Taken by Pirates

As we approached the dock, Willy recognized a sloop about the same size as ours, flying a dark flag showing the north star and a couple of waves.

“The Fortune’s Favor is here,” Willy hollered to the crew. Over the years, we had become great friends with our fellow pirates turned traders.

As the Midnight Treasure docked, I saw my Maggie hugging her close friend Flora goodbye. I jumped onto the pier as soon as the plank dropped, striding over to shake Captain Samuels’ hand.

“How are you, you old goat?” Samuels chuckled.

“Wonderful as always,” I said. “Just coming back from a run to Parrinport.”

I noticed that Samuels shot his wife a sideways glance. “Perhaps someday we’ll be going back there ourselves.”

Flora rolled her eyes. “If someone behaves himself this time.”

Then she smiled at me. “How are you, Levi?”

“Wonderful, thank you.” I shook her hand gently, then leaned to the side to peek at the toddler hiding behind her skirts.

“My goodness, I wish l

ittle Artie was here,” I said to Flora with a wink. “He would find out that I have a sweet in my pocket for him.”

A tumble of thick curls appeared, as the tiny tot darted out to examine my pocket, pulling out a treat, then dashing behind his mother’s skirts again.

“How is his little brother or sister coming along?” I asked, nodding to where her hands rested protectively on her rounded belly.

“Very well. This one kicks a lot less, so I’m hoping it’s a girl,” she laughed lightly.

Maggie smiled sweetly. “You know that if you ever feel unwell when you’re traveling, you’re more than welcome to come stay with us as long as you like. Artie and Henry are professional mud pie builders by now.”

“Thank you,” Flora smiled, giving Maggie’s hand a squeeze.

“I’m sorry that we all but missed you,” Samuels said, “but we need to set sail.”

“Well, come back soon,” I said. “We’re going to be here in port for at least a week, I think.”

“Safe travels,” Maggie added, as the crew of the Fortune’s Favor all waved down to us from the deck.

I noticed that Maggie gave Willy a pointed look, as she took my arm and turned away from the Midnight Treasure .

“Something to tell me?” I asked.

“Yes,” she said with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. “Henry is staying with his grand-aunt Clementine tonight, and your crew are staying aboard your ship.”

“You have a special night planned for us?” I smiled down at her as we walked quickly toward our home.

Just six months after we were wed, the house next to Clementine’s had been put up for sale. We bought it in an instant, combining the back gardens and creating a little piece of heaven for ourselves and the crew.

Now that our son Henry was three, he was always underfoot trying to help, so we didn’t trust him on the ship for more than an afternoon jaunt.

“It’s our five year anniversary,” Maggie said, as we walked into the house. “I thought that we should have some time alone.”

“I couldn’t agree more,” I said, locking the door behind us. Even though I’d only been away for two days this time, I always missed Maggie terribly.

She laced her fingers with mine, leading me up the stairs to our bedroom. As the sun was just going down, there was really no need for the candle lit beside the bed, but it certainly sent the message of exactly what she had in mind.

I pulled her into my arms, kissing her gently, then harder as her hands wrapped around my neck. “How much did you miss me, my darling girl?”

“You know I always miss you terribly,” she murmured against my lips.