Epilogue

S omewhere in the Caribbean—A few months later

Warm Caribbean sun bathed the deck of the Mermaid's Tear as Mary stretched lazily, basking in its glow. Turquoise waters sparkled invitingly, a stark contrast to the chilly weather they'd left behind in Ocracoke. A gentle breeze, carrying the scent of salt and adventure, ruffled her sun-kissed auburn hair.

"Remind me again why we didn't do this sooner?" she called out to Aiden, who adjusted the sails with practiced ease.

His rich laughter carried across the deck, warming her heart. "Because, poppet, ye said ye wanted to experience all four seasons on the boat. Something about the romance of sailing through a storm?"

"Clearly, I was delirious," she retorted, but without real heat. "This is much better. Though I have to admit, watching you navigate through that squall off the coast of Florida was pretty impressive."

Blue eyes twinkling with mischief, Aiden grinned. "Aye, well, I've had a wee bit of practice."

The newly refurbished hull of the Mermaid's Tear gleamed in the bright sunlight as it cut through crystal-clear waters. They'd bought the ship together after deciding to close the bookshop for the winter, using the finder's fee from a treasure they'd uncovered based on Aiden's memories of his pirate days. It had been enough to purchase the boat and for Aiden to start a business teaching sailing and pirate classes on replica ships for the annual Pirate Jamboree.

But not this year. This year, they were taking the winter—maybe even an entire year—to adventure, explore the Caribbean, and research new stories for a book they were working on together. When Lily told her that Alex thought he could work on a shipwreck near the Caymans, so they could all be together for at least a few months, Mary had been delighted. Who knew she'd be the one leaving the island, if only for a little while, before Lily?

Appearing at her side with a mischievous glint in his eye, Aiden suggested, "What say ye to a bit of treasure hunting, lass?"

Mary sat up, intrigued. "Treasure hunting? I thought we were done with that after the last windfall."

He nodded, pointing to a nearby cove. "Aye, but this is different. I recognize that rock formation. There should be a wreck or two below if modern-day treasure hunters haven't already found them. It's not about the gold, love. It's about the hunt."

"Why am I not surprised that you remember the location of every sunken ship in the Caribbean?" Mary teased, her heart swelling with affection.

Already moving to drop anchor, Aiden grinned. "It's a gift, mo chridhe . Now, are ye up for a dive?"

Before she could answer, he was stripping down to his swim trunks. Mary watched appreciatively as he prepared their diving gear, marveling at how seamlessly he'd adapted to this new life.

"You know," she said, slipping on her wetsuit, "when I imagined Caribbean adventures, I was thinking more along the lines of fruity drinks and beach lounging."

"Ah, but where's the fun in that?" He replied, helping her with her tank. His touch lingered, sending a shiver down her spine despite the warm air. "Trust me, this'll be far more exciting. And I promise ye all the fruity drinks yer heart desires afterward."

Plunging into the warm, clear water, Mary had to admit he was right. The underwater world was breathtaking, teeming with colorful fish and swaying coral. Aiden led the way, his powerful strokes cutting through the water with practiced ease. She followed, marveling at how natural this felt now, exploring the depths together.

They reached the wreck, a small merchant vessel that had clearly seen better days. As they explored the decaying structure, she wondered why she'd been so worried about leaving Ocracoke? Probably because she'd gotten so set in her ways that it had been unfathomable to think of ever leaving.

Suddenly, Aiden gestured excitedly towards a partially buried old wooden box. Together, they worked to unearth it, their movements synchronized after months of diving together. With a final heave, they freed the small box and began their ascent.

Back on the deck of the Mermaid's Tear, they opened the waterlogged container. Inside, they found a collection of tarnished silver coins, a few gems, and a small, ornate compass.

"Not bad for a day's work," Mary said, examining one of the coins. "Though I think the real treasure is watching you out here in your element."

Aiden's eyes softened as he pulled her close. "Aye, and there's more where that came from. These waters are full of history, just waiting to be uncovered. But the greatest treasure I've found is right here in my arms."

She was quiet as a small part of her wondered what had happened to Jake. Hopefully, he had found a place in time, a place to belong.

"What's on your mind, love?" Aiden asked, noticing her pensive expression.

The warmth of his skin against her made her sigh with happiness. "Just thinking about how much has changed. A year ago, I never would have imagined I'd be here, treasure hunting in the Caribbean with a time-traveling pirate. I was so caught up in my routines, in my little world. And now..."

"And now?" Aiden prompted, his voice soft.

"Now, I feel like I'm truly living. Every day is an adventure. Whether we're sailing through a storm or lounging on a beach or exploring sunken ships. I never knew life could be this... full."

Aiden's eyes glistened with emotion. "Aye, life has a way of surprising us," he agreed, his brogue thickening. "Though I'd say we make a fine pair of adventurers. Ye've brought light to my world in ways I never thought possible. You make me want to be a better man."

She reached up, cupping his face in her hands. "You already are the best man I know. Brave, kind, adventurous... and completely mine."

As the sun began to set, painting the sky in vibrant hues of orange and pink, they stood together at the bow of the ship. Aiden wrapped his arms around her from behind as she leaned back into his solid warmth.

"So, what's next on our grand adventure?" she asked, watching as the first stars began to twinkle in the darkening sky.

Aiden chuckled, the sound rumbling through his chest. "Well, I thought we might sail down to the Bahamas. There's a little cove there where I once... acquired... a rather impressive haul of Spanish gold. Might be worth investigating."

Mary turned in his arms, brow raised. "Acquired, huh? You mean stole?"

He had the grace to look sheepish. "Well, I was a pirate, love. But I promise, any treasure we find now will be properly reported and dealt with legally."

"My very own reformed pirate," she teased, standing on tiptoe to kiss him. "I wouldn't have you any other way."

As night fell, they retired to the cabin, the gentle rocking of the ship lulling them into a contented peace. Lying in each other's arms, they talked of their plans for the future. The book they were writing together, and the adventures yet to come.

"I love you," Mary murmured, tracing the line of his jaw with her fingertip. "More than I ever thought possible."

Aiden caught her hand, pressing a kiss to her palm. "And I love you, mo chridhe . More than all the treasures in all the seas. Ye are my greatest adventure, my truest north."

As the Mermaid's Tear bobbed gently in the crystal-clear waters, Mary closed her eyes, savoring the moment. Never in a million years would she have foreseen such a life for herself, but she was exactly where she was meant to be.

With Aiden by her side, every day was a new chapter in their own epic love story. And really, that was the greatest treasure of all.

Thank you so much for reading! I hope you enjoyed A Scot for Halloween. Next up is, A Scot for All Time where we'll travel to Scotland in the 17th century and meet Kate and Connor. I hope you love it.

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