I came back inside and got some water to rinse the awful flavor out of my mouth. After I did so, I noticed Cutler coming in behind me, and I turned to see him trying not to smile. "What?" I asked, smiling. "Haven't you ever seen a pregnant woman with nausea?"

"I don't think so, but I know that I haven't seen a pregnant woman that's as sweet and kind as you with nausea deal with it such as you did!" By this time, he was breaking out into laughter.

"Well," I said, puffing out my chest, trying my hardest to look like the high and mightly lady that I was in Port Royal, NOT one that had just up-chucked into a river, "I was sick. And hormones and sickness come with pregnancy." I thought for a second. "On second thought, I think the sickness comes with being married to you," I said jokingly.

Cutler glared evilly at me. I wasn't the least bit imitated. "It was just a joke, darling! I would never in my life mean it when I said that." Cutler's glare didn't change. "Oh, Cutler! Don't tell me you're pregnant too! Just a second ago, you were laughing your sweet little heart out, and now you look like you would gladly bite my head off!" I glared at him playfully. "Have you been seeing a man? I don't think that the world can handle TWO pregnant Becketts, especially if one's a man!"

This time he laughed. "That last part I do agree with. Stories that my mother told me of when she was with child were legendary."

I laughed at the story of my mother-in-law, and kissed him. "I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings, sweetie. I was just poking fun at you," I said, as I gave him a big hug. "Now what was that important business that you needed to talk to me about?"

"Ah yes," he said, walking away, and half dragging me along. We went into the sitting room where he sat down on the red velvet couch. When I snuggled down beside him, he put his arm around me, and I started to listen.

"As you already know, Misses Rayanna, Swann, and recently Miss Antoinette were captured. We suspect that Rayanna and Miss Swann were captured by the pirates that attacked Port Royal just last night."

"Yes, the maid told me that today, just before I set out for the fort."

"And as I know that you know, Antoinette was captured by Sparrow and Turner just this morning." I nodded. "So while the governor and Commodore Norrington are out searching for them, I will be left in charge."

I thought for a little bit. "Name the ups and downs," I said.

"The bad side is," he said, "is that I might be gone more often. I looked down. "The upside," he said, "is that I will be making more money."

"How much more?" I asked.

"Just about 100 more. With as much as I'll be making, we'll be able to get an earlier and better start on the baby's nursery. And, if you give birth before the governor and commodore return, then I'll be able to put down what I'm doing and, since my office is just a few paces from here, I'll be able to be there for you when you deliver. "

"Oh sweetie!" I said, glomping him. "That's wonderful! Congratulations!" I wrapped my arms around his neck, and kissed him.