Chapter 12

CHAPTER TWELVE

Kate

Marrying in breeches had never occurred to Kate.

But as the sun set over the water, and sails snapped in the breeze, Lord James Bancroft married her sister Anna.

And Lord John Foxcroft became her husband.

And somehow, it was absolutely perfect. She held Jack's hands, repeating the simple vows to promise to love, honor, and cherish one another for the rest of their lives.

And just like that, Kate was married.

Distantly it occurred to her that she was now a countess, although she'd achieved the title in the least advantageous way possible for her parents. What would her father do when he realized he had no more daughters to sell off?

Not that she wished her parents ill. She loved them. She just didn't want to suffer so they might live in luxury. It only seemed fair.

Jack leaned in, capturing her lips in a kiss at the same time James kissed Anna. Just like that, they sealed their vows.

The entire boat gave a cheer, even the men on watch in the masts.

It was a reminder that, despite the joy of this moment, they were in a fight for their lives. Kate drew in a deep breath.

She understood the danger, but she was still glad to be here. Filled with the lightest joy to be married to Jack.

And to have found a man who would allow her to grow and become the woman she wished to be.

How had she managed this? How had she found a man who made her heart race in her chest, and yet he was the man most willing to allow her to be herself?

He stared down at her, their eyes locked and she knew.

Everything that had happened had led her to this moment, this was where she was meant to be and the man she was meant to be with.

He brushed his fingers over her face, giving her a soft smile. "Are you happy?"

"Very." She leaned closer. "Would I frighten you if I told you I might love you?"

His fingers stilled on her face. "No, love. Not at all. This was…meant to be."

That's exactly how she felt.

"And I love you too. Now and always."

Her heart stopped in her chest. How could she believe him. It was too good to be true. "You don't."

"I do," Jack said, holding her close.

Anna and James were moving toward the hatch. A small dinner had been prepared for the two couples. Most of the crew would remain at work, but the four of them would have a small celebration.

He pulled her close, whispering in her ear. "Everything in my life has pointed me to you, Kate. You are my future."

Her eyes closed as she rested her head on his shoulder. "And you are mine."

They made their way below deck, having stew in the galley as the work resumed above.

All four of them were quiet as they sat eating together.

Perhaps it was the worry of what might happen with the villains who chased them. Or perhaps it was the nerves of more private moments tonight.

Neither Kate nor Anna had had the opportunity to prepare for this day, and while their mother hadn't been available to them much, tonight might have been one night that she'd have been useful.

Kate had several questions…

And there was no one to ask besides her new husband.

She leaned over to Anna, her hand slipping into her sisters. "Are you all right?"

"I'm good," Anna gave her a tremulous smile. "A little nervous."

"I wish I had more information for you."

Anna shook her head. "James will see me through. He's very kind and gentle."

Kate let out a breath of relief. She might have been more worried about Anna then she was herself.

They finished their food, parting ways, Kate giving Anna a hug before she and James retired into his small quarters.

She took Jack's hand. "I'm ready."

He gave her a one-sided grin. "To go into battle?"

"What do you mean?"

"The look on your face. You look as though you're about to wage a war."

She felt her own lips turn up into a smile. "Oh dear. That won't do."

He opened the door and softly pulled her inside. "Kate. You will enjoy tonight. I promise."

Her head cocked to the side. Isabelle was enamored with her husband. Kate could tell. But did women enjoy this part of marriage? The intimacy with their husband? "Will I?"

"Definitely."

"Can you explain it to me?"

His fingers slid down her arms. "What would you like to know?"

"Will it hurt?"

"The first time? Yes. But before I enter you…"

"Explain that to me." Now she wasn't scared, she was curious.

His brows lifted as he took her hand and gently brought it to the front of his trousers. "I have a staff."

She wasn't completely ignorant to the particulars. But it helped her to hear him say it. And the feel of his bulge in her hand was thrilling. She cupped him, tracing the edges of his most intimate parts, feeling him grow in her hand.

"And women like the feel of this…staff inside them?"

"Most. But if that isn't how you find your pleasure, we will find another method to please you."

"Such as?"

"I can us my hand. My tongue…" His hand left her arm, holding her waist for a moment before he slid his fingertips down her hip.

The very idea of his tongue on any part of her had her skin heating, an ache pulsing between her thighs. He didn't mean there…did he? "I…that sounds…how interesting."

He gave her a wicked grin. It was unlike anything she'd seen from him before, but it made more heat curl in her belly. "Do you want me to show you?"

"I…" She swallowed down a lump, taking a deep breath for bravery. "Yes. I do."