/I don't own anything you recognize in this story. /
Chapter Thirty
Standing in front of the mirror that had been hung on the back of the door, I looked at myself with scrutiny. I hadn't worn a dress in what seemed like forever and I wanted to look my best for Will. There would be precious little time in the near future for dressing up. We had to be constantly on our guard.
Satisfied that I looked decent enough, my hand unconsciously went to my stomach. The dress had seemed a little tight when I had first put it on and I wondered if the baby was growing already. The news of the baby still shocked me and I still didn't know how I was going to tell Will about it. I hoped he would be excited about the news as Bootstrap Bill had implied.
Tearing my gaze away from the mirror, I forced myself to go out into the shop. I couldn't prolong the meeting any longer. The men were gathered together in the middle of the shop and when I entered, everybody stopped talking. Will's eyes widened in surprise and his eyes never left me as I walked towards them. Bootstrap Bill was smiling—pleased to know that he had made the right choice in dress. Even Jack couldn't take his eyes from me.
I stopped in front of Will, tentatively smiling at them all. In all my life, I had never been so conscious of my figure until now. And already I could feel a blush rising in my cheeks.
"I hope I look decent enough," I finally said, curling a stray piece of hair on my finger.
Will stepped closer to me, his finger tracing the edge of my face. The feeling sent a shiver down my spine.
"You look absolutely beautiful," Will exclaimed, his eyes never leaving my face.
"The most beautiful woman in all of Port Royal," Jack stated, chewing on the end of his pipe that he had found several weeks earlier.
"I hope that doesn't include the savages," I teased, making Jack blush.
"No doubt he is, after all, I don't think he has seen a beautiful woman since he was as boy," Bootstrap Bill laughed.
"That's not so," Jack retorted. "A beautiful woman is hard to find, and Elizabeth is a piece of artwork."
"I'm glad you think of me as a piece of decoration, Jack," I exclaimed. "It lets me know my rank in the scheme of things."
Everybody had a laugh at Jack's expense. Jack said nothing, just chewed on his pipe. But I could tell that he was embarrassed. I placed a warm-hearted hand on his shoulder.
"Don't take it personally, Jack, we still love you," I said, unable to stop a smile from spreading on my face.
Jack merely grunted his answer and everybody laughed again. Will quietly took my arm and I looked up at him.
"We better get going, Elizabeth," Will said. "We don't want to be late."
I nodded. "Let's go, then."
Saying goodbye, we made our way down to the restaurant where we were to have our dinner. And it was the best dinner I ever had. Telling me stories from his childhood, I couldn't help but laugh at Will's stories of escapades.
Laughing, I wiped the tears from my eyes. "I'm so glad we're doing this Will, I can't remember the last time we had any fun."
Will twirled his fork in his hand. "So am I."
I studied Will's face. He did seem so much happier. Only mere weeks ago he hated me because he thought I was in love with Jack and here we were now, falling head over heels in love. So much had changed us, yet Will could still be his quiet, strong self. His quietness calmed my fears and reminded me that moving about and being loud wasn't always the best course.
"Elizabeth, I need to tell you something," Will said finally, breaking our silence.
"I also have something to tell you, Will," I answered back.
Will stood and held out his hand. "Let's go for a walk, then, shall we?"
I nodded and took his hand. Paying the bill, Will escorted me out and led me down by the harbor. I sighed happily and breathed in the night air. Looking up at the sky, I could saw that the moon was full tonight.
Stopping suddenly, Will leaned against the railing and gazed deep into my face. "I have been thinking about this for some time now. I asked my father about it this morning and he approves."
I rested my arm against the railing, our fingers barely touching. "What is it, Will?"
Will straightened and cupped his hands around my face. I leaned into him, our foreheads touching. I wanted the moment to last forever.
"I was wondering, if you were willing that is, if you would marry me tonight. My father has already arranged for a preacher to come by while we were gone. All you have to do is say the word," Will said.
Tears filled my eyes. I couldn't believe that my moment had finally come. I had been dreaming about this for years. My hand rose to my mouth and I turned away from Will so he wouldn't see me crying.
"Elizabeth?" I felt his arms wrap around me and felt his chin rest upon my shoulder. "You don't have to do this if you don't want to. I'll be willing to wait longer if you're not ready."
"No, that's not it." I turned my face to look at him. "I just can't believe that this moment is finally here."
Will broke into a wide grin. Without another word, he lifted my chin and kissed me passionately on the lips. Gasping with surprise and delight, I pulled him closer, wanting the moment to last as long as possible. With great reluctance, though, Will pulled away from me and looked deep into my eyes.
"You said you wanted to tell me something," Will said, tracing his finger down my nose.
"Yes, I do." I fell silent, trying to find the right words to say. I didn't want to ruin this critical moment.
Will lifted up my face, making me look into his eyes. "What's the matter, Elizabeth? Whatever it is, you can tell me."
I traced Will's face. Our lives were going to change so much with just a few simple words. And how was I going to say them?
I took a deep breath. "I have something very important to tell you—something that will change our lives forever. I just hope you won't get upset about what I'm going to say, or blame it on yourself when I tell you."
"I could never do that, Elizabeth," Will said.
"Will," I said. "I'm pregnant."
For several minutes, Will said nothing. In his face, I could see the surprise and shock darting across his mind. I was almost afraid that he was going to get angry, hate me forever, say it was my entire fault, and then leave me forever. Just when I thought things were getting hopeless, Will broke into a smile and hugged me tightly.
"I can't believe it!" Will exclaimed. "I'm going to be a father! Are you sure? I mean, you're not just having a scare or anything because of what happened?"
I shook my head. "I couldn't be more serious, William Turner. You're going to be a father and I have to say I couldn't be happier about it, now that the shock has worn off."
Like a little boy, Will leaped in the air and threw up his fist as if in victory. Lifting me up, he twirled me around in a circle while giving me a slow, sweet kiss. Giggling, I held onto his shoulders for dear life and when he set me gently down, I wrapped my arms more tightly around Will's neck.
"I'm glad to see you so happy, Will," I exclaimed.
"I never expected to be a father so soon, but I never thought I'd be so excited about it," Will said, unable to stop laughing.
I couldn't help but laugh along with him. "Let's say we go back and get married? I don't think we want to curse our child into shame, do we?"
"No. I wouldn't have it," Will retorted.
Without another word spoken, he took my hand and we headed back home, towards happiness.
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Author's Note: I am not done yet, though the chapter's ending sounds like the story's ending. I've got some stuff up my sleeve and I promise you, there is some trouble coming to the happy couple, most certainly next chapter. Don't get your hopes up on a happily ever after. Yet.
I hope everybody enjoys the story so far and I hope everybody continues reading it. Thanks to everybody who reviewed last chapter. I didn't expect everybody to be so excited about Elizabeth having a baby, but there you have it. I'm sure their kids will grow up to look just like them. But anyways, the point is, I'm glad everybody's thrilled with the story so far and I hope you all continue reading and I'll update as soon as I can. Don't forget to review!