Chapter 18: Taking another step

The weeks went by like rushing winds hoisting a the sails of a ship. My happiness returned and my worries went away, well at least my insecurity of James not loving me enough went away. It was for sure now, that Elizabeth Swann was out of his heart and thoughts for good. She was no more. I still worried over my sisters and Tegan, I kept wondering how they were doing. I tried my best to go to the cove, but I could not. I was being called on a few of the elite ladies of Port Royal. I had to attend to avoid suspisicion and not cause a scandal for James. He already had enough on his mind. That vile cold hearted pig Beckett, was working him to the bone.

I had to avoid suspicions because I was already being suspected. I sensed somehow they knew I did not belong here. The looks they would give me at times sent chills down my spine. They knew something of me. But I continued with this lie for his sake. Sometimes I felt like I was just sitting there waiting for something to happen. Waiting for my fate to arrive, waiting for pain and despair to return once again. It was to come soon, this happiness would not last long.

But I tried to make the best of it. Live day by day as if it were the last.

As I slipped on my lavender slipper, I decided to go out to the lagoon and see if Tegan would be there with my sisters. Hopefully she would be, I have not seen them in so long. They are probably wondering where I am, hounding Tegan with endless questions about me. I felt really guilty leaving them behind, I did not know the unexpected turn of events. That is why I hate fate. It brings nothing but sadness and despair in your life, to me nothing joyful was brought. Except for James, but along with that came pain and agony. Endless obstacles that we finally overcame...at least for now.

I carefully crept out of my room, hoping that Rebecca won't notice that I would be gone for a couple of hours. She was a very sweet woman, she cared so much for James. Rebecca was like another mother to me, she took care of me. She also understood our relationship, she was the only one who knew about it. Rebecca was gracious enough to not say a word, she saw how much I loved him and she knew I would do anything for James. Rebecca was content with that.

"Miss Howard". I spun around when I was caught by sweet Rebecca.

"Yes, Rebecca?" I asked innocently, hoping she does not suspect I was leaving the mansion.

"I wanted to remind you that Mrs. Vanderbilt will be coming later this afternoon." replied Rebecca.

"Oh, I absolutely forgot. Is there any way she can come another afternoon".

"Well I don't know if that is a wise choice my dear".

"Why is that?"

"She is high in the social circle of Port Royal, and I have a feeling she suspects that you and the Admiral...well might not just be friends". Rebecca said in a whisper as another maid passed by. But I knew what she meant. Mrs. Vanderbilt already thinks we are fornicating, which is true but no one knew but me and James. We were very careful in public.

"Listen Rebecca, I have somewhere to be...it has to do with my sisters. Please, tell her that I feel very ill or something...please". I pleaded with desperation in my voice, I needed to see my family. They need me and I need them.

"Alright dear, I will see what I come up with, but don't be gone for too long. The Admiral will be worried". Rebecca gently pressed her palm on my rosy cheek.

"Thank you". I smiled at her and left quickly before anyone else could suspect.

I arrived an hour later, to my surprise they were there. Tegan looked beautiful as always, her small diamond reflected in the bright sun. My sisters looked content to be with her, they laughed as they splashed eachother with water. Tegan turned to me as she heard my footsteps.

"Narissa!". They all yelled with happiness in their melodic voices.

I took off my slippers and put them aside. I kneeled before them and hugged them the best I could, I didn't care if I ruined my silk gown. They mattered to me right now. "Oh you three have no idea how much I have missed you!" I kissed the top of Coryn and Miley's head recieving giggles from them.

"We missed you too". added Tegan as she smiled.

"I am glad you are here, I was afraid you would not be".

"We have been here almost everyday, hoping that you would come". there was sadness in Tegan's sweet voice, sadness that made me begin to tear up. "Don't cry at my expense Narissa".

"I just feel guilty leaving you with the burden". Streams of tears were rolling down my cheeks.

"Nonsense, you being with your Admiral makes is a victory for both of us. Its like being with Gracen, at least on of us got the love of our lives". replied Tegan. I laughed as she said this, the girls were already playing in the water without a care in the world. "By the way, how is your beloved Admiral doing?"

"Well, although we had a few problems, but it is all in the past. I...I gave myself to him, well more than once". I blushed, I could feel the blood rush up to my cheeks.

"That is great news, you are very lucky. I never got the chance to make love with Gracen, cherish every moment you have with him". Tegan pressed her hand onto mine, as if giving me a warning.

"I do and always will, I love him". I replied sincerely.

"I am glad to hear it, now its best you go back before they suspect." replied Tegan.

"Very well, take care of them for me".

"I will".said Tegan

I said goodbye to them, my heart breaking leaving them again, so soon. But I knew my sisters would be protected and happy with Tegan for now.

When I arrived home, I was not sure if he was home yet. I ventured up to my room, hoping to find Rebecca fixing my trunks, possibly even filling them with more gowns James had ordered. I smiled as I saw her doing just that.

"Rebecca". I said as I shut the door quietly.

"Yes, Miss Howard". She turned to me and smiled. "There you are, I was worried. Admiral Norrington has returned from the fort, he is in his study".

"Is he angry?" I asked, I knew the moment he came home he would come looking for me, like he always did. He would always be counting the minutes to come home, as did I.

"No, just exhausted. But don't worry I told him and he understood. Best you start making your way to his study before he goes mad". replied Rebecca

"Right, thank you again". I slipped out of the room and tapped my way to his study.

Upon entering he was sitting at his desk, scribbling away on some parchments.

"I heard a certain Admiral was looking for me". I smiled as he looked up at me, smirking. He quickly tossed his quil aside along with the parchments, motioning for me to come closer to him. I obliged...I was completely mesmerized by his prescence.

Once I came closer he pulled me onto his lap, kissing my neck in the process. I laughed as his kisses lingered to my collarbone. "You should save that for later". I whispered in his ear.

"Or what?" He raised his brow. "You know I could take you right here in my study".

"Hmm, really? Well if you do, then I will be most exhausted to come to you later tonight". I pouted.

"I love it when you pout". James kissed my lips lightly.

"And I love it when you tempt me".

James smirked. "So, tell me. How are your sisters and Tegan doing?" It touched me that he also cared for my sisters and Tegan. I scowled at Elizabeth for letting go of such a caring and loving man. But then again I thanked her, because I got him now.

"Well, Tegan is watching over them. James you should have seen them, they were so happy". I beamed, remembering their giggles.

"And are you happy?" James asked me taking my hand into his, intertwining our fingers.

"Very". I said breathlessly.

"As am I, but I feel that we are incomplete." stated James as he let go of my hand and started shuffling in his coat pocket. I raised my brow in confusion, what was he talking about?

"What on earth do you mean by that?"

"Narissa". He once again took hold of my hand. "I love you more than I can tell you, more than I can make love to you. Will you marry me?"

My breath stopped. I could not believe he was asking me this, nor my eyes, when he took out a black silk box. Inside the box was a beautiful oval shaped ruby ring. The small diamonds surrounding the ruby sparkled with the help of the fire. I didn't know what to say. I was absolutely speechless.

"I...I-" I stuttered.

"Say yes, my love. You will make me even more happy than you already have these past few weeks". James looked into my eyes, and I looked into his. He was telling the truth.

"Yes, yes". I beamed with joy as I said those words. He cupped my face into his hands and kissed me with so much passion that I had to pull away to breathe. James slipped the ring on my finger. Taking another step into our fate...

A/N: YAY! They are finally engaged!! I wonder what will happen next...R&R and find out! lol! Thanks.