Page 61 of Pirate's Intent

“Congratulations to Cap’n Thomas and Cap'n Luke.” Young Phillip toasted as well. “Here’s to all of us!”

Everyone hooted and hollered, drinking to a bright future. Thomas kissed her deeply then pulled her back against him, resting his hands on her swollen belly.

“Is it all you imagined it might be?” he murmured in her ear. “This life we have found?”

“That and more.” She smiled, watching her niece babble and smile up at her parents from her carriage. “It’s all so perfect.”

“And only bound to get better,” he said softly, chuckling when their unborn child kicked.

When Hannah’s eyes met Rose's in question, she smiled and nodded, knowing what her sister was up to. After all, Luke had promised her a captain’s quarters on their new ship fit for a queen. Or fit forsomethinganyway.

“Go ahead and see your new ship, Sister,” she urged. “My niece and I will do just fine on our own for a while.”

Hannah grinned and laughed when Luke swept her up, and the two left, off, no doubt, to make more children.

“You know it will likely be more than just a while with those two?” Thomas warned. “We may not see them for days.”

So very true. She chuckled and rested her head back against his chest, never more content. Life had taken them all down hard roads and over rough seas, but they had at last found calm waters. A beginning that would see many children born and an ancestral tree that would span throughout New England for centuries to come.

Descendants who would forever tell the tale of two dangerous pirate rescue missions that resulted in treasure, a fresh start, and best of all, true love.