It was all Carolyn could do not to run into Daniel's arms but, for propriety's sake, she took a moment to collect herself. Understanding the position his lady found herself in, the returning seaman smiled and waited patiently. For a long moment, their eyes didn't see anything or anyone else. It was as if their months-long separation never happened, and their feelings were plain to see as they focused only on each other.
Scruffy made his way into the room and stood between his mistress and the stranger.
Blair was too busy worrying to notice what was going on between the other two people in the room. He was afraid what he'd said had been overheard by the owner of the house. The last thing he wanted was to have to defend himself against the powerful looking man.
Carolyn, finally in control of herself, and her emotions, smiled at Daniel.
"Captain Gregg, I'd like to introduce Blair Thompson. Blair and I grew up together in Philadelphia."
Daniel walked into the room, getting his first good look at this old friend of the Williams family. Based on the conversation he'd overheard, he already knew Thompson had an elevated opinion of himself, which was the only thing elevated about him. The seaman looked at the man from head to toe. He was very short – not much taller than Carolyn.
"Blair Thompson, this is Captain Daniel Gregg, the designer, builder and owner of this beautiful house," she said, winking at her landlord as she finished.
"Mr. Thompson," the captain said, putting out his hand.
"Captain Gregg," Blair said tentatively, taking in the much taller seaman. "It's nice to meet you."
Daniel raised an eyebrow, not believing him, but nodded before turning to Carolyn and bowing.
"Mrs. Muir, I apologize for interrupting your evening . . . I expected to be gone by now."
"Captain, you're not interrupting. It's so nice to see you again. I hope you had a successful voyage."
"I did. Thank you for asking."
"Since you're here, you must join us for dinner. I'm sure it's been a long time since you've had a home cooked meal, and I know everyone would enjoy hearing about your voyage."
The family friend's face fell as the invitation was extended. The last thing he wanted to do is spend the evening listening to some sailor's tall tales.
"Thank you, but you have company. I wouldn't want to intrude," Daniel replied but winked at his beautiful lady so Thompson couldn't see.
Blair, oblivious to what was going on, smiled, and rocked on his heels, feeling things were going his way.
"I'm afraid the children would never forgive me, if I didn't insist."
"Madam . . ."
She put up her hand.
"Captain, I'm not going to take no for an answer. You're eating with us this evening and that's final. Please excuse me while I ask Martha to set another place at the table," she said, walking out of the room.
The two men watched her leave then looked at each another. Still suspicious of the stranger, Scruffy went to stand by the seaman, leaving no doubt of his allegiance.
XXXXX
Carolyn closed the kitchen door and leaned against it with a glowing smile on her face. Looking at the table, she chuckled; it was already set for six.
"I see you're ahead of me," she said.
"As soon as the captain arrived, it was a foregone conclusion he would be staying for dinner."
"Martha, why didn't you tell me?"
"Mrs. Muir, I tried, but you wouldn't give me a chance."
"Yeah, and I tried to give you a hint too," Jonathan added.
"I suppose you're both right. It never occurred to me that Daniel was home. How long has he been here?"
"He arrived around lunch time. It seems he went to the office, to surprise you, but found it locked and everyone gone. When he went to the stable and discovered Bonhomme wasn't there, he got worried and came here to make sure everyone was all right."
"And the captain picked us up after school and brought us home," Candy told her. "We knew you'd be excited."
"Yes. About that . . ."
Candy and Jonathan smiled at each other.
"We're in on it, Mom."
"In on what?"
"The captain said you might not want Mr. Thompson to know that you and he love each other, so we shouldn't say anything," her daughter explained.
"He said that?"
"Candy kind of guessed that's what he meant, and he told us not to talk about it unless you did."
Carolyn looked at Martha, who was having trouble keeping a straight face, and shook her head.
"Well, since we're all 'in on it,' I guess I should get back to our company," she told them. "Before I go, Martha, may I have a quick word with you?"
XXXXX
The two men eyed each other for a moment before a word was spoken. Scruffy stood fast at Daniel's side.
"How long have you been in Schooner Bay, Mr. Thompson?"
"I arrived this morning by train."
"I hope you had a pleasant trip."
"Yes. I travel in a private car. It's quite comfortable."
Daniel nodded.
"And you, Captain Gregg, when did you arrive back in town?"
"We sailed into port this morning as well," he answered formally.
There was an uncomfortable silence, at least for Blair.
"How . . . how long have you known Car . . . Mrs. Muir and her family?" he finally asked.
"We met shortly after they arrived in Schooner Bay."
Blair nodded, unsure what to say next, but Daniel bailed him out.
"And you? Mrs. Muir mentioned you grew up together."
"Yes, we did. Our parents have been friends for a very long time. Carolyn and I have spent a lot of time together through the years. Her husband, Robert, and I went to school together."
"How nice for you," Daniel replied, his face remaining unchanged.
"Yes. It was quite a shock when we lost him so suddenly. Carolyn was devastated."
Daniel nodded sympathetically.
"And the children being so young and losing their father . . . It was a difficult time for all of them."
Before the captain could reply, Carolyn returned to the room. Both men turned and smiled at her, but her eyes went directly to Daniel.
"Dinner will be ready soon. Why don't we sit down?" she suggested, gliding toward them.
She glanced at the couch, then the wingback chairs by the fireplace, and went to one of the chairs. Blair looked perplexed, but Daniel almost chuckled at her defensive move and crossed the room as if to sit in the chair next to her. Once the guest from Philadelphia took a seat on the couch, the captain stepped over to the fireplace and started packing his pipe. He was preparing to light it when Candy and Jonathan ran into the room.
"Mr. Thompson, would you like to see our carvings?" Candy asked.
"We learned how to whittle last fall," Jonathan said.
"Well, I . . . I would like that very much," he answered agreeably, having noticed the ones on the mantle earlier.
"Yay!" Jonathan cheered. "Come with us!"
"What about the ones up there?" Blair pointed toward the fireplace.
"Oh, they're our most recent ones," Candy explained.
"Yeah, we keep our collection in our room," Jonathan added, grabbing him by the hand and leading him out. Scruffy, assured his mistress was in good hands, followed the boy to ensure the safety of the youngest members of his pack.
Candy followed them, smiled at her mom and the captain, and left them alone.
Carolyn rose from her chair, and Daniel placed his pipe on the mantle. As they stood facing each other, she raised her hand and touched his nose with her finger.
"You are real!" she smiled . . . her face radiant.
"I certainly hope you are!" he returned her smile as his finger gently touched her nose.
Their laughing eyes met, and that's all it took. In a split second, they embraced in a passionate kiss that each had been longing for since the Kitty Keane sailed. Months of desire, loneliness, and frustration engulfed them, as their long separation came to an end. When their lips parted, Daniel opened his eyes to see tears in hers. He gently wiped them away with his thumb.
"I missed you so much," she finally said. "Are you all right? We've been so worried."
"I missed you too," he answered with his arms still around her. "I'm fine, and I'm sorry my letters didn't make their way to you."
"You're home now, that's all that matters," she said, kissing him with a fire he wouldn't have believed possible before meeting her.
As they came up for a breath, they gazed in each other's eyes and, together, whispered "I love you." Momentarily content, Daniel held her close, kissing her hair and inhaling her perfume.
"My timing could have been better, though," he said.
"Oh, you mean Blair. I know. Wednesday, out of nowhere, I got a telegram from him telling me he would be here today," she said, taking comfort in being in her captain's arms once more. "Daniel, I saw that envelope in the delivery boy's hand and nearly fainted. I thought something had happened to you," she said, her eyes welling with tears again.
"My love, nothing could ever keep me from you," he said, kissing away the tears before taking her lips with his own. Suddenly, Carolyn pulled back.
"What are we going to do?"
"About Thompson? You just say the word, and I'll send him on his way."
"Oh, I can't let you do that. He came all the way from Philadelphia to see me."
"To ask you to marry him!" Daniel said slightly raising his voice.
She laughed at his response.
"Yes, it looks that way, doesn't it? I'll deal with that, but what are we going to do about tonight? I know we have to get through dinner with him, but I'd like to spend time with you . . . alone . . . or as alone as we can be right now."
Daniel struggled to think of anything beyond the feeling of Carolyn in his arms again, until he was finally able to focus on their dilemma.
"Leave it to me. Right after dinner, I'll claim exhaustion from the long voyage and make my excuses. Once he's gone, I'll come back, but," he added, looking down at her, "I'm depending on you to send him on his way not long after I've left."
"You are, are you?" she asked, bringing her arms around his neck and playing with the long curls over his collar.
"I am, so don't let me down. There will be a harsh penalty to pay if you do."
"Oh, really?"
Their lips met in another fiery kiss. Daniel's mouth moved across her cheek, pausing momentarily at her ear lobe, and then took in the softness of her neck, as Carolyn desperately clung to him. A subtle cough from the doorway signaled the end of their reunion, and they looked up to see Martha in full protection mode.
"You two need to break this up. Mr. Thompson and the children will be downstairs any minute." When she saw the state of her employer's face, she shook her head. "Mrs. Muir, you're going to have to do something. If he sees your face like that, he'll know exactly what you two have been up to."
Daniel looked at his lady and realized his trimmed beard had irritated her skin.
"Oh, my love, she's right."
As the words left his mouth, the children could be heard in the hallway upstairs. The captain quickly kissed Carolyn, and Martha grabbed her by the arm. Together, the women went through the alcove and out the door to take the back way to the kitchen.
Daniel was standing by the fireplace, lighting his pipe, when the children and Scruffy returned with Mr. Thompson.
"Where's Mom?" Candy asked.
"Martha came for her right after you went upstairs with Mr. Thompson. She said something about needing your mother's help in the kitchen with a few last-minute things."
"Oh, okay. Jonathan, we'd better see if Martha needs our help too."
"Okay."
As the children left the room, the two men found themselves alone again. Blair couldn't help noticing that annoying dog had stayed and parked himself by the seaman's side.
"How was the collection?" Daniel asked.
"Between you and me, it was rather primitive."
"Oh?"
"Don't get me wrong, for their ages, they're carvings are reasonably good, but I don't think either one of them is much of an artist."
Daniel took a draw from his pipe before responding.
"Really? I thought the ones on the mantle were quite good . . . for the amount of experience the children have."
"To each his own, I suppose."
"Quite."
Blair looked at the seaman not really sure what to make of him, or his relationship with the family, but he thought he'd be slighted and felt the need to explain himself.
"Captain, I don't believe in coddling children. I can tell Carolyn indulges Candace and Jonathan. I'm sure it's difficult for her not having a man around to help make them behave . . . But that could change."
"Oh?" Daniel said, catching his inference and choosing to ignore it. "You believe in the adage, 'children should be seen and not heard' then?"
"Of course! Don't you?"
"No."
"Do you have children, Captain?"
"No, but perhaps one day."
"Really? That's surprises me with you being a sea captain."
"Like most men, there's more to me than my profession," Daniel replied. "What is it you do for a living, Mr. Thompson?"
"I don't have to work."
"So, you don't."
"That's right."
"Ah."
XXXXX
"Where's Mom? The captain said she was in here," Jonathan asked.
"She had to run upstairs for a few minutes."
"Can we help you with anything, Martha?" Candy offered.
"Don't you want to spend time with the captain and Mr. Thompson?"
"We really want to be with the captain but not with Mr. Thompson around. Right, Candy?"
"Right. He's not easy to talk to like Captain Gregg. He hardly said anything about our carvings."
"Well, not everyone can be like the captain," Martha remarked.
"There's nobody like the captain," Jonathan said.
"I think Mr. Horan is a lot like the captain," his sister reminded him.
"Yeah, you're right. I guess that's why they're best friends."
"Why don't you two fill the water glasses; dinner is almost ready," Martha said, taking advantage of the help.
XXXXX
Up in the master cabin, Carolyn looked in the mirror and saw the irritation around her mouth, cheeks, and neck from Daniel's beard. She gently ran her hand over the affected areas, and a smile overwhelmed her face.
"He's home. He's finally home," she sighed.
Finding the powder her mother had given her, she put on just enough to conceal the worst of the redness. With a final glance in her looking glass, she went back downstairs and quietly slipped into the kitchen.
XXXXX
A short time later, the gentlemen were called into dinner. Daniel allowed Blair to go ahead of him and waited for Carolyn to indicate where they should sit. He didn't want to take his place at the head of the table, as he normally would, unless that's where she wanted him to sit.
"Candy and Jonathan, you can sit where you usually do. Blair, why don't you sit here, next to me? Captain, you can sit at this end of the table, and Martha, at the other," Carolyn instructed.
As it turned out, Daniel was in his usual seat, with Carolyn at his right and Jonathan to his left. Blair didn't know what to make of the arrangements. He was eating the main meal of the day in a kitchen and never in his life had he shared a meal with a servant. Mrs. Grant was sitting right next to him, and he had no idea what he could possibly talk to her about. Scruffy, having eaten his evening meal earlier, settled behind his mistress to keep an eye on things.
Carolyn asked Jonathan to say the blessing but, with a subtle look, reminded him to be careful what he said. The young boy did a good job. He thanked God for the food, the hands that prepared it, and the safe arrival of their dinner guests. Everyone answered with 'Amen,' and he received a nod from his mom and a wink from the captain.
The food was passed around the table, but the presence of their out-of-town dinner guest put a damper on their normally boisterous conversation. To get things going, Carolyn made her first inquiry to her favorite seaman.
"Captain, what brought you up to the house this afternoon?"
He met her eyes and smiled.
"After we docked this morning, and I'd had a chance to clean up, I stopped by the livery to check on Bonhomme, but he wasn't there. Quint told me you hadn't dropped him off this morning, so I came up to pay him a visit. When Candy and Jonathan arrived home from school, we spent some time catching up and went down to the pond, so they could show me how they'd learned to skip stones. I guess time got away from us; otherwise, I'd have been gone long before you and Mr. Thompson arrived," he explained.
"Captain, you're always welcome here. It is your house, after all."
"Thank you again for asking me to dinner," he said, smiling at Carolyn and then turning his attention to the cook. "Martha, everything is delicious. I haven't had a meal this good since leaving Schooner Bay."
"Thank you, Captain. I'm happy you could be here to enjoy it with us."
"And how did you find Bonhomme?" Carolyn asked him.
"He's in fine shape. The children have done a wonderful job caring for him. I would even go so far as to say they're spoiling him," he said, smiling at Candy and Jonathan.
"Carolyn, how did you come to rent the captain's house?" Blair asked.
The family exchanged glances and waited.
"Oh, it was just a case of fortunate timing," she said, deciding to go with the public version. "We were living with Uncle, whose house is quite small; it was a tight fit with all of us. In addition to the lack of space, my uncle had lived alone for a long time and wasn't used to the increased volume that came with four extra people . . . especially when two of them were children. I'm afraid we were too much for him. Then, shortly before the captain was to set sail, his housekeeper resigned unexpectedly. The replacement didn't work out, and he expressed his concerned about the house standing empty in his absence.
"When he found out about it, Uncle suggested the captain allow us to move in to take care of things for him. He saw it as the perfect solution for all of us. Gull Cottage would be well cared for, we would have the room we needed, and he would have the peace and quiet he was missing.
"But Captain Gregg has returned. Will you be moving back to your uncle's house now?" Blair asked.
"No, Mr. Thompson. Mrs. Muir and her family will stay here. I'll be sailing again soon and will be staying at the Inn until I do."
"And Bonhomme is . . . your horse?"
"Yes."
"Captain, this is certainly the perfect arrangement for you. Isn't it?" Blair remarked snidely.
"Blair!"
"I beg your pardon?" Daniel remarked calmly but steely-eyed.
"Carolyn is paying you rent, she and Mrs. Grant maintain the house and property for you, and the children care for your horse! That seems like an ideal situation for you, but what about them?"
"Blair, you don't have all the facts to make that accusation, and now is not the time for this discussion," his hostess told him firmly, shifting her eyes to Candy and Jonathan, and then back to him to make her point.
No one said a word for several moments. The only sound was a low growl coming from behind Blair's chair.
"Yes, of course. Please forgive me," he replied, not at all happy.
Carolyn glanced at Daniel, and was grateful he was keeping calm, but she could see it was taking a great deal of control. Under different circumstances, she had no doubt he would have already thrown Blair out of the house. She discretely moved her hand to her lap and then to his knee. In an instant, his hand was around hers, and when their eyes met, she saw him physically relax.
The rest of the meal was eaten with only polite conversation. When everyone had finished dessert, Martha sent them to the living room and began clearing the dishes. A short time later, Candy and Jonathan returned and offered to help. With Mr. Thompson there, they couldn't have a real conversation with their mom and the captain, and they got the feeling the grownups wanted to talk. The atmosphere from the dinner table had carried over to the living room, and even the children had picked up on it.
XXXXX
The situation in the front room was exactly as Candy and Jonathan had sensed. Carolyn had claimed the chair by the fireplace, and Blair moved quickly to sit next to her. Scruffy placed himself between the two chairs, keeping close eye on him. Daniel chose to stand by the fireplace and, intentionally, picked up a carving one of the children had done and admired it.
"This is an excellent likeness of a bird in flight," he said, smiling.
"It is, isn't it? That's Candy's latest. Jonathan did the frog," the proud mother smiled at the seaman.
Daniel picked up that carving and examined it.
"The lad's coming along. This is very good."
"It is, isn't it? I'm sure he'd be thrilled to hear you say that."
The captain smiled and put the frog back in its place of honor on the mantle.
"Mrs. Muir, thank you again for the dinner invitation. The food was delicious, but I'm afraid I must be going. The long voyage is catching up with me, and it's been quite a while since I've had any sleep. I do hope you'll forgive me for leaving so soon."
"You're more than welcome, Captain Gregg. We're glad you were able to join us. I do hope you get a good night's rest."
"Aren't we going to discuss this situation?" Blair blustered.
"And what situation would that be, Mr. Thompson?" Daniel asked calmly.
"Blair, there is no situation," Carolyn insisted.
"But he's charging you to live here, and you're taking care of everything for him!"
"Madam, with your permission, I'll be leaving. This discussion is between you and Mr. Thompson. I shouldn't be a part of it."
"Thank you for understanding, Captain. Let me walk you to the door."
"My horse is in the barn. If you don't mind, I'll go out through the kitchen."
"Then, I'll walk you to the back door," she said, standing to go with him.
Daniel looked at Blair, who had stood when Carolyn did.
"Thompson," he nodded.
"Gregg."
Scruffy followed his mistress out of the room but settled in the doorway to keep an eye on the man who had changed the whole mood of his home.
XXXXX
The couple went to the kitchen, where Daniel said goodnight to Martha and the children.
"I wish you could stay and tuck us in," Jonathan said hugging him.
"Me too," Candy added while she waited for her turn.
"Now, mates. There are plenty of nights of tucking in ahead for us. We'll just have to make do tonight, until we get another chance."
"Yeah, but that won't be until Mr. Thompson leaves," the boy grumbled.
"When is he leaving?" Candy asked.
"Enough of that," their mother sighed, feeling the same way. "While he is here, I expect you to be polite."
"Yes, ma'am."
"That's my crew. I wouldn't expect anything less of you," Daniel said, tucking Candy's chin and ruffling Jonathan's hair. "We'll have time together; don't you worry about that," he added before heading out.
Carolyn followed him to the backdoor and, after confirming they couldn't be seen, wrapped her arms around his waist.
"You won't be long, will you? It would be a nice surprise for the children if you could help tuck them in," she asked quietly.
"My love, I would enjoy nothing more, but it will depend on how quickly you can send your annoying guest on his way," he whispered.
"Give me fifteen minutes," she smiled.
Daniel leaned down and gently kissed her. Seeing her disappointment, he raised his hand to her face and lightly brushed her cheek with the backs of his fingers.
"I can't very well send you back to him with beard burn, now, can I?"
"I suppose not, but all bets are off when you come back."
"Yes, they are," he said kissing her a little less gently this time.
XXXXX
Carolyn returned to the living room to find that her old friend had moved over to the couch. Seeing her, Blair smiled and patted the cushion next to him. She purposely returned to the chair she'd vacated a few minutes earlier and sat, perfectly composed, facing him. Scruffy had followed her into the room and sat at her feet.
Realizing she was not happy with him, Blair stood and started pacing, very aware that every move he made was being followed by, what he had begun to refer to as, that damn dog.
"Carolyn, you can't be angry at me for pointing out the obvious. That man is taking advantage of you. For goodness sake, he should be paying you to maintain his house!"
"I'm sorry, but I don't see that it's any concern of yours. The living arrangements I've made for my family are my business."
"But . . ."
"Blair, when Captain Gregg made the offer of his house, no mention was made of paying rent. I was the one who insisted on it."
That slowed him down but, after a brief moment, he picked right up on his criticism of Daniel.
"But, with everything you do for him . . . he should be paying you."
"Once again, this is none of your business but, for your information, he does pay me . . . and he pays Martha . . . and he pays the children."
That stopped him. He couldn't think of anything else to criticize the man for and, warily sat down in the chair next to her. Scruffy, again, positioned himself between the stranger and his mistress.
"You're right, this is none of my business. I apologize for sticking my nose where it doesn't belong, but I was only trying to look out for you."
"I look out for the children and myself now, Blair" she stated simply. "You know, as well as I do, what people are like. If I had accepted Captain Gregg's offer to live in Gull Cottage, rent free, can you imagine what the town gossips would have had to say?"
"You have those here too?"
"A small town is just as bad as a big city . . . perhaps worse," she said, looking at her hands in her lap. "We were very fortunate to get this house, and the children, Martha, and I love it here. So," she said drawing out the word, "the next time you see the captain, I believe you owe him an apology."
"Will I be seeing him again?"
"It's a small town. You're bound to."
"I suppose you're right. I never could say no to you . . . despite the number of times you've said no to me."
Carolyn didn't want to deal with the direction he was trying to take the conversation and moved to bring the evening to an end. She had more important things to attend to.
"Thank you," she smiled. "Now, I hate to tell you this but, by the end of the week, I'm exhausted, as are Candy and Jonathan. Friday is an early night for all of us."
He looked at his pocket watch. It was only eight o'clock and just starting to get dark.
"But . . . there's so much I want to talk to you about. We haven't had a moment alone since your friend, 'the captain,' popped in. Can't you make an exception this one time?"
Unplanned, a huge yawn hit Carolyn, and she covered her mouth in embarrassment.
"As much as I might want to, my body is telling me differently."
"Can I see you tomorrow? I could take you to lunch at the Inn or, if you'd like something different, we could go to that seafood restaurant."
"Blair, I would like that. You can't very well come to Maine without having lobster."
"Wonderful! What time should I call on you?"
"How about half past eleven?"
"Perfect. I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to having you to myself."
"Oh? I thought your invitation included the children?"
"I . . . ah . . . well . . . yes . . . That would be nice too."
Carolyn chuckled.
"I was kidding, Blair. The last thing Candy and Jonathan would want to do is get dressed up on a Saturday."
"Thank goodness," he said wiping his brow.
XXXXX
As Blair's carriage drove out of sight, Carolyn waved and went back into the house. She was on her way upstairs to read to the children when a knock interrupted her progress.
"What did you forget, Blair?" she said, opening the door.
The captain was standing on the other side, smiling.
"You didn't like your Christmas gift?"
"Daniel!" She flew into his arms. "I didn't expect you so soon."
"Better me than that interloper."
"How did you get back here so fast? Did you even leave?"
"My love, no one knows this property like I do. I saddled the horse, rode past the house, and took the narrow path just around the curve. From there, I circled back to the barn."
"I see. Were you spying on me?" she teased.
"Only to see that fool, Thompson, leave!"
"Daniel," she said as a reprimand.
"Madam, I didn't come back here to talk about that Philadelphia fop! I believe we have something much more interesting to attend to," he said, kissing her. "If there were a porch swing, we could begin attending to those matters out here."
Carolyn rested her forehead against his chest.
"It's still in the barn. I couldn't bear the thought of sitting on it, the first time, without you."
"An excellent answer, my dear. I would have had to draw my sword, had I found you sitting out here with someone else."
She chuckled and rested her hands on his arms.
"No need for bloodshed, my love. There's no one who can compare to you," she said, looking at him lovingly. "May I ask you a question about the swing? I asked it in one of my letters but haven't received your response yet."
"I'm sorry about that. As I said before I left, the mail is . . ."
". . . Unpredictable, at best," she finished for him. "Well, this trip, the mail was predictably awful," she said, moving her hands around his neck. "But back to my question; how did you know I loved porch swings?"
"You don't remember?"
"No, I've tried and tried and can't think of when I might have told you."
"How do you know that you did?"
"Well, either I told you . . . or . . . you really are a mind reader."
"I will admit, there are some things I can read . . . more from your eyes and your lips . . . than your mind," he said, gazing at her intently and causing a blush to rise to her cheeks.
"You still don't play fair, Daniel."
He chuckled and kissed her playfully. He wasn't at all surprised when she played along.
"Now, about that beautiful swing."
"So, you do like your gift."
"Of course, I like it! I love it, and I love my locket," she said, touching it with her hand. "But, Daniel, how did you know how I felt about swings?"
Holding her closer to him, he finally gave in.
"I believe it was my first evening back from Halifax. As you'll recall, I'd overslept and almost missed the chance to walk you home. I can't remember what we were talking about, specifically, but you told me how much you enjoyed sitting on a porch swing and mentioned watching the children playing in the yard, enjoying a good rainstorm, and talking with friends."
"That's right! I'd forgotten all about that," she said and kissed him. "But you didn't," she smiled, loving this man who paid attention to even the little things she told him. "Daniel, the swing is perfect. It's really a beautiful piece of furniture. Will you hang it for me, so we can . . . break it in?"
Catching her meaning, he kissed her softly then stepped back and offered his hand.
"My love, come, sit with me."
"But . . ."
"We don't have the swing, so we'll have to improvise."
Carolyn placed her hand in his and was led to the top step of the porch. Once they were settled, she tucked her arm through his and rested her head against his shoulder.
"I'm so glad you're home."
He smiled and kissed her hair.
"I've never been happier to see Gull Cottage than I was this morning when we sailed into port. Carolyn, knowing I'd be coming home to you and the family was the only thing that made being away bearable," he said softly.
There was a question that had to be asked, but he was unsure how to begin. He cleared his throat several times before finding the words. "Dearest, I want you to be honest with me. How were things for you and the children while I was away?"
She sat up straight and gazed at him, her hand caressing his trimmed beard.
"The children missed you terribly, but they were real troopers . . . You'd have been proud of them. They made a calendar to keep track of your voyage and, every morning, they crossed off another day. It was visible proof, for all of us, that you were that much closer to coming home."
He nodded and looked at her earnestly.
"And you, my love? How was it for you?"
Working her way closer to him, so his arm naturally went around her, she snuggled in.
"There were parts of my day that were harder than others. Uncle has been thrilled to be getting more work out of me, since you weren't here to join me for lunch," she said and kissed him. "The worst part of my day, though, was bedtime. I didn't have work, Uncle, Candy and Jonathan, or Martha to distract me from missing you. Daniel, sometimes, it was a physical pain not seeing you . . . not touching you," she admitted.
"I'm sorry. You know I would never want to hurt you."
"Oh . . . I know that, but I don't know how it can be helped. I love you . . . I love the man you are . . . and that man just happens to be a sea captain." Her hand moved up his shirtfront and worked at undoing the knot of his tie. "How can I love you and not respect and appreciate the life that played such a big part in making you who you are?" She hesitated as her lips kissed his neck, and she breathed deeply, taking in his scent. "I will say, though, you were responsible for quite a few exciting dreams while you were away." Her fingers started undoing the top button of his shirt.
"Really?!" he queried, as a self-satisfied grin appeared on his face. Taking a hold of her busy hand, he brought it to his lips and kissed it. "Would you care to share?"
"I don't know. Are you ready to tell me about some of the dreams you've had about us?"
"My love, I wish I could show you what happens in my dreams right now," he said, his mouth capturing hers in a soft, languid kiss that hinted at the desire he felt.
After a few moments, Carolyn sighed and pushed him back, slightly.
"Then, I suppose you're just going to have to wait to hear about my dreams."
"Will the wait be worth it?"
"My dear Captain . . . what do you think?"
His lips were on hers in an instant and, taking her completely in his arms, he gently eased them both to the floor of the porch. Neither was only hinting at their passion anymore.
XXXXX
After saying goodbye to Mr. Thompson, Martha had gone upstairs with the children to help them get ready for bed. Scruffy did everything he needed to do outside and was convinced to go with them. Mrs. Muir had told her she'd be up as soon as Blair was on his way, but when the young mother didn't come up right away, the housekeeper went in search of her. After not finding her on the main floor, Martha decided to go back upstairs.
'Maybe she went up to the master cabin while I was in with the children,' she considered. But at the foot of the stairs, it occurred to her to check the front porch. 'Surely, she's not still out there saying goodnight to that pompous man and his overblown ego,' she thought.
Martha need not have worried . . . about Mr. Thompson. When she opened the front door, there was no mistaking the man holding her employer in his arms.
Sensing something in the air had changed, the captain pulled himself away from his ministrations and looked up. There he found Martha, hands on hips, giving them a deadly glare.
Missing Daniel's attentions, Carolyn opened her eyes to see him staring behind them. Following his line of sight, she saw what, or rather who, had caused him to stop.
"Uh oh," she said softly.
The seaman helped his lady to a more proper position, then stood and offered his hand to help her up. Wordlessly, they walked past Martha, both straightening their appearance as they walked into the house.
"Mrs. Muir, the children are waiting for you to tuck them in . . .," she said as they passed. "And I'm sure they'll be thrilled the captain has returned to help you."
They turned back and saw the hint of a smile on her face.
"Thank you, Martha," they said together, feeling they'd been forgiven but, understanding they had better behave if they didn't want her wrath raining down on them.
Reaching the top of the stairs, they walked slowly down the hall together, stopping once or twice to share a kiss. At the door of the nursery, Carolyn knocked and stuck her head in.
"Are you ready to be tucked in?" she asked. Scruffy, who was settled in his basket by the door, looked up at her arrival, thumped his tail in welcome, and then rested his head on his paws.
"Yes, ma'am," they answered quietly.
"Good, because I've missed being here to help with that," Daniel said, popping in behind their mother.
Candy and Jonathan were up in an instant. Guessing the children's intent, the captain got down and opened his arms as they ran straight to him. As he embraced them, they all held on tight. Their mom had the most contented smile on her face.
"You came back!" Candy said, resting her arm over his shoulder, while Scruffy vied for the seaman's attention too.
"Of course, I came back. I couldn't miss tucking you in on my first night back, now, could I?"
"But we thought you went back to town," Jonathan replied.
"Well, your mother and I thought it might be a good idea for me to come back, after Mr. Thompson left, so you could be put to bed properly."
"Yay!" they both cheered and hugged him again.
Holding them close, the seaman lifted both children and carried them to their beds.
Carolyn came up behind him, her hand caressing his back, and they began the tucking in process.
"Will you read to us?" Candy asked, when he leaned down to kiss her goodnight.
The captain looked to their mother, who smiled in agreement.
"What would you like to read?" he asked looking around for a book.
"We're reading this," Jonathan said handing him a stack of paper bound together with ribbons.
"What have we here?" Daniel asked, recognizing the handwriting on the cover as Carolyn's.
"It's Mom's latest book for Jonathan."
"The Mystery of Squirrel Island," the seaman read aloud. "My dear, you wrote this?"
Before Carolyn could answer, Candy rushed in and gave him the background.
"Yes, she's been writing books about pirates, and Jonathan is the hero of the stories."
"That makes perfect sense to me," Daniel said, smiling at the lad.
"Mom writes other mystery books too, and Candy is the sooth who finds out who did it."
"Sooth?"
"He means sleuth," his sister explained.
"Ah, I can see you being very good at solving mysteries, my girl."
Candy's face lit up when he called her 'my girl.'
"All right, The Mystery of Squirrel Island it is."
"Sit here with me," Jonathan said quickly, moving over to make room.
"That's not fair!" his sister whined.
"Belay that, mates. We can't have dissension in the ranks," the captain said firmly. "It would be easier for us to see both of you if your mother and I sit by the foot of the beds. I'll bring the chairs over, and we'll get started."
"Yes, sir."
The captain held a chair out for Carolyn and took his place beside her. Scruffy jumped into her lap and, after getting attention from both adults, settled in for the story. Because of the late hour, Daniel tamped down his usual expressiveness when reading or telling a story, and, in a short amount of time, his soothing baritone did its part, and the children slipped off to sleep. Finding himself interested in the story, he continued reading, once more impressed with Carolyn's ability and obvious talent. When he reached the end of the chapter, he stopped and looked to the beautiful woman next to him. When their eyes met, they leaned into one another, sharing a gentle kiss. Their mission complete, they straighten the covers of the children and tucked them in one more time.
Watching Daniel with Candy and Jonathan, Carolyn felt as if she were falling in love with him all over again. She wondered how she had gotten so lucky to have found this amazing man. As if reading her thoughts, he kissed her hand and held it as they prepared to leave. With the candles extinguished and the gas light turned down, they patted Scruffy and left the room. Heading toward the stairs, he stopped and took her in his arms.
"My love, 'one day' we will be taking a very short walk down the hall, and my world will be perfect."
She didn't say a word, but the smile on her face, and love in her eyes, told him all he needed to know.
XXXXX
Downstairs, they found Martha knitting by the fireplace.
"Did they go down without too much trouble?" she asked.
"Surprisingly, yes," Carolyn told her.
"I wasn't sure they'd ever settle down enough to fall asleep tonight. I thought the captain's return would have them as excited as you are, Mrs. Muir," she said, focusing on her handwork.
Carolyn stopped in her tracks and looked at her friend for a moment before resuming her course. Daniel hid a smile and waited until she settled on the couch before joining her. She smiled and reached for his hand, thrilled be able to do so again, then turned her attention back to the older woman.
"In all fairness, Martha, Candy and Jonathan had Daniel to themselves all afternoon. I've barely had any time alone with him since I found out he was home."
The housekeeper looked up from her work and gave her employer a look that almost had Daniel saying, "uh oh."
"Mrs. Muir, you had only a few minutes alone with the captain when Mr. Thompson was here, and your face looked like you'd been out in the sun too long," she reminded her. "And I don't know how long you two were out on the porch, but by the look of your face and neck, you two have had more than enough time alone. I just hope your skin clears up in time for church, Sunday."
Carolyn's mouth opened in surprise, and then she closed it quickly. Her hands went to her cheeks, and she looked at Daniel, who for the first time noticed what his closely trimmed beard had done. The look on his face made her realize there was nothing she could say in their defense.
"You didn't even notice, did you? I guess that's to be expected when it comes to you two. I am surprised the children didn't say something, though. They were probably too excited about the captain being here to notice anything but him," Martha said, continuing with her knitting and sneaking a quick glance at the couple. She couldn't help smiling to herself but realized those two needed to come to an agreement, soon, before things got too out of hand.
"My dear woman, you can be assured my beard will never be trimmed this short again."
She tried to give the seaman a stern look, but the mischief in his eyes had her shaking her head and smiling.
Carolyn watched the exchange and, despite her embarrassment, almost laughed out loud at Daniel's solution. She'd used the term 'incorrigible' to describe him before he'd left on his voyage, and it seemed it was still appropriate. As if to prove her thoughts were on target, he looked at her and winked.
"My love, since it's been a while since you received any mail from me, and I from you, why don't you tell me what's been going on here. The children filled me in on some of their activities this afternoon. Now, I'd like to hear what you've been up to. Specifically, how many of these books have you written for the children, and what are you going to do about them?"
"Only three or four for each of them," she answered quickly. His second question hit her a second later. "Do about them?! What do you mean?"
"Carolyn, I haven't read the whole story yet, but I've read enough to know it's very good. Apart from a few errors in nautical terms, and one errant fact, that story should be published."
"Published?"
"Yes. I'd be very interested in finishing the current book and reading any others you've written."
"Captain, I told her the same thing. You see, Mrs. Muir, I'm not alone in my opinion of your stories. They are very good."
"But good enough to be published? They're just something I write for the children."
"My dear, with a few corrections related to nautical terminology, which I'd be happy to assist you with, if the others are as good as The Mystery of Squirrel Island, I would say they could be excellent," he assured her, squeezing her hand. "By the way, Blackbeard didn't bury his treasure on Squirrel Island. He buried it on Damariscove Island."
"Oh, I know," she replied happily. "But I thought Squirrel Island would sound better for a children's story than Damariscove Island. How do you know where Blackbeard buried his treasure?"
"Well, madam, I am a seaman after all and, although I don't personally know where the treasure may be, it is rumored that Damariscove Island is where he hid it, or at least part of it," he smiled. "How did you know?"
"I did some research. Schooner Bay has a very good library, you know."
"It is a good library, especially when it comes to seaman, pirates, and such," he winked. "Now, about my idea . . ."
"Daniel, I wouldn't know where to begin."
"You don't have to decide right now. Take some time to consider if it's something you want to do, and we can talk about it later. If you are interested in pursuing the matter, there are several other stories that should be considered as well."
"What other stories?"
"They're in one of the journals you gave me to read the night before I sailed. There are quite a few that are also very good. I know someone in publishing who could take a look at them and provide some guidance. That is, if that's what you want to do."
"I'll think about it."
They shared a smile, and he kissed her hand. Then the three of them talked and filled each other in on what had taken place, in their perspective worlds, while Daniel had been away.
XXXXX
After an hour or more of conversation, it became obvious that Carolyn and Martha weren't the only ones exhausted from a long week. Daniel was definitely showing signs of fatigue.
"I should leave so we can all get some rest. Will you be seeing that Thompson fellow tomorrow?" Daniel asked with only a slight edge to his voice.
"Yes, we're going to have lunch at Norrie's."
"Oh? What time?"
Carolyn smiled, and her eyes twinkled, knowing what he had in mind.
"He's supposed to pick me up here at half past eleven. Do you think you might be hungry around noon?"
"I believe that could be arranged," he smiled mischievously.
"You two should be ashamed of yourselves," Martha admonished them. At the same time, she thought it was a brilliant idea and wished she could be there to see Blair Thompson's face.
They both started to laugh and were immediately joined by their friend.
"Mrs. Muir, I'm going to get ready for bed. Be sure to lock the back door when the captain leaves."
"I will, Martha. Goodnight."
"Goodnight, dear lady. I hope I'll see you tomorrow," Daniel said.
"Oh, tomorrow! I'm glad you brought that up. What are your plans for the day, other than ruining Mr. Thompson's lunch?" she asked looking at Carolyn. "Are you going to invite him to join us for dinner again?"
"Yes, what are your plans for the rest of that dandy's visit, and when is he leaving?" Daniel added, crossing his arms.
"I don't know when he plans to leave, but I'll have to think about what to do with him after lunch tomorrow," she replied. Looking at Daniel she added, "Before I knew you were home, it would have been easy enough to see him a few times and then send him on his way."
"It still is. I'll be happy to send him on his way."
"It's more complicated than that."
"I don't see why."
"Oh Captain, really?" Martha said, looking at him with her hands on her hips.
"What?!" he asked, truly not knowing what she meant.
"You two men were like a couple of peacocks, strutting around Mrs. Muir, trying to win her attentions. Mr. Thompson just doesn't realize he lost the competition long before he arrived in Schooner Bay."
Daniel smiled confidently, stood taller, and pulled at his cuffs. Were he an actual peacock, he'd have shown off his magnificent tail plumage at having attracted his mate.
Martha shook her head.
"I'll let you two work out your plans. Just let me know what you decide, so I know what to pick up when I do the shopping in the morning. Goodnight."
She left the captain and Mrs. Muir standing in the foyer. They said goodnight, once more, and watched as she went down the hall.
"May I see you out, Captain Gregg?"
"Thank you, Mrs. Muir," he said, offering his arm.
When they got to back door, Daniel lit the lantern, and they shared a kiss.
"You know he's here to ask you to marry him."
"Yes, but I'll deal with that. All I need for you to do is trust me."
"Madam, I trust you implicitly."
"I'm so glad," she said as her arms went around his neck, her fingers playing with the curls she found irresistible. "Remember that if you hear me say something completely outrageous to him."
He gave her an odd look but nodded.
"Now, about tomorrow. Would it be possible for me to come up in the morning? There's some work I'd like to do around the property," he explained. "And if you or Martha have anything that needs to be attended to, I can get started on that too."
"What about lunch?"
"Oh, I'll be at Norrie's for lunch . . . count on it," he smiled. "But be sure to get a table with more than two chairs."
She smiled and nodded, then a thought occurred to her.
"Maybe you should come up after lunch instead. Martha will be in town, doing the shopping in the morning, and things around Schooner Bay haven't changed since you've been gone."
"I see your point," he said, pulling his ear. "Count on me being here after lunch then, when a proper chaperone is on hand."
"Thank you," she said leaning into him. "Actually . . . we're alone now."
Daniel smiled lecherously, wrapped his arms tightly around her, and kissed her as he had on the porch. His beard brushing against her skin, quickly brought them both up short. His hand gently caressed her face before his frustration overtook him.
"Blast!"
Feeling the same way, Carolyn met his eyes.
"How long will it take your beard to grow out, so we don't have to worry about it irritating my skin?" she asked.
"It will be less prickly in a day or two," he replied rubbing his chin. "What was I thinking? I should have left it alone and let you see me in all my ungroomed, magnificent glory."
"That wouldn't have bothered me at all," she replied, running her palm over his cheek. "Not that I mind the shorter beard . . . I quite like it but, if I show up in town with your brand on me, it will definitely start tongues wagging . . . Blast!"
"Madam, blast is not a lady's word," he scolded her. "But in this case, I quite agree," he said and kissed her gently. Straightening, he brushed his fingers over her cheek. "My brand, you say. I like the sound of that."
She laughed and gently slapped his chest.
"Please say you'll be here as much as you can be tomorrow," she said seriously. "Even if Blair does end up coming for dinner."
"Nothing could keep me away," he said and kissed her one more time. "Goodnight, my love."
"Goodnight, Daniel."
She watched until he and the lantern disappeared into the barn, then locked the door. As she turned to go upstairs, she changed her mind and went out to the porch.
A few minutes later, Daniel rode in front of the house and, seeing the light from her candle, pulled the horse to a stop. He dismounted, loosely tying the reins to the hitching post, and came through the gate.
Leaving the candle on the step, Carolyn ran into his arms, and he lifted her off her feet, spinning her around. When he stopped, he held her tightly to him and they shared a kiss that was most definitely going to leave his mark. When their lips parted, Daniel lowered her to the ground.
"I love you."
"I love you, too."
"Until tomorrow?"
"Until tomorrow."
"And every day until I sail?"
"And every day until our 'one day' and beyond."