The way she'd treated her parents back then made her feel a little guilty, even though both of her parents told her it was all right. And Emma knew the card would mean more to her father if she gave it to him personally.

"Here," Emma told David as he walked to the living room. She gave him the envelope. "Happy…Father's Day," she commented. She looked away for a second. As much as Emma loved David, moments like these were awkward sometimes. What if he didn't like it as much as she'd thought he would? But as he opened the card, Emma sneaked a look back at him, and she was glad. The amount of joy on David's face as he read the card was something she would never forget.

"I love you, Emma," David whispered to her as he hugged her after he finished reading the card. "Thank you so much."

Having David's arms around her again reminded Emma how much she'd really liked dancing with him. Before she could think about it, Emma asked, "Do you want to dance, too, like we did last year?" Then she realized what she'd said, and corrected herself. "Never mind. We just danced together last week. We don't need to do that again. We're not dressed for it, anyway." She knew her parents preferred to dress up when they danced.

But David laughed. "I don't think I can ever dance with my daughter too many times, Emma. And I don't care how we're dressed, either."

Snow put the CD in the player. "That sounds like a wonderful idea." Then she sat down next to Henry and Killian to watch Emma and David's dance. Apparently everyone in their family thought it was a wonderful idea.

So Emma shrugged and began dancing with David around the living room, even though they were both only wearing jeans. It felt great. And somehow, she had a feeling dancing with David would become a Father's Day tradition for them.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOO

After Father's Day, Emma and Killian continued to prepare for their wedding. They had just bought bus tickets to Old Orchard Beach. As they returned home, Killian commented, "I had an interesting conversation with Henry yesterday."

"Really?" Emma replied, interested. It was nice that Killian and Henry were getting along now. She hoped that someday they would see each other as father and son.

"He told me that last year on Father's Day he really missed his dad. But this year, it's not so bad."

"I'm glad," Emma smiled. She was glad that Henry felt better, of course. But she was also glad that Henry was beginning to really talk to Killian. Perhaps Henry would see Killian as a father sooner than she'd thought?

"He also told me he's glad I'm here," Killian continued. "He said I was good for you, and I made you happy. He says he's not sure he sees me as a father," Killian added, almost like he knew what Emma was thinking. (Emma supposed that was actually possible. Killian's ability to read her was uncanny.) "But he'd be willing to view me as a friend. I told him I thought that was fine."

Emma smiled at Killian. "I think that sounds great, too," she told him. Perhaps Henry would see Killian as a father someday. But even if he didn't, it was quite nice for him to see Killian as a friend. Much better than the way Henry acted when they'd first started dating.

OOOOOOOOOOOO

Emma finally got off the bus in Old Orchard Beach. That ride felt much longer than two and a half hours. She'd never been one to sit still for very long, but that was especially true today. Emma was getting married. She was excited and eager to start all the last minute preparing for the ceremony. Like set up the beach for the wedding. Like changing into her wedding dress. But instead, Emma had to sit on the bus. Several times, she had been tempted to get off the bus early and run the rest of the way. Then at least she would be doing something.

But now she ran off the bus in delight. Henry seemed pretty excited, too. "I'm so glad we're here!" he screamed.

She smiled at him. "I'm glad, too," she replied.

"Aye, it's good to be off that bus," Killian agreed, breathing in the air. "Nothing compares to the smell of the sea."

Emma nodded. Killian seemed fine living in Bangor now, but he'd always have the sea in his blood. It was one reason she was glad they'd decided to honeymoon on the Jolly Roger. As if he knew what Emma was thinking (which was actually quite possible), Killian said, "I'm going to make sure the Jolly Roger is ready for tonight. I'll meet you at the beach." He gave Emma a kiss and left.

The rest of the guests agreed to find a place to change their clothes. Emma smiled again as she put on her wedding dress. Her mother had really made a perfect dress for her. It was simple, yet elegant and white. Her mother's dress was a simple blue maternity dress. She looked wonderful in it. Emma had to admit, sometimes it was hard for her to see Snow in maternity clothes, but she reminded herself that her mother was not replacing her and would always love her. "You look beautiful," Emma told Snow.

Snow smiled and hugged Emma. "So do you, sweetheart. I'm so happy for you. Now you'll finally have your happy ending."

Emma sighed. "I don't think 'happy endings' exist in this world, Snow."

"But, Emma, -" Snow protested, obviously about ready to give Emma an inspiring speech.

" – But I think I can finally have a happy life. With Killian and Henry. And with you and David. Maybe even with the new baby, too. And with Ruby and the rest of our friends."

Snow appeared to think about that for a few moments. "I guess that's good enough, then."

Ruby was wearing a red dress (of course). She looked wonderful in it as well. "That dress is perfect for you," Emma told her. "Thank you for being my friend," she added after a moment.

"No problem," Ruby replied, smiling. "I'm glad you're getting married, Emma."

"Me, too," Emma replied. She never thought she would get married, but now that she was, she was very excited.

Abigail wore a blue dress as well. A long, thin one that showed off her slender figure. It looked very pretty on her. Emma was never as close to Abigail as she was to Ruby and her mother, but she still considered her a friend. It was nice that Abigail and Fredrick had decided to come to her wedding.

After Snow used the bathroom again, they all headed for the beach to meet the men. Their group was standing next to the pier, away from all the other tourists and beach bunnies. All of the men looked handsome, but Emma noticed Henry looked especially wonderful in his suit. "Henry, you look so grown up!" she told him as she hugged him.

Henry nodded, looking proud. "And I have the rings all ready, too," he whispered.

"We bought a bottle of wine for a toast after the wedding," Fredrick commented, holding up a bottle and some plastic goblets.

Emma nodded. "Thank you."

"I bought you some flowers for a bouquet," David told her quietly, handing Emma some white flowers. David looked like he couldn't decide whether to be happy or not about this occasion. He looked at the low cut on her bust line and shook his head. At least he didn't say anything about it.

"Thank you." It was nice of him to buy her a bouquet. Especially considering Emma knew there was a part of David would rather Emma not be married. Impulsively, she leaned over and gave him a hug.

David's eyes lit up and he hugged her back. "I love you, Emma."

Ruby set up a CD player so they could have some music to walk down their make shift aisle on the beach.

Killian arrived at the beach soon after that and stood at one end with Henry, while Ruby and Emma and David stood at the other. Snow, Justin, and Abigail and Fredrick stood off to the side. Everything looked perfect for a beachside wedding. All they needed was the officiator.

They waited for her. And waited. And waited. "I should go see what's taking that woman so long," Snow grumbled. "Emma's wedding should be first on her list of priorities! She should be here right now."

Emma agreed with her mother. She was about to say she'd like to go look for the woman as well, when David stopped Snow. "Snow, we don't know why she isn't here yet," he told her. He walked over to her and rubbed her shoulders, obviously trying to calm his wife down. "Maybe she has a good reason. Let's just wait."

So they did. But an hour later, they were still waiting. Snow and Emma had decided they would go look for the officiator, no matter what. David had tried to tell them, "she should be here any minute," but Emma had been hearing that for forty – five minutes. Enough was enough! "You go into to town and look for her," Emma said to Snow. "Her name is Evelyn Albert. I'll look for her on the beach. Maybe she decided to hang out over here before the ceremony or something."

Snow nodded. "I'll make that woman come, Emma," she told her.

Emma looked up and down all the beach - bunnies, asking them if they knew where Evelyn Albert was. Most of them didn't know her, of course. One guy said he thought he'd heard her say she had a wedding to perform this evening. At least Ms. Albert knew she had a wedding to perform. That still didn't answer the question of where she was now, though.

As Emma continued to talk to all the beach – goers, she glanced at her family that was still standing next to the pier. They were talking to another woman, who was dressed for a wedding. Evelyn Albert was finally here! Of course, now they had to wait for Snow to return. Emma admitted to herself that maybe her father was right, and they should have simply waited. Still, it was actually Ms. Alberts's fault for making them wait so long.

"Hello," Ms. Albert said as Emma returned to the others. "You must be Emma Swan. Sorry I'm late. My outfit had to be dry – cleaned, and they were late getting back to me."

Emma nodded. She still didn't think that was a good reason for being late, but whatever. David called Snow on her cell – phone and told her they were all ready.

When Snow arrived, they were finally ready for the wedding. Ruby walked down the aisle that was created by Abigail and Fredrick on one side and Snow and Justin on the other. Then Emma and David walked down next. And now Emma was finally standing next to Killian (who looked amazing) and holding his hand. They were ready to say their vows.

"Emma," Killian began, looking straight into Emma's eyes. "I've been alone a long time. I convinced myself it was better that way. Until I met you, and you got under my skin more and more. I want to be a better man for you. A man you can be proud of. A man I can be proud of. I want to be a part of your family, even if they can be challenging. I love a challenge. You are a challenge, Emma. A beautiful, wonderful, complicated challenge. I look forward to you challenging me for the rest of my life, and I promise to meet every one of them."

Emma nodded, thinking what wonderful words Killian had said to her. What was even better was that Emma could actually believe he meant what he said. She responded, "Killian I thought I was supposed to live without romantic love. I thought with my past, that I wouldn't get another chance. But I met you, and I knew we were kindred spirits. I watched you change, and I was proud of you. You tried your best to include my family in getting to know me. And I felt myself fall in love with you. Even though I have a family that I love now, sometimes I feel…disconnected to them. But I'm connected to you, Killian. We belong to each other. And I promise to show you I belong to you for the rest of our lives."

Killian smiled back at her. It was his sweet smile rather than his standard cocky one. She appreciated both, but she really loved his sweet smile right now. It told her he understood exactly what she meant in her vows.

"Do we have the rings?" Ms. Albert asked a moment later.

"Yes," Henry replied. He reached into his pants pocket and pulled out two white gold wedding bands. Proudly, he handed them over to Ms. Albert.

Ms. Albert handed the first ring to Killian. "Killian, give this ring to Emma and say, 'Emma I give you this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity."

Killian did so and sled the ring on Emma's left hand.

"Now, Emma give this ring to Killian and say, 'Killian I give you this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity.'"

Emma did so and sled the ring on Killian's left hand.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now seal your vows with a kiss." Emma and Killian leaned in at the same time and the rest of the world disappeared as they kissed. Emma felt his beard rub against her chin, which she loved. She used one of her hands to stroke the side of his furry cheek and wrapped the other hand around his upper back. Emma felt Killian's hand in her hair as he caressed her head. His other hand wrapped around her neck. Killian pushed her mouth open with his tongue and Emma happily accepted him. She was really looking forward to tonight with Killian.

Eventually, they had to come up for air, and Emma realized they'd been…well making out in front of her parents, her son, and a near – stranger. She grinned. Well, they should be allowed to do so today, right? With that, she kissed Killian again, although it was a shorter, less intense one.

After that, all their guests began congratulating them. They clapped and cheered. Emma's parents also hugged her. She hugged them back, and Henry, too.

A few minutes later, they opened the wine. Henry was given a ginger ale. As they poured, Henry commented, "For a long time, I didn't really like Mom and Killian together. I wanted my Dad, not a replacement for him. But the more I got to know him, the more I realized how good he was for Mom. He made her happy, especially when she was going through some tough times. So, even though I don't think I'll ever see Killian as Dad, I'm happy you guys got married."

"Thank you, Henry," Emma whispered. It meant a lot to her that he approved.

"We're all glad you and Killian are married, Emma," Snow added.

There was a chorus of "yeses", "of courses," and a "definitely." Even David smiled and agreed, although he needed a little prompting from Snow.

"Thank you," Emma and Killian responded. They all took a sip of wine.

Then Ruby held up her glass. "I remember the night I became close to Emma. We both needed a friend that night, I think. We believed we'd never find love again. But now, here we are, both married. And I think it's wonderful, too." They all took a sip of wine again.

They continued to talk and laugh for a couple of minutes, enjoying wine on the beach. When Emma's glass was almost empty she commented, "I know it's not traditional for the bride to give toasts, but since when have I been traditional?"

"Never, love," Killian responded immediately.

"No, Emma you're not traditional," Snow agreed.

"And we love you for it," David added.

"So my, ah, sister (it was too bad she had to call Snow that, but they still had Ms. Albert to be concerned with) and her husband have looked after me for a few years. They're kind of like my parents. And they have a very loving, affectionate relationship. I used to find it annoying. But now I see them and I hope Killian and I can have what they do someday. So thanks, 'Mom and Dad.' For showing me what a marriage should look like." Emma maybe a little tipsy, but she still meant what she said. She hoped they knew that.

Snow looked like she might explode from happiness. David looked like he was trying to decide whether to be happy about Emma calling them her "parents" or upset because he might have to put up with a lot of physical affection between her and Killian. In the end, he just kissed Snow.

And Emma didn't even mind. She just kissed Killian.

"All right," Ruby exclaimed a couple of minutes later. "Do we still want to go to dinner?"

"Please!" Henry responded. "I'm hungry!"

And that is the end!

I welcome reviews for this last chapter and/or this story as whole. Because I can't respond in the next chapter, I'll give you a PM if you review. (If you're registered, that is. If you're not, then I appreciate the reviews, anyway.)

I'd like to thank all of you for sticking with me for this story, whether you read it from the beginning or came in more recently.

I'd particularly like to thank those who gave any reviews. As any fandom writer will tell you, reviews are one of the best parts about writing fanfiction and are often quite useful.

Now I have a few people who were especially helpful that I would like to thank.

Some of the Guests: I loved your reviews, especially those that weren't all positive. I know many authors dislike negative reviews written by guests, but I don't mind. They gave me a chance to explain my reasons a little more. Sometimes I even changed something or added something because of your reviews.

Misscam: Thank you, thank you, thank you for reviewing so many chapters of my story! I'm really glad you enjoyed it so much. I'll never get over that one of my favorite Snowing authors was interested in my story.

And, of course, the biggest thank you goes to La Lisboa for writing the original Thicker Than Water, for letting me write a sequel to it, and for betaing my entire story.

I'm going to take a break from writing multi – chapter stories for OUAT for a while, because I have some other fandoms I'd like to focus on.

But don't worry; I have no plans of giving up this fandom (and Snowing ) permanently. (Why would I abandon one of the best established couples there is?) I will continue to read and review other stories if I think they're good, and you never know when I may be inspired to write a one – shot.

Someday, I'll probably write another Snowing multi – chapter story again, too. Any story I do write for this fandom will be posted on Sunday, as usual.