She gave herself a little pinch. The morning had floated by like a dream, each part seeming too good to be true.Mrs. Thompson. She tested the word on her tongue. Christian gave her a little nudge and she started as Isaac chuckled.
“Thank you. I’m so glad you could make it before your voyage.”
“Wouldn’t have missed it for the world.”
“What time do you leave?” Christian had tensed ever so slightly.
Isaac turned toward the river, a few blocks down. “We’ll sail at noon. I’m sorry I’ll miss the luncheon. If we don’t make good time, someone’s going to owe the governor of Tortuga a lot of money. And if Thorne returned to the Caribbean, chances are someone on that island will know.”
Christian gave a tight nod. “Be safe.”
When his friend walked away, Samantha squeezed his arm. “Are you alright?”
“It’s hard. Knowing he’s still out there. Knowing my best friend has been tasked with bringing him in.” He shifted his hat. “Is it wrong to hope he doesn’t catch him?”
She chewed on her cheek, trying to find the right words.
He drew her closer and set his hand over hers. “I’m sorry. Today is about us. We should be enjoying this to the fullest.”
Her nose scrunched. “But your feelings matter too.”
“Later.” He pulled her hand free and lifted it to his lips. “You have the rest of my life to worry about me. For now, we have a wedding luncheon to go to.”
He guided her across the street. She looked back with a frown. They walked toward the river. Away from the carriage.
When she stepped up off the street, her calf protested and she stumbled.
“Hold on.” She drew to a stop and hitched her skirt up “I have a gift for you. I can’t wait any longer.”
His brows drew up. “My God, Red. Not here. I’ll admit I cannot wait either, but let’s not give the town something to gossip about.”
A blush flamed across her cheeks. “Very funny.”
Christian barked out a laugh as her boot became visible. “Should have known you weren’t proper beneath those skirts.”
She pulled a package free and rubbed her aching calf. “I needed somewhere to put this.”
He took it from her and ran a finger over the embossed paper. “This day is already gift enough.”
His finger slipped beneath the ribbon and tugged it free. Polished brass shone in the sunlight and his eyes widened. It had taken her a month to find a compass similar to the one he had lost, and another week for a jeweler to set the coin in the lid. The tarnished gold of the medallion glimmered beneath his fingertip.
“One from the cave.”
Her pulse quickened as she remembered his body covering hers, the sound of coins tinkling in her ears.
“It’s perfect.” Warm lips pressed against hers.
She melted into the kiss, her heart beating a frantic tune. Pushing her hands beneath his jacket, she tugged his shirt free. With a groan, he pulled away and glanced around them.
“What was I saying about gossip?” He slipped the compass in his jacket pocket and his lopsided grin returned. “I have a surprise for you as well.”
Eager anticipation danced across his face and she couldn’t help but smile. “I don’t need a gift.”
“Trust me, you’ll love it.” He swiveled her around. “Close your eyes.”
She did and he guided her up the street, made a turn. Another turn. They stopped.
“Keep them closed.” A moment later, her feet swept out from beneath her and she cried out as he picked her up.
