“My lady,” Sam bowed gracefully over Maria’s hand. “As promised, I have returned to your side.” He dropped Maria’s hand and pulled her close. “How I have missed you.”
“And I you.” Maria’s cheeks were wet with tears.
Sam turned to Everly and a smile lit up his entire face. “I owe my all to you. My love and I have been reunited at long last.” Sam knelt before Everly, bowing his head, like a knight of the round table. “Did my visions scare you, little one.”
Everly shook her head. “I wasn’t scared. I was sad. Watching what happened to you and your men. I hope now you can be at peace.”
“How are you so wise for someone so young?”
“My Dads and my friends,” Everly said easily. She turned and motioned Wolf forward. Aurora looked uncertain, but followed behind. “These are my friends, Wolf and Aurora.”
“Wow! I’ve never met a pirate before! Did you really steal booty from rich ships and give it to poor sailors? I read that in a book.” Wolf looked at the pirate ghost in awe.
Sam’s face brightened. “Aye, lad, I did. All that mattered to me was coming home to my wife and starting our lives together.” He looked behind Wolf, to where Aurora was standing. “And you, little lady, with a name that lights the way home for sailors.”
Aurora took a few cautious steps forward, until she stood at Everly’s side. “Hello, Mr. Pirate.”
Sam chuckled. “I’ve heard say that you are our dear Everly’s best mate.”
Aurora nodded. “I am. Everly’s my bestest friend. I’m always by her side.”
“As a best mate should be, my little lady. Be sure to take good care of Everly.” He held his hand out to Aurora.
Surprisingly, she set hers atop Sam’s. “I will, Mr. Pirate. You take good care of Maria.”
“My heart’s truest wish.” Sam regained his feet and turned to Blake and Jax. “Thank you for finding my ship and keeping my name alive for all these years.”
“You’re welcome,” Blake said, his voice trembling.
Sam turned to Ronan. “As for you, good sir, your daughter was my light in the darkness. So long I spent on theWhydahwith my crew unable to move forward. I never would have found my way back home without her courage. Everly is a brave and brilliant child, thanks to you.”
Ronan, too overcome for words, set a hand against his heart. From the moment she was born, Everly had been his own light in the darkness. “Thank you. Be at peace.”
“It is time to go home,” Sam said, holding an arm out to Maria.
She took his arm and together they walked toward the water.
“Can I have the coins, Blake?” Everly asked, holding the ring out to him.
“Sure.” He reached into the pouch and pulled them out. “Why do you need them now? Sam is here.”
“But his crew isn’t.” Everly took the coins and stepped into the surf. Ronan had her back.
“Are they going back to theWhydah?” Ronan asked Everly.
“No, Daddy, watch.” As Everly spoke the white light shimmered over the shoal where theWhydahhad wrecked and sunk.
A young man wearing a tricorn hat, stood waiting just inside the light. Unless Ronan missed his guess, the man was Sam and Maria’s son.
Sam and Maria approached the light cautiously, then began running toward it. Neither turned back. The light blazed brighter revealing theWhydah, sails unfurled, in all her glory, looking as good as the day she weighed anchor.
“Oh, my God,” Ronan whispered. “I can’t believe what I’m seeing.”
“Me either,” Ten agreed, wrapping his arms around his husband and daughter.
One by one, the members of Sam’s crew crossed into the light. Several pirates waved toward the beach before entering. When the last man stepped inside, the light flashed brighter and slowly faded away. TheWhydahdisappeared. Left in its place was the dazzling Aurora Borealis.
“Is that for me?” Aurora whispered.
