CHAPTER 11 - Arrivals

Two weeks later…

Despite the belief that Jack’s family would arrive in a few days, they did not. You were beginning to wonder whether or not they would come at all, but when you voiced this concern to Jack he quickly squelched it and reassured you they would be here soon.

Sitting on a bench with your legs curled under you in the Turner’s greenhouse behind their own house, you contemplated the present situation. The book you’d meant to read had been opened but long forgotten as you basked in the Caribbean sun filtering into the greenhouse, warming you comfortably.

You were starting to question if Jack was just afraid of you meeting his supposed “crazy” family, and so he was acting nonchalant about them not being there yet. In fact, you suspected that he was secretly worried something bad had befallen his parents on their way across the ocean.

Even though you sensed Jack was worried, you were a bit wary to ask him about it. You didn’t know how he’d react. It wasn’t as if he’d get mad, but that he’d put up his invisible defenses to guard against showing the love he had for his family. Defenses that had slowly but surely crumbled the more you’d gotten to know him in the last couple weeks.

You didn’t want to chance him shutting you out. You still had work to do on that area, though. Captain Jack Sparrow didn’t just let his guard down for anyone. You were determined that slowly but surely you’d crack him so that he’d let you be privy to all aspects of his character and life. In spite of your original uncertainties of being married to an infamous pirate Captain, you were now actually happy that you’d married him.

This pirate with his complex nature intrigued you endlessly and you found yourself wanting to know everything about him and what made him the man he is today. You only hoped that he felt the same way about you. Time will only tell, you figured, and so you looked forward to the new experiences in your future.

With that bit of resolution, you finally closed the still open book and stood up from the bench. Stretching to get the kinks out, you sighed with unfeigned happiness. It was a good time to be alive, you thought with a smile.

Suddenly you felt two arms snake around your waist. Before you could scream you were lifted up in the air and all that came out of your mouth was an astonished squeak. The arms put you down abruptly, but you couldn’t turn around.

You felt the person lean forward and his lips brushed your ear.

“Don’t be afraid. I won’t hurt a hair on your pretty head.”

You shivered as the deep, sexy voice flowed over your body and you realized who it was. Jack. The crafty bugger, you thought and turned around to face him, his arms falling away from your body.

Crossing your arms over your chest, you gave him the best serious look you had you said, “If I hadn’t known it was you I could have hurt you.”

Jack beamed at you, his arms winding around you again to hold you to him. He pulled you close till your folded arms came to rest against his chest.

“But you’d never do that ‘cause you’d ne’er hurt your handsome husband,” he stated. You arched an eyebrow at him as if to say ‘Are you so sure?’ Jack just laughed and shook his head at you.

“Hhmmm… handsome eh?” was your only response.

Jack continued to grin at his wife as she tried to fake her disapproval. He grinned even wider at her response. She was such an interesting woman, he thought. Over the last two weeks he’d realized that being a married man wasn’t as bad as he’d originally thought. For instance, he was now able to steal kisses from a lady, you of course, without being slapped for it. He was also able to give you gifts that if you weren’t his wife would make people think you were his mistress or something. By being married, Jack was able to finally express his admiration, gratitude, and another emotion he had not identified, for you without any reservation.

One thing he knew, though, was that he never thought that he wouldn’t mind waiting to sleep with you until he knew you better and you were in total accord. Not that you weren’t now, but he suspected that you had a few unvoiced worries about having sex with him before you really got to know him. Then again if the moment felt right and you agreed, he’d be more than happy to make love to you.

The husky sound of your voice caressing his ears brought him out of his thoughts. Jack grinned again at his pretty wife in his arms and tried to resist the urge to steal a kiss. The urge won and he captured her lips for a quick, yet satisfying exchange the left her flustered. He had a tendency to do that to her. He chuckled and earned himself a severe look that had no anger to back it up. He could see the desire in her eyes, eyes that he had learned to read quite well for she wasn’t always good at masking her feelings.

“Truce, luv,” he said, leaning forward to nuzzle your neck.

“Fine, truce Jack,” you agreed. “But will you stop! This isn’t appropriate right now!” Using the barrier of your arms, you pushed at his chest to stop him. He did and finally unwound his arms from your body. You decided to change the subject. “So where have you been today, Jack?”

“Out and about,” was his evasive answer. You knew he’d been quietly watching for his parent’s ship.

“Are you sure they’d sail right into the main? I mean they are pirates,” you pointed out, cutting to the chase.

Jack sighed. “No, I’m not sure, but there’s always the chance. My father is odd that way, so he’d probably pull that stunt. So who knows where he’ll end up docking the ship.”

You frowned. “What is the name of his ship? I don’t believe you ever mentioned it.”

“Her name is Mon Ange. French for My Angel, because my mother’s name means angel and she’s my father’s angel,” Jack said.

“That’s beautiful,” you sighed dreamily. “He must love her very much.”

“Aye, very much,” Jack said, looking you straight in the eye as he said it. You got the feeling he was trying to tell you something. You hoped it had something to do with loving you. Jack reached out and stroked a hand down your cheek, still not breaking eye contact. “Do you realize how beautiful you are, luv?” he asked, almost as if he were in awe.

“Not until you came along Jack. Do you know how handsome you are?” you whispered and leaned forward and laid a gentle kiss on his apple tasting lips. He must have eaten one not long ago, you thought. He did happen to have a strange obsession with eating green apples a lot. Before the kiss could deepen you felt Jack go rigid. Confused you broke away to see his face had changed from being emotionally open to being guarded. “Jack, what’s wrong?”

“I believe we have a visitor. Who, at the moment, is sticking the end of a cutlass in me back, not the most comfortable situation, mate. You mind removing it?” Jack asked through gritted teeth.

You heard a man’s deep laugh in response. The sound of a cutlass being sheathed reached your ears.

“Ah, Jack, me boy, you never did like the way I always teased ye. So I’ll acquiesce so that you can come give your father a nice big hug.”

Jack’s face reddened with a blush and your eyes widened. Jack’s family had finally arrived and it was his father sticking a cutlass in his back for fun.

Jack turned around and you were finally able to see this man who was his father.

The similarities were uncanny, and you grinned. Jack’s father was taller than he at about six feet, but his eyes were the same dark chocolate color that was infused with warmth and mirth. He even had the same black mustache with the same color shoulder length hair, but he didn’t have a braided goatee. His face was very much aristocratic with a sharp, perfectly angled nose, high cheekbones, thin lips, and an aurora about him that screamed upper class. He held himself like a King would, making you wonder how in the world Jack got his swagger. His voice had a musical ring to it that made a person feel like they could trust him with any type of confidence.

“I’m not giving you a hug father,” Jack ground out, clearly embarrassed. “We’re both grown men.”

“Oh come on me boy! It’s been a long time and we’ve missed you,” his father said and instead of waiting for Jack to come to him, he grabbed him in his arms and gave him a fierce, long, loving hug. You watched as Jack’s tanned cheeks reddened and smothered a laugh at the odd sight of Captain Jack Sparrow being hugged by another man. If his enemies saw this, what would they say?

Jack’s father finally let him go and Jack quickly recovered from his embarrassment.

“Is Mother here too?” he asked.

“Aye, as is your brother and his wife,” his father said then noticed you. A surprised look came over his face. He gestured to you. “Now who’s this son?” You could tell he expected Jack to say you were just some woman off the street or something else.

“This is my wife, Pearl is ‘er name. Darling this is me father, Bernard Sparrow. Also known back home in Penzance as The Pirate King,” Jack said, introducing the two of you. Bernard’s mouth had dropped open, and he had an astonished look on his face. You smiled tentatively, unsure if his reaction was good or bad, while curtsying.

Bernard turned his stunned gaze to Jack. “Your wife?” Jack nodded. “By God I never thought I’d see the day!” He turned to the greenhouse’s door and yelled, “Angela! Everyone come quickly!” Then he turned back to Jack and you.

A bit worried, you moved over to stand next to Jack and grabbed onto his hand. He squeezed it reassuringly and smiled just as the sound of many feet running reached your ears and a group of people burst into the greenhouse at the same time, the Turners included.

One woman in particular stood out to you. She was about your height with dark blonde hair pulled back in a sensible bun. Her eyes were a dark midnight blue, lips in the shape of a bow, and sharp angular features. She was a very beautiful woman who also appeared to be a pirate, for she wore black pants and a matching colored billowing shirt. Calf high black boots accompanied the outfit too. She strode into the greenhouse and straight to Bernard to grab his arm.

“Bernie! What is it?” she asked concerned. Then saw Jack and ran to him to kiss his cheeks. “Jack! I’ve missed you!”

Again, Jack blushed as he responded, “I’ve missed you too Mother.” He kissed her cheeks in welcome.

His mother turned back to Bernard. “Now what in the world were you yelling at us about Bernie? You scared us.” She placed her hands on her hips, demanding an answer.

“Perhaps you should ask your son why I had to summon you that way,” he said, grinning all the while, knowing he was putting Jack in a bit of an uncomfortable situation.

Jack, who was most definitely uncomfortable, shifted from foot to foot. You nudged him and whispered, “Jack, you better just tell her and get it over with.”

“Tell me what?” his mother asked, swinging around to face you and Jack.

He gulped visibly and said, “Luv, this is my mother Angela. Mother, this is my wife, Pearl.”

Angela gasped and was speechless, but it only lasted for a second then she laughed and hugged Jack again. “Oh Jack! I thought I’d never see the day! I’m so happy.” She turned to you then. “Welcome to the family dear, you’re extremely welcome.” She reached out and drew you into a warm hug.

“Thank you Angela. I’m happy to have joined the family,” you said while hugging her back. Releasing you, she held you at arms length and looked you over.

“Well Jack, I must say that you’ve made an obviously good choice in your mate,” she complimented and you blushed.

“Aye, I did mother,” Jack said, wrapping an arm around you and placing a kiss on your cheek.

Bernard let out a loud bark of laughter and hugged the two of you quickly. “Great to see me oldest son finally married. When Simon got to it before you, we worried that you’d never follow suite. Glad to see you finally got around to it.”

Jack perked up at his brother’s name. “Did Simon come with ye?”

“Aye, he’s standing right over there son,” Bernard said, pointing to where a man and a woman stood with the Turners.

The man was dressed in tan buckskin pants, tall calf high black boots, and a black form fitting black coat. He also had shoulder length black hair and blue eyes that matched Angela’s, though he did not sport any facial hair like the other men in the family. You realized he must be Jack’s brother Simon, and he was the epitome of an English gentleman.

“It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance Pearl. I am really happy that you are now part of the family,” Simon said taking your hand and kissing it formally. Jack glared at him for this, but you just curtsied again and said hello. Simon grinned, and turned to the one woman you hadn’t met who was standing behind him. “Pearl, I’d like you to meet my wife, Emily. Jack, you should remember her since we all grew up together.”

“’Ello Emily,” Jack said kissing her cheek in greeting.

“Hi Jack,” she said.

“Hello Emily, nice to meet you,” you said, speaking up. Emily was a small woman at five feet tall. She had piercing green eyes and a thick head of carrot orange hair. She smiled warmly at you and said, “Hello, glad to see Angela and I have another woman to consort with.”

You laughed, knowing the three men wouldn’t find that statement very comforting.

You then wondered if the Sparrows had been introduced to the Turners. You asked and they said that they had. Elizabeth suggested you all go have some lunch that the cook had prepared and everyone agreed and went to eat.

About an hour and a half later you were all seated in the living room with some catching up on news and others making new friends.

You were seated next to Jack, who was talking to his parents. He just finished telling them about your story and the news on Black Bart.

“We were wondering if ye knew where Bart was headed next and what he wanted you to be apart of,” Jack explained, elbows on his knees as he leaned forward earnestly.

Bernard scratched his chin absently as he contemplated what Jack had told him. After what seemed like forever he said, “All I can tell you is that Bart stopped by about two months ago and mentioned how he’d gotten into a spot of trouble a month back and wanted me to join him in coming back here and retrieving some lady friend of his and bringing her back to live with us for a while. I agreed and then we left two months later due to things that kept coming up. We sailed to Port au Prince to pick up that woman but she was not there. So we came by here to see you and hear if you had any news yourself. But as it appears, you do not and we are all left wondering where this lady and Bart are now.”

“Alright, so we’re up against a wall here since Bart has disappeared again along with this lady. Now we’re not able to go find her to question her on whether or not she knows who luv here is. Anyone got an idea of what to do now?” Jack asked, leaning back against the couch and putting an arm over your shoulders.

His parents were silent as they thought about the situation. Your brow crinkled as you did the same. What in the world was the next step to take? That question kept running through your head over and over.

Could you maybe go back to Tortuga to the place where you lost your memory? Where you and Jack met and were married? It was an odd idea, but a sensible one. You voiced it to the others.

“Ye know luv, you may have an idea there,” Jack said rubbing his goatee absently. “Perhaps that lovely man who um… gave you to me would know something helpful.”

“Yes, perhaps he does. I never really thought about if he did know anything or not, but it’s worth a shot.”

Angela spoke up then. “Then it’s agreed, we’ll sail to Tortuga to find that man and question him.” She then changed the subject. “Did Jack ever tell you about when he was a little boy?” she asked excitedly.

“No he hasn’t,” you said, smiling. Out of the corner of your eye you saw Jack grimace and Bernard grin wickedly.

“Jack! How could you have not told her anything about your childhood?” Angela admonished. He shrugged and said, “Must’ve slipped my mind.”

“Well then, my dear, I must tell you about the time when he kept picking his nose and putting the boogers on the walls.” She laughed at the memory and you smothered a giggle. “So one day when he was about five, I left him in the parlor to run get something. When I got back he was in the middle of smearing a big booger on the nice wallpaper. Since then I had to keep a sharp eye on him. Oh! Then there was a faze when he wanted to run around naked everywhere. Clothes were definitely optional to him,” she said, finishing her anecdotes.

You looked at Jack. His face was as red as a tomato and he looked like he wanted to run away.

“Do you see why I told ye me family was crazy?”

With that you burst out laughing; so did Bernard and Angela. Simon, Emily and the Turners had caught the story and started laughing too. Jack just sat there grumbling until he cracked and laughed himself. Some time later, after you all wiped the tears from your eyes, you decided that you’d leave for Tortuga as soon as the Sparrows were rested enough and their ship was restocked. Bernard had happened to find the cove where Jack had anchored the Pearl and had done the same with his ship.

Bernard told Jack that Gibbs was holding down the Black Pearl very well while he’d been gone and Angela commented upon how she’d taken an instant liking to Anamaria too.

Evening came faster than you realized and supper was served. After, everyone decided it’d been a long day so they retired early.

Back in you and Jack’s room, you were dressing for bed when you felt Jack’s hand on your shoulder. You turned to him.

“Just wanted to thank ye for accepting my family the way ye did. They loved you and are happy you’ve joined it,” Jack murmured, smiling lightly.

You smiled softly in return. “It was no problem. I adore your family and I’m so happy I got to meet them. We’ll have to visit them sometime in Penzance. I want to see your childhood home.”

“You do?”

“Absolutely.”

“Then it’d be my pleasure to show you it,” he said, kissing your forehead lightly. “But as for tomorrow, would you like to go visit the Black Pearl? To see how she’s doing and check on the crew? I also think she’s missed me.”

“Sure, that sounds great,” you said hugging him tightly.

“Time for bed luv, so get your cute tush over there,” Jack said pushing you towards the bed and lightly spanking your butt. You giggled and complied. Climbing under the covers watched as Jack removed his effects, coat, and shirt. As he took off his shirt you gasped quietly as the tanned expanse of his chest came into your view. It was so perfect, the way his muscles rippled as he moved. The way his biceps flexed as he tossed the shirt away then reached to remove his trousers. You expelled your breath suddenly, realizing you’d been holding it in.

Jack grinned. He’d heard your gasp, though you didn’t know that, and was happy to know he affected you. Now to make it interesting, he thought as he began unbuttoning his trousers. He secretly glanced at you as he did this and saw that your cheeks had flushed and you were biting your lower lip but watching avidly. The covers were clutched in your hands until your knuckles were white. Jack knew then and there that if he seduced you tonight you’d succumb.

Before you realized it, Jack’s pants were off and he’d tossed them onto his nearby shirt. Slowly he purposefully walked towards you.

“Jack? What are you doing?” you asked, your voice wavering a bit.

“Just going to bed, luv. Why do you ask?” he questioned innocently as he lifted the covers up and got into the bed. When underneath he reached for you and pulled you into his arms.

You sighed as his body warmth spread through you. Jack kissed your lips softly making you sigh again.

Suddenly there was a loud pounding on the door and Bernard’s voice rang out loudly.

“Good night you two! And Jack, don’t do anything I wouldn’t do to your mother!”

With that statement his footsteps could be heard retreating.

You looked at Jack, and saw that his cheeks had once again become a bright red. It seemed like it’d be a permanent state for him from now on.

“I guess we’d better go to sleep before we get in trouble,” you commented, giggling a bit.

It was Jack’s turn to sigh and say, “Aye, looks like we’d better.” He shifted to get more comfortable, saying, “Night luv.” Kissing your forehead he cuddled you close.

A smile came over your face as you closed your eyes. Life couldn’t be any better.

Hey everyone. I’m extremely sorry that it’s taken me this long to update. My summer was so busy with working, being in my friend’s wedding, and other stuff that came up. Also, I’m started at a new college and I commute so that takes up a lot of my time too. As does the boyfriend, lol. But I am finally putting out another chapter and I hope to do it more frequently. Just hang tight and I’ll do what I can. Also, I apologize for any grammatical errors and such; I couldn’t get a hold of my editor so I just sent it in.

CHAPTER 12 - Similarities

At nine the next morning, Jack awakened you with a kiss to the lips. Sighing drowsily, you opened your eyes and smiled lazily at him.

“Morning Jack.”

“Morning luv. Sleep well?” He asked with an inquisitive look on his handsome face.

“Aye, I did,” you responded as you climbed out of the bed and pulled on your robe. Pulling your hair out of the robe’s collar you headed to the large double doors that led to a balcony overlooking the town and pulled them open to let in the air and sun. Closing your eyes you let the warmth of the morning wash over you, awakening your senses for the day.

Jack watched his wife steadily. A smile blossoming on his face as the joy she was feeling seeped into his own body; leaving a warm, fuzzy feeling behind. What was it about this woman that allowed him to drop all his defenses and let her in? He couldn’t put his finger on it, but it was true. After many years of putting up hardened defenses, Jack had never thought that a slip of a woman could break them down. It was a troubling yet nice feeling, to have someone accept him for who he was. A bonus was that she accepted his family so readily and them her. He couldn’t imagine life without his wife anymore. His single days seemed like a lifetime ago that had been full of loneliness. Now there was contentment, happiness, and something else unnamed in his life.

But for now the most important thing to get done was to go back to Tortuga and question the man who had kept you for some months. Jack couldn’t remember the man’s name, given he was extremely drunk at the time. He’d just have to ask you what the man’s name was. One problem, though, was that his whole family and the Turners would most likely want to tag along. And of course there were you, too, but you were actually an essential part of the investigation, the others weren’t. All he had to do was think of different but important duties for his family and the Turners to do to keep them occupied and not feeling left out.

One of Jack’s hands strayed to his goatee where he absentmindedly stoked it as he brainstormed. Simon and Emily could stay with the Turners in Port Royal acting as their friends who were visiting. Both couples were close to the same age, so they’d get along well enough. His parents could come along with you and him to Tortuga. After all, the more people there were with you and Jack, the better the chances were at intimidating information out of people.

When he returned from his thoughts, Jack saw that you were watching him with an amused look on your pretty visage.

“What?” He asked, as he meandered towards you.

You shook your head. “I can totally tell every time you’re hatching a plan because your forehead scrunches up, you squint, and you stroke your goatee,” you giggled. “It’s actually really cute.”

“Cute, eh?”

You arched an eyebrow. “Yes, cute. But I know you were thinking about something to do with going to Tortuga. Will you tell me about it?” You walked towards him as he spoke.

“Aye, I will,” Jack said and quickly told you what he’d been thinking about. You thought it was a good plan and told him so. “I think we should leave as soon as possible. Well at least after my family has rested.”

“How long do you think that will take Jack?” You asked, coming to a stop in front of him.

“Knowing my parents, they’d say they were ready right now, but we’ll wait at least two more days to leave. It will give me time to give the Pearl’s crew a heads up and same with my father’s crew. That is, if he wants to sail separately. If not then we’ll all go on the Black Pearl,” Jack finished as he idly played with a strand of your hair.

“Sounds good to me, I was starting to get really anxious about just sitting around and not doing anything. It’s started to sink in how much about myself I don’t know. I mean, I don’t know what my favorite color or food is. I don’t know if I have any parents or siblings,” you lamented.

Jack’s heart went out to you. He knew it was hard on you but hearing your concerns just made him feel even more for you. He pulled you into a hug and you rested your head on his shoulder.

“I’m just glad that I have you, Jack. You’re my anchor. Without you I would be even more lost than I am.”

“I’m here for you, darling. Stop worrying too much. We’ll find out the answers to all the questions you have soon enough. But for now, I need you to hold strong and keep positive. I know you can do it. Though it hasn’t been too long since we’ve married, I do know that you are a brave and strong woman,” Jack said passionately.

“Thank you for that, I know I can do it, it’s just that I have to actually put my belief in that into action. It’s so hard, but I know I can do it.”

“Aye, luv, you can,” he said, curling a finger under your chin and lifting your face to him. With a pleasant smile on his face, Jack kissed your lips softly. “Now, I believe if we don’t hurry we shall miss breakfast. What say you we go get some?”

“An excellent idea,” you said, drawing away from Jack’s warmth. You went over to the armoire and pulled out a light blue day dress and quickly put it on. Sitting at the vanity you ran your brush through your hair and tied it back with a light blue ribbon. Standing you smoothed out any wrinkles in your dress and then looked at Jack and said, “I’m ready.”

“Indeed you are, and I must say that you look ravishing, m’dear,” he drawled and held out a hand. You took it and teasingly curtsied in thanks. The two of you went down to the dinning room where Jack’s family and the Turners sat eating breakfast. They all stopped when you and Jack entered the room and voiced their good mornings.

Jack held out your chair as you sat down, then took a seat on your left. After serving himself food, Jack proceeded to tell everyone the plan he’d thought of and they all agreed to do it.

“I’d love for Simon and Emily to stay with us, especially since there aren’t many other couples our age around here,” Elizabeth said. “I’m sure we can find much to do while the rest of you are away. Do you like gardening Emily?”

“Oh yes!” Emily exclaimed. “Back home I keep a large vegetable and flower garden. It’s a passion of mine,” she said, blushing prettily.

Simon beamed at his wife and squeezed her hand affectionately. “My Emily can make anything grow. Her gardens are very impressive.”

“Excellent! You and I will keep busy doing that among other things while they’re gone,” Elizabeth said, then turned to Will. “You should show Simon around the fort, introduce him to Commodore Norrington.”

“Sure, I’ll do that. Is there anything in particular you’d thought to do Simon?” Will asked as he took another bite of his breakfast.

Simon patted his lips with a napkin and said, “Well, back in England I am in a dueling club. If there’s one around here I’d love to check it out.”

Will frowned a bit, thinking. “There may be one over on Poppy Road, but I’m not sure so we’ll have to go see for ourselves. If not then I have many swords and cutlasses that I make that we could practice with.”

Jack clapped his hands together. “Great! It’s all settled then.” He nodded authoratively. “Luv and I are going to see the Black Pearl today. We’ll be leaving soon after we’re done here.”

Bernard, who had been silent, spoke up. “I should check on my ship too, but I’ll do it tomorrow. Your mother and I are going to wander the town today, taking in the sights.”

The rest of the meal was finished soon after and everyone split up to go their own ways. Bernard stopped Jack with a hand on the shoulder.

“Come with me boy, I got something to talk to you about,” he said, signaling with his head to move to another room. Jack nodded and followed as his father led the way to a study at the back of the house. Bernard closed the door and went to sit in the large leather chair behind the one desk that was in the room. He gestured for Jack to sit in a chair opposite of him. Jack did as asked and gazed steadily at his father, waiting to hear whatever he had to say.

“I wanted to tell you something that I haven’t told anyone else. Not even your mother. Not because I didn’t want to, but because Bart made me promise to keep it a secret and tell no one but you. I don’t know why he said you, but I’m assuming he wanted you to know something about what’s happening just in case you could help him,” Bernard said slowly, idly fiddling with a piece of paper on the desk.

“What Bart told me helps confirm some other the things you had thought. At least that he and the woman you were trying to find are connected. But what he told me is that the woman is his wife. They’ve had a relationship for about twenty five years, but about a year ago they finally married. He also told me that he was in trouble, but nothing like who was looking for him or whatever. I must admit that I’ve been extremely worried about him since. He never told me where he and his wife were going or anything like that.”

Jack was silent, contemplating what his father had said. After a couple minutes he finally spoke. “I had been wondering if Bart had married. It was too much of a coincidence that the both of them disappeared at the same time. There are a couple things that have been weighing on my mind, though.”

Bernard gave Jack a pointed look. “What is that?”

“If Bart and his now wife had a relationship for a long time before they married how do we know they don’t have a child or children?”

Bernard’s look turned to surprise as he said, “You know, I never thought of that. It’s very possible.”

“Aye; which brings me to my next question. Does my wife remind you of anyone?”

Jack’s father became very silent as he thought over the question. After a long while he spoke again. “Now that you mention it, she does look familiar. Though I can’t put my finger on why she does.”

“I’ll help you put your finger on it. She resembles Bart. Her facial features are similar to his, as is the way she moves. With that graceful way he always did, even though he wasn’t a gentleman.”

“By the gods, you’re right!” Bernard exclaimed, sitting up in the chair. “Can’t believe I didn’t see it before, it’s uncanny now that I think of it. Amazing that after all these years of knowing him, he never let it slip that he could have a daughter.”

“I wonder if he didn’t know,” Jack said.

“What do you mean?”

“Seems to me that if Bart had known he had any offspring, he would have told us. I don’t see him as being able to keep that kind of a secret from you, his close friend.”

“Makes sense to me. Though he would have had to been away sailing for about a year if he didn’t see her pregnant at all.”

“Aye and she must have given the child up, most likely because she wasn’t married or some other reason. But we don’t know this for certain, it’s only a possibility. Though I’m pretty sure what we suspect is true.”

“Are you going to tell Pearl?”

“I don’t think I should for now. Wouldn’t want to get her hopes up just in case,” Jack mused, a thoughtful look on his face. He really wanted to tell you about this, but it wasn’t a fact yet so he didn’t want to get your hopes up prematurely. Besides, the two you still needed to go to Tortuga, not only to make sure that what Jack thought was true, but it’d help to reveal who was behind causing Bart to disappear. Some unknown catalyst has caused him to go into hiding, and someone had to know something about it.

Bernard nodded in agreement. “Perhaps in this situation that is the best strategy. I know we both don’t want to keep it from our wives, but it seems like the best thing to do at the moment.” He grimaced. “Your mother has great intuition and she’s going to suspect something. Her nagging will drive me to the grave.” He laughed. “But it’s worth it I suppose.”

Jack chuckled. He knew from experience that when his mother wanted to know something, she’d find a way to know it too. “Hold strong father and don’t let her know for now.”

“That I will make sure to do, for my lips are sealed,” Bernard said making a zipping gesture with his hands over his lips. “I’d be very interested to hear how you met your wife, son. You haven’t told me yet.”

Jack blushed, but told his father the story. When he was done Bernard was trying hard not to burst out laughing. He failed and clutching his sides, laughed for a good five minutes. Jack just sat there waiting for the laughter to pass.

“Are you done now?”

“Yes, yes, son. I can’t believe that’s how you met her! That story is going to be infamous!” Bernard’s laughter filled the room again. Wiping tears from his eyes he got up and went to Jack and slapped it hard on the shoulder. “Somehow I knew you’d find an odd way to snag a wife. I’m just glad that the two of you are happy and getting along.”

“Aye. It’s odd really, how much we get along and click together. We haven’t known each other long, but I have to admit that I can’t imagine her not in my life. Is that strange?” Jack asked, looking up at his father.

Bernard didn’t laugh this time. He knew Jack really wanted some advice and was sincere. What he saw in his son’s eyes was what he remembered he’d had seen in his when he’d courted Angela and in Simon’s with Emily. He never thought he’d see the day where his rascally pirate son would be brought to his knees by a woman, let alone her being his wife. In his mind he would thank you everyday for appearing in Jack’s life. Your presence by his son’s side was by the grace of God and he was eternally grateful.

“Son, the two of you click together because of a bond you’ve made. Be it friendship or more. From the looks of it, there’s more. Whether or not you admit you care for her more than you’re saying is up to you. But from experience I have to tell you to not keep it a secret for too long. If you tell her how you feel I’m positive she’ll return the sentiment.”

Jack contemplated what his father said and had to agree with it. There was something more than friendship or even lust between you and him. As soon as he was totally sure of what he thought it was, he’d tell you.

“Thank you. I’m glad you and mother are here,” Jack said as he got up from the chair. The two pirate men shook hands. Clapping Jack on the back again, Bernard said, “You better go see how the Pearl is. And I mean both the wife and ship.”

Jack agreed and the two of them went to find you, which they did in the parlor. As they walked in you looked up and beamed at Jack. He really did look so much like his father. It was adorable.

“Time to go see to the Black Pearl, luv,” Jack said holding out his hand for you.

You took it and stood up. Your eyes met Jack’s and you saw something there that gave you pause. What was it? You’d think about it later when you had time. “Ready as I’ll ever be,” you responded.

With a brief goodbye to Bernard and the others, you and Jack headed to the Black Pearl. Walking was the only option in order to get there, not that you minded. An hour later the black sails of Jack’s ship came into view. It was a comforting sight to the both of you. The Black Pearl was home.

Jack pulled a little harder on your hand. He was excited to see his ship again.

“Race you. Ready, set, go!” you yelled, racing off towards the Pearl, leaving Jack in the dust.

Jack let out a whoop and chased after you. Despite your heard start he caught up to you about fifty feet from the Pearl and scooped you up in his arms and ran up the gang plank. The crew, who’d heard you two, cheered you guys on and then gave loud cat calls when Jack had scooped you up.

The two of you arrived on the Pearl’s deck out of breath and laughing. Gibbs and Ana Maria who’d been watching came over. They shook their heads at your behavior but were laughing too.

“Good to see you again Jack. We were beginning to wonder if you’d turned into a gentleman like Turner,” Gibbs commented with a twinkle in his eye.

Ana Maria nudged Jack in his side saying, “I knew you’d been hiding yourlove of frilly sleeves and high heeled shoes just like them gentlemen wear.”

Jack glared at them and you smothered a snort. “Good to see the two of you too,” he finally said, deciding to ignore the comments they’d made. “How have things been holding up around here?” Jack asked, causing Gibbs and Ana Maria to go into a long description of how the Black Pearl had been. When they were done Jack said, “In two days we’ll be setting sail for Tortuga so we need to be ready.”

For the rest of the day Jack was busy with the crew getting the Black Pearl ready for sailing. You, meanwhile, mended things that needed to be despite the fact that you hated sewing, but it made you feel as though you were apart of the ship, like one of them. Before you knew it, the sun was setting in the Caribbean sky and night was upon you. You got up from where you’d been sitting and went to find Jack. When you found him he was sampling the rum in the hold.

“Why do you need to be testing that?” you asked, hands on hips.

Jack glanced at you as he sipped again then said, “Never know if something contaminated it.”

“So you risk your life to make sure nothing’s poisoned your rum?”

“Aye.”

“I just hope you never get one that actually is poisoned and die from it. I will not be happy with you.”

“Never fear darling, Captain Jack Sparrow is invincible,” he chuckled, knowing you’d roll your eyes, which you did.

“It’s getting dark now, Jack. Are we going to head back to the Turners?”

“Nay, we’ll stay here tonight. I let them know that that could be happening so they won’t worry. I’m done for today and so hungry I could eat a horse, so let’s get some dinner.”

“Okay, lead the way Captain,” you said, mock saluting.

After supper, Jack set night watch for the ship, then joined you in his cabin. Sleep overtook both of you quickly and next thing you knew it was morning. That day you spent your time sewing a bit more and cleaning up the cabin. Surprisingly both those things took all day.

Soon enough the day of sailing to Tortuga came. The Black Pearl was on its way by ten o’clock in the morning with you, Jack, Bernard, and Angela. Jack’s parents had decided to leave their ship behind.

You hoped something useful would come of the trip. In your heart you felt that finding who you were was close at hand.

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Okay so not too much happened, but I figure it’s better than nothing. Thanks for being patient for me to update everyone. Until next time!!! Cya!

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CHAPTER 13 - On The Road Again

Tortuga. What a wonderful, friendly place, you thought. I wish it was actually that way, you thought as you held your nose from the stench of the tavern you were in. Why Jack had decided to stop here was beyond you. For one thing, it smelled like someone had dumped a ton of manure on the floor and then let the sun make it even nastier. Secondly, it appeared that nobody in the town had even heard of a bath since every person you’d walked past had a stench rivaling a pig’s. You grimaced and glanced at Jack standing next to you. He had a silly, dumb grin on his face and was practically jumping up and down in place and clapping his hands together with pleasure. You rolled your eyes. He was such a kid sometimes.

Leaning over, you punched Jack lightly in the arm, saying, “Jack, you dork! You look like you have to go to the bathroom really bad.”

“As it happens, I do not have to go to the bathroom. But thanks for thinking of me needs, luv,” Jack said, dancing around again excitedly. “How could I not be this excited? This is Tortuga, one of the greatest places on Earth! Don’t you just love it?!”

“It leaves something to be desired and smells like crap! Literally! I’m frankly disgusted. Can we leave yet?” You glanced around, trying to avoid the looks some of the tavern’s male occupants were giving you. You shivered with disgust, and Jack looked to you with a questioning look.

“What is it, luv?” His brows furrowed with worry, all earlier jubilation gone for the moment.

“I think I’m getting a little too much attention from the men here,” you murmured.

Jack glanced around covertly and realized what you were saying was true. Jealousy came in full force to him and he openly glared all of them down. Then with a possessive air about him, he put his arm around you and led the way to a table, all the while glaring again at any man who looked at you. Behind the two of you were Jack’s parents, Gibbs, and Anamaria. You really hadn’t been ignoring them, you’d just forgotten about anyone the minute you’d stepped into the nasty tavern. But from the looks of the others; this was not a new experience to them.

Arriving at the table, Jack pulled out a chair for you and then sat down himself along with the others. A little afraid of the crowd of people, you scooted your chair closer to Jack.

You leaned over and whispered, “What happens now, Jack?”

“Now that we’ve spread the word that we’re willing to pay for information regarding Bart and the woman he disappeared with, we wait for anyone who knows anything to approach us.”

“Ah,” was all you said. You then noticed once again the men in the tavern were staring at you, especially one who had a very wicked gleam in his eye. A chill went down your spine, and you reached over and put your hand in Jack’s. He glanced at you with a raised eyebrow but took it in stride. After all, he did love the feel of your hand in his, and how well it fit there, but he wasn’t about to tell you that. So, he accepted it and your fear of the tavern. It wasn’t like he was going to let anyone hurt you; he would die for you if he had to. You were his wife after all.

Jack raised his free hand to the barmaid and signaled for six drinks. The employed woman came back with a tray full of the order and one by one set the drinks down for you all. Kindly, Jack paid her and she left your group.

“A toast to my wife, my parents, and my friends, who have the will and smarts to find the truth, cheers!” Jack said, smiling as he raised his glass, followed by the others, and then took a drink.

“Jack, m’boy, it’s good to be back here. Glad your mother and I could tag along. Now, how long do you think till we hear anything?” Bernard asked. Angela put her hand on Bernard’s arm and leaned forward, waiting for Jack’s answer. She too was anxious to learn some new information about this mystery surrounding her daughter-in-law.

Jack rubbed a hand over his goatee absently. “Well, now that we’re sitting here, with the word having been spread about what information we need, I suspect that we’ll be hearing something soon enough. All we have to do is wait.” He sat back in his chair with a smug look on his handsome face. You squeezed his hand with yours in silent acknowledgement of how grateful you were for what Jack was doing for you. He gave you a private, intimate smile and squeezed back.

“Perhaps, then, we should split up so that if anyone is looking to tell us the information, we’ll be easier to find,” Angela suggested. “We have nothing to loose and everything to gain.”

“Your mother has a good suggestion, Jack. What say you?” Bernard asked.

“I agree with her plan. You and mother go off together; Anamaria and Gibbs, you pair up; luv and I will be paired. Now I want one pair to stay here, one to roam the docks, and the last pair to just walk the streets,” Jack told you all. Then he chose Anamaria and Gibbs to stay in the tavern, his mother and father to roam the streets, and you and him to go down to the docks.

Finally, everyone parted ways. You and Jack split up with his parents outside the tavern and headed in different directions. Off you and Jack went, hands swinging together between you two while Jack whistled a tuneless melody. You grinned and snuck a quick look at him, deciding not to mention his lack of tune. Instead you tried singing along with it by making up weird lyrics.

Walking alone on the nasty street
I’m trying to keep a civilized beat
Help me because this town is gross
And I’m afraid of throwing up my roast.

Finally, Jack stopped and gave a loud hoot of laughter as he turned to face you.

“Good God woman! I knew I lacked when it came to carrying a tune, but at least I can make up some good lyrics. What in God’s name were you singing?”

You blushed. “I didn’t want to tell you how bad you sounded so I was making up dumb lyrics to go along. It was actually fun, other than they were really stupid lyrics.” You chuckled.

“If I’d known you could sing I would have asked you sooner. You’ve a very bonny voice, luv. As much as I’d love to hear words come from your beautiful lips, I’d rather kiss them,” Jack said as he stole a kiss. He’d intended it to be a quick kiss, but that plan went out the door the minute his lips touched yours and a fire sprang to life.

Your body sank against Jack’s and you wound your arms around his neck, pulling him closer. His lips wickedly played upon yours, causing little shivers to dance over your skin. Angling his head, Jack deepened the kiss with a tortured groan. Then his tongue swept into your mouth to duel with yours. You would have collapsed on the ground if you hadn’t been in Jack’s arms.

Jack’s hand went to your behind and squeezed, making you strain against him more. By this time you were aching for more; unfortunately, loud hoots and hollers broke the moment.

You reluctantly separated your lips from Jack’s and looked around to see that all the people who had been walking on the road had stopped to cheer you two on. You blushed and hid your face in Jack’s coat.

“Haven’t you ever seen a man pleasing his wife? Now get on with y’all!” Jack announced with a wave of his hand. Your blush deepened at his statement as he wrapped the other arm around your waist and led you away from the stares towards the docks.

“Don’t be embarrassed, luv. It’s the truth,” Jack said with a wink, and you smiled back.

After a couple of blocks, Jack paused and whispered, “Keep a good lookout now, we’re around the area where we can possibly hear some information.” You nodded, making sure to have a tight grip on Jack’s hand.

Twenty minutes later, nothing had happened and you were totally sick of walking all over the docks, especially since the smell of fish and grim was starting to get to you. I guess no one here believes in cleanliness, you thought, almost gagging at the smell wafting out of a barrel.

“How much longer, Jack?” you asked, trying to sound optimistic as you stopped for a moment to readjust a shoe. As you bent down, Jack put a hand on your butt and squeezed before answering.

“Not long. I can feel it. We’ll find something out soon,” he said, grinning at where his hand was. You guffawed and swatted his hand away as you stood up, but Jack was in a playful mood and lightly ran his fingers up your side, making you giggle.

Damn the man, he’d found your most ticklish area!

“Stop, Jack!!! Please?” you said, giggling.

“Why? Does that tickle?” he asked in a falsely innocent voice as he did it again.

You giggled even more and ran out of his reach, but he followed and soon had you pinned up against the side of a building. The brick was cool against your back, but Jack was intensely hot. His hands gripped your waist this time as he suddenly got a serious look about him.

Jack opened his mouth to say something, but then closed it and kissed you passionately instead.

You moaned into the kiss and wrapped yourself around Jack. This time you let yourself go and put your whole heart into it.

His wife’s hands were all over him, driving him crazy. Jack felt like he’d died and gone to heaven. You made him feel so good. Jack groaned and tightened his hold on you, enjoying the feel of your soft, lush body against his hard, strong one. Jack took hold of one of your legs and lifted it to wrap around his waist. He started caressing your calf and moved his hand up your leg.

A whimper escaped from you as Jack’s hand moved higher. When it started caressing your inner thigh you couldn’t help gasping, “Jack!” You shuddered with delight and he caressed again. Encouraged, Jack’s wicked fingers ran themselves over your stomach, making it quiver in excitement.

All you could think was that Jack was making your body feel amazing. But you kept thinking and feeling that you wanted more. So, you demanded, “More, Jack!”

He complied by gliding his fingers towards where you wanted them most: inside you.

“Jack!” you gasped as his fingers crept closer.

“Jack!”

“I know luv, I know. Feels good, doesn’t?” he said in a gruff voice filled with passion.

“Jack.” His name was rolled out longer than usual and in a gruff sounding voice.

Jack paused his fingers and pulled his lips from yours, inquiring, “What was that?”

You blinked, trying to clear away all the passion from a moment ago and concentrate on what you were being asked. Frowning, you answered, “I said your name a bit ago, but not within the last few moments.”

“If it wasn’t you, who was it?” Jack asked. You shrugged.

Someone nearby cleared his throat and said, “That person you heard was me.”

You and Jack quickly dropped your hands from the other and turned to face the person who’d interrupted the passionate moment. The man was a large one, looking to be over six feet tall, arms that looked like they were as thick as hams, and a chest that was as broad as a tree trunk. His hands were crossed over his chest and he had an amused look on his handsome face.

“Can we help you?” Jack asked, blocking your body with his as protection.

“Aye, you can. I have some information that you may want about Black Bart Mattson.”

“If it’s something like ‘he was here last week’ then all I want to know is where he went,” Jack stated, with impatience.

“Jack,” you whispered, putting a hand on his arm to calm him.

“Actually, I know a bit more information then that,” the man said.

Jack relaxed, realizing he was a bit tense and desperate to know some new information. “Then I suggest that we have this conversation on my ship, The Black Pearl. If you’re agreeable to that”, he said, raising an eyebrow.

“Sounds like a plan. Lead the way,” the man said as he came up to stand beside you and Jack.

You turned to him, and asked, “And who are you exactly?”

“Bartholomew Roberts at your service,” Roberts said with a bow.

“So you’re Bartholomew Roberts, eh?” Jack said. “Well, glad to make your acquaintance. Now if you’ll follow us, we can continue this on the Pearl.”

“Lead the way,” Roberts said.

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Alright, I’ve finally gotten another chapter out. Whew! Sorry about the delay people. Thanks for being patient!! ;)

TBC...

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