"My darling Natalie, would you do me the honor of being my wife?"

It was their last night before heading back to Vermont and the Inn. Standing on the quarterdeck of the Surprise II where Jack had led her after dinner, they gazed at the full moon and the stars, brilliant in the deep darkness of the nearly cloudless night. Jack stood behind her, pointing out the constellations and stars he loved so well. Natalie was happy in his arms, happy in a way she'd never been before. Content, calm, serene, she was at peace, loving her Captain fully and knowing she was loved in turn.

Jack held her close; his breath tickling her ear. Quietly, almost whispering, he asked of her the one thing he most desired in this world, wanted more than even his ship. He asked her to marry him.

Natalie's heart pounded as her brain turned and turned. There were so many reasons why she should say no. Her mind raced through each and every one, but all were countered the one truth: She loved Jack and could not imagine a life without him. Turning to face him, her hands resting on his shoulders, she gave him her answer.

"Yes, Jack, I will marry you."

"My Treasure!" he cried and he swooped her up; she laughed loudly as he swung her around. Gently, he placed her back on her feet. She could see nothing but his beautiful face, his eyes sparkling in the darkness. His hand cupped her head and he leaned in for a kiss, deep and passionate.

"Ah, I have something for you, my Love," he said as he fumbled in his jacket pocket. He took her left hand and placed a ring on her finger. It glowed in the moonlight, a deep red ruby flanked with two diamonds and surrounded by filigreed white gold.

"It's beautiful, Jack, thank you." Tears came to her eyes as she looked up at him. His eyes were misty, too. He smiled and held her hand as his thumb brushed against the ring.

"You have made me exceedingly happy, my dear," he smiled. He leaned in for another kiss, then threaded her arm through his and led her back to his cottage.

The night was magical, and the next morning at breakfast, Jack (finally satiated and relaxed) looked over the photographs Natalie had taken during their stay. He fingered them carefully, fascinated with the detail, the angles, the light.

"You should do this photography again, my little dear. These are magnificent; I can feel them, Natalie. This is what you were meant to do." His smile was wide and his eyes twinkled. Natalie shrugged, but the idea had taken hold.
Later, while Jack handled last minute details with Mr. Quigby, Natalie took a deep breath and dialed the phone.

"Hey, Marty!"

"Natalie, how's my favorite client? Ready to come back to civilization? I knew you'd tire of the rustic life eventually. I mean, what would a city girl like you do in a god-forsaken place like Vermont?"

Natalie sighed. Marty was one of the most head-up-his-ass people that she'd ever met, but he was a fantastic agent and a good friend. "Actually, Marty, I'm in Maine at the moment with my…um…my fiancé."

"Fiancé!" She could feel the grin in his voice. "Fiancé. And this from the woman who swore she'd never get married. So, old Colin finally convinced ya, eh?"

Obviously, Natalie had to catch Marty up. "Well no, not exactly. We've gone our separate ways. My fiancé's name is Jack. The wedding's in a couple of months. Do you think you can make it? Can a city boy like you stand the wilds of Maine for a few days?" she teased.

"For you, Doll, I'd do it. Just email me when and where and I'll be there," he answered warmly. He always liked her. When she moved to Vermont, he was concerned because he knew she was unhappy. But, it must be doing something good for her because she sounded happy, joyful even. It was a good sound. "So, does this mean you're not coming back to work after all?"

"Honestly Marty, the thought of photographing spoiled, pouting rock stars sends chills up my spine. But, ya know, the light here in Maine is unbelievable and I've been shooting like mad." Scared, but knowing she had to take the next step, she continued. "Would you mind looking over some of the snaps? I know you don't primarily handle fine art photography, but I value your opinion." She held her breath.

Marty was practically jumping for joy on the other end. Trying to sound cool and calm, he replied, "Sure, Doll, I'd love to see them."

She exhaled sharply. "Wonderful! I'll send them along today. Thanks, Marty. It means a lot."

"No problem, Babe. It'll be a pleasure, believe me."

They rang off, each doing their happy dances on opposite ends of the country.

***

When Jack returned, they loaded the car for the drive back to the Inn. On the way home, Jack once again surprised her. Pulling off from the highway, he drove a few miles and turned onto a dirt road leading uphill. Stopping the car in a clearing, he led her to a high cliff overlooking the ocean.

"This, my dear, is the Casco Bay. And here I would like to build our home. Do you like it?" Jack asked anxiously. He began to wander around the land, pointing out where the house would be and each of its various rooms. He talked of a garden to one side, "with a gazebo," he winked at her. He walked over to another corner and pointed out where he planned a small observatory, and the garage in another spot.

Her eyes opened wide as she watched him bound back and forth, talking excitedly about their future. Here? she thought as she looked at the trees and the sea. Natalie felt the panic rise. She was getting married, beginning a new life. Was she up to it all? She looked around. The view was breathtaking, nourishing, exhilarating. With Jack's elated voice as a background, she faced the water and closed her eyes. Every concern she had bombarded her brain. But as the cold breeze brushed across her cheek and swept her hair back, it was as though it had cleansed her soul and she knew.

Yeah, here. It was such a simple decision. She could clearly see her and Jack growing old there, living in his beautiful imagined house…with gazebo…overlooking the endless sea.

Jack was gazing at the sky pointing out the clouds and wind pattern, he told her the weather was changing.

"But no stormy weather for us, Captain." She wrapped her arms around him and he continued to talk of their future.

Now, her only problem…how to break it to Siggie.