Transition Plan Chapter 32: First Homecoming Part 19 – Just Cruisin'

Author's Notes: This pair has been through heck and back. Several times… So I am just going to let them play with each other awhile before getting to Africa.

…

They were off the coast of Portugal about a week after leaving London, on their way to Gibraltar, and it got milder in climate, so Jane took quick advantage of the privacy deck on the back of the ship outside their multi-pane windows and French doors to regain her head-to-toe overall tan. She proceeded much more carefully in sunning herself overall, without the protective jungle oils to playfully apply to each other, so as to not burn her soft white skin. Tarzan had been in the sun so many years that he didn't need much to restore his tan, but never left her. They spent many hours side by side in the sun or in the shade just talking about the baby, their plans for resuming life in the jungle after they got the oilmen to leave, and when they might consider another return trip to England with their child. They were very excited like most normal expectant parents are.

Tarzan thought Jane was beautiful pregnant. It made Jane feel good that he would always admire her body so much, since she was beginning to already feel like she was getting bloated with their baby, even though the physical effects of pregnancy were barely perceptible. She was worried about being unattractive to him, as was often the case with married Englishmen, many of whom dallied with prettier, younger women when that happened. The effect of her gradually rounding body had quite the opposite effect on her husband – Tarzan was a product of the jungle where the male animals diligently protected their expectant mates, and he told her so, noting he was no different. Jane was warmed to the heart by that. Their private deck was also perfect for their most intimate moments outside as it got warmer, and the crew never bothered them when they wanted their 'alone time' together. D'Arnot made it very clear they were never to be disturbed in their private quarters.

One day early in their journey, Jane was examining her pregnant bare body in their cabin before going out to get some sun, checking for the latest changes in her shape. In the privacy of the Suite, she felt like she could act as they would in the jungle, displaying herself in their full length mirror, noting the changes in her body with great interest, and beamed as Tarzan watched her, "Look at me, Tarzan, I'm starting to show!"

She put her hands on herself, framing the little swelling in her stomach, and her belly button pushed out just tiny bit as her skin began to become stretched over her womb. It wasn't much to see yet, but her previously flat stomach was bulging a little and he wanted to share in her new feelings. He touched her bulge gently, and she covered his hand with hers pressing against her belly. She was warmer to the touch there, with a lot of activity going on inside her, and it all amazed him. It humbled him that he would be lucky enough to become a father by a truly beautiful woman. He had for many years resigned himself to be alone in the jungle his entire life with no mate. No one was like him. Until Jane.

"When can I feel the baby move, Jane?" Tarzan smiled.

"Oh, maybe at four or five months. I haven't even felt the first flutter yet. He – or she – is still too tiny."

Taking in her nakedness, looking forward to being in the jungle with her as natural as their gorilla family, and being rid of any traces of civilization, he also added, "Jane, there is something else happening. Your bosom… It's getting bigger."

"Of course it is! My breasts are getting ready for the baby, too," she smiled.

"That's still about seven months ahead," he noted with considerable interest.

She giggled, "Well, I'd like to think that this is the fun part for the daddy until the baby comes."

"So they'll continue to…" he looked at her in amazement imagining what was already big getting bigger.

She laughed seeing his pleased eyes expand with his imagination, "Yes dear. A lot bigger. But more tender too. And when they actually start working, well… I hope you like milk baths. So be careful! Just another advantage to being mates with a human girl, Tarzan."

"I love you being pregnant," he exclaimed, and he swept her into his arms, and she yelped in surprise. She was ecstatic at how much he adored her. They laughed heartily as she curled up into his grasp drawing his lips to hers.

"I love you too…" she cooed, between tastes of him.

That was the end of any hope for an outdoor sun tan session for the day.

…

They enjoyed their many intimate moments together, but they spent far more time on deck interacting and talking with d'Arnot and the crew, and, as her appetite returned, shared extraordinary gourmet meals with the Captain and his officers, a lot of times with fresh fish she caught with her bow and arrow with a line attached. The crew was delightful, and they were extremely loyal and respectful to them. It was like they had their own private navy, which d'Arnot explained was actually correct.

To the great surprise of the crew, both Tarzan and Jane spent even more time aloft in the sails, learning the trade of sailing from the sailors, and were very attentive. The sailors gave Jane a small crewman's uniform so she could climb easier in pants. They knew Jane was pregnant, and tried to dissuade her from climbing, but they learned very fast that no one wins an argument with Lady Jane when she wanted to do something or interact with people.

Tarzan and Jane were quite casual with the crew, and easily took directions from them in the operation of the ship. The couple never took advantage of their titles. That commanded their crew's respect, both for their interest in their jobs and skills and in fact that the Count and Countess were expert climbers. The pair even took shifts with the men to ease their load or spell them when they were hurt or sick. Though Jane was much more careful with overtaxing herself than prior to being pregnant, and battled her morning sickness, she climbed and swung among the sails and rigging just like being on vines in the jungle. Tarzan's movements through the maze of ropes and cables were always effortless, impressing the crew.

The crew gave them their privacy when Tarzan and Jane discovered that kissing in the rarely used crow's nest far above the main deck was romantic, but they were never obnoxious about it or interfered with the safe operation of the ship. It was just something special to share between them on starry or moonlit nights.

…

In the next few weeks that followed, the crew learned that that Jonathan lived in the jungle for twenty years, were astonished at his survival and skills, and that he taught so much to Jane to hone her hunting skills she learned from her father. This man and his wife were like no gentry the mariners had ever encountered. Especially John and Agnes Clayton and Sir Cedric and their cronies, all of whom had been on trips in the Destiny. Those people had treated the crew like slaves, and were demanding travelers, and had many unethical, decadent behaviors that grated on the crew's sensibilities. Understanding that the cruel men were gone, there was no sorrow, and they respected the new Lord and Lady Clayton very much. D'Arnot told his men that their kind manner was the way the actual historical Counts of Greystoke behaved towards their staff, and it made them prouder than ever to serve the family. The crew's dedication to them humbled the young couple.

To while away the few moments of leisure time for the crew, Tarzan and Jane challenged crew members to archery and knife throwing contests, as well as learning the sailors' games. The men decided very quickly that having Lady Jane beside them in battle with her bow that never missed its mark would probably a sure bet to keep them alive in a fight. Further, the men learned that they would never want to be alone in a face-off in a knife or sword fight against the Count. Tarzan grew to love checkers with the crew, but didn't quite get the card and dice games they played.

The evening skies on the ocean were as star-filled as Africa, and after awhile Tarzan started to recognize the constellation alignments. They were getting closer to their jungle home, and both husband and wife were getting anxious to be there. They had a side destination first though, and hours were spent in planning with d'Arnot and senior members of the crew.

Along the way were a few storms and rough seas, and poor Jane had to spend some time at the rail. She wasn't bothered by the sea motion on the way to London, but her morning sickness aggravated it on the return to Africa. There was little Tarzan could do but make sure she had plenty of water and the vitamins and herbs the doctor gave her, and helped her snack in between their meals with the Captain to keep her strong and her baby nourished. A long journey on a ship was not like having a well-stocked pantry in the Castle's kitchen to cater to her needs.

…

One night they were enjoying a spectacular night sky full of stars from the crow's nest. Meteors were falling like rain. Savoring the wind in her hair, Jane seemed distracted. She was counting on her fingers.

Curious about this, Tarzan asked, "Jane, dear, what are you doing?"

"Counting."

"I can see that. Counting what?"

"Months."

"Whatever for?" he puzzled.

"Hang on a minute. You'll see," she grinned.

After muttering to herself a bit more, she spoke to Tarzan, "All right. It's like this, dear husband. Daddy and I planned our expedition to see the gorillas a year and a half. I was still in college. That doesn't count."

"Count for what?" asked Tarzan in bewilderment.

"Shhh… Don't interrupt me, ape man," she smirked and stuck her tongue out at him.

"Well all right, then, Miss High and Mighty!" he jabbed back and threw his arms up in fake indignation.

"It took two months to get to Africa after we left London. Over the next two months we were in the wild studying the gorillas. Which is when we met," Jane explained and Tarzan saw her blush even in the dark.

"You mean studying me…" he kidded.

"I didn't start really studying you until that night time swing on the vines together…." she kidded.

"And a quick study you were, Jane. That was the whole point of me teaching you to swing that night."

"You little schemer," she blushed and changed the subject, still counting, "All right. You and I courted for four months after the ship left before marrying. Although I wish now I hadn't kept you waiting that long. Stupid shy me."

"You know that doesn't matter to me. I am glad you didn't rush and have regrets later."

"That's sweet. So anyway. Back to business. We were married seven months before going back to England. That journey took over two months. That got us to a little over nine months married by the time we got to London."

He could see what she was doing now.

"We spent two months in England, and of course I was wonderfully pregnant for at least five of those eight weeks even if you and I didn't know it for awhile…" she beamed. He stole a kiss from her.

She continued her explanation, "We left right after New Year's, and now we've been underway about six weeks. So you know what that means?"

Tarzan realized and smiled broadly, "We've been married a year? Oh! We've been married a year," he knew that was special for married people, "It's our first wedding anniversary!"

"Yes! Happy Anniversary to you too, Jonathan dearest," she wrapped her arms around his neck tightly and the pair lingered in a very deep, long kiss. They saw as many stars with their eyes closed as there were in the heavens above them.

She was dressed in the sailor's uniform that she wore often for comfort and mobility because the waist expanded as she did better than any of her restrictive maternity dresses. From an oversized pocket, she pulled out a bottle of sparkling cider and two metal cups she had carried aloft in secret. Tarzan smiled broadly at her very thoughtful surprise. They poured the cider into the cups, clunked them together, and toasted each other. It wasn't fancy, but they never worried about such things. It was special to them.

"What other English couple can say they celebrated their first anniversary in a crow's nest at the top of their own personal Clipper ship?" chuckled Tarzan.

"A year with you has been an amazing experience, Tarzan, dear. Not to mention more than six months together as friends first, then lovers."

"As amazing as all that is, there's something even more unique about us than that," he said with leading tone in his voice.

"How, dearest?" she prodded.

Tarzan explained, "Lieutenant Bonheur told me that it's Valentine's Day, the day couples express their love for each other, and that I must do something special for you."

She faked a pout and a whimpering voice, "Valentine's Day? Yes, indeed, that is an important day for lovers. So then…. where is my 'something special'?"

He held it out and placed it on her wrist. It was another exquisite item of women's jewelry from the treasure room. It was a bracelet covered in jewels of several different kinds – mostly blues and greens to match their eyes. It had a monogram 'JPC' engraved on the flat clasp and she knew it was for 'Jane Porter Clayton'.

She admired the elegant bracelet, "It's amazing, Jonathan. It had to take you a long time to find such an exquisite bracelet like this in the treasure chests! Thank you… How did you monogram it?"

"You just have to know your people's talents. Boatswain Tuttle is the ship's blacksmith and a jeweler's apprentice back in London," he grinned, very proud of his ingenuity.

"I know your talent, Jonathan," Jane teased.

"Oh?" he mused.

"Loving me all the time. Not just Valentine's Day," she said softly and flashed her eyes at him demurely.

They shared the magic moment of their first anniversary with Jane being held snugly in Tarzan's arms as they looked out into the ocean and stars overhead.

"You know what this means, right?" she asked.

"Yes, I do. We were married on Valentines Day, give or take a few days," Tarzan answered confidently.

He was really understanding and enjoying the human concepts of celebrating milestones in the passage of time. Growing old with him was going to be the joy of her life.

"Let's just say we got married on Valentine's Day last year. We'll never really know for sure. It makes our marriage that much more special," Jane suggested.

"That's just fine with me. And yes what we have is truly special."

They kissed for some time, and then hugged with her back and bottom pressed tightly against the front of his body, which stirred him and she felt it. They gazed silently into the meteor shower for a little while longer before going below, to celebrate a very tender anniversary coupling in their small cabin tub that used an ingenious method of collecting and storing rain water and heating it through the pot belly stove. They lit twelve candles around the tub – one for each month of their marriage, remembering and sharing with each other something amusing or tender in each month. They felt so nice and warm together after the slight chill of the evening air aloft. It was bigger than her tub at her home, so their intimate joining felt wonderful without being as confining. But there was a new wrinkle.

She kidded, "It's getting a little more crowded in here with so much new belly!"

At almost three months pregnant near the end of their ocean journey, she was very noticeable now. It was like overnight she just popped.

They laughed and got right back to kissing and their lovemaking in the steamy, soothing water. They made it much steamier…

…

Over dinner one night, the Captain reminded them of the politics of the situation, "The English claim Nigeria as a colony, but the indigenous Nigerians themselves are not sure whether they can trust the English or the French more. The Congolese further to the east had allied with France and the Belgians."

"Who will win their favor, Captain?"

D'Arnot observed, "Hard to say, Lord Jonathan. Wealth talks. The Nigerian Council was eager to make the deal with your cousin. He didn't have much money up front, but he promised much more later."

"A deal which we have to renegotiate, with something better than just money," noted Tarzan.

"I think your power of persuasion will be tres interessant, Monsieur," smiled d'Arnot, taking a long draw on his pipe. The three knew he meant the treasure chests full of gold and jewels. The chests Tarzan packed barely made a dent in the hidden Castle treasure room, but it would be enough for their purposes.

They parted for the evening, and Tarzan and Jane went out on the deck to enjoy their normal routine of taking in the fresh air and night sky before going to bed.

They sailed past their jungle home shore and cruised further east under a quarter moon in the evening. They kept far offshore and ran with no lights so the oil expedition team could not see them. The slower freighter behind them would not enter the waters for nearly a month more. They would get to be with their family to get reacquainted, spy on the oilmen to find their weaknesses, and make plans with the animals against the invading humans in conjunction with d'Arnot and the sailors.

But tonight, they just relaxed alone. Tarzan held Jane in front of him, leaning against a mast, and she rested her head against his muscled chest, as they both observed the familiar shoreline.

She pined, "I miss them terribly. I wish we could stop here first. I do so want to tell Terk our good news. It's been nearly six months since we saw them last, Tarzan. I hope they are all right, and that the oilmen haven't hurt them."

"I am sure they are all right. They've had enough experience with bad humans now to understand to flee and hide."

He grasped her carefully from behind, placing his hands and arms above and below her swelling belly covered by a yellow maternity dress, mimicking what she did instinctively like all mothers do, and squeezed his affection, being careful of their growing child. Tarzan's hug made Jane feel very secure, and she sighed. She put her hands and arms over his.

As she did so, her eyes flashed open and she got a very surprised look on her face, clutching her stomach and exclaimed, "Oh my!"

"What, Jane?" Tarzan fretted.

She got very excited, turned around to face him, smiled broadly, and flung her arms around Tarzan, "The baby! You made him move. I felt the first flutter!"

"That is wonderful, Jane."

"He's going to be big. Or she…"

"How do you know?"

"Feeling a flutter now is very early. It's been barely 12 weeks since you fulfilled my dream of getting me pregnant in my very own bed that first night home in London. The doctor told me to expect to sense him moving at about 15 weeks."

"Jane, dear, I am so happy you can feel our child," but he snickered, "However, I still think it happened in your bathtub…"

"Oh you tease!" she blushed.

She thought gleefully of that first cramped, incredibly satisfying hot bath in her bedroom suite that had fit them more tightly and deeply together than any time before. He was probably right. In that seminal moment in her tub, everything he had to give her – and that was always a lot - didn't have to travel far.

They shared a very happy hug and kiss. But then they saw the smoke from the oil exploration encampments highlighted by the moonlight, and their happy mood turned very, very serious.

"We have to make sure we have a place to come back to that no one can ever take away from us. Jane, I know we are going ashore soon, and we think we have planned for everything. But I want you to wear your loincloth under our clothes for a quick change."

"But I thought we'd negotiate as English nobility."

"We will begin that way. Just the same, make sure you do. I feel like we will have to convince them a little harder than we think. Especially when we change the terms of the deal."

"One thing I have learned Tarzan is to trust your feelings."

They slept soundly that night spooned together as always, knowing they needed every once of energy for the meetings the next day.