A/N: Thank you so much ladies for reading this story. I could cry with how much response I have received from it. I thank you for giving this a shot, and again, this would be nothing without your support.

All mistakes are my own.

I do not own FSOG (Just this plot, and original characters)

Surely my mind has been lost. Because today, I became witness to something rarely seen. The impossible has happened. A man has shocked me. I swear, I shall have need of my smelling salts at any moment. -Gossip Columns

It had been days since Ana's departure, and Christian found himself wishing that he boarded the ship with her. How callous he'd been. To have Ana's heart, only to break it was more than he could handle. The look in her eyes, when she realized he'd been lying to her, almost destroyed him. Almost everyone warned him that his deception would not be met with tears of joy, and love. No, it was quite the opposite.

The next day, after her sudden departure, Christian was surprised to receive his sister as a visitor. He thought surely after his lack of running after Ana from the previous day, her visits would be few and far between. Even Henry, who typically followed him everywhere was distant. He loved her dearly, but her presence in his life made him rethink his current decisions. That was terrifying for a man, who, since leaving his father's control was used to making his own decisions. Could he be everything that she would need? He wanted to, but he would rather let her be, than to bring any disappointment to her doorstep. Christian would never forgive himself for that. He also couldn't stop thinking about what she bravely admitted aloud. His fear of her knowing who he truly was. What if that was the crux of the matter? That deep down, he felt that she may somehow betray him?

Even as he thought those traitorous points, he instantly banished them. Having the chance to personally know Ana, he knew she did not possess a cunning bone in her body. Passionate, yes. Forgiving, of course. But never one to betray. No, he was the person responsible for that. Christian would never confess that late last night, he thought of going after her. Of convincing her that she should come back with him, and to forget everything else.

But then he would remember the look of hurt on her face, and he would be right back to the same torturous loop in his head.

This may be for the best, he thought in resignation. As much as he hurt her, he wouldn't want to cause any more damage. After all, Christian knew that she probably wanted nothing to do with him.

He was pulled from his morose thoughts when his sister's coach came to a stop under the tree he was laying under. Once her shadow was standing over him, he smirked up at her.

"Ah, my lovely sister. I did not expect a visit from you anytime soon." Snorting, she lightly flicked his shoulder with her finger, before gathering her skirts, and sinking to the cool green grass beside him.

"It would serve you right. However, I promised Ana that I would deliver this to you, and unlike some people," she intoned, raising a delicate brow before continuing, "I never break my word." Setting the letter on his lap, she watched as his eyes widened a bit before opening it, and scanning the contents. She bit her lip when she saw her brother's eyes blink, as if he couldn't comprehend what was being composed, before setting it beside him on the ground. Dying of curiosity, she finally asked him what was in the letter. He shook his head, before standing, and heading to the stables. When she saw him come back out with his horse, she shouted at him, where he was going.

"To town."

No longer able to see her brother, she sighed, before giving the casted letter a quick study. Looking around her, she sighed, before picking it up, and reading what was written.

"I'm sure Christian won't mind if I take a quick perusal," Mia said to herself. What she read saddened her usually sunny disposition even more.

Christian,

After leaving your home upon learning the truth of who you are, I was furious. I felt that you had not only held a bit of yourself back, but betrayed me as well. However, the longer I am away from you, the more I realize how much I still love you. I always will. Nevertheless, I know what the problem is. It is I. you see, everyone has had to inconvenience themselves for me. I was a burden to my father, so he felt the need to marry me off. My mother was displeased with my appearance, and lack of interest in things a young woman such as myself should be interested in, and my brother, although very kind, and humorous at times, has to adjust to his own role. If you are receiving this letter, it means that I am well, and truly gone. But know this. I forgive you, Christian. Because, although you withheld the truth from me, I still can't imagine my life without you. But you have admitted who your true love is, and will always be; the sea. I cannot compete, and although I would love to sail the seas, I want it to be with someone who can give me all of themselves. Not just a portion.

I wish you all the best,

-Ana

Gasping, Mia folded the letter, and packed it into her reticule before returning to her horse. She had no idea what her brother intended to do, but she also knew he needed to decide, and quickly, else he would miss the best thing to ever happen to him.

…

Sweeping dust in the front of her shop, Lily frowned when she saw Christian. He was riding as if the hounds of hell were upon his person, and he had to extricate himself quickly. She watched as he dismounted, before tossing the reins to the local blacksmith's son, who also doubled as the town's stable hand. He almost strode past her, and she cleared her throat, so that he would not make that mistake.

She was one to never be ignored.

Glancing up, Christian smiled tightly.

"Mrs. Williamson. I see you are doing well this fine morning. I must be on my way."

Grunting, she leaned her broom against the front siding, before turning her gaze back to him.

"I've made some fresh bread. Come inside and join me for a bit." Christian watched as she turned on her heel, not waiting for a response.

Summoning him as usual.

Sighing, he followed her into the store. Once they were settled, Lily studied him.

"Now. Why were you riding into town as if someone were chasing your person?"

"It is about Ana." Lily's eyes widened in understanding as he continued.

"I found out this morning, that she left a letter for me in the care of my sister. Apparently, she did not want me to receive it, until she had departed with her brother."

Taking a slice of fresh bread, she delicately took a nibble, collecting her thoughts. Once she finished, she spoke quietly.

"What were in the contents of the letter?" Lily asked. Deciding not to beat around the bush, he sighed.

"Ana believes herself to be the problem. She also believes that my love of the sea, would supersede her love for me."

"Is it true?" she asked, wanting to hear the man say it for himself. Glancing down at the uneaten bread, he shook his head.

"At first it was. I admit, to not having the desire to seek out a wife. Why? I could find companionship if need be. But then Ana came into my life, and now my own reasoning felt weak. She cannot go on thinking herself to be at fault. I should have told her the truth, yes, but more importantly, I should have never led her to believe that she was second best."

Lily could see the honesty in his gaze, and she smiled that the once untouchable captain Christian had fallen madly in love with a kind, courageous woman.

The perfect match for him, Lily thought fondly.

"Well. I would say that you should prepare your affairs, before you present your case to her. Let me be clear, Christian. You must tell her how you really feel, and show her your commitment. Tis' very rare to find a woman such as her. I trust you will make sure she is aware of your affections daily?"

"I shall. I would never toy with Ana. She is too precious for that."

At that, Lily's smile broadened.

"Well. We wouldn't want to waste any more of your time. You should best be on your way."

Took you long enough, Christian! Leave me a review, it makes my day!