The Santa Sub: A Captain Swan Story

Part 4/6

The next few days flew by in a flurry of last minute preparations for the Thanksgiving Day Parade. What little free time Emma did have, she spent with Killian. She was falling hard and fast for him and she knew he felt the same.

Finally, Thanksgiving morning arrived. Emma felt like she was going to throw up. She had this terrible feeling that something awful was going to happen today.

"Everything will be fine," Belle said, handing her a cup of coffee.

"I keep telling myself that, but I keep thinking I forgot something. I've checked the weather a thousand times. I have the balloon guys hating me because I made them quadruple check all of the balloons."

"It's going to be great. Stop worrying," Belle said. She paused and then asked, "So where is St. Nick? I almost didn't recognize you without him glued to your side."

Emma shrugged. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

Belle chuckled. "Come on, Emma. I see the way you look at each other."

Emma blushed. "Okay, so we have a little thing, but I don't really know what it is yet."

Belle patted her shoulder. "I'm happy for you. He seems like a great guy."

Emma smiled. "He is."

"I heard great guy, so I can only assume you're speaking of me," they heard come from behind them.

Emma and Belle spun around to find Killian in full Santa gear. He leaned forward and placed a kiss on Emma's cheek.

"Happy Thanksgiving, love," he whispered.

She barely stifled a giggle when his beard tickled her skin.

"Happy Thanksgiving to you, too, Killian," she said.

"So are we all set?" he asked.

Emma nodded, as she took a deep breath. "Ready or not."

Killian took her hands in his and squeezed. "It's going to be wonderful. You've worked so hard on this, Emma. You should be proud of yourself. I know I am proud of you."

"Thank you," she said with a smile. She paused and then added. "Okay, it's time for you to get in position. "Remember: nice, slow waves and clear, hearty Ho, Ho, Ho's. Good luck."

She pressed a kiss to his lips before they parted ways.

...

Much to Emma's relief, the parade went off without a hitch and pretty soon it was Santa's turn to arrive at the end. Emma stood at the end of the route, anxiously awaiting Killian's arrival.

She smiled widely when his float came into sight. He looked amazing. He looked every bit the part. His Ho, Ho, Ho's were great and he had the wave down. She looked around at the smiling faces of the children around her. She knew all of her time and effort was worth it just to see their childlike wonder.

Killian looked out into the crowd in search of Emma. He finally spotted her and their gazes met and held. She offered him a heart stopping smile, which he eagerly returned.

The float finally stopped at the end of the route. Killian waved and gave Ho after Ho. Slowly, the crowd dissipated. Emma made her way through the few who remained and climbed aboard Killian's float.

"Hey, Big Guy," she said, adopting a sexy smile. "Do you think Mrs. Claus would mind if I gave her hubby a kiss?"

Killian grinned. "I think she would highly approve."

Emma took his hand and they ducked behind a giant candy cane just in case there were still little, innocent eyes around. She didn't want to scar any kids.