The couple couldn't help but laugh. He then pushed some blonde hair away from her forehead.
"She does have a point, you know. It's not every day we get to celebrate our nine-year-old and one-year-old's birthday."
She pressed her lips to his, running her fingers through his hair. He smiled into it before he ran his hands along her back.
It went on until Killian tilted his head to deepen it. Emma pulled away and giggled.
"Easy there, sailor. There are kids - not to mention others - present."
"Yes, well, it's your bloody fault. You're a hell of a kisser."
Emma swatted his shoulder before Thomas and Ashley strolled over. She told them, "You two have got to tell me your secret for throwing a double birthday party. You make it look so easy."
"Come on, Ashley, you're the one who handles dozens of kids at varying ages all day. I'm exhausted with just two," Emma pointed out as she crossed her arms over her chest.
Ashley only laughed. "I'm still pretty sure this makes you a super mom."
Emma couldn't help but smile. She then exchanged a look with Killian as he entwined their fingers.
"We actually can't take all the credit. We did toy with the idea of a double party, but Anna Elizabeth is the one who really wanted it."
As if on cue, the little girl ran up to them with Alexandria, Evie, Jane, and a couple more girls in tow.
"Mommy Emma! Daddy Killian! We have to ask you something!"
"And what would that be, love?" Killian questioned with a quirk of his brow. "We want to go play on the playground," Anna Elizabeth answered.
"Someone will have to go with you, kid."
"But I'm big enough."
"Anna Elizabeth, your mother is right. We have to ensure you're safe."
She opened her mouth to protest when Thomas interjected, "I don't mind watching them. It'll be no trouble at all."
The girls cheered before they all ran off. Thomas sprinted to catch up with them.
The remaining three laughed before Emma spoke, "I'll just go let everyone know where the kids are gone. Grab me some cake, Killian?"
"Will do, Swan. And I'll find us a table."
She nodded before she headed out in the midst of the guests. Killian then returned to the table to grab a couple slices of chocolate cake - when he burst out laughing.
Ashley reached for her own cake when she stopped and asked, "What's so funny?"
He only gestured at Liam - whose hands and face, as well as his clothes and hair, were covered in cake.
Killian then asked, "Tell me, Ashley, have you any advice for cleaning all that cake?"
She chuckled. "Soap and water. And lots of it."
He chuckled as well as Robin and Regina joined them. They found themselves laughing as well.
"Well, mate, it's safe to say the lad has thoroughly enjoyed his cake."
"Aye, that he has. We'll have to clean him soon - but for the moment, he's still making the most of it."
Regina let out a chuckle. "I'm sure you and Emma will have fun with that." She then grabbed a couple slices of cake and passed one to her husband.
"Come on, I think we should find our seats."
"I think you may be right," Robin offered with a grin. He then pecked her cheek before the pair walked off.
Ashley then spoke, "And I think I'll join Thomas and the girls. See you later, Killian."
He waved her off before he stepped over to his son. He ruffled his dark locks and came away with crumbs.
He chuckled. He reached for a napkin when Emma rejoined him.
"So, I think everyone is settled now. I think we should take Mary Margaret's advice."
"As you wish."
She smiled before they grabbed cake and punch and joined their family. They sat with Belle, Wendy, and Ruby. The latter offered a smile.
"The party's been great, guys. I can't believe Liam's a year old."
"You're telling me," Emma began, "It seems like just yesterday that I found out I was pregnant."
"And you started craving bacon cheeseburgers," Ruby added with a grin.
Killian grinned as well. "And I had to run out all hours of the day to pick up those cravings."
Everyone chuckled at that while Emma rolled her eyes. Belle then spoke, "You know, Killian, I'm sure that some of that is because you always gave Liam such a hard time when Elsa was pregnant."
He couldn't help but smile and shake his head. "You know, sis, I'm quite sure you're right."
Ruby sipped on her punch before she let out a laugh. "That's probably why Elsa gave you that icy glare of hers."
Emma gestured with her fork. "Liam had a look for you, too, Killian."
He only rolled his eyes while everyone laughed.
Wendy then spoke, "I would love to have met Liam and Elsa - they sounded absolutely lovely."
"I believe they would have felt the same about you, love."
Killian sipped his punch before he then told her, "Liam in particular would have enjoyed swapping stories from our time touring Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London - as well as our strolls through Hyde Park."
Wendy furrowed her eyebrows. "I thought you lived in a town close to London, but not in the city itself."
"Oh, we did, but Mum and Dad would take us to see the sights," Belle interjected before she ate a bite of cake.
She then smiled and added, "I think my favorite spot would have to be Kensington Gardens and the Peter Pan statue. The book was one of our many favorites, and we would act it out as Father would tell the story."
Killian tilted his head. "I'm surprised you remember that. You were only eight when we moved to the States."
"I do still have some memories from our childhoods across the pond."
She then let out a laugh. "You always insisted on being Captain Hook."
More laughter ensued before Emma said, "That doesn't surprise me in the least."
"I have to say I quite agree, Killian. It's no wonder Anna Elizabeth adores the movie so much," Wendy told him before she cut more into her slice of cake.
He rolled his eyes and shook his head - but he couldn't help the chuckle that escaped.
"I suppose I can't argue with that."
He then turned to his sister. "Although, I must say you made the whole thing rather less enjoyable because you'd cry when I would chase you."
"Because you always talked in that deep, scary voice and tried to push me down."
Ruby shook her head. "You really did torture her, didn't you?"
He only shrugged. "She lived to tell the tale, didn't she?"
A sea of eye rolls met his words. He then spoke, "You do know I'm rather fond of you, Belle," a crooked smile making its way across his features.
She smiled back at him. "And I'm fond of you, too."
A few more sips and bites later, Emma said, "Well, lucky for us, Anna Elizabeth adores Liam, and he her. I hope they stay that way."
"I'm sure there will be some bumps and bruises in the road, but they'll always love each other," Wendy offered, her eyes roaming to the playground.
"At least until the inherited stubbornness and temper comes out," Killian teased as he nudged his wife's shoulder.
She side-eyed him. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?"
"Very much so, darling. But surely you're used to it by now."
"I should be - you even annoyed me on our honeymoon."
Ruby then piped up: "You mean like when he teased you for not being able to drive on the left side of the road - only for him to crash into a pole."
"And in a rented car no less," the blonde added as she crossed her arms over her chest.
Killian rolled his eyes. "You make it sound like I totaled the bloody car - there was hardly a scratch on her."
"Mm-hmm," Emma hummed, a grin making its way across her face.
Belle leaned on her hand. "I hope to go back for a visit myself one day. And you should bring Anna Elizabeth and Liam - no doubt they'd love it."
"No doubt they would," Killian conceded with a smile. A far-off look then appeared in his blue eyes.
Belle only smiled, her expression mirroring her brother's, while Ruby, Wendy, and Emma found their gazes drawn to the children in question.
Killian downed the last of his punch before he pushed back his chair. "And speaking of, I have one last present for Anna Elizabeth that I've forgotten in my truck. I'll be back in two shakes."
"Wait!" Ruby called out as she reached down beside her. She pulled out her camera.
"I have to take a picture - I wanted to get some of everyone just sitting around the tables."
"Sounds perfect," Emma told her. With a tilt of her head, she then asked, "Aren't you going to be in the picture? Or any of them for that matter?"
"That's what selfies are for - and I also grabbed a few with my camera."
Ruby fiddled with said camera before she got up from her chair. She then added, "Not to worry - there will be plenty of pictures to add to the family album."
Emma and Killian both smiled. Ruby then focused the lens.
"Okay, now I need everyone to smile."
Belle and Wendy did so as Killian curled his arm around Emma's waist. Ruby couldn't help but smile herself as she snapped the photo.
She then moved closer to the table and spun around. She repositioned the camera and spoke, "And one more with your favorite photographer."
They held in giggles and chuckles as Ruby snapped the picture. She then returned to her chair and placed the camera back in its bag.
"Thanks, you guys. I know these will turn out great."
"We should be thanking you. You're the one who volunteered to capture these moments for us," Killian offered.
Ruby waved her hand. "Don't mention it. You know I love you guys and those kids."
"Even still, we appreciate it."
He then pushed his chair back and stood. "And now I'm off to retrieve the present. I'll be back."
He ruffled Liam's hair before he maneuvered around the tables until he reached the parking area. He shuffled over to his truck and pulled out his keys.
He unlocked the door and reached under the seat. He pulled out a black and pink wrapped present.
He ran his fingers over it and smiled.