Chapter 23

The next morning, Allie woke up late. She leapt out of bed and quickly pulled her boots and bandana on. She ran out of the cabin and straight into Jack. The force of the impact made her start to fall backwards but Jack reached out and caught her around her waist.

"Thanks," she said. "What time is it?"

"Almost two, luv. I was just coming to check on ye." Allie's eyes widened.

"Almost two?! Why didn't you wake me up?" she demanded. Jack smiled, then reached out and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

"Ye looked so peaceful an' relaxed that I didn't dare wake ye. Besides, I know that ye didn't get a whole lot of sleep while in tha' jail cell, right?" Allie rolled her eyes.

"Try no sleep at all," she said. Jack nodded.

"I though' so." He looked her straight in the eyes, and folded his arms over his chest. "I wan' ye to take the day off, luv," he said. Allie immediately shook her head.

"I can't do that, Jack. It wouldn't be fair to the rest of the crew." Jack put his arm around her shoulders and started to guide her back into the cabin.

"They understand tha' ye need the day off. Ye had a pretty eventful day yesterday," he said as they stepped into the cabin. Jack led Allie over to the bed and sat down next to her.

"So did they," Allie argued, standing up. Jack reached out, grabbed her around her waist, and pulled her into his lap.

"Jack, let me up!" she insisted, trying to stand up again, but Jack simply pulled her close and kissed her passionately. Allie immediately pulled back and tried to glare at him, but found herself grinning instead.

"Do you really think that you can convince me to take the day off just by kissing me?" she asked. Jack smirked and started nuzzling her neck. Allie attempted to stop the shiver that ran down her spine, but she wasn't very successful.

"Well, it had crossed me mind," Jack murmured in between kisses.

"Does Liz get the day off?" Allie asked somewhat breathlessly, trying to hold onto some rational train of thought. She was quickly loosing that battle. She needed to get out of there, and fast, before she did something that she would regret later.

"I think so," Jack said after thinking about it for a moment. He leaned in and caught her lips in a fiery kiss that left her reeling when he pulled back. When Jack started to work his way down her neck, Allie pulled away.

"I'm sorry," she said, looking down at the ground. "I'm just afraid that if we continue, I won't be able to stop. It's still too soon for me." Jack nodded.

"It's alright, luv. I told ye that I wouldn't make ye do anythin' ye didn't want to do." Jack suddenly reached into his pocket and pulled out a folded piece of paper. "Here. I wrote somethin'. I want ye to have it, luv." He got up and headed towards the door. "If ye need me, I'll be up on deck." With that, he was gone.

Allie opened up the piece of paper and began to read. A grin spread across her face as she read what Jack had written. She leapt up from the bed and ran to Liz's room as fast as she could. Allie was surprised to find the room empty. She ran up the stairs to the deck, searching for Liz as she went.

Liz wasn't on the deck like Allie thought she'd be. She searched all over the ship, but didn't see Liz anywhere. She finally ran into Paul after about 30 minutes of searching.

"Paul, do you know where Liz is?" she asked. Paul thought for a moment.

"Aye. I believe that she's in the galley," he said. Allie raised her eyebrows.

"In the galley?" she repeated. "I thought she had the day off."

"She does," Paul confirmed. "Mr. Turner is in the galley as well." Now Allie was really confused.

"What's Will doing in the galley?" she asked. Paul grinned.

"Someone has to cook," he said. Allie smiled.

"Thanks, Paul!" she called over her shoulder as she ran down the stairs towards the galley.

She burst through the kitchen doors at top speed. Liz and Will, who had been engaged in a spit swap, jumped apart as the door banged open. When Liz saw Allie standing there, she rolled her eyes.

"Oh, it's just you," Liz said jokingly. Allie grinned.

"Don't you two do anything else?" she asked impishly. Liz looked at her like she was nuts.

"No. Did you have a reason for coming here? 'Cause if not, we'd like to get back to what we were doing," Will said.

"Mr. Turner!" Allie said, while at the same time Liz said,

"William!" and lightly slugged him in the arm. Will turned to her, a guiltless expression on his face.

"What?" he asked innocently, then leaned down and kissed Liz lightly on the nose. Liz pouted.

"Dang it, how am I supposed to stay mad at you?" Liz questioned with a small grin. Will smirked.

"You're not, Princess," was all he said before leaning in to kiss her again. Allie leapt in between them.

"Wait!" she said. "Before you two go at it again, I want to show Liz something." Will looked annoyed.

"What could possibly be more important than this?" Liz wanted to know. Allie rolled her eyes.

"How about my love life?" Liz scoffed and Will looked amused.

"Are you kidding?" Will asked, trying desperately not to laugh. Allie looked hurt.

"No. I'm totally serious." Liz burst out laughing. Allie pouted. "Fine. I'll just go where someone appreciates me." She started to walk out of the kitchen. Liz sighed.

"Allie, wait!" Liz called to her friends retreating back. Allie stopped, but she didn't turn around. If she did, they would see the smile that was threatening to break loose. Liz turned to Will. "I'll be right back," she said, and gave him a quick kiss, then followed Allie out of the kitchen. "What did you want to show me?" Allie pulled out the paper from her pocket and handed it to Liz.

"Look what Jack wrote for me," she said, grinning madly again. Liz looked at the piece of paper for a few moments, then handed it back.

"I can't make out a word on this page," she said matter-of-factly. Allie rolled her eyes.

"Fine, I'll read it to you," she said.

"Oh my sweet girl, what can it be?

These feelings inside are so foreign to me.

Never felt this, never wished this,

But here they are at last.

I can't really explain this, I don't know why

But you have enchanted me, witch,

When you fell from the sky.

Your smile, your face,

And your big blue eyes;

They light up the room whenever you enter.

But something more, much more, happens

Inside of me when you are near.

As I have said, I can't explain it;

All I know is I like it,

And I never want it to go.

Never felt this, never wished this,

But here it is at last."

When she was done reading, Allie looked up at Liz.

"Isn't that the sweetest thing you've ever heard?" she asked. Liz smirked.

"I must admit--I'm shocked that those words came from Jack." She shook her head. "I didn't know he had it in him." Allie suddenly sniffed the air.

"Is something burning?" she asked, looking around. Liz's eyes widened, and she ran back into the kitchen.

"Will!" Will sprang into action, grabbing the pot off the stove and putting it in the sink. He turned back to see Liz giving him "the look."

"I thought you said you knew how to cook," Liz said, crossing her arms over her chest. Will looked sheepish.

"You distract me, Princess," he said with a smile, trying to win her over. Liz rolled her eyes.

"Will, I wasn't even in the kitchen," she said. Will smiled softly.

"Physically, no. But mentally, you're always with me." Allie groaned.

"Oh please," she exclaimed, rolling her eyes. Before either Will or Liz could retaliate, Jack came in.

"Mr. Turner, we are close to your requested destination," Jack informed Will in an undertone, so that Liz and Allie didn't hear. Will nodded.

"Thanks, Jack," he said. Jack grinned.

"No problem, mate." He turned to Allie. "What are yer plans fer today, luv?" Allie grinned.

"Reading and sleeping," she said. She turned to Liz. "I'll see ya later. If you need me, I'll be in me cabin."

"I'll go with ye, luv," Jack said, sliding an arm around her shoulders. After the two of them left, Liz turned to Will.

"Let's go see if we can salvage dinner," she said.

Liz was napping when Will walked into the bedroom after dinner. He smiled and touched his vest pocket. Then he walked over and gently sat on the bed next to her slumbering body. Will lightly shook her.

"Princess, wake up." Liz slowly opened her eyes and looked into Will's brown ones.

"What is it?" she asked sleepily. Will smiled again and pushed a lock of hair out of her face. Without saying a word, he leaned down and kissed her. A short time later, he pulled back.

"Now…get out," he said with an impish grin on his face. Liz was shocked and confused.

"What!" Will laughed softly at Liz. Her hair was tangled, her eyes looked tired from sleeping, her lips were slightly swollen, and she was still trying to catch her breath from his kisses. Will never thought she looked more beautiful. Liz pouted her bottom lip. "Are you trying to get rid of me?" He tenderly stroked her face.

"I never want to get rid of you, sweetheart. There is something I need to do right now and you can't know about it just yet. That's all I can tell you at the moment, so you're going to have to trust me." Liz sat up and sighed.

"Okay baby. I trust you. But you have peaked my curiosity. I'll be in Allie's room. Come and get me when it's safe to come back." She got up off the bed, stood on her tip toes to kiss Will's cheek, and left to find her friend.

Liz walked the short distance to Allie's room and without knocking went in. She was horrified to see her friend making out with the Captain. She turned and left without either of them even noticing her. Liz quietly closed the door and breathed a sigh of relief that she wasn't detected.

"Sick," she exclaimed with a giggle. That was the first time she had ever seen her friend kiss Jack so intimately.

Liz decided that since her friend was occupied, she'd go relax at the bow of the ship. While walking there she noticed that the Pearl wasn't moving. She was anchored about half a mile from a small island. Reaching the front, Liz sat down humming to herself. I think I must be the luckiest girl in the world, she thought as she stared out at the ocean, drifting into daydreams.

Allie was reading Don Quixote again, when there was a knock on the door.

"Come in," she called without looking up. Will walked in and looked around.

"Hello, Miss Hudson," he said with a grin. Allie rolled her eyes.

"I take it Jack told you my last name," she said with a small smile. Will nodded.

"So when did you tell him?" he asked.

"Sometime this afternoon," she said. "Lookin' for Liz?" she asked. Will nodded again.

"Yes. Do you know where she is?" he asked looking around, as if Liz would suddenly pop out of nowhere. Allie shook her head.

"I'm afraid not," she said, putting her book down. "Why?" Will shook his head.

"No reason," he said vaguely. Allie raised an eyebrow.

"What are you up to, Mr. Turner?" she questioned. Will tried to look innocent.

"I'm not up to anything," he said, hoping that she would buy it. Allie just gave him a "do-you-think-I'm-stupid?" look.

"Nice try, Will, but I'm not buying it. What are you up to?" she asked again. Will sighed.

"Alright, I'll tell you. But you have to promise to keep it a secret," he said, glancing around the room again. Allie held up her right hand.

"I swear on pain of death that I shall not tell a single soul of yer plans," she said solemnly. Will nodded and took a deep breath.

"Well, here are the tentative plans," Will said, then explained it all to Allie. When he was done, she grinned.

"Well, I hope everything works out," she said. "Good luck finding Liz."

"Thanks," Will said with a smile, then left to go find his sweetheart.

Liz was gazing at the stars, thinking of Will when he came up behind and wrapped his arms around her waist. She leaned back into his warmth.

"You can come back to the room now, Princess," he said kissing her neck. Liz pulled back and turned around. Without a warning Will leaned over and scooped Liz up in his arms. He pulled her close and kissed her fiercely while walking them to their cabin. When Liz realized they were at the bedroom door she pulled back.

"I don't dare trust to go in there alone with you right now," she said breathlessly. Will smiled sinfully then put her down.

"Now Liz, whatever is on your mind?" She blushed and Will laughed at her discomfort, "It's safe. I've already promised you once that I'd be a good boy. You had my word. Although, I would be lying if I said that those kind of thoughts haven't popped in my mind from time to time." Liz blushed more. He kissed her forehead and reassured her, "Don't worry Princess, I can control myself. Besides…I have a surprise for you, remember." Will opened the door and went inside. Liz followed right behind. She walked in the room and didn't see anything out of the ordinary.

"Well, what's my surprise?" Liz asked excitingly. She looked around once more to see if she had missed it the first time.

"This." Will said as he held up a red blindfold that he got out of his pocket and gave it to her. Liz was stunned.

"This is what I've been waiting for? Well Will, I must admit, I'm certainly…surprised." Will tried not to laugh at the disappointment evident on her face. "What do I do with it?" He ignored her question.

"Get your shawl, Liz."

"Why?"

"Just get it." Liz walked over to the peg on the wall and grabbed her wrap. Then back over by Will. He took it from her and wrapped it around her shoulders. Next, he grabbed her hand and led her back out the door. "C'mon."

Will led Liz above deck to a rope ladder that was heading down to a little row boat that had been put out in the ocean while she had been napping.

"What's that?" Liz asked looking down at the dark waves.

"The next part of your surprise. I'll go down first." Will swung a leg over the rail then placed his foot on the ladder. "Be careful when you come down Liz. Go slow." She nodded, then he continued down. When Will reached the boat he lit a lantern that he had placed there earlier. Then called for Liz. She slowly made her way towards the light holding tight to the rope until she was far enough down that she felt Will's hands on her waist. "I've got you." She let go and he lowered her the rest of the way.

Liz looked around the tiny boat. There was a bag, basket, and some blankets loaded in. She was a little confused by what was going on.

"Will…where are we going?" He smiled at her, kissed her, and held out his hand.

"I need that first part of the surprise back now." Liz decided she wasn't going to get any answers from him, so she didn't even try to repeat her question. She just got out the scrap of red materiel and handed it to him. "Sit down right there, Princess," he said pointing to a bench. When Liz complied he wrapped the blindfold over her eyes. "Can you see anything?" Liz shook her head no.

"I can't see a thing." Will waved his hands a few times in front of her face to make sure. When she didn't move he smiled.

"Perfect."

"What's perfect?" Liz asked. Will leaned down and kissed her nose.

"You are, Princess." He sat down across from her and picked up the oars. "Now sit still while I'm rowing. And no peeking." Liz pretended to pout.

"Fine…I promise I won't look. But will you at least tell me where we are going?" Will just kept on rowing.

"Nope. You'll find out soon."

After about fifteen minutes, Liz felt the water grow shallow and Will stand up. She heard rustling and was tempted to try and see what was going on, but she promised Will that she wouldn't. So she remained still and waited patiently for his next instructions.

"Stand up, Princess." Liz did what she was told and almost immediately felt herself being thrown over Will's shoulder. He stepped out of the boat and headed for shore. Liz felt that she wasn't the only thing he was carrying and felt bad that she was adding to the load.

"I can walk, Will."

"No. I don't want you to get wet. We're almost there." Liz smiled.

"Almost where?" She asked trying to get some information out of him.

"Oh no you don't. You'll find out when we get there." He walked the rest of the way up the sandy beach. When he was far from the ocean he put Liz down. "Do you want me to keep carrying you or would you like to walk the rest of the way?"

"I'll walk. I was beginning to feel like a sack of potatoes up there."

"Keep in mind I'll have to lead you though. I'm not taking off the blindfold just yet."

"That's fine. I trust you." He grabbed her hand and kissed it.

"This way milady." Then he pulled her along a path. Liz just stayed close by his side following his every step. After ten minutes she heard a dull roaring and it was getting louder as they continued. When they finally came to a stop she realized it was water that she was hearing.

"Can I take this off now?" Liz asked already trying to get the blindfold off. Will walked behind her and started to undo the knot he had made. He took off the blindfold and Liz gasped. They were standing in a small clearing that was surrounded by palm trees. Directly in front of them was a pool with a waterfall filling it. There was a clear sky. The moon was full and the stars were out. Liz looked out at the water and could see the moon reflecting in the pool. It was beautiful.

"Oh Will…it's gorgeous!" She said throwing her arms around him. He pulled her close and buried his face in her hair. After a few minutes Will pulled back.

"I thought you might like it. I found it last year right before I met you. It's my own little secret place and I'm sharing it with you. Now it can be our little secret place." He lifted her chin and lightly kissed her lips.

"Thank you. I really love my surprise," Liz whispered when the kiss was over. He smiled down at her and brushed some hair out of her eyes.

"It's not over yet." Will said under his breath still holding her.

"What?"

"Nothing. Why don't you lay out the blanket, while I start a fire."

Will started looking for wood to make a fire. Liz laid out the blanket by the water and sat down. After about fifteen minutes, she took off her shoes and put her feet in the cool water. It wasn't too cold so Liz decided she would take a swim. Will was still looking for firewood, therefore Liz took off her dress and dove in the water in her slip and underclothes. She swam around for awhile then decided to relax. Liz got on her back and floated near the water's edge. The next thing she knew she was being dunked. Liz let out a giant scream and then went under. When she emerged she found a laughing and shirtless Will Turner standing next to her.

"That wasn't very nice, Turner." Liz exclaimed.

"Aww…come on now, Princess, you liked it." As soon as Will had gotten it out of his mouth, Liz lunged at him. She landed on top of him in the shallow water.

"That wasn't nice," he sputtered. She put her hands through his now lose hair.

"Aww…you liked it." She smiled and laughed. He leaned up to kiss her but she turned her head, "Let's play," she said and stood up then splashed him. He tried to splash her back but she ran away. Will quickly got up and went after her. He caught up with her rapidly. She screamed and he lifted her up into his arms.

"You're gonna pay, Princess." Will walked them over to the falls and started to inch under them.

"Will don't!" He stepped all the way under and spun around. Shortly Liz's screams turned into giggles. Then he walked behind the falls and sat her down slowly. "Did you think that was funny?" Liz said trying to attempt a serious face.

"Not if you don't," he said pulling her against him. Liz smiled.

"It's a good thing for you I did think it was funny then, huh?" Will leaned down closer to her face.

"A very good thing," he said right before his lips touched hers. They shared a passionate kiss then Will backed up stroking her face, "I love you so much," he said then kissed her again.

"I love you too." They just stood in the little cavern staring at each other and holding and kissing each other. The moon shone through the falling water making the room sparkle. Liz suddenly made an involuntary shudder. Will looked at her arms and noticed that she had 'shivers'.

"C'mon, Princess, let's get you over to the fire. You're freezing." He kissed her lightly and led her out.

When they reached the blanket Will handed her the bag he brought.

"What's this?" Liz asked looking at the bag.

"Dry clothes." Liz smirked.

"Knew we'd take a dip?" she asked raising her brows.

"I hoped for it."

"I bet you did." Liz opened the bag and looked at what Will had packed for her. She saw her capri's she had made from his old pants and a baby tee she had made that Will loved. Under her clothes were some dry ones for him. Liz took her clothes out and went behind a big rock to change. When she returned Will was already in his clean clothes. Liz walked up behind him and wrapped her arms around his chest.

"Feel better?" Will asked.

"I feel….much better," Liz said with a yawn. Will led Liz over to the blanket.

"Time for bed, Sweetheart." Will pulled her down onto the blanket and dragged the other blanket up over them. Then he wrapped his arms tightly around her. "I finally get to hold you through the night." Liz's head was resting on his shoulder and his chin was resting on her head. They looked up at the stars and just enjoyed being together. Liz sighed blissfully and looked at Will with droopy eyes.

"Tonight…was…. magical. I…love…" Liz drifted into sleep before she could finish her thought. He smiled and hugged her closer.

"I love you too, Liz." He closed his eyes and fell asleep minutes later.

The next morning Liz woke up still in Will's arms just before dawn. He was already awake staring at her face.

"Good morning, Princess."

"Morning." She said with a grin.

"You're up just in time." Liz looked puzzled.

"In time for what?" Will sat up and Liz followed.

"To watch the sun rise." She smiled and leaned back into his chest. He started to fiddle with her hair. They both watched as the sun painted the sky in brilliant colors of pinks and blue. When the sun was up, Liz turned to him.

"That was the best day of my life." Will just smiled and didn't say anything. He stood up and Liz tried to do the same, but Will told her to stay put. She sat back down and watched his back as he went through his bag of things. He came back over to the blanket, took a deep breath and sat down next to her. He looked her in the eyes. Liz could tell something was on his mind.

"What is it baby?" Will grabbed her hands and started massaging them. He took another deep breath and started.

"Elizabeth…" He had her undivided attention. Will had never called her by her full name before. "Elizabeth. I love you more than life itself. I cannot live without you." Will stopped for a second and slipped a small ring on her finger. Liz sucked in her breath. "Elizabeth Anne Carter…will you be my wife? Princess, I love you. I will give you a good home. I will provide for you and be everything a good husband is supposed to be. I promise." Liz was speechless. She couldn't believe this was happening, so she sat in front of him dumb struck for awhile. "Princess, please say something." She just looked at him, tears in her eyes. Liz threw her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly. Then she pulled back.

"Will, I love you. But there is something I have to tell you."

A/N: This was Liz's favorite chapter. The poem that Jack wrote for Allie was completely original. Liz wrote it for the story.