“My precious girl. You are so beautiful, but when you’re in the midst of joy, you’re just radiant.”
My heart felt like it had melted into a puddle, swishing around inside my chest. These feelings were growing each day, but every time our bodies were close, the bonds grew intensely. The way he was looking at me so sweetly, rocking me in his arms, I felt completely at peace.
Suddenly he laughed heartily, shaking me and surprising me at once. “My word, lassie, you poor little thing. Are you afraid I’d be going out with the lads to the bawdy house the week after next?”
I bit my lip nervously. “It’s not my place to ask, sir.”
“My dear girl,” he said gently, taking my hand in his and placing it against his heart. “How could I look at another woman when I have the prettiest lass in the land right here beside me?”
Feeling tears prick the corners of my eyes, I shut them tightly for a moment. When I opened them, he was still smiling warmly. He kissed my nose, making me giggle.
“You’re my girl, Flora. I’ll never want for another.”
I felt my face flushing, even under my faint new sun-kissed glow.
“Flora, look at me.”
I stared into his deep, nearly black eyes. His desire, his longing, was all right there. It was like seeing into his mind.
“Little lass, the day your bastard father marched you to my ship was the best day of my life.” Then he chuckled. “Ol’ Cap’n Yarlie used to say that some of the best things in life were the ones you stumbled into ass-backward.”
He lifted my hand and touched it to his lips. “We were meant to be, little one. I’m greatly relieved that you’ve taken to a life at sea like a duck to water.”
I nodded eagerly. “You’ve been so kind to me, sir. And all of the men have been very understanding and helpful. I can honestly say, although it’s only my second, this is the best home I’ve ever had.”
He nodded, snuggling me into his chest as he wrapped the blankets around us. “You’re my home now, Flora,” he whispered against my hair.
~ Chapter 16 ~ The Captain ~
* Quick Stop in Parrinport *
It was already our fourth trip back to Parrinport so that Flora could sell her necklaces and other jewelry things.
The shopkeeper from the fabric store had apparently coordinated with the local dress shop. Now they were both selling sea-themed accessories to all of the ladies in several of the neighboring towns. They were creating their own little fashion district, of a sort.
I would never pretend to know a thing about styles, but it certainly seemed that Flora’s inventions were very distinct. It wasn't just her use of shells and beach stones. It was the way she added just a touch of blue or a drop of green in the form of a ribbon or button.
From what lit
tle I'd noticed, the other women, especially the older ones, seemed to make brash statements, like a bright yellow hat. Flora was more thoughtful, creating a wee clip a lady might wear in her hair. Or a pin for the front of her dress to make it look fancier without having to change the whole dress.
It was all a bit confusing to me, but what was clear was that Flora was flourishing. She insisted on still doing the ship’s work for most of the day, then she worked afternoons and evenings on her ladies’ things.
Somehow, she didn't look tired at all. She looked radiantly happy. I hadn’t caught her without a smile on her face for weeks. Every time she came back to the docks after dropping off her packages at the shop, she was absolutely beaming.
It was sweet that she kept wanting to give me the money she earned, but I'd have none of that. It seemed like this was probably the first time she had a few coins of her own, and she should keep them for herself.
This trip, watching her practically skip back up the dock toward me, I couldn't resist pulling her up into my arms for a giant hug. Larry was trailing her, as always, and politely looked away for a moment so I could give Flora a tiny kiss.
Setting her down, I asked, "How did it go today, lass?"
"Wonderful, sir. Both of the women bought absolutely everything and asked for much more. They were very grateful I could get everything to them this weekend, since they have a festival next week."
"But you told them it might be a spell before we return?" I asked.
"Of course. I wouldn't want you to make extra trips on my account."
I might not have mentioned that this particular trip had mostly been for her. Certainly, we had a few other deliveries and shipments to attend to, but her business was the focus this time around.