"That's it," said Elizabeth, sitting up quickly in her chair as she gazed out over the sea, "Did you see it? The flash of green?"

Jack gritted his teeth anxiously, "Yes, love…yes I saw it. He's coming."

Elizabeth cast a worried glance over at Jack. She could see the tension in his shoulders and knew that this was going to be hard for all of them…especially if Will didn't take the news too well.

"Perhaps I should go inside," said Jack as he stood up slowly, "I don't want to intrude on your reunion…and I don't think it best if I'm out here when you tell him…about us."

Elizabeth glanced away, feeling incredibly guilty, and nodded, "Okay…yeah…that's a good idea."

Jack leaned over and gave her a kiss on the cheek before he quickly made his way back into the house. He retreated to little William's room and began to play soldiers and pirates with the boy while they waited for Elizabeth to call out to them. Jack felt a growing pit of worry and dread in his stomach as he played with William. What if Elizabeth saw Will and remembered how deeply she cared for him? What if she realized what she was doing with him was a mistake and that she loved Will more? What if Will became infuriated and went after him? This entire thing could end in disaster and most of the scenarios ended with Jack being the one who got hurt. He frowned at that, reflecting on how life never seemed to really work out in his favor…especially this area of life. It was all really up to Elizabeth and Will now. All he could do was sit back and wait…

…

Elizabeth paced anxiously along the shoreline as she watched the Flying Dutchman slowly approach. A little boat was dropped over the side and she could make out Will Turner's figure as he leapt down into it and began to row fiercely to shore. If only he knew what awaited him when he arrived, thought Elizabeth sadly. She had loved Will dearly and part of her always would…but her heart belonged to Jack Sparrow now. She knew that news would break Will's heart but she prayed he would understand her situation. She needed a man to help her…to guide her…and to raise William. Will couldn't be there for them all the time…Jack Sparrow could. After all, part of her heart had always felt a sharp tug in Jack's direction. There was a time in her life when she was torn between the two of them. Now she felt that same sensation of being ripped in half as Will approached the shore. It was as if she were reliving the past all over again…but this time the choices she had made were utterly and completely different. Everything had changed.

…

"Elizabeth," breathed Will in awe as he stepped out of the long boat and began to walk over to her.

"Will," said Elizabeth with a tight, nervous smile as she hugged him, "It's good to see you again."

Will smiled as he hugged her, sighing with relief to know she was still alive, "How are you?"

Elizabeth smiled sadly, "I'm…I'm fine, Will. But…there are some things you should know. A lot's…a lot's changed since you've been gone."

Will's jaw tightened and he looked away, his eyes losing their shine for a moment, "There's another man isn't there?"

Elizabeth took a step back in surprise. How could he have guessed so easily?

"Oh, Elizabeth don't look so shocked," said Will, forcing a smile, "I couldn't honestly believe that you could be alone for ten years without finding someone. I wouldn't expect you to wait for me."

Elizabeth felt tears springing to her eyes as she replied, "I had every intention of doing just that…but…"

"No need to explain," said Will with a note of sadness in his voice, his eyes tight with emotion, "I understand. It's…its okay."

Elizabeth wiped away a tear, "Well…there's something else too Will. I…remember the day we spent on the island? That last day we had together?"

"Aye, how could I forget?" said Will, his eyes shining a little as he remembered that glorious day where he and Elizabeth were able to be alone for those precious few hours.

"Well…I got pregnant, Will," she said quietly, looking away, "And…we have a son. I named him William, after you."

Will looked shell-shocked. He took a couple steps back as he tried to process this information. After a moment he looked up at Elizabeth in wonder, "I…I have a son?"

Elizabeth nodded as the tears formed once again in her eyes, "Yes, Will…and he looks just like you."

"Can…can I see him?" breathed Will, still in shock.

Elizabeth nodded, "Of course…come on, I'll take you up to the cabin."

"What about your new man?" asked Will, his voice hardening slightly, "Will he want me anywhere near you or…or William?"

Elizabeth smiled a little, "I'm sure he won't mind."

Will nodded, "Okay then…let's go."

Will followed Elizabeth, his heart swelling with a mixture of emotions that were becoming more and more chaotic. He had always known that a woman as beautiful as Elizabeth would find another man to care for her in the ten years he was gone. He had known that and accepted it, but somehow just hearing it come from her mouth made it sting. That and the fact that he had apparently fathered her child…that was almost too much to bear. She had been alone raising her son…their son…for how long until the new man came along? At least now, he thought trying to console himself, at least now she wasn't alone. At least now his son had a father to look up to for guidance.

"Now, Will," said Elizabeth as they neared the house, "Please…please don't be upset when you see…when you see who he is, okay?"

Will gave her a confused look, "What do you mean?"

"Just…don't be mad at him. He…he didn't mean any harm," said Elizabeth, fidgeting nervously with the ribbon around her waist.

"Well, if he loves you then how could he have meant any harm?" asked Will, trying to reassure Elizabeth.

Elizabeth smiled a little, "Okay then…come on in."

Elizabeth led Will inside the house. She brought him into the kitchen and then turned to look down the hall, "Okay…come on out!" she called.

A young boy, about ten years old, came running out of a room and burst into the kitchen. Will felt his breath catch in his throat as he noted how much the boy looked just like him when he was young…same light brown hair…same dark brown eyes…same nose, chin, cheek bones. It was unreal.

"Are you…are you my dad?" asked little William as he gazed up at Will in wonder.

"Aye," breathed Will, barely able to speak, "I am."

Little William hugged his father's legs and Will felt the sting of tears in his eyes as he bent down to hug his son for the first time. Just then, another figure strode into the room. Will felt every muscle in his body tense up as he mentally braced himself to face the man who now loved his Elizabeth…and who was now raising his son. What he wasn't prepared for however, was exactly who this individual was.

"Will Turner…it's been a long time."

Will couldn't breathe. He was in absolute shock as he gazed across the room at Jack Sparrow.

"Daddy! Look!" shouted William excitedly, "This is Jack! He's a pirate, just like you! He's wonderful and has these amazing stories and he's teaching me to sword fight!"

Jack looked up at Will, his eyes full of apology and guilt, "I…I'm sorry Will. I know this isn't how things were supposed…supposed to work out and all. But…I came back a few years ago to check and see how she was doing and…well, the rest…the rest is history as they say."

Will glanced away, blinking away the shock, swallowing nervously, unsure as to what to say next.

"Will?" asked Elizabeth after a moment, "Please…say something?"

Will took a deep breath before he looked up and made eye-contact with Jack again. Jack flinched a little, waiting for the barrage of anger to burst from the whelp. He always did have quite the temper and Jack was fully prepared to bear the brunt of what was sure to be the worst temper tantrum Will Turner had ever unleashed.

"Thank you," said Will after a long, tense moment.

Jack and Elizabeth both looked confused and startled as Will walked over to Jack and extended his hand.

"Thank you for taking care of her," he said as Jack hesitantly shook Will's hand, "I…I wouldn't want anyone else to do it."

Jack's eyes were as round as saucers, "Um…anytime. I…I kind of thought you'd be running me through with your sword, not shaking me hand and thanking me."

Will smirked slightly at that, "No because then I'd have to ferry your soul back to Davy Jones' locker and something tells me you wouldn't go quietly."

Jack grinned at that, "Aye mate…you know me well."

Elizabeth beamed happily as she watched Will and Jack reunite. Jack reached out and gave Will a hug and they talked for a couple more minutes before she interrupted them.

"Well there's something I wanted to talk to both of you about," she said as she sat down at the table and gestured for them to sit with her, "All of you…you too William."

William looked rather excited to be included in the grown-up discussion and took a seat at the table with the rest of them.

"What's this about love?" asked Jack as he gave Elizabeth a confused look.

"It's…about our future Jack…for you, me, and William," said Elizabeth, "And if you all hear me out I believe you'll see the logic in my decision."

Will and Jack exchanged the same confused, and somewhat nervous, look.

"Aye Lizzie, well spill it already," said Jack, growing impatient, "You have us all on pins and needles, love."

Elizabeth took a deep breath as she began, "Well…it has to do with the Black Pearl…"

…

Please Review!

Sorry for the cliff hanger…again…lol But I promise I'll update the last installment tomorrow! I might include the epilogue in the last chapter or put it in there on a separate update, either way within the next two days the story will be complete! : ) Thanks for reading!