Apologies from under a pile of packing boxes and tape. I'm moving for the third time in about 12 months. However, I have wonderful news on the job front, as I am starting a new job this upcoming week at a nonprofit that works with abused children and children/teens in foster care. I'm so excited that my new career will be all about telling their stories to the public and helping to secure funding to make their lives better.

I'm not sure of scheduling right now, as I have to finish packing and get settled in our temporary home. However, I'll try to not make you wait too long.

Granny spotted Henry first, the boy dodging fat drops of rain that were splattering down on the pavement as he hurried in the direction of the school. Knowing that her own feet would not carry her fast enough to catch him, she involved Liam and had Elsa calling David with the discovery. "That boy doesn't need to be there," she told Killian's older brother. "He's likely to hear and see things from his grandfather that won't exactly…"

"I understand," Liam said hastily, ignoring the ruffled umbrella that had been left behind in lost and found and darting out into the growing rainfall. It took him nearly 10 minutes to catch up to Henry and another three to convince him to step out of the rain and give him at least a moment to talk to him.

"You're trying to stall me," Henry complained as Liam's grip on his tender bicep was tight. "I need to get over there."

Liam cursed as thunder rumbled, not really feeling all that safe to be standing in a puddle. Under the thin awning, he raked a hand through his hair and looked down at the student who Killian had described as steadfast and determined. "I am simply trying to get you to realize that running off from an officer of the law in the midst of a thunderstorm might not be your brightest move. Now lad, tell me what it is you're in such a hurry to do."

"My grandfather and father have it all wrong," Henry explained, pointing off in the vague direction of the school. "They want to fire Killian all because he fell in love with my mom. That's not fair. It's not right. And it's my fault because if I wasn't his student…"

Hearing echoes of Killian saying something similar when their father had left, Liam could only shake his head. "Lad, listen to me. Why would this be your fault? Your mother and my brother are the two facing this man. They are prepared for it."

"If I wasn't his grandson, he wouldn't care about them being together," Henry said, the woeful words riddled with guilt. "My mom doesn't say it now, but if they have to break up because of me…"

Liam closed his eyes, breathing in and feeling a sense of compassion for the boy who just wanted his mother to be happy. He waved Henry over with the wave of his hand and pulled out one of the metal chairs that normally sat on the patio when it wasn't raining. "Come here. We're going to fix this, but first we need to talk."

Henry dragged his feet and dropped to the chair, defeated and wet. If it had been any other time of the year, Liam would have ordered him a tea or hot chocolate or something else to warm him up. Drops of water dripped from his hair and down his cheeks as he pushed back at the wet strands fruitlessly. "You're going to try to talk me out of this too."

"Lad, I'm only trying to understand why it is that you think you're responsible for their happiness and relationship. While I'm certain that you are quite important to them, you can't put that on yourself. My brother and your mother are capable of making sure they are happy. And as for this little tiff with your grandfather? Well, perhaps it is a good thing in its own way."

"He could fire Killian. That's a good thing?" Chocolate brown eyes blinked back at the man.

"I suppose it might not seem that way," Liam explained delicately. "I only mean that sometimes it is good for us to know our obstacles. If you were to climb a mountain, you'd want to know many things about it, wouldn't you? How tall it is? The terrain? The best routes? It is the same here, I suppose. And Henry, I believe your mother has her reasons for not having included you today. It's not that she doesn't trust you, believe in you, or thinks that you're but a child. That man in the office today is your grandfather, Henry. When the dust settles on all this and my brother lands on his feet in a new job or at the same one, that man is still your grandfather."

"Shouldn't I be allowed to go to speak to him?"

"I suppose, but perhaps your mother doesn't want you in that position. It's a hard position to be in, you know. Going between two people you care about can tear the strongest of men apart." The bakery's owner emerged, handing both of them towels and offered to bring them out something to eat or drink if they liked. When Henry went ahead and ordered a one of the vanilla and banana smoothies, Liam knew that at least the boy was listening to him a little. He shot a text to David that he was with Henry. "I'm perhaps going to sound far advanced for my years here, Henry, but I assure you that I'm only telling you this story to help. You see when I was about your age and Killian a bit younger we lived with our mother and father just on the eastside of London. One day my father was working on his car and asked for my assistance. I was busy with something and said no. I didn't just say no, as I was quite a cheeky lad and smarted off to the man who I thought was never around and treated our mother quite badly."

"Oh," Henry said with slump of his shoulders. "I guess this is that lecture about respecting my elders, right?" He looked annoyed but still sat and watched Liam.

"Actually no, my father didn't deserve respect, Henry, but that's a whole other story. What I'm saying is that the fight between us became quite rough. I thought I was defending my mother and my brother. Killian hated seeing us fight. So he went and begged our father to forgive me, to forget that we ever had that dreadful row. He was proud of himself for stepping in to stop it. But the next day our father was gone. He packed up and left us there, didn't hear of him for years. And while it is all my father's fault for not being the man he should have been, not being the father and husband who would protect his family, Killian blamed himself. He thought for years that if he had perhaps stayed out of our disagreement that our father would have stayed."

The boy's eyes dropped downward to the table. "I didn't know that happened," he said softly.

"Aye, it was a rough spot for us, one that we aren't too fond of speaking of. But I think you can see why Killian would not want you to feel like you needed to go between him and your father or grandfather. He would never wish for you to feel the way he felt. Your father is a part of your life Henry. Don't let this whole mess of a thing come between that."

"Would he do it for me, do you think?" Henry asked, his brown eyes narrowing in regard to the man across from him signing a credit card slip. "I think Killian would because he cares about all his students. He would stand up for us. So I think I should stand up for him."

Liam felt torn between keeping the boy there and helping him, as he too was pushed to the periphery in this whole mess. "If there is bloodshed, you're mother's going to kill me for this." He downed the rest of his drink and pulled his phone out. "David? Hey, it's Liam Jones. Henry and I need a ride to the school. Think you can get us there fast?"

***AAA***

Emma tapped the pads of her fingers together one at a time as the waiting area that had been filled with teachers, paraprofessionals, other parents, and even one of the custodians seemed to wax and then wane. One at a time they were pulled into the conference room, the door opening and allowing her to catch a glimpse of Killian sitting there. As they each emerged, a few spoke to her and others went to find other places – more comfortable – to wait or to hurry off to home. She thanked them, earning a few smiles, a hug or two, and one sour look that she couldn't quite discern.

Mary Margaret had dragged a chair next to her and would occasionally pull her hands apart as if to say that she need not do such things to calm herself. However, her pregnant friend was tapping her foot and had checked the screen on her phone more than a dozen times.

"You sure I can't get you something to drink?" Mary Margaret asked again. "I know where the good vending machines are located."

"I'm fine," Emma said, licking her lips that were quite dry. "I just want to know what's going on in there."

"More than likely it is Gold staring emotionlessly at employees he can't even remember hiring. He's already made up his mind, Emma, but the aim here is to change the mind of the others." She held up her left hand, the green stone of her engagement ring shining under the artificial lights. "I picked a horrible time to stop biting my nails. I wanted a natural manicure for the wedding, but this is hard."

Emma blinked at the brunette beside her, unsure that it was entirely appropriate to be talking about this sort of thing when her boyfriend's career was at stake. However, she realized that Mary Margaret was just trying to keep her mind off the situation as calmly as possible. "Your phone's going off," she stated when her friend had not reacted to the vibration sound coming from her lap.

Smiling gratefully, the brunette scrolled across the screen with a curious fixation and sighed. "Emma, I hate to tell you this, but Henry is on his way here. David texted to say that he and Liam are bringing a, and I quote, very upset boy who is determined to tell his grandfather not to fire Killian."

She couldn't help but curse. "Of course he is," she said, letting her eyes scan the room. "Do you think I have time to go out and meet them?"

"I'd do it myself, but I think Henry needs to hear it from you."

Emma knew that her friend was right, as Henry had obviously been bolstered in his efforts by gaining the assistance of both David and Liam. While she did not want Killian to look from his spot as the doors opened and not find her, she was sure that her son needed her too. So with a quick squeeze to the teacher's hands, she slipped out through the still substantial group and down the hall to a side door. It was hardly a good feeling to see her son emerge from the back of a sheriff's cruiser, but she hugged him nonetheless, placed both hands on his shoulders and looked as stern as she could. Standing under the breezeway, she tried to remember the last time she had held her son there, but the image was of a younger boy so excited by a first day of school.

"You aren't supposed to…"

"If I'm not supposed to be here, you aren't either," Henry challenged in that forceful way he had that was combined with a lopsided and apologetic grin. "Killian needs us to stand up for him."

Emma looked helplessly toward Liam and David who were standing side by side in front of the cruiser and just under the awning, both a bit sheepish as they shifted their weight. "Killian is fine. I'm fine. We're all fine."

"Then let me talk to my grandpa. Let me tell him that I'm not emotionally scarred or whatever." The earnest way he wanted to help people was a trait he earned from her, but the stubbornness was a cross between her and Neal. The way his eyes were turned down in the corners was his father, a sad commentary that she hoped was just a matter of nature and not because he was hiding some pain that she had somehow caused.

"He's talking with a bunch of people right now," she explained weakly, not asking why he thought this was necessary or how he even knew that this was a situation where his grandfather could do something. "I think we have it…"

David and Liam both exchanged looks and stepped forward to flank her son. "I know it's not your plan, Emma, but perhaps he should let his grandfather know his feelings," Liam said, a defeated expression telling her that he had wrestled with this on the ride over. "You and I can't make much of a difference, but Henry perhaps can."

She wasn't convinced, Henry knew that from the way she looked back at the school and then at him again before even parting her lips. "Does Neal know you're here?"

"I tried to convince him to come," Henry said, lifting a hand to her elbow. "I wanted him to talk to Grandpa too. But he wouldn't…"

"You've been busy." Emma hugged him again, kissing his forehead as she released him. "You know this might not work, right? Your grandfather doesn't change his mind easily."

"I know, but what's the worst that can happen? I could change schools. I don't have to go here just because Grandpa pays for it. We could move and start over some place else – me, you, Killian."

"Nobody's asking you to do that, Henry," Emma said sternly. "We'll make this work. I promise."

***AAA***

Belle Gold slid the raincoat off from her shoulders and hung it over the coat rack just outside her husband's office. Her hands smoothed the full skirt of white with teal flowers that cinched at her waist with a similarly colored belt and flared out to a few inches above her knees. Even her shoes matched the belt and lining of her rain coat. Long and thick chestnut hair was perfectly coifed in a style that framed her face and rolled over shoulders.

"I know he's busy, Merida, but it is imperative that I see him immediately. It pertains to this whole thing with Killian Jones." Rarely a woman who interrupted her busy husband, Merida was a little shocked at Mrs. Gold's request. Still, she pushed back from the l-shaped reception desk and padded down to the double doors with Belle at her heels.

Her knuckles rapped twice on the door, but she did not wait for a welcome. Instead she pushed her way in and gestured for Belle to follow her. "Your wife insisted," she said without greeting nor apology. She did not wait for any instruction either, nodding again at Killian and then Belle before she retreated into a room where the whispers about why the woman was there were even louder.

"I am afraid this is taking longer than anticipated, dear," the head master said to his wife with what everyone could tell was his softer tone. There were no edges to his words, no witty sarcasm meant to sting. "If you would be so kind as to…"

"I want to address the committee," she said, pushing back her hair from her shoulders. "I…I have something to say that you probably won't like."

Killian had tried his best all morning to be stoic with his emotions, reminding himself that the man in charge was hardly a fan of demonstrative displays. He had quietly thanked each person who spoke on his behalf, but kept his face as impassive as possible. Gold had been less pokerfaced, at times appearing annoyed or bored by the displays and testimony. Otherwise it was impossible to read him, which had made Killian worry that they were not getting through to him.

"Dear, perhaps it would be best if we spoke privately," her husband stated, his hand fluttering a bit over the neatly folded handkerchief in his breast pocket. Killian had seen him make that same gesture a hundred times at least. It always reminded him of a magician readying himself to reveal a card of a coin.

"No, I need to say this now to everyone," she said, pulling out the crookedly sitting chair and sitting in it gracefully. "I think that you're making a mistake. Your rule about teachers and faculty fraternizing with students and their families is not exactly something you have enforced over the years. And I'm sure you don't see it this way, but you broke it yourself by being with me."

Hoping that nobody noticed his gasp of surprise, Killian placed a fist at his mouth as though he had coughed. He had not been expecting that when Mary Margaret suggested that Belle could shed some light on this.

"We weren't married. I was teaching then, not done with my library science degree. Henry was in my class. Henry is your grandson. You used to come to my classroom to visit during the children's specials and lunch times. We dated all during that year. Yet you never once showed any concern over this rule, not even when I brought it up to you. You said that it wasn't even that important, as the rule was outdated and meant to discourage teachers from breaking laws regarding interaction and relationships with students."

"Belle, it's not the same…"

"No, it's not the same thing. But it is close enough. You're many things, Robert. You're a great leader. You're a visionary when it comes to business and law. You keep the financial records of this school in the black. You're my husband and I love you. Yes, you've got flaws, but you're not a hypocrite. So why are you doing this? Why are you trying to destroy a man's career and life simply because he is breaking a rule that you broke yourself? That I broke? That you said was not even enforceable the way it was written." She swallowed hard. "I know that your son was upset by Emma and Killian dating, but that is not a good enough reason. Your son should settle his own affairs outside of this school. Henry not suffering for having Killian Jones in his life. So stop making it about him and realize that this has been a witch hunt."

***AAA***

Merida rolled her eyes and let out a very accented complaint as she watched Emma and Henry enter the waiting area. Not relishing the idea of disturbing the meeting again, she sincerely hoped that they had enough decorum to avoid such a scene.

"Can you add Henry to the list of those wishing to speak to his grandfather," Emma said, an arm still pulling her son into her side. "Not the whole committee, just Mr. Gold."

Nodding curly, the woman scribbled the name on the pad and then stared up to Emma's green eyes. "No more family, right? His wife and son are both here. Now his grandson. The man may be positively batty if anyone else shows up."

Emma didn't respond to the woman, spinning sharply and nearly toppling Henry in the process as she stared into the long room where Mary Margaret was now seated next to David and Liam was pacing in front of them. Sure enough Neal was seated where she had been earlier, eyes trained on the floor and his hands folded over his stomach as though he were in pain. She felt frozen watching him, unsure what his motive for being there was since he had not bothered to do anything earlier.

"Mom, he came," Henry said, nudging her in the ribs. "He actually came."

"I know," Emma said, hoping the awe in her son's voice was not in vain. Neal could very well be there to rub salt in a wound. However, she had to admit he did not appear to be his normal self as he sat there with his untrimmed facial hair and odd pallor to his skin. "Do you want to wait here while I go talk to him?"

Henry didn't need to tell her that was not going to happen, as his incredulous expression did enough. He further proved his point by walking ahead of her and calling out to his father.

"Henry," Neal said, rising up from the chair in an ungainly way. "I was wanting to see you before…well, that woman said Belle is in there now, but I told her I want to see my father. I will talk to him, Henry. If this is what you want, I will talk to him."

Emma hung back about two steps from Henry, trying to objectively view her son's reaction. The boy didn't launch himself in gratitude at Neal, which would have been a normal reaction. Instead he watched for a moment before speaking.

"Are you here because of me?"

"Why else would I…Henry, you're my son and I want to have a better relationship with you. I understand that you and Tamara aren't getting…I have made mistakes and maybe I'm just thinking this could be a way…" The words weren't coming easily for him, especially given that everyone seemed to be staring or at least listening to what he was saying.

Feeling sorry for the man in front of them, Emma placed a hand on Henry's shoulder and took a step forward. "I appreciate that you're here, Neal."

"Yeah, I guess I don't want this to be the thing that drives my son away. I don't want him to think that I didn't stop this because I was jealous or not able to move on from us. I don't know this guy, not really. But Emma, but if he managed to win your heart and Henry's, he must be a good guy. You don't usually let the bad ones in."

It may have been mature to accept that from him, even to thank him, but she couldn't muster that. Instead she smiled slightly at her son and thought at again how wonderful it was to have a boy who was so determined and dedicated. Henry's heart was bigger than anyone's she knew.

***AAA***

Belle held her head high as she watched her husband drop his down a bit. She was not a woman to back down, which was something he knew about her. He had not said anything directly to her since she explained her thoughts, whispering once to Archie.

"I can see that this statement along with the others in defense of Mr. Jones is somewhat problematic in light of the rule and its language. And while I can sympathize that there may have been confusion over it, the fact remains that a parent has complained and we have investigated. As any criminal court would say, ignorance of a law is not a valid defense."

Killian drew in his breath, the tiny and tenuous threads of hope shattered under the man's words. He could tell that despite their best efforts that he had not swayed the head master's opinion.

"I also recognize that your working relationship with myself and with this school would be a bit tarnished after this incident. So I am prepared to offer you the opportunity to resign." If Gold noticed the lack of appreciation for his words, he did not let on with his face that remained stoic.

"Resign?" Killian asked as if he had not heard. "You are telling me that my choices here are to resign or be fired?"

"Well, yes," Gold said without hesitation when his wife's eyes grew wide in surprise. "I believe it is referred to as resignation in lieu of termination."

Belle held a delicate hand up toward Killian in an effort to interrupt. "Robert, that's ridiculous. How can you think that is a solution? You and I both know…everyone knows…that when you apply for a job they ask if you have ever resigned in lieu of being terminated. It's regarded in the same way. That's no deal." She flipped her thick mane of dark hair over her shoulder. "You are the king of deals, Robert. You should know that he wouldn't accept that one."

Giving his best impression of a man who was shocked, Gold flipped to the next page in his pad of paper. "I agree it's not ideal, but my hands are tied really."

Killian knew that the plan was for him to remain emotionless and calm, as anything else would provide his boss the leverage in the situation. However the bile was rising in his chest and the thought of slinking away with a box of his belongings simply stung. Blinking a few times, he shook his head. "I don't think that is a deal I can accept. You may not approve of my relationship with Emma, but I won't apologize for my feelings for her."

***AAA***

Neal released his son from the sort of awkward hug that they had shared, his hand scrubbing over his face as he stared at the door to the conference area. "I don't even know that my father knows I'm out here."

Feeling a bit like a traitor and even more like someone at her wits' end, Emma glanced at a shrugging Mary Margaret. She fought the urge to roll her eyes at the fact that her friend was now discussing honeymoon ideas with her fiancé and that Killian's own brother was on the phone with Zelena to track down an alcohol shipment that had not been accounted for yet. Everyone had lives to lead and was being more than kind an attentive to this whole debacle. It wasn't like she knew what to say or do anyway.

"I suppose you could talk to Merida," Emma suggested, digging for her phone and checking the time again. "She doesn't seem to have any problem getting your father to listen to her."

Chuckling at the idea of the sprite of a woman not being afraid of her boss, Neal traversed the assemblage of people and headed toward her. Emma wasn't sure what was aid, but the woman looked only slightly more annoyed than normal as she pushed away from her desk and parted the group like Moses before rapping on the door again and not waiting for her invitation. Casting an angry look toward Neal, she waved him inside and followed with her thick accent explaining to Gold that Neal was waiting to see him.

"Dad's going to fix this?" Henry asked, looking up at Emma with concern. "He's not going to…I don't know…make it worse?"

"I'm sure it will be fine," Liam interrupted, leaning toward Emma. "I don't get this guy at all. His own wife is in there telling him that this is ridiculous. Why won't he just give up?"

Emma wasn't sure what to say, as she had limited her interactions with Robert Gold from the beginning. This was a man who had never shown her any kindness or regard when she had come to him and Neal for help with Henry. He had even said to her that he was concerned that she had gotten pregnant on purpose merely to get her hands on his money. While it was as far from the truth as possible, she still heard those words and saw that on his face with each interaction. The man had gone so far as to rewrite his will, placing money in trust for Henry with some lawyer in Portland as the guardian of it rather than her.

"When do I get to go in?" Henry asked, looking at her with his jaw set in determination. "I can convince him."

"We'll see if we need you to do that," Emma stalled. "I think your grandfather has a lot on his plate right now with Neal and Belle both in there." She wished she had been there to see his face when Mary Margaret's secret weapon of Belle had entered the room. The normally reserved and quiet woman surely had to have some effect on the man.

Henry appeared ready to protest his mother's delaying tactic, but Liam jumped in to her defense. "You're the secret weapon, Henry. Nobody is expecting you, least of all your grandfather. We have to make sure every other weapon is deployed before we bring you out." It was a weak argument, but one that Henry took some pride in as they waited.

***AAA***

"Neal, this really is not necessary," Gold told his son, trying his hardest to look and behave as a man in control. He was already pleased that Killian seemed thrown and torn about the offer of allowing him to resign. However, his own family kept interfering to the point that the room seemed to erupt each time there was an outburst.

"No, father, it is," the younger version said with a resigned sigh. He had earned himself a nod of encouragement from his stepmother. "You're doing this because I said that it was necessary. I was so sure that Killian Jones was intent on ripping my son away from me, but I was wrong. I was capable of doing that all by myself. I wasn't doing this to protect my son or our relationship. I was doing it because jealous and worried that he would somehow get my son to…love him more than he loves me."

Neal's father showed no signs of softening, but Belle touched his shoulder and whispered for him to continue with what he was saying.

"My son isn't a prize. He doesn't have a limited amount of love to give. And maybe I was the one who couldn't see that. But whatever the case. I want to withdraw my complaint to you as the head master of this school." He stood a little taller when he said it, hoping that his father wouldn't balk.

There was a moment when Killian wondered if his boss might just throw them all out of the room, but he remained silent. Watching from what had seemed to be the seat in the center of the room now felt like he was a spectator on the sidelines. As he often did when confronted with watching Neal, he wondered what it was that Emma had seen in him. But today he saw a bit of the humanity that she had spoken about and the love that the man had for Henry. And despite the fact that he would have loved to have punched Neal for ever causing a moment's pain to either Emma or her son, he was taken aback that they were actually on the same side.

"He's been a great teacher to Henry," Neal continued almost reluctantly. "I know that he's put in extra time with him and other students to get them ready for concerts or auditions. Henry's always telling me how Killian encourages him and never lets him feel like he isn't good enough. And maybe I took that the wrong way but isn't that what we're supposed to be doing with our kids?"

Gold lowered his eyes to the fine grain of the table, a hand smoothing over the satiny finish. "You can go," he said firmly in a quiet voice. Everyone stared back at him, not sure who he was speaking to in that moment. "You, Neal and Belle, can go. You've had your say."

"But Mr. Jones hasn't had the opportunity to question…" Archie began to suggest as Gold's wife and son retreated toward the doors.

"I don't think it will be necessary," Gold interrupted. "Clearly we cannot continue to discuss this if the parental complaint has been rescinded. So I suggest that the committee be dismissed so that Mr. Jones and I can have a conversation about further steps in this process."

When Killian emerged from the room a few minutes later, he appeared a bit shaken and grateful as Emma wrapped her arms around him and Henry looked at him with hopeful eyes. They had already discussed the fact that they would not put any emotion on display, especially given the nature of that day's meeting and discipline hearing. Yet when he had stepped into the waiting area to the smiles and calls of happiness, it was too much not to find himself wrapped up with Emma and her head burrowed into his shoulder as he thanked friends and colleagues for their support.

"You get to still be my teacher?" Henry clarified, breaking away from his father and side hugging Killian so as not to dislodge Emma. "For real?"

Killian nodded slowly, still not sure how to process that question. Gold had offered him his job and said that without the complaint of Neal there was nothing to stop him from remaining a teacher. However, it had seemed way too simple and neatly tied together. He had Emma had spoken at length that whatever the outcome there would potentially be repercussions. There was no telling what Gold would try next, but for the moment he was going to celebrate it as a victory.

Not seeing Belle there with the others was not a surprise, as she was not about to celebrate her husband's loss even if she did feel partially responsible for it. However, Neal was standing awkwardly to the side of Mary Margaret and looking very much as Henry did when there was a pending lecture or punishment.

"I think that I owe Neal a thank you," Killian told Emma, loosening his grip on her waist as she tucked herself against him even more.

"Later," she insisted. "I just want to be happy you're here right now."

"I wasn't going anywhere. I hope you know by now that I'm in this for the long haul. I'm not leaving you or Henry, love. Not ever." Like her, he knew that it would take a while to believe those words. It was especially true since they both automatically assumed abandonment was a way of life rather than a horrible ending. "But Neal…"

"He came because of Henry," she said, not yet explaining Henry's determination. She would later. "Let's say goodbye and thanks to people so we can get out of here. I want to go home."

Before they left, he found the way to approach Neal, both men looking rather sheepish and unsure. Finally, Killian extended his hand. "I appreciate what you said," he offered. "I'm sure that wasn't easy for you."

Neal's eyes lingered on Emma where she was standing talking to Mary Margaret. "I didn't want things to wind up the way they did with her, you know. I mean, I realize it's easy to see me as the villain here. I'm the absentee father who is jealous and wants to destroy your life all because she loves you and so does my son. But I'm really not that guy. I don't want to be anyway." He shrugged. "It bothers me, you know? Seeing my son want to spend time with you instead of me. And seeing you with Emma…I'm not in love with her, but still…you make her happy. And that hurt. Not because I don't want her to be happy but because I didn't know how to do that. Still don't. So for what it's worth…I'm sorry."

"I didn't intend to fall in love with her," Killian said by way of explanation. "It's just impossible not to love her. And as for Henry, I do love him. And I'm honored that you and Emma have allowed me to get to know him better. I'm not out to replace you. Henry has a father, but perhaps you will allow me to be a part of his life."

***AAA***

Elsa and Liam carried in the bags from Granny's, a present from the woman herself to celebrate that her matchmaking had not gone awry because of a rule that could not be clearly defined or explained. She had hugged Killian twice and then complained that the dust from not having enough help around was making her eyes water. She also might have mentioned that it would be nice to cater their weddings if the brothers ever got around to that.

"Are you sure we're not intruding?" Elsa asked as she watched Henry and Killian settle in with the video game that the younger boy was now obsessed with and try to explain it to Liam. "I thought you might want more family time."

"You should realize by now that we can't keep those two brothers apart. I think we should just accept that you and I are practically sisters now." She nudged her friend with her hip as she dug into the cabinet for actual glasses for their drinks. "And coming from a person who a few years ago didn't have any family – this is pretty damn nice."

Elsa nodded, agreeing that she was pretty happy too. However, her smile was short lived as she realized the ice they had brought was now frozen into one giant mountain. "Got a hammer?" she asked, ignoring the irony since the house was still a construction zone.

Emma pulled the bag from her hands and called out to Henry. "Hey kid, before you get too involved in that game, can you take this out on the deck. Break it up, would you?" It was one of Henry's favorite tasks and one that he had not done much since they had moved. Killian's refrigerator made ice of varying sizes and provided them no reason for the bought bags from the local gas station. Just as she predicted, her son jumped over the coffee table and scampered out the door to do some of his best wrestling moves to drop it from over his head and break the ice into manageable pieces.

"So you're still employed," Liam said, sinking down next to his brother in the vacated spot. "I'm mighty glad about that. Thought I might have to offer you a job bussing tables at the Rabbit Hole."

"From one tyrant boss to another, no thanks," Killian joked with his expression still serious. "I'd rather not. But yes, it appears as though I will be teaching a bit longer." He looked fondly toward the foyer console table where there were pictures of Emma with musicians, Henry with his scout troop and band friends, and him with colleagues and classes on field trips. "Not sure how long the cease fire will last."

"That Neal bloke seemed to regret his decisions," Liam offered thoughtfully. "I rather think he will settle a bit and not cause any more ruckus." Not one to laze about, he began to stack a few of the magazines and whatnot to make room for the dinner they were to share right there. "And that Gold's wife won't let him get to you either."

"I think we both know how men like Gold operate," Killian said warily. The video game remote was hanging loosely in his hand. "I suppose as long as I stay there, I'll always be watching my back a bit. As we were leaving, Mary Margaret warned that the committee is considering meeting to strengthen that particular rule. So I could be back…"

"You could marry her," Liam said, his voice as flat as if he were suggesting adding mustard to the hamburger he had ordered from Granny. "If she was your wife, this rule wouldn't be an issue."

"You're a bloody fool to think that I would…"

"Don't get all upset," Liam soothed. "It was merely a suggestion. "Emma is clearly the love of your life, brother. I wouldn't think you'd want to move that fast, but it's a possibility."