So I didn't ever imagine this story would go on this long. When I started it, it was an experiment to see if I could write something that was a different style and more of a romance than my usual stuff. And so here we are at Chapter 50. There will be just a few more chapters in this story. I am still overwhelmed at the reception this has received and the messages supporting and encouraging me. Thank you all for that love and support!

Killian was more excited about the idea of a dog for the family than Emma anticipated. He and Henry rushed through their school assignments – math problems and a vocabulary review for Henry and grading tests for Killian – with a fervor that she had not seen in either of them lately. Once responsibilities were done for the evening, they had barricaded themselves on the couch to view the photo galleries from the animal shelter and were placing calls to David about the different possibilities for the new family pet.

"Killian and I like this lab," Henry told his mother when she carried in a tray of hot chocolate and strawberries for their evening snack. He shoved the smart phone in front of her and shook it until she commented.

"Nice," she said, holding her head back to better view the image. "I thought we were going to look at the shelter after we get back from London."

Dropping his hand, Henry let out an exasperated sigh. "But this one is perfect. He's just two years old, already house broken, and has a sweet temperament. It says it right here."

"After London," she reminded him, placing one foot and then the other on the coffee table and crossing them at the ankles. "We aren't adopting a dog and then disappearing for a week. That's just cruel."

"We could take him with us," Henry quipped, quickly silenced by his mother's put upon groan.

"If he's available when we get back then we'll talk about it, but for now…no."

Killian shot an amused smirk at Emma, his hand reaching up to scratch behind his ear as he watched the exchange. He'd considered adding a dog to his life for the past few years, but had not felt comfortable with the idea given the state of his life. He wanted a dog to fit seamlessly into things, not add burdens or distract him. However, Henry had been so excited by the idea that he had jumped aboard immediately. "He's a fine one. But perhaps we should keep our minds open until we see the animal. Perhaps there is another that might be more suitable for our family."

"He's perfect. He even likes the water." He shoved the phone under Killian's nose this time. "See! Water! He's perfect for us." There was as self-satisfied grin on the teenager's face as he re-read the description off of Killian's phone, declaring again that the dog would be a welcome addition to the family.

Killian abandoned the talk to show Emma the website where he'd been tracking prices for their airline tickets. He was trying to find the perfect price and time that would avoid jet lag and not cost a fortune. She should have known he'd be that organized about it, ranking the different flights from 1-10 with notes about the suitability of each. She was a little surprised he was letting her do the packing.

"So Henry will be back on Sunday around 2, right? I was thinking we could fly out that evening about 7 or so. That would put us…"

"Before you book that, maybe I should ask you something first," Emma said, chewing at her lip as both Killian and Henry peered over at her. "It's not bad or anything. I mean I guess…well, see…" She went ahead telling him about the offer to do the interview with the radio program. This was not going to go well.

"Wait, you want me to do an interview on a radio program?" Killian asked, his voice cracking. "What the bloody hell would I even talk about?"

Emma scrolled to the second picture of the dog Henry was back to excitedly studying on Killian's phone. "Well, you wrote the song and penned the lyrics. I suppose you could talk about your thoughts on the final product, inspiration, process, and stuff like that. You don't have to do this, but I know it would mean a lot to Elsa."

"Would there be cameras there?" Henry asked, his interest in the dog waning momentarily with the thought of his future step father getting 15 minutes of fame. "Will you be on television?"

"It's a radio interview," Killian said, then shook his head. "And I haven't agreed to do it."

"Well, Henry's not totally wrong. They sometimes record them for social media." She flinched at the sight of Killian's reluctance. "But we could totally ask them not to do that. And you wouldn't be alone. The whole thing would really feature Elsa. It's just that the duet is getting some attention. It could mean better sales for her, which frankly is a concern what with her not touring and Anna taking time off." She tried to relax her own expression, indicate to him that this was no big deal. "And if you're not comfortable, I totally understand. I just thought that what with Henry out of town on a camping trip, you and I could have a fun weekend in New York."

"If I skip camping, can I come to New York? I like New York," Henry jabbed his elbow at his mother and looked the picture of innocence. "You would just have to buy me food. I wouldn't be a problem at all. I'd stay out of your way. Or I could help!"

"You and your dad have a camping trip," Emma reminded him, nudging him back. "Besides I don't think Killian is going to want to do this."

Killian stared at the screen with flight information, studying it carefully. His hand moved on its own accord, each finger brushing the pad of his thumb in turn just inches in front of his mouth. "I gather this was Regina's idea."

Emma nodded slowly. "Yeah, but that doesn't mean you have to do it. I mean Elsa's under contract, not you."

***AAA***

Liam flipped the page in the outdated magazine with so much force that the slick paper almost ripped from his effort. Growling his discontent at it for daring to be so flimsy, he threw it back on the stack of equally useless periodicals that seemed to be the norm in every waiting room.

"I'm sure she's fine," Emma ventured, clasping her own cup of coffee with a vice like grip. It had been more than an hour since she and Killian had received the frantic call from Liam about the accident. And while they had sat there with him for the entirety of the time, none of them had been allowed past the double doors, as they weren't family.

"You bloody well got to see Granny," Liam pointed out when she said the nurse who had informed them of that rule was just following protocol. And while that was true, Emma was sure that the difference was the area of the hospital since Elsa was in the trauma unit and not simply under observation. She didn't bother building up her case for Liam though, simply nodding and sipping on the stale distraction of the coffee.

"Perhaps Anna has heard more," Killian offered, standing up and brushing his hand against his jacket and pants before taking a few steps toward the reception desk. In his haste to get to his brother and Elsa, he had left the prosthetic at home so his left arm was significantly shorter and drawn under the long flannel sleeve of his shirt. "It's worth a try."

Liam gave no indication of his approval or disapproval of his brother's actions, leaning his head onto his hands and staring down at his knees. It wasn't until Emma stood and changed to the seat next to him that he even breathed out a sign that he was aware of the others in the room.

"Have you heard from Graham?"

"Useless wanker," Liam groused, rubbing his forehead with a finger. "Said car accidents happen all the time and that we shouldn't automatically assume…" He snorted, pushing his hands down on his knees. "I know about car accidents, almost lost my brother in one. Don't think I don't know what it's like to sit here and wait on word…any word about someone you love."

She had not even thought about how similar the situation must have been, the connection between sitting there waiting for news and not knowing all the details. There were differences though, including the fact that he wasn't also learning of the deaths of two friends at the same time. But that wasn't what she pointed out to him. "Maybe it's time to figure out what we can do to protect you and Elsa from your brother? I know that Graham had suggested before that a protective order might be a possibility."

"You think that a bloody piece of paper will do anything to protect us?"

Emma shrugged. "I don't know. It was a thought. Look, I know this sucks. I know that you're feeling a lot of things right now. Scared that Elsa is hurt. Frustrated that despite Graham's efforts this hasn't stopped. Guilty that maybe your brother thought it was you in the car…"

"I hadn't gotten to that last one," he said, smirking sardonically before grimacing. "So I guess I can add that to my list. If I'd picked up my own car from the shop this wouldn't be happening. If I hadn't asked her to do that so I could avoid the hassle, she'd be fine right now. Is that what you're saying?"

"Liam!" Killian's voice was sharp as he rejoined them, looking harshly at his brother. "I know you're worried, but taking it out on Emma is not the answer." He crossed his arms over his chest, ignoring the look Emma gave him that said to just blow it off. "And just so you know, Anna is back there now with the doctor. They are x-raying Elsa's shoulder to see if there is any damage, but it appears she made it through without a scratch."

Liam let out a sigh of relief, mumbling maybe a thanks or an apology before stalking off in the direction of the bank of vending machines against the far wall. Killian didn't follow, taking root in his brother's now abandoned seat. "He didn't need to snap at you that way, love."

"He's worried about Elsa and remembering the last time he was waiting on word from an accident," she said, dropping her head down on Killian's shoulder. "I get it. I said the wrong thing and he snapped. It's understandable."

"We're all under a lot of pressure, but there is no reason to turn on each other. I doubt he's going to appreciate it very much when I ask him for our father's contact information. But we must do what we must." He rested his cheek on her head and tugged her into his side even tighter. "We didn't get a chance to talk about it, but is Henry okay? I didn't wish to pry."

Even though he couldn't see her face from that vantage point, he knew that she had closed her eyes, breathing in deeply through her nose as she did when she was preparing to say something. "I guess I just needed reminding that my son isn't oblivious. He's worried about all this and thought maybe we were hiding the danger from him."

"Poor lad. Perhaps we should keep him updated on Elsa. I doubt our rushing him off to Mary Margaret and David's made him feel much more secure tonight." He jostled her a bit with his shoulder. "Why don't you go take care of him. I can handle my time bomb of a brother and get him and Elsa situated. You go give the lad a hug and see that he's thinking of nothing more taxing than asking Violet to the basketball game and what to pack for his camping adventure."

She shot up, the golden blonde hair that was no longer in the intricate braid flying wildly in odd directions. "Basketball game? Who gave permission for that? He doesn't even like basketball."

"It's a school function, love. It's not the same as a date with dinner and movies and such."

Her eyes closed again and her chest rose with the deep breath she drew. "Seriously? I have to learn about my son's social life from his music teacher?"

"Who is also your fiancé," he said, his finger touching the tip of her nose. "I thought your rule was that they were free to spend time together at school functions?"

Her mouth screwed into a thoughtful pose. "Just a basketball game, right? You didn't offer to take them out for dinner afterwards or something?"

"Just a game, love. It's over by 5:30." He smiled brightly, waggling his eyebrows at her obvious discomfort. He knew he was overdoing it. "I suspect that the most that will happen will be them holding hands or sharing a box of popcorn."

"You are not cute," she said, tapping her foot wildly. "You're not cute at all." She rolled her eyes, leaning over and kissing his cheek, muttering still that he was not that funny either.

"And yet you still love me. I can see it in the way you roll those lovely green eyes. Go see your son; it's fine. I've got this."

***AAA***

"I want you to follow my light with your eyes not your head," Dr. Whale said, his normal bedside demeanor on display for the two sisters. "Good, very good."

"She's fine, right?" Anna asked, holding her sister's coat like a life preserver in the ocean. "You'd tell me if she was really sick or hurt. She's awake so that's a good sign. And she's talking…" Leaning forward, she yanked her sister's chin toward her. "You're talking, right? Talk to me!"

"I'm fine," Elsa said in a low tone. "I know Liam is out there worried. Go see to him, okay? Please."

"I don't want to leave you," Anna protested, her bottom lip protruding as she backed away from her sister. "The doctor's here. I should hear what he says. What if he says something important but you don't remember? What if you have amnesia and can't remember anything?"

"I don't have amnesia." She grimaced as the doctor pressed delicately on her shoulder. "I promise. I remember everything."

Victor chuckled, dropping his pin light back into the pocket of his lab coat. Feeling the eyes of the younger sister on him, he smiled patiently. "She doesn't have amnesia. I am a bit concerned about this pain in her shoulder though. I think I'll order an x-ray and get you a little something for the pain. If there is no damage to the bone, I'd say we can get you out of here in an hour or so."

"You could have damaged a bone?" Anna wailed. "Which bone? I know it's your shoulder, but there's more than one bone there. It's a joint. Ball and glove. No, ball and socket. Did she hurt the ball or the socket? Or is it wrench?"

Grabbing the clipboard off the end of the tray beside the exam table, Victor made a few notes. "We'll know more after the x-ray. In your condition you can't be around for that so why don't we see about an update for the patient's boyfriend. Think we can trust you with that?"

Anna stood up quickly, the coats she held falling to the ground. Chin held high, she turned to the door. "Got it. Update Liam. Shoulder hurts but no amnesia."

***AAA***

Stairs creaking beneath her feet, Emma lumbered up to the door of Mary Margaret and David's loft in the dim light of the hallway. She knocked twice, softly so as not to wake everyone with the pronouncement of her arrival. It must have been just loud enough as the bleary-eyed David who answered and swung the door open to welcome her.

"He's upstairs on the daybed in the nursery," David explained, stepping over a video game controller that Henry had probably left out before bed. "I thought you were going to let him stay here? You said that, right?" He bent to pick up the game device, looked around, and then threw it on the coffee table next to a display of pink and white peonies.

"I did. I am. I just…well, I needed a break." She wiggled her shoulders as she attempted to rid herself of the too thin jacket, standing in the center of wicker and pastels that were her friend's trademark. Even David's addition of a mountain bike hung from the wall and a leather hassock next to a mint green armless chair had not done much to affect the overall look of the space. "I didn't mean to wake you guys…"

"You didn't," Mary Margaret said, coming out from behind the Chinese screens they were using in lieu of the French doors to separate the bedroom from the rest of the first floor until David had time for the installation. "Well, you did but I get up about 20 times a night anyway. So it's fine."

Her yellow and white robe hung open to reveal and oversized shirt that was probably something David had brought her back from a conference or event. Short black hair sticking up in wild directions and her green eyes squinting at her husband, she kissed his cheek as he laid a gentle hand on her more obvious belly. "Go back to bed, sweetheart."

He blinked back at her, gave the baby a final caress and nodded. "Yeah, I should. Don't stay up too late. Good night, Emma. I didn't even ask…Elsa's alright?"

"Banged up her shoulder a little, but fine. They are releasing her soon." Emma sank into the armless chair, picking a throw pillow from behind her back and tossing it aside. "Sorry for waking you."

He waved his hand as he lumbered toward the alcove where they had their bed. "No big deal. I'm a heavy sleeper. Won't even remember in the morning."

"Tea?" Mary Margaret asked, her eyes a bit more awake now. "I could scramble an egg? Juice? I've got grape, orange…maybe some…no I don't have any pomegranate. I think David finished that yesterday. I've got milk. And…"

"I am fine," Emma interrupted. "Honestly I just needed a moment away from the hospital. The guard that was supposed to be watching Elsa drove me over here."

Mary Margaret crossed over the u-shaped living room and plopped down across from her friend. "That bad? I know you said she's okay physically, but…" She sighed. "Is it the brother?"

"Possibly? Probably? I don't really know. She never got a look at the guy or that good of a look at the car. Graham and Liam think it is him. Graham's talking about calling in the state police to look into things. I'm looking at adding more security because this guy was able to get past the one guard we've got." She sighed, throwing her head back dramatically. "I'm sorry. It's late and I thought…Killian suggested and I guess I just wanted to see Henry."

"He's upstairs. Want to go up there?" The pregnant woman moved toward the edge of her seat again. "If it will make you feel better, let's go."

"You're not mad?" Emma asked, cringing. "I am not usually like this."

"No, you're not like this. So clearly something is wrong and we're going to talk about it when you come back downstairs. Now go look in on your son and pull it all together. I'll make us some tea and we'll chat when you get back." Giving one of those patented teacher looks, she pointed at the metal stairs. "Go! Oh and bring back a pillow and blanket from the linen closet. You're staying here tonight. I'm not having you drive back given what's going on with this guy."

***AAA***

She would have fought him had they not given her a strong pain killer for her shoulder. Instead, she felt herself going limp in his arms as he carried her from Killian's jeep up the couple of steps and through the front door of the house. He must have said he had her safe and sound at least a dozen times on the 100 foot journey from the garage, his breath warm at her temple and hands gripping her denim clad legs and her lower back.

"Take her on upstairs," Killian said, turning on lights as he waded through the room toward the kitchen. "I'll fix up an ice pack for her to keep the swelling down."

"Nothing's broken," she informed them, not realizing she had said that over and over since her release. It was true that the x-rays showed nothing to be concerned about, the impact having simply bruised her rather than broken or dislocated her shoulder. "We're here?"

"Aye, darling, we're at Killian's…"

Her nod was more like bobbing, her eyes wide and studious. "I like it here. Emma lives here too."

Ignoring his brother's chuckle, Liam readjusted his hold on his girlfriend. "Aye, that she does. She's a good friend."

"Yup," Elsa agreed, kicking her foot a bit too wildly and sending her shoe in an arc toward the couch. "I think Killian really likes her."

That earned a loud guffaw from the younger Jones, his shoulders shaking as he paused from making an ice pack to laugh at the blonde's drug addled observation. He laughed even harder when Liam responded with, "I think you might be right about that, lass."

There were only a few protests as he carried her up the stairs and to the guest room, promising that she could make dinner for everyone soon. She could be heard calling out menu ideas even from the landing above.

"You like garlic, right? Killian? You like garlic? And chocolate! Everyone loves chocolate. I'll make something with chocolate!"

"Sounds magnificent, Elsa!" he shouted back, tossing up the newly frozen ice pack when his brother reappeared on the stairs. "I will look forward to it."

In the haste of getting to the hospital there were more than a few items placed haphazardly throughout the living room. While he should have been considering sleep or even texting to make sure that Emma was snug at the Nolans' loft, he found himself cleaning up a bit. That was where Liam found him a few minutes later, throwing a few of the forgotten cushions back in place on the couch.

"She was passed out before her head hit the pillow," Liam announced, sinking down onto the newly restored sitting space. "Thanks for the ride back."

Shrugging off the compliment, Killian folded the throw that Emma was so partial to over his left arm a little awkwardly. He frowned at it and tried again, this time making the ends meet. "Sounds as though Elsa will be paying us back with quite a feast of garlic and chocolate, mate."

"Yum…" Liam said, rolling his head on his shoulder from one side to the other. "I owe Emma an apology. She was concerned about how I was feeling and I jumped on her a bit too harshly."

"I doubt she'll hold it against you." Killian draped the newly folded blanket over the back of the chair. "She has a thing for a hot cocoa with cinnamon though. And since she's staying the night at the loft, you could have one waiting for her when she comes back in the morning to get ready for work."

"The least I can do." Liam folded his hands over his chest and kicked his feet up onto the coffee table. One look from his brother and he removed his shoes before reassuming his relaxed position. "So let's hear it? I'm a stubborn arse for letting it get this far. If only I'd called father and told him what I thought instead of ignoring his pleas. I know the drill. I also know that we should pursue this protective order and look at where that brother of ours is before anyone gets truly hurt."

"If you already know what I plan to say, there is very little need for me to say it," Killian teased. "But yes, I do think it is time that we take some action. Let the authorities deal with Liam, but our father…"

"I'm not going to London." If Liam were a child, one might understand the petulant tone better. He might have even stamped his feet and stuck out his tongue. But Liam was a grown man who should be above such things.

"Aye, I can respect that, brother. But you should understand that I wish to go. I have every intention of seeing this through. So I would appreciate your telling me what you know about where he is living now. London is no small place."

"I won't be a part of this." Lowering one of his hands, Liam reached for the remote control for the television only to have it snatched away by his brother. "You can't possibly think I'm going to change my mind."

"After your first refusal, I never invited you again. I was simply hoping you might share with me what you know about father's whereabouts. It would make my task infinitely easier to at least know where I was going and what I might face."

"This isn't your fight, brother. Nobody's after you or your fiancé. I have to deal with this the best way I know how."

Clenching his hand, he tried to find the words that would convince his brother. It would be a tall order that would require skill and care. Or perhaps he should just stick his middle finger in the air and call it a night. "He is my father as well as yours," he said, settling on reason rather than emotional appeal. "And this brother of ours could have easily enough targeted me. Still might."

"It doesn't involve you. I don't want you putting yourself at risk to simply be disappointed with that lout won't give you the time of day or seems to forget that you even ever existed. You've got this week planned. Take Emma to Paris or Rome. Go have a bit of romance in Vermont or on a cruise. Don't waste your time trying to mediate between me and a man you and I always said was no longer our father. Don't subject Emma to him and his lies. It's a mistake."

He briefly closed his eyes, remembering the panic and pain that his brother had displayed at the hospital. While he had heard Liam's expression had been similar after his own accident, he had never actually seen his brother so distressed. He couldn't blame him. If something happened to Emma, he'd be likely to lose what he had left of his sanity. "You're in danger, brother. You of all people can't expect me to sit back and watch this come to a head. Let me try to help."

***AAA***

Liam did eventually pass on the information he had on Brennan Jones, swearing that he couldn't confirm it was accurate. However, Killian went with it and made hotel arrangements and rented a car that would carry him to the small house that was their father's last known residence. It took most of his time during those last few days of the week, especially combined with Elsa's demand that she would do the interview and her impassioned plea for his inclusion. He'd finally given in on that detail. So when school let out on Friday he carried his and Emma's bags to the jeep while Henry and his father prepared to leave on their own weekend adventure.

Neal's car disappeared down the road with Henry and a few bags inside it, the trip to the cabin still a viable option even after the rough week. While Emma did not want to come straight out and ask if Tamara would be joining them, she had noted that there was no room in the sedan for her with the equipment, games, and whatnot littering the backseat.

"Good thing we won't be here this weekend," Killian said, dropping a weekend bag next to the door where she stood looking out at the now empty road. "Maybe you won't miss him so much."

"It's crazy, right? Henry's 13. I've shared custody for years now and he's always headed off for this camp or that friend's house. I should be used to him traipsing off for weekends away, but I'm not right now. I miss him." Letting the curtain on the window next to the door fall back into place, she spun to face him. "You probably think I'm a co-dependent mess of a mother who is the laziest helicopter parent ever."

"I've been around my share of such mothers and fathers, love. You are nowhere near that level of insanity. And to be honest, I hope to distract you as much as possible this weekend."

"You're not angry that this is weekend is turning into a work thing?"

"It seems to mean a lot to you and to Elsa," he shrugged. "It's not as though you are dragging me on some awful adventure to a foreign land to look for your wayward father."

Giving him a quick peck to his lips, she smiled. "I think you have a different idea of torture, but if it makes you happy to think that I am somehow making the supreme sacrifice by going with you to London, I'm all for it. I could use the guilt points."

It would be a busy weekend for them with the two nights planned in New York, a quick flight back to Maine and another flight to London Sunday evening. Neal had promised to have Henry back to Mary Margaret and David's who would then transport him to the airport to meet them, as well as their luggage for the week in tow. There were a million little things that could go wrong, but Emma had promised both Killian and herself that she would try not to worry about them too much.

"Perhaps I'm just concerned that all this time together will have you rethinking your decision to marry me."

She lifted her left hand and waved it between them, the engagement ring on clear display. "I think that ship's already sailed there, buddy. I even managed to let Ruby nail me down about a possible dress design and have quotes on the flowers. And last I checked we've got invitations being printed. Can't let all that go to waste. I'm not planning this for nothing, you know?"

"You've been busy. Perhaps you'd like to write our vows too?" He was well aware of the plans so far, having been privy to most of the decisions, including taking on the task of Ruby and Granny's ideas for the reception. Keeping it simple had proven to be more of a challenge than either of them realized, as Mary Margaret and Ruby had both gone into overdrive with ideas that would be better for a wedding with a guest list of 200. His fiancé was stubborn though and fought back when necessary, giving in on a few details that she was not that concerned about anyway.

"I thought we could just wing it," she teased with a shrug. "Just say whatever came to mind?" She gestured toward the stack of luggage. "I promise to do all our travel packing in the future and you promise to…"

"Ravish you every chance I get?" He pulled her to him, earning a little gasp of surprise at the quick but welcome gesture. "I certainly plan to do that."

She twisted her mouth to one side, pursing her lips for the effect of appearing to think hard about his suggestion. "I was going to go with you promising to always empty the dishwasher, but I could be convinced to go with the ravishing thing." She threw her arms over his shoulders, laughing as he dipped her back dramatically to kiss her.

"Oi, if you two keep that up, you'll be horrible travel companions for Elsa," Liam announced, the woman in question's rolling bag in his hand and a carry on in the other. "Just remember this isn't the honeymoon yet, brother."

"Aye, we will be on our best behavior," Killian said, keeping his eyes on Emma as she shimmied her way out of his embrace and smoothed down the black shirt she was wearing. "It is a work trip after all."

***AAA***

Elsa pulled back the curtain and held her phone up to snap a photo of the incredible view for Liam, texting it to him immediately. With the quickness of his reply he must have been holding the phone, the ring of hers mixing with the sound of the text being delivered.

"You're all snug and safe, darling?" he asked after a few pleasantries. "Killian made sure your room was up to par?"

"Killian and Emma have both been wonderful," Elsa assured him, dropping to one of the chairs in the sitting area and sighing. "They invited me to join them for dinner tonight, but I told them to go without me."

"Elsa," he said warningly. "You shouldn't go out alone. We had a deal…"

"I won't be totally alone. I have that burly guard to watch me and I thought I'd just explore a little. I was going to see if I could possibly score a ticket to a show. I don't want to impose on them." Her manicured finger tapped on the back of the phone. "Quit worrying. There are millions of people in this city. I doubt your brother would fly all this way to follow me."

***AAA***

As much as she complained about Regina's overbearing ways and micromanagement, Emma had to admit that the artists both on and pursued by the label were treated extremely well. Never had that been so evident to her as the rooms that had been booked for Elsa and Killian to do their interview in New York that weekend. Travel on the weekend before Thanksgiving was hellish, combined with the fact that she and Killian were due to fly out with Henry on Sunday. But there they stood in the room, throwing a tip to the bell hop and pretending not to gawk at the floor to ceiling views of the vibrant lights of Time Square.

"I may abhor the idea of these insipid interviews, love," he said before crashing his lips against hers and making quick movements toward the king sized bed, "but this room makes up for any discomfort."

She smiled against his mouth, batting away his hand that had already pulled the black blouse from her jeans and was fussing with the buttons blindly. "We're having dinner out tonight," she reminded him. "You promised. Reservations? With Elsa. I even got us all tickets to a show that is supposedly impossible to get tickets to see."

"Love, I have no reservations about staying locked in this room with you for the entirety of this weekend. I shall never complain again about staying in with you. I was a stupid, stupid, man."

She craned her neck back to both display her desire to move on from the interlude and head out as planned, as well as to give him better access as he assaulted the skin there. She could admit desiring both. "You promised me a date," she said, her fingers gripping his head to pull him closer, getting lost in the thick tufts of dark hair. "Food, wine, dancing, no children's movies or teenage angst."

"I thought we were bringing Elsa with us?" he queried, paying closer attention to the dip in her neck and shoulder. His tongue traced over the sensitive area, relishing her shudder with his teeth flashing against her skin.

"Tonight dinner and a show. Tomorrow is date night." She pushed back on his shoulders twice before he stepped back with a frustrated groan. "Easy there, tiger. We have all weekend. You go shower and get ready. I'll get Elsa."

***AAA***

"I wish you were here," Elsa said, pulling her knees up to her chest. "I know you'd hate going to see a musical, but…"

"I would do it for you," he interrupted. "I would do anything you requested. But we both know that I am needed here this weekend. Apparently this American holiday brings out long lost family and encourages drinking in excess leading up to the day."

"It's about being thankful," she giggled. "You are so British sometimes."

"I'm simply making an observation. After your interview, have that security guard of yours take you to the airport and we'll be in each other's embrace by tomorrow night." He was still whispering some pretty dirty things to her when her reverie was interrupted by a sharp knock at the door. Insisting that he stay connected while she answered it – what exactly was he going to do from Storybrooke if it was trouble – he heard Emma's familiar voice and realized what was going on about the same time as Elsa.

"Hi Liam," Emma said into the phone. "I'm kidnapping your girlfriend. Seems Killian's glutton enough for punishment as to take two blondes out to dinner."

"Lucky bastard," Liam chuckled, signing off after getting Elsa to promise to call him when she returned.

"Emma, I don't want to be a third wheel," she said, dropping the phone on the bed and sighing. "I'm just going to find a quiet place, people watch, and maybe go see a show or something. You and Killian should enjoy a night without your son. Get him to wine and dine you."

Clicking her tongue on the top of her mouth, Emma shook her head. "Nope, you're not backing out on me now. If you won't go with me for social reasons, fine. But think about my taxes."

"Your taxes?" Emma asked, not quite sure what to make of that argument. "What does my going to dinner with you have to do with your taxes?"

Emma smiled, happy to have at least gotten her friend off balance with the argument. "If Killian and I go out alone it's a date," she said, explaining the obvious. "But if you join us then I'm a recording company rep taking out two clients or a client and a potential client. Total right off on my taxes."

Elsa looked at her suitcase, trying to picture the outfit she had packed in case she did decide to go out. It was a simple black dress that would highlight her creamy complexion and blonde white hair. If she unfurled her braided lochs, she would sport thick waves that would frame her face and with a little touch up of her make up would be stunning. "Taxes," she repeated. "Fine, you win. I'll be your tax deduction."

"Great," Emma said, lifting her shoulders with a mix of pride and celebration. "Be ready in 25 minutes."

***AAA***

While Elsa was still worried about being a third wheel with Emma and Killian, the two lovebirds did all that they could to make her feel included. Emma continually referred to it as a business dinner, even making a show of keeping a copy of the receipt and toasting to the upcoming release of the song. Killian was much more casual about it, offering an arm to both women and riding in the front seat of the cab so that both ladies could have more room in the back.

When they arrived at the theater just a few minutes before time for the curtain, Killian was engrossed in a chat with Elsa about the show they were going to see. He seemed to be appreciating her knowledge of musical theater as much as she was entertained with his theories about composition. Emma groaned loudly that maybe they should switch seats so they didn't have to talk over her.

Killian even wore his moniker of being a lucky bastard proudly, texting his brother a photo of him flanked by his fiancé and Elsa at dinner and following it up with one that included both women kissing his cheeks. Liam had a few choice words for them after that one.

Arriving back at the hotel, the trio stopped at Elsa's door first to drop her off with the promise to meet for breakfast at the diner across the street. As he had promised Liam, Killian scanned the room with the guard who had followed them at a distance all night. Declaring it safe, he wished her a good night and rushed Emma along to the room next door, sliding the do not disturb sign on the doorknob in a swift and seamless motion.

"Tonight was fun," Emma said, kicking off the heels she had been wearing before heading to her suitcase to dig out something more comfortable to sleep in. "Thank you."

"You and Uncle Sam paid for dinner and the show, love. I'm not sure why you would thank me."

She was twisting off the back of her earring, her favorite flannel pajamas over her arm. Most women would have brought some sort of sexy lingerie for a romantic weekend with their fiancé, but Emma preferred comfort and familiarity to showy tactics that felt fake. "You were a good sport with Elsa and a gentleman throughout. I'm impressed."

"I'm always a gentleman," he countered, yanking down on his tie to loosen it. They had almost added to their delayed departure with the act of her tying it for him earlier. "And I was promised that I would have you all to myself tomorrow night."

"A deal's a deal," she said, rising onto the balls of her feet to place a chaste kiss to his lips. "And I hear that married couples do seem to get a few date nights now and then."

"Something else to look forward to," he smiled against her. "Perhaps we should practice that. We could go back out in the hall and I could carry you over the threshold?"

She rocked against him, appreciating the earnest yet gentle kiss he gave her in return. At first his lips touched hers like a whisper, his grin still evident. It made his lifting her into his arms bridal style all the more shocking, her squeal bouncing off the walls. "That damn guard is going to come in here and beat you down," she chastised, dropping the flannel pajamas in a puddle on the floor. "Killian!"

"You won't need them," he teased, spinning them toward the bed with dramatic movements until he dropped her gently onto the plush covers. "Isn't that better? Much more comfortable than those dreadful theater seats."

"Those dreadful seats are going for at least a thousand dollars a piece," she said, raising her chin defiantly to look him in the eye. He wasn't looking all that formidable with his blue eyes sparkling and his cheeks pink as he seemed to drink her in. "But you're right. They were like sitting on concrete."

"I do love being right."

She exclaimed in irritation, rolling away from him as he dropped to the mattress himself. "Great, my fiancé has a debate club fetish." Her lips trembled in an attempt to keep the smirk at bay. She failed.

"I assure you that my fetishes are all quite mature and involve only you, my love."

As much as she appreciated the playful banter with him, she was not ashamed to admit that she melted when he smiled at her that way or enjoyed the attention he bestowed. And without a teenager in the next room or guests nearby, she was enjoying it all the more. She snuggled against him as their legs entwined. The languid kisses and caresses hardly matching the passion they both felt but somehow stymied for a more methodical pace. Her hands busily pushed and pulled at his clothes, freeing him with the same impatience that beguiled their more measured machinations.

Soon enough bare skin came into contact with bare skin, leaving her feeling as if she was consumed half by flame and half by ice with the burn and surge of passion she felt for him. And while her impatience with the slower tempo grew, their inevitable coming together was ripe with the downpour of fiery sensations.

It wasn't until after, contentment and peace overriding the emotions of a hectic week and even month, that she noticed the red blinking light on the phone beside the bed. Killian sauntered back into the room from the bathroom, not having bothered to dress or cover up and carrying a wash cloth for her use and smiling broadly at his beautiful fiancé.

"Something the matter?" he asked, three small lines forming as he regarded her. "You seemed happier a moment ago."

"We've got a message," she said, pointing at the phone. "Who even knows what hotel we're at besides Liam?"

"That's quickly remedied," he reminded her, reaching for the phone and kissing her bare shoulder as he waited through the menu of options. He said nothing else, the flicker of anxiety bold on his face as he cradled the old fashioned phone against his ear.

"Killian?"

He shook his head slightly, his jaw clenching as his back straightening at whatever it was that he heard. Closing his eyes, he let the phone slip slightly and then replaced it back on its base.

"Killian, what is it?" Emma asked.

"My father," he said, the title for the man sounding cold and distant. "He's not in London. That was him. He's in New York. Upstate a bit. He heard I was here and would like to talk."