Disclaimer. Still only Ben belongs to me. How frustrating!

The day has arrived….will everything go to plan?

Petal of a Rose

Chapter 8 – Abandon Ship!

It was a beautiful day. The rain during the night had cleared away, leaving the entire Cove refreshed. The sky was a transparent azure blue that stretched endlessly, the smallest breeze gently pushed tiny white cotton ball clouds across the heavens. It was, quite simply, the perfect day for a wedding.

Elizabeth had just finished readying herself. Teague would be attending her at any moment to accompany her to the church. As her Father was dead, he, as Keeper of the Code, and of course, Jacks Father, had agreed to give her away. The older Captain Sparrow had a genuine respect for the girl and, privately, thought Jackie had well and truly met his match. He was immensely proud that she had asked him. Jack, on the other hand, just wanted someone who could be relied upon to get her to the church.

Late the previous night, Teague had visited Jack on The Pearl, where he, Jack and Gibbs had proceeded to get riotously drunk. Jack was now under no illusion of the high regard his 'intended' was held in by his Father. He had been warned what Teague would do to him if he ever let her down.

Elizabeth walked to the floor length mirror and studied her reflection. She smiled in satisfaction. Her gown was, truly, the most gorgeous dress she had ever seen. The finest silk, old gold in colour, it was shot through by golden and silver threads. It left her shoulders bare and nipped in at her waist before flowing into a full, floor length skirt, made wider than her hips by the multitude of petticoats. From beneath the hem, peeped slippers of the very same colour, with stockings to match. Her undergarments were also of the finest silk with the prettiest lace edging. The whole effect was topped off by an exquisite diamond tiara, which was tucked into her hair, worn long and loose – just how Jack liked it!

She turned slightly and enjoyed the feel of silk against her body and the tantalising rustle as the material moved. She had never felt more feminine in her life and couldn't wait to see the effect on Jack. She could hardly believe that in an hour's time, she would be Mrs Elizabeth Sparrow. She felt the heat start to rise inside her and drew a quivering breath.

There was a sharp rap on the door and Teague's head appeared. His eyes widened as he stepped into the room. "Oh Elizabeth.." He said. "Ye look stunning. I hope me lad appreciates ye. He'll have me t' deal with if not!"

Elizabeth grinned warmly. "Thank you. You look very handsome yourself. Is it time to leave yet?" She started to turn to get her bouquet.

"Umm…we have a few minutes yet…" Teague looked very much like his Son when trying to avoid a question.

"Is everything alright, Teague?"

"Umm…yes…its just…umm…Jack's not at the church yet and…umm…nobody knows where he is. When I get me hands on him…!"

"Oh…!" Elizabeth didn't know what to say. She felt herself wilt inside, like a cut flower left out in the mid-day sun.

"Don't ye worry, lass, most probably he's running late. Ye know how he can be.

Jack, meanwhile, was enjoying a last drink with his Best Man, Gibbs. They had visited five Taverns since leaving The Pearl and Jack's nerves were beginning to feel a lot better.

The crew had been working all morning at brightening The Pearl for Elizabeth's return, that night. She was a riot of colour, with flowers, bows and candles everywhere. Jack had made his cabin a romantic retreat. Pink roses were on every available surface and his bed was made with fresh, silk sheets. The men were to spend the night on shore to give the newlyweds some time alone.

"'m sure it mus' be time t' leave, Mr Gibbs." Jack said, getting unsteadily to his feet. The room spun slowly in front of his eyes.

"Aye, Jack." Said Gibbs, following his friend equally unsteadily out into the street.

Slowly, they made their way to the church and stepped inside. Jack glanced nervously at the crowded church and tugged at the unaccustomed cravat at his throat. "Didn't expect so many people." He said, his nerves suddenly multiplying. "'tho I seem t'be seein' two of ev'ryone!?"

He took a step forward and almost fell over his own feet. "Mr Gibbs. Kindly remove that obstru'tion. We don't want anyone elsh to fall ova it!"

They made their way slowly down the aisle, Jack chatting to people as he went. When he reached the front, he sat abruptly and looked around, smiling and waving at the assembled guests.

Elizabeth was convinced that Jack had deserted her. She felt the salty sting of tears in her eyes. All of her nightmares were coming true. Time stood still as she tried to pull herself together. 'No…no…no…!' She cried inside her head.

There was a knock on the door and Teague quickly stepped outside. Within a few moments, he was back a relieved grin on his face. "It's alright, me lovely. He's at the church waitin' for ye. I told ye there was nothin' to be worryin' yerself about! Are ye ready?"

Elizabeth picked up her bouquet of pink roses, smoothed her dress and took a deep breath. "Lead on, Captain Sparrow, lead on." She replied.

The music was swirling in Jack's head. He closed his eyes, then jumped as the Parson touched his arm and indicated for him to stand. He glanced at Gibbs, gulped, and they both rose and stepped forward.

Jack looked back at the open church doors and felt his stomach move to his throat. His blood rushed to his head in anticipation of seeing his beautiful 'Lizzie. The light streaming into the church was so bright it hurt his eyes and made his head reel. Suddenly the effect of the rum he had consumed dispersed and he was stone, cold, sober.

Into the light came Elizabeth on the arm of his Father. Jack gasped at the vision she made. Never had he seen anything so radiant, so lovely…and she was soon to be his.

Elizabeth entered the church and, immediately her eyes were drawn to Jack. Even with the full length of the aisle between them, she felt the incredible, smouldering heat, and in a heartbeat, seemed to be propelled forward, to sink into their depths. She blinked rapidly and took a steadying breath. The church and its occupants came back into view. The smell of the roses, bunched on the ends of the pews and on the altar invaded her senses. The smiles of the guests brought her further back to reality. She hesitated just a moment as she looked down the church at her future Husband.

He looked devastatingly handsome. His hair, usually worn loose and free, was freshly washed and drawn back, secured at the nape of his neck. He wore no bandana. His skin, burnt conker by the sun, was the cleanest she had ever seen it. He wore a wine red waistcoat, over the whitest shirt, a white cravat, to match and a well cut jacket, the same colour as his waistcoat. The effect was completed by white breeches and burgundy boots.

"Oh…Teague…he looks so handsome!" She murmured.

"Elizabeth, luv. Do ye really think that we'd let him turn up for his wedding in his everyday clothes?" Teague answered with a chuckle. "Ready?"

She nodded, and together they walked forward. The music swelled around them as Elizabeth stepped into her future. She dimly, noticed Jack's crew amongst the guests. And smiled at their obvious discomfort in their new, clean clothes. She giggled suddenly as she noted that someone had made them bathe as there wasn't so much as a smudge on any of them. Even Cotton's parrot looked brighter!

They reached Jack's side and he took her hand in his, caressing her palm with his thumb. The look of complete and utter love and devotion on his face swept her breath away.

"I luv ye, 'Lizzie." He murmured.

"I love you, too, Jack!"

The service started. The Parsons voice dimmed into the distance as they continued to stare into each others eyes... Elizabeth was briefly aware of Teague, handing her formally to Jack and it was soon time for them to take their vows.

Jack repeated the words to her and she remembered that they were to Love, Honour and Cherish. Neither of them was agreeable to blindly obeying the other!

As Jack promised to honour her, Cotton's parrot piped up with, "Don't do it! Don't do it!" And squawked outrageously. Everyone laughed, except for Jack, who looked like he would take great pleasure in strangling it.

Eventually, the Parson announced, "For as much as Jack and Elizabeth have made vows to each other, and before God and this company, I pronounce them to be Man and Wife. Captain Sparrow, you may kiss your bride."

As Jack leaned in toward his wife, the parrot squawked, "Abandon Ship! Abandon Ship!"

Elizabeth and the guests roared with laughter. Jack turned to Gibbs and said, "Give me a gun…I'm goin' t' shoot it!"

As the laughter died down, Jack turned to Elizabeth, took her left hand in his and raised it to his lips. Keeping his eyes fixed on hers, he kissed her wedding band, so recently placed there, and murmured, so only she could hear, By all that is sacred t' me, I swear that I will love ye for the rest of me days, and will honour ye for ever."

Having said this he leaned into her and kissed her deeply.

The parson's "Ahem!", brought them apart, and grinning, they turned and walked back up the aisle, together, the guests showering them with rose petals as they went.

Everyone had a riotous time at the reception party. The wedding meal had been prepared by the very best cooks Shipwreck had to offer. The finest champagne was drunk; toasts were made and there was dancing well into the night.

When it became dark, and the lanterns and candles were lit, Teague realised that the Bride and Groom were conspicuous by their absence.

"Good on ye, Son!" He murmured, a wry grin on his weathered face, and went back to hearing the details of Jack and Elizabeth's previous adventures from Mr Gibbs.

Jack had stolen away from the festivities with his Bride, at the first opportune moment. Pintel and Ragetti had informed him that The Pearl had been made ready for them, as requested, and he was tired of sharing 'Lizzie with the guests.

He led her down to the Pearl and assisted her to the top of the gangplank. He restrained her as she approached the deck and gathered her into his arms. "Me crew have prepared a surprise for ye –", he whispered against her ear, "-an' I have to honour tradition." He scooped her up and stepped from the gangplank onto the deck. "Welcome home, Mrs Sparrow, welcome home!"

Elizabeth looked around her in wonder. The Pearl was transformed. Flowers and bows hung from every available surface. Hundreds of candles lined the deck. It made her efforts for Gibbs' party pale into insignificance.

"Oh…Jack! It's beautiful! They did this for me?"

"Aye luv. In their own way, they luv ye as much as I do. Ye'll nev'r be unloved or alone on board this ship!"

Elizabeth was touched. To think that a bunch of hardened pirates cared about her enough to do this!

Jack watched the surprise turn to delight and wonder on her face. Truth be known, it had affected him deeply, when he had learned of the crew's intentions. They would be pleased to learn of her reaction. He took her by the hand and led her to his – their – cabin.

He opened the door and stepped back, allowing her to enter. The fragrance of hundreds of roses permeated the cabin. They were everywhere. A pink and white floral fantasy. In between the luscious blooms, were dozens of softly glowing candles. The floor was strewn with rose petals which released fragrance as they entered.

"An' I did me cabin for ye," murmured Jack, nuzzling the pulse point below her ear, "I thought we'd 'ave a night to remember."

He released her, walked to the table, and picked up the chilled champagne. After opening it, he filled two fine, crystal goblets.

"Mrs Sparrow.", he acknowledged, as he handed her a glass, and with a mischievous look on his face, followed with, "Drink up, me harties, yo ho!"

Ah! They've done it! Lucky, lucky 'Lizzie!!!

Now go review!!

The next chapter contains real smut! (What did you expect? It's their Wedding Night!) Read on only if it won't offend!