Author's Note: Well, this is the ending… or is it? I've been thinking of what else to write and I've received some pretty great ideas thru messages and a couple of reviews.

*In thinking about this, I thought about doing a sequel to Stolen Kisses, because I actually like how the characters have grown in this fiction. With a new setting for all of them, this may be something to continue but with new challenges and using some of the ideas I received.

*What do you think? I'm open to ideas. Or I've been exploring going outside this fandom with writing also, I'm not sure. I think I need some guidance.

*I got a request for my first two stories to be added back to the site. I deleted them a while, it was great seeing someone enjoyed reading them. I wrote differently back then and some readers didn't enjoy a couple of characters I included, but I can try reposting them?

Songs I used in this chapter: Ed Sheeran "Perfect" & James Arthur "Say You Won't Let Go"

… And again, please share your thoughts on this chapter, but also ideas for future writing. Sometimes writers need a little prompt to get started. Plus let me know, post my 2 old stories or no? Flood my inbox and/or post some reviews :)

Wow, lots of notes! Anyway, I hope you enjoy!

Chapter 27: Home

Dylan treads softly throughout the cottage style residence, hoping to surprise Emma by coming home early from work. However wherever he searches she is nowhere to be found, until he glances beyond the kitchen to notice the curtains covering the sliding glass door are partially open.

Since moving to Washington, the young couple have been slowly settling into their new home. Emma has been busy with her 2nd semester at the university after completing her 1st with ease. With feeling a little more pressure this semester, Emma has been increasing her studying time. Which doesn't allow a lot of time with Dylan since he is also working hard with the recent merge of his company, but Emma always expresses to him that she couldn't be prouder of his success and his business sense.

A smile appears on his face, knowing Emma is outside enjoying the calm evening. He's not surprised when he witnesses her sitting on a blanket underneath of the trees with a variety of books scattered around her. She's so deep in her studies while simultaneously humming quietly to a song streaming through her earbuds, Emma doesn't notice Dylan take a seat next to her.

Dylan continues to grin, wondering how long it will take her to notice him. He soon gets his answer when he hears her huff loudly and drop the book in her hands to the blanket. "Hi." He says calmly as she clutches where her heart lies in an abrupt fright.

"How long have you been sitting there." Emma gasps again and then deeply exhales.

"A couple of minutes," he chuckles lightly. "You realize the sun is going down out here, there's hardly any light left."

"I wasn't expecting you home until later, this is such a nice surprise." Emma grins widely as she gathers the books around her and piles them to her other side, out of the way. She quickly scoots over to sit side by side with her boyfriend, promptly pulling her earbuds out of her ears. "I was just finishing up doing some research for my psychology project. I was kind of on a roll, but you're right I'm running out of light," she giggles and takes a calming breath while resting her head on his shoulder. "It is really beautiful out here tonight."

"I guess I made it in time for the sunset," he replies bending his head to the side to place a quick kiss to her hair. While wrapping his left arm around her shoulders, leaning her closer into his embrace. "Are you cold?"

"I'm perfect," she glances upward and smiles, feeling complete contentment now that her boyfriend is sitting next to her. It's been difficult to connect lately due to both of their busy schedules, she likes to relish any moment the two have alone.

"What were you listening to?" Dylan asks as she sits up a little to put an earbud in his left ear and the other in her right, pressing play. "Hmm, I should've guessed. Ed Sheeran." All of a sudden Dylan takes the ear piece out and moves to stand up from the blanket, startling Emma by the rapid movement.

With an outstretched hand, Dylan stands in front of Emma. "How about we have a little dance while we enjoy the sunset?"

Emma quirks a questioning brow, but takes his hand to assist her to stand in front of him. "You don't like to dance."

Dylan smirks a bit, while squeezing her hand within his. "But, you do."

She smiles with a swelled heart because of the sentiment of her typically reserved boyfriend. "We don't have any music?"

Dylan raises the earbud between his fingers with a smirk before putting it in his ear, Emma immediately follows by doing the same. Quickly, she presses a button on the earpiece for the music to continue. The words of Ed Sheeran's "Perfect" fill their ears…

I found a love for me
Darling, just dive right in
And follow my lead
Well, I found a girl, beautiful and sweet
I never knew you were the someone waiting for me

'Cause we were just kids when we fell in love
Not knowing what it was
I will not give you up this time
Darling, just kiss me slow, your heart is all I own
And in your eyes, you're holding mine

Baby, I'm dancing in the dark with you between my arms
Barefoot on the grass, we're listenin' to our favorite song
When you said you looked a mess, I whispered underneath my breath
But you heard it, darling, you look perfect tonight …

She snuggles her cheek into his chest as he slowly moves them into a swaying circle, while the sun gradually begins to fade. The sky becomes painted with vibrant colors, as the backyard is quiet minus the soothing sounds of nature.

As the next song, James Arthur's "Say You Won't Let Go," sings thru their ears, the young couple embrace tighter while the small circles they've been dancing in become slower.

I knew I loved you then
But you'd never know
'Cause I played it cool when I was scared of letting go
I know I needed you
But I never showed
But I wanna stay with you until we're grey and old
Just say you won't let go
Just say you won't let go …

Eventually their movements come to a stop, just in time to gaze at the final stage of the changing sky.

When the stars arise, Dylan decides to break the stillness when he feels Emma shiver a bit in his arms. "Well, maybe we should go inside. I don't want you to catch a chill out here," he says quietly while rubbing her arms which are covered with only a thin sweater.

Emma nods while she notices Dylan quickly bend down to pick up her pile of books. She flashes a smile in seeing him being so chivalrous and taking care to ensure he gathers all of her items. With his arms now full of books and school supplies, Dylan slowly stands and steps toward the gliding door. Emma follows quickly behind him after gathering the blanket from the ground.

When they're both inside and the door secured, Emma moves to the kitchen. With her elbows propped up on the counter, she drops chin to her hands and tries to think of what to make for supper. But, she's pulled from her thoughts when Dylan enters the room about 15 minutes later with a large grin.

"You're not making dinner tonight." Dylan announces while striding closer to her, wearing a smirk when he notices her squint in skepticism. "I ordered from your favorite place. I figured we could have a date night, but I know you have school tomorrow so I thought we could have date night here?"

Emma is silent for a few moments before she feels an overwhelming sense of fluttering in her chest. When she finally makes eye contact with his baby blues, Emma melts but doesn't realize that with each silent minute that passes Dylan is becoming more insecure in his idea. She also doesn't realize her eyes begin to dampen, causing even more confusion for her boyfriend.

"I'm sorry Emma. I think it's too late to cancel the order, but I'll make it up to you." He advises nervously, his hands twitching a bit at his sides. "I made a mistake, didn't I?"

"What?" She asks, finally understanding how her actions may have been interpreted. "No, no. Dylan everything is perfect!" Emma rushes to him, taking his face into her palms when she's close enough. "Sorry, I'm just so grateful for you. I absolutely love the idea of an at home date night," she flashes a grin while tilting his head down. Gently Emma then touches her forehead to his, feeling gratified when his arms snake around her waist.

Dylan takes a deep breath in relief when Emma pulls back a bit, feeling more secure than a few minutes ago. "I'm grateful to have you in my life too." He whispers, reaching his neck forward to kiss her forehead. "I'm not sure where I'd be without you."

Emma slowly reaches behind her to take ahold of one of Dylan's arms to intertwine his fingers with hers. Once she has his hand in her grasp, Emma strolls into the living room with her boyfriend trailing behind. She pulls him by the hand to the couch, motioning him to have a seat. When he becomes comfortable on the couch, Emma immediately sits next to him and snuggles impossibly close to his side. They both relax and bask in the calmness of the evening, until a noise rings from Dylan's pocket.

Dylan reaches to grab his phone, rolling his eyes when he notices Norma's name light up on the caller ID. He begins to put it back in his pocket, when Emma stops him. "It's ok Dylan. Answer it," she states with a tightened smile while standing up from the warmth of his side. "I'll give you some privacy. I'm going to get things ready for the table."

When the phone rings again, Dylan answers with hesitance. He shouldn't have so much apprehension in talking with Norma, but it's from years of drama with his mother that automatically causes him to tense. "What happened Norma?" He speaks tentatively with scenarios running through his mind continually.

"Is that any way to answer your mother's call?" Norma huffs through the phone.

"Sorry," he mumbles awkwardly. "I'm not used to normal phone calls with you yet."

"Yes, well, I actually have good news for you honey." She says in a cheerful tone, causing her eldest son to crack a smile she can't see. "I'll be opening the bed and breakfast officially next week. Isn't that exciting!? I already have a full booking!"

Dylan has to hold the phone from his ear to lessen the noise of his mother squealing in excitement. "I'm happy for you Norma. Is the Sher-, I mean is Romero going to be helping with the reservations?" Dylan squeezed his eyes shut briefly, cringing when he almost called Romero by his old title. That's been a bit difficult to avoid unfortunately, another habit to break.

"Yes, he'll be here. I wanted to say you helped make this day possible sweetie. Without your help and Emma's this day may not have happened. I want to say thank you to both of you," she sniffles. "Working with Alex for hours repairing what was broken in not only my house but also in the guest house has been so wonderful, Dylan. Plus, Emma helping me with the decorating and planting the flowers, invaluable. I'm so grateful."

"Happy to help Norma, Emma was too. If you do need us, we'll be there." He mentions with complete sincerity. "I know Emma and I have a busy schedule, but we want this business to work for you and Romero."

"You're going to make me cry," Norma states with a shaky voice before breaking into a sob. "I have the best possible people surrounding me!"

Dylan grows uncomfortable in this conversation, he's never been good with people crying especially when it's his mother or Emma. "Um, I probably should be getting going Norma."

"No wait! I have more to tell you," Norma practically screams into the phone which causes him to flinch. "Ok, actually it's a few things. Alex has an interview tomorrow and I was thinking if he gets the job that maybe we could have a get together before the bed and breakfast opens?"

"Well, I'll have to talk with Emma about it fir-." Dylan answers carefully, but is promptly interrupted mid-sentence by Emma.

"YES! We'll be there!" He hears his girlfriend shout from the other room, before she steps into the living room and sits down in her original seat.

After she takes a seat and once again nuzzles next to him, he turns his focus toward her. "How the hell did you hear that from the other room? Do you have superhuman hearing?" He asks with narrowed eyes, earning only a shrug of her shoulders in response. "So, that whole privacy thing was a lie then?"

"I tried," she simply replies with another shrug. Dylan can't be mad, in fact he can only chuckle at her complete lack of control when it comes to being nosey. He knows he's signed up for this, so there's no point in getting upset about it.

Dylan pulls the phone from his ear and presses the speaker button, no point in having a private conversation when Emma is around. "I have you on speaker, Norma. Anyway, what else is there you need to tell me?"

"Oh, um, well it's about your brother. Have you visited him lately?" Norma's voice cracks a bit while asking the question, almost unsure if she wanted to ask her son the question.

Dylan clears his throat and makes eye contact with Emma. "It's been a little while Norma," he answers truthfully but also with regret. "Things with my business have just gotten busy and then with Emma starting her next semester, we just haven't gotten over there. He was doing very well when we last visited, which was maybe a month ago? Did something happen?" Dylan's hands begin to shake and his leg bounces uncontrollably due to nerves, waiting to hear the inevitable looming bad news.

"Oh no honey, he's doing great! Actually, I was thinking if we have the party I was going to ask the doctors if he could come." Her voice is bubbly again, exuding delight from the possibility of her youngest son's return.

"Look Norma, I don't want to upset you or anything but I'm concerned. Is he ready?" Dylan nervously looks at Emma, who has an equal look of concern on her face.

His mother huffs in annoyance through the phone. "Of course he's ready. The doctors consulted and said he would be ok to come over for a day visit. I'm not going to cut him out of my family, Dylan!" Her tone turns a bit angry and frustrated. "He is your brother, you should want him to be home!"

"Norma?" Emma cautiously asserts herself into the conversation because she can notice Dylan's jaw clench and the tips of his ears tint red, never a good sign. "He wants Norman home, but he also wants to make sure he's ready. That's all, I promise we all want the same for Norman."

A bout of silence takes over the phone, before Dylan feels forced to speak again. "It will be nice to see my brother again," he states calmly. "I didn't mean for it to sound like I don't want him to be a part of the family. Of course I do. I just want him to be well, it was hard to see him when he had those episodes. Scary is probably a better word for it," Dylan takes a deep breath and takes advantage of the current silence. "How has he been getting along with the Sher-, ugh sorry I mean Romero." He shakes his head again at the slip up, while simultaneously earning a glare from Emma.

"They have been really bonding. And no, I'm not just saying that. I already know what you're thinking," she has a little laugh.

"Ok, I'll leave this up to you. When will Romero know if he has the job?" Dylan says, feeling Emma's hand gently touch his own.

"He should know in a couple of days, I think." Norma pauses, almost sounding worried. "I just know he'll get it, he has to."

"And if he doesn't?" Dylan asks without thinking, realizing quickly he shouldn't have when he gets a slap on the bicep by Emma. "Sorry. Um, I just mean will you still want to have us be there with Norman?"

"I-I still want everyone there, f-for that little extra support before my business opens." Norma stutters slightly in a quietened volume, sounding anxious at the idea of Alex not receiving the promotion.

Hearing the shakiness in his mother's voice, causes Dylan to feel instant shame for possibly adding to her anxiety. "Well. He has a lot of experience in law enforcement and as the Sheriff, he definitely is a leader." Dylan bites his bottom lip, glancing at Emma for approval of his support. When she nods with a small grin, he considers it a win.

"Yes, I'm sure he'll get it!" Norma says with renewed enthusiasm. "Oh, I have to go. I hear his car in the driveway. I love you two, I'll keep you updated!"

"We wish him luck on his interview tomorrow!" Emma wishes loudly, causing Dylan to cover his ear immediate once again.

"Ah, ok. We'll talk to you soon Norma." Dylan adds quickly before they end the call.

Emma stands up when the call ends and settles on Dylan's lap instead, cuddling him close. "Well, that was a roller coaster of a call," she says while placing her arm around his shoulder.

"When aren't they? I just hope she knows what she's doing with Norman. I want him to have a normal life, but if he's rushed into going home when he's not ready there could be a huge set back. That's all I was trying to say, I didn't want to upset her." He bites his lower lip, feeling a bit like he's ruined the evening by his reaction. "He's my brother, I want the best for him."

With a tighter squeeze of her arm around his shoulder, Emma attempts to reassure. "We all do," she is able to say just before the doorbell rings.

In hearing the sound,, Emma springs up from her boyfriend's lap and rushes to the front door. "Hey, I still want to know how you heard my conversation to Norma all the way from the other room," Dylan shouts in her direction.

Emma halts her steps momentarily and turns around with a giggle. "Oh that's a secret I'll never tell."

XXXX

Norma hums happily to herself as she flitters around in the kitchen, preparing breakfast. The morning light shines through the window panes, while the light breeze fills air. She's too involved tending to the scrambled eggs she's making to notice another person quietly entering the room, until she feels a pair of hands touch her waist.

With a slight flinch, Norma immediately relaxes in the grip while leaning her head back with a slight smile and eyes closed. Hands gently massage her middle above her hips as the tip of a nose delicately runs along the length of her neck.

"Good morning," Alex whispers into her neck before placing an innocent kiss near her jaw.

Norma picks up the frying pan and places it on one of the unused burners, dropping her spatula to the side soon after. Quickly, she reaches forward to turn the previous lit burner off and then twists around in the man's loosened grasp to face him. She places the palm of her hands on his shirt covered chest with a widened smile. "Morning Officer. I made some breakfast for your big day."

"It's just an interview Norma," he states casually with a smirk. Truthfully, he's terribly nervous but he doesn't want to have his strong façade crumble in front of her.

Her fingers straighten out the collar of his shirt and then uses her palms to swiftly smooth out any wrinkles she sees. Her fussing over his appearance is simultaneously endearing and annoying, but Alex has no choice but to grin while she nervously continues to fix his shirt with creases that aren't there. He knows she means well.

"This isn't just any interview though, it's for detective!" She exclaims, clapping her hands together a couple times in excitement. "You told me this is something you always wanted to do, but it wasn't an option in White Pine Bay." Norma sighs and takes a step backward with her arms now dropped to her side when she notices him not sharing in the same type of enthusiasm. "Why aren't you more excited about this? Isn't this what you've always wanted?"

Romero chuckles, "I already have what I've always wanted."

With a roll of her eyes and a small smirk on her lips, Norma turns her back to him and begins to carefully place the scrambled eggs and sausage she's made onto a plate. Giggling a bit, Norma then reaches for a coffee cup and pours the hot liquid into it before turning around again. "That was the cheesiest line I've heard by far," Norma giggles with one hand on her hip and the other holding the cup. "You don't have to say such things anymore, you already have me." She states matter-of-factly, moving past him with a slight sway of her hips to start setting the table.

Following her continual movements with his eyes, Romero grins. Since the day he met Norma, his life has never been the same. All of the drama surrounding her, has been worth it. All of the times he's been left with a heart torn in pieces, has been worth it. All of the times he's felt like a tortured soul by her delicate hands, has been worth it.

Regardless if he earns this promotion or not, he already feels like he's won.

"Well, are you going to join me?" She asks impatiently with a smirk, obviously noticing his unfocused stare in her direction.

Flustered, Romero clears his throat and gives his head a shake before rushing to the table and pulling a chair out for an impatient Norma. "I was just waiting for you, Love." He winks, trying to appear composed.

While squinting her eyes in skepticism, Norma sits down in the seat and allows Alex to gently push her toward the table. "Hmmm. Not likely," she giggles while watching him take a seat in the chair next to her.

After breakfast, Romero checks his watch and notices the time has passed by a little quickly. He stands up abruptly from his seat, scraping the legs of the chair against the linoleum. "I'm sorry Norma, I have to go or I'll be late."

"Wait!" Norma jumps up from the table and rushes toward Romero. "I need to wish you good luck," she stands in front of Alex with a wide smile. Grabbing the collar of his police uniform shirt with a bit of force, Norma rises to her toes and kisses his lips.

When she pulls back, her smile returns in noticing Alex's eyelids remain closed for a few seconds as if he's trying to savor their moment together.

"Good luck Alex," Norma wishes to him as she places her palms on his upper torso and drops to her heels. "I will miss this uniform on you though." She smirks, sliding her hands slowly down his chest. "This dark blue, is even better than your old uniform. Though, the idea of you wearing a suit and tie to work every day does sound intriguing."

Romero takes a hold one of her hands and lifts it to his lips, placing a tiny kiss to her knuckle with a chuckle. "Well, let's not get ahead of ourselves Norma."

She drops her hands from his grip to her sides, feeling an overwhelming sense of guilt all of a sudden. Her reaction earns a raised brow in confusion from her boyfriend, especially when she takes a step away from him.

"I'm afraid you have regrets," Norma whispers. "You left everything behind to move here, basically on a whim. Now you're here, working as a part time officer and helping me with my dream. It's just not fair to you," she says quietly with tears in her eyes as she makes eye contact with him.

Romero is stunned with how far Norma has come since meeting her. She continues to surprise him on a daily basis, especially with her most recent comment. The mere idea of her feeling guilt about something like this, just proves all of the positive changes she's made. Not only in regards to their relationship, but also towards him. There is nowhere he would rather be than here with her, regardless if he earns this new job or not. He's staying, forever if she'll have him.

With his right index finger, Romero tips her chin upward to ensure she continues eye contact with him. "I regret nothing, Norma. I am here with you, all in. Being here outweighs anything, I would follow you anywhere." He grins widely when he's instantly hit with her body against his, feeling her thin arms wrap around him tightly.

After a few moments of silence except the occasional sniffle escaping from Norma, Alex gradually pulls back but not quite ready to let go yet. "Ok, love. No tears on the shirt." He chuckles, before placing a kiss to the top of her hair.

Abruptly, Norma steps back and in a panic quickly uses the palm of her hands to swipe out any wrinkles she caused the best she can. "I'm so sorry Alex! I wrinkled your shirt for your big day." She continues to frantically swat at his torso, earning another chuckle from her boyfriend.

Eventually, Romero takes her hands in his and once again kisses her knuckles. "Norma, stop. Everything is fine." He smiles even when she then moves her hands to his collar to ensure it's straightened.

"Okay, I'll stop fussing." She giggles, taking a step backward, disguising that she's still making sure the shirt he's wearing is in perfect condition.

"I'm sorry about breakfast, it looks delicious." He sadly looks toward the fully set table for two. "But, I can't be late."

Norma leans over the table, grabbing a muffin and his thermos full of coffee before shoving them both into Romero's hands. "Wait!" She exclaims, rushing to the counter to grab a couple of paper towels. "You need this in case you get crumbs on your shirt, or coffee like you did that one time."

"Don't remind me." He grins at the memory, which wasn't so funny at the time. He didn't make a great impression on his first day at the new department. His nervousness was pretty clear to anyone with eyes and the coffee stain on his shirt, only added to his embarrassment. "I should've made sure the lid was actually on before drinking from it. I think I've learned my lesson Norma."

"Let's not take any chances, shall we?" Norma smirks, handing tucking the paper towels in his pants pocket while he attempts to move the muffin and coffee to a more manageable position in his hands. In seeing him struggle, Norma races to the door after grabbing his car keys from the hook hanging nearby. "I'll get the door because your hands are quite occupied now," she smiles while opening the door to the garage and then eventually also opening the car door for him.

After Alex is situated in his SUV, he waves goodbye while slowly reversing from the garage and onto the driveway. When he looks back toward the house, Alex catches a glimpse of Norma's continued enthusiastic wave and loving smile.

As he's driving away, he thinks to himself with a widened grin. There's truly no place like home.

XXXX

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