A/N: I am very sad to say that this is the last chapter. Thank you for reading and for your support and all of you who have followed and reviewed! I hope you have enjoyed this story as much as I have enjoyed writing it. And for those of you who are interested, I will be updating Sweet Salutations again soon.
The winter evening air sent a chill through Killian as he stepped through the gate in front of his home. The soft snowflakes gently fell, leaving a sheet of snow covering the ground. It had been a long day of sales seminars and he was looking forward to relaxing at home with his wife. Two months after they were married, he had surprised her with her dream home. It was two hours from Boston, nestled in a small country town that wasn't too far from the ocean where he took the boys out in their yacht that summer. The property had a small stable and they were hoping to fill it with a couple of horses in the spring.
Killian walked up the porch steps and opened the door, stepping into the dark room, which was odd to him, since it was only 7:30. Perhaps Henry and Liam had worn Emma out for the day. Taking care of two almost four-year old boys was not an easy task, especially for a woman who was nearly nine months pregnant.
Just as Killian switched on the light, it occurred to him what he had walked into and sure enough, he was right. It was his thirtieth birthday, after all.
"Surprise!"
He found him surrounded by all of his friends and family. Robin and Regina and Roland as well as David and Mary Margaret, Emily and Will and Belle, who were greeting him and wishing him happy birthday. There were balloons and a banner and cake on the table as his sons were running up to him for a hug. Killian knelt down and opened his arms, drawing them in for a bear hug.
"Happy birthday, papa!" they both shouted as Killian chuckled and kissed their cheeks.
As he stood back up, his eyes lifted slowly. Standing in front of him was his glowing, blonde goddess, carrying his baby in her belly. She had a smile on her face and her eyes were warm with love.
"Happy birthday, babe." He gently placed his hands on her stomach and leaned in to kiss her lips. He was aching to be able to properly hold her in his arms again. Soon enough, he would get that chance. They would get to meet their wee one in two weeks, the day after Christmas. They were not sad that there was the possibility of spending Christmas in the hospital this year. What greater gift than their baby was there anyway? And they were well prepared for whenever their little princess decided to honor them with her presence. Her car seat was ready for her in their new SUV and David, Robin and Killian had finished the nursery a month ago, decorating it in pink and white.
"Thank you, love. You really shouldn't have gone through this trouble. You should be resting."
Emma rolled her eyes playfully as she turned and he followed her to the dining room table, where his cake was and she picked up a knife to cut it. She had made him a Black Forest cake with whipped cream frosting and cherries because she knew it was his favorite. "I know but I wanted to. It's your birthday and I wanted to do something special, especially since its your thirtieth."
Killian smirked at that as he came up behind her, putting his hands on her shoulders and whispered in her ear. "Well, love, you know you don't have to do anything fancy to make me happy on my birthday. As far as I can recall, my last two birthdays were pretty memorable."
Emma blushed, a shiver sent down her spine as she managed to put a slice of cake on a small plate and handed it to him.
"Too bad I'm too big to do that this year," she teased, remembering fondly. She had surprised him by letting him take her in an unexpected and unexplored territory in the bedroom the last two years and would forever be his two favorite birthdays, apart from today.
Killian picked up the fork and took a piece in his mouth, licking the frosting and cherries off his lips, a low moan escaping him from both the taste and the subject they were speaking of.
"I guess you'll have to make it up to me after you have our little lassie." She smiled as she started to serve more slices of cake when Killian put his plate down to stop her. "Let me do that, sweetheart. You should sit and relax."
"Uh-uh you are the birthday boy." She shook her head and slapped his hand away.
"Here, let me," Mary Margaret offered as she came up and took the knife from her. "Killian, why don't you sit with your wife. I got this."
Emma was too tired to argue as Killian extended his hand for her to take. She slipped her hand in his and let him lead her to the couch in the family room. As she sat down, she held her stomach. She had been experiencing small contractions earlier but she didn't think much of it. But now the pain was increasing in intensity and length.
"Love? You alright?" There was concern in her husband's eyes as he put his hands on her belly. She nodded her head as she let out a deep exhale. He leaned down and kissed her belly. "Can't wait to meet you little lass," he cooed to her belly. Emma smiled, trying to bite back the pain coursing through her.
The boys came in the room and ran up to Emma. "Mama, are you okay?" Henry asked her, a set of worried blue and green eyes staring at her.
She smiled as she took their hands. "Yeah, I'm fine."
"Little lads, why don't you go get some cake so Mommy can rest, aye?"
"Okay." Liam and Henry both gave her a kiss on the cheek before they released her hand and ran into the other room.
Another sharp pain rippled through her, far worse than the previous ones, causing her to groan. Killian looked at his wife and took her hand. "Is our baby girl ready to meet us, love?"
Her eyes lifted up to meet his gaze, nodding her head. "I think she is," she managed. She knew that familiar pain from when she was in labor with Henry.
"Okay," he breathed, a hint of excitement and urgency in his tone. He reluctantly let go of her hand as he got up. "Let me get some help. Be right back, love." He hated to leave her, but he didn't want to draw everyone into the room by yelling for someone. He knew that she wouldn't appreciate an eruption of excitement that would occur if they found out.
She nodded as she continued to hold her belly tightly. "Hurry," she called as he quickly ran outside of the room and came back in record time with Robin and David. "Will you help her up while I get her bag?" Killian asked them.
They nodded and each took her hand as Killian ran upstairs to get her bag. Emma pulled herself up, Robin and David swinging each arm over their shoulder. "How are you hanging in there, sis?"
Emma scowled at him, slightly hunched over as they moved towards the door. "Just peachy," she replied sarcastically.
Robin gave a light chuckle just as Killian came down the stairs, rushing to her side again.
"Robin, could you start the car?" Killian asked as he reached into his pocket, pulling out his keys.
"Sure thing." Robin transferred Emma's hand to Killian and took the keys, opening the front door. He curled his arm around her waist, securely holding on to his wife.
"David, will you-"
"Don't worry," David interrupted. "Mary Margaret and I will take Liam and Henry and wait for your phone call to bring them to the hospital."
They had discussed the plan many times before this, but Killian wanted to make sure that Emma's only worry for the time being was bringing their lassie safely into this world. "Thank you." Killian nodded as he helped Emma out the door. "Ready to meet our little love?" he asked her as he pressed his lips to her temple.
She managed a weak smile as they walked down the porch steps. "Definitely. I can't wait until we can hold her."
"Me too, love. Me too."
He got her to the car and Robin opened the door for her. "I'll get Regina and we'll be right behind you," he told them before he shut the door and went inside.
Killian took Emma's hand as her contractions started coming quicker and less further apart. Even though she went through this with Henry, she was no more used to the pain. Although, she wasn't as scared with Killian by her side.
He pulled out of the driveway, heading to the hospital as quickly as possible without endangering his wife and daughter. When they arrived, he had never moved more quickly than he did right then. He helped her out of the car and into the hospital.
It wasn't much longer after they arrived when her water broke and they were strolling her into the delivery room two hours later. Her first birth was much longer but this time, their daughter was in a hurry to leave her mother's womb and meet her parents.
"Just breathe, love. I got you." Killian was changed into scrubs and a cap and mask as he stood at her side and threaded his fingers into hers, whispering words of encouragement and support. She gripped him tightly as she screamed in pain, lunging and pushing over and over again.
It was ten minutes until midnight when the small cries filled the room. Emma collapsed, sweat coating her forehead as she and Killian waited anxiously for the doctor to cut the cord and clean her off. Killian kissed Emma's temple and stroked her hair with a smile, his eyes already glistening with the threat of tears as his daughter let out a strangled wail.
"Congratulations on your beautiful baby girl."
The nurse had wrapped the small lass in a blanket before easing her into her mother's arms. Her crying ceased and her tiny fingers curled into fists as she stirred in Emma's arms. A tear slipped down Emma's cheek as a warm smile graced her lips. Killian's heart swelled in his chest from seeing his daughter up close for the first time.
"Hi. I'm your mama," Emma whispered softly as she looked into the blue eyes that matched her husband's. Her tiny arms stretched out, hands opening to greet them.
"She's beautiful," she breathed as she reached to gently grab her hand.
"Aye. Strikingly beautiful like her mother," Killian smiled.
Emma had to tear her eyes away to look at the clock on the wall and then back to her husband. "How about this for a birthday gift?"
His lips pulled into a wide grin. "You really went all out, sweetheart. She's a precious gift indeed."
Emma laughed weakly. "I tried. Would you like to hold your daughter?"
His eyes lit up as he nodded.
"This is your daddy. He's an amazing one so don't forget that." Emma adjusted her position as she carefully transferred their daughter to him. Killian thought he had loved his daughter long before she was born but he could have never known exactly how much until he held her in his arms in that very moment. A tear had finally escaped his eyes as he flashed her a charming grin.
"Hello there little princess." His voice was strangled as he gently raised her to him, pressing a kiss to her forehead.
Emma watched her husband's interaction with their daughter. She would certainly never tire from seeing him with a baby, but their daughter nonetheless was something picturesque.
"Do you think her name fits her?" he asked, pulling her out of her trance. They had thrown some names around a few months ago and couldn't decide who's mother they should name her after (both were very old-fashioned and neither were very suitable for a baby) so they eventually settled on one that was meaningful to Emma and Killian and their relationship.
"Yeah, it does... Lela Robyn Jones." They chose Lela because it meant faithfulness and loyalty and they also named her after the person responsible for how they met.
"Lela, you are going to be a spoiled little princess," she laughed.
"Aye. And I can promise you one thing, little love. You're mother and I will never abandon you." He looked at his wife who was nodding in agreement.
"Never. So you better get used to being smothered with love and kisses."
Lela's small mouth opened into a smile and Killian's heart melted instantly. He knew he would go to the end of the world to make sure his daughter was always this happy.
Killian never left his wife's side all night while she rested. The next morning, after their daughter was breastfed and Emma had gained some of her strength back, Killian went out into the waiting room where everyone from the party was anxiously awaiting. They all agreed to let Henry and Liam visit first and Killian had his sons wash their hands before he led them into Emma's room. The boys sat on the bed and they looked at their new sister in awe as Killian held her in his arms, kneeling in front of them.
"Lads, this is your sister, Lela."
"Hi, Lela." They both reached out for her with an excited smile. "Can we hold her?" Henry asked.
"Aye, but you have to be extra careful with the wee lass's head. Come sit in the chairs."
They both complied and Killian carefully transferred Lela to Henry and made sure his son cradled her head in his hold. "Now, you have to promise to take care of your little sister, got it lads?"
They both nodded as Henry smiled and let her wrap her tiny hand around his finger.
"Promise, daddy."
Emma watched her son holding her daughter and she felt tears stinging her eyes again as Killian sat by her side and took her hand in his.
"Liam, isn't our sister the most beautiful baby you've ever seen?" Henry asked his brother.
Liam nodded. "Aye. She's a pretty little lass." He leaned over offering his finger to her other hand and Killian and Emma both watched their sons proudly as they spoke to their little sister in soothing voices and admired her as though she were the most fascinating thing they had ever laid eyes on.
"It's my turn to hold our sister," Liam begged, holding out his arms. Killian stood up and picked Lela up, placing her in Liam's arms before returning to his wife. Liam's blue eyes lit up as he cradled his sister in his arms. He was definitely Killian's son. Thick, dark hair parted to one side, tiny dimples in his cheeks. He bared a close resemblance to how Killian looked at that age. Liam lowered his head and pressed a kiss to her forehead. "Don't you worry, Lela, Henry and I will take good care of you."
Killian and Emma were both amazed by how quickly Henry and Liam warmed up to her. They thought their sons wouldn't be happy about bringing a baby into their home, especially since she came from both Emma and Killian, but they welcomed her with open arms.
Killian put his arm around Emma's shoulder, kissing her lips, both of them in happy tears. "I love you, Emma... and our beautiful family," he breathed as he nuzzled her nose with his. She brushed her tear-stained cheek against his.
"Me too... love you so much."
She couldn't even believe how her life had changed in the last three years. And surrounding her was proof of everything she and Killian had worked for; building a family together that was forever unbreakable.
Seven years later...
"Bye, sis. Call me when you guys get home so I know you've made it there safely."
Emma rolled her eyes at her brother as she smiled. "I will." She gave him a hug before Killian took his turn, pulling his brother-in-law into a fierce hug, giving him a friendly pat on the back.
"Take it easy, mate."
"Bye, Killian. Get them home safely."
"Will do."
Emma hugged Mary Margaret and Emily before they went to their car, where the rest of their family was buckled in and waiting for them. Even though they were only a two-hour drive away, it was always hard to say goodbye.
The ground was still wet from the snow that had melted recently and spring was in the air as they made their way home from Boston. They had spent two days there for Easter and were ready to be back home.
"Mommy, I gotta go to the bathroom," Lela whined. Her blonde hair was pulled into two pigtails on either side of her head, her big blue eyes bright as she sat in between her older brothers.
"I'm thirsty," Henry complained.
"And I'm hungry," Liam added.
"Liam, you just ate breakfast two hours ago and Lela, I told you to use the bathroom before we left so we didn't have to make any stops," Emma reminded them as she turned to look at them from the passenger's seat.
"We have to stop anyway, love. The tank is empty." Emma looked at her husband, confused. "I thought you put gas in it last night?"
A guilty look came across his features. "I was going to but I forgot."
"Okay, then the gas station it is."
Killian pulled into the first one they saw and stopped in front of a gas pump.
"Why don't you take the kids in and I'll get gas?" Emma suggested as they each undid their seat buckle.
"Alright," he smiled and kissed her cheek. "We'll be right back. Come on sailors, lets go."
The three of them scrambled to get out of the backseat as Emma and Killian followed behind them.
"Henry, will you hold your sister's hand crossing the lot and take her to the bathroom?"
"Sure thing, mom! Take my hand, Lela," Henry told his sister and took her hand as Liam got on the other side, taking her other hand.
"Mine, too, lass. And watch for cars. You can never be too careful crossing," Liam told her.
Lela rolled her eyes. "I can cross by myself," she grumbled but started taking off with them anyway as Emma and Killian admired them.
"Always stubborn like her mother," Killian teased.
Emma gave him a light swat on the shoulder as she flashed him a sarcastic smile.
"What do you think? Did we do a fine job raising them or what?" he boasted proudly. Emma curled her arms around the back of his neck as she replied. "I'd say so."
She kissed his lips and her heart fluttered as he put his hands on her hips. She was still as attracted to him as the day they met and even more in love with him than when she first fell for him.
"Be right back, sweetheart," he said as he reluctantly let her go and ran after their little ones.
She turned around to grab her purse from the car, pulling her bankcard out to stick in the machine. Removing the nozzle from the pump, she unscrewed the gas cap and slid it in, releasing the gas into the tank.
"Emma?"
Her gaze lifted at the sound of her name and she looked over to the pump next to the one she was at. Her face went white and her eyes blew wide when she realized it was Neal. She quickly turned back to her task, hoping he would go away if she didn't acknowledge him.
Unfortunately for her, it didn't work and he walked over to her. "Come on, you can't pretend you don't know me. We were married, remember?"
"Vaguely," she mumbled.
"It's been a long time."
Emma finally surrendered and looked up at him and what she saw made her smile a bit. He looked sad and broken, much like how he left her ten years ago, she could tell by staring into his eyes.
"How are you?" he asked.
"I'm great, actually. I've never more happy in my life."
He gave her a weak smile. "That's great. I'm glad."
Her eyebrows furrowed in confusion. Was this some sort of cruel joke?
"Really?"
"Yeah, really." Neal let out a long sigh. "You have no idea how much I regret letting you go, Emma. I'm a complete mess."
"What happened to Tamara?" she asked curiously.
He looked shamefully at the ground. "She left me and took our daughter with her and I lost my job on top of that. But, I'm hoping to turn things around. I finally reunited with my father and he and his wife, Milah are letting me stay at their house until I get back on my feet, because they're barely there anyway... always traveling."
"Oh..."
He scratched his head. "It's okay, I deserved it. I treated you horribly and I don't know why you stayed with me as long as you did. I don't expect you to ever forgive me, but for what it's worth, I'm truly sorry," he said earnestly.
"I'm not," she stated.
He looked at her, confused.
"To be perfectly honest, you cheating on me was the best thing that ever happened to me. If you hadn't, I would have just been unhappy and misberable. But, I'm not. I have a husband who adores me and treats me how I deserve to be treated and I have three amazing children who I would not trade for anything in this world. So really I should be thanking you."
"Well, I'm glad you're doing good Emma. I really am."
"Thank you."
"And Henry, how is he doing?"
"He's... he's growing so fast. And he's smart and kind and just everything a mother could ask for."
"That's great. Did you tell him about me?"
"Yeah, I did. I didn't want to lie to him. But I just told him you left us."
His eyes wandered toward the station. "Is that him?"
Emma looked over to see her family walking out and she panicked a bit. She was afraid if Henry met him and got attached, Neal would just let him down eventually.
"Yeah, it is." She replied because it was obvious that he was Neal's son based on the physical resemblance. Her eyes came back to look at him and before she could say anything more, Neal was gone. He was already in his car, pulling away when Killian approached, his arm around Henry's shoulder as he playfully ruffled the boy's hair, both of them laughing. Emma smiled at the sight. Liam was holding Lela's hand beside them, carrying a bag of snacks in his other one.
"Who were you talking to, love?" Killian inquired as Liam opened the door for his sister and Henry went around to get in on the other side.
"Ummm... I'll tell you later. Let's just go home." She smiled and put her arms around his waist, kissing his lips.
When they were all in the car and buckled up, they headed home, bringing in their bags when they got there.
Later that night, Emma told Killian about her encounter with Neal, but neither of them were worried. Even after Emma told Henry that she would not deny him if he ever wanted to meet Neal, he made it clear that he was not interested. Killian was his father in Henry's eyes and he didn't want anything to change.
Killian pulled Emma closer to him and kissed her forehead as they laid in bed. "I do have to say, it's odd that my ex-wife is your ex-husband's step-mother," Killian chuckled.
"Yeah, not something I want to think too much about." She laughed and rested her head on his chest. "I only want to think about us and our family."
"Agreed, love. Agreed."
He peered down at her and lifted her chin with his finger. "I'd take this family over any other. You and the kids are my whole world," he spoke, his eyes and voice both soft and gentle.
"Mine too." He rested her hand on his bare chest, running her fingers through his hair. "But now that we're alone for a moment..." She leaned in closer until their lips almost touched.
Killian raised a brow, very much intrigued. They certainly didn't get a whole lot of alone time with three children running around the house.
"What exactly did you have in mind?"
There was a bit of mischief in her smile as her lips lingered over his. "Let me show you." She looked deeply into his blue depths and moved in, pressing her lips into his. Their mouths parted as he cupped her jaw in his hands. His heart was fluttering as his nose brushed against hers. Even after ten years, she still made his heart race and his breathing ragged. She still had same effect on him since the day they met.
He grabbed her hip, pulling her against him as she swallowed his groan. As his hand slid under her tank top and up her back, they heard the bedroom door open.
"Mama, Papa, can I sleep in here?"
Killian and Emma laughed against each other's lips.
"What do you think, love?" He asked as he pulled away from his wife.
"Sure, why not? The moment's already gone, anyway," she teased.
"Come on, little lass." He patted a spot in between him and Emma.
"Yay!" Lela ran and jumped onto the bed, quickly crawling to claim her spot. Emma and Killian put their arms around her, pinning her in the middle.
"Night Papa. Night Mama."
"Goodnight, sweetheart," Emma murmured as she closed her eyes and rested her chin on the crown Lela's head.
"Sweet dreams, princess." Killian kissed his daughter's cheek and snuggled closer to her.
As the three of them drifted off to sleep, the door opened again.
"Not fair. Why does she get to sleep in your bed?" Liam asked as he and Henry entered the room.
Emma smiled and sighed. "Come on. We'll squeeze you two in. The bed was big, but not quite enough to accommodate five people, but somehow they managed. Killian pulled his daughter onto him as she buried her face in the crook of his neck and Liam and Henry settled on either side of Emma, putting their arms around her, swatting the other one away.
Killian chuckled. "Our boys are eleven years old and they still fight for your affections," he said to Emma.
"Well, I'll take it for as long as it lasts. Soon they'll be too embarrassed to hug their mom."
"We would never," Liam argued. "Love you mom."
"Love you too," Henry told her.
"I love both of you. Now how about we get some sleep?"
"Agreed, love."
The children closed their eyes as Emma looked at Killian. "So much for alone time," he murmured playfully.
"Yeah, I guess we'll have to settle for mental handshakes," she quipped.
He smirked at that, remembering very fondly of their first encounter and how mental handshakes turned into much more than he could have ever imagined.
"What are you two talking about?" Lela asked.
"Nothing," Killian replied. "Now go to sleep, little love."
He looked back at his wife and decided he would take a lifetime full of moments like this.
Emma's green eyes were glowing at him as a soft smile pulled her lips. Ten years ago, she never would have imagined that after everything, she'd be getting her fairytale ending after all.