Perched a Few Feet Above the Water

Chapter 6

Disclaimer: Characters not mine!

The walk to the Jones' cottage was nice. The weather was wonderful, their conversations simple and pleasant, and Emma was thoroughly entertained by Liam's antics. With the help of Emma, Killian would be surprised – multiple times - by a sudden weight on his back and tiny hands ruffling through his hair, Liam's giggles echoing off into the night.

It wasn't long before they arrived in front of a small, snow white-esque cottage. The place was beautiful. Killian let them in and led Emma to the small cozy living room; he said he was off to prepare their meal. Emma offered to help, of course, but he insisted he had it covered. He explained that he'd get the meal started before their swimming lesson, so that he had minimal preparation to do when they got back. Emma did, however, convince him to let her get Liam washed up and ready.

When Emma was in Liam's room, she took the liberty of exploring a bit. Next to his bed, Emma noticed a small picture frame with Killian accompanying a much younger Liam, who was being held by a tall, dark haired woman.

Emma was a bit confused, so wait; this Milah lady wasn't Liam's mother?

Emma knew full well it was none of her business, but decided to investigate further. She made her way back to the living room to explore some more there. Along with all the beautiful artwork she found there, she marvelled at picture upon picture of Liam and Killian doing various activities together. She even found one of which she assumed to be a younger version of Killian, being bear-hugged by a slightly older boy with shorter, lighter and much curlier hair, but whose eyes almost exactly matched Killian's. A brother perhaps?

Her suspicions were confirmed when the next picture she found was of Killian, Liam, and Milah, that same pair of blue eyes and sandy mop of curls staring lovingly at a pale, bleach blonde gorgeous woman, who had her hair in one long French braid, each with a new born in their arms.

Killian had such a beautiful family. And here she was sitting in his living room, while his wife – girlfriend, whatever – wasn't home.

She needed to leave.

She barely made it two steps before she bumped right into him.

"Easy there, Swan. Where's the fire?"

"I gotta go." Emma rushed out. She couldn't even bring herself to look him in the eyes.

"What? Why? Has something happened?" She couldn't help but soften a bit and the genuine concern she heard in his voice.

"I, just – I can't be here. Milah..." She trailed off at the look on his face; he looked murderous.

"What of her? How do you even kn-" He was cut off by the sound of Liam's little footsteps hurrying towards them.

"Papa, Li want num num."

"Aye, Li. Go ahead to the dining room, we'll be right there." When Liam was out of earshot he continued, "C'mon Swan, we'll talk about this after."

His tone left no room for argument, so Emma just nodded and followed Liam into the dining room.

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Dinner was strained to say the least. It mostly consisted of Killian staring at Emma, while she either kept her eyes on her plate or on Liam and whatever he was babbling about.

Once dinner was over, Killian handed her a glass of wine and excused himself to quickly put Liam to bed, much to Liam's chagrin.

"But daddddyyyy. Li pay fwst," she could hear Liam's whine.