Sidney watched as Charlotte left the waves and combed her fingers through her wet hair. Her wet dress clung to her form as she made her way to a table laid out with fruit. She had no idea the power she had over him. He'd never fallen so hard before. When Mr. Lambe had offered a shared room, he'd been sorely tempted. But he knew Charlotte was so much more than a casual fling. He wanted to do this right.

Making his way over to her, he took in her blushing cheeks and took pity on her. He quickly pulled his shirt on. "I suppose this is the part where you tell me that I'm the one that should be embarrassed by my bare chest."

She laughed. "That feels like another lifetime ago. How ever did we manage to disagree so much?"

He smiled into her eyes. "Beats me, Miss Heywood." He reached for her hand. "Would you like to dance?"

Charlotte paused, uncertainty wavering in her eyes. "My dress is soaked and I'm sure I look a mess. Maybe there's a more suitable partner for you, Mr. Parker."

He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her closer to the other couples who were swaying about on the sand. There was no need for further words as they spun about under the light of the candles. Both of them seemed to sense the magic of the moment, clinging to each other, their hearts in their eyes.

As the song came to an end, Charlotte stepped back, a little breathless. "I think it's time for me to retire, Sidney."

Sidney nodded. "Yes, it has been a busy few days. Perhaps an early night is best." He offered his arm to her. "Come, I'll walk you to your rooms." They made their way off the dance floor and through the hay bales that had been set up for the ceremony. They were about to leave the lights of the party when Sidney noticed Lady Denham's disapproving stare.

He bowed slightly. "Lady Denham." He smiled. "I'm just going to escort Miss Heywood to her rooms. I'll be back to escort you shortly."

She kept her eagle eye on them but nodded. He led Charlotte from the party and along the beach. The close family and friends of the bride had all been allocated quaint beach-side huts within a kilometer of the wedding location. Sidney thought it quite the novelty to be able to have the space to themselves and be able to walk straight out of their huts and onto the tropical sands.

When they reached Charlotte's hut, they hovered at the door for a moment.

"Thank you for a lovely evening, Mr. Parker."

Sidney looked down into Charlotte's eyes. "I have something to tell you, Charlotte."

He stepped closer to her, loving the hitch in her breathing.

"Yes?"

He couldn't stop himself. Breathing in her heady lavender scent and looking down into her eyes, he was a man lost at sea. He was drowning in his feelings for her. He crushed her into his chest and gently captured her lips with his. After a moment's hesitation, she returned the kiss and his heart soared. He kissed her again and again, overwhelmed with feeling.

When they finally came up for air, he forced himself to take a step away from her and look at anything other than her rosy lips. She was the first to speak, her voice teasing despite the shyness written across her cheeks.

"I thought you had something to tell me, Sidney."

He grinned at her. "Did that not tell you something?"

She chewed her lower lip, the blush overwhelming her cheeks.

"I do have something to tell you though, Charlotte. But I'm afraid Lady Denham is going to beat me with a broom if I stand on your porch for any longer."

A giggle escaped her at that.

"Would you care to join me for a walk on the beach tomorrow?" A swirl of elation spread through his veins at the thought. Tomorrow he would tell her. He didn't want this Antiguan adventure to be the last of their adventures. He wanted-

Sidney was drawn from his thoughts by a shout from across the beach. Unconsciously the two of them stepped further apart. He turned to squint into the darkness, only to hear the shout again.

"Mr. Parker, fire! Help!"

He quickly turned back to Charlotte. "Stay here. I'll come tell you everything when the fire is out."