Jack stood nervously at the front of the Tortuga Chapel. It was a nice enough little church, under the charge of a small Spanish priest named Padre Raul. The place was packed with guests, most of whom Jack had never met in his life, but who had invited themselves to the wedding of the infamous Jack Sparrow. He nervously adjusted his long black jacket.
"You okay, Capitán?" the old priest asked.
"Muy bien, gracias," Jack murmured, smiling. Very well, thanks.
"Ah, usted habla español," Padre Raul chuckled. Ah, you speak Spanish.
"Sí, sí," Jack smiled. Yes, yes.
"A man of many talents," Padre Raul laughed.
"He is indeed," Will said, coming to stand beside his friend. "What vows are you having?"
"Padre Raul here has put together a service for us," Jack grinned. "It should be beautiful."
"I'm so happy for you," Will said.
&&&&&&
Tara looked at the chapel with a small smile as the carriage drew up outside. She climbed carefully down to the ground. Elizabeth and Rose followed her lead.
"Well, here I am," Tara whispered. "No longer a free woman."
"I don't think yer ever were a free woman," Rose smiled. "Especially not where Jack's concerned. Yer were smitten from the moment yer saw him."
Tara nodded. "Aye. I think you may be right."
"Tara?" Ben suddenly walked out of the church, dressed smartly, beaming at the bride. "Ye look... amazing. Oh, if only I were straight. Is that real lace? Your hair, your dress... you're perfect."
She caught him in a fond embrace. "My darling Ben. I owe you so much."
"You owe me nothing," he smiled, hugging her tightly.
Tara gasped suddenly. "Who will give me away? My father cannot."
"I will," Ben announced. "If ye will grant me that honour, Tara."
She smiled warmly at him. "Of course I will. Oh, Ben."
He took her arm. "Off we go."
&&&&&&
Jack felt his heart rise to his throat as the congregation stood up. Will patted him fondly on the shoulder. The doors opened slowly, and Jack couldn't help but smile as Tara stepped in. She looked angelic. Her eyes caught his, and she laughed. Two small girls appeared suddenly beside her, and threw buckets of white rose petals over her. She laughed and smiled, and she and Ben continued walking towards Jack. A small band in the corner, composed of two trumpets, an organ and a violin began to play the wedding march.
Jack couldn't tear his eyes away from Tara's face. He watched Elizabeth and Rose follow her. Everything was perfect. Tara was finally his. He laughed softly. What a beautiful day.
"Jack..." she whispered.
She and Ben reached the alter. Ben placed her hand gently on top of Jack's, then sat down with the bridesmaids at the side. Tara and Jack smiled at each other.
"People of the congregation," Padre began, "we are gathered today, in the eyes of God, to witness the holy bond between Captain Jack Sparrow and Miss Tara Waller. Please be seated."
As everyone sat down, Jack felt Tara's hand tighten around his own. He caught her eye, and saw her smile. Nervous but happy, just like him.
"Jack Sparrow, do you consent to marry Tara Waller?"
"I do," he replied.
"Do you promise to love, honour and obey her for the rest of your life?"
"I do."
"Tara Waller, do you consent to marry Jack Sparrow?"
"I do," she said, her voice a quiet mask of her nerves.
"Do you promise to love, honour and obey him for the rest of your life?"
"I do," she whispered.
"You have both given your consent to marry, in the eyes of God, in the eyes of the congregation, in the eyes of each other," Padre continued. "Jack, please repeat after me- I, Jack Sparrow..."
"I, Jack Sparrow..."
"... do take thee, Tara Waller..."
"... do take thee, Tar' Waller..."
"... to be my lawful wedded wife."
"... to be me lawful wedded wife."
"Thank you. Tara, repeat- I, Tara Waller..."
"I, Tara Waller..."
"... do take thee, Jack Sparrow..."
"... do take thee, Jack Sparrow..."
"... to be my lawful wedded husband."
"... to be my lawful wedded husband."
Padre smiled. Jack grinned at Tara, who blushed but nodded. Will walked over and handed Padre two rings, slim and gold.
"I bless these rings to symbolise your never ending love," Padre said. "Jack..."
Jack took one of the rings and carefully slipped it onto Tara's finger. She smiled and took the other one, putting it onto Jack's finger.
"Jack, do you take Tara as your wife?"
"I do."
"Tara, do you take Jack as your husband?"
Her voice didn't shake as she answered. "I do."
"I know pronounce you man and wife. Jack, you may kiss the bride."
Jack turned to his new wife, and saw the tears of joy sparkling in her hazel eyes. Then he threw his arms around her waist and pulled her close. She clutched onto the lapels of his jacket as his lips met her own in a long, open-mouthed, passionate, loving kiss. The congregation stood up and all started cheering and clapping.
Tara pulled away from Jack, and turned to face them all, tears falling down her cheeks. Jack gathered her up in his arms and somehow managed to carry her out of the church; she seemed to be so happy that her legs were weak, and he supported her all the way to the carriage. They climbed into the back seat just as the congregation poured out after them.
"Good luck!" Elizabeth and Will called, waving furiously.
"No babies until we get back!" Tara shouted at Will, who blushed but grinned.
"Goodbye for now, my dears!" Rosemary shouted.
"Ta-ta!" Jack called.
"To the Black Pearl!" Ben screamed happily, leaping onto the front seat and grabbing the reins.
"Two seconds, Ben," Jack said. He turned to the crowd and shouted, "I want yer all ter know that I love this woman with all me heart and soul, and I will do for the rest o' me life!"
Tara turned a deep shade of crimson as the carriage pulled away, but still grabbed Jack's head with her hands and kissed him passionately. This was life. This was love.
"No looking back," she whispered, as their lips became detached.
"No lookin' back." He kissed her again, more gently this time, and she leaned closer to him after this kiss, resting her head on his warm chest. He kissed her forehead and stroked her hair.
"I love you."
"I love ye."
Fin.