February 27th 1722

We bought a ship from a trading merchant and hired a crew, Edward wanted to go, to meet the daughter he had only read of. But he didn't want to leave me and Charlotte behind, to face his old demons alone. On board the ship was a letter addressed to Rose to tell her of the plan to bring Jennifer back here to Great Inagua, whilst Edward had bought the ship me and Anne had made sure the manor had everything a young lady would need. I'm glad Anne was with me, even when I bought dresses for Charlotte I felt out of my depths. A tutor was brought to the island in preparation for her arrival, yet again the trees were cut back and the town was expanded.

We packed the ship with enough food to last to England, the crew would stock up once they reached Bristol. I stood at the docks with Edward and watched it sail off, no one we knew was on it but we still felt like we had to see it leave.

It wouldn't be till about September that Jennifer would arrive, if she or her guardian chose to allow her to move over here. So between now and then we had planned to Renovate under the manor and we were going to change what the Charlotte looked like too. In case all that was completed too quickly I had bought Edward a new ship to make his own, Identical to the Charlotte the now called Jennifer was as intricately detailed except its detail was royal blue and gold.

It had been docked in Inagua for a week but I hadn't given him the chance to see the name, I would save that for when he felt he had nothing left to do. I set myself tasks as well, I would walk through the trees and document and the plants and creatures that called this island their home too.

March 20th 1722

I stood in what used to be a treasure cave under the manor, what used to be jagged rocks had been covered with wooden panels painted a simple blue. The cold floor had been levelled with the same wooden panelling in white colour instead, the gate that now covered the entrance let in the light and completely changed the room. It had been mine and Edward's project, but it had been mainly me working on it. Edward changed again completely, I was glad to say it was for the better. After spending his birthday together as just us two wrapped around each other on a beach he turned his attention to the town and helped out where everyone needed it, built houses with the crew and set up new trading links to the new world. He would stroll in with flowers he had picked from our garden and go to spend time with Charlotte, Me and Anne would cook. It was her way of domesticating me I'm sure of it, she would come to me and ask for help with small tasks. She taught me to sew, cook and farm. I allowed her and didn't question why, Edward found it funny watching me cook anything but fish.

April 10th 1722

I had been guessing it for the last month that the sickness was the same I had encountered with Charlotte, this time around the sickness is greeted with excitement instead of dread. I don't tell Edward straight away in case it's not what I think it is, but without getting my hopes up I can tell that soon we'll be a four instead of a three. I stop dead in my tracks when I realise we'll be a four before this child is born, yet maybe the child will bond us closer and help me connect with Jennifer. The thought makes me hurl, I don't hate the idea of her coming to live with us. I meant what I said to Edward but it doesn't stop me from being scared and nervous, me Mary Read a pirate scared by an 8-year-old girl. That thought makes me laugh, I've attacked ships and killed gaining on hundreds yet the thought of a child is daunting.

I go for a walk to clear my head, Edward doesn't mind and sits with Charlotte in the garden. I've been training the jackdaw I bought for him when I go out, it sits on my shoulder through the jungle until I reach the beach. It keeps me calm when these thoughts creep from nowhere, as if I tie my troubles to the bird and let it fly them away for me.

With the remains of the ships that attacked us, we expanded the docks and tavern, meaning any sailors who visited were very happy. Trade kept picking up pace lining the islands pockets very nicely, but I had kept enough back and built a small shack on my beach. I came here to get away from everything, I think back to how me and Edward spent his birthday in this shack. How we had almost knocked one of the supporting walls down with the force of us making love, this child would be the most perfect late birthday present ever. I could imagine the excitement on his face when he found out he would be a father again, I guess we weren't joking about our crew.

May 20th 1722

The doctor on the island confirmed I was indeed pregnant again, and that guessing from my lack of swell and the length of my sickness we must have conceived in march. We had been so busy in march that the only time we had made love – although it wasn't only once – was Edward's birthday. I went back to the manor with the biggest smile plastered on my face, the chores I found stupid seemed to click and in my bubble of happiness I went to work. When Edward walked in from working he was faced with a massive pot of stew and the main table set.

"You seem happy today" his arms encircled my waist planting kisses on my neck as he stood talking to me "Did Anne not help you?"

"Anne is working at the tavern tonight, so no I did this all by myself" I turned to face him and was met by his lips "Take Charlotte through with you, I'll be in soon" making sure everything was ready and I knew what I was going to say I took the pot of food through.

Either it was really good or he ate it because he was hungry but the pot of stew was emptied rather quickly.

"I have something I need to tell you" I started as I meant to go along

"Why don't you save it and I'll put Charlotte to bed" she had been yawning all through dinner, plus that meant I could casually drop it into a conversation.

I took the pots through to the kitchen, I was happy enough to cook but washing pots still wasn't my thing. I don't suppose it ever would be.

Not far behind them, I stood in Charlotte's bedroom doorway watching Edward whisper goodnight to her, to tell her how much he loved her and always would. I stepped over to stand next to him, looking down into the crib as we both did most nights.

"I love her so much in the day, but its weird because at night I feel a whole different kind of love towards her" I knew exactly what he meant, the excitement of what would the day bring meant I felt a happy love towards my daughter. So when she was lying asleep in her bed the blossom of love you felt was a calm one, it made you feel like this child will never need anything in their lives and that you would do anything to keep them safe.

"I love watching her sleep as well" I thought this is my chance "But what will we do when there's two of them, wait three of them. Who would we tuck in first?" I could see the thought process working its way through Edward's head. Charlotte and Jennifer made two we would have to tuck in, so where is three coming from unless...

"You're not!" the smile that spread across my face must have confirmed what he was thinking "That's amazing! How long have you known?"

"I thought I was about a month and a half ago, but today the doctor confirmed it for me, said all the dates added up to March. Which must have meant your birthday" careful to not make any noise, he hoisted me into his arms and waited till we were outside Charlotte's room, he spun he around with a massive smile plastered on his face.

"You've made me the happiest man alive" he bought me back to the floor and kissed me, not the mad passionate kisses we usually share. This one was full of love, slow and caring as if he didn't want to hurt me.

"I know you can do better than that! Our kids are sturdy remember, Charlotte survived Jail"

"This one will never know what it's like to be put through that, in fact we are both going to take it steady. Can't be that hard cooking if you've mastered it so quickly" I false scoffed at him but the moment meant I felt nothing but happiness and love. Strange how someone can change when your situation does.

We made love that night, it was sweet and soft and slow. We enjoyed the moment and lay together through the night, I fell asleep first but not before I heard Edward talking to my stomach. I felt a draft on the area and realised he must have lifted my top.

"I spoke to your sister like this once, although I'm glad to say your mother isn't as bad as she was then. I told her that she would never want for anything, never feel any cold or hunger in her life. I told her that I will always be there for her, like I'll always be there for you. I told her I will always love her, just like I will always love you. I couldn't wait to meet her, now I know that I have to wait that bit longer to meet you and that's going to be hard for me and your mother. But when you get here it's going to be one of the best days of my life and I promise you this baby, whoever you are. I will be there, even if I'm not here when you are born. You can bet that you will be safe in my arms as soon as I can hold you" I feel a kiss planted just below my belly button "Oh and if you could not cause your mother too much illness, that would be a massive favour. And if you could tell her that I know she's awake but I mean everything I say that would be perfect too. Can't wait to meet you" a laugh crosses my lips and before I know it he's lying staring into my eyes. "I can't thank you enough for this"

"Well I can't help but feel that I couldn't have done it without you" he kisses the end of my nose and we drift off together, no nightmares cross my mind just thoughts of a blonde-haired, blue-eyed baby boy.

first of 2 chapters up today :D hope you all enjoy this and the next one.