Thanks for the reviews and I hope you guys enjoy this chapter! He finally stopped being a dumb dumb.

One year later

Katherine smiled seeing Port Royal again as she got off the Interceptor. With heavy persuasion from her father, the decided to return back. Her father right after her along with James and his sister, Anne, who wanted to come, as well. Katherine wasn't fond of her. Anne was an aristocrat brat and hated Katherine. She wasn't good enough for James, especially since she was married to a pirate.

A year has past and old wounds have healed, though the scars remained. She still thought of Jack, but she tried to think or do something else whenever he invaded her mind. She felt awfully alone in her stay in London. She tried to make social appearances, like going to church or the market, but since they were in mourning of Elizabeth's death, they weren't able to go to dances or other social events.

Katherine also received a note from Abigail and Will. It mentioned that they got married, opened up their very own blacksmith shop, and that they were expecting their first child. For the first time, Katherine was jealous of her best friend. How she prayed so that she could conceive, but God has failed to listen to her. She would have loved to wake up and see a beautiful creature that she and Jack made, and that he or she would have his same brown eyes, so that she could have a small part of him.

She secretly carried the beads he had given her. His harsh words echoed in her mind, but he still possessed her in all forms to her dislike.

James on the other hand was inseparable of Katherine to Weatherby's delight. After Elizabeth's death, James decided to go to visit the Swann's in London. He claimed that he wanted to see how they were doing, but Katherine knew that he was after a proposal. She, however, made it clear that she wouldn't marry ever again, but James didn't really understand. He even mentioned that she would be in his watch at all times now that they were back in Port Royal.

Katherine made her way to the carriage that was going to take them to James' plantation. Both homes in Port Royal were still being remodeled and James was kind enough to let them stay at his other home outside Port Royal.

Katherine hasn't heard a single news from Jack, but she had no doubt that he was living the pirate life. He was probably pillaging towns with his crew and probably had... company at night. All the things he promised was just a distant memory now.

However, just miles of the coast, the Black Pearl, and all her glory, sailed back to the place where it has caused heartache and gained love. His love for Katherine remained. He realized that time has past and Katherine's memory haunts his ship. Her smell in his bedroom, the long forgotten cooking, the sails and clothes she used to sow. He needed her back in his also cleared him in the death of the head guard. No doubt time past and if he could explain the reason why he did what he did, he was sure Katherine will accept him back.

Jack knew, however, that by law their marriage was annulled, at least not for the religious vows that are more important to Katherine.

"Captain, I see land," yelled Marty.

Jack smirked. He was close to have Katherine back with him.

Katherine walked in the market place along side Abigail, James, and Anne. Though she was pregnant, she wanted to go back to work in the governor's mansion to accompany Katherine and she too will sometimes visit her while at her stay at James' plantation. However, she will no longer worked as hard as before since she was pregnant, so they would hire an extra maid once the house was redecorated again. Both women looked at the fruit, making sure they were ripped and fresh.

"Good afternoon," said a voice behind them. Katherine's whole body froze, she even paled, hearing the deep voice she had longed to hear for a very long time. She turned and realized her hearing hadn't failed her. The voice belonged to Jack.

He hasn't changed and still looked handsome. She longed to run to him to kiss him and hug him, but she contained herself. She started remembering their last encounter and felt her feelings go sour.

Jack, too, had an urge to rush to her. She still looked as beautiful as he remembered. He saw those shocked green eyes that bewitched him all over again. He had seen her walking with Abigail, James, and another lady, while he strolled around Port Royal. The temptation was too hard to resist. He needed her back. His love for her always remained strong, so strong that he hadn't been with a woman since Katherine. Sexually, he yearned for her. She was his and he intended to do that very soon again.

It made him angry, though, that James was at Katherine's side. "How have you been?" asked Jack.

"G-Good," she whispered, the only thing that came into mind.

"Well, let's leave," said James, quickly.

"I would like to speak with you," said Jack, still not taking his eyes off Katherine.

"She doesn't want to speak with you," snapped James.

"Let her answer," retorted Jack with pleading eyes.

Katherine hesitated. "James' right. We have nothing to talk about," she said, walking past him, but still got a glimpse of his eyes in pain. She even looked back and saw that he was still watching her. All the pain and love came back in an instance for both. Nothing made sense anymore.

"Katie, may I speak with you?" asked James when they got back to his plantation. They dropped Abigail off at Will's shop before heading back. Katherine sighed and nodded, following him to his study. "Sit down, please," he gestured. "I would like to speak about Sparrow."

"I'd prefer not to..."

"Please," interrupted James. Katherine nodded in defeat. "I think that it impressed you to see him again."

"It's normal," she said, looking away.

"And what are you going to do?" asked James.

Katherine shook his head. "Nothing"

"He wants to talk to you."

"There's nothing to talk about," she explained. "We aren't together anymore."

"He'll insist."

Katherine looked down. "Maybe it was a mistake coming back here. I thought he'd never come back."

"I think you decided right, Katie. It wouldn't matter where you were, he would have found you eventually. At least here, you'll be under my protection."

Katherine looked at him. "I just don't want there to be problems anymore between the two of you again, especially if it'll be my fault."

James sighed. "He's the only one to blame."

"Maybe it'll be convenient if we do talk," she said, thoughtfully. "To hear what he wants."

"You know already, don't you? He wants you back."

Katherine smiled softly. "It could be something else."

"Then why all the persistence? Please, Katie," he said, grabbing her hand. "Let me protect you."

"James, you've been so good with my father and me, but for nothing in the world would I want to see the two of you fighting again."

"There won't be any fighting if you'd give me the honor of giving me your hand." Katherine was startled by the sudden offer and immediately pulled her hand away. "Only then will Sparrow leave you alone and he'll forget about us."

"It's just that..."

"I'm not asking you to love me. Only with your comprehension and affection will be enough for me. We know each other very well, Katie. They will be kindness and respect between the two of us," he said, trying to convince her. "Besides, you'll bring a lot of happiness to your father. Please accept my hand, Katie."

Katherine sighed heavily and got up. "Please, James, let me think about it for a few days. I want to be sure of my answer." With that, she left his study.

James growled in frustration. He began to make plans for tomorrow night to see Carmen again. He needed a distraction and a drink.

Late that night, Jack sneaked in James' plantation, in search to speak with Katherine. He noticed the room she was staying in from a far. He didn't want to force this on Katherine and knew she'll get angry for going into her room late at night, but she gave him no option. He had to speak with her and explained what happened and the reason why he did what he did. Jack climbed up to her window and luckily the window was open.

Silently, he crept inside. He smirked to himself, seeing her sleeping form on the bed. However, he stopped cold when he saw another girl sleeping in the bed besides Katherine. Who was she? Thought Jack. Carefully, he made his way to Katherine, trying not to wake them. Right when he was above her, he clamped his hand above her mouth.

Katherine woke up startled and wide-eyed as she met Jack's eyes. She didn't know why he was there or how he knew she was there.

"I'm not going to hurt you," he whispered. "I just want to talk."

I mentioned James' sister, but she won't be a big part of the story. She'll probably be mentioned twice the most. Please review!