Epilog

Early the next morning, Daniel pulled up in front of the house to take the Muirs to the train station and Carolyn and the children to work and school. Approaching the porch, he wondered how he would find things. His immediate concern was for Carolyn and the children, but he didn't envy Mrs. Muir having to travel back to Philadelphia with her husband. It's a long trip under normal conditions, and he had no doubt it was going seem much longer traveling with someone as disagreeable as Ralph Muir.

Knocking on the door, he couldn't help looking forward to the day when he would live here with Carolyn, the children, and Martha, in the home he'd always hoped Gull Cottage would become. That thought put a smile on his face, and it stayed there as the door was opened to him.

"Good morning, Martha."

"Hello Captain. You seem to be in a good humor this morning," she said, opening the door wider. "Won't you come in?"

Stepping into the foyer, he glanced around.

"It seems unusually quiet."

"Yes, you could say that. The whole family is rather subdued today, but who can blame them after the events of last night? I suspect their moods will improve considerably later this morning. In the meantime, let's hope your good humor helps lighten things up."

He gave her a half smile.

"I'll do what I can. Where is everyone?"

"The children came down early to eat breakfast, then went right back up to make their beds. Mrs. Ralph Muir ate with them and then went to finish her packing, and your Mrs. Muir is still dressing. It seems no one is interested in sitting at the table with Mr. Muir, who just came down and is eating in the kitchen, alone," she said quietly. "I don't know if you'd be interested, but I just took some blueberry muffins out of the oven; would you like one . . . or maybe two?"

"I suppose that would mean I'd have to eat in the kitchen?"

"Well . . . yes."

"Not that I want to keep that disagreeable sot company, but, Martha, I'd face an army of Ralph Muir's for one of your muffins," he teased in a low voice.

"Oh, you," she said swatting his arm. "Come along then. Who knows? I might even be able to find you a few slices of bacon to go with it."

Entering the kitchen, he found a sullen Ralph Muir, shoveling eggs in his mouth.

"Have a seat, Captain," Martha told him.

Taking a chair at the opposite end of the table, Daniel looked at the arrogant man who would happily destroy his family.

"Muir."

"Gregg."

"Captain, would you like a glass of milk to go with your muffin?"

"Yes, please, Martha," he smiled. "You know me well."

"Not yet, but I'm working on it," she smiled, putting the muffin, three thick pieces of bacon, and glass of milk in front of him. "Can I get you anything else?"

"No, this is perfect. Thank you," he said. Taking his first bite, a quiet moan indicated his pleasure as the warm muffin melted in his mouth.

"Mr. Muir, would you like me to top off your coffee?" she asked, while smiling over her shoulder at the Captain's response.

"No," he responded curtly.

Martha turned back toward Daniel and rolled her eyes as she moved away.

It remained quiet at the table until Ralph finished his breakfast. Wiping his mouth with a napkin, he finally looked at the Captain.

"Gregg, I don't know what you're up to, but, if it's money you're after, you're out of luck. Not only will my daughter-in-law's pension end if she remarries, but she will never see a dime of my money if she marries you."

The Captain couldn't help himself . . . he laughed . . . and laughed hard . . . which only served to rekindle Ralph's anger from the previous evening.

Carolyn was coming down the steps and heard the laughter before reaching the kitchen. Entering the room, she wished Ralph a good morning as she passed. She wasn't expecting a response and wasn't disappointed. Keenly aware nothing had changed overnight, or ever would, she continued toward the Captain; her hand lovingly caressing his back as she welcomed him.

"Good morning, Daniel. It sounds like I've missed something amusing," she said, sitting next to him.

"You didn't miss anything," Ralph said gruffly. "Your 'captain' just has an odd sense of humor."

"Good morning, my love. I must correct your esteemed guest; you did indeed miss a good one!" Daniel insisted, chuckling as he placed his hand over hers. "Muir, you must tell Carolyn what you said."

The older man glared at him and said nothing.

"Well, if you're going to be shy, I suppose I can tell her. Carolyn, I'm afraid I have some disappointing news. Your father-in-law has just informed me that, if you and I should decide to marry, not only will you lose your pension, but you will also be written out of his will."

She looked at Daniel, and glanced at Martha, who was biting back a smile.

"It seems Mr. Muir has decided that what I find most attractive about you is . . . your money."

"My money?!" she laughed.

"Well, I suppose your current pension, and your potential wealth. . . should you be included in his will."

"My current pension?" she chuckled. "Oh? Are you saying that's not what you find most attractive about me?" she asked, batting her eyelashes playfully.

"My love, as I've told you in the past, that is not even a consideration. However, the fact that you come from an old Philadelphia family is a definite plus," he said, winking as he gently squeezed her hand.

Her eyes sparkled as she decided to play along.

"Then, it's only fair that I make an admission as well. My darling Daniel, the fact that you are a descendant of one of Schooner Bay's founding families and the great, great, great grandson of an English Lord, are just two of the things I find most attractive about you."

Martha guffawed and quickly put her hand over her mouth.

Ralph stiffened and stood abruptly, almost knocking his chair over backwards, and stomped out of the room.

As he left, Carolyn looked from Martha to Daniel.

"And here I was afraid seeing him this morning would be awkward," she said innocently.

That was all it took; the three of them burst out laughing.

XXXXX

Upstairs, Marjorie had finished her and Ralph's packing and was in the nursery with the children.

"Grandmother, I wish you didn't have to go," Candy said.

"You'll come back soon, won't you?" Jonathan asked.

"I'll come back to visit as soon as I can," she replied, trying to keep things positive, while knowing it could be a long time before they saw each other again.

Jonathan walked over to his shelf and picked up the carving of a turtle he was especially proud of and presented it to her.

"Here Grandmother, I want you to have this; it's one of my favorites."

"Oh, I can't take it if it's a favorite."

"That's why I want you to have it," he said shyly. "It means a lot to me, and . . . so do you."

Marjorie accepted the gift and wrapped her arms around him.

"Thank you, Jon. I will treasure it always."

While her brother had their grandmother's attention, Candy pulled something out from under the bed, and as he moved away, she took his place.

"This is for you, Grandmother. I hope you like it."

"If you made it for me, I know I'll love it," she said, accepting the rolled paper tied with a ribbon.

Blinking rapidly to control of her emotions, Marjorie carefully slid off the ribbon and unrolled a sketch drawn by her granddaughter. It included the whole family standing at the top of the porch steps. The Captain and a frowning Ralph were standing on the ends, Carolyn and Marjorie were between them, Candy, Jonathan were standing in the front, and Martha was holding Scruffy.

"Oh, Candy, this is perfect! I have just the place to hang it in my sitting room," she told her, pulling her close.

"We're so glad you came," Candy said hugging her.

"Yeah, we had a really good time with you," Jonathan added.

"I'm glad I came too, and I'm sorry that your grandfather has upset you so."

Both children nodded sadly.

"We love you, Grandmother, but we don't want to live in Philadelphia," Candy explained.

"And we don't want to live anywhere without Mommy," Jonathan said seriously.

"Or the Captain," his sister added.

"I wouldn't want you to be without them either."

"So, you like the Captain too?" Candy asked.

"I do. He seems to love you both very much."

"Yeah, he does. He loves Mom too," Jonathan admitted.

"And Martha."

"But not like he loves Mom."

Marjorie smiled at these two amazing children and wondered how she could have been so foolish not to appreciate them when they lived in Philadelphia. She knew she would have to atone for, what she knew was, an unforgiveable lapse.

XXXXX

As everyone went about getting ready to leave, Ralph spent most of his time alone in the living room. He'd left all of his preparations to his wife, not even offering to bring down their luggage. He intentionally stayed where he was, feeling he was above performing such a manual chore. He was quite content to leave it to that damned sailor, whom he felt was much more suited to it.

XXXXX

Carolyn gathered the children's lunches and books, and her own things, to take them out to the carriage. She wanted Candy and Jonathan to spend as much time as they could alone with their grandmother.

When she arrived at the gate, Daniel had just finished loading the Muir's steamer trunk and bags.

"Is that the last of it?" she asked.

"Yes, Mrs. Muir had everything packed and waiting."

"Thank you, Daniel."

"You're welcome, my love. I thought it best to leave his royal highness pouting in the living room until it's time to leave."

"I agree. I have to say, though, that I'm going to treasure the time we've had with Marjorie this visit. I feel like we finally got to know each other in a way we never could when Robert was alive. The kids and I will miss her, but Ralph can't go back to Philadelphia soon enough."

"If it weren't for your mother-in-law, I'd have thrown him out of the house last night . . . bag and baggage," he replied. "It would have served him right to have to walk to town to find a room."

"He'd have never found his way. There's no telling where he would have ended up."

"Forgive me, but I can't honestly say it would be much of a loss."

"Daniel!"

"Carolyn! I will not pretend Ralph Muir is worth our time or concern."

"I don't expect you to, but I don't want you wishing him harm either."

"My love, I don't wish him harm, but I don't want him anywhere near you or the children. I will do whatever is necessary to keep him as far away from you as possible. He is a worthless excuse of a human being, and his treatment of his family is not only unfathomable it is unforgiveable. Should he be foolish enough to try to take Candy and Jonathan from us, he will be stopped and have to pay the consequences, which will be harsh . . . harsher than anything he could imagine."

She gazed up at him, knowing he meant every word. Her Captain was prepared to protect them with everything in him, and, while she didn't wish her father-in-law ill, she was beyond grateful to have Daniel by her side. She still had trouble believing she'd met the man she dreamed of as a young woman, and that he would be hers . . . as soon as she came up with a way to propose to him.

"I love you, Daniel," she said walking into his arms.

"My love?"

"Hmmm?" she asked, snuggling closer.

"Do you think this is a good idea?"

"I think it's a wonderful idea . . . don't you?

"Under any other circumstances, I would, but what about your father-in-law?"

"Well, he seems to enjoy wallowing in his misery, and I'm beyond caring what he thinks," she said, smiling up at her handsome seaman. "Besides, when I was on my way outside, Ralph was heading out the back door with his reading material. He might be a while."

Daniel shook his head and they both chuckled.

"I love you, Carolyn Muir," he said and took her in his arms, letting her know exactly how he felt about her wonderful idea.

XXXXX

After sharing a brief, private moment on the porch, a glance at Daniel's watch forced them to get moving. He went into the house to wish Martha a good day, while Carolyn called the children down.

After the cold-shoulder her husband had been giving her since their confrontation the previous night, Marjorie felt like she was dealing with a spoiled child. He had completely ignored the activity going on throughout the house, leaving it to Captain Gregg to bring their luggage down and load it onto the carriage. Now that it was time to leave, his petulance was forcing her to make a trip to the living room, where she found him scowling at the seaman's portrait.

"Ralph, if we're going to make our train, it's time to go."

He turned and glared at her. Without saying a word, he walked past his wife and went directly out the front door. Watching as he slammed the door, she could only shake her head at his immaturity.

Carolyn and the children were waiting on the porch when Ralph stormed out of the house. Repeating his behavior with Marjorie, he ignored them and went directly to the carriage. The children gave their mother a worried look.

"It will be fine. Your grandfather is just not used to not having his way."

"But Mommy . . ."

"Candy. Jonathan. The Captain and I are not going let anyone take you away from us," Carolyn assured them.

Marjorie opened the door in time to hear their concern and added her assurance.

"Your mother is right. We will all make sure you two stay exactly where you belong . . . right here at Gull Cottage with your mom, the Captain and Martha."

"Okay," they replied in unison, somewhat relieved.

Carolyn sent the children ahead and slipped her arm through Marjorie's.

"Are you sure you won't stay with us for a while longer?"

"Thank you, dear, but no. It's best that I go back to Philadelphia with Ralph."

Her daughter-in-law patted her hand in understanding, and they followed the children.

Daniel was waiting by the carriage and lifted the children aboard. Avoiding their grandfather, Candy and Jonathan took the seats on the other side and didn't look his way or make eye contact with him. The seaman offered his hand to Mrs. Muir, who moved to take the seat next to her husband until Carolyn suggested she sit with her grandchildren. The Captain smiled at his lady and squeezed her hand as he helped her into the carriage. She took a seat next to her father-in-law, although, a considerable space separated them.

Martha and Scruffy followed the family out to see them off, and after saying goodbye, she waved until they were out of sight. As the carriage disappeared around the bend, she looked down at the dog.

"Scruffy, I've never been so happy to see a house guest leave as I am to see that disagreeable old cuss go."

Seemingly understanding what she said, the pup barked in agreement.

"You've got that right, she said patting his head. "Now, let's get back to the house, we have a lot of work to do before Saturday."

XXXXX

The ride to town was bittersweet for the women and children. For once, Jonathan hadn't asked to sit with the Captain; instead, he and Candy sat on either side of their grandmother. They talked and tried to enjoy the ride, but it wasn't easy, knowing they would soon be saying goodbye. The person who had created so much unease in their lives, during his short visit, sat stone-faced and didn't say a word. Not surprisingly, no one made the slightest attempt to engage him in conversation either.

At the station, after helping the ladies and children out of the carriage, Daniel and the porter put the luggage on a cart to be taken to the train while Ralph went to the ticket window. As Muirs bags were being wheeled away, the Captain gave Candy and Jonathan a penny to get as many peppermint sticks as it would buy. Watching them run off, Carolyn took her mother-in-law's hand.

"Marjorie, we're so glad you came. You're always welcome to visit whenever you'd like."

"Thank you, dear. If things settle down, and I feel the need to get away from the big city . . . or anything else, I may just take you up on that."

"Our door is always opened to you."

"I want you both to know, I'll be keeping my eyes and ears opened and, if I get the slightest indication he's up to something, I'll contact you immediately."

"Thank you; it's comforting to know we're not in this alone."

"Aye. Any information you can provide will be a big help. If Mr. Muir insists on going forward with his plan, we will do everything we can to stop him. We're not going to let him do irreparable harm this family just so he can satisfy his ego."

Marjorie smiled. It seemed, like Abbie, Carolyn had found a kind and loving seaman to share her life with. How wonderful it must be to have a man who puts his family before all else.

"Captain, it's been a pleasure meeting you. I feel better knowing Carolyn and the children have you in their lives. They deserve a lifetime of happiness."

"I will do everything in my power to make that happen," he replied. "Mrs. Muir, it's been an honor meeting you, and I look forward to seeing you again," he said, kissing her hand.

"Thank you. I look forward to that day too. I do have a suggestion or two . . . if you don't mind."

"Anything, dear lady."

"When you and Carolyn do marry, I hope you won't elope," she said and smiled at the expression on his face. "And this is not really a suggestion, but, when you see Colm, please tell him . . ." she stopped suddenly when she saw her husband approaching. "Please give him my best," she added hurriedly.

Following her line of sight, Daniel nodded, then stepped away to round up the children.

As the seaman passed close to him, Ralph roughly grabbed his arm and was startled at how strong he seemed.

"This isn't over, Gregg," he said menacingly.

"Don't start something you can't finish, old man," the Captain warned, glancing at the hand on his arm and meeting the other man's glare with his most intimidating stare and fire in his eyes.

It only took a moment before the aggressor, figuratively, blinked and let go.

"I will make your life a living hell if you even think of interfering with Carolyn and the children," Daniel warned him.

"We'll just see about that," Ralph blustered and walked away.

"Are we all set?" Marjorie asked.

"Yes," he replied tersely.

The women were hugging one another when Candy and Jonathan ran up to them. Daniel stood off to the side while they said their goodbyes. They hugged and kissed their grandmother, telling her they couldn't wait for her to come for another visit, then forced themselves to look at to Ralph.

"Goodbye, Grandfather," Candy said politely.

"Goodbye, Grandfather," Jonathan added more formally.

Neither child made a move to go to him. They stood resolutely by their mother's side, confirming their allegiance to her.

"Goodbye," he replied gruffly, making no attempt to show them any affection.

Turning to Carolyn, he gave her a curt goodbye and glanced at the Captain but had no parting words for him.

"ALL ABOARD!" came the call.

"Marjorie let's get back to civilization," Ralph groused, taking her by the elbow and leading her toward the train.

She looked back as she was led away, but her husband was focused on getting them out of the godforsaken town and walked away without a final look at his grandchildren.

The family followed and watched as the they boarded the train. Marjorie smiled and waved, tears pooling in her eyes, but Ralph led her quickly into the rail car. Daniel moved to stand with Carolyn and the children. Together, they watched the Muirs make their way to their seats. Their grandmother took the window seat and they all waved to her. She waved back as the train started out of the station.

As she moved further and further away, Marjorie watched as the distance separating them grew. Her last view of them was of Carolyn and her Captain standing behind Jonathan and Candy with reassuring hands on each child's shoulders. They looked very much like the family she knew they would be one day and understood that, though they might be separated by hundreds of miles, she'd never felt closer to her daughter-in-law and grandchildren.

Author's Note

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to read this story. Your views, feedback, and reviews mean a great deal to me. I am thrilled that so many of you are enjoying this twist to the story of Carolyn Muir and Daniel Gregg.

As I explained previously, there will be a Part 4, but I have no idea when it will be ready. It won't be as long as this part, as Daniel will only be in port one more week. Although, we all know a lot can happen in a week in this AU story of our favorite couple.

Another thank you goes to Mary for being my beta. Thank you, my friend; you are more help than you know. Mary has written GAMM FanFiction stories under the name of 'Tabitha12' and, with her late friend, Amanda, as "gammlover." If you haven't checked out those stories, you must. They are wonderful, and you'll realize why I asked her to beta my stories.

With the holidays around the corner, I'd like to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving and a Merry Christmas! I pray that 2021 will bring an end to this horrid virus.

Take care and stay safe. Peggy