Page 46 of Hired by Pirates

She disappeared, as Jenkins and I politely looked away for a moment so that Morgan could wipe the tears from his eyes.

“If I had thought this was going to happen, I would’ve brought us a spot of whiskey to calm the nerves,” Jenkins chuckled.

“Will rum do?” I asked, pulling a flask from my other pocket. They each took a much-needed swig, as I followed suit.

After what seemed much longer than fifteen minutes, the maid opened the door again. “The mother and baby are doing just fine,” she said, beaming from ear to ear. She let the men inside, but I thought it best to wait out front. It was a good twenty minutes more before Astor came out.

Even disheveled, face flushed, her forehead glistening and her hair falling out of its twist, she was the most lovely woman in the entire world.

My God, I loved this sweet young woman so very much.

I immediately took her bag, wrapping my arms around her.

“The midwife is tending to the rest. I’m so sorry, Captain–” she began, but I cut her off with a kiss.

“My beauty, you probably saved that baby’s life. Likely the mother’s as well. Don’t you dare apologize for doing the right thing.”

“Did everything else turn out all right?” she asked nervously.

“Yes. Right as rain. Shall we get you home?”

“Absolutely.”

As we walked arm in arm, I realized that I had never walked in public with a lady before. It felt marvellous to announce to the world that she was mine in this way. Not that we would be coming to this town again for quite some time.

I couldn’t wait to get her into bed, even just to hold her close, and hear her fall asleep against me.

“I’m so proud of you, my darling girl,” I said gently as we turned the corner.

“I’m so relieved,” she said. “I know you wanted to stick to your plan.”

As we walked along, a dark thought slipped into the back of my mind. This had been Astor’s original plan. To be a doctor. Not a ship’s surgeon. She wanted to be helping different people every day, not tending to a ragtag crew of just seven.

If I were to propose to her now, would I be shattering her dreams? If I were to tie her to the ship and the sea with me, could she ever truly be happy?

I might have to slow down and make certain that she was truly in love with me before I made any grand plans. Even though slowing down wasn’t something I wanted to do until I had a ring safely on my sweet beauty’s finger.

As we reached the pier, my heart sank. Three policemen were coming down the Five Winds’ gangplank.

“Calm, polite, and helpful,” I said to Astor quickly as she gripped my arm tightly. “When it comes to the police, always be friendly. We want to solve this together.”

“I understand.”

“Halt,” the tallest policeman who seemed to be in charge ordered.

“Good evening, sir,” I said as pleasantly as possible. “How may I help you?”

“You must be the Captain of this vessel?” he asked.

“I am indeed. Is there a problem?”

He shared a look with the other two officers. “I suppose not. Just checking, you understand. Lots of strange ships in port today. But we searched your ship, and didn’t find any contraband.”

“Of course not, sir,” I said, acting slightly offended. “We were trading a few packets of spices, and some sail cloth. Then we decided to take a look around the festival.”

The policeman stepped closer to Astor, smiling at her kindly. “Miss, may I ask what you’re doing with these men? Where are you going?”

“They required a doctor, so I’m traveling with them. They’re taking me back home to Toburg now.”

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