Emma’s disquiet and fear subsided as Killian threaded his fingers through hers and headed into the cabin, pulling her along. The comfort he offered, the security…

Her heart warmed and attraction flooded through her. Her cheeks heated as she grew awed by how easily she responded to him. But the way he’d looked at her and his touch as he’d wiped away her tears had been so tender and gentle. He’d been so careful. Like she was precious. A treasure.

Stop your fantasizing, Emma. You barely know him.

As he shut the door, he kept hold of her, almost like he didn’t want to let go. Ever.

She swallowed as feelings overwhelmed her. Why did she trust him? Why did it seem as if she knew him on a deeper level?

Alarm whisked through her, and she gently tugged herself free. She had to put a little space between them. Had to think. Had to…calm herself.

Yes, he was gorgeous. Hot, even. But that didn’t mean it would be good for her to become attached. And at some point, he would leave. Everyone always left. Or let her down. She had to be careful.

With her back to him, she shoved away the invisible hold he had on her by imagining taking scissors to the string stretched between them and giving it a snip. When she felt she had control, she faced him.

He leaned against the door, watching her as if wanting to be sensitive to her upset. The light in his eyes shone bright, intent on her.

Her heart thumped hard against her chest. Oh, God. Killian Jones. What had he done to her?

A few moments of charged silence passed, and she had no idea how to combat the feelings rushing through her.
Could he tell how he affected her? God, she hoped not. “Wanna play cards?” She winced when her voice squeaked on the suggestion.

He straightened and smiled softly. “Sure.”

Thankful for something to occupy her thoughts other than their current predicament and her attraction, she almost ran to the kitchen and yanked open a drawer. They sat across from each other at the table, and even though three feet of space separated them, she continued to feel his nearness. How could he take up so much of the room?

She withdrew the cards from their case. “Do you know how to play gin?”

He nodded. “And poker. And hearts.”

Good, she thought. They would be able to keep busy while they tried to figure out how to get him home. She shuffled the deck. “I know those, as well. Not too good at poker, though.”

As she dealt, he arranged his hand, his enigmatic gaze finally off her. “That’s a game of bluffing. I’m glad you aren’t an expert.”

Once done, she set the remaining stack between them. “Are you?”

“Good at poker?”

She nodded.

A small grin played at his mouth and he lowered his focus to his hand. “Yes.”

“Uh, oh.”

“Don’t trouble yourself, love.” He lifted his gaze to hers. “I’ll never lie to you.”

While his eyes shone bright with promise, she forced a smile. “Then maybe we’ll play poker later since I’ve been assured you won’t bluff.”

He laughed, his blue depths twinkling.

Damn, damn, damn. Emma’s pulse raced at his expression of delight. Oh, no. She liked him. She did. Ugh.

“You got me, there, love. I made a promise and I won’t break it.” He shook his head as he glanced at his cards, his lips still quirked in laughter, then took his turn.

After a couple of plays, he asked, “What’s a foster mother?”

Despite the memories it conjured, she was grateful for the question. “A person who watches kids who’ve been abandoned by their parents.”

His gaze shot to hers. “Your parents left you?” His dark brows furrowed in anger.

She nodded. “I was just a baby, so I don’t remember it. I’m glad I don’t, but I wonder why they did it.” The questions she asked herself at night came barreling through her mind.

“That must be torture.” He watched her carefully.

She shrugged, but couldn’t respond as anything she said would sound fake. Because it did matter. It hurt. Always.

“My mother died,” he volunteered softly. “And my father took me and my brother from place to place. His grief seemed insurmountable. Ours was, too, but I looked up to both of them. Especially to my brother, Liam. I had hopes we would all be all right.” He set his elbows on the table. “Then we boarded a ship, and Father said we were going to a new land where a new life waited. Liam and I were so excited.”

The pain of disappointed hopes shone in his gaze as he told his tale. “But we woke one morning to find him gone.” He clenched his teeth and a muscle jumped in his jaw. “He just rowed away and left us.” He curled a hand into a fist, then shoved his fingers through his hair, controlled fury pouring from him. “He sold us.”

She reared back, horrified. “What? To who?”

“To the captain of the ship. Paid for the man’s silence because…because my father was a fugitive and on the run and…” He trailed off, the light of rage changing to a pain she knew all too well. “I don’t know what he did. Never tried to find out. For the last ten years I’ve been forced to work back-breaking hours with no respite or hope. But I’d rather do that than ever see him again.”

She swallowed at the conviction in his tone, at the hardness of it, at the pain and grief he’d shared with her. “I wouldn’t want to see him, either.” Overcome, she couldn’t stop herself from reaching out a hand toward him.

He slowly lowered his arm and curled his fingers around hers. They watched each other for several quiet moments, and their connection only strengthened. It overwhelmed her once more, and her cheeks flooded with heat. She licked her lips and gathered her courage. “Why…”

He tightened his grip as if he knew what she wanted to ask and wanted to bolster her confidence.

She plowed ahead. “Why do I feel like I’ve known you for forever?”

His gaze darkened, and he offered her a gentle smile. “I’m not sure. I have a thought, but I don’t know if…”

Curious, she prodded, “If?”

As he brushed his thumb over her palm, tingles shot up her arm, and she wanted to move closer.

“I don’t know if I’m right, or if it’ll concern you, or…”

Confused, she furrowed her brow, but she could see he was unsure of what he should say, and she didn’t want to make him uncomfortable. “It’s all right. You don’t have to say if it’s weird or something.”

He pressed his lips together then said, “Thank you, Emma.”

She nodded slowly then gently disengaged herself and slid her hand to her lap. “I guess…when we want to figure out how to get you home, we should talk to Ingrid.”

“The lady who told you that you have magic?”

The thought of seeing her again made bile rise in Emma’s throat, but, if Ingrid had been telling the truth, then she hadn’t been crazy. Ingrid hadn’t let Emma down and had possibly known more about Emma’s background or history. An urge to find the woman shot through Emma, and she itched to get started. “Yes, that lady.”

“And that won’t upset you. To see her again?”

Emma fiddled with her cards as she considered her changing feelings. “It would have, but now that she might have been right and not crazy, I…want to go.”

He gave her an encouraging smile. “Then we’ll go.”

She bit her lip as excitement washed over her. She might learn more about herself on this journey, and wonder of wonders, she might have found a…friend. A friend. Killian. Her heart squeezed with hope.

Killian watched his champion chew her fingernails and pace while he reclined on the sofa with a full belly. He’d eaten what she’d called a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Jelly, he knew. Peanut butter, no. But it had been tasty. So good, in fact, that he’d had a second. Then he’d consumed something called chips. Crunchy and salty, he’d liked them immediately.

But his bunkmate hadn’t eaten anything. She’d tried, but the concerned expression on her face indicated to him that she might have been too worried to finish her food. He didn’t know what troubled her…unless it was coming to terms with all that he’d shared with her, not to mention his falling through a magical portal.

Emma Swan was the last person he’d want to upset. Perhaps he should venture out on his own and solve his problems without her, but…

But…she was his true love. Or was going to be. He was sure of it. And he liked her. There was something about her that made him feel as if he’d known her forever. Understood her. He drew in a breath and let it out slowly, trying to determine what he ought to do. First order, he needed to calm her worries. “Emma?”

She glanced at him but didn’t stop her trek.

“Do you,” he cleared his throat, what he needed to say difficult, “would you like me to go?”

That stopped her in her tracks, and her eyes widened. “What? Why? You can’t go.”

He furrowed his brow and rubbed his tongue over his bottom lip, thinking. “My presence seems to have disturbed you, and I don’t want to cause you any trouble.”

She ran her fingers through her hair, then pushed it behind her ears. “I…I’m sorry. I guess I look like I’m losing it. It’s just…” She looked at him, her gaze wavering with uncertainty.

He didn’t dare move. He didn’t want to frighten her, because something surely bothered her. “Yes?” he prodded, laying his arm along the back of the sofa.

As she chewed on her lip, he longed to make her stop. She shouldn’t give her beautiful mouth such abuse, but he kept his thought to himself and tried to concentrate on whatever alarmed her.

She came around the table slowly, trepidation marking her steps. When she sat down in the chair, she rubbed her palms over her thighs. “Something happened to me a few months ago, something…weird.”

He sat forward, concerned. The need to protect her shot through him like a cannon blast, and he pressed his elbows into his knees to keep himself from shoving to his feet and making demands for the whereabouts of the blackguard who dared harm her. “Weird?” he ground out.

“One of my foster mothers, she…she wanted to adopt me.” She blinked a couple times, clearing tears from her eyes.

Killian gritted his teeth, wishing he could banish whatever pain she carried.

“I was so happy, because…because someone finally wanted me, but then…” She lowered her lashes, shame coloring her cheeks.

“Then?” It was all he could do not to hunt down this woman who hurt the angel before him.

“Then, I don’t know. I was playing this game at a carnival.” She looked at him, confusion in her eyes, and she made a grabbing gesture with her hands. “The kind that has the claw that you move and it latches on to some kind of prize, like a stuffed animal or something.”

He had no idea what she was talking about, but he didn’t say anything, sensing he shouldn’t interrupt.

“And when I concentrated really hard, these sparks went off, and I felt…” She lifted her hand, turning it over, considering her palm. “I felt something powerful flow through me. It came out of my fingers.”

His thoughts froze.

Emma pushed to her feet and started pacing again. “Then we had this talk about Harry Potter, and I told her I wished I had magic like him, and then she told me I did, and shoved me in front of an oncoming car.” She scrubbed at her cheeks, her fingers trembling. “She held me there while that vehicle raced toward me and told me to use my power and stop the car.”

When she looked at him, tears hovered in her gorgeous eyes. “I ran away. She scared the hell out of me. But now—” She broke off.

After a few moments of silence, he asked, his voice gruff, “Now?”

She shook her head, as if she didn’t want to face the truth, and dashed out of the cabin.

He surged to his feet and went after her, his chest tightening in worry. But he didn’t have to go far as she’d stopped next to a tree, leaning against it, her forehead pressed to her wrist.

Wanting to be careful with her, he paused. Her golden locks shone in the sunlight as they cascaded down her back. He reached out a hand, but lowered his arm, unsure if she would welcome any comfort from him. “Emma?” he called, keeping his tone soft.

She sniffed and lifted her head. Slowly she turned to face him.

The evidence of her sorrow glistened on her cheeks, and his gut tensed. His presence had caused her pain. He should go. But he couldn’t make his feet obey his mind.

“You tell me magic is real,” she murmured, her voice shaky, “and I believe you. Even if I hadn’t seen you come through that portal, I would’ve believed you.” She shook her head. “I’m not sure why that is, but I can’t think about that right now. I’m trying to wrap my mind around the fact that Ingrid might have been right.” She splayed a hand across her chest. “I might be able to make magic. Me.”

Killian took in a slow breath, wondering what in the hell he should say to her. If what she said was true then she might be able to get him home without trouble at all, but that was the least of his cares. Besides the fact that the idea of leaving her made it feel like a knife stabbed him in ten different places, he wasn’t about to abandon her until whatever bothered her had been put to rest.

A fresh bout of tears spilled over her face. “It can’t be true,” she rasped.

Silence rose between them until she asked, “Can it?”

His gut clenched at the helplessness in her tone, and he took a cautious step toward her. Slowly he reached out and wiped away the wetness on her cheeks with his thumbs.

She drew in a deep breath and her mouth opened but she said nothing. She didn’t stop him.

Time went still as he touched her. He gazed deep into her eyes, falling and not caring that he was. Awe washed over him and through him. If he could be this close to her for forever, he would thank his lucky stars. Or his fairy godmother. If he had one, but he doubted it. Without removing his hands from her, he said, “I don’t know if it’s true, but let’s not worry about that now. You and I have had quite the day, and I think we ought to sit down on that comfortable couch and get to know each other.”

He hoped like hell she agreed. He wanted to learn everything about her. He wanted to bare his soul to her, and maybe, if she liked him…well…

His heart pounded like a racing horse. Slow down, Killian.

With shaking fingers, she reached up and circled his left wrist. She didn’t pull him away. Instead, she held him to her, her eyes wide, her lips parted. “Okay,” she rasped.

She’d agreed. Joy shot through him, and he stepped away just a bit, his fingers sliding from her skin, and hers from his wrist. He offered his hand to her.

She took it, glancing between his face and their joined palms, still with the look of wonder in her beautiful eyes.

He tugged, and she allowed him to lead her back inside.

Emma led the sailor into the one room cabin. Two bunk beds stood against the left wall, a fireplace was at the rear, and to the right was a small kitchen. Knotty pine had been used to build the structure, and it hadn’t been painted. Stones jutted out from the fireplace, adding to the rustic feeling. A couch sat in the center of the room, and a TV with an antennae stood in front of the seating arrangement.

“It’s not fancy, but it’s comfortable. I think it’s probably some kind of hunting cabin or maybe a place to use when you want to get away from the city.” She put her hands on her hips and surveyed their surroundings. “At least we have a fridge. And there’s food in it.”

“What’s a fridge?”

His deep voice rumbled through her, and she tried to ignore what it did to her by saying, “Come see.” With a racing pulse she led him to the appliance. “It keeps things cool.” She opened the door. “Look.”

With a puzzled but curious expression, he leaned down, inspecting the space and the contents. “Ketchup,” he murmured. He reached out and touched the bottle then pulled his hand back. “It’s cold.” He looked at her.

She smiled and nodded.

When he straightened, he asked, “What kind of magic is this?”

She held back a chuckle, not wanting to embarrass him. “It’s called electricity. It’s an invention, not magic.”

He shrugged. “Where I come from, there are people who can make things happen with spells and potions.”

Alarmed, she took a step back. “You mean, you actually believe in magic?”

As he continued to study the inside of the fridge, he explained, “I don’t have to believe in it. It just is.” He shut the door, then opened it again. “You can see this light that comes on without fire, yes?”

She nodded.

“And you can feel how this electricity makes everything inside cold?”

Again, she nodded.

“Then it’s the same.” He withdrew a jar of pickles and ran his thumb over the label. “Where I come from magic just exists. I don’t have to believe in it for it to work.”

The nonchalance with which he spoke struck her and put her on her guard, because…she believed him. Oh, my God. Magic was real?

He put the pickles back then shut the door, the silence settling around them. He looked down at her. “Have I upset you? You look afraid.”

She opened her mouth to speak, but couldn’t think of anything to say. She didn’t know how she felt. “I…um…I just…”

His brow furrowed. “You know the portal I came through?” He put his hands in his pockets. “That’s made by magic. Someone used a bean or conjured a spell, or…something.” He shook his head and went around her, going to stand before one of the windows framing the fireplace. “I don’t know why it was in the middle of the ocean, but I think it was meant for me.”

What kind of conversation was she having? Was this even real? How could he talk of such things like they existed? Her heart pounded inside her chest at the weirdness, the possibilities, the…reality. How could what he said be true? “M-Meant for you?”

He glanced at her over his shoulder. “The wind…felt like a hand. It picked me up and threw me.”

“Why?”

He turned to face her, his expression grave. “I don’t know. To get me away from my brother? To save me from servitude?” He shrugged.

Her head spun with what he was saying. How could any of this be true? And this was much bigger than…well, than using some kind of time machine and flicking a switch. Had she really thought she would know how to do even that?
Was she stuck in a dream? Wake up, Emma. Wake. Up.

“I’ve scared you.”

His disappointed and disgusted tone caused her to jerk her gaze to his. “No, no,” she assured him. “I’m just…I mean…” She rubbed her forehead. “I should’ve known there was more to it. A great big swirling vortex split the sky and a person fell through. I saw that with my own eyes. I should’ve realized right off that wasn’t normal.” She lowered her arm, upset with her stupidity. “I mean, I did know, but I had it in my mind that I could help you. How in the world can I do that?”

She moved to sit down, dejected and feeling like a huge dummy. And this poor guy. He was probably never going home. Time travel wasn’t real. At least, it wasn’t real here.

She heard his boots scrape along the wood floor, and he sat down on the opposite end of the couch. Silence reigned as she allowed her thoughts to swirl. How could she help him? What could she do for him? She could barely take care of herself.

“I feel fortunate that you’ve offered to assist me,” he murmured.

His soft tone caressed her, and she looked at him. The fond light in his eyes made her heart swell and pound harder. God.

He was cute. And confident. He didn’t seem scared at all. And he had a job. He wasn’t a thief and could probably take good care of himself. She bet he knew how to fight, too. A glance to his hands as they rested on his thighs made her throat dry up.

They were wide. Capable. Wow.

She took a deep breath and tried to concentrate on the problem. “Well, that’s good, but I doubt I’m going to be able to offer any solutions.” His words and explanations came barreling back. “Magic is real?”

“Yes.”

“Like, people can wave a wand and things happen?” She tried to picture what he’d described and Harry Potter came to mind. Whoa. Harry Potter.

“They don’t really need wands. People who have magic can just use their hands, and they toss their fingers. Like this.”

She watched him gesture back and forth as her own memories played in her mind. Ingrid. Her foster mother who had wanted to adopt her…

Ingrid had said…Oh, God.

“Wands aren’t needed all the time, though some people have them. Like the fairies.”

“F-Fairies?”

He nodded. “Fairy godmothers fly around and take care of children when others can’t. They have wands, and use light magic.”

Fairy Godmothers? Like in Cinderella? She cupped her face, unable to believe what he’d just said. “You can’t be serious.”

“You don’t have them here either?” He clenched his hands into fists. “You must think I’m a raving lunatic.”

She lowered her arms and shook her head. “No, I b-believe you. I think. Wow.” She shot to her feet and started pacing. “Fairy Godmothers,” she rasped.

He watched her trek for a few moments. “We don’t have to talk about this anymore. I don’t want to alarm you, and even if you can’t help me, I promise my brother is probably already working on it. Including my captain.” He scowled. “He wouldn’t want to lose one of his servants.”

“Servants?” Why had he spoken with such disdain?

A second of time passed, then he forced a smile. “It’s nothing.” He gestured toward the television. “What’s that thing?”

The abrupt change in conversation jarred her for a moment, but then she sat and picked up the remote. “Uh, it’s a TV.” She clicked it on.

The shock on his face made her relax a bit. A baseball game shone on the screen, the batter hitting a single and running to first. Wonder came over his expression and he leaned forward, already engrossed. His child-like interest made her heart skip a beat, and she wanted to show him so much more. He might have magic in his land, but he sure didn’t have cars or planes or other futuristic things.

But showing him the wonders of her time would only distract them from what they should be doing. Getting him home.

He believed she didn’t know magic and hadn’t had any contact with it. He was wrong.

“What is this?” he said softly.

As she explained the game, answering his questions, she recalled her last moments with Ingrid. Ingrid had insisted Emma had magic inside her. She’d even pushed Emma into oncoming traffic and commanded her to stop its progress with her magic.

But Emma had yanked away, called the woman insane. And then she’d run.

And now…she had proof magic might be real. And if it was real, then maybe Ingrid had been right. Maybe Emma had magic.

And if she did, then…was she from the same era as Killian?

Killian’s pulse pounded at the beautiful vision before him. Emma Swan. He swallowed and flexed his fingers as wonder and awe barreled through him.

He should be worried as hell about getting home, but he knew why he’d landed next to this lake, in this idyllic and peaceful place.

When he’d fallen through that portal, all the grief he’d felt over the years had gathered inside him, and he’d gone to the one dream that had always given him a measure of hope. Finding his true love. A faceless person, but still real. At least in his mind.

And apparently she was real and…his true love. He hoped.

He grimaced inwardly. Hell…traitorous, torturous hope whipped inside him, making it hard to concentrate on what was most important—getting home. He took a deep breath and forced himself to mentally go forward calmly and slowly.

“So…” She fidgeted with the ends of her shirt and bounced on her toes for a moment. “What was that thing?”

“What thing?”

“The thing you feel through. Some kind of machine?”

He furrowed his brow. “No. That was a portal.”

“A portal?” A look of confusion crossed over her face. “You mean like to another dimension?”

Dimension? He scratched his temple. “Um, no. To another realm, or…” he cleared his throat, “well, it takes you to wherever you’re thinking of.” In his case, it had taken him to whoever he was thinking of. Better not tell her that, though. Especially since she hasn’t come any closer.

She pushed her hands into her pockets. “You thought of Pelican Lake?”

“Uh…” Hell, what did he say? “Well, not really.” He let out a puff of air, not wanting to lie to her, but he couldn’t tell her he’d thought of his possible true love. If she’d told the truth earlier and really wasn’t afraid of him, revealing why he’d landed where he’d landed would certainly frighten her. “Just, um, well, I thought of a place that would make me happy.”

She nodded slowly, as if trying to understand. “Did you mean to go through a portal?”

“No. We were sailing, heading to Arendale to pick up a shipment, and we came upon the portal swirling in the middle of the ocean. The wind caught me, knocked me off the ship and pushed me through.”

Shock crossed her face. “Oh, my gosh. You mean, you’re here by mistake?”

He hooked his thumbs around his belt. “Unfortunately, yes.”

“Why aren’t you freaking out? I would be.” She gazed at him with surprise and disbelief.

He shrugged, not ready to admit what he thought her role might be. Instead, he said, “No reason to get upset. Just take it one step at a time.” He glanced around him. “This is Pelican Lake?”

With hesitant steps she came toward him, still looking at him like she tried to puzzle out his demeanor.
He held his breath, not wanting to alarm her. His heart kicked hard against his ribs, like the time he was bucked off the horse on their farm. Before his mother had died. A pang of grief hit him in the stomach, and he let out a slow exhale.

When she drew up beside him, leaving three feet of space between them, he turned and faced the water with her. They were silent, and he allowed the beauty of the scene to move through him.

He could feel her. Her warmth. Her kindness. Her innocence. While she might be on her own, and perhaps knew abandonment as he did, he sensed her hope for good things. For happiness. He closed his eyes and basked in her presence as much as the nature surrounding him.

“When I saw this place,” she said softly, “I felt happy.”

He opened his eyes.

“That’s not normal for me.”

He held himself rigid, working to keep from reaching out to her. “Me, either.” His hoarse revelation caused her to turn to him. He could feel her gaze on him, and he locked eyes with her. And fell. Hard. Harder than when he’d first seen her.

His throat went dry, and he wanted nothing more than to stroke her cheek, pull her closer, cover her mouth with his. If he did, he knew he would be as close to home as ever. He gritted his teeth.

Color flooded her cheeks and she lowered her lashes.

He had to be careful. He didn’t want to scare her. But…

“Do you need to get home fast?” she rasped. She peeked up at him.

No. Yes. Bloody hell. He focused back on the water. “I have a brother, and he’s probably worried about me. Probably already searching for a way to open another portal.”

“Then we have to get you back to him.”

At her use of the word “we”, he smiled. “You’re really going to help me? A sailor you barely know?” He glanced at her from the corners of his eyes.

She blushed again and ducked her head. “Well, I can’t leave someone from the past trying to learn how to get around in the future, now can I?”

She sure didn’t have to muddle her way through the mess he was in, but he was relieved she wanted to. “I wouldn’t blame you if you did.”

“Well, it wouldn’t be right.” She lifted her chin in a show of adorable stubbornness. “Why don’t I show you the cabin, and then you can tell me all about portals and what makes them.”

When she turned on a heel, he took a deep breath then followed her. He had no idea what was ahead of him, but he hoped like hell it involved a friendship with her. Maybe she would like him. Maybe he could…

Bloody hell…what was he hoping for? He shoved a frustrated hand through his hair. He had to focus on getting home. Because even if she did end up liking him, he had his brother to think of. He had to get back to Liam.

Emma Swan took a deep breath and gazed out at the shining lake. She’d never seen a more beautiful sight. The view touched something deep inside her, and she felt a measure of peace. After walking out on her last foster family and leaving a back-stabbing friend at the bus depot, she’d wandered for a couple weeks. Then yesterday, she’d found Pelican Lake.

It had a vacant one-room cabin, with three cots and a kitchen. The dwelling also had electricity, but she hadn’t used it, in case it would be detected. She didn’t want the owner catching on that someone was squatting in their home. The serenity this place gave her couldn’t be duplicated, and she wanted to stay as long as possible.
With a sigh of contentment, she sat on a log and watched the birds fly overhead. No one else was about right now. Yesterday sailboats had skimmed along the water’s surface, but now, she felt as if she were the only person in the world.

Which was actually normal for her, but this time the sense brought contentment and didn’t flood her with loneliness. Usually her heart ached for family, for connection and love. But today…something was different. It really couldn’t be the scene before her, but she had no other way to explain her ease at the moment.

She hoped she could stay and wouldn’t be run off by whoever owned the cabin. Worse, they might call the authorities. At sixteen, they would want to put her back into the foster system, and she couldn’t handle another group home. People continued to let her down, but what else could she expect? Her parents had abandoned her right after she was born. If they hadn’t wanted her, why would anyone else?

She took in a deep breath then let it out slowly. It didn’t matter. She wouldn’t let it matter. If she was careful, she could make a life for herself without needing anyone. She might not be an adult yet, but she would manage here.
After drawing in another cleansing breath, she smiled softly. I can do this.

A flash split the sky, making her give a yelp and jump to her feet. She stared upward as a swirling, gaping hole materialized over the sandy bank. Fear shot through her and she took a step back, stumbling over the log and landing on her rear.

She winced as rocks scraped the heels of her hands, but she didn’t take her eyes from the spinning vortex. When a figure fell through, she gasped and her heart flew into her throat.

The form met the ground with a sickening thud, and she froze. A great whoosh sounded and the portal closed, leaving the person behind.

Breathing hard, she watched as the—hopefully—human being shifted. It groaned.

She swallowed and pushed herself to sit up straighter. She had to go. She should be running for safety right now, but she couldn’t make her legs work. Her heart pounded hard, beating with fright and disbelief. What had happened? What had she just seen? Had she passed out? Was she dreaming? She squeezed her eyes shut. Wake up, Emma. Wake up.

But no. When she looked back at the figure, the lump of arms and legs were still there.

Another groan, and then it pushed to all fours.

It was a man. Black hair. Boots. A blue vest over a white shirt. He looked like he was from another world, another time.

With her breath in her throat, she stood, watching him study his surroundings. The lake. The trees. And then…

When he saw her, he froze.

Emma didn’t dare move, either. She couldn’t. He was looking at her, and for some reason, even from twenty yards away, she felt his warmth. An expression of awe and disbelief came over his features as he studied her.

Was she odd to him? Where had he come from? He’d fallen out of the sky through something that could only be described as a lightning, swirling mass of wind and thunder. Was he from Earth?

Carefully, she pushed to standing.

He stayed where he was, watching her, looking her over.

She felt touched. As if his hands had come up and brushed away the hair from her face with gentle fingers. Oh. Wow. Her heart skipped a beat.

As they regarded each other, she got the sense she had nothing to fear from whoever or whatever he was. She glanced at the sky. Nothing else was coming through. Was he alone? Did he need help? She took a step forward, taking care not to trip on the log.

He drew in a breath, but he still didn’t move.

Was he afraid of her? Sympathy clutched her breast, and she went toward him for a few more paces. “Hello,” she said softly.

He swallowed and nodded.

From this distance, she could see the clear blue of his eyes. They seemed to gaze right into her soul. Wow. Who was he?

“Where am I?’ he croaked. “What realm is this?”

Realm? The word made her stop short, and she straightened her spine. Was he from the past? Was she in the middle of something similar to Back to the Future? Oh, my God!

She licked her lips. “You’re in Minnesota.”

Confusion passed over his face. “I’ve never heard of it.”

Probably not. “That might be because…” She checked the sky once more before looking back at him. “You’re from the past.”

He lifted his brow. “The past? What do you mean?”

Oh, boy. She could barely fathom what this day had led her to. However, what was she supposed to do with him? How could she help him? She pushed her hair behind her ears as she tried to consider solutions, but nothing came to mind. She had no idea how to send someone back to the past. But maybe he would have an inkling. First though, he needed to believe she would help him.

She forced a smile and skipped over his question since she didn’t know how to answer it right now. “I’m Emma. Emma Swan.”

He cocked his head to the side and studied her. “You’re not afraid of me?”

She bit her lip then said, “No.”

His shoulders relaxed and he quirked a grin.

“Are you afraid of me?” She splayed a hand over her chest.

He didn’t lose his smile, and a look she could only describe as fondness entered his gaze. “Not at all.”

Puzzled, she wondered why he wasn’t. He was in a strange land, talking to a person he didn’t know. Wouldn’t he be a little concerned for himself? She hooked her thumbs in her pockets. “What’s your name?”

“Killian Jones.”

It was perfect. That should be his name. “How old are you?”

“Seventeen.”

“Where are you from?”

“Everywhere. I don’t have a home.”

His words gripped her, and in that simple and quick reply, she understood him. “I don’t have one either.”

Concern passed through his eyes. “Why not? You should. Who has been cruel to you?”

Taken aback by the firmness of his tone, she didn’t know what to say at first. And when his hands curled into fists, and he seemed angry on her behalf, she wondered if he was some kind of protector. “Are you a soldier? Like a knight?”

He shook his head. “I’m a deckhand. A sailor. But I can fight. Who is threatening you?”

Disbelief flooded her. Would he really defend her, be her champion if she asked it of him? Why? They’d just met. But, she reminded herself, he was from the past and men back then were quick to shield women. And while she didn’t need him fighting her battles, it felt nice that someone might look out for her. “No one. In fact, I just found this little cabin.” She gestured over her shoulder.

He looked up the embankment. The structure could be seen through the trees.

“It’s a nice place. No one has come around yet.” She took a deep breath. “You…you can…stay here with me. I-If you want.”

He turned his attention to her, his gaze pulling at her, tugging her to come closer as they melted with warmth and lit with fondness.

She didn’t dare move, so strong was the need to go to him. What was happening? What was she doing? “I c-can help you find your way h-home.” She could? What was wrong with her?

As he studied her, he didn’t say anything for several moments.

She wanted to squirm under his scrutiny. Not because he made her feel awkward, but because she felt he found her invitation significant. Why would it be?

“I accept.”

And that softly stated reply made her heart pound with relief and gratefulness. What was going on?

The Enchanted Forest
Almost Two Hundred Years Ago
 
Killian Jones followed his brother down the cobbled street toward the docks where Captain Silver’s ship waited. He used his neck cloth to wipe at his face, feeling the burn in his back and shoulders. He was seventeen, and already he felt as if he might break under the strain of his daily work.

“Hurry up, Killian,” Liam ordered. “The captain will only punish us if we’re late.”

Clenching his jaw, Killian picked up the pace. They’d spent the day unloading cargo from the hull. Now they would spend the night cleaning the deck. Damn their father. He’d sold them into servitude, and they were prisoners until they worked off the debt. How they’d do that, Killian didn’t know.

As they drew near the docks where several ships were anchored, Killian ran his gaze over the shops and various homes lining the road. What manner of people lived behind the walls? Were they happy? Did their muscles scream in agony, their heart rage with anger?

With a shake of his head, he threw the questions away. What did it matter?

At the corner where the cobbles met the strip before the ships, a couple kissed beneath the pitch of a roof. Killian averted his eyes, but he heard the soft laughter of the woman and pain sliced in Killian’s gut. Would he ever know the touch of a woman? Would he ever know love that was soft and peaceful?

Damn these torturous questions. He lengthened his stride and caught up with his brother. They went around other deckhands loading their ships or cleaning the sides. When they reached their destination, Captain Silver stood at the helm, glaring down at them.

“We got back as quick as we could,” Liam called out to him, going up the gangway.

Captain Silver linked his hands behind him, his stony countenance promising retribution. “Obviously not fast enough because we’re still anchored.”

“Are we leaving now?” Killian questioned, following his brother.

“We have another shipment to fetch in Arendale.” Captain Silver glared at them. “You two will man the rigging.”
Killian wanted to growl in frustration. When would the back-breaking work end? When would he have silent moments of happiness? And what did he even want out of life? He loved the sea. When they were full sail, that was the only time he was really happy. That much he knew.

He remembered the couple under the torch.

Another thing he knew, but would never admit aloud, was that he wanted someone to love, someone who would love him back. True love. The kind that broke curses. But how in the bloody hell would he ever find it stuck on a ship?

As he went through the motions of setting sail, he couldn’t stop imagining the lady who might give him everything he could ever want. She would be kind. Have a nice smile. Maybe she would be tough. A little mischievous. The dream formed, keeping him company.

They’d put port behind them, and now Killian was surrounded by late afternoon sea air, the orange rays of the sun slashing across the sky. Sometimes the views proved to him that a better life was possible, happiness attainable. He gazed at the sight, longing filling his soul.

A sudden cry from the sailor manning the crow’s nest struck Killian with concern.

“Captain! Trouble ahead!” the sailor yelled from above.

Killian looked up sharply to check the direction in which the deckhand pointed. He then hurried to the stern, and in the red-golden light, he saw some sort of swirling vortex in the middle of the ocean.

Murmurs and shouts grew among the crew.

“What is that, Liam?” Killian asked his brother.

“I’ve no idea.” He leaned over to get a better look.

As Captain Silver gave orders to turn, men scattered to carry out their duties. But the ship couldn’t be turned.
Alarmed, Killian fought with the rigging, keeping the sail as straight and as strong as possible.
The captain continued to bark, the crew did all they could, and just before they were sucked in, the ship turned, skimming along the side of the water funnel.

As Killian’s heartbeat began to slow, he couldn’t help but look over the side at the cavernous hole. “Bloody hell,” he whispered.

A sudden surge of wind swirled around him. He shouted, and latched on hard to the side of the ship. The gale increased, and his body flew. The skin of his hands tore as he was ripped from purchase. He cried out as what felt like a great hand scooped him up and tossed him. “Liam,” he yelled.

He heard his brother calling his name.

Killian flailed, trying to grab hold of anything. But nothing was within grasp, and a forced pushed him into the endless vortex.

Emma studied the landscape whisking by the windows of the rented car. She couldn’t believe she was back. The road stretched before her, the trees swayed in the breeze, their green leaves a stark contrast against the bright blue sky.

She kept both hands on the wheel as she drove along the highway, heading for the distant shore of Pelican Lake not too far outside of Minneapolis. Her skin tingled with excitement as hope continued to race through her. She couldn’t believe there was a possibility that she’d met Killian a long time ago. If true, it would mean she’d known him before Neal.

She glanced over at the man who would be her husband soon, and her heart flipped over as he smiled back at Henry. They were playing Twenty Questions. Well, Henry was. Killian kept asking the wrong kind of questions. On purpose. And somehow he managed to get the answers after only a few clues.

“Mom,” Henry whined. “Tell him to play right.”

She smiled to herself and looked at her son through the rearview mirror. “Pick someone or something harder. Your tone of voice gives it away every time.”

Henry huffed and sat back.

“You don’t have a poker face, my boy. Guess that’s something else I can teach you.” Killian continued to grin.
Henry leaned forward. “You’ll teach me how to play?”

While Killian laughed at Henry’s eager tone, Emma turned left down the road leading to the lake, but she found a change. “There’s a booth and a gate. I guess they turned this into a park of some kind.”

After going through the entrance, Henry and Killian became quiet and observant of their surroundings. “None of this looks familiar to me,” Killian commented. “It’s quite beautiful, though.”

“It was my favorite hide-out. I left in late September, though. Couldn’t stay during winter.” The trees parted to reveal a shore with a parking lot ten yards from the rocky bank. “I never learned who owned the cabin. Never even saw a sign that someone used it.”

Birds flew over colorful sails as people enjoyed the crystal lake. Killian gave a whistle. “That’s some view.”

“Yeah,” Emma murmured, watching the scene and the road. “It made me happy, all those years ago.” She felt Killian’s eyes on her, and she turned to look at him. They shared a smile of understanding then she gave her attention back to the road. “We’ll park here. There’s a path that leads to the cabin. I’m assuming the building is still relatively isolated since the globe didn’t show anything around it.”

Henry was already unbuckling his seatbelt when Emma slid the car into a space. “Let’s go,” he cried and was out the door before Emma had the key out of the ignition.

“Slow down, kid,” she told him. “We need to be careful.”

As they all exited the bug, Emma scanned the area. She found the forest to be even more overgrown than when she’d lived here. She frowned then headed in the general direction of where the path had once been.

“What are we looking for, love?”

They left the parking lot for the twenty yards of grassy space before the trees. “There’s a trail somewhere that leads to that cabin. Just search for a break or something.”

As they split up, walking along the edge, Emma couldn’t help but recall the weeks she’d spent at this lake. She’d made decisions, worked out who she wanted to be while she stayed alone in the cabin. She’d come to the realization that she couldn’t depend on anyone but herself, that she was better off on her own. And she’d stayed away from cities, not wanting to be sent back to a group home.

And she hadn’t been. Instead she’d learned to hot wire cars and lift items from stores with ease. And she never hung around long enough to spend time with anyone. At least, not until she’d stolen a stolen car. She smiled to herself, glad she could remember Neal now without feeling grief.

“Love?” Killian called. “I think I’ve got something.”

Henry and Emma hurried to his side. Buried beneath a cover of a fern was a narrow stretch of gravel. “This could be it,” Emma murmured. When she looked ahead, she caught sight of an oak with a bent trunk. Recollection struck. “Yes, this is it. Let’s go.”

She led the way. Henry followed in between her and Killian, and Emma knew Killian had done that on purpose. Her heart squeezed with gratefulness. Just another reason why she loved him so much. He always took care of Henry.
They had to duck under low hanging braches, and meander around fallen logs. It was slow-going, but they eventually reached the cabin she’d used as a shelter for a period of five months. And, if the globe was to be trusted, Killian had, as well.

“There,” Henry said, anticipation lacing his tone. “I see the sapling.”

Emma drew up short, stunned, while Henry hastened forward.

“You didn’t think it would really be there, did you, love?” Killian stood beside her.

“Did you?” she asked him, watching as Henry came to a stop and assessed the magical plant.

“I’ve learned that odd things happen, so…yes.”

She looked at him. “The fact that it’s here…it means you were, too. With me. And that we…”

“Fell in love?” he finished for her, giving her a soft smile. “It wouldn’t surprise me.”

As she released a sigh of wonder, she gripped his hand with hers. “Come on.”

They drifted to the sapling. “What do we do, lad?” Killian asked.

“Grandpa told me they just touched it at the same time, and they had this blast of visions. It was their story that played in their minds.” Henry gave them some room.

“Ready, love?” Killian arched an eyebrow at her.

She loved it when he looked at her like that, and when he said those words in that tone. It always made her feel safe, as if she wasn’t alone. Since the moment she’d met him, she’d understood him. How had she known he could be trusted? Was it because she’d met him before their beanstalk adventure? “I’m ready,” she said softly.

Together, they leaned down and gripped the base. A surge of energy exploded, and Emma and Killian flew backwards. When she landed, everything went black.

Scene: Charming Loft; After Killian proposed the second time; They have used the globe to find Killian and Emma's sapling and have discovered it's in Minnesota

“Minnesota?” Killian stared Emma, stunned. “That’s not possible.”

Her green gaze shone with disbelief. “I know, but that’s where that lake is. That cabin, I stayed there after Lily ruined my chances with my last foster family. I was sixteen.”

As her words broke through the fog in his mind, he turned back to the scene still visible in the globe. He leaned down and narrowed his eyes. “I don’t recognize this place. Not one bit.” He straightened and looked at Regina. “Could you have made a mistake?”

She lifted an eyebrow at him. “Really, pirate?” She crossed her arms over her chest. “I’ve been mixing potions and spells for years, and everyone here should know by now that memories can be taken.”

The point made Killian’s heart pound. He faced his fiancée. “Love?”

He watched the shock on her face disappear and a slow and excited smile replace it. “Killian, we knew each other before…”

“It’s the only explanation,” he murmured. A burst of hope that they could get the memories back came over him.

“How do we get to it? How long would it take to get to Minnesota?”

“By car, too long.” Emma hooked her thumbs in her pockets. “We can’t waste too much time on traveling. We’ll have to get to an airport.”

“Can I go?” Henry begged. “Please?”

“Henry,” Emma and Regina both started.

“Please?” he interrupted. “It’s so awesome that y’all knew each other before, and I was the one who thought y’all might have a sapling. And you might need help.”

Killian wanted Henry to tag along. The boy was smart, and there was no telling what they might encounter. “I think the lad ought to come. Who’s to say getting to this tree will be easy, and if I’ve learned one thing,” Killian nudged Henry on the shoulder, “your boy is resourceful.”

The mothers shared a look.

Regina sighed. “He should go. It’ll get him away from the Black Fairy, too.”

“Are you gonna be all right while we’re gone? Who do you have to help you protect the town? Blue is gone, and Gold and Belle are too busy trying to save Gideon.” Emma removed her hands from her pockets.

“Well, it seems I’ll have to put Grumpy to work, hmm?” Regina shook her head and exhaled. “And the fairies don’t need Blue to do what they do best.” She gave a slight nod. “We’ll be fine.”

Henry hurried to the door. “Let’s pack,” he exclaimed.

Killian watched him go, hope living and breathing inside him. This was the first time he’d felt as if they might have an answer to the curse plaguing Snow and David. “This is going to work,” he declared to the ladies. “This torture will end soon, and then we’ll defeat the Black Fairy.”

Emma gave him one of her soft smiles.

“It certainly feels like we might be on to something,” Regina commented. She nodded at the door. “You need to go, before Henry leaves without you.”

Killian laughed while Emma squeezed Regina’s shoulder. “Granny can watch Neal. Dr. Hopper or Geppetto will as well.”

“I’ll call them,” Regina promised, then she cocked her head. “This will be the first time I’ve watched over Storybrooke without you or your parents.” She exhaled deeply.

The trials Regina had faced had prepared her for the task ahead. Killian nodded his head at her. “You’ll be all right, your majesty.” He quirked a grin at her. “You’re made of stern stuff.”

Emma made a noise of agreement.

Killian held out his hand to his fiancée, and she threaded her fingers through his then allowed him to lead her from the room.

They went down the steps, in sync, determined. “We won’t fail, Emma,” he promised her, his pulse pounding with certainty. “We’re going to wake up your parents. I owe them…so much.”

She gripped his hand tighter as they hurried to the car where Henry paced. “Right now, I’m trying to wrap my mind around the reality that you were in Minnesota.”

“It’s so awesome,” Henry broke in, catching Emma’s statement before she unlocked the car. “I can’t wait to write the story.”

As Killian climbed into the passenger seat, he asked, “Do you think we’ll learn what happened? I mean, memories return only when something causes them to.”

Emma started the engine then made a sharp turn in the direction of their home. “I hope all we have to do is touch it. Mom told me that she and Dad share a memory they didn’t know about until they touched the sapling.”
Henry lightly pounded his fist against the shoulder of Emma’s seat. “It’ll be the same for y’all, I know it.”

“And we’re going to have take a plane?” Killian recalled Emma mentioning the fact a little earlier.

“We have to get there as fast as possible,” she explained. She glanced at him. “Nervous?”

He shrugged, not really sure how he felt. “I’d prefer it if I was captaining the vessel flying my future wife and step-son through the air, but I’ll manage.”

Henry laughed.

“I’ll have to make you a driver’s license,” Emma said. “They won’t let you board without one.”

As Emma made a right turn down their street, Killian lifted his brow. “Won’t they question it’s validity since I only have one hand?”

Emma shook her head. “Lots of people drive with one hand.”

Struck and a little intrigued, he said, “Really?”

She let out a snort. “I guess I’ll be teaching you to drive when this is all over.”

“Me, too,” Henry put in.

Killian smiled, feeling happy and hopeful for the first time in weeks. When Emma stopped the car in front of the house, they all piled out. Henry hurried ahead while Killian put his arm around Emma’s shoulders. “This is gonna work.”

She gave him one of her confident, saucy grins, and he let out a slow breath, shook that his woman was going to be his wife. Nothing would stand in his way.

Chapter 3 will be posted next Friday -- I promise -- I've already written it.

Scene: The Charming Loft, just after Killian proposed to Emma.

“I can’t believe they went deeper into the curse for me,” Killian rasped, looking down at the couple lying peacefully on the bed.

Emma tightened her grip on Killian’s hand as she watched her parents. Their support, their love for her still overwhelmed her sometimes. She hoped she had the strength to always put others first, as well. But…how would they cure them? They’d exhausted so many options, and with the Black Fairy threatening the town and everyone in it, Emma didn’t know how she could ignore the impending actions of Gold’s mother in favor of saving her family.

Neal whimpered from his cradle, and Regina rose to pick him up. As she lifted the child into her arms, she remarked, “It doesn’t surprise me. I can’t believe they didn’t leave Storybrooke all those years ago.” She shook her head as she swayed Neal back and forth.

Henry moved to take his grandfather’s hand.

Emma noticed the sad and defeated lines of her son’s face and curled her free hand around Killian’s bicep, her heart aching. “What do we do now?”

“I’m not sure,” Regina said with a sigh. “I wish I knew were Blue has gone to. The fairies can’t find her.”

Alarmed, Emma shared a look with Killian.

“What do you mean?” Henry asked, concerned.

Once Neal quieted, Regina returned him to his bed. “I’m not sure there’s cause for worry. She does this from time to time. I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s searching for something that will break this curse.”

Emma let out a slow breath, relieved to hear there might be a simple explanation. “Should we wait for her?”
“I don’t think we can afford to.” Regina perched on the edge of the bed.

“What about your sister?” Killian suggested. “Would she have an idea of what might break this foul torture?”

Regina shook her head. “The two of us spent all day working on the cure that only ended up weakening Snow and David’s hearts. We’re all out of ideas.”

Silence met Regina’s statement. As despair descended on the occupants, Emma racked her brain for something that might work. She was not a connoisseur of magic, but she’d paid attention over the years. A thought surfaced. “What about another sapling? One that holds the magic of true love? If it can imprison great evil, maybe it can also set it free.”

Regina frowned. “Maybe, but a sapling is very rare. The first time I’d ever heard of this type of magic was when Blue mentioned it.” She lifted her brow and cocked her head to the side. “But…”

Emma watched Regina’s mind work. Had they landed on something that might bring a solution? Hope filtered through the despondency inside Emma. She couldn’t let her parents sleep within the darkness anymore. She had to save them.

After running her hands over her arms, Regina shrugged. “We could try what you’ve suggested, but the beacon Blue sent up only located one sapling in Storybrooke.”

“In another land then,” Emma urged, warming to the idea. Her heart thumped hard as hope grew even more.
“Yes, but which realm and whose?” Regina questioned. “We don’t have the time to spare in search of something so rare and elusive. We can’t—”

“Mom,” Henry interrupted, gazing intently at Emma. “You might have one. You and Killian.”

She shared a look with her fiancé before replying. “Do you think so?”

Excited, Henry’s eyes danced with excitement. “You passed the ultimate true love test. Why wouldn’t you have one?”

“But, Henry,” Regina broke in, “even if you’re right, it’s not here. And—”

“It could be anywhere,” Killian added.

Emma tipped her head to the side. “Well, not anywhere.”

Killian turned her to face him. “We’ve been to Neverland, the Enchanted Forest, New York, Camelot—”

“I know, but it’s made by the very first spark, right?” Emma glanced at Regina for confirmation.

“That’s what Blue said.” Regina gestured toward them. “When did your feelings for each other begin?”

As she gave Killian her attention once more, Emma answered, “For me, it was at the top of a beanstalk.”

Taken aback, Killian didn’t immediately respond. “How…I mean…” He shook his head. “You left me there. How could that be when you felt the first stirrings for me?”

With a little grin, she shrugged. “I told you I couldn’t take the chance that I was wrong about you. I felt an attachment to you then. But, even though I was drawn to you, I was too afraid to trust it. Besides, why would I get involved with a man who had no ties to my family or Storybrooke? Whatever it was you caused to happen inside me didn’t matter. I didn’t think you would stay. However, I couldn’t keep my heart from flipping every time you looked my way.”

He stared at her, stunned. “I never expected…” He blinked then let out a noise of disbelief. “I would have to agree with you, love, that if our sapling exists, it’s at the top of a beanstalk.”

“Can we afford for you to be wrong, though?” Regina questioned. She rose and paced the length of the bed. “Perhaps there’s a way to be sure. I can make a true love mixture from strands of your hair, then use it to locate any sort of true love object you left behind using the globe in Gold’s shop.” As she thought, she narrowed her eyes. “Yes, I think I can do that.” She shook a finger. “The Talisman Spell Book. It should have something about that.”

“Let’s take what you need from Mom and Killian then go to your vault,” Henry suggested. He was already heading for the door.

Regina looked at Snow and David, and Emma’s heart twisted at the uncertain expression on the woman’s face. “This will work,” Emma promised Regina and silently promised them.

“I hope so,” Regina whispered then she took a hair from Emma and Killian and followed Henry out.

Relatively alone, Emma let out a weary sigh and rested her temple on Killian’s shoulder. He kissed the crown of her head. The quiet descended, but was soon disrupted by the light crying of Neal.

Emma slipped from Killian’s hold and went to care for her brother. She checked the time and noticed he needed to be fed. While she cradled him in one arm, she prepared a bottle.

Boots scuffed on the wood planks as Killian drew near. “I’m sorry I let Gideon trap me on the Nautilus.”

“I’m sorry I thought you had truly left.” Emma leaned against the counter as she fed Neal.

“What happened while I was gone?” he asked.

She looked up at him and shrugged. “You know, spiders coming through portals, arguments with Gold, hunts for pixie flowers, and a drunk mother. The usual.”

His brow drew down. “A drunk mother?”

After letting out a soft chuckle, Emma explained. “Girls night out ended up with Snow challenging a bunch of Vikings to a hatchet toss. Loser paid the bill.”

“And?” Killian’s gaze gleamed with merriment.

“Didn’t have to pay for a single drink.” Emma caught the note of pride in her tone.

He laughed. “I’m not surprised she won, but remind me to trust your mother’s aim even after one too many.”

She gave him a soft smile then silence settled once more. They looked at each other, and Emma’s heart flooded with gratefulness. “I’m so glad you’re home.”

“When the bean didn’t work, and I ended up in Neverland, I must admit I was worried.” He rubbed the back of his neck, then leaned against the counter. “But I never would’ve stopped trying to get back to you.”

Emma gently withdrew the bottle to lift Neal to her shoulder. As she gazed at the man who was now her fiancé, his statement reminded her of the conviction she had doubted. “After everything that’s happened, all the battles we’ve fought with success, sometimes I still get scared we won’t win.” She flicked her gaze to the area where her parents slept. Neal cooed while he slumbered on her shoulder, and she touched her cheek to his soft hair.

“That’s what a villain does, love. Makes you feel like all hope is gone, but…” He straightened and came around the counter to where she was. He raised his hand to stroke her hair. “As you can see, it’s not. We’re together again. We have a possible way to save your parents. It’ll be all right.”

His support, even before they were a couple, had been something she’d not only appreciated, but depended on. Her thoughts went back to the moment she’d seen his ship on the horizon. That image would always be clear in her mind, reminding her when the first rays of hope had clutched her heart.

He lowered his arm, and his soft and adoring look drew her in. She leaned forward and gave him a light kiss. Neal never made a sound. “I think he’s done eating. He’s such a chunk.”

Killian chuckled lightly as she walked over to the cradle and gently laid her brother inside. Would her idea work? If she and Killian did have a sapling, would they be able to get to it? She let out a breath and tilted her head back.

Killian came up behind her and placed his hand on her shoulder. “It’s a sound idea. We’ll find our baby tree, and the light inside it will diminish the darkness in your parents’ hearts.”

She turned and slid into his arms. “You’re right. I know it. I can feel it deep inside me.”

“All that hope talk your mother gives you is finally paying off.” He stroked her back.

She made a noise of rueful agreement. “It worked on you, too.”

“Well, it also helped that you broke through my villainous ways like a cannon blast.” He pulled away enough to look down at her. “I knew you’d been abandoned same as me, but there you were, fighting so damned hard for love. Whether you knew it or not. And you battled for everyone. Even Regina. That sincerity, coupled with your challenge that I try to be someone better…” He shook his head in amazement. “I’ll never forget any of those early moments with you, Emma. You made me want to shed the mantle of vengeance. I’ll forever be grateful.”

“And I’ll always remember how I felt when I saw your ship on the horizon, coming back to the docks.” She smiled softly at him. “That was the first time I was glad to see someone come to my rescue.”

“The first time, eh? So there was a second?” He grinned at her.

She rolled her eyes. “Just because there was a first doesn’t mean a second time occurred.” She went back to the kitchen to make some coffee.

“I recall you informing me that the only who saves you is you.” He leaned against the counter again.

She scooped ground beans into the filter. “True words. Very true.” She glanced at him, feeling good and glad she bantered with him once more. “Of course, I’m pretty certain I would’ve fallen into the darkness and crushed Merida’s heart if you hadn’t shown up when you did.” She shook her head as she pushed the funnel into the coffee maker. “Always in the nick of time.”

A rueful chuckle came from him. “It’s just our way, love. Have to keep the heart pumping with suspense, hmm?”

After clicking on the machine, she linked her thumbs in her back pockets and drifted to his side. He watched her come, his gaze heating with each step that brought her closer to him. And the glittering desire in his blue depths made hunger curl inside her. “There are other things that make my heart go pitter-patter.”

With a lift of an eyebrow, he replied, “And what’re those?”

In answer, she raised her lips to his and kissed him, softly, slowly. She savored what his touch could do to her, how the feel of him sent her pulse racing. But it was the promise of his love, of his steady support that made her want to drown in him. That conviction she’d detected at the top of a beanstalk had turned her head and made her keep looking his way.

She let out a breath of need and pressed against him, wanting more, needing everything that was him. But now was not the time. She pulled back, breaking their kiss.

He touched his forehead to hers and stroked her jaw. “Later, my darling?”

She nodded.

The door opened and she and Killian broke apart.

“We got it to work,” Henry announced as he entered carrying the translucent globe. “Y’all have a sapling, but we can’t tell where it is.”

Emma reared back. “It’s not in Tiny’s castle?”

The click of Regina’s heels sounded on the wood floor as she followed in behind Henry. She shut the door. “The area doesn’t look at all like a crumbling down fortress.” She gestured toward the globe. “You’ll see.”

Confused, Emma stepped toward where Henry had placed the magical object on the table. Killian and Regina moved in behind her.

Henry’s gaze was lit with interest and curiosity. “The place is not Camelot or Neverland. It doesn’t even look like the Enchanted Forest to me.”

Her mind tumbling with questions, Emma shook her head. “But a sapling is made by the first spark. And ours was at the top of a beanstalk.”

“Maybe the first time you met, wasn’t the first time you met,” Henry said, one corner of his mouth quirked in excitement.

“Come again, lad? You think Emma and I met before we…met?” Killian curled his hands around the back of a chair.
Emma let out a breath. “It doesn’t sound any clearer put that way.”

“But it makes perfect sense,” her son argued. “It’s the only explanation. Watch.” He opened a vial of potion made from the strands of Emma and Killian’s hair and let one drop fall on the needle at the top of the globe.

Wisps of white smoke swirled and danced inside until a scene appeared, clear and beautiful. The landscape made Emma catch her breath, and she took a step back.

“I don’t recognize the place at all,” Killian remarked. “It’s my kind of view, though. That lake is like crystal.”

Emma blinked, unable to comprehend what was before her. She swallowed. Her attention was drawn to the tiny tree, green and healthy, curling not ten yards from a log cabin. “Is that the sapling?”

“Yes,” Regina answered. “But, surely you can see that it lives in an area we aren’t familiar with.”

“How can our baby tree be in a land we know nothing of? Do the sparks travel before they bury themselves in the ground?” Killian leaned forward, assessing the scene with a careful eye.

“I highly doubt that,” Regina offered. “It’s not as if they have a plane to catch.”

An exasperated exhale came from Killian, but before he could speak, Emma whispered, “I know where this is.”

“You do?” Regina replied, surging forward.

“Where is it?” Henry asked, his eager tone revealing his continual love of the surprises of magic.

Killian put his hand on her forearm, turning her toward him. “You recognize this place, love?”

Emma nodded slowly. She knew it well. The cabin. The lake. The overgrown path that led down to a rocky shore. But…Killian had never been there. At least, not that she could remember. “It’s…It’s in Minnesota.”

Chapter Two will be posted, Sunday, November 25th.

Kara needs a kick ball.  She can’t find it.  Oh, yeah!  She kicked it over the fence.  She dashes over to the neighbors and collects her beloved red ball and now sets out to put together her dream team.  

Maria is collecting the Childcraft Encyclopedia books, getting ready to play school.  Hmm, today they will work on animals, she thinks. Two desks are set up in her room and now all she needs are students.

Wendy has piled every doll she owns onto her bed. She is singing to them and loving on them and hoping someday they will come alive and call her Mommy.  

Bill is sitting in the living room, watching his mother fold the laundry as he bangs two Hot Wheels cars together.  His dimpled smile shows how happy he is to be playing.

Jack is in the garage, looking for nails.  He is going to nail boards to the tree for the steps to his tree house.  Soon, there will be carpet put in and a cooler up there for snacks.  Everyone will be welcome, except for the girls, of course.

Roxi is pulling a dress out of her dress-up trunk.  She puts it on, along with a hat, and high heels and admires her gorgeous reflection.  Already her style and taste are beyond her years.

Lela is pulling out her plastic kitchen supplies, preparing to cook a meal for anyone with enough imagination for pretend spaghetti.  Her little kitchen is correctly appointed with all the necessary supplies and now all she needs are customers.

Georgie runs in from the living room and announces to his mother that he needs pipe cleaner, a paper plate, a rubber band, and green paint.  As Grace scrambles to provide, he dashes outside to continue digging his hole that will eventually reach China.

Phillip has piled up all the leaves in his backyard.  It is the perfect amount to provide a soft landing and to completely hide him…should the need arise.  He’d like to see China, but Georgie can do the digging.

Alex is wearing her sequins and white gloves and is in the correct pose.  The Flashdance album blasts her with, “Oh, What A Feeling”, and she busts into her newly choreographed number.

Blossom is in her room, ignoring the music and lining up her pretty ponies.  All the colors of the rainbow, she gets out a brush and begins to comb through their manes, humming to herself.  But, not humming, “Oh, What A Feeling”.

Now, imagine all of us in the same room…

As Jo would say, “They’re all geniuses and Pablo Picassos!”.  Grace just laughs and shakes her head, and Mom hopes we don’t kill each other.