Disclaimer: I've finally accepted the fact that I DON'T own Orlando and I never will. Am reduced to watching the premier and interview videos at the Disney Pirates of the Caribbean site, drooling over Mr. I've-got-my-shirt-open-and-you-can't-get-to-me-because-I'm-safe-behind-the-computer-screen.

A/N: sorry about the slow update for chapt 12: was at freshman orientation MARCHING BAND IS MURDER. Will be slaving away running miles at band camp and doing two-a-day's (twice a day long workouts) for the next 2 weeks. If I am alive by then, will be too busy to write due to band practice at 7 in the morning and drill team to 5 in the evening, plus homework. Sucks for me. Am I whining, yes. Am I being dramatic, yes. Just look for some nice new stories after football season. That's when I get my life back. Without further ado, THE LAST CHAPTER.

There was an infinite amount of good things about being engaged. However for Elizabeth Swann, there was the matter of her dowry. When she and Will had finally announced to the governor of their promise, he had set her maids to work on her dowry. This meant that Elizabeth had to sit inside as well, head bent over countless lace and muslin, needle flashing by the light of day and candles.

Several trunks were already filled with silver candlesticks, cutlery, china, rugs, lamps, clothes, jewelry, and other household items. Two wagons were prepared to be loaded with furniture that Will's little house certainly could not hold. Apparently, the governor intended to give the couple the use of a large house at one end of the long island that he had built for Elizabeth's mother before she died. They had tried to protest, but the governor said that if his daughter could not marry well, at least she could live well. It had stung, but Elizabeth knew the only thing that mattered to her fiancé was she.

Elizabeth looked up from sewing a pillowcase, eyes and head throbbing. With a sigh she threw aside her work and strode from the room. She settled herself on the bench in the garden after a brisk walk, wishing to be beside Will. It was the night before her wedding, so an arranged, chaperoned meeting with him would be out of the question. It was an exceptionally quiet night, and with a slight smile she wondered if she could hear the clanging of Will at the blacksmith shop. She dismissed the notion to a passing carriage and returned to musing over her future.

Glancing about the garden, she spotted the old path to the beach, the bent plants and branches beginning to rejuvenate from her absence. She glanced to the sky bright with stars and decided to take one last swim as a maiden of the name of Swann. It took her little time to reach the shore, small waves lapping at the snow-white sand. She removed her dress and stood only in her bodice, sea breezes teasing her hair.

The clear water felt cool on her skin, and she floated at the surface, basking in the faint glow of the stars. Fancifully she thought about games of lets pretend as a little girl when she had swum in the shallow waters dreaming of mermaids and their homes beneath the waves. With a smile she propelled through the water, eyes closing in bliss.

When something bumped her, she started, thinking of sharks. To her relief Will treaded water beside her, wearing only his trousers, olive skin pearly in the faint light. "I thought you might be here." Wordlessly he pulled her to him, fingers running through her dripping hair. His mouth closed over hers, tasting the salt from the sea upon the sweetness of her lips. How much a kiss could say about a person.

Elizabeth's heart was in utter bliss. Kissing always was like floating to her, and now that Will and she did so while swimming, the sensation only increased tenfold. How she loved him so, how wonderful he was. They parted, smiles on both faces. Will cupped her face in his hand, thumb moving over an eyelid.

"It is late, my dear." Was all he said before swimming to the shore and donning his shirt. He was gone into the brush before she could reach the shore.

The wedding day dawned cloudy, a storm having crept upon the pristine sky in the early hours. The distance threatened rain, but Will cared not if he stood drenched throughout the ceremony. He was to promise his life to another, something that seemed to him as noble and profound.

He was at the chapel near the harbor before many of the guests, striding about the small sanctuary with sudden nervousness. Things that had not mattered hours before suddenly seemed direly important. Trivial matters, such as the quality of his house, or the meticulousness of his housekeeper, or his amount of wealth, were like small demons taunting him. Shaking aside these fears, Will glanced up at the approaching carriage that bore his bride.

A large crowd has assembled, people spilling out the small chapel's doors, speaking excitedly of the marriage of one of the most prominent families and respected blacksmith of the island. The priest called him to the alter to await the guests of honor.

"My dear, we are here at last." Will carried Elizabeth from the carriage to the new residence, a house built much like a smaller version of the governor's. Will had to admit it was much finer than his future renovated cottage would ever boast. Elizabeth's elaborate gown clouded his view, but he tried his best to keep her from bumping into things as he carried her up the stairs to their bridal suite.

The servants had prepared the house well, leaving a meal and wine displayed upon the small table in their chambers. Will eased Elizabeth to the floor, kissing her tenderly. "May I propose a toast?" He poured a small amount of wine two glasses and raised his. "To our marriage."

Elizabeth raised hers, eyes wandering to the bedroom beyond, where she knew their first child would be made, and hopefully many others. "To Life."

THE END!

Another A/N: Okay, I know these past two chapters have been filled with fluffy goodness and no action, blah blah blah blah blah. I can't cook up as good lines as the movie, gimme a break! Plus, I didn't have much time to write them, so dialogue was off the top of my head and kinda kinky. Next thing I write (when I have time) will be more thought-out.