Under Lock and Key #Wattys2016

Chapter 31

This might be my favorite chapter in this book.

"We weren't going to say anything in case you weren't ready." David explained. "We didn't want to scare you off."

"I'm finally meeting my parents. I never thought I'd see the day." Emma said with a sniffle.

"It's okay, Swan. Hug them." Killian whispered in her ear.

Emma didn't waist a second. She ran over to her mother and hugged her tightly. David joined in and Killian smiled at the family hug.

"Regina took my daughter away from me. She thought she was doing what was best, but she was wrong. I think we are just going to show her what a wonderful woman you turned out to be." Mary Margaret said proudly.

"I uh- I need a moment." Emma said suddenly and went out the door.

Killian glanced at Mary Margaret and David before running after Emma.

He found her leaning against the apartment building with her head in her hands.

"Are you alright?" Killian asked.

"No. They want to show everyone what a 'wonderful woman' that I turned out to be. I'm not wonderful! I'm not special, I'm not beautiful, I'm not perfect! They have so much faith in me! I've never been looked up to before because I'm not a role model. I'm not the kind of person that people are able to count on. I look for the worst in people, not the best."

"Swan, this is the best that can ever happen to you. If I would have known, I would have told you. But yes, you are beautiful. Yes, you are perfect. Yes, you are special. Never doubt that." Killian took a step closer to her so that their noses were almost touching. "Ever."

"I'll try."

"They'll understand that you need to take some time to think. I've known these people for years. How about, I go in and tell them that you weren't up for dinner, but that you'll talk to them tomorrow?"

Emma nodded and he went back inside. She looked up at the sky and saw stars. Something that wasn't easily seen in Boston because of all the bright lights.

After they both got back to the Bed and Breakfast, Killian went to get some snacks while Emma took a shower. The hot shower helped to clear her head and relax her muscles. Her baby bump was beginning to take form, but it was still easy to cover it.

She heard the door slam and knew that Killian was back. It made her think of the time when they first met.

At that time she didn't think that she would fall in love with him and end up carrying his child as they worked to build a healthy future and good life together. At that time, she never thought that he would love her as much as she loved him.

Emma shut the water off and put on a pair of her sweatpants and one of his shirts. She grabbed a brush and went out to the bedroom where Killian sat. He had the bag of food open and was waiting for her. He saw the tired expression on her face and pulled her into his lap. Killian took the brush from her and ran it through her hair.

"I got you a grilled cheese with some onion rings." He said as he continued to brush her hair.

"Thanks, but I just want to sleep. It's been a long day."

"I know, love." He put the brush down and pulled her shirt sleeve down, exposing her shoulder. He laid sweet kisses on it. The kisses were just simple gestures that weren't meant to become anything more.

"Can you hold me?"

He pulled back and looked at her. Tears were forming in her eyes. Concern filled his features as he moved over and they both laid down. Killian wrapped his arms around her and Emma clutched his shirt in her hands.

"What's wrong, love?"

"I don't know." Killian kissed her temple and stroked her hair. "Must be the pregnancy hormones."

He laughed and sat up and went over to his suitcase. He rummaged around it for a few seconds before crawling back on the bed. Emma couldn't tell what he was doing through the dark.

"What are you looking for?"

He looked down at his lap. "Do you remember the night at the hotel that you thought I left when really I went to the store to pick up a pregnancy test?"

"Of course I do. The only time in my life where I have been absolutely terrified." She said with a slight chuckle.

"Well, the drugstore wasn't the only place I went to."

Emma looked at him with a confused face. "What do you mean?"

"It was around 5:00 in the morning when I left. I didn't come home for another three hours."

"I remember."

"I waited until this one particular store opened, so I would be able to get the first pick for the perfect engagement ring for my Swan." Emma's jaw dropped. "It needed to fit my standards for you. It needed to reflect everything that I see in you." He opened the lid and a beautiful ring sat inside. "Before we met, I was nothing but a monster. I never cared about anyone but myself, but then you came along. When we met, I knew what I was getting myself into, but I didn't care. All I knew was that I loved you. Starting a future together with this baby, makes me want to do nothing more than marry you. So, will you let me marry you?"

Emma couldn't see him through the tears in her eyes. Her heart was beating so loud she could hear it in her ears. Killian's blue eyes were bright and filled with hope. "Of course I will." She wrapped her arms around him.

Killian pulled away enough so he could slip the ring on her finger, then went back to holding her. They fell onto the bed, continuing to hug and kiss.