Disclaiming, as per usual.
And, shewy, I'm sorry... I'm a hack, I suppose. Try not to be too angry with me. I had it written before your comment... and it was a crucial plot point...

XxXxXxX

That night, after my maid, Emma, had said good night, I redressed myself and waited until I heard my father close the door to his suite of rooms. I knew once he retired there, he wouldn't be around again until morning.

I threw off the coverlet and went to my windowed doors. I opened one as quietly as I could and stepped out onto the balcony. I climbed down a trellis into my garden. I had run this path several times in my youth, but never for the purpose I anticipated tonight. I nearly squealed when I thought of having Will again.

I raced through the moonlit streets, past the dank, dark alleys and drunks entwined with whores right in the doorways of the establishments I passed. Finally, I came to Will's forge and tried the door. It was ajar by an inch and gave quietly under my soft touch. I closed the door behind me. Dolly lifted her head at my entrance from her stable to the left, but dropped it once she saw me. I crept over the dirt floor to the door to Will's apartment, stopping only a minute to catch my breath and straighten my dress.

I pushed the solid oak door and it, too, gave quietly. The scene before me stopped me in my tracks, however.

Will lay in the bed across from the door, bared naked to the waist. Astride him was a certain dark haired girl, also bare to the waist. Will had eyes only for Rachel, as she was arched slightly back, pushing her breasts toward the ceiling and letting her black tresses tumble over the white coverlet.

I must have let some cry escape my lips as I jumped back through the open door.

"No! Elizabeth! Stop!" I heard Will call out behind me. Tears blurred my vision as I ran through the forge and out into the street. He must have given chase, because I still heard him calling after me, "It wasn't what it looked like! Please, Elizabeth, I love you! Come back!"

I kept running blindly and finally fell to my knees, exhausted and tearful, in an alleyway a few blocks from the smithy. I felt a hand on my shoulder.

"Go away, Will!"

"It's me, love," came the reply. I turned with a start. It was Jack. I stood and threw myself into his arms. "Now, now. What's wrong? What are you doing out in the street alone so late?"

I sobbed out the horrible story, to angry to try to hide it, and too ashamed to even stop crying. When I'd finally stopped sputtering and crying, Jack set me back from him. "Elizabeth, you and I need to talk."

I just looked up at him. He handed me a handkerchief and I dried my face. "Come along, let's walk, eh?"

I just nodded and put my arm in his.

"Well, Elizabeth, I know you don't like me much. But, I had it something terrible for you," he paused, "That isn't easy to admit, either." I remained quiet, wondering where this was leading. "Well, I was about out of my mind that you chose to go with William rather than me, so I hired that girl to come and break you two apart."

"What?" I shrieked, whirling on him.

"Now there's the Lizzie I know and love."

"My name is Miss Swann! You, Jack Sparrow are... you're a -" I sputtered.

He held up his hands to indicate surrender, "Pirate?" I glared at him, but he continued, "Now, just stay calm a minute. Once I was back on the Pearl, I got to thinking that maybe I'd gone a bit too far. I sailed away for a couple of weeks, and finally, my conscience got the best of me, and I came back to collect the girl. I was planning on sailing out at dawn."

"So, how is it I came to find her astride my fiancé a half hour ago?" I demanded.

"Well, she sneaked back over here at around middle watch. Apparently, no woman in the bloody Caribbean can resist the whelp. I came as soon as I found her missing. I saw you run out of the shop and followed you to make sure no harm befell you," Jack replied. He held me firm by my upper arms, "Now, Lizzie, you know as well as I that that boy hasn't got eyes for anyone but you. It hurt me to lose you and I wasn't even after anything more than a good tupping. Imagine how William must feel, losing you."

I stared up at the man. He was a lying, filthy pirate, but somehow, I knew he was right. "Take me to Will's."

"Right," he tucked my arm into his and we headed to the forge.

Will was standing alone, still bare to the waist, heating a poker in the forge fire when we arrived.

He looked up to see me and relief filled his features. He dropped the poker and stepped toward me, "Oh, Elizabeth! I looked everywhere for you! Are you okay? I'm sorry! Please, let me explain! I was just going to come back after you with a proper weapon!" his words tumbled forth in rapid succession.

I walked down the steps and into his arms, "It's okay, Will. Jack explained everything. I should have known better that to mistrust you. After all, she slept here for two weeks and you never laid a finger on her."

Will looked up as though he just noticed Jack, "Thanks, Jack."

"Not a problem, Will. Old time's sake and all that. Where did Rachel get off to?"

Will shrugged. "I don't know. After I pushed her off of me, she must have slipped out."

Jack nodded and turned to leave, "Right, well, see you kids around, then."

"Jack?" I asked. He turned back to look at me and I continued, "Would you do us the honor of coming to our wedding on Saturday?"

He nodded his head and smiled, "Of course."

XxXxXxX

The day of the wedding dawned sunny and warm. I threw open the doors to my balcony and stepped outside to take in the sight of the Caribbean, my last look as a single woman. The sky was as brilliant and blue as I'd ever seen. The sea glittered, and even the usual ships in the harbor seemed cleaner, brighter. It was, of course, a marked difference from the first wedding Will and I almost had. I prayed that the outcome would be equally different.

At a rap at my door, I turned. My maid entered and with a bright smile announced, "Your father, Miss Elizabeth."

Governor Swann entered the room behind her and beamed at me. "Oh, Elizabeth, isn't it a beautiful day?"

I stepped into his embrace. "Your mood seems to have improved radically. Once, you were appalled at the thought of Will and I marrying," I noted, resting my head against his shoulder.

"Well, let's say that your safe return on his arm and without any pirates in tow warmed me to him. And, besides, I'll finally get to show my daughter off to some of those fools from England!" he crowed. Henry cleared his throat from behind him. He was carrying a large box.

"Ah, yes, Henry did the service of collecting your dress from the seamstress only this morning.

The valet smiled at me and withdrew the box. "May I, Miss?" he asked. I nodded.

I'd been for several fittings and had chosen the caramel colored silk myself, as well as given the seamstress a sample of my mother's Valciennes lace that had been a part of her gown. But, the dress that was revealed as Henry bought it out of its wrappings and held aloft brought tears to my eyes.

It was of a simple construction, with a short bodice and full, plain skirt. The bodice displayed a panel of embroidered tapestry. The full sleeves were flounced and my mother's lace spilled from within them. It was the most beautiful garment I'd ever seen. I couldn't wait for Will to see me in it.

My father was speechless, for once, as he touched the lace at the sleeves."It will suit you, my dear. You will be breathtaking," he said quietly.

I simply nodded. I was nearly overcome with tears and I had yet to even put it on!

My maid gently pushed the two men toward the door, "Come now, gents, let us allow Miss Swann to dress, eh?"

"Yes of course. I shall see you at the chapel, Elizabeth!" my father called to me before Emma could shut the door on them.

She smiled at me, "Come, miss, you'd best eat something, then. I won't have you falling over before you can answer your young man, then?"

"Of course, Emma," I sat and took some cakes and tea as she busied herself about setting out my toilette. My stomach did flip-flops as I watched her fluff the folds of my dress.

As soon as I finished washing, Emma helped me into the gown. It was exquisite. And, as I had requested, there was no corset. There was a fine bone to the gown's bodice and the laces sufficed to make it snug. I was able to breath.

Emma pulled my hair away from my face and secured it there with a long sash of white. She helped me to line my eyes with Kohl and applied a bit of rouge to my cheeks and lips. Once she was satisfied with my appearance and had my word that I would not cry and run the Kohl, we departed.

Emma and Henry saw me into the carriage and I rode to the Church alone. They were staying behind to help with preparations for a party to follow the ceremony.

Once I was inside the small chapel, waiting anxiously for the ceremony to begin, my father came to retrieve me. As soon as he saw me, he opened his arms once more and pulled me close. "I don't know how I'm going to let you go, dear Elizabeth."

"We'll still be in Port-Royal, Father," answered, clutching him tightly.

"I know, but, I feel like I'm losing you. I've already had to go through this once. I think it's harder the second time," he cleared his throat and stepped back from me, "but, come along. I believe William awaits you."

I smiled up at him and he offered his arm. I swallowed hard and placed mine in his. He opened the chapel doors and we walked down the aisle. I didn't see anyone else except for Will.

He stood, his arms clasped behind his back. He wore a fine black coat with intricate silver embroidery along the lapels. His hair was tired neatly behind his head and I knew his smile was just for me.

He dipped his head almost shyly when my father put my hand in his, but his smile remained the same. As neither of us are very religious, I hadn't wanted a Mass said, but my father had insisted.

So, the priest carried on above us as Will and I entered our own world. I responded when required, kneeled when appropriate, bowed my head often, and repeated "Amen" when I had to. I watched Will do the same.

Finally, the exchange of vows was upon us. We held hands tightly and prepared to respond. But, of course, the priest first had to ask, "Does any one among us see any reason why these two cannot be wed?"

At these words, the chapel doors crashed open. Rachel Sparrow, or whoever she really was, crashed through them. She looked a fright, her skirts muddy and torn and her hair a wild mess around her narrow face. "I do!" she called.

I was about to speak, when none other than Lieutenant Norrington stood from his place in the third row of pews and, with his hat in his hand, spoke up, "I think I do, too."

The priest cleared his throat, "Well, this is unusual. Would either of you like to explain why?"

The both began to gabble, Norrington pushing his way to the aisle and Rachel coming toward us. By now, most of the church had begun to conjecture as to what the problem was. My father stood and glared at Will and I.

Finally, another voice roared over the crowd, "Quiet! Calm down the lot of you!"

I looked up. Jack, dressed in his very best and actually looking groomed for a change, stood at the entrance to the chapel. The crowd fell silent and turned to gape at him. After all, a well-dressed pirate remains a pirate, nonetheless. The priest sat down, "Well, his had ought to be interesting," he quipped.

Norrington threw Rachel behind him and held his sword aloft, "Sparrow? What are you doing here?"

"I was invited, mate. Is there some problem, or are the festivities just starting early?" he asked, swaggering to a stop just in front of Norrington's weapon.

"I was just saying that Will cannot marry Miss Swann because... well, because I am in love with her," Norrington answered, not daring a glance in my direction.

"Oh, Heaven's sake," I breathed. Will clasped my hand tightly and gave me a reassuring smile.

Rachel spoke up next, "And, I was just saying that I love Will and that no-good tramp does not deserve him!"

I began to protest, as did my father. Jack Sparrow simply drew his own sword on the pair, "Now, there is going to be a wedding today, whether you two like it or not. No one here cares who the two of you love. We all just want to get this churchy bit over with so we can toast Will and Lizzie properly, savvy?" Both remained quiet. "Now, if you two would kindly shut it, I think we should allow the priest to continue, eh?" They nodded.

"Thank you, sir," came the priest's reply.

"Not a problem. Just sorry I couldn't be here sooner," Jack answered, hauling Norrington and Rachel to the back of the church were they remained for the rest of the ceremony.

"Now, if there are no more complaints, William Turner, do you take Elizabeth Swann to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and bad, 'til death do you part."

"I do," he answered, slipping a small circle of gold onto my finger.

"And, do you Elizabeth Swann, take William Turner to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and bad, 'til death do you part?"

"I do! Oh, I do!" I replied, gleeful as I slid a ring onto Will's finger. He beamed at me and I almost forgot to breathe.

"And now, with the power vested in me by God, I pronounce you husband and wife. Mister and Missus William Turner, what God has put together, let no man put asunder! William, please kiss you bride."

The church cheered us as Will's head tipped to mine. The kiss was brief, but it portended of great things. I smiled when we parted and faced our guests with the brightest smile I could afford. We hurried down the steps and through the aisle, heading for the doors. On our way past, Jack stopped us.

"Congratulations, kids, I never had a doubt that I'd see this day," he grinned. Behind him, Norrington and Rachel were silent and neither met our eyes.

"What about the time you enslaved me upon Davy Jones' ship?" Will asked.

"And, when you had me stranded on that island with you?" came my question.

He smiled even wider, "Just wanted to test your strength, is all. It worked, eh?"

I smiled and hugged him. Will shook his hand, and Jack pulled him into a rough hug, which he quickly ended. "Good luck, young Turners. And, if I find out you have any children and you don't name one for me, I'll come back to haunt you!" Jack called after us as we boarded our carriage.

We laughed all the way to the forge.

We never made it to our party, though undoubtedly, our guests forgave us. I heard that it was great fun. Norrington got soused and toasted our long life. My father likewise drank too much, and he danced with every lady there. I don't know if Jack showed up or not, but I do know my father was out thirteen kegs of ale and not a few bottles of good wine.

Later that night, Will and I lay wrapped in one another. Will was tracing a line down my belly when it grumbled. He laughed, "Perhaps you're right. I'm starving, too."

I kissed his shoulder and he smiled. "We'll have more of that later. Right now, we need to replenish our energy," he laughed. He slid out of bed and went to pull on his breeches. When he disturbed the pile of clothes, we both heard a loud clink. Will and I exchanged a look and he best to sift through the clothes, he pulled out a little leather purse.

"Is it yours?" I asked. He shook his head to indicate the negative as he came back to the bed.

He unfastened the strings and dumped the contents onto the coverlet. Out spilled at least twenty bright gold guineas, and a good handful of diamonds, pearls, rubies, and emeralds. I gasped. Will and I leveled our gazes to one another. "Jack?" was all I managed. Will nodded.

The pirate must have put it there when he and Will had hugged. Indeed, under the money was a small bit of parchment. The note read:

Remember, not all treasure is silver and gold.

Yours,

J.S.

My breath caught. Will spoke first, "I didn't even know he could write."

"Or read," I answered with a laugh.

Will went to the small kitchen in the forge and brought us back a bottle of wine, dusty with age, but still corked, as well as some cold meat and bread.

After he poured us each a glass, I held mine aloft and said, "To Jack and his many surprises."

"Yes, to Jack!" he toasted.

We clinked our glasses and drank to the pirate captain who'd changed our lives and saved our marriage.

XxXxXxX

The End.

Thanks to all of you (especially williz, StephCalvino, and Miss Sirius) for the plentitude of reviews... you guys kept this story from being a little oneshot ;0)
shewy - I hope I didn't disappoint too badly!

Your faithful servant,
Star Cross'd Sparrow