Chapter 12

Chapter

Twelve

M aybe, just maybe, for the first time in several years, Mary was actually looking forward to the Halloween party this year, which was also the unofficial kickoff for the Pirate Jamboree tomorrow.

If she were being honest, she thought she might even have fun at the festival this year, since a certain pirate would be there.

The wind blew in off the water, making her shiver, as she stepped out onto the porch to wait for Aiden. The scent of pumpkin spice wafted across the street from the open window of the B&B, mixing with the smell of the ocean, and the remains of a bonfire.

Ocracoke embraced the fun of Halloween with jack-o'-lanterns grinning from every doorstep, ghosts in the yards and on front porches, and cobwebs draped across doorways. There were variations of purple, orange, and green lights framing windows, wrapped around porch columns, and decorating porch swings. Pirate flags fluttered in the breeze, a nod to the island's history and the festivities.

She glanced down at her costume, smoothing out the wrinkles in the fabric. This year she'd decided to go as the book Treasure Island , with pages of text carefully printed onto fabric and inserted into a cardboard box she'd painted to look like the cover of the book. The book cover went over black leggings and a black sweatshirt. It was clever, she thought, if a bit cumbersome.

"I'm ready for the celebration, lass." That low, gravelly voice warmed her from the inside out. The breath caught in her throat as she turned to see Aiden emerging from the shop.

He hadn't needed a costume. Instead, he'd worn the attire he was wearing when she found him on the beach. Agatha was a talented seamstress and had repaired the linen shirt and embroidered jacket. He'd worn the navy breeches and burgundy sash tied around his waist with his cutlass, several knives, and who knew how many other weapons he'd secreted away on his person.

Talk about the dashing pirate captain. A smile crossed her face as she noticed he'd taken out the charms and gems and changed them, braiding a tiny charm of a book with Read Between the Tides printed on the front. The charms were a hit with bookish tourists who wanted to take a piece of Ocracoke and the bookstore home with them. An emerald glinted in the light, next to a gold charm in the shape of a trident. He'd pulled his dark hair back with a leather thong, the gems from his rings glinting in the lights above the porch and walkway. The charming grin made her want to sigh in appreciation as he stood before her.

"Well, don't ye look like a right scholarly lass," Aiden said, eyeing her up and down.

"Though I must say, I prefer me books a wee bit less... mobile."

Mary rolled her eyes, but couldn't hold in the laugh. "And you look like... well, yourself. I suppose being an actual pirate gives you an unfair advantage in the costume department."

Offering her his arm, he chuckled. "Shall we, milady? The night awaits, and I hear there's treasure to be found in the form of caramel apples and rum, not to mention chocolate cake."

As they made their way down Fig Lane towards the center of town where the party was being held, she couldn't help but notice the admiring glances Aiden drew from passersby. Women giggled and whispered behind their hands, while men nodded appreciatively at his authentic pirate garb, calling out to him as they passed. A mix of pride and possessiveness surged through her, which she quickly tried to quash. Aiden wasn't hers to be possessive over, she reminded herself sternly... though it might be nice if he were...

They hadn't gone far when Evelyn, the local vet, rushed up to them, her witch's hat askew.

"Don't you two look marvelous! I must get a picture for the town's social media page." They posed obligingly, Aiden's arm casually draped over Mary's shoulders, causing her heart to flutter.

Further down the street, they encountered a group of tourists who were walking around wide-eyed.

"Excuse me," one of them called out, "this is our first time here. Is the party a private event?"

Mary explained about the Halloween party and how all were welcome to attend, earning cheers from the group.

As they neared the town square, they bumped into Mr. Evers, dressed as a rather convincing zombie.

"Evening, you two," he growled in character, before breaking into a chuckle as he looked Aiden up and down. "If I were twenty years younger, I'd join your crew and sail the seven seas."

The town square was a riot of color and sound. Strings of orange and purple lights crisscrossed overhead, casting a warm glow over the festivities. A live band played on the stage, the haunting melodies and what Mary thought of as road trip music carrying on the night air. Food stalls lined the perimeter, offering everything from caramel apples to "witch's brew" punch.

They paused to chat with Lorilee, who was manning a booth selling canned goods and local honey, before finally making their way into the heart of the party.

"Hey, you two. Over here." Lily's voice cut through the crowd, and Mary turned to see her friend waving enthusiastically. She'd changed her mind and had dressed as a mermaid, her blonde hair adorned with seashells and glitter. Her iridescent bikini top sparkling in the lights.

As they made their way over to her, Mary grinned at the sight of Alex dutifully holding Lily's drink. He was dressed as Indiana Jones, complete with a leather jacket and a coiled whip at his hip. The costume suited him perfectly, highlighting his rugged good looks and his profession as a marine archeologist.

"You two look amazing!" Lily gushed, pulling her into a hug.

"You could give Johnny Depp a run for his money," she said, touching the sleeve of Aiden's jacket.

He arched a brow. "I'm not sure who this Johnny Depp fellow is, but I'll take that as a compliment."

Alex laughed, clapping him on the shoulder. "Trust me, mate, it's definitely a compliment. So, you ready to show these landlubbers how a real pirate celebrates?"

"Aye, that I am. Though I must warn ye, I've been known to drink many a man under the table in me day."

As the men wandered off in search of drinks, Lily turned to her with a mischievous grin. "So, how's it going with your dashing time traveler? Any... developments I should know about?"

When the guys turned the corner, Mary turned to her. "Some days I totally believe him and want to do everything I can to help him go home and clear his name. But others … if time travel was real, don't you think the government would know about it? And if it is real, then he'll be leaving and there's no point in getting attached."

Lily's expression softened. "Oh, honey. I think it might be a little late for that. I see the way you look at him. And for that matter, the way he looks at you."

Before she could respond, a commotion near the stage caught their attention. Aiden had somehow been roped into a pirate-themed dance-off, and was currently demonstrating a jig that had the crowd cheering and clapping along.

"Well, he certainly knows how to work a room," Lily laughed. "Come on, let's get closer. I want to see this up close."

As they made their way through the crowd, she couldn't take her eyes off him. He moved with grace, his feet tapping out a complex rhythm as he twirled and leapt. The crowd's energy seemed to feed him, and his grin grew wider with each cheer and whoop.

When the music ended, Aiden took a theatrical bow, his chest heaving slightly from the exertion. His eyes found Mary's in the crowd, and he winked, sending a jolt of electricity through her.

"Alright, folks!" the band's lead singer called out. "Let's slow things down a bit. Grab your sweethearts for this next one."

As couples paired off around them, Aiden made his way over to her. "May I have this dance, poppet?" he asked, extending his hand with a flourish.

Suddenly acutely aware of her own two left feet, she hesitated. "I... I'm not much of a dancer," she admitted sheepishly.

"Neither am I, truth be told. But I reckon we can muddle through together, aye?"

Before she could protest further, he took her hand and led her onto the makeshift dance floor. As the first strains of a slow, haunting melody filled the air, he pulled her close, one hand resting lightly on her waist between the cardboard cover of the costume while the other held hers, his palm warm, the calluses rough against her skin.

"Just follow me lead," he murmured, his breath warm against her ear.

No matter how she tried to focus on the steps, on not tripping over her own feet, all she could think about was the warmth of his body against hers, the strength in his arms as he guided her through the dance. She could smell the salt of the sea on his skin, mixed with something spicy and citrusy.

As they swayed to the music, the world around them faded away. The deep blue of Aiden's eyes pulled her in to the depths, reminding her of the ocean at twilight.

"You are the bonniest lass here," Aiden said softly, his voice low and husky. "Like a star fallen to earth."

Mary's breath caught in her throat. She opened her mouth to respond, but before she could form the words, a familiar, yet unwelcome voice cut through the moment like a knife.

"Well, well, well. If it isn't the belle of the ball and her... escort."

Mary stiffened, turning to see Jake standing there, a smirk on his face. He was dressed as a modern-day CEO, complete with a sharp suit and slicked-back hair. The costume seemed at odds with the festive atmosphere around them.

"Jake," she said, voice cool. "I didn't expect to see you here."

Jake's smile didn't reach his eyes as he looked Aiden up and down. "I wouldn't miss the chance to see all the... local color."

The tension in Aiden's arm as he held her made Mary look between the two men.

Jake's smile turned predatory. "Mind if I cut in? I'd like to discuss some business with Mary."

Aiden glanced at her, silently asking if she was okay with this. After a moment, she gave a small nod.

"I'll go fetch us some drinks," he said, reluctantly stepping away.

Once he was out of earshot, Mary turned to Jake. "Drop the act. I know you better than you think. What are you really doing here?"

For a moment, his facade faltered. "Always direct, aren't you? Fine. I want to buy up the property on Fig Lane, including your little bookshop. I'm planning to build an exclusive small boutique hotel."

Her eyes widened. "No. Absolutely not."

"Come on. I know you're struggling. The shop is barely staying afloat. This could be your chance to get out while you still can."

A chill ran down her spine at his words. She knew all too well what Jake's idea of "development" usually entailed. Buying up local businesses, tearing down buildings to make way for soulless establishments like he'd done on the mainland.

"Ocracoke doesn't need that kind of development," she said firmly. "We're doing just fine as we are."

At that moment, Aiden returned, eyes narrowing as he took in the scene. He stepped closer to her and fixed Jake with a look that probably sent men in his own time scurrying for cover. "I think it's time for you to back off, mate. The lady's made her wishes clear."

Before things could escalate, she touched Aiden's arm. "I need a break. Would you mind if we took a walk?"

He nodded, offering her his arm. "Of course, lass. Lead the way."

They made their way through the crowd, leaving Jake standing there with a scowl on his face, which he quickly hid. They stopped briefly to say goodbye to Lily and Alex, who were engrossed in what looked like a heated debate about the historical accuracy of Indiana Jones films. As they left the square behind, the sounds of the party faded, replaced by the gentle lapping of waves against the shore.

The boats bobbed in the harbor as she led them to a wrought-iron bench. The sky was clear, the stars brilliant even with the lights from town and the party. She took a deep breath, letting the salt air fill her lungs and calm her racing thoughts.

"It's beautiful here," Aiden said softly, his eyes on the horizon. "Reminds me of nights on the open sea, when the world seemed endless and full of possibility."

Struck by the wistful tone in his voice, she put a hand on his arm. "Do you miss it? Your old life, I mean."

Aiden was quiet for a moment, considering. "Parts of it, aye. The freedom, the adventure... but there were dark times too. Loneliness, danger... it wasn't all treasure and rum, ye ken?"

He turned to look at her then, his eyes intense in the moonlight. "But I've found something here, in this time, that I never had before. A sense of... belonging, I suppose ye could call it."

At his words, her heart skipped a beat. She wanted to ask what exactly he'd found, but fear held her back. Instead, she shivered, the wind blowing through the thin costume.

Without a word, Aiden shrugged off his coat and draped it over her shoulders. The wool was warm from his body, and Mary found herself enveloped in the scent that she associated with him.

"Thank you," she murmured, pulling the coat tighter around herself.

"Your hair is like the fire of the sunset." He reached out, wrapping a long strand around his finger as she held her breath. She'd left her hair down tonight, taken extra care to blow it out straight. His touch was gentle, almost reverent, and she leaned into his touch without conscious thought.

From a nearby bar, the strains of a haunting violin melody drifted out into the night. Aiden's eyes lit up with recognition.

"I know this tune," he said softly. "We used to play it on long voyages to keep our spirits up." He held out his hand to her. "Might I have one more dance, milady?"

Mary hesitated for only a moment before placing her hand in his. Here, away from the crowds and the chaos, she felt safer somehow. More herself.

One hand rested on the small of her back as he pulled her close, the other held hers against his chest. They began to sway gently to the music, their bodies moving in perfect synchronization.

As the violin's mournful notes wove through the night air, she let go, leaning into him. They were so close now that she could feel the warmth of his breath on her cheek, could see the flecks of gold in the blue of his irises.

The moment stretched out, electric and fragile. Her heart pounded in her chest as Aiden's gaze dropped to her lips, then back to her eyes, a silent question in their depths.

Almost of its own accord, Mary's free hand came up to rest on Aiden's chest, feeling the strong, steady beat of his heart beneath her palm. She tilted her chin up slightly, an invitation.

The kiss was soft, tentative at first, but quickly deepened as she responded. She felt as though she were falling and flying all at once, anchored only by Aiden's strong arms around her. When they finally broke apart, both slightly breathless, Mary felt as though the world had shifted on its axis. Everything looked different, felt different. Brighter, somehow. More alive.

He rested his forehead against hers, eyes closed as if savoring the moment. "Mary," he breathed, her name a prayer on his lips.

And just like that, reality came crashing back in. She stepped back abruptly, her mind reeling. What had she done? This couldn't happen. It couldn't work. He belonged to another time, another world. He would go back, leaving her alone once more. His leaving would break her heart into a thousand pieces.

"I... I'm sorry," she stammered, wrapping her arms around herself. "I can't... we can't do this. It's not fair to either of us."

Confusion and hurt flashed across Aiden's face. "Wait?—"

But she was already backing away, shaking her head. "I'm sorry. This was a mistake. I... I need to go. I'll see you back at the house."

Before he could say a word, Mary turned and fled, her feet carrying her swiftly down the road towards the safety of her bookshop. Tears blurred her vision as she ran, the sound of the violin fading behind her.

By the time she reached the familiar doorway of Read Between the Tides, she paused, gasping for breath. She could still feel the warmth of Aiden's lips on hers, still smell his scent on the coat she wore.

With a strangled sob, she fumbled for her keys, desperate to escape into the familiar comfort of books and solitude. But as she finally managed to unlock the door, a chill ran down her spine.

There, on the doorstep, lay a single piece of sea glass. But unlike the pale blue shard Aiden had given her, this one was blood red and seemed to pulse with an inner light.

Mary stared at it, heart pounding. She knew, with a certainty that defied explanation, that this was a sign. A warning, perhaps. Or an invitation.

As she bent to pick up the sea glass, its warmth pulsing against her palm, she made a silent vow.

She would help Aiden find the treasure and return to his own time. And then... then she would let him go, no matter how much it broke her heart.

The distant sound of waves crashing against the shore seemed to echo her resolve, a melancholy rhythm that spoke of endings and beginnings, of love found and lost on the ever-changing tides of time.