Not a single cloud dotted blue skies. The sun blazed overhead, sparkling off the water like a beacon guiding them in. The dock speared out into the cove, their few fishing boats tied up after bringing in the morning haul.
Hook squinted. A lone figure paced near the end of the dock, arms waving in the air. His stomach bottomed out. Can’t a man get a bloody break?
Reluctantly, he pulled away from Tink. Her protests were swallowed by the breeze as he turned to his crew and slipped into the role of captain as easily as breathing.
“Eyes on the dock!” Hook reached for his spyglass, belatedly remembering he didn’t have it. Bloody hell, he wasn’t used to being a passenger on his own ship.
The easy laughter and conversation shared by the crew broke off. Boots thumped across the deck as men and women snapped to attention.
Sage climbed the rigging with practiced ease and swung a spyglass to her eye. “It’s Rell!”
Smee’s sister. The headstrong girl he’d left in charge if for no other reason than to keep her coming after them in a rowboat, determined to prove herself a valuable member of the crew despite her young age.
“And?” he asked. The word came out sharper than he intended.
Hook jumped as Tink touched his arm. Her presence stilled the tapping of his boot, but his heart raced faster than his ship across the water. He’d left Smee in command for the duration ofthis voyage. No one could argue with his first mate’s skill, but the temporary change of position still sat oddly, like boots a little too big.
“Smiling,” Sage yelled back.
“No sign of distress,” Smee called from his post at the wheel.
Tension fled his shoulders. Someday, his streak of wild luck would run out, but not yet.
“Just glad we’re home?” Tink asked.
Now that brought a genuine smile back to his lips. Home had never felt so perfect.
“Aye, love. Let’s hope so.”
Tink would be staying this time—in his home, with him, a part of his crew and family. Joy trashed within him like a wild animal trying to burst free. It was more than he’d hoped for, more than he’d dared to dream of.
And yet, his deepest wish came true.
The crew was a bundle of nerves and cautious optimism by the time the Jolly Roger drew within earshot of the docks.
“Ahoy!” Rell’s high voice carried over the gentle crash of waves and gull cries.
“What news?” Smee called in return, taking the words right out of Hook’s mouth.
Family members often met the ship when it returned, though often not quite so early or with so much enthusiasm. It took time to bring the ship in and dock. They knew that. Whatever news Rell had couldn’t wait.
His jaw stiffened. Or the girl was entirely too enthusiastic about her assignment.
“Reya had her baby!”
An excited gasp rolled through the crew. Smee let out a loud whoop.
Now that was excellent news to return to. Hook’s chest shook before a hearty laugh broke free.
Barley stumbled back, a dazed look on his face. “I’m a father.”
Hook stepped toward his friend and slapped him on the back—hard. “Congratulations, man.”
Sage’s eyes sparkled with wonder. “I’m an auntie.”
Cheers and shouts rang out. The deck thundered as members of the crew jumped for joy or stomped in excitement.
Barley stumbled to the railing amid congratulatory smacks and a few overly enthusiastic embraces.
