Killian gasped hard as he woke. He blinked at the blue sky shining bright above him. Branches broke his line of sight, the leaves swaying gently in the wind.

Memories assailed him. Stunned, he sat and could barely fathom what the sapling had just revealed. He'd known Emma as a young man. He'd fallen in love with her long before.

He twisted at the waist, looking for her. When he saw her lying on the ground, her eyes closed, he rolled to his knees and shot to her side. "Emma. Love." He cupped her shoulder and gazed into her face.

She was breathing, still locked in the memories the sapling had given back to them.

"Henry, what--" Killian looked up, but whatever else he wanted to say got stuck in his throat. Henry was seated on the ground, leaning against a tree trunk and writing vigorously. He seemed in a trance.

Killian stood and walked carefully over to the boy's side. He glimpsed the pages of the book, and discovered a scene of Captain Silver and his henchmen dragging Killian back through the portal. Surprised and astounded by how the author's powers worked, Killian watched for a minute before returning to Emma's side.

As he knelt down, she grimaced and turned her head. Was it safe to wake her? Was the sapling still working its magic inside her? He stayed close, wanting to be there when she woke in case she was too disoriented to get her bearings.

After only a few more seconds, her eyes shot open and she gasped much as he had.

Her stunned gaze met his. "Killian," she breathed.

He tipped his mouth at one corner. "Love."

She sat and stared at him in awe. She cupped his face. "Oh, my God." She shook her head in disbelief. "I don't know what to think. Did you see everything I saw?"

"I think so, love." He smoothed back her hair, tucking strands behind her ear. "What was your last image?"

"They took you." Her voice broke on the words. "And I was so mad that I hadn't learned magic in time to save you."

He leaned forward and kissed her forehead. "I just can't believe it."

"Me, either."

They would have so much to talk about as they marveled at the memories of their time together in this cabin. He was extremely grateful they had had it, but even more thankful that he hadn't been tortured with being separated from her. Which made him wonder how they'd lost these memories.

When Emma shifted, he pulled back.

"Henry," she called.

The lad was still writing, engrossed in the words he busily scribbled on the page.

"He's been like that since I woke," Killian explained. "It's our story."

Emma pushed to her feet, and they both took the few steps needed to get to Henry's side. Killian saw that the picture now showed Zeus. Taken aback, he said, "That's Zeus."

"Who's the woman next to him?" Emma asked, squatting down beside Henry. She checked her son's face, watching him carefully as a mother would.

"Maybe Hera," Killian suggested.

Emma gave no response, but it was only a few moments more then Henry stopped, shook his head and looked up. "Mom," he said, a smile breaking over his face. "That was so cool." He closed the book and shot to his feet. "The magic in the sapling knocked y'all back, and then this buzz started in my hand, and I had to get out my book and start writing."

As he watched the boy jump from foot to foot, Killian's curiosity grew. "Lad, why were the memories taken away from us? Why is Zeus part of this story?"

"Okay," Henry paused in his excited shifting, and flipped open the book. "When Captain Silver's men dragged you through the portal, Zeus was watching, because, you weren't supposed to come to this world. Hades tried to control your fate."

"Why?" Emma asked, confused.

"Because he figured out that someday, y'all would have the ability to destroy the Dark Ones, and he didn't want that. Of course, that's not how it worked out, but y'all almost did it. Hades couldn't see the whole future. Zeus could, but he doesn't play with it, as it's not right." Henry showed them the picture of Zeus standing over some sort of fountain. "He can watch y'all in the water, and when y'all got torn apart, Hera got worried."

Henry looked at Emma. "She knew how long it would be before y'all saw each other again, and she didn't want y'all to have that pain. Mom, you had to stay here. I had to be the one to find you and bring you to Storybrooke. Hades messed with that, hoping y'all would only search for each other and end up never fighting the darkness."

Killian shared a look with Emma, then said, "So we weren't supposed to have met when we were younger."

"No, but, y'all shouldn't regret it or anything. It didn't change your future, because Zeus interfered and removed the memory. That way, y'all didn't miss each other and met when you were supposed to."

As he rubbed the back of his neck, Killian said, "I don't think I could ever regret those few days here. Right now all I want to do is remember them over and over. Those were the sweetest moments of my life."

Emma nodded and sidled up next to him. "They were perfect, and if I had been unable to find Killian..." She shook her head. "That would have been awful."

He kissed her temple. "It happened the way it should have."

Henry grinned. "And now we have a powerful sapling to take home, and I know the magic in it will release Grandpa and Grandma from the sleeping curse." He shut his book, put into the satchel slung over his shoulder and walked to the needed object. "Zeus told Hera that if y'all needed the memories back, they'd come to you. I guess touching the sapling did that." Carefully, he plucked it from the ground then looked up. "Let's go home."

With hope in his heart, the woman he loved at his side and the boy he thought of as son, Killian wrapped an arm around Emma's waist and followed the lad through the forest. Home. He had one. Finally. And he would never let it go.

“Keep your feet apart and keep a good stance. If you can’t move, you can’t attack.”

Emma licked her lips and tightened her grip on the stick she held. “All right.”

Killian gestured with his free hand. “Come at me again.”

Using the lunge he taught her, Emma surged forward, her shoes kicking up gritty sand. Her heart pumped against her chest, and she felt invigorated as their sticks clacked together.

He shouted commands and words of praise at her as she swung her blade. Instinct took over, and she twirled, smacking the base of her weapon against his just as he’d arced his toward her.

A grin spread over his handsome face. “Nicely done, love.”

But he was stronger, and her arms shook as she pressed with all her might.

“Use your legs,” he ordered her.

And she understood what he meant. Balance was just as important, and she pushed from her heels, surging forward and knocking him back. He stumbled and fell on his rear in the wet sand.

As he laughed with delight, she jumped and said, “I did it.”

“You did,” he agreed, panting.

Her breath came short, as well, and she leaned down to offer him a hand up.

He clasped her wrist and stood, but before he got his feet under him, she pulled his head down and kissed him. As her heart flew to the heavens, she dropped her stick and wrapped her arms around his neck.

His own weapon hit the grit beneath their feet, and he circled her waist, gripping her to him tightly.

True love. She couldn’t believe it. She was his true love. Like in a fairy tale.

But there would be no sleeping curses. No villain would triumph over them. She wasn’t a princess in a book, and she wasn’t about to prick her finger on a spindle or eat an apple. She was too smart for that.

As she drank from him, he lifted her off her feet, and she sighed inwardly. He was hers. And she was his. How much better could it get?

She broke away and set her forehead on his, her chest heaving, her pulse racing. “There’s nobody better than you.”

A noise of disbelief came from him, and he nuzzled his nose against her cheek. “I’ll not argue that, love, but I’m fairly certain you deserve more than a lowly deckhand.” He lowered her to the ground.

“Nope. You’re it. Always.” She grinned up at him.

“Well, I’m not going to let you get rid of me, so it doesn’t matter if some other fellow is more deserving.” He brushed a tendril of her hair behind her ear. “Wanna go again?”

“In a minute. Need to catch my breath.”

“All right.” He let go of her and stooped to pick up his stick.

“If I’m from the Enchanted Forest, who do you think I belong to?”

He paused for a moment, then faced her, a questioning look in his eyes.

“I mean,” she continued hastily, “if I have magic, and magic comes from your world, then I’m from there, right?”

As he propped the bottom of his weapon in the sand, he replied, “Probably.”

She cocked her head, excitement thrumming through her. “What kind of people have magic?”

“All kinds.”

That didn’t help her.

“Fairies, witches, royalty, the common folk.” He lifted one hand in uncertainty. “Magic chooses the person, and just because one has it, doesn’t mean one is better than another.”

Concern flashed through her. “I don’t think I’m better than you.”

He grinned. “I know. I didn’t mean it that way.”

Relieved, she slumped her shoulders. “Good.” After a second of silence, she said, “I just keep thinking that if I’m from your land, I should go back there. Maybe…” She swallowed. “Maybe my parents didn’t mean to give me up. Maybe I was sent away because I have magic.”

He rubbed his chin in thought. “Maybe.” His brow furrowed. “What are you getting at?”

She bit her lip and stepped toward him. “If, or when, Liam finds you…do you think we could go back with him? I mean, do you think I could go back?”

Hesitancy moved in his gaze. “Of course, love.”

Thoughts and hopes raced through her mind. “Could I think of my parents as we jump into the portal, and then all three of us would be transported to them?”

He nodded slowly. “Yes.”

Elation whipped through her. She might be able to find her family. She might know what had happened, why she’d been given up. Or sent away.

But his worried expression gave her pause. “What’s wrong?” she asked.

After a slight upturn of his lips, he replied, “Nothing really. It’s just…well…” A sheepish look come over his face. “Your family might not…that is…I might not be found in favor as a suitor for you.”

Taken aback, she could only blink at him. When she recovered, conviction rang in her tone as she promised, “Nothing and no one will keep us apart. If you’re my true love, then we’re destined to have a future, right?”

He ducked his head. “Of course, love.”

Concerned she hadn’t convinced him, she cupped the back of his neck with her hand and looked directly into his eyes. “Hey.”

His gaze connected with hers.

“Nobody tells me what to do, and nobody tells me who to love.”

A flicker of hope gleamed in his blue depths.

“We will always be together, and if anyone thinks you aren’t good enough, well, they’ll feel my sword.” She lifted her chin.

And now a gorgeous smile graced his lips. “I’m glad I’m teaching you how to use it, then.”

She let out a chuckle.

He lowered his forehead to hers. “Emma…my love.”

As she turned her mouth toward his, flashes of light split the sky. She gave a yelp and jumped. Before she could get her bearings and see what had invaded their space, Killian shoved her behind him.

“Captain Silver,” he growled.

Emma gasped and peeked around Killian’s shoulder. A man in a long leather coat and vest glared while a portal spun behind him. Three more men walked through, each wearing clothing similar to Killian’s. They’d found Killian!

“Do you know how many bloody people I had to kill to get beans?” The captain stormed toward Killian. “You are in servitude to me, Killian Jones, and I’ll be damned before I lose money on your foul self.” The vortex closed.

Emma felt Killian tense and his hands clenched into fists. She whipped around and searched for her stick. It was the only thing she had. Spying it in the sand, she raced toward it and scooped it up.

Sounds of fists hitting jaws reached her ears, and she spun around. Killian fought like the very devil, but the other people who’d come through the portal bore down on the dueling sailors.

“No,” Emma shouted, and she shot toward them, blood roaring in her ears. Fear gave her wings, and she swung her weapon high and hard into the face of one of the men. He grunted and went down.

“Emma!” Killian cried. “No!”

She knew he worried about her safety, but she had to help him. She couldn’t lose him.

The remaining scoundrels glared at her and laughed.

She could hear the grunts from Killian and Captain Silver behind her. She held her stick at the ready. “Come on,” she dared, her muscles vibrating with the need to stop them from whatever they planned.

But neither challenged her. Confused, she took one step forward, but before she could attack, an arm wrapped around her waist and lifted her high. She bucked and kicked, doing anything she could to get free. She swung her stick, trying to connect with her assailant, but she couldn’t see him.

More ribald laughter sounded, and Killian cried her name. “Don’t hurt her, Jenson. I’ll kill you.”

Emma flew, and she screamed. She landed in the dirt, her skin scraping against the grit.

“You’re a dead man,” Killian shouted.

Sand had gotten into her eyes, and she heard more punches and snarls.

“That’s enough,” a voice bellowed.

Emma brushed her hand across her face and shoved to her feet. When her vision cleared, she found Killian, being held by two men, his head hanging in defeat. “No,” she rasped and took a step forward.

Captain Silver shot out his arm. “Stay where you are, girl. If you care for him, you’ll not move closer.”

She froze. As she panted, she wracked her brain for how to get Killian away from them. “He belongs here. With me.”

Snickers came from the brutes holding Killian.

“You’re wrong,” Captain Silver declared. “Whatever he’s told you, it’s a lie.”

Emma sneered. “He would never lie.”

“Emma,” Killian gasped and looked at her. Blood streamed from a cut on his face. Helplessness shone from his perfect eyes.

“He’s coming with us.” Captain Silver removed an object from a pocket in his vest. “He has a debt to work off.” The captain tossed the item he held in the air, and a portal appeared.

Fear shot up Emma’s throat. “No,” she shouted and hurried forward.

The men backed away.

“No,” she cried again and threw up her arms. White light blasted from her fingers, knocking one of the deckhands to the muddy bank.

Panic overcome the men, and Emma stared in disbelief at what she’d done. The scoundrel she’d hit scrambled to his feet.

“Love,” Killian breathed, still trapped by the strong holds of his captors. Killian struggled. “You did it.”

Sparks flashed from her hands, and she stared down at her palms, breathing heavily. “Oh my God.”

“Let’s get out of here,” someone shouted.

“Go,” Captain Silver commanded in a forceful tone.

Emma jerked her head up. “Killian,” she cried as she threw her hands at the escaping sailors. Magic surged once more, but it was swallowed up as the portal closed, blasting her with air.

And then there was nothing. No sound. No Killian.

She sank to her knees. “Killian,” she sobbed.

Energy surged inside her, and she lifted her hands before her eyes. She could’ve stopped them. If she’d known how to control it, she could’ve…

Resolve strengthened inside her, and she swiped the tears from her cheeks. “I will find you, Killian. No matter what. I will always find you.”

I'm so excited to finally share this! I've been waiting for December so I could tell y'all about it.


My family has a wonderful Christmas tradition. We call it Christmas Feast.


The first weekend in December we pull out the Christmas decorations -- we have A LOT -- so we can trim the tree and the house.



While the kids and my Prince Charming put everything out, I cook. I make all kinds of appetizers and finger foods. I use all my best and cute party platters, and our table is FULL of food. We eat for days after, which is just another great thing about it.

We listen to Christmas music, and the kids get all excited about each ornament they pull out and hang up. It's wonderful.

Y'all should know that I spend about 5 hours in the kitchen. My feet and back kill me by the time I'm done, but it's soooo worth it. I wouldn't trade it at all. The menu consists of:

1) Deviled eggs -- a riot ensues if I don't make these
2) Pigs in a blanket
3) Cheese tray
4) Cream cheese with jalapeno jelly
5) Jalapeno poppers
6) Pizza rolls
7) Parmesan crusted chicken tenders
8) Stuffed mushrooms
9) Veggies and dip
10) Egg rolls
11) Cookies galore
12) Taco sticks
13) Apples and a fruit dip
14) Pot stickers
15) Queso
16) Salsa

It's a lot. But it's sooooo great.

Once everything is done, we fill our plates and watch Home Alone. And the kids still giggle. They're 19, 17 and 13 now, but it doesn't matter. They love every bit of this day, and we have every intention of continuing it even after they're grown and gone. This year my daughter helped me with cooking, and she did such a great job. It only took three hours. I sure wish I had two ovens, though. That's for the next house, I guess.

Here's a little look into what it's like for us. The kids are younger in this video.

It's traditions like these that make it easy for me to write like I do. The best thing about my books is the family feel in them. I think it's become a trademark for me, because my readers remark on it often.

I'm glad I can evoke homey feelings in my stories. Hopefully it shows the love I have for my family and friends, and gives readers a sense of what life is all about.

What reminds you of family? What do you look forward to -- it doesn't have to be a Christmas tradition. Comment below and I'll send a copy of any book in my series to one lucky person -- winner can choose the book. Please leave your email!

From where she sprang, I do not know, but she had to come from The Glass Is Half-full Chantilly Lace And A Pretty Face Dance Like No One Is Watching It Doesn’t Matter If People Know What Color Your Underwear Is, Texas.

She’s always got her hair let down and a deck of cards ready to go. She can cook as well as her mother and has a smile that melted her father’s heart.




She married her high-school sweetheart…he didn’t stand a chance, and raised two boys who fancied themselves members of the Galactic Alliance.

I’ve seen her do the “Roam Around”, learned several things about the birds and the bees from her jokes, and found out she is the only living person who got my mother to say “fart” spontaneously.

She is unsinkable like Molly, uninhibited like Gypsy Rose, prissy like Mary Poppins, precocious like Shirley, and giving like Melanie Hamilton.

She is the glue that holds my dad’s family together. She is the noise when the silence must be broken. She is the smoother of ruffled feathers, the champion of spades, hearts, and pinochle and second only to Grandma in Scrabble.

She is my aunt. The youngest of four--her older siblings all boys--she cracks a whip that bites with humor and kindness and I have craved her company all of my life.

Laughter is the best medicine. Anyone who says differently needs to know my aunt. No one leaves her without feeling fine and glad to be alive.

So, I shall call her Evaline, an English name meaning “life”, for a woman who is an inspiration to all who spend their lives too much in their own head.

Thank you, God, for creating her. You not only broke the mold when you did, but whatever cooks the mold probably broke, too!

Hug, hug, kiss, kiss, Aunt Evaline!

While we’re on the subject of Lou, I should introduce the rest of his family.


Lou and my dad have been friends since the first grade. He married my dad’s sister and had two sons…some of my most favorite people.


I loved, loved, loved my cousins! They were my heroes!





The oldest was sweet and calm, protective and understanding. He reminds me of Luke Skywalker, all charm and kindness with the ability to take on the bad guy.

The youngest was outrageous and energetic, bold and sarcastic. He reminds me of Han Solo, willing to be a hero as long as he can break the rules while he’s saving you.

Luke and Han were my role models at the very early age of 6. I wanted nothing more than to do everything they did. (I taught them patience, I think.)

Spending time with Luke and Han was a treat and something I frequently begged for. (I don’t think they were always very flattered.)

But, they loved me and we are still pretty close even today. Luke and Han…those are really great names for them. (Tee hee!)

Oh, yeah, and they have a mom. Well, of course they have a mom! She is my dad’s sister and my aunt.

And…

There is no way I can write about her today. She needs a whole entry all to her pretty, crazy self! Stay tuned!

I always knew when we were going to Grandma and Grandpa’s because there were all these hills on the freeway. You know, those hills that make room for the roads underneath them…

However, even though there were a bunch of those hills, we weren’t going to Grandpa’s. Instead, my dad was taking me and Maria somewhere else entirely.



When we got there, I was speechless. For ten seconds.

“OH, MY GOSH!”, I yell. “THAT’S ONE BIG, ROUND BUILDING!”

Don’t know what it is? I’ll give you a hint…they called it the eighth wonder of the world.

Still don’t know? Well, it’s the Astrodome.

My dad and my uncle were taking me and Maria and my cousins to a baseball game. An Astros game.

They were now, officially, the coolest people ever!

I got to eat peanuts, and cotton candy, and see people who were on TV. Not to mention participate in all the cheers going on in that noisy place. There was one I remember yelling at the top of my lungs.


A trumpet would sound and then everyone yelled, “CHARGE!”. I had no idea how ball players were supposed to charge, but I yelled it. I’m pretty sure the Boys of Summer could hear me, too.

My uncle, we’ll call him Lou on account of the great Mr. Lou Gehrig, had no idea what he started, but I soon began a love affair with baseball and the Astros. I will forever remember that day, sitting in the stands watching my team, yes, MY TEAM, win. And we stayed for the whole game.




Throughout the years, Lou took me to other sporting events, but I will always remember that first one as the best one. Not only was it a fantastic day, but he thought of me. He didn’t take me to a fancy ballet, or some trussed up tea party.

He knew me way better than that…

It's Thanksgiving, a day when we all reflect on life and what we're thankful for. While it might be routine, or seem silly to state the obvious, it's beautiful that there is a day set aside for food, rest and gratitude.

Before I delve into my list of what I appreciate, I first want to ask that we pray for, or think about, those who don't have the opportunity to celebrate this day and want to. Or wish they could.



This is just another reason to be grateful, to count your blessings and not take anything for granted.

And here is what I'm counting:

1) God, His Son, and the Holy Spirit
2) Mary
3) My family
4) My friends

Killian watched Emma narrow her eyes and hold her hands over a rock lodged in the mud. He stood across from her, his boots pressing into the wet sandy bank. Her deep concentration forced him to smother a smile. She was adorable. And had no idea what she was doing.

Of course, he didn’t know how to help her. He’d seen a few magic users in his life, but he’d never paid attention to how they’d wielded their power. It just happened.

Emma groaned and rolled her eyes. “This is stupid. I can’t do this.”

Concerned, he took a step toward her. “You don’t need to try. This is a world without magic, so it may not work here.”

Her gaze whipped to his. “Then why did the electricity surge when I won my ring?” She held up her index finger, showing him the prize.

“I’m not sure.”

She exhaled and shook her arms. “Let me try again. I can move this rock. I can.” After taking a deep breath, she held her palms over the object and stared hard. Her tongue came out as she focused.

His heart picked up speed, and he couldn’t take his eyes from her lips. What he wouldn’t give to kiss her. To hold her. He should tell her that he didn’t want to go back. Not really.

Emma Swan was his true love. That portal had taken him to her, and he couldn’t lose her. Decision made, he took another step forward then reached out and took her wrist.

She frowned at him. “What are you doing?”

“Stopping you.”

“Why?”

His explanation stuck in his throat, and nerves danced inside his gut. “I…uh…” He forced a smile. “Why don’t we eat? I’m hungry.”

She relaxed her stance. “I guess we could do that. You can tell me about magic.”

His grin softened, and a tender feeling washed over him at her kindness. She wanted to help him so much. Promises and declaration threatened to spill forth, but he had to hold back. He didn’t want to scare her, and, well, he wasn’t sure if she felt the same. She was his true love, but he didn’t know if that meant she would care for him in the same manner. “That’s a thought. Let’s go inside.”

He put her hand in the crook of his elbow and grew encouraged when she blushed and ducked her head. At least he affected her in some way. As they walked up the gravel path to the cabin, their steps in sync, she asked, “Can you teach me how to punch someone?”

“Yes.” He wanted her to be able to take care of herself if he happened not to be around. He was damned relieved he’d been there when that scoundrel had dared to touch her.

“Do you know how to use a sword?” she asked.

“Yes.”

She was quiet for a moment, but he could hear her thoughts.

“Can you teach me?”

“Yes.”

Another few seconds of silence. “Are you always going to tell me yes?”

He chuckled. “If that makes you happy.” He glanced down at her. “Then…yes.”

She blushed again.

His heart pounded as he sensed that she might very well feel more than attraction. But he would go slow.

They entered, and she disengaged from him, going to the cupboard that held the bread. He opened the fridge and pulled out jelly. They prepared their simple meal in silence, though he sneaked glances at her and she did the same. Each time he caught her looking his way, she would blush and duck her head.

She liked him. She did. His body vibrated with the need to declare himself, to unfurl his intentions and proceed at full sail. But for a reason he couldn’t name, he felt he couldn’t rush.

Once they were seated at the table, she said with a mouthful of food, “Tell me about magic.”

“Some people make potions and use spells, while others have it inside them.” He ate a chip.

“Am I a person who has it inside?”

“By your description of what you first encountered, I would say yes.” He took a big bite of his sandwich. It was a few moments before he realized she’d stopped eating and was looking at him thoughtfully. “What?”

She pressed her lips together then said, “Since I have magic, does that mean I’m from where you’re from?”

He paused. He hadn’t thought of that. “Maybe.”

Anxiousness passed through her eyes, and she stared at a spot on the table while she nibbled at her meal.
If she was from the Enchanted Forest, then maybe…

Maybe she would come with him? But he had no desire to live there again, especially since he was owned by Captain Silver, and there was no place for Emma on a ship. Still, if she wanted to jump through whatever portal she managed to conjure with him, he’d gladly let her. He wouldn’t hold her back from finding out who she really was.
Her sweet face now had tight lines, and he didn’t like seeing that. “Eat up, love. You’ll need your strength for sword fighting.”

She glanced at him and quirked her lips. “And punching.”

He grinned. “And punching. Promise.”

“Have you been in fights?”

“A few.”

She narrowed her eyes at him. “I think you’re not telling the whole truth.”

Impressed with her instincts, he said, “Really? And how would you know?” He popped a chip into his mouth.

As she cocked her head to the side, a thoughtful look passed over her face. “It’s just a feeling. I think you’ve been in
the middle of lots of…scuffles.”

He laughed. “Scuffles?”

She lifted a brow. “Brawls?”

His cheeks heated as he let out another chuckle. “I’ll take scuffles.”

“Mmm hmm,” she replied with a knowing look. Then she picked up a chip and bit into it.

“Let’s finish then I’ll teach you to fight.”

“You have to tell me more about magic.” She frowned at him.

He found the crease between her brows adorable, and he wished he could kiss it away. “I really don’t know that much about it, and I doubt I can teach you anything.”

“Then what do we do?” she replied, concern on her face.

Was she anxious for him to leave? Had he outworn his welcome? Had he misread her signs? Uncertainty sat like rocks in his gut, and his earlier plan of moving slow irritated him. If he’d gone faster with her, maybe she wouldn’t be working so hard to see him go. He cleared his throat and shifted in his chair. “I’m sure Liam is looking for me. It’ll be easier for him to make a portal than us anyway.”

“Oh.” Disappointment crossed her features.

He waited with baited breath, hoping she’d reveal the reason behind her disquiet.

She picked at the crust on her sandwich and glanced around the cabin. “So…he could find you at any time. You could be gone at any moment.”

His heart picked up speed to see her sadness at his possible departure. “Yes.” He cleared his throat again, the need to hold her and tell her would never leave her, not for any reason, consumed him.

Her crestfallen expression spurred on his confidence, and he stood, ignoring the nervousness swimming in his gut. He walked over to her, and after a gulp, held out his hand.

With questions rising in her gaze, she slipped her fingers through his.

He pulled her to stand, lifting her knuckles toward his lips. He paused just shy of kissing her there. “I have to tell you something.”

Her eyes widened.

“I don’t mean to scare you as we’ve only known each other for two days, but there’s a detail about portals that I haven’t mentioned.”

She continued to focus on him, almost transfixed.

Could he tell her she was his true love? Would she believe him? With his heart kicking hard against his ribs, he started with, “When you go through a portal, it takes you to where you’re thinking of.”

Confusion passed over her face. “What? How…How would you know about this cabin? You’ve never been here before.”

He clutched her hand to his chest. “See I, uh, well…” Another clearing of his throat. “I was thinking of…of you.”

She reared back, but didn’t remove her grasp from his. “Me? You didn’t know me. How could that be true?”
Taking his pride in his hands, he said, “I thought of my true love.”

Silence reigned.

“And the portal brought me to you.”

Her breath caught, and she ran her gaze over his face. “I’m your t-true l-love?”

“I think so.” His pulse pounded in his ears. Would she flee from him now? Would she demand he leave her alone and never return?

She licked her lips. “Like in a fairy tale?”

Unsure of her comparison, he said, “I don’t know what that is. Where I come from, true love is real and all powerful.”

Disbelief took over the lines of her face, and she appeared to be trying to find her thoughts. “I…I…”

He cupped her cheek with his free hand, ready to bare all, needing to reassure her that he believed in what he’d revealed to her. “As soon as I saw you, I knew who you were. I understood you from the beginning, Emma.”
Her gaze wavered but she didn’t look away. And she didn’t stop him.

“I don’t mean to scare you, but I can’t hide my feelings any longer.” He closed his eyes and gathered his courage. When he looked at her again, the hope shining in her hazel depths gave him all the bravery he needed. “I’m in love with you, Emma.”

She gasped but didn’t jerk away. Instead, she stepped toward him, and now she was so close, their chests touched. “Really?”

The sweet innocent sound of longing rang in her tone, and a shudder tore through him. “Really.”

She bit her lip.

He fairly came out of his skin. “May I kiss you?”

In answer, she nodded slowly.

So afraid she’d bolt, he lowered his head by inches, hoping she understood he had no wish to take advantage. A breath away from her lips, she whispered his name and he came undone. He set his mouth on hers and pressed, pulling her deep into the haze of desire with him.

It wasn’t enough. He needed her closer. He let go of her hand and lowered his palm from her cheek in order to wrap his arms around her waist. She went up on her tiptoes, and when he crushed her to him even tighter, she whimpered.

Bloody hell. He hadn’t expected it to be like this. But how in the hell could he have predicted this flying sensation? This burning need to give her the world? To protect her from all ills?

Never had he felt more connected to a person in his life, and the dogs of Hell would have to pry him from her. He lifted her off her feet, and she purred low in her throat. His head spun and somewhere a voice told him to slow down, to proceed with caution. Where was his strength to obey?

But if he went farther, he might scare her. This thought had him pulling back, raising his head and looking down at her flushed face. Her bright gaze. Her sweet lips curving into a smile of wonder.

“Oh, Killian,” she breathed.

His gut clenched, and only the fear of frightening her kept him from kissing her again.

“I love you, too.”

Hunger roared at her declaration. “You do?”

“Yes. I couldn’t help myself.”

While he wanted nothing more than to fall under her spell once more, her words had brought on a determined calm. A need to settle some things. He put her down and threaded their fingers together. “There will be no portals. I have no wish to return to my world. I will stay here with you, and we will make a life wherever you want. Obviously not here since this cabin belongs to another, but I will find work.”

She gazed up at him, her trusting expression making him feel ten feet tall.

He continued. “You have wondered if we are from the same place since you have magic, and if you want to investigate that, I’ll help you. But we will not find a way to send me back.”

“What about your brother?”

“As I said earlier, he’ll locate a bean or another object that will lead him to me, and when he does, he’ll stay here with us.”

“Just like that?”

“Yes.”

Her eyes shone with happiness. “So we don’t have to be apart?”

His heart flew at the joy he saw reflected in her gaze. “Never.”

She laughed in delight and launched herself at him, throwing her arms around his neck and holding tight.

He breathed in deep and held her as close as he could, using his embrace to promise her forever.

Emma paused in front of the home she’d once thought could be permanent. It had been a dream. When Ingrid had told her she wanted to adopt her, Emma had never known a greater joy. Someone had wanted her. Her.

And then Ingrid had tried to prove to Emma that magic existed by holding her in front of an oncoming car and demanding she stop it. Like Harry Potter.

Emma had jerked away. And then had run. Far. From the crazy woman. It had been a nightmare.

But now…it might be very possible she’d been wrong. That magic was real. Because beside her stood someone who proved it so. Killian Jones.

Even if he hadn’t come flying through a swirling vortex, she would believe anything he said. For whatever reason, she trusted him. She knew him. Somehow.

“Are you all right?” he prodded gently.

She nodded as she studied the outside of the house, the porch and oak door flanked by windows. She remembered the night she’d shared hot cocoa with Ingrid in the living room. It had been…wonderful. They’d talked for so long.

Tears bit but she blinked them back and lifted her chin. “Let’s go.”

But Killian put out a hand to stop her. “Wait. Will this woman, Ingrid, make you live here again?”

The thought of mending fences with the woman tore at Emma’s heart. While she longed for a permanent home, right now she didn’t want to lose Killian. Knocking on Ingrid’s door, asking for her to help them, meant she’d eventually be sending Killian back to where he’d come from.

He wouldn’t want to stay with her. He had a brother. He had a life. This world was probably too odd and too much for him to want to live here. She swallowed, feeling his touch on her, his warmth moving up her arm and clutching her heart.

“Emma? If you don’t want to see this woman, we can find another way to create a portal.” Killian gently turned her to face him. “If you really have magic of your own, we may not need help.”

She didn’t know what he thought she could do, or how she would manage to send him back to where he came from. “I’m…” She let out a breath. “I’m not sure what she’ll do, or if she’d even want to see me.”

If Ingrid rejected her, she didn’t want an audience. And, if Emma were in Ingrid’s shoes, there was no way she’d grant forgiveness. Once you hurt someone, you couldn’t get them back. And she didn’t want Killian to know, to witness, the fact that she might’ve caused someone pain.

She looked deep into Killian’s eyes. “Is it all right if you wait while I talk to her? I don’t want you to get caught up in…whatever might happen.”

His brow furrowed. “Will she harm you?”

“No, no. It’s just…” She glanced toward the house. “We didn’t separate on good terms, and having you mixed in will make it more awkward.”

He studied her for a few silent moments then nodded slowly. “As you wish.”

His response sent a thrill rushing through her. How she hoped that helping him didn’t mean they had to part. She really didn’t want to lose him. Only two days with him, and she didn’t want to go through life without him. Weird. “I’ll just be…a minute.”

He nodded then moved to the side, going to stand among a copse of trees out of view of the porch.

Emma turned, took a deep breath and went up the walk. After she knocked, she only had to wait a few seconds before the door was yanked open. A boy of around twelve stood before her, smacking gum. “Hey. Who are you?”
“I’m Emma. Is Ingrid here?”

“Who?” he questioned, frowning. “Oh, you mean that lady who lived here before Misty.”

Puzzled, Emma cocked her head. “There’s a new house mother?”

“Why’re you asking these questions? You used to be in the system or something?”

“Yeah, something like that.”

“You adopted now?”

The yearning in the boy’s tone sliced into her stomach, opening wounds she understood all too well. “Yes,” she managed to croak out. It was safer to lie. She couldn’t get sent back by whoever was in charge here now. “When did Ingrid leave? Did you know her at all?”

“Um—”

“Who you talkin’ to, Alex?”

Emma went rigid when she recognized the voice.

The boy stepped back. “It’s this girl. Emma. She’s lookin for someone.”

A shuffling sounded then Kevin, the jerk, appeared. He grinned sardonically. “Well, well, well. If ain’t the new girl.”

“Hey.” Emma lifted her chin. “Where’s Ingrid?”

“Whatcha been doin’?” he asked, ignoring her question. He was taller, of course. Beefier, too. He curled a meaty hand around the door frame as he looked her up and down. “I heard you ran away.”

“I got adopted.” The lie came out much easier this time.

“Really? Who the hell would want you?” He sneered and leaned forward.

She didn’t have time for this. “Where’s Ingrid?”

“I bet it’s some family with ten brats who need a baby sitter all the time.” He laughed. “I bet you’re somebody’s maid.”

She put her hands on her hips. “Are you gonna answer the question or not?”

“Why’re you looking for her anyway?” He pushed his hair out of his eyes. “You think she cares about you?”

“I’m not gonna tell you my business, just answer the question.”

He curled his lip. “Nobody adopted you. You’re lying. I’m gonna tell Misty, and she’ll drag you back into the system.”

Time to go. “You know, you’re a real asshole, Kevin. I just came to find Ingrid.” Emma spun on a heel and headed for the walk.

“Where you goin’?” He pounded down the steps after her.

She increased her pace. “None of your business.”

A wide hand clamped on her shoulder and twisted her around. “You aren’t getting’ away. Alex,” he called. “Go get Misty.”

Fear shot up Emma’s spine. She couldn’t go back into the system. “Let go of me.”

He laughed. “Look at how scared you are. I knew you weren’t—”

“Get your bloody hands off of her.”

The steel in Killian’s voice made Emma freeze, and Kevin flinch. A beat of silence passed, the tension thick with fury.

“You can shut the hell up,” Kevin growled.

“I say again. Take your hands off her.” The promise of punishment dripped from Killian’s tone.

Emma’s heart pounded, and she had no idea what to do. No one had even come close to defending her before.

“You’re not the boss of—”

Killian sprung. He shoved Kevin away from Emma then went after him as he stumbled backward.

“You get the hell away from me.”

But Kevin’s demand was met by Killian’s fist plowing into his jaw. Another punch to the gut then one up under the chin and Kevin sprawled on the walk, out cold.

“Oh my God,” Emma rasped. She couldn’t believe he’d protected her. When had anyone ever cared so much? Voices from the house pulled Emma out of her stupor. “Come on,” she ordered a seething Killian who still stood over Kevin.

Killian looked at her, fire blazing in his eyes. “Did he hurt you?”

She motioned for him to come. “No, and even if he did, you got him. Come on.”

He finally moved toward her. “Why do you look worried?”

After grabbing his hand, she started speed walking toward the end of the block. “Because there’s a new house mother, and if she thinks we don’t have a family to look after us, we’ll end up in the system. You, too, because you’re only seventeen.”

“I’d like to see anyone keep me somewhere I didn’t want to be.” He snorted as he increased his pace. “As long as you’re not hurt.”

“Not at all.” But she would remember this moment for the remainder of her days. Someone had been her champion, and he’d been very successful. “You gotta teach me how to fight like that.”

“I’ll teach you anything as long as you never go back to that house again.”

“Promise.”

Once they turned the corner, she tugged him in the direction of a short cut that went through the woods. “They might’ve called the cops, and if they do, then they’ll be looking for us. We’ve got to get back to the cabin.”

“I suppose this Ingrid wasn’t there?”

As she led them onto the foot path she’d used often when she’d lived here, she said, “She’s gone. They never told me where.”

“So we’ll have to figure this out on our own, then.”

She heard the concern in his tone. “I’ll get you back to your brother, Killian. If I have magic, then I’ll just figure out how to use it.”

Somehow she would teach herself. She had to help him. She didn’t want him to be without his brother. And maybe…if she learned magic, she could conjure a portal and see Killian whenever she wanted. No matter what time period he lived in.

Killian followed Emma down a rocky path through the dense forest. He didn’t want to tell her that, other than finding his brother, he had no real desire to return to his life. If he went back, he would lose her, and that was out of the question. Being near her filled him with excitement and, oddly enough, peace. He felt at home with her. As if he’d known her for longer than a mere day.

He’d lain awake last night, listening to her quiet breathing as she slept in the bunk above him. What he wouldn’t give to protect and care for her. It would bring him nothing but pleasure to ensure her happiness. But was he capable of it?

He had no idea how to be a good man for a woman. His relationships consisted of death, abandonment and servitude. He and his brother were close, but Liam was family, and that made it easier. How would he show a familiar stranger that he could be her friend, her protector? He swallowed, barely able to soak up the beauty of their surroundings so caught up was he in the emotions rushing inside him.

He liked Emma, and somehow he would show her that he could be trusted. That he could be her friend. And, hopefully, more than that. Someday.

They left the woods behind and came upon a road made of some sort of smooth, black material. “What’s this?” he asked.

“Asphalt. It’s used to pave streets.” Emma squinted up at him. “There’s gonna be a lot of weird and different things to see as we travel. We have to watch out for cars, all right?”

“What are those? Some sort of villainous creature?” He curled his hands into fists, wishing he had a sword.

She shook her head. “It’s a…um…like a wagon, I guess. It carries people from place to place, but it uses an engine to move, not a horse.”

He tried to paint a picture in his head, and he supposed it had seats and wheels. “And we must watch out for these cars because…?”

“They can go fast. A lot faster than a horse, and if they hit us, we could die.” She tugged on the ends of her plaid shirt then adjusted the bag slung over her shoulder.

Concerned, he reached out and pulled her away from the road. “Perhaps we ought to find a safer way to this person?”

A soft light came into her eyes. “It’ll be all right. It’s not common to get run over.” She nodded at the distance ahead of them. “You see the grass and pebbles between the street and forest? There’s plenty of room, and it’s morning, so the drivers will see us fine.” She smiled at him then slowly threaded her fingers through his.

He caught his breath at the contact.

“Come on.”

Without argument, he followed.

“It’s about nine miles to the city. We’ll be walking for a while.”

He didn’t care. As long as he was with her, he couldn’t care less how long anything took.

They’d only gone a few feet, when an odd noise sounded behind them. He glanced over his shoulder and froze, pulling her up short. His eyes widened as what he assumed was a car came whizzing toward them. He had no words for the object that zipped over the road, its body painted a bright red.

“Step back a little.” She tugged on his hand, putting action to her command.

He obeyed without taking his eyes from the contraption. “Is that some sort of magic?”

“No,” she replied. “It runs on gasoline.”

The car drew abreast of them, rushing past and forcing wind to push their clothing and hair.

“Bloody hell,” he uttered, shocked by the amount of force in its disturbance. “This is an odd land.”

She made a noise of sympathy. “Wait until you see the city. You won’t believe your eyes.”

He tore his focus from the car and looked down at her. Could there be anything else more mind boggling than the beast that had just shot by them? “I’m not sure I’m prepared for the rest of it.”

With an encouraging smile and a squeeze of his fingers, she promised, “I’m not going anywhere, and I’ll keep you safe from all the…weird stuff you’re gonna run into.”

The sweetness of her vow made his heart skip a beat. What an angel. He wished he could kiss her. “Thank you, Emma.”

Her cheeks reddened, as if she was embarrassed by her words, but she only turned and continued down the road, still keeping her fingers through his.

As they walked, she asked him questions about being a sailor, and he told her story after story. He wanted to reveal everything to her, his burdens, his wants, his fears. But he suppressed the urge, not wanting to scare her away by being too personal too soon. Eventually, she let go of his hand, and the loss of her touch made his gut clench. But of course, he’d probably held on for far too long.

“So, this captain of yours…he won’t ever let you go?”

Killian shrugged. “I doubt it. My brother keeps talking about paying the debt then buying a commission in the Navy. Which I suppose is fine.” He let out a breath. “It’s got to be better than being a deckhand.”

“The Navy fights battles.” She looked up at him, her brow furrowed with worry.

Should he tell her that if she gave him any indication she wanted him to stay with her, he’d change his plans in an instant? He focused on the land ahead, wondering if he might lose her today. This woman they were trying to find might have a way to send him home. Could he leave Emma?

Fear burned in his gut. He’d just found her. He couldn’t let her go. Not yet.

“You don’t want to fight in a war, do you?”

Her question jarred him back to the topic. “No,” he cleared his throat. “No, I don’t.”

“Then why join the Navy?”

“Because it’s what Liam wants, and I have to admit that I wouldn’t mind protecting innocent people.” Especially you.

Silence reigned, and he glanced down to see her profile tight with worry. For him? Or did she believe he longed to test himself in battle? Before he could disabuse her of the notion, she said, “I suppose the Navy does offer adventure and you wouldn’t be treated disrespectfully.”

Another car barreled past, but he didn’t stop to watch it this time. “One would hope not.”

“We have a Navy also, and I’ve never heard anything bad about it. So…maybe…”

When she trailed off, he looked at her profile and detected a reticence in her expression. Why? Had something occurred to her and now she was afraid to mention it? Should he question her? Uncertainty rose inside him, and he discarded his inner ramblings.

More vehicles blew by, their rumble resonating inside him and shaking the ground. “Those contraptions really are quite unsafe.” His steps crunched on gravel as they continued their trek. He smiled. “But I wouldn’t mind captaining one.”

She chuckled. “Me, either. Sure would make getting from place to place easier.” She exhaled. “But they cost money. A lot actually. I can’t see myself ever having…”

She didn’t finish, but he didn’t have to look at her to know her countenance was filled with grief over all the loss, setbacks and heartache she’d encountered. He heard it in her tone, felt it in her body and knew it, because he felt the same. He wanted to reach out and pull her into his side. The need grew too strong, and he couldn’t stop himself from slipping an arm around her waist and snuggling her up next to him as they walked.

When she didn’t resist, his heart flew to the Heavens. Even if this woman had a way to get him back to his world, he wouldn’t have to go if he didn’t want to. While he wanted to get to Liam, he wouldn’t leave Emma. Maybe Emma’s former foster mother had a way to keep the portal open, and he could bring Liam here instead.

He couldn’t make Emma leave this land as there was no place for her in the Navy, and he wasn’t going to ask her to adjust her life. He would much rather learn to live in her world anyway. He wanted to experience everything that was her.

More cars appeared as some kind of colored flames swung from some form of rope. They were getting closer. Good.
Determination grew inside him, and he lengthened his stride, taking her with him. His plan might alarm her, but he wouldn’t deviate. He would not lose her.