It was a glorious day to drive; sunny, warm, little to no traffic but Natalie’s
nerves were still on edge. Jack never answered her email, nor the email after that or even the third she’d sent. Sure, she reasoned, he was busy and usually it was a day or two before he replied. But this was different. It had been far too long and she wondered if maybe she’d pushed him too far, was too unreasonable about the longer sail. And she was worried that something was wrong, that he was sick and couldn’t write, that he insisted that she not be told. It was just like him too, to be really ill and not want to worry her.

She could see the ship’s masts and she pulled into the parking lot. They looked out of place amidst the modern sailboats, their masts painted an unnatural white. But the Surprise II was special; a beautiful wooden ship and she understood Jack’s love of her. As she walked toward it, she could see all the activity surrounding her. Boxes were piled up on the dock and being hauled up the ramp and disappearing down into her hull. Natalie paused, hoping to catch sight Jack but she couldn’t see him and her heart sank. She wrote in her last unanswered message that she wanted to meet him, but maybe he didn’t want her there? Maybe that’s why he didn’t reply? She approached the ship, taking step after step as her nervousness grew stronger and stronger.

She had almost reached the ramp when Jack’s bright blond hair appeared over the rail. His back was turned; he was talking to a young girl, obviously a crew member helping to load the ship. Natalie began to call out, but his name stuck in her throat. Clearing her throat, she tried again.

“Captain! Captain Aubrey, sir! Permission to come aboard, sir.”

Jack turned and her heart stopped. Jack’s eyes were wide with surprise and shock. Maybe this wasn’t a good idea, she thought, but then he held out his arms and Natalie will never forget the joy that burst on his face. He grinned and his eyes lit up and glowed. “Natalie, my love. Permission granted, of course!”

She didn’t need another invitation and ran up the ramp and he swooped her up in a tight embrace. “Jack, I have missed you so much!”

“I’ve missed you too, my love,” he smiled as he set her down to her feet. Glancing around, he noticed several of the crew grinning and trying hard not to stare. “Let’s go to my cabin … to talk.” Taking her hand, he led her down the ladder and his glare silenced the scattered snickers that followed them.

Natalie looked around the room. She and Jack had spent their honeymoon here. It was there that Jack could first feel their daughters growing in her belly. It was here that they lay cuddled close, planning their life together and talking long into the night about their hopes and dreams … for themselves and for their two little ones to come.

Jack followed her and closed the door behind them. “I must admit, m’dear, I am most surprised to see you. You were so angry when we last spoke.”

Natalie turned to face him. “I know Jack, and I’m really sorry about that.” She stepped forward and kissed him. “Can you forgive me? I was so unreasonable and I really do understand that you have to be away longer.”

Jack stroked his fingers through her hair. “It’s no matter, Sweetheart. There is nothing to forgive. It’s gone, forgotten. I just wish we had more time. As it is, we must set sail within the hour or we will lose our tide.”

Natalie smiled. “I know there’s not much time but I was so worried. When you didn’t answer my emails, I just had to come and see you. Is everything alright?”

Jack looked puzzled. “Email? But, I didn’t receive an email.”

Natalie frowned. “I sent three messages since we argued on the phone. You didn’t get any of them?”

He shook his head, puzzled. “No, not at all.”

“Well, that explains why I didn’t get an answer. So … you’re not mad about me being mad?” She stood on her toes and kissed his cheek.

“No. Now, come sit here and tell me all that is happening at home.”

***

Joanna Bennett frowned. She was having a wonderful conversation with Jack when this woman appeared out of nowhere and interrupted them. He didn’t introduce her, but it was obvious that she was his wife. She sized up her competition, such as it was. The woman wasn’t the lithe, slinky thing that she’d imagined. His wife was actually a bit frumpy; nondescript brown hair, face beginning to show its age, thickening middle. Not much to look at and certainly nothing in comparison to her. Yeah, Jack’s definitely trading up by dumping the old hag.

She stared after them as they went below. Besides, she wondered, where are the children? Why aren’t they here? Jack would love to see them. What kind of woman would deny a man his children?

“Bennett,” the first mate barked, “Get to work, girl. There’s provisions to stow.”

She sighed and stomped down the ramp, grabbed a box and trudged back up into the ship.

***

Jack sat down with Natalie on his knee and listened to her talk about Catherine and Chelsea, Jessie and Lachlan’s upcoming wedding, Ben running for Sheriff and John running for Mayor. Far too soon, there was a discreet knock on the door.

“Captain, everything is stowed, sir.”

Jack cleared his throat. “Yes, yes. I will be there momentarily.” He turned to Natalie. “It’s time, my little love. I must go.”

She wrapped her arms around him. “I know, but it’s so hard to say goodbye. Two more weeks, right? You’ll be home?”

He nodded, “Quite right. I’ll be coming to our new home here in Maine.”

Her eyes narrowed in a mock glare. “You better,” she threatened with a grin. “I’ll be waiting. There’ll be lots of boxes to unpack.”

Jack laughed. “Yes, work and more work. Now, love,” he lowered his head to hers, “parting is such sweet sorrow, that I shall say good night ‘til it be morrow.”  He kissed her tenderly then led her to the door and up onto the deck. He stopped when they reached the ramp.

Natalie turned and took his hand, “Bye, Jack. Have a wonderful sail and I’ll see you in two weeks.”