"Your side needs to be higher, Emma."
"I can't go any higher, Regina. I'm already on my toes."
"Then Mary Margaret needs to lower her side."
The pixie-haired brunette planted her hands on her hips.
"We have to make sure the sign isn't blocked when we take pictures."
Emma sighed and leaned her head against the tree. She then turned to her sister-in-law.
"Think you could fix this side?"
Mary Margaret smiled and nodded. She scooted her way over along the edge of the decorated table. Emma moved aside as the brunette sidled up next to the tree.
She moved the sign up before she clasped her hands together and smiled.
"See? Now it's perfect."
With crossed arms, Emma pointed out, "Yeah, well, you're wearing six-inch wedges."
Regina rolled her eyes. "Because there are other shoes besides combat boots and converse sneakers."
The blonde threw back an eye roll of her own. She then told them, "Do I need to remind you two that this is a kids' birthday party?"
They only shook their heads. Regina then spoke, "Speaking of kids, shouldn't the guys be here by now?"
"Killian texted me when they started to make their way back. They'll be here any minute."
"And the cake?" Mary Margaret then questioned.
Emma opened her mouth to answer when someone else did it for her: "That would be my job. I wanted to catch up with Ruby anyway."
She then smiled at her sister-in-law as Regina surmised, "I didn't realize you were coming into town, Belle."
The brunette nodded. "I already planned some time off for a little trip of my own, and I wanted to stop here first for a visit."
"Well, we are all very happy that you are here," Mary Margaret offered with a smile of her own. She then reached for the cake.
"And let me take this so we can finish setting up."
Belle passed it to her, and she then placed it on the table. She opened the box to reveal the pirate and princess themed cake.
Regina planted her hands on her hips. "Why am I not even surprised that this is what she picked out?"
Belle couldn't help but giggle - as well as Mary Margaret. Emma just shook her head.
The former then offered, "She does take after Liam and Killian in that way."
Emma couldn't help but giggle as she added, "Not to mention she wears that pirate princess costume every Halloween."
Mary Margaret let out a chuckle of her own. "Ah, yes, the one she created for Evie's birthday party."
"She is a creative kid. That she gets from her mom," the blonde then surmised as she smiled.
She then turned her attention to the cake. "And I have to say that Granny's cakes - and Ruby's decorations - are a close second to Elsa's."
"It is beautiful," Mary Margaret agreed with a smile. Belle and Regina smiled as well.
The latter then asked, "Where is the smash cake for Liam?"
"Oh! I actually have it in my car. I wasn't sure I could carry both. I'll just go get it."
Belle then spun on her heel and trekked toward her car. Mary Margaret then planted her hands on her hips and surveyed the park.
"Is this everything, Emma?"
She then turned to her sister-in-law, who in turn also planted her hands on her hips and took a few steps back. She then took a look around the park, from the tent that covered the tables and chairs, the assortment of food and drinks - as well as a few presents - and the bouncy house and a couple more games, all of which had been decorated in a mash-up of a princess and pirate theme.
Emma then smiled. "It's perfect. Anna Elizabeth and Liam are gonna love it."
Mary Margaret and Regina both smiled in response. Belle then returned with the cake; she opened the box and eased the cake onto the table - she placed it beside the other one.
"Ahh! Me and Liam is gonna have the best party ever!" Anna Elizabeth's squeals and giggles made everyone laugh as she raced over to the table.
She then whipped her head of blonde curls around and raced back to Killian.
"Daddy Killian, come on! Liam has to see our cake."
He chuckled. "We're coming as fast as we can, love."
Anna Elizabeth then sprinted over to Evie. Without a word, the girls clasped hands and raced back over to the table.
From beside his father, Jamie then let out a sigh. "Are they gonna be like this the whole time?"
David clapped his son's shoulder. "Look, I know this isn't your idea of fun."
"It also isn't Roland's," Robin chimed in as he nudged his son, who currently had his arms crossed over his chest.
David hummed before he finished, "But it is two of your cousins' birthday parties, and we want to celebrate as a family. I think you two can handle it."
The boys exchanged a look before they let out a sigh.
"Fine, we'll do it," Jamie answered, followed by Roland, "Yeah, okay, we'll make it work."
David and Robin clapped their sons' shoulders before they joined their family.
Killian and Belle pulled away from a hug. "I'm so glad you could come down, sis." He then cocked an eyebrow. "Although, I must say I'm surprised your fiancé didn't join you."
She shook her head. "Don't start, Killian."
"Start what?"
"The overprotective brother spiel. You know I've been planning this trip for over a year - before August and I were engaged. We're both perfectly fine with it - and he's working on a book anyway."
Killian couldn't help but smile. "Point taken, love. I'm just happy you're here."
"Me, too. I knew I couldn't miss my niece and nephew's birthday party."
Her gaze then wandered over to them. Anna Elizabeth and Evie ran and played while Liam squirmed in his mother's arms as he reached for the cake.
Emma smiled and shook her head. "Easy there, kid." She readjusted him in her arms before she carried him over and placed him in the play yard. He giggled as he found one of his toys.
The blonde smiled as she watched him for a few moments. She then turned her attention back to her family.
Anna Elizabeth then ran up to her. "Mommy Emma, when is everyone else coming?"
"They'll be here soon, kid. Just go play with Evie in the meantime."
She bobbed her head before she ran off, stopping to admire the cake once more.
Emma then sidled up next to her husband and slipped her hand in his. "You know, Killian, I think we have actually pulled this off."
He couldn't help but chuckle. "Did you truly doubt we could?"
She shrugged. "I mean, it did seem like kind of a crazy idea."
"I have to second that," Regina interjected. She then sighed and added, "But you're a great mom. I knew you'd make it work for them. You…and Killian."
He couldn't help but grin. "My actual name, is it? You must be feeling awfully generous today, Your Majesty."
Regina rolled her eyes while Emma slapped his arm. "Killian, I've told you about saying stuff like that in front of the kids."
He only grinned as he offered, "As you can see, Swan, Anna Elizabeth and Evie are blissfully occupied while Jamie and Roland rather fancied a game of basketball."
She then glanced over at her nephews and shook her head. "This is not their idea of fun at all."
Robin folded his hands in front of him. "I dare say it was rather like pulling teeth to get them here - but they'll make a go of it."
"I can't say I blame the lads too much. Had I any other options - or if my parents and Liam didn't make me - I don't think I would have gone to Belle's birthday parties."
"Which you so nicely expressed by the merciless teasing and pranks," the brunette threw back with a raised eyebrow.
Killian only shrugged. "You know I dearly loved you - but you were my little sister."
She only shook her head and rolled her eyes. A giggle soon escaped afterwards.
"You are dreadfully incorrigible, Killian."
"So I've been told."
Laughs and chuckles escaped before Mary Margaret clasped her hands together.
"I see some familiar cars and faces pulling up, so we are about to get started. Anything else you need, Emma? Killian?"
The couple glanced around before they exchanged a look - and a smile. He then spoke, "I think all that is left to do is gather the children so we can properly celebrate."
Mary Margaret nodded before she went to go fetch the girls - David headed in the opposite direction to grab the boys.
Killian then squeezed his wife's hand. "Are you ready to celebrate our little pirate and princess?"
Emma smiled before she leaned up to kiss his cheek. "Yeah, let's go."
The pair then walked off to greet the rest of their friends and family.
A/N: Hi friends! Just wanted to drop in and say there is more story to tell! And you guys will see the fluffiness unfold over the next few days! Happy reading :)