JUNE 24, 2007
Somewhere off the coast of Virginia

Hi Riley!

We got John's wonderful message. Congratulations on the arrival of Terrence Nathan Biebe! I'm so happy for you and John. You must be overjoyed, and I can't wait to see him. I'll find out from Jack where our next port is and maybe you can send pics there.

Speaking of babies…yes, Jack finally knows. Hell, the whole crew knows. I did something really stupid the other day and the doctor blurted it out, in front of Jack and everyone else. See, I was waiting to find the right moment… a special, romantic…well, you know what I mean. But, everytime I sat him down to talk, someone interrupted; the crew, the instructors…being the captain takes up a lot of his time. Well anyway, Jack wasn't happy, I mean to say he wasn't happy that I hadn't told him. But, he was very happy about the baby.

Last night, we had the quarterdeck to ourselves. Well, there's always people around, but they left us alone that night. Jack brought up our small cd player and put on Mona Lisa by Nat King Cole. We danced underneath the sails and the stars. Believe me; I'm smiling even now as I write about it. Jack was wonderful. I never thought I'd be one for romantic mushy stuff, but you know, he changed my mind. Hell, he's changed me! I feel like I'm a different person now, a lot more open than I used to be. Who would have thought just last fall that I'd be here at sea with Jack. Or that you'd have little T? It's weird how life changes, isn't it? Weird and wonderful.

I have to tell you though, that when we were a week out of Maine, I wished I were in your place. We had a sudden squall and the Surprise was rockin' and rollin'. The squall kept Jack and the crew so busy that I decided to stay in the cabin and out of their way. Good idea, except that you get a lot more seasick inside than out on deck. After just a few minutes of being cooped up in a small room that moved like it was a non-stop roller coaster, I lost it. I was so sick…or maybe it was the first signs of morning sickness. Hell, it was probably both! A double whammy. Either way, I wasn't a happy camper and I can now sympathize with you.

At any rate, the squall soon passed. I still get a bit queasy once in a while, but for the most part, I'm fine. The baby really isn't showing much yet, although I swear I can tell. Jack is so sweet. Sometimes, when he thinks no one is looking, he'll come up and just lightly rub my belly, grinning like a Cheshire cat.

The ship's doctor though, is a pain in the ass. Pompous, arrogant. He fought to keep me off the ship. I can barely tolerate him, and it's apparent that the feeling is mutual. I don't think it's because I'm a woman on board. I've watched him with the women in the crew. He's fine with them. It's just me he despises. Maybe it's because I'm the captain's wife and really don't have a defined place on the crew. Or maybe it's because I'm pregnant and he really doesn't want to deal with that. I don't know. Maybe he's just an asshole. Who knows? I'll be glad when the cruise is over and I can see my own doctor again.

Well…just wanted to jot a few lines to let you know we're safe and sound. Jack just came in and he wants to add a few lines. Give John my love, kiss for T, greetings to Bridgid and Terry, and everyone there in Vermont. And here's Jack…

In Jack's flowing handwriting…

My dear, sweet Riley,

I hope this letter finds you well, and I give you joy of your new son. May he bring you and brother John much happiness in all your days.

I am certain that my darling Natalie has told you of our good news; I am to be a father again. So the joy abounds to us all.

Take care of yourself, my dear, and your new son. I look forward to the day when we may visit you and John and acquaint ourselves with your new addition.

Yours sincerely,
Jno. Aubrey
Captain
Surprise II