Epilogue

Avaline inhaled deeply, a thrill running through her veins as she gazed at the frigate approaching. Surrounded by whitecaps, the vessel cut through the dark blue waves on the horizon, but as she entered the more serene Carlisle Bay, the turquoise waters welcomed her with gentle caresses.

Adrian squeezed Avaline's hand, which lay cradled in his palm. "Are you all right?"

His smile, a reflection of genuine warmth, crinkled the corners of his eyes as they met hers. His navy uniform, worn with pride, clung to his sturdy frame, the night sky blue coat accentuating his broad chest and shoulders. The black bicorn hat adorned with a white flag in the center of his cockade framed his face, drawing attention to his straight eyebrows, sharp nose, and chiseled chin. He had kept his tousled hair that still carried the rakish pirate charm she had fallen in love with, and she longed to comb her fingers through it.

"Yes," she breathed and clutched his hand with both hers. "I can't believe I'll get to see dear Papa again."

He brought her hands to his lips and kissed her wedding band softly, like a butterfly landing on a petal. His warm breath caressed her skin, and she felt a thrill twitch deep inside.

They had exchanged their vows soon after Adrian and his crew had been released from custody and Francis had been arrested and sent to London. In an intimate ceremony on the beach, with Molly, Hammond, and Elias as witnesses and accompanied by the gentle rush of the ocean, they had promised to love each other for the rest of their lives.

"Surely you'll see him again several times. You can journey back to England to visit any time you want."

"What about you? Are you nervous to meet him?"

"Hell, yes." He lowered his arm to her belly and placed a protective palm on the subtle swelling. "I haven't had much appetite for the past week."

She trailed a finger along his stubbly jaw—another act of defiance toward the strict British uniform regulations. "You don't strike me as a man who is afraid of anybody."

"Yes, well. Meeting your father makes me anxious. I not only married you without his permission, but I also touched you before we wed. Although the Admiralty exonerated me and restored justice, he'll scrutinize every facet of my past to ensure I'm worthy of his daughter. That's the reason he embarked on this voyage—to safeguard your well-being."

"It is too late now," she teased. "Besides, aren't you forgetting I was born out of wedlock?"

"For him, that is an entirely different thing. His approval matters to me because anything else would make you unhappy. I don't want to make you unhappy."

He extended his kiss from her fingers to her lips, his touch lingering and his tongue exploring her mouth. His heartbeat echoed against her chest, and the soft yet yearning moan escaping from his throat sent delight shivering through her.

"He will hold you in favor, I'm quite certain. I'm more nervous about meeting your family. Your sisters, I anticipate, shall probably prove most vigilant in safeguarding your well-being, and they will scrutinize me like a mare for sale."

He chuckled. "That may be, but you still have a few weeks to prepare for their intrusive onslaught. If I'm lucky, Lottie may be preoccupied with other things. I have discussed the opportunity of wedding her to Captain Rogers–"

"Adrian James Hainsworth!" She reared back and nailed him with her eyes. "You're not arranging your sisters' marriages, are you?"

"I'm"—his eyes flickered—"not?"

She poked a loving finger in his chest. "You have seen firsthand what true love is. Don't you want that for your sisters?"

"Why, of course, but Captain Rogers is a good man–"

"Which Papa also claimed about Francis. What makes you think you can pick out Lottie's one and true love?"

He sighed. "I guess not."

"You must trust them to find their way in life."

"That'll take years off my life when it comes to Maddie."

"I'll support you. Maybe she needs another woman to talk to."

He leaned down and caught her lips again, plowing deep into her mouth and dueling with her tongue until Elias shouted over the rush of the morning waves where he was swimming. "You two bloody embarrass me!"

Adrian's lips lingered on hers, and she savored the sweetness of their kiss. "I swear to God," Adrian mumbled against her lips. "In a year or two tops, that lad's mind will be so consumed with girls that there won't be capacity for much else."

"He has improved so much already," she said softly. "We can't expect miracles. Besides, he is already well on his way down that path." She raised her brows. "From what I hear, he paid the daughter of Sir and Lady Davies a visit no less than three times last week."

Adrian laughed and nuzzled her nose with his as he glanced at Elias, who dove headfirst into the oncoming waves.

"Right, then. I'll have a word with him. Not only about his swearing. He has been exposed to so much lewd behavior it may be challenging for him to grasp the concept of a gentleman's behavior." As soon as the words left his tongue, he closed his eyes and quietly cussed. "I'm sorry, I wasn't thinking."

"I know you have a past, Adrian," she said, squeezing his hands. "The most important is our life now. Our future."

He found her lips again, more insistent this time, ignoring Elias's audible groaning. She picked up the faint tremble coursing through his body.

"You know I belong to you, always. You're the best thing that ever happened to me. You brought me out of my darkness and showed me light when I was convinced there was none. You saved my life, Avaline. I can't live without you."

She tugged at his bottom lip. "You wouldn't get rid of me even if you tried. How could I ever resist such a handsome pirate-turned-officer?"

"Still throwing around that word, are we?" He smirked.

She bit her lip and lifted her eyes at him. "You are so handsome that just looking at you makes me wet between my legs."

"Christ, woman," he croaked and swept a glance over the beach though he knew there was nobody else in the vicinity. His eyes smoldered with passion when they returned to hers. "Don't tempt me, or I won't be able to keep my hands off you."

"You haven't been able to keep your hands off me since you first put them there. And I take pleasure in it."

He grinned at her. "I see that the charity work you do for the lost women at Madame Tessa's comes with unforeseen consequences," he murmured. "Do I need to rein in your freedom?"

"You wouldn't dare to." She slapped him playfully on his arm.

He chuckled. "No, you're right, I wouldn't."

Her mission for Madame Tessa's girls had been an opportunity to mend a wrong she perceived and fill the void when Adrian was at sea, but as time passed, she grew close to the girls and started to understand the causes of their plight. Granted, she had picked up words here and there that weren't meant for her, but that was a trifling cost to pay when she saw the fruits of her efforts with the women.

They gazed at the ship as she moored in the bay, and when the jolly boat bringing Lord Hawthorn drew near, Avaline all but danced on her toes. Adrian laughed beside her, but she caught the tremor in his breath.

No sooner had Lord Hawthorn stepped onto solid ground than Avaline threw herself into his embrace. "Papa!"

"There you are, my rose." The familiar scent of her father enveloped her in a comforting embrace, and the calm baritone formed a lump in her throat. "There, there, my child." He patted her on her back until she swallowed the lump and regained her speaking ability.

"Oh, Papa. I've missed you so." Tears burned in her eyes, and she sniffed hard, heedless of the indelicate sound. He looked exactly as he had done when she left Hawthorn Manor, save for darker shadows under his eyes.

"I've missed you, too, my dear. We have much to speak about, and in due time, we will, I promise." His eyes looked beyond her, fixing on Adrian.

Her heart swelled with emotions as she followed her father's gaze and watched Adrian, the formidable privateer and naval combatant, infamous across the entire Caribbean. Yet here, in the presence of her father, he stood nervous and insecure—because he cared about her happiness.

"Vice Admiral Hainsworth." Her father stretched out his hand, greeting Adrian with a firm handshake.

"Lord Hawthorn, it is my pleasure to welcome you to Barbados."

Her father maintained a firm grip on Adrian's hand and rested his other hand on the golden epaulets on his shoulder. Lord Hawthorn had never been one to adhere to etiquette, much to her stepmother's dismay, but even Avaline raised a discreet eyebrow at this unorthodox gesture.

"Thank you," her father said firmly but quietly. An unspoken understanding seemed to pass between the two men as they held each other's gaze like a current beneath calm water. "Thank you for saving her."

A subtle blush graced Adrian's cheek. His tongue ventured across his lips, and he flashed a look at her belly. "Well, of course, my lord, but–"

Her father shook his head. "Nay, son, don't you dare. I noticed, and if that is what she wants, it fills my heart with joy, regardless of circumstances. What is important to me is that she is alive and happy. All else shall be confronted and resolved in due course. Of such, we have experience."

"Of course, my lord." Adrian bowed and shot Avaline a look over her father's shoulder.

The resolute set of his mouth and the subtle tremor in his shoulders betrayed the depths of his emotions. She mouthed, "I love you," and graced him with a reassuring smile.

Once her father had met Elias and his trunks had been loaded into the carriages, they returned to the charming and snug abode Adrian had bought them.

In the afternoon, as they were gathered around the dining table, Lord Hawthorn put down his silverware and savored the wine. "I bear an official matter from the Admiralty to the Vice Admiral of the Whites."

Adrian's brows rose. "Of course, my lord. How may I be of service?"

"Owing to the dire… predicament of the erstwhile governor, the Secretary of State for the Colonies inquires whether you would consider assuming the mantle of Governor of Barbados."

Avaline locked eyes with Adrian across the table, as surprised as herself.

"I'm deeply honored by such a request," Adrian said.

"The Admiralty is very well aware that you have an inclination for the high seas"—her father gave a knowing nod, his eyes sparkling with humor—"and should you prefer to continue in the navy, you will have a bright career there. I understand that the choice lies with you, and I can assure you that the suggestion has caused quite the uproar within the Admiralty by people who don't want to see you leave."

"I'm most humbled, my lord." He flashed Avaline another look, gauging her reaction, but she maintained her neutral composure.

"You must choose what makes you happy, Adrian," she encouraged. "I will support you no matter what."

On the inside, she hoped he would choose to be appointed governor. That would keep him home more, but she didn't want her opinion to affect his decision.

"Are you going to be the governor, Adrian?" Elias's eyes shone like diamonds as they latched onto his hero.

Adrian rested a hand on Elias's shoulder. "We'll see, son. We'll see."

"Take some time and think about it," her father continued. "There is no rush in the matter, as I won't return to England until after the hurricane season."

"We will," Adrian confirmed, underlining that this wasn't his decision alone. "Now, if you'll excuse me for a few hours, Captain Barley expects me in the garrison. But I will join you again for supper this evening."

Adrian stood and circled the table, planting a soft kiss on Avaline's forehead. She slid her hand down his thigh under the table and flashed him a playful smile. His eyes glowed with intense heat and the promises of what he would do to her tonight regardless of her father's presence.

"I'll see you soon," he whispered. "I love you."

"Love you, too."

"Yuck! I'm done. Can I leave the table too, Avaline?" Elias asked and looked at her with hopeful eyes. She wasn't his mother, but he craved a familiar bond, so she allowed him to continue using her first name after she wed Adrian, hoping he would one day call her Mama.

"Adrian needs to leave early. He is going to oversee the watch change." They were still working on his table manners, but she sensed not to push him too much at the time. "But this has been a longer meal than usual, so you may leave the table on the provision that you don't disturb those who are still eating."

"Thank you, Avaline." Elias sprang from his seat with such haste that it toppled to the floor in his wake.

"Elias!"

"Sorry."

She shook her head but smiled when Elias forgot to walk and dashed out from the dining room after setting the chair upright.

She looked at her father. "I'm not well able to scold him. He has endured so much wrong, but he is improving every day. We must grant him time to settle into society again."

"Knowing you, I'm sure you're doing a wonderful job with the boy. At least he seems happy."

She nodded. "He is happier than in a long time. I noticed already on board the Ranger that he was looking for a father figure in Adrian."

"You told me in your letter that he has a stepfather. Is there any word from him?"

"No. Adrian doesn't want Elias to have any contact with the man. He is better off without him. After Christmas, Adrian will sail to Nassau and deal with his mother's belongings."

"Very well, then." Her father smiled at her, resting his loving eyes on her features. "I must confess, my dear, that your letter caused me great distress even though you assured me all was well. It has been much to swallow, and I do reproach myself for not understanding the intentions behind Francis Ashcroft's proposal. I was utterly shocked at your revelation and angry with myself for what I put you through."

"You must not blame yourself, Papa. How could you have known?"

"I couldn't, but my heart still shatters at the thought of what might have befallen you had Hainsworth not intervened. Tell me, my darling, I need to know amid all that has transpired. Is it your own choice that has wedded you to Hainsworth and not the circumstances around his unborn child?"

"Absolutely not! I love him, and I always will. I loved him long before we learned of the child, and he loved me too, or else I must consider myself a very poor judge of character."

Her father nodded. "I know you love him, my dear. I just needed to hear you say it, even though I can witness it. Your eyes shine with a luster I have only seen when you tend to your cherished animals. And I see the same in his eyes. I may be an old man, but I recognize love when I see it. You can trust this man. He will never harm you, of that, I'm certain."

"Thank you. I would have followed my heart anyway, but your blessing means much to Adrian."

Lord Hawthorn chuckled. "Why does this not astonish me? You always were a headstrong lass, just like your dear mama. Hainsworth already knows he has my blessing, but I'll speak with him privately to ensure I have no reservations in entrusting him with my love child."

A melancholic trace lingered in the timbre of her father's voice, a mournful note that laid bare his broken dreams. A wave of sorrow flushed through Avaline, squeezing her chest. She left her seat and sat down beside him. "Oh, Papa. I'm sorry."

Her father had never uttered a disloyal word about her stepmother, but he must have sensed, especially after seeing Avaline with Adrian, that she understood the state of his marriage. She knew he wouldn't let her pry into his privacy, but she couldn't be sure whether it was for shielding her or himself.

"Don't be sorry, my love. I have tasted what you now have, and though it didn't flourish as I wanted, you have been my sunshine and the best memory of your mama that I could wish for. It fills me with immense pleasure that you get to share this happiness with Hainsworth, and I know your mama would have been exceedingly proud of the fine and strong woman you have grown into."

Avaline and her father spent most of the afternoon in conversation. He shared updates and greetings from Hawthorn Manor while she recounted her experiences since leaving England.

Later that night, after her father and Adrian retreated to the library, Avaline let the soothing bathwater envelop her in the bedchamber. She leaned on the edge of the tub and closed her eyes, a blissful smile curving her lips.

The delicate fragrance of rose oil wafted through the air, rising with the tendrils of steam from the bath. The gossamer drape, a shade of ivory blonde, danced in the breeze from the open window, rousing the candles that cast the tropical night in a warm shade.

She floated as if weightless in the peaceful delight until a soft knock on the door nudged her eyes open.

"Are you still awake?" Adrian's low murmur flitted over her flesh like the warm brush of the tropical breeze.

"Mm-hmm."

The small clank of the lock falling in place shot along her spine, and when he padded across the carpeted floorboards, quiet but resolute, like a panther stalking its prey, goosebumps erupted across her arms.

Adrian emerged from behind the screen, and she drew in a sharp breath as her gaze swept over his captivating form. He was still wearing his blue officer's coat, and his white breeches hugged his powerful thighs, the sight of his firm legs making her insides flutter like the crickets outside the window.

His hot glance roved over her neck and the exposed part of her breasts. "Care to have company?"

She leaned back, submerging her body under the thin layer of bubbles, not breaking eye contact with him. "Papa is here," she breathed, unable to look away from his imposing figure.

His lips stretched in a smug smile. "I'll take your faltering breath as a yes. Besides, your father has yet to flay me alive for touching you before our wedding. I doubt he'll mind me making love to you now that we are married."

He unfastened the brass buttons on his coat, sloughing off the garment and flinging it over the screen with a negligent disregard unbefitting a British Navy Vice Admiral. His white waistcoat and neckpiece landed on his coat before he sat on a chair to drag off his black boots.

Avaline stared at the muscles in his broad shoulders and ridged torso as they rippled and flexed. Heat churned deep inside her, and she squirmed in the water.

Without raising his head, he lifted his gaze to her, and a devilish grin spread on his lips. He tossed the boots and stood, the bulge in his groin exposing his desire.

She clenched her jaws. How come Adrian could read her so easily? "I want you."

"That can be arranged."

He untied the band holding his breeches and pushed them down. Avaline didn't bother to look away from the canvas of sculpted art they revealed. Her hand traveled over her chest and belly, heading for the center between her legs as if it had its own will.

His eyes darkened, and he stepped into the tub.

"You won't fit."

The smile he sent her promised he would fit—in any desired fashion. "Do you want me to leave?"

"I'm not doing it by myself."

"You already started."

She yanked her hand away from between her legs, her cheeks burning with a mixture of mortification and desire, and his grin widened.

"Come here."

A prickle ran down her spine at his possessive demand. She took the hand he extended, and he dragged her up. The air felt crisp and brushed against her skin when she rose from the balmy water, but he clutched her toward his frame and cradled her in his arms, enveloping her in his warmth.

"There will be a time when I want to see you do it yourself, but tonight, I want to be the one pleasing you."

His hardness strained against her back, throbbing with need as he drizzled a series of kisses from behind her ear and down her neck. His scruff rasped her skin, and lust swept through her, pooling between her legs. A soft moan pushed up her throat, and she craned her neck to give him full access. He continued across her shoulder, kissing a hot, moist path over her skin and then blowing where his lips had blazed.

"Huh…"

His hands glided to her front and cupped her breasts. Jolts of lust shot through her when his fingers circled and pinched her nipples.

"Adrian…"

Lord, the things this man could do to her.

She bit her lower lip, clutching his hands, urging him to use more force. She pushed back, rocking against his hardness, yearning to feel him inside. His breath fluttered over her neck, and his caresses filled with a quivering urge.

"Follow me," he whispered close to her ear and sank down to his knees in the water, dragging her with her. His deft caresses had erased any thought of how he would fit into the tub with her, but then his hardness poked at her entrance from behind.

"Adrian!"

"Trust me, you'll like it. Hold on to the edge."

His hand glided to her hips and held her in place as he pushed into her wetness from behind. A hushed moan escaped him as he reached her bottom, a moan that tingled across her back and made her insides twitch around him.

"God, you feel so good," he gritted.

He thrust into her, slowly and deliberately, and she savored his length gliding through her folds, gripping around the edge of the tub.

Yes, please don't stop…

He pumped harder, faster, as if he knew precisely what she needed.

And probably he did.

His hand trailed up her waist, slick with soap, and returned to her breasts, teasing her nipples until they stood jutting, begging for more.

His breath kicked up. He leaned on the edge with one hand and slid the other one between her legs. His finger circled her center point, quivering just like his breath, thrusting with relentless force until her insides shattered in a cascade of vibrations, and the spasms wracked through her. Adrian thrust a few more times, and then he swelled inside her and convulsed, releasing himself with a guttural groan.

Her legs quivered, and she slumped against the side of the tub, drained. Adrian wrapped a strong arm around her waist and lifted her toward his warm, solid front, nuzzling the sensitive skin beneath her ear. She craned her neck, and his lips met hers in a dwelling kiss.

He sat back, leaning on the edge as he dragged her with him, parking her between his legs. His hands drifted down to her belly, caressing the bump hosting the new life.

"I love you," he whispered.

Her lips stretched in a smile, and she kissed his jaw. "I love you, too."

They sat silently, his finger drawing patterns on her belly, until the water cooled.

"Where is Molly?" she asked, her voice drowsy.

"I gave her the night off. She is probably in Hammond's chamber."

Avaline's eyes popped open, and she sat up, creating a wave in the water that splashed over the edge. "In Hammond's chamber? Pray, what would she be doing there?"

His boyish grin, carefree and untroubled, melted her insides like a candle and made her forget the consternation caused by Molly's nighttime wandering.

Albeit only for a beat.

"Same as us, I'm led to believe."

"Adrian!" She reared as if a fish had flopped out of the wash water. "Are you…? Are they…?"

"Don't worry." He pulled her back in his arms. "I've told Hammond to make a respectable woman of Molly."

"I refuse to believe this." She snuggled back into his embrace. "Molly and Hammond?" How long had this been going on? And why hadn't she seen the signs?

Her mind raced back. Molly and Hammond constantly bickering when they were in the same room. Molly nagging about Hammond without pause when he wasn't around. Hammond muttering to himself about that stubborn and sharp-tongued maid.

Molly and Hammond, all the time. The signs had been there, but she had ignored them.

"Maybe I shouldn't be so astonished," she admitted.

His hand traced up her arm. "How so?"

"Hammond was the one who suggested I dress like a wench and offer you a final… roll with a loose woman to gain access to your cell."

Adrian's body stiffened, and his movement stalled. "He what now?"

"Those were his exact words." She tried to hold back the smile tugging at her lips but failed.

"Jesus Christ," he muttered, dragging a hand down his face. "I need to have a serious conversation with that man."

"Don't be too hard on him. Things would have looked quite different if it weren't for him."

"Hrmph," he grunted and continued his lazy caress. "I thought about the offer from the King."

"Mm-hm?" She nuzzled her face in the indentation of his neck.

"What do you think if I accept the appointment of governor? I would stay in Barbados for the most part, home with you every night. With you and the child and all the other children we will have in the future."

She chuckled at his long-term vision and lifted her head to meet his eyes. "Is that honestly what you want? You are a seaman. Won't you miss the sea?"

"Not as much as I'll miss you when I'm at sea." His hand glided over the bump on her belly. "You are my reason for living. I love you more than anything. I want to spend every moment with you and be here for my children."

"I just don't want you to give up on anything."

"I won't. I'll have it both ways."

"Oh?"

"I already purchased a sloop for the occasional evening sail."

Avaline sat up and turned as much as the tub and Adrian's legs allowed her. "You purchased a sloop? When?"

"Mm-hm." He twirled a lock of her wet hair around his finger. "This very day."

A warm, fuzzy tingle fluttered through her. "You already decided before you came home."

"I did, and I hoped you would agree." A sly smile curved his lips. "You know what the best part is?"

"What?"

He twirled another couple of inches of her hair around his finger, pulling her closer. "The grand cabin has a wide enough berth for two."

She laughed and flicked her hand, splashing water at his face. "You are irredeemable."

He let go of her hair and curled his hand around her neck.

"Maybe," he mumbled, his lips nuzzling her neck. "But I called her Ava."

The End