And a Bottle of Rum
9
A/N: Final chapter, Lovelies!
When it comes to the talk of money in this chapter, please be aware that in 1780, the average annual salary for a man was $65!
"So," Alex said as she held on to the rail of the crow's nest for dear life. "Now, I remember why I always sent a lookout up on my ship. I had forgotten how much I dislike heights." Warm arms came around her and gentle nibbles to her neck made her shiver. "Well," she added. "Maybe it's not THAT bad."
Kara chuckled softly and kissed her temple. "I'm sad to not be seeing Lamanta for a while," she said. "But the Dauntless left them with enough supplies to keep them afloat for a while."
"And a good thing they did too because I would have felt an inordinate amount of guilt had I taken you away from them and left them hungry." Alex turned in her wife's arms. "I owe them a debt of gratitude as much as you do."
Kara was about to respond when a loud call made its way to her ears. "Land ho!" The two captains grinned at each other and climbed out of the nest to slide down the rigging.
"Mr. Schott," Kara said. "Prepare to land at Wilmington please. The crew can take shore leave for as long as Alex and I are there."
"Aye, Captain," the man replied with a jaunty salute. "I presume the rules against thievery stand?"
"Most definitely. Any man who's caught with contraband is on his own." The blonde pirate turned to her wife then. "So… what would a woman like me be expected to wear in Wilmington."
"A dress," Alex said seriously.
"I've changed my mind. I'm not going," Kara deadpanned. Then she folded her arms and smirked a little.
The brunette laughed softly. "Kara, there is no way I would make you wear a dress. I'm going to try to avoid wearing one myself. Our first stop when we make land, will be to an old friend of mine, who just happens to be a seamstress."
"Excellent," Kara nodded.
"And I have something in mind for us to wear."
"But I don't have any money," Kara frowned.
Alex smiled gently and took her wife's hand. "My family is wealthy," she said. "And I have an allowance that has been building up in an account since I turned sixteen. I've never touched it so there should be quite a sum of money in it by now."
The blonde's face turned stubborn. "I will not take your money, Alex."
"Kara Zorel, you are my wife," the older woman replied with an indulgent smile. "That means that what's yours is mine and what's mine is yours."
The blonde captain nodded and her face gentled. "Forgive me, My Love. I am too well used to having to work for my meals."
"As am I," Alex agreed. "But I think we deserve to spend some coin. Do not you agree?"
"Aye," Kara nodded. "I do agree."
Xx
The Devil's Cutlass was at anchor in the bay of Wilmington and Kara gave the order for all but a skeleton crew to disembark. She and Alex climbed into a rowboat with some other crew members and were rowed to the port city.
As they strolled along a street toward town, Alex put two fingers in her mouth and whistled to catch the attention of a passing carriage. The driver slowed but didn't stop and instead, muttered a curse under his breath about filthy pirates and clucked his horses on.
"I guess we're walking," Kara shrugged.
Alex sighed heavily. "Guess so. It's not too far to my friend's shop."
"Lead on, My Love," the blonde grinned and then followed her wife as she continued the walk.
A bell dinged when Alex pushed the door open and stepped inside. The store was as cozy as she remembered, and she reminisced a moment about gossiping in these very rooms while her friend's mother sewed.
And then a voice she remembered as well as her own called out. "Alex?! Oh, my dear Lord! Is that you?!"
"Lena," the brunette breathed as she rushed across the room to pull the other woman into her arms. "It's so good to see you! How are you?"
"I'm well," the raven-haired woman replied as her eyes moved over her old friend. "You look… both like an urchin and amazing, Alex!" Then her eyes moved to Kara, who had wandered toward them, curiosity in their green depths. "Is this a friend of yours?"
Alex smiled widely. "May I introduce my wife, Captain Kara Zorel. Kara, my dearest friend, Lena Luthor."
Kara took off her tricorn and wiped her hand on the front of her shirt, then offered it to the stunning woman. "I am at your service, Ma'am," she said with a slight bow and a charming smile.
Lena returned the smile and shook the blonde's hand. "As am I," she replied graciously. "But it's actually Lena Spheer now. I married Jack, Alex." She grinned at the brunette's raised eyebrows. "What brings you back to Wilmington? Last I heard you were patrolling in the Caribbean."
"Indeed, I was," the brunette replied. "Might we sit and talk? Kara and I have just made land and I confess that a cup of tea would be greatly appreciated."
"Of course, please…" Lena led them back into her private sitting room and closed the door. "It is a slow day so I would appreciate the company." She rang for her maid and the woman immediately bustled in. "Bonnie, would you be so kind as the bring us some tea?"
The woman looked Alex and Kara over in surprise but then nodded. "Of course, Ma'am," she replied and ducked back out again.
Then Lena turned her attention back to her friend. "Now, tell me everything… and start with the reason why you both look like you've just stepped off a pirate ship!"
"Um… well…" Alex began as she scratched the back of her neck sheepishly.
"That would be because we have," Kara helpfully supplied, her smile wide and bright.
"Oh my…" Lena murmured. "I can't WAIT to hear this."
Xx
Kara fidgeted restlessly as she stood, naked except for her under-breeches, in front of a mirror. Lena was bustling around, taking measurements and writing them down on a piece of paper. Then she bent to measure the blonde's waist, but the slender, muscled body on display before her suddenly gave her pause. She waggled her eyebrows at Alex, who grinned back at her.
"What?" Kara asked uncomfortably, arms moving to cover her abs and breasts at the same time.
Alex chuckled as she came closer and kissed her wife's lips. "Lena can also… appreciate... the female form," she replied. "And you have a lot to appreciate, Kara."
"Oh," Kara chuckled, still a little embarrassed but feeling a tad more comfortable. "That's why you did not bat an eyelash when Alex told you I'm her wife."
"That would be correct," the raven-haired woman replied. "We confided in each other about our proclivities when we were but girls. I simply chose the path of least resistance."
"Jack is good to you though, is he not?" Alex asked.
"He is very good to me," Lena replied, her tone warm. "We're expecting a baby and he is the very model of a perfect husband and expectant father."
"A baby?" Alex breathed. "That's wonderful news!" She hugged her friend tightly. "How far along are you?"
"Just a little over three months," the seamstress replied. She went back to taking Kara's measurements. "You're tall," she told the blonde seriously.
"I hadn't noticed," Kara joked. "I just thought everyone else was short."
Lena laughed and swatted the pirate's arm. "You're adorable, Kara Zorel." She looked at Alex then. "Do you have somewhere to stay? I assume that you'll want the clothes finished before you go to see your mother. It'll take me a couple of days."
"We're going to rent rooms at the hotel for a few days," Alex replied. "I plan on relaxing." She looked at her wife. "How about you, My Love?"
"Where you go, I go," Kara replied simply.
Lena smiled warmly. "Good answer. Now, I have the measurements and I have your design. Give me two days and come back to check on me. I'll let you know then if I need more time."
Alex handed her wife back her shirt and Kara pulled it on over her head, feeling a little relieved. Then she slipped into her breeches and pulled on her boots. "Thank you, most earnestly, Lena," the blonde pirate said.
Lena's eyes met Alex's and she smiled. "She's a keeper, Alex."
Kara blushed a tad as her wife gifted her with a look of adoration. "She is more than I could ever deserve," the brunette captain replied. "Now," she sighed. "Might I ask you one more favor?"
"Anything," Lena replied instantly.
"Might I borrow a dress? I need to go to the bank to withdraw some money and then to the hotel to rent some rooms. Neither will tolerate me dressed like this."
Lena frowned but nodded. "You are right, Dearest. The good news is that Jack is an associate at the bank. Ask for him directly and if he doesn't remember you, tell him I sent you."
Lena picked out a simple green dress for Alex and Kara smiled as she helped her wife with a corset and to close the small buttons the length of her back. "I know you do not like wearing dresses any more than I do… but you look beautiful, My Love. You ARE beautiful."
Lena pretended not to notice as her friends shared a loving, lingering kiss. Instead, she pulled out a pair of low-heeled shoes, a small wrist purse and some stockings. "Accessories."
Once Alex was dressed and her hair fixed into a modern style, she kissed Lena's cheek. "Thank you. I've missed you so much Lena."
"As have I," the raven-haired woman replied with a smile. "Now go. I will keep your wife safe until you return."
Alex smiled and nodded, before leaving Kara with one more kiss and heading out the door.
Xx
The bank was a large and imposing building full of older gentlemen in well-tailored clothes and with spectacles on their nose. Alex pulled open the large door and stepped inside, pausing to look around and take in the expensively decorated foyer. Then she slowly walked along the rows of associates, stopping only when she saw Jack, who was alone and concentrating on some books in front of him.
"Excuse me, Mr. Spheer?" Alex said and the man looked up. "You may not remember me but…"
Jack was on his feet immediately. "Remember you? How could I possibly forget you?! Alex Danvers, it's sooo good to see you!" Forgoing propriety, he came around his desk and swept her into his arm for a hug. He was a big man, solid and true, and Alex was suddenly transported back in time to when she, Lena and Jack were very young adults together. She'd always felt safe in their company. "Have you seen Lena? We're married now!"
Alex laughed at his exuberance. "Yes, I have just come from her shop." She lowered her voice. "I hear you are to be parents."
"We are!" Jack grinned proudly. "I'm so delighted."
"So I see, My Friend. Congratulations." Alex clapped him on the back. "Unfortunately, I am here for business, Jack. Can you help me?"
The man ran his hand over his dark beard and nodded. Then he pulled out the chair in front of his desk and invited her to sit. "Of course… please… I'd be honored." The pirate took a seat and crossed her ankles, years of etiquette classes as a child moving her involuntarily. Jack rounded his desk to take a seat. "What can I do for you?"
"I need two things," Alex explained. "First, I need to know how much money I have in my account and second, I need to make a withdrawal."
Jack nodded again. "Well, I know your father's estate has just been settled. We heard just two days ago that he had passed. Please accept my condolences. The settlement was easy since he had a detailed will and financial plan in place." He got up and bowed slightly. "Please give me one moment while I retrieve your ledger. I believe all is updated."
"Thank you, Jack," Alex replied as he walked away, then focused on the small sign on his desk. "John Spheer II," she read quietly. Then she chuckled to herself. Alex had wanted to marry Jack, but things had changed when she'd suddenly suspected as a young woman that it was not men's heads that turned her own. Until she'd met Kara though, she'd been confused as to what that had really meant for her.
A moment later, Jack returned and set a thick book on his desk, which he opened to the most recently updated page. "Yes, indeed," he said. "Your account details were updated just this morning." His finger travelled down the page through the transactions, which were all deposits, and when he reached the bottom, his eyebrows lifted. "My my."
Alex leaned closer. "What is it?" she asked.
"Alex," the tall man said with a little smirk. "You are a very rich woman."
Alex blinked. "How rich?" she asked nervously.
"There is over one million dollars in your account."
The pirate swallowed. "I'm sorry…" She shook her head incredulously. "Forgive me… did you say…?"
"You will never have to worry about money again," Jack confirmed. "Nor will your offspring."
"Lamanta," Alex whispered, a broad smile lighting her face. Then she looked at her friend again. "Jack, what is the limit I can withdraw?"
"With the funds we have to hand here, one thousand dollars per day."
The pirate nodded. "I'd like to withdraw one thousand dollars right now. Then I will come back in six days to withdraw an additional five thousand. Can you arrange that for me?"
"Of course," Jack grinned. "I will requisition the funds daily for you until you come back. Let me get today's withdrawal."
A short time later, Alex hugged Jack once more and headed out toward the nearby hotel, ten crisp hundred-dollar bills in her wrist purse. It was a short walk, and she pushed the door open and went to the front desk, a smile on her lips. "Good day," she greeted the clerk.
"Good day, Ma'am," the man replied with a smile. "How can I assist?"
"I would like to rent a suite for seven nights," Alex said. "What do you have available?"
The man looked behind him at the keys hooked onto the board there and the date cards displayed under them. "The previous resident of our finest suite checked out this morning. It has a large bedroom and a sitting room for accepting guests. A maid will also be provided to see to your needs. Will that be suitable?"
The pirate nodded. "Perfectly. How much?"
"Ten dollars per night," he said. Alex opened her purse to pull out one of her bills. She set it on the desktop and smiled. "Can you please have pastries, chocolates, champagne and a bouquet of two dozen roses delivered to the room? I'll be back with my companion shortly."
"Of course, Ma'am," the clerk replied. "Can you please fill out this ledger?"
Alex carefully took the inked quill he offered and filled in her information. Then she signed with a flourish and slid the book back to him. "Thank you, Sir. I will return shortly."
Xx
Kara was restless. The pirate had never done sitting still well and Lena chuckled as she paced the sitting room. "She will not be much longer, I'd wager."
"I know…" the pirate replied. "I'm just… fearful of being separated from her."
"You love her," the raven-haired woman replied.
"Yes," Kara replied simply. "She's my whole heart."
"She seems happy with you," Lena pointed out gently. "She gave up her commission."
The blonde nodded. "She had been under pressure from her father to come back here and marry but… it was not what she wanted. When we met and fell in love… giving up her commission was her choice."
The seamstress nodded and then went to a small cabinet to pull out two glasses and pour a small measure of rum in each. "Do you have family in North Carolina?"
"I'm not sure," Kara replied with a shrug. "I lost my parents to pirates when we were sailing from here to Jamaica and ended up a captive on their ship for many years. No one came looking for me, so I assumed I had no other family that wanted me." She knocked back her rum and then sighed. "Besides, I wouldn't fit in here. I belong on the ocean."
"I am reluctant to admit it… but so does Alex," Lena replied. "We spent most of our childhood on the sea… both in England and here. We grew up as children in the south of England in a place called Dover. It has the most beautiful white cliffs, and we could always spot our home as we sailed along the south coast, by spying them."
"Sounds wonderful," the pirate said with a smile. "Maybe someday we can visit."
"Maybe," a new voice said, and Lena smiled as Alex entered the room to sit herself squarely in her wife's lap and kiss her. "I have the most wonderful news, My Love!"
"Oh?" Blonde brows lifted in question as Kara wrapped her arms around the brunette's waist.
"Jack went through my account ledger with me. My father's estate was settled on me only this morning. We have a lot of money, Kara. I have rented rooms for us and I have arranged to withdraw some money to give to the people of Lamanta. I wish to buy them whatever farming and fishing equipment they need to become self-sufficient."
Kara blinked. "You wish to give them money?"
"I do. I have arranged with Jack to withdraw five thousand dollars in six days' time. We will take it to them."
The blonde almost swallowed her tongue. "F-f-five… th-thousand?"
"Do you think that is enough?" Alex asked with a frown. "Maybe I should…"
But Kara shook her head and hugged her wife hard. "That sum will change their lives," she whispered. "With that, they can buy new ploughs, fishing boats, animals… oh my dear Lord, Alex. It will be their salvation! We should buy it for them and take it to them as a surprise!"
"Let's drink to that!" Lena exclaimed, refilling hers and Kara's glasses and adding a third for her dearest friend. "To Admiral Danvers… ridiculous old salt!"
Kara and Alex shrugged. "Danvers!"
Then the brunette pirate opened her purse and pulled out two more of her bills. "Lena, this is for the clothes and the baby."
"Alex," Lena breathed. "That is… I cannot accept…"
But Alex went to her and knelt in front of her, taking her hands and bringing them to her lips. "Babies are expensive. Please permit me to assist you in buying my niece or nephew what they need?" The raven-haired woman looked down with her eyes closed. "Please, Lena, it would make Kara and I so very happy."
Lena turned watery green eyes to Kara then, who nodded with a big grin. "Thank you," she finally whispered. "Your generosity is greatly appreciated." She hugged her friend hard. "I love you, Alex. Always."
"Always," Alex whispered in reply.
Xx
Kara moaned softly as Alex sucked champagne out of her navel and then trailed torturously slow kisses up her body to her breasts. They were both naked and a little drunk, and Alex couldn't help but giggle when Kara spread a fingertip full of chocolate across her collar bone and then leaned up to slowly nibble it off. Their bellies were full of pastries and chocolate, and the bed was littered with the remains of roses, which had met their demise when Alex and Kara had rolled over onto them accidentally just as they'd orgasmed together. Alex could still feel the thorn pricks in her bottom.
As they eased onto their sides facing each other with eyes locked, Alex gently cupped Kara's breast and slowly ran her thumb over its nipple. "I love you." She took the pebbled flesh into her mouth and sucked gently, teasing with her tongue.
Kara's hand crept down between them to let her fingers explore between her wife's thighs. Alex was so wet from coming that the blonde's fingers slipped easily back inside her. "I love you too… so very much." Kara's voice was low… raspy… sexy.
Alex felt her passion soar and she pressed her wife over onto her back, pushing her fingers deeply inside her and making her cry out as she nipped her bottom lip, drawing a tiny well of blood.
Kara was lost and her hips lifted, the sensation of her wife's warmth around her fingers heightening her own pleasure. She could already feel the stirrings of her orgasm, but she wanted to pleasure Alex more, so she rolled them back over and pressed down on her, picking up her pace inside her.
The brunette groaned and then whispered in her lover's ear. "You humble me with your kindness."
Kara smiled and sucked Alex's earlobe into her mouth, nibbling gently. "And you humble me with your generosity." She ran her thumb repeatedly over her wife's bundle of nerves and then held her tightly as she came, body a quivering mess of sensation.
The blonde pirate was trembling. Alex's fingers, still inside her, sent little tingles of desire through her and, as the brunette came back to herself, she resumed her quest to return the pleasure her wife had given her. It took only moments.
Kara's eyes widened and then slammed shut as her orgasm built, crested and crashed over her, forcing a breathy, wordless cry from her chest. "Oh…Alex…" she moaned then, and bonelessly collapsed onto her wife's chest, breathing heavily.
They laughed softly together and eased onto their sides to hold each other close. "I need water desperately," Alex whispered.
"Me too," Kara whispered back but they just stayed where they were for a while, caressing each other's damp skin as their bodies' trembling subsided. "I'll ring for Caroline," she finally added and untangled herself from her wife to ring the bell.
Within a moment or two, their maid slipped into the living room. "You rang for me?" she called.
Kara stepped out of the bedroom, dressed in a loosely closed robe and leaned against the door jamb. She ran her hand through her tousled, blonde hair and the maid smirked, catching a clue as Alex joined her in her own robe. "Could you bring us some water please? And a bottle of rum?"
"Of course," Caroline replied. "Can I bring you dinner? Steak on the menu tonight."
"Ooooh," Kara nodded. "That sounds great. I'll take one, pink in the middle, with all the fixin's."
"Me too," Alex added as she took a seat on the couch and crossed her bare legs. "But please bring the drinks first?"
"Yes, Ma'am," the maid replied and with a smile over her shoulder, headed back downstairs.
Xx
"Wow," Kara breathed as she gazed at herself in the mirror. "This is incredible, Lena."
"Alex's design," the seamstress replied. "I just sewed it."
Alex's eyes roamed down her wife's body, over the maroon velvet, tailed coat, under which sat a cream-colored blouse that showed a hint of cleavage. The lapels of her coat were sewn with an outline of tiny pearls. The matching knee-length breeches met knee high, black leather boots, polished to within an inch of their lives. Kara's thick, blonde hair was pulled back at her neck with a leather thong and a brand-new maroon velvet tricorn, trimmed with cream thread, sat atop her head. "You look edible," the brunette said. "And so so gorgeous."
"As do you," Kara replied tenderly. Her wife was wearing a similar outfit in a deep blue velvet and it was reminiscent of her navel uniform. Kara wasn't disappointed. Her wife had looked amazing in her uniform and she looked amazing now.
"Lena, I think it's time to visit my mother," Alex said. "Thank you for this beautiful work."
"You're welcome, Dearest," the seamstress replied. "I should have the rest of your order finished by tomorrow evening."
Kara left a gentle kiss on her new friend's cheek, making her blush. "We are grateful, and we will see you tomorrow." Then she offered her arm to her wife. "Shall we, My Love?"
Xx
Alex's family home was impressive to say the least. The estate boasted a large house on several thousand acres, the land directly surrounding the house landscaped with fountains and planted flower beds. There was a lake half a mile from the rear of the house which was kept well stocked with fish. The surrounding forest was also stocked with pheasants for shooting. Kara confessed that she was impressed.
"The estate… and I must assume the additional wealth… was gifted to my father by the King when we moved here. My parents brought all the staff from England with them too. They do not keep slaves."
Kara nodded, relieved to hear that. Their carriage carried them to the main hall and the footman opened the door and offered a hand to help them down. Kara and Alex both ignored his help and, with a smile to him, walked toward the huge door.
Alex stepped inside and grinned as she found a face she recognized. "Molly!"
"Miss Alex," the woman replied but then shook her head. "Captain Danvers," she corrected herself. "Apologies."
The brunette swept her old lady's maid up into a tight hug. "It's so good to see you!" She took Kara's hand and tugged her forward. "Molly, this is Captain Kara Zorel. Kara, Molly has been my lady's maid and friend for years."
"Captain Zorel," the woman smiled. "It's lovely to meet you."
"Thank you, Ma'am. You too," the blonde replied respectfully.
"Where is my mother?" Alex asked.
"Mrs. Danvers is in the day room having tea, I believe," Molly replied. "Follow me."
Alex paused a moment in sudden apprehension. Kara caressed her back and then leaned close to her. "It'll be ok."
The brunette nodded and squared her shoulders, then she followed Molly with her wife right behind her. The maid knocked on the door and then ducked inside. "Good afternoon, Ma'am," she said. "I have some wonderful news. You have some special visitors."
Eliza Danvers' eyebrows lifted a little. "Oh? Who, pray tell?"
Molly simply stepped back and invited Alex and Kara to come in. The brunette strolled into the room, taking her tricorn off and slipping it under her arm. "Hi, Mum," she said softly.
Eliza was up off her seat immediately, arms wide. "ALEXANDRA!" She rushed to her daughter and took her into her arms, hugging her hard and rocking them both. "My sweet daughter! I am SO glad to see you! Why did you not write me you were coming?"
"It was kind of… last minute," Alex replied, and Kara smiled as she heard her wife slide back into a more English accent. "It's good to see you too, Mum."
Then the elder Danvers realized there was someone else in the room and she turned to Kara. "Forgive me, welcome to our home…?" She lifted her eyebrows again.
"Kara Zorel," Kara replied, as she stepped forward and ducked her head a little, tucking her own tricorn under her arm. "It is my great honor to meet you, Ma'am."
Eliza looked at Alex, who smiled gently and moved to Kara's side to take her hand and lace their fingers together. "Mum, Kara is my beloved… my wife," she said.
"Oh my," Eliza breathed, her hand moving to her chest in surprise. "Alex…" She shook her head and went back to the couch to sit down. She rubbed her hands over her face and then sighed. "You have not chosen an easy life, Sweetheart."
Alex and Kara exchanged a look and then the older captain went to kneel in front of her mother, taking her hand and holding it gently. "When I was a little girl, you told me to marry for love. To never compromise. I met Kara and fell in love with her. She's the best thing that's ever happened to me and she saved me from a life of misery, from a marriage to a monster I didn't love. Father wanted to force me into it anyway."
The older Danvers nodded and fell silent for a long moment. "I am not sorry your father is dead," she whispered. Then she flinched, as if expecting a blow. "Forgive me, I should not have said that."
Alex sat back on her heels, head bowed. Kara came to kneel next to her, arm around her waist in silent support. Then the brunette looked up. "I killed him, Mum."
The older blonde's eyes widened. "What? How?"
The brunette captain got up and sat next to her mother as Kara moved to pace slowly back and forth behind the couch. Alex told the story, from start to finish, eyes downcast as she got to the end where she'd had no choice but to face off against her father. "He told me that he wasn't my father at all. He said that I was the child of another man and that he had taken me to raise because you were his wife."
Eliza couldn't meet her daughter's eyes. "It is the truth," she said quietly. "I never loved your… loved Jeremiah. I was forced into my marriage to him by my father." She cleared some tears from her cheeks and took a deep breath. "My affair with your real father lasted only weeks," she admitted. "But I had fallen in love with him from almost the first moment I saw him. He was tall, strong, dark-haired and handsome. But most of all, he was kind… so kind, Alex… and the total opposite of Jeremiah. The admiral grew even more unkind over the years… bitter toward me… but I do not think that I can blame him."
'Mum," Alex said softly, sliding two fingers under her chin and lifting her face to look into her blue eyes. "Who is my father?"
Kara stopped pacing and put her hand on Alex's shoulder squeezing gently. "Is he still alive?" she asked.
"No…" Eliza replied, tears welling once more. "Jeremiah spent years hunting him down and finally put a bullet in him… not only because of me but… because he was a pirate."
Alex sucked in a breath, blinking in surprise. "My… my father was a pirate? Who was he? What was his name?"
"Jonathan Taylor. He was the captain of the Star of the Sea, sailing the coast of Britain and France. I met him purely by accident in London while he was preparing his ship to sail for the Caribbean. I had no idea until much later that he was a wanted man. Even after we moved to the Colonies, Jeremiah was obsessed with finding him."
It was Kara's turn to suck in a breath. "Oh my Lord," she murmured. "Jonathan Taylor. I knew him." Eliza and Alex looked at her in surprise and she cleared her throat a little. "My ship, the Devil's Cutlass, came across his ship listing badly after being attacked by the Navy. I was young… maybe fourteen at the time… but I remember him because he had kind brown eyes." She looked at her wife and caressed her cheek. "Like yours. And he spoke to me like I was a person, not just some scrap of a pirate kid."
Alex's breath hitched. "What happened?" she whispered.
"Captain Schott helped Captain Taylor and his crew and took them to Tortuga before the navy ship could catch up. I suppose I now must assume that it was Danvers' command. I never saw Taylor again."
Eliza was blinking in surprise then. "You're a pirate, Kara?" she asked. "A pirate Captain?"
"Guilty as charged, Ma'am," Kara chuckled, and Alex smiled lovingly at her. "But we're not all bad."
"I forgot to mention, Mum, I retired from the Navy and I'm living with Kara on her ship."
A small smile lifted the older Danvers' lips. "And you love her? Truly love her?"
"Yes," Alex nodded, her eyes bright and joyful.
"And you truly love my daughter, Kara?"
Kara came around the couch to kneel and take Alex's hand again. "More than my own life, Ma'am."
Eliza nodded quietly and then smiled. "Then welcome to the family, Kara. It's wonderful to have you here."
Tears welled in the pirate's eyes as Alex leaned against her and kissed her shoulder. "Thank you, Ma'am. You have no idea what that means to me."
Xx
Eight weeks later.
Alex and Kara were standing on the beach on Lamanta in front of a giant bonfire as the people of the island celebrated them and their gift with a huge party. The Cutlass had already brought new ploughs, seed stocks and small fishing boats to the island. They were going to be making another run in the next few days to carry the new animal stock to the small land mass too. They had also brought bolts of colorful material and sewing supplies so the islanders could make new clothes. The cost of all that had been three thousand dollars, so Alex had simply given the last two thousand to them in bills to do with as they pleased.
The Chief of the Lamantian people had hugged them both so hard that their breath had been forced out of them…. Not that they minded in the slightest. The children had brought them gifts of colorful drawings and small twine and twig animals. Kara had them all lined up on the small shelf in their cabin and she smiled every time she looked at them.
Alex had never been happier. She wished she could have met her real father but at least she had the small tidbits that Kara had been able to tell her. From all accounts, he had seemed to be a kind man. Kara had told her that she was like him and Alex's need to understand why she could never win Jeremiah's affection or approval had disappeared, leaving her feeling lighter than ever before.
Kara had found a home and a family in her wife and crew, and an extended family in North Carolina. But above all else, Kara had decided to retire the Jolly Roger and to try her hand at being an actual legal merchant. Now that Winn and Sue were pregnant, she wanted a safer life for her best friend and his family.
For her whole family.
The End.