The temperature was hovering around 10 degrees Fahrenheit when she poured herself some coffee and pulled her feet up under her on the couch to watch the morning news on mute. With her mug resting on the arm of the sofa, she used both hands to text back a greeting to her son. It was while she was contemplating a second cup that her husband s form appeared in the doorway with sleep tousled hair and a parted lip sigh. I wasn t sure you d still be here, love.
I wouldn t leave without saying goodbye, she reminded him. And a goodbye kiss. Before he had moved from the doorway she was on her feet and making her way across the floor, arms looped over his shoulders and head thrown back to look up at him.
A day shouldn t start without a kiss, he agreed, lowering his mouth to hers. But I won t attempt to persuade you to play hooky here with me today.
I have to deal with Regina and work. Her frown was evident. I m going to tell her the song is yours and not hers to sell.
Love, it is my issue to consider. I ll deal with it. You shouldn t let it interfere with your work.
She lowered her eyes as if to consider this. It s not that I don t think you can. I just think that I know
Regina better than you do. Let me deal with her. You deal with Gold and getting your school with Mary Margaret started. We can take on the world together.
I like the sound of together, but you tell me if you need some reinforcements. I ll be there to take her on too.
~~~AAA~~~
The snow wasn t yet beginning to stick when Emma entered the offices and ducked behind her door to avoid the scene with Regina that would surely occur soon enough. That plan lasted a grand total of three minutes before the owner and boss in question was entering the space after a quick rap and not bothering to wait for a greeting. With one hip jutted out and her chin raised defiantly high, she seemed to take in the landscape of the office and sneer all while breathing in evenly.
I suppose you haven t finished your assessment of those videos I asked you to watch last week? Regina watched as Emma deftly placed a file on top of her desk and pushed it forward with two fingers.
I emailed you my reviews last week and here are my notes that confirm my thoughts. They were decent enough to play after hours at a club, but I don t see much potential beyond that. One has fewer than 20,000 followers and the other is breaking 10,000. I don t know how many of those are organic, but either way it isn t impressive.
Regina waved her hand over the files as if that explained her disdain. I see. Did you find anyone worthy?
Not particularly. Emma lowered herself to her chair, flinging her scarf over toward the couch that took up one wall of her office. It slid off the pillows and landed as though in a puddle on the floor. But even you have to admit that we all tend to be a little picky and overlook talent and potential for someone who is seasoned and ready to make a million on their first recording.
Regina nodded silently, her dark hair falling over half her face until the pushed it back with a bold hand.
Is there a reason you are avoiding me or are you just worried I might catch on to you planning to leave early?
Emma squared her shoulders and let her eyes rise slowly to meet Regina s. I m not really one who wants a confrontation. But yes, I m leaving early today. I spend half my weeks staying out late at clubs searching for your next great thing. I spent two nights last week at the studio because you were afraid your latest star would falter under the producer. Regina, I m juggling a lot here and I would appreciate the occasional evening off for my husband and my son. She gripped the pen in her hand like a lifesaver, channeling her nervous energy into its cap.
You took two days off last week and that s been your best attendance in the past month. Raising a hand to ward off excuses, she shook her head. I get it. Your husband had surgery and has been recovering. But that s what nurses are for.
Emma sighed but didn t break eye contact. If I didn t put in the proper paperwork for time off, then I m sorry. I can correct that this afternoon.
It s not truly about PTO, Ms. Swan. I do believe you are still going by your maiden name here at work?
Regina, why don t you just tell me what this is all about?
Running a manicured finger across her chin, she gave a sort of half shrug. I have heard through the grapevine that you and your husband are not thrilled with my deal regarding Ms. Arendelle s musical arrangement. I thought I was being quite fair.
Killian isn t under contract with you, Emma reminded her. He wrote that music on his own and without guarantee from you or this label. Elsa recorded it with his permission. However, she isn t the owner of the arrangement or lyrics. The songs may been recorded here, but they weren t written or arranged here. Killian received no compensation from you, and they weren t part of the catalog.
Anger flashed momentarily on Regina s face. So, you re trying to tell me that one of my artists just happened to find out about unowned music and record it. She had my entire catalog and she selected something written by a nobody in the industry? I realize she s been dating Killian s brother, but that seems a bit bold.
Some of the best decisions are just that.
***AAA***
Liam s form was intimidating as he stood in the entry and dangled a canvas shopping bag from a finger.
This town is not known for its produce. Fish, yes, but tomatoes in December are a tall order.
I m much obliged. Killian grabbed the bag and began to root through it to inspect the bounty. Next time
I think we re past keeping count. And anyway, I was happy to get your call. After all, you had basically told me you weren t interested in my help or anyone else s today. Made it seem that you were holing yourself away from the world in the midst of some deep depression. However, I know that is not the truth in that you are newly married to a beautiful lass who for some reason adores you and you have the world s most brilliant bloke as a brother. What do you have to be depressed about?
I was and am attempting to woo said beautiful lass with a romantic evening and talk of anything other than the hospital and my recovery. After all, we are newlyweds and I find it more appropriate that I do the wooing rather than credit for someone else s efforts.
Fresh tomatoes and thyme aside, Liam challenged. I m glad to be of service and pleased to know I haven t offended you in some way. That s what Elsa thought anyway.
Killian didn t dignify the allegation with a response, heading over to the kitchen to wash up the produce before he began chopping. When Liam seemed to loiter against the refrigerator, an expression of pained ambivalence on his face, Killian laughed and pointed at the thyme on the smaller cutting board. You might as well make yourself useful if you aren t going to leave me in peace.
Obeying his young brother s command, he washed his hands and began to strip the fragrant herb along the stems. Does it make it better, brother?
I prefer thyme and a bit of oregano, but Emma s not a big fan of other herbs so I m relying on the thyme and a bit of basil.
Pausing to inspect his work, Liam nodded. Good to know, but I meant marriage. Is it well, is it different than simply living together? You and Emma seem quite happy together and I haven t noticed a big change in your lifestyle other than perhaps your inability to remember I m simply here to be of assistance. I m not trying to ruin your evening.
Never said you were, Killian noted as he scraped the remnants of the tomatoes into the boiling broth on the stove and began to adjust the temperature. It s just a pride thing, Liam. I want to provide Emma a lovely evening where we are newlyweds and I m her husband who can t get enough of her rather than a patient in need of care. It truly wasn t meant as a slight against you, brother. I simply wanted to accomplish it on my own.
Nodding knowingly Liam ran his index finger in front of his lips. I ll share with no one how I saved your sorry arse with my produce procurement skills. He pushed over the small bowl with the ready thyme and smiled. You didn t answer my question about marriage.
Killian did not look at his brother while sliding in the fresh herbs. I have only been married a few weeks, but it is absolutely brilliant. I love knowing we are taking on the world together. We are building our lives together. It s a dream come true. He gave the pot a healthy stir. Why are you asking? Are you planning to propose to Elsa?
Sucking a breath as if wounded, Liam leaned against the counter. I m afraid Elsa is not ready for marriage and perhaps might not ever be.
She doesn t believe in it?
She has concerns. I can t blame her. It s not as though we had a wonderful example to model by with the way our father treated mum. He twirled one of the now bare stems between his fingers. Maybe I m hoping you can give me some hope that we aren t both a sorry lot destined to be alone with each other and only our drink and memories.
I can t foretell the future, Liam, but I will say that after living with the love of my life, I m not going back to listening to you snore.
***AAA***
The windows of the tiny caf were steamed over from the conversation, body heat, and dozens of hot dishes being delivered by scantily clad servers. Emma didn t really watch any of it as she sat at the booth in the corner and sipped her hot chocolate as she made notes on the contract that she was supposed to have signed by the end of the week. Normally this would have been done somewhere quieter, she though to herself, rubbing two fingers on her left temple as people s loud conversations seeped unannounced into her proofreading. She wished she had brought her earbuds or something that would distract her from the hustle and bustle. The waitress who kept stopping to see if she needed anything was wearing jingle bell earrings that clanged right in the middle of Emma s headache.
You re going to bite my head off, Neal said, sliding in across from her. But I thought it would be rude to ignore the mother of my son just because she has given every person in here the death glare. She sourly looked at him in his wool peacoat that looked too big for him and the stubble that looked unkempt but didn t look dark and dangerous like Killian s. I was trying to work.
Yeah because Granny s at lunchtime is the perfect place to concentrate on anything other than carbs. Want to talk about it?
She sighed, her eyes heavy as she lifted them to meet his. Can t a person wallow in peace?
His smirk didn t deteriorate as he leaned back against the cracked vinyl. Granny s is a great place for a lard laden meal, gossip, hijinks, and maybe even a beer if everything else is closed. Privacy? Hardly going to make the short list of marketable benefits.
I didn t come here to gossip.
I didn t think you did. He pulled the paper off his straw and twirled the plastic between his fingers. I know. I should talk to Granny about switching to paper or forgoing the straw all together. Nervous habit though and I m not sure it is in me to quit it.
She sighed in resignation, placing her folded hands atop the paperwork. Henry sounds like he s been having fun at your place. I m guessing late nights and plenty of guy talk.
He s a good kid.
He is, she agreed. What do you want?
He gave a sort of half hearted shrug and squinted at the assembled patrons. I was just checking on you. Ems I m sure you have it all together. You always do. And I doubt you re here because of Killian or some matter of the heart. Our son is great and causing no need for either of us to worry. So maybe we just need to cut to the matter and realize you have something bothering you that isn t related to home. That means it is work. And while I m not your favorite person, I can be a good sounding board if you need it.
She considered not saying anything, hating the idea of confiding any confidence in him. He would probably laugh or tell her she was being overly dramatic. It was one of his favorite defenses. I don t feel like I m doing what I m supposed to be doing, she admitted, glancing at the papers in front of her. I used to feel like I was good at my job. I loved it. I loved finding new talent and getting them to the point all their dreams were coming true. It was fulfilling.
And now? he prodded, signaling to the server to bring his plate and drink over to the table. It s not?
It is and it isn t, she admitted with a tiny shrug. I hate having to go to clubs to listen to bands play. I hate that they have their hopes up when they see me and nine times out of ten I have to dash them. I hate that I m that person who can destroy their will or make them have a bigger ego than Texas.
So do something else, Neal suggested lightly. You don t have to work for Regina. You could go back to school and study something. You could go into law like you always said you wanted to do. Granny would probably hire you here. You could work with Ruby. I need someone to help with marketing at the shop. Your husband seems to take good care of you. You could quit and consider your options for a while. He twirled the straw again. You re not stuck, Ems.
She ignored his blatant brushing off of the issues she faced. I have considered it, you know. Opening my own studio? I like producing. I could do that but it s not the best time.
Because of Killian and the school thing? He wasn t supposed to know about that. He was Mr. Gold s son and hardly to be trusted to keep it secret that two of the senior faculty members were planning to not only leave but open a rival facility. Her eyes darting away from him as if embarrassed confirmed his suspicion and he held a hand up in mock surrender. Ems, I m not going to go run and tell my father. I m not that I m not that way any more. I work for my dad. I get it. He s not an easy boss. I don t even see him in the shop that much, but I can imagine how rough it is reporting to him daily.
It does complicate things, she confirmed without really confirming. And this is important to him.
It would have to be to keep you miserable.
He s not I m not miserable. I had a bad day at work. That s all.
***CS CS CS***
The stylist fussed with Elsa s hair as the young singer turned performer studied the script once again. Her eyes were half closed, willing the words on the page to stay fresh in her mind. Breathing in, she peeked at the lines once again only to confirm she had skipped a few of the ones she kept forgetting.
Well, if you know the lines or not, you re going to be beautiful on stage, the stylist said, throwing a mass of curls over one shoulder. Lovely doesn t do you justice. She whispered a thank you, moving her lips along with her silent lines and again frustrating herself.
How do people do this?
The dressing room was a crowded space even without the cast milling about. Flowers sat atop the dressing table she had been assigned, gifts from Emma, Anna, Mary Margaret, and the largest from Liam. Her aunt Ingrid kept texting, excitedly telling her that she was inviting her bridge club to one of the January shows. Emma s messages were less pressure, saying she hoped she was having fun and wishing her luck with the costume fittings and meetings with producers about her hair and makeup. Even the photoshoot was met with Emma s sarcasm telling her not to look too pensive and uptight. She was supposed to be regal and commanding, cold and calculating, not nervous and nauseous.
Her phone pinged out its greeting that she had a call and without hesitating, she answered. Hi, Aunt Ingrid, she said with what she hoped sounded like a relaxed and even slightly excited tone.
My darling girl, said her aunt gleefully. I ve been waiting on you to call. You must be having the time of your life there in the city.
It s been very busy.
Yes, but you ve got to make time for yourself. Otherwise you ll regret things. And that Lee fellow isn t with you, is he?
Liam, Aunt Ingrid, his name is Liam. He s working at the pub this week but he s coming to visit soon. He s actually looking at some arrangements to find work near here and we can
Perhaps you should view this absence as a way to get yourself back. I know he s a lovely young man, but surely you must realize that he s not suitable. Not for you.
Elsa could imagine her aunt sitting primly with a cup of tea cooling in front of her. The woman was nothing if not a feminist, an icon of women in power. She loved that about the woman but she also knew that her aunt viewed love and romance as something of a distraction. She d already said that Anna had essentially ruined her career and possibilities by getting married and pregnant in whatever order. I love him.
I never said you didn t. I just think it might help you focus if you weren t thinking of him and trying to find ways to be near him. Life sometimes gives us signs. You shouldn t be afraid to follow them.
***CS CS CS***
She would be home any minute, her booted feet clomping off the bits of snow that were now taking hold not just on the lawns and dirt areas. And while he appreciated her tenacity and determination at her job, he was eager to have her there with him in front of the fire as they curled up with each other and swapped stories of the day or simply kissed and dosed lazily in each other s warmth. When he had planned their romantic evening, their first since his release from the hospital, he had brushed off the helping hands of family and friends to do it alone. He was not yet feeling 100%, but he had paced himself all day between opening packages from Amazon and wrapping the gifts for Emma and Henry with care and cooking up a dinner that he hoped she would agree beat anything that they could get at Granny s or one of the other local establishments.
The soup was still bubbling on the stove and bread that he had baked earlier in the day was warming in the oven when the door opened and an icy blast assailed the warm main room of the beachside cottage. Sparrow, who had been just as cozy as Killian, lifted his head in curiosity but quickly went back to a lazy snooze as soon as Emma came inside with hands rubbing together and her feet stamping off the snow that had gathered on the front steps. Darn, Killian thought as he stepped over the black lab to reach her, he should have thought to sweep off the way in for her. To make up for it, he kissed her soundly and reveled in her rare giggle as he managed to get tangled in her scarf while trying to remove it.
The winter sky was already getting dark and Killian had combatted that with candles and the roaring fire. The too tall Christmas tree that his brother had insisted on purchasing with Henry was glowing with twinkling lights that bounced off the glass and metallic ornaments. She glanced around with a slight look of surprise. You really did go all out for date night, she remarked. Caressing his cheek with her chilled hand, she smiled at him. So romantic.
I would hope that date night is romantic, even if we are married, he commented. Otherwise what s the point?
He spun her easily to help her out of the coat she wore, kissing the exposed skin of her neck tentatively as she craned back her head in an attempt to sniff out a clue about dinner. You re supposed to be recovering, resting. I m perfectly fine with a date night of take out Chinese and a rented movie.
You don t like this?
I love this, she defended quickly. I just don t want you wearing yourself out to try to impress me. You impress me with everything you do. She followed him over to the already set table and grinned as he pulled out a bottle of nonalcoholic wine grape juice. Doctor s orders?
I have the real stuff for you if you would rather, but I am being careful. We don t need any setbacks. She made a move for the chair that he was priming to pull out for her when she cut a look at him. I know you said this is date night and I probably shouldn t Do you mind if I go get washed up a little and change? I ve been in my work clothes all day and would really like something more comfortable. Plus I want to check in with Henry. Give me a few minutes?
He nodded. Take your time, love.
He put away the book he had been reading and checked to make sure all the packing supplies were out of sight after he had opened all the boxes and wrapped the presents the best he could. According to Emma, he could work magic with his one and only hand but wrapping presents was yet to be among his talents. Cocking his head, he could hear her on the phone with her son. So instead of interrupting, he returned to the kitchen where he gave the roasted tomato and red pepper soup a quick stir and pulled out the bread to begin slicing it into thick chunks for both croutons and what he hoped would be an amazing grilled cheese. It wasn t exactly the most classical of meals, but he knew her tastes and that after her day at work what she would appreciate.
When she returned a few moments later, her work clothes were replaced a black dress and heels that he knew had to be uncomfortable to wear. Her hair was fastened with a clip atop her head and loose tendrils framed her face. She moved to stand beside him, her hands using him and the counter to lean over and smell the soup as her eyes widened at the grilled cheese he was flipping onto a plate. If you weren t before, you are now my favorite person.
What a lucky break that I also happen to be your husband.
Her hooded eyes were turned toward the bubbling soup and the smile on her face read of pure lust for her favorite foods. She just as quickly turned her face to him and changed its expression to one of sardonic amusement. You know I just love hearing you say that.
He smiled brightly and guided her away from the stove. Right over here, my love. Let s get you seated and I ll serve you all your heart could desire.
Sounds very promising, she said as he pushed the chair in for her and she tucked a napkin on her lap. But all my heart desires can t be found in the kitchen.
We ll get to that, he promised as he carried back a bowl and cradled the plate with the perfectly browned sandwich in the crook of his arm. First let s get you fed and happy.
They munched on sandwiches and drank down the soup, compliments flowing and conversation light. She watched him until he complained it made him self conscious, sneaking in a kiss or two to show he was mostly joking. When there was nothing left of their dinner, he didn t immediately insist on washing the dishes but instead pulled her up to dance with him to the soft strands of music. She was swaying with him, her head nestled into the crook of his neck, and wishing that time would freeze just for a bit so that they might stay just like that.
I love you, Emma, he said with a shake to his voice. I know I try to tell you that on more than just the occasional moment. But I do love you.
Her eyes fluttered shut, tickling the skin of his neck. I love you too.
He held her against him and let the music wash over them as though they were the only two in the world. Sparrow, who usually was anxious for attention, sat quietly by the fire and chewed on the newest toy Henry had purchased. An occasional squeak from it pierced the air but was unnoticed by the two of them. When the song changed, Killian s left arm slid lower to Emma s waist and he pulled her along over to the sofa for a seat. She didn t protest as she kicked off the shoes he knew hurt her and dangled her legs over his. The dishes aren t bothering you?
I m not nearly as bad about such things as you seem to think, he told her, running his hand along her calf. Besides, as necessary as it is, I was thinking that we might talk here instead of over suds in the sink.
Their conversation over dinner had been subdued and casual, nobody bringing up Brennan, either of the Liams, Neal, Gold, or Regina. It had felt good to discuss mundane things like what was on television next week and if they should switch providers for their phones. Killian had mentioned work only briefly in mentioning that the annual holiday concert was days away and he had not been a part of it. That left him feeling a bit empty, but he managed to reconcile that by next year his own school students with Mary Margaret would be having a recital of their own.
Why do I get the feeling you have a topic in mind, she muttered, sighing as his hand drove higher.
What is it? Laundry soap on special this week and you want to discuss a special trip to stock up? His eyes, though dark with a hint of worry, danced at her suggestion. I would say you were trying to seduce me, but even I am not turned on by laundry detergent. However, if you wish, we can add it to the shopping list. She lifted her own hand to run through his perpetually messy hair. Tell me. I m simply waiting for you to tell me. You did not look as though you had a good day at work. You know I ll listen to your troubles. He cocked his head toward her, appreciative of the motions she was making in his hair. It reminded her of the way Sparrow did the same when she scratched between the dog s ears.
I would rather this be a romantic and happy date, she said softly. You don t need to hear
If it puts a frown on your face, I want to hear it. I need to hear it. He readjusted so that he was facing her full on. We ve been talking an awful lot about me and my health. You do realize that I take the care and condition of your heart very seriously.
She lowered her head to the back of the sofa and watched as he studied her. I had a bad day at work, but I don t want to
Regina?
She still thinks she owns your music. And the money without her taking a share of it, it would be more than enough to pay for the school. You and Mary Margaret would be set. No loan, no mortgage, no begging, no fundraising. It would be done. She didn t add that it would leave her not feeling the burden of trying to be the sole provider. She didn t mind that. She wanted to be there for him like he was there for her.
And you could leave the label, he surmised, his eyes still locked on hers.
That would be crazy. Regina hired me when nobody else would I couldn t She sighed. Had Neal spoken to him. Impossible. That sounded crazy to her but how else did he know.
While I am sure that was something you have already shown gratitude for her doing, it doesn t make you an indentured servant, love. We haven t really talked about it, love, since getting married, but if we are considering fostering a child in the future, we do need to be in positions where we are both able to be available and able to focus on his or her needs. You know that I want you to be whatever makes you happy and fulfilled. And while I might not be a wealthy man, I would support you in whatever way I can to make that happen. His eyes narrowed.
That s what I am trying to do with you, she said softly. I know things have been rough at the school. And a lot of that is my fault. If we hadn t gotten together, Mr. Gold would have just ignored you. You would have just been one of the teachers. And you re so good at it. It s not fair that you have to choose between that stability and me. She scooted a little closer to him, bending her knees and practically sitting on his lap. No job is perfect, Killian. I know that. You know that. And when we get things settled with the contract and the school, then we ll talk about where I belong.
He touched his forehead to hers, breathing in and then out deeply. Emma, I hate to see you upset in any way. If you need to leave your job, to tell Regina to bugger off, then do it. I assure you that I will be there with you either physically or in spirit. But in the meantime, you could tell me what I can do to make you happy.
She took her own cleansing breath. I wouldn t object to a kiss from the most handsome man in the room.
Smirking, he cut his eyes to the side as if searching for someone. Attempting to be serious, he pouted for a moment. I m afraid he might be busy, but perhaps a kiss from your husband.
Well, if he s busy