Full Synopsis:

Killian Jones and his brother Liam have built their shipping business from nothing. Now, on the brink of a merger that could put them on the European market, there is only one thing standing in the way. Liam has invited the other company's CEO, Ms. Belle French, to spend the Christmas holiday with his Killian and his family. The only problem is - Killian doesn't have a family. So he must hire one. Enter Emma Swan. She works for Liam and Killian's company as a lower level manager at the shipping yards, she has been putting money away for years to finally be able to buy a house for her son and herself. So Killian makes her an offer - pose as his family just until the merger is signed and he will pay her more than enough to buy the home she's dreamed of. Will this business deal and all it could bring to light for the two closed off, kindred spirits be just want they need? Or could it be more than either one can truly handle?

Chapter One

"Where is he? Where the bloody hell is that damned brother of mine! This time he's really crossed the line - I'm going to throttle him!"

The deep voice boomed down the hall like thunder, bouncing and echoing around the hard floors and glass walls.

"Kil - I mean, Mr. Jones! Please calm down. Your brother isn't in today, he's meeting with the company's financial advisors in the city," his secretary ventured carefully, going with professionalism over their usual familiarity.

"Get him on the phone this instant," he growled, lowering his face close to hers. He was in one of his moods and her eyes darted away. In the heat of that moment she couldn't tell if his cheeks were so deeply flushed because of this most recent burst of rage or if he had been drinking again…

"Yes of course," she squeaked, ducking away towards her desk, "I'll patch him through."

"See that you do. Or you're fired," he threatened.

Just as the door slammed shut behind him with such terrible force it nearly shattered in its frame, the main office line lit up from its place on his desk. The phone didn't even reach his face before he started to shout.

"Liam! What the hell have you done this time?!"

"Lovely to hear from you, Killian. Now, what exactly are you barking about today?"

"Don't feign ignorance and insult me any more than you already have."

"Honestly I don't have time for this and neither do you. Get on with it if you have a point to this call. We both have business to attend to."

"Yes. Business. Like the French account? Ring a bell, brother?"

"Ah yes… I suppose you've heard then."

"It was not the way I expected to start the day, I have to say. What were you thinking inviting her here?"

"I was thinking that we should extend our most gracious arm if we want this merger to go through. That's what I'm thinking, little brother."

"Don't call me that. Not now. I'm not prepared to host anyone, Liam. You've heard what the holidays mean to her. What… family means to her."

"Yes. I have. That's why… there's something more to it than just her coming to stay at your house for the holidays."

"Liam… what else have you done?"

"Have you been drinking already today, Killian?"

"No. But I have a feeling I'm about to start. What else is going on here?"

"Best to tell you now while you're already angry. Wouldn't want to stir the flames anew at a later time. You know how Ms. French is. She was going on about wishing she had her family to spend the holidays this year. About missing her father and what not. Then when I told her Elsa and I would be out of the country this year for Christmas she seemed… sad. So that's when… Well. That's when I told her you would simply love to have her come and spend the holidays. You know, until we could sign the business deal so she could see our company for herself in person. That you would love to for her to join… you… and…," the pause was longer than Killian could stand and his jaw ticked in anticipated anger.

"And what exactly, Liam?"

"...And your family. For Christmas."

Killian felt himself go lightheaded.

"Family. Liam. What…"

"She got so excited. I knew I had all but sealed the deal. I'm sorry Killian. I know you haven't celebrated… Well anything since Milah passed. But this has to happen. This merger… could mean everything for our business. Otherwise. Well, you've seen the numbers."

"What exactly did you tell her," Killian asked, practically falling into the chair behind him and forcing his stomach back down into its rightful place in his abdomen. This didn't bode well.

"It's just for a few weeks to show her a lovely family Christmas. Then the day after Christmas, we will sign the paperwork and put her on the first flight back to England and she will never be the wiser. Please Killian."

"Liam… You're asking so much of me with this, brother. I don't know if I can do it."

"You have to. We will find someone to pose as your family. It's all just business. That's all."

"Right," he swallowed hard, hating his brother down to his core for this.

"I know you hate me right now but you'll forgive me one day, Killian. We have to do this. You know we do."

"I know. I know we do."

"I'll make all the arrangements."

"Just...give me one day, please? All I need is one day to sort this in my mind."

"She arrives on Friday. Whatever it is you need to work through, you have four days to do it. Tomorrow morning I will have the decorator come to your house. And by tomorrow night… Just be prepared to meet your temporary family. If it would help, I can come by your place tonight and we can talk?"

"No. Truly I think you've done enough for today, Liam."

"Fine. I'll see you in the morning then."

"Bright and early as usual, I'm sure."

The line went dead and Killian held the phone to his forehead for a few extra seconds, clicking the rings on his fingers against the hard plastic and gathering his thoughts before setting it back down on the receiver. His eyes scanned the sparsely decorated office with its small, sleek black leather furniture, a few glass tables and nothing more to clutter. The building was a stunning architectural space. A modern open concept built and decorated with metal, concrete and glass. And, at least in his office, Killian kept no pictures, no artwork, no trinkets from the past, no… distractions. He took in a slow breath as he rose from the stiff desk chair. His feet slowly led him to the floor length window and, hooking thumbs through his belt loops, he took a long look out over the rough dark waters beyond the edge of the city.

The floors Jones Brothers International Shipping Co. held were high in the sky overlooking the harbor and its ships. And there from his office, if he stared down at that harbor long enough before closing his eyes firmly shut, Killian could go back in his mind to all those years ago. It felt like an actual lifetime had passed since he and Liam started their business in that very part of the harbor. They had come from nothing yet somehow, here they were - working out of the top of a skyscraper instead of the old offices down by the docks. If he were being forthright with himself, Killian missed that smaller company in that old building by the docks. Filled with the smells and sounds of the sea, life and the character of hard working people. He had been happy there. But Liam was always striving for more, no matter the cost, always wanting better for the two of them. He left those workers and that building behind after making enough financial gains and getting a firm enough foothold in the bigger corporate ladder. He bought out the floors in the new skyscraper and pulled his younger brother up behind him. Killian supposed he should be grateful, and he was to an extent. But to him, all of this was just excess. The money, the cars, the boats, the houses they lived in...at least Liam still had someone to share it with. Someone that made it feel worth it at the end of the day.

"Do you need anything else before I go to lunch?"

He turned to face his still clearly shaken secretary and the guilty feeling of his earlier episode finally caught up to him. She didn't deserve that. The two of them had been through too much over the years for that kind of behavior. Thankfully formalities seemed to have been forgotten now that he had fallen calm.

"No. That will be all for now. And… for what it's worth. I apologize for earlier, Tink."

She furrowed her brow as she approached and his shame grew exponentially when he saw the red rims of her eyes. He had made her cry.

"I thought we were better friends than that, Killian. I mean really… threatening to fire me? Almost three weeks before Christmas?"

"Aye. You're right. We are better friends than that, love. It won't happen again you have my word."

"What happened to upset you so?"

"It's just Liam… Being Liam."

It seemed to be a sufficient answer for now as she didn't dig any further.

"You want me to bring you something? Sir?" She added with a smirk. That finally beckoned a small smile in return.

"Enough of the 'sir' nonsense. Not like Liam's around to hear it anyway. But to answer your question, no… As for today I still have half a bottle of rum in my desk and, thanks to that dear thoughtful elder brother of mine, in about twenty four hours, I will be given more than I need."

It had been another long day but now it was nearly done. All of the orders and various other data for the next day had been submitted and the most recent incoming shipments documented and accounted for. She never pictured herself working in an office. And, up until a few years ago, she had managed to avoid it. But that life was behind her now. It was freezing in her little office ever since the ancient space heater she'd received as a hand me down had crapped out last week. Unfortunately, being so close to Christmas, her money was already spoken for and there would be no replacing the heat source anytime soon. So she pulled her beanie down a bit more, rubbed her gloved hands together and got back into it. Anyway, maybe if she concentrated hard enough at the task at hand the cold wouldn't be so bad.

By five thirty, the other day shift employees had already clocked out. So when she locked up her office she was greeted with nothing more than empty workstations and dimmed overhead lights in the abandoned hallway. The overnight receiving crew was already in the locker rooms, pulling on their thick company-issued outerwear and work boots. Pushing around them, she made it to her locker to retrieve her bag. As she was fishing her keychain from deep in the main cavity, a familiar voice called out to her.

"Hey Emma! Working late again, huh?"

The man with chestnut brown hair and sea green eyes made his way over to her and sat on the closest bench to pull on his gear.

"Yeah… it's almost Christmas," she smiled and shrugged, "our busy season after all."

"Tell me about it," he replied, eyes crinkling gently into a big grin.

She closed the steel door again and fastened the lock.

"'Night, August. Don't get hurt out there."

"Me? Never. Take care, Emma. See you tomorrow."

"Maybe. But maybe I'll actually leave on time and you won't though."

"Yeah right. Like I said. See you tomorrow."

She waved her hand at him as they went their separate ways for the night.

Parking was no easier to come by down at the harbor than anywhere else in the city, and she shivered again as she hurried to her car. She supposed it would be too much to ask of the lofty Jones Brothers to provide even a few rows of designated street parking let alone a full lot for the low-level employees such as herself. She took a quick glance up at the glass tower highrise where the company execs had reliable heating, security, a full underground parking garage… And had to swallow the bitter lump which had taken form in her throat. Whatever. The day was done and she didn't have to think about the two CEOs or anything having to do with their company again until the next day.

By the time she got to Granny's, she was only slightly thawed out and dead on her feet.

She walked up through the outdoor dining area to the door that had been sprayed with fake snow to match all the windows. The little bell chimed when she pushed the door open. The diner was full of old, well-loved and used decorations Granny had probably had forever. Thin strands of dull green garland wrapped in fat multicolored bulbs were strung loosely around the main counter. Tiny lit trees dotted each table, and shiny white and silver snowflakes hung from the ceiling secured by fishing wire.

"Mom!"

She turned to see him sitting in a booth, hunched over a book.

"Hey kid," she smiled, finally relaxing for the first time that day. He jumped from the booth and was suddenly at her side, arms locked around her middle.

"You get your homework done?"

"Yep."

"Didn't cause any trouble for Granny, right?"

"Are you kidding? Henry? He's never any trouble, Emma," came the reply from the old proprietress herself.

"It means a lot, you letting him come here after school, Granny. I really can't thank you enough."

"Stop that Emma. We're practically family. You and Ruby grew up together. How could I not help you out? Plus, I like him being here," she winked over her small glasses at the young boy who was still firmly attached to his mother. Emma looked around the otherwise empty diner for a second.

"Speaking of...where is Ruby anyway?"

"She had to run an errand for me. Almost out of bread and I'll need it come the morning rush!"

"Okay. Well I'll just call her later. Come on, kid. We need to get going."

"See you tomorrow, Granny!" Henry told her after retrieving his stuff from the booth he had been relaxing in.

"See you then, sweetie. And have a good day at school tomorrow!"

"Goodnight, Granny," Emma waved, smiled and they were on their way home.

"Did you eat dinner there? Or are you hungry?"

"No I'm okay, Granny let me get some food from the kitchen."

"Oh good… I'll have to pay her back for that tomorrow. Don't let me forget to send some extra money with you."

"Sure mom. But she never takes it."

Emma's old yellow VW Bug pulled up the driveway to the garage with its neatly trimmed white siding that matched the main house. She and Henry ascended the stairs and unlocked the door to go inside. It was only a small, one bedroom, one bathroom she rented over her best friend's detached garage; but she and Henry had managed to make it into a home. And it would do… for now. Pictures and school milestones hung from magnets on the fridge; homework and chore charts on the pantry door. A wrapped plate of Christmas cookies from Mary Margaret still sat on the counter next to the coffee maker. Henry ran in, tossed his backpack into the bedroom and made a beeline for the small tree set up in their window. He reached down behind it and plugged in the cord, lighting up all the strands of lights. Emma, meanwhile, set her purse on a chair and started peeling off layers. Hat, gloves, and coat were all put away on the coat rack and little round table near the door before going into the kitchen and starting a small pot of hot cocoa on the stove. It didn't take long to make, and soon she was ladling it into two mugs and topping them with whipped cream and cinnamon. Her and Henry's favorite way to drink it. She unwrapped the plate of cookies and snatched a few up onto a napkin.

"Here ya go, kid. A little bedtime snack for us."

Emma sat next to him on the couch and handed over a mug and a cookie, shaped and frosted like a stocking.

"Thanks mom. Do you think we could cut out some snowmen and snowflakes to hang in the windows?"

"Sure. I bet we could do that this weekend. Mary Margaret might even have some glitter we could use. So… what are you thinking of asking Santa for Christmas?"

"Mom…," he rolled his eyes, "I don't believe in Santa anymore. I know it's you."

"Oh, look who's growing up so fast! I guess that means socks and underwear then 'cause if you stop believing in Santa you don't get the good stuff anymore, you know." She smiled slyly into her cup and took a small sip.

"Okay, okay, I still believe then!"

They laughed a little before settling back into comfortable silence.

"I'm not sure yet. I'm still thinking about it. How 'bout you? What are you going to ask Santa for, mom?"

"I'd just be happy to get an end of year bonus at work. Then maybe… Just maybe… by next Christmas we could have a house of our own instead of living over Mary Margaret's garage. Wouldn't that be great?"

"Yeah! We could each have our own room and we could even have a yard of our own! And maybe even a dog!"

"I guess maybe a dog. But you'd have to take care of it."

"Deal!"

The doorbell rang at six in the morning. But it didn't quite register. Everything felt far away. His skin was clammy and stomach restless. That half a bottle of rum had done well enough for the rest of his work day. But once he arrived back home… the emptiness and impending charade was too much to bear. This impossible task awaiting him, looming on the horizon, was overwhelming and he succumbed quickly to the contents of his wet bar. Only just now did he regret it the same way he had regretted so many other mornings over the past six years. Again the doorbell pounded in his weary eardrums and his tongue clicked against the roof of his dry mouth; the palms of his hands dug into his eyes. Carefully, he lowered one foot to the ground and let it sit for a moment, gauging if his stomach would hold its contents or not. It seemed steady enough for now, so he put the other foot down and ever so slowly pulled himself up. At this new upright position his stomach rolled, but after a few seconds, calmed again and he was able to stand.

"Dear God, Killian. Really? Look at you." Liam scolded when the younger Jones brother finally made it down to open the door.

"I don't want to hear it, Liam."

"You'll have to pull yourself together before Ms. French arrives, Killian. Or all of this will be for nothing," David noted solemnly, pushing into the house from behind Liam. The younger Jones brother wondered for a moment if any other familiar faces from work would appear in his door.

"I know."

"Good. Then you know why we have to do this first," David nodded to the crew that was slowly trickling in. A few of them nodded back and got to work clearing out the contents of Killian's liquor cabinet.

"What? What's all that about? Liam?"

"Don't be a fool, Killian. Can't risk your drinking habits around our potential business partner. It's too much of a liability. Plus, you're a family man. Wouldn't want to be sloppy in front of your dear wife and child."

Now Killian was almost positive he was going to lose his stomach.

David looked around at the massive, empty house. He was opening his mouth to say something else when the last person Killian was looking for earlier chimed in.

"Geeze Killian… it looks the same as when you bought it. Is this the staging furniture from five years ago?" Robin said, visibly disappointed.

"What of it? And you're here too?"

"Of course I am. This is the biggest deal the company has ever attempted. And looks like you need all the help you can get."

"It just… It doesn't feel like you live here at all," David said quietly.

"I don't. Unless you call this living," he gestured to himself in all of his hungover glory.

David stared at him with something in his eyes that looked a lot like pity.

"No. I guess not. Just means we have our work cut out for us."

"Ah! Speaking of which," Liam smiled at a woman dressed in an all black pantsuit with raven black hair and dark red lips, "Killian, this is your interior decorator Regina Mills. She's going to be turning your empty house here into a proper family home. She was highly recommended."

She extended her hand which Killian shook reluctantly.

"We have a lot to do today. So, unless you need something, I'd like to get right to it… " She seemed to trail off for only a second when she caught sight Robin in the great room behind Killian.

"Of course. I'll get out of your hair for the day. David, Robin and Liam - I'm going upstairs to make myself slightly more presentable… I'll see you all at the office."

He disappeared up the stairs before they could say another word to him.

By the time he had showered, dressed and was feeling human again, Regina's crew was full on into their work. She was in the middle, clipboard in hand, directing the organized chaos. His large front double doors had been fixed wide open so dozens of hired hands could come and go freely, pushing in boxes and boxes of decorations. A massive tree had already been erected in his otherwise empty foyer. He didn't even want to know what all of this was costing the company.

His mobile phone was out and at his ear before his car got off the property.

"Liam. You should see what they're doing to my house right now. I don't know if I can go through with this…"

"Killian we've been over this. This merger could make or break us… After all we've done. After all we've worked for."

"You mean after all you've worked for? Besides, this is ridiculous. You actually have a family. Why not cancel your trip and do this instead? You're better at this than I am, and you know it. I shouldn't have to mention the fact that you wouldn't have to pretend…"

"Because… "

"Because why, Liam?"

There was a bit of silence before his older brother cleared his throat and steadied his voice.

"Because, Killian, Elsa already warned me. If I cancel this trip to see her family for the holidays… She would take Ella and they… they wouldn't be returning."

"What?"

"She hasn't seen her family in years. There's always an excuse on my end for why we can't go. There's always something with the company or with… ," he trailed off and Killian felt his eyes prick in guilt, "anyway, she misses them. She misses me. Ella is growing up so fast and I'm never around to see it."

"Alright brother. I understand. I can handle this," Killian resolved. He had burdened his brother enough. He wouldn't be the cause of any more pain.

"Good. I'll see you at the office. I hope you've sobered up enough because it's going to be a busy day."

"Seems I have no choice, then."

Having dropped Henry off safely at school, she ran into the building with not a minute to spare.

"Close call today, huh, Emma?" Ashley remarked, removing her heavy coat and hanging it along with her purse in her locker. Emma saw that Ashley's face was still red from the bitter winds that swept up from the water and guessed she probably looked the same way, if not more so from the added all-out sprint up the street.

"It would have been easier if I could find a parking spot closer to the building," she huffed, turning the numbers on her locker and hanging her bag inside. She would still need the coat's insulation to keep warm in her office.

"Maybe after this merger happens we'll have some leeway to ask for a better parking arrangement from the big office! Or maybe finally some raises! Sean and I could finally afford to enroll Alexandra in that preschool we visited… "

"I hate to say it, but don't hold your breath. We don't even know if that's a done deal yet," Mary Margaret commented when she overheard the discussion.

"Wait, what? What merger? Are we being bought out?" Emma asked. She must have had her nose a little too buried in her work lately. She didn't have a clue as to what the two other girls were gossiping about.

"Well. There's talk the Jones Brothers are looking to expand to Europe. They want to buy out and merge with French Enterprises."

"Like… French as in France?"

"No silly! French as in the late Maurice French's shipping company. His daughter, Belle, is supposed to be coming for a visit next week I hear. It's all very hush-hush, under wraps for now. I don't think they've told anyone outside the elite four many of the details."

"Then how do you know, Ashley?"

"I might have some friends that run errands for some of the execs over in the tower. They hear things all the time."

"Well if you guys knew," Emma was still confused, "why didn't I?"

Both of the other women just looked at each other for a second before Mary Margaret stepped forward.

"You probably would have if you came out of your office and socialized a little more. We don't bite, you know. My gosh, you live over my garage!"

Emma leaned against the lockers and sighed.

"Yeah. I know. I'm just trying so hard right now… The holidays are always tough. I want to give Henry a good Christmas. But I'm also trying to save up. Not that I'm not grateful for all you've done for us… "

"Save up?" Ashley asked, her turn to be confused.

"Emma wants to buy a house of her own," Mary Margaret said so Emma didn't have to.

"Oh Emma, that would be wonderful." Ashley smiled.

"It's all I've ever wanted for me and Henry. And I'm so close."

"Well. Fingers crossed this merger goes well and we get something good out of it, then!"

"Yeah. Fingers crossed."

The day was filled with contracts and so much technical jargon that Killian's head spun. He wanted so badly to go home and pour himself a stiff drink. But, thanks to his old friend Dave, that wouldn't be an option for at least a few weeks. The drive home felt longer than usual that night. He wasn't exactly on the edge of his seat to see the transformation that was taking place. And with such a large crew, he was sure it would have to be near completion by now. He switched on the radio. News of a snow storm was about the only thing that grabbed his attention. And that was only a possibility for next week. He wouldn't be lucky enough for that to blow through and cancel any flights by this Friday.

Pulling up to his house, he did a double-take at the numbers on the mailbox to make sure he hadn't pulled into a neighbor's driveway by mistake. No, this was definitely his house. Just… different than he had ever seen it. Hundreds of white lights now framed the roof and windows and lined the driveway and front path. In the large front window stood the tree he had seen this morning, but now it was bursting with lights and shimmering glass ornaments. A set of large evergreen wreaths decorated with massive red and silver poinsettias and even more twinkling white lights hung on the glass of the front doors. His heart felt heavy at the sight. It didn't feel right. The show had already began before the lone audience member even arrived. He had David on the phone before he realized it.

"Killian? What's up? Everything okay?"

"David… I need you to come by the house, mate. I think. I think I'm supposed to be meeting the people posing as my family tonight and… I… " He couldn't go on. His chest felt tight.

"Say no more. I'm at dinner with someone though. Mind if I bring her along?"

"You're on a date?"

"Yeah. But… Well I've been wanting to introduce you anyway, okay?"

"Sure."

"We'll be out soon."

Killian sat in his car for much longer than he intended. He was sure Liam was there waiting for him, but facing whoever was with him was suddenly too real. He wasn't a very good actor. Playing something he wasn't didn't come naturally. There was no way he could pull this off realistically.

When he walked in, he knew he had made a mistake agreeing to this. His house was the same, but only in structure. Gold, white and red were somehow everywhere. All of his staging furniture was gone, replaced by a soft leather chair and matching couch in front of the fireplace that had never, in his recollection, been lit until that evening. Tall, heavy wooden bookshelves had been added, full of newly purchased books. Where his small pub set used to be, there was now a full dining table that could comfortably seat ten, fully set with centerpieces, candles and all. The tree looked like they had shipped it directly from a department store. It was picture-perfect, not a light or ornament out of place. Garland wrapped every inch of every banister railing. The mantle draped with garland, red glass ornaments, and white lights; gold wire Christmas trees standing tall at the edges and three white stockings trimmed with thick red and gold cord dangling down in front of the flames. His head was spinning, and his chest hurt. He wanted it all gone.

"Killian! There you are! Come on over...there are some people I want you to meet." Liam waved, stepping out from the kitchen and calling his younger sibling over. It was then that Killian noticed her. Standing next to his elder brother was a tall mannequin of a woman, a socialite trophy wife plucked straight off of Fifth Avenue. She looked as flawless as the decorations in his house, and just as out-of-place.

"I would like you to meet your temporary wife. Killian, this is Charlotte."

"Charlotte. It's a pleasure," he extended his hand which she took limply. Must be hard to muster much arm strength with such tiny limbs, he supposed.

"Nice to meet you Killian. I'm sure it'll be lovely working with you for the next few weeks."

"Ah and here is the little one. Brooklyn? Darling? This is Killian. But until after Christmas, just call him 'daddy'," Liam smiled and Killian squirmed in his skin.

The blonde girl seemed unimpressed at her new 'father'.

"Ah… hello," Killian bent to greet her, "It's nice to meet you, Brooklyn. I hope you and your mother will be comfortable here."

The woman and child exchanged bewildered looks before bursting into laughter that made him want to crawl into some hole. He had no idea what was suddenly so funny but he was sure he was the butt of this joke.

"Oh Liam! You should have mentioned how funny your younger brother is!" Charlotte chuckled.

"I apologize. I seem to be a bit confused," Killian admitted, shaking his head and standing upright again.

"No no. I'm sorry. I didn't think to even mention. Charlotte and Brooklyn are actors. There is no relation."

"I'm hoping this will get me into the new Barney's commercial," Brooklyn said in earnest.

"Of course… How silly of me. Will you give me a moment? I just… I need a bit of fresh air."

He excused himself as quickly as he could. Once outside, in the frozen air, he fought for deep breaths.

"Milah… I'm trying but I don't think I can do this, love," he let out quietly, the cold wind stinging at his now wet eyes.

"Killian?"

Never in his life had he been more grateful to hear David Nolan's voice. If he were feeling any less like himself he probably would have hugged the git.

"David. Thanks for coming," he started down the front steps to the curved driveway where David had parked his car and was going around to the passenger side door. He opened the car's door and helped a woman out. She smiled brightly when she took his hand and Killian had to stop at the sight of them together.

"Killian. I want you to meet someone special. This is Mary Margaret Blanchard. Mary Margaret, this is my oldest friend, Killian Jones."

Again she smiled and he felt more hopeful just looking at her. Her dark brown hair framed her round, cherub face in a short pixie cut and her large brown eyes and bright smile seemed to shine like the stars. No wonder David looked at her the way he did.

"Mr. Jones," she gaped, shaking his hand, "It is such an honor to actually meet you in person."

He felt himself sincerely smile for the first time that day.

"The pleasure is all mine I'm sure, Ms. Blanchard. Please, come in and make yourself comfortable. It's freezing out here."

"David," he pulled the other man back a step, "how long have you and Mary Margaret here been seeing each other, exactly?"

"Seven months last week."

"Well then… why the hell did it slip your mind to mention her?"
"Because… Because she works for the company, okay? And I didn't want anyone to know."

"You mean you didn't want Liam to know? Anyway, where does she work? I've never seen her before."

"That's not surprising seeing as you don't go to the old offices at the yard anymore. That's where she works. For now anyway."

"For now?"
"Yeah. She used to be a teacher. Now she's thinking about going back to it. But until that happens… I just need your help keeping this whole 'she's a company employee' thing under wraps. Promise?"

"For you, mate? Obviously."

Liam and Killian's new fake family were introduced to Mary Margaret without blowing her cover to Liam. He was the one David was worried about anyway, always a stickler for the rules… Killian understood his best friend's dilemma. Finally, about an hour later, Liam and the two ladies departed.

"Wow. They did a great job decorating, didn't they? This was a big task to get done in one day," David marveled. He had never seen Killian's house looking so festive.

"Aye… There were plenty of people involved but… I mean… It's just… " Killian didn't know how to say the last part of that sentence and scratched behind his ear.

"It's too good," Mary Margaret said matter of factly, without thinking. Both men looked at her. David a bit alarmed at her candidness but Killian like she had pulled the words directly from his brain.

"Yes exactly," Killian said, hopping from his new chair to his feet, "it's too pristine. It's still too unlived in, just in a different way."

"There's no character. It's lacking a certain, I don't know, charm I think. I hate to be so nosey, but I think this is important… what is Ms. French like?" Mary Margaret asked.

"Well. She's…She's warm. Kind. Well-read, and intelligent," Killian listed from memory of their previous web conferences.

"Do you have a picture of her?"

David pulled out his phone and found her contact information. He showed the picture of the blue eyed, auburn haired beauty to his girlfriend.

"That's her."

"Yeah, no. She's going to figure it out. Maybe before she even gets through the front door."

"Pardon?" Killian questioned.

"I've heard whispering of what's going on. The merger. That's what all this is about, isn't it? The 'wife' and 'child' they provided you with. The Christmas home makeover. I bet until this morning you didn't even have a tree of your own up, did you?"

"Dave, mate, how is she doing this?" Killian wondered in awe.

"Pretty perceptive, isn't she?" David beamed proudly.

"You're right, love. About all of it. We need this merger to happen… Family, tradition, the holidays… they all mean a great deal to Ms. French. Especially since her father passed away and left her to run his business. This is her first Christmas without him. So my brother saw a golden opportunity, dove right in and volunteered me and the family that I do not have to host her. Show her a wonderful, traditional Christmas and drive home the deal."

Mary Margaret's eyes flashed.

"I see. So… your company hired Charlotte and Brooklyn? You're paying them?"

"Yes, they're actors. Why?"

"How much are you paying them?"

"Apologies, but I don't see where this is going."

"You see, Killian, I want this merger to happen too if it helps this company and the employees - my friends. You and your brother have a lot of people down on our end of this company that depend on their jobs more than you know. And I just happen to have a very good friend who could really use that money you're going to be throwing away on Charlotte and Brooklyn if you go through with hiring them."

"Oh really? And who, exactly would that be, love?"

"My best friend, Emma Swan. She is a single mother and someone who's fought the odds for everything she has. Each and every day she works her ass off for your company to provide a life she never got to have for her son… And, I think she would be a much better fit for this, for you, than Ms. Park Avenue and the poster-perfect child star."

"I have to admit you may have a point. But, just to be completely clear with you, Ms. Blanchard, so there are no false pretenses here… this is a business deal. And when this is over, when those papers are signed, our arrangement will be complete. I'm not looking for a real family so if your friend comes into this scenario imagining some… I don't know, fairy-tale happy ending or whatnot, then I'm afraid she would be sorely disappointed."

"Believe me, knowing Emma like I do, the only way you'd get her to agree to this in the first place is by telling her it's a business deal. She's not exactly looking for her happily ever after either… "

"All right then. If you would, inform Miss Swan to meet me in my office first thing in the morning. I will be expecting her."

AN: Hello to all of you who might be new or have been following me since my other fics! I have been wanting to write this for at least the last year if not longer. I have loved the movie Borrowed Hearts for so long, it just felt right to put my favorite OTP in this setting. This probably won't be a very long fic and will vary from time to time from the original source, but I hope you all love it just the same. Much love and see you next chapter!