Chapter 15/Epilogue

Blackbird sat at a small table and looked around the tavern. She sighed; Jack was late, as usual. She rubbed absently at where she'd been shot on her left shoulder. It had been nearly six months since Will went back Port Royal, and as much as she hated to admit it, she missed him. She was startled by a rough hand being placed on her shoulder.

"You're late," she said as calmly as she could.

Jack smiled. "I got you and you know it. Happy Birthday, Blackbird." He handed her a beautiful sword. The blade was shining steel and the hilt was ornately decorated with silver and black pearls.

"It's beautiful…" she breathed.

"I know, and it cost me a pretty penny, so don't lose it," Jack warned.

Blackbird cocked a questioning eyebrow at him. It must have been good for Jack to actually spend money on it. Normally he just stole whatever caught his eye on his way to see her. "What?" she asked, seeing a mischievous look on his face.

"There's more to ye gift, but it's a surprise," he explained. "I don't have it here, so you'll have to come with me."

"Jack…" she said suspiciously. "What is it?"

He just grinned. "You'll see…come on." Hesitantly, Blackbird followed him out of the tavern.

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They had walked several blocks when Jack suddenly stopped and spun around to face her. "I almost forgot; this is yours," he said, taking out a blindfold and tying it tightly around her eyes.

"I'd better like this, Jack…" she warned, warily allowing him to lead her into a house.

"Oh, don't worry. You will."

"I hear there's need of a blacksmith here in Tortuga," a voice said. "Is that position still available?"

Blackbird tore off the blindfold. "Will!" she exclaimed. "What are you doing here!"

Will smiled. "I believe I already explained that," he said. "I'm losing business in Port Royal, which isn't good for supporting a family. I was informed by a fairly reliable, though somewhat biased, source that there was quite a bit of opportunity in Tortuga. We decided it would be in everyone's best interest to move here."

"We?" Blackbird asked.

A young woman came in from the other room carrying a bundle in her arms. Will put his arm around her. "Blackbird, I'd like for you to meet my wife Elizabeth. Elizabeth, this is Blackbird."

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Blackbird," Elizabeth said with a smile. "Will has told me so much about you, I feel I already know you."

Blackbird nodded in reply. "Is this your daughter?" she asked.

Will smiled. "Her name's Marie."

Jack went over and examined the girl. "She's a Turner alright," he said. "She has the eyes."

"She certainly takes after her father," Elizabeth agreed.

Jack shook his head sadly. "Poor kid…" he muttered, earning a sharp blow on the arm from Will.

Blackbird hesitated. "Well…you're probably too tired from moving in to join us at the tavern, aye?"

Will glanced at Elizabeth, who only nodded. "Actually, I think I have time for a drink or two," he said.

"Then let's get going!" Blackbird said impatiently. "I wasn't exactly allowed to finish my last drink, and I'd really like another."

Kissing his wife, Will followed them out the door.

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The three sat around the same table they'd occupied months before. Jack paid Rose as she handed them all drinks. Hesitantly, Blackbird raised her mug, and the others did the same. As their glasses clinked, Blackbird looked at her friends and smiled. "Drink up me hearties, yoho!"