“I’m sure he knows.” Killian sat on the rug and held her tight. “We should go to dinner, though.”
“Not yet.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him, first on the lips then on the throat, cheeks and chin. “I love you, Captain Killian Thomas.”
“And I love you, Miss Sarah Moyer.” He met her kiss for kiss. “So much.”
Sarah smiled and her chest heaved when she breathed. Dear heaven, she was beautiful—especially in his arms. She palmed his chest. “Now we can go to dinner.”
Sarah climbed off his lap and once he stood, she held his hand. Finally her world righted on its axis. She allowed him to escort her into the formal dining room. Instead of Delia, Frederick and Isaiah joining the feast, only her father sat at the head of the table.
“Where is everyone?” she asked and sat on the chair Killian pulled out for her.
“They have other duties to attend to.” Nelson stood and waved his hand over the chair at his right. “I’m glad you both could join me.” He extended his hand to Killian. “I rather like having an outlaw as a soon-to-be in-law. Sit. The cook will be bringing in the roasted chicken in a moment. Welcome to the family.”
Killian eased onto the chair and cast a worried glance at Sarah. “Thank you, Mr Moyer. I’m glad you’ve accepted me.” He toyed with the silver. “I don’t have a ring to give your daughter and I’m wanted for theft. Is that the type of man you want in your family?”
Nelson snorted. He sat and folded his hands. “You do remember I’m wealthy. A self-made man.” He nodded to a piece of paper on the table.
Sarah leaned in her seat to see what was written on the page. She didn’t care if Killian had a ring for her. The fact he’d acknowledged their love was enough for her.
“According to that document, you’re wanted for theft on the high seas. I’ve sent a telegram to the police in Boston. I’m paying the amounts you’re claimed to have stolen. I’m sure you’ll still be wanted, but I can’t make a warrant go away.”
“Why would you do that?” Killian sank back in his seat. His face paled.
“Father?” Sarah wasn’t sure what else to say.
“I’m doing this because I want to ensure my daughter is safe. In return for my generosity, you’re agreeing to marry my daughter.” Nelson raised both hands. “I’m not selling her off. Consider it a dowry.”
“I’ve already asked her.” Killian stared at Nelson. “She said yes.”
“I did,” Sarah interjected.
“Then my work here is done. I’m told you have a yacht, no? That would be a fine place for a wedding. It won’t be legal, but I’m not worried about legalities.” Nelson picked up the bottle of champagne chilling in a silver bucket. “I’m adding you and Sarah to my will. In the event of my death, my wealth goes to the two of you and your expected heirs.”
“Father.” She rubbed her stomach. “It’s a little early to be thinking of heirs.”
The cook brought in a gigantic serving platter, overloaded with sliced chicken. Another platter, featuring different sliced breads was placed beside Sarah. The maid added a bowl of cut green beans to the spread, as well as a ceramic dish of potatoes.
“Thank you, ladies.” Nelson turned his attention back to Sarah and Killian. “I’ve seen the way you look at each other. Reminds me of the way I looked at Dot.” He popped the cork on the champagne. “There will be little ones soon enough. Here’s to those little ones and a happy marriage for their parents. May you have love for the rest of your lives.”
“You’re serious, Father?” She couldn’t believe her ears.
“I am.” Nelson jabbed his fork into the chicken slice. “Now eat up. We’re celebrating.”
Sarah filled her plate and snuck glances at Killian. Every time she looked at him, the love in her heart grew. Her life had come full-circle in less than a week. Everything she wanted was coming true.
Chapter Nine
Killian ate his food, but tasted little of the delicacies. His pirating ways were bound to catch up with him. Had to. Pirates didn’t get happily ever afters. He was a nice guy with a good heart, but he’d robbed and given part of the money to people who needed a little help. Still, someone would find him out and turn him in.
“Where is your ship?” Nelson wiped his mouth with his napkin. “I assume it’s nearby.”
“I had him send it to False Cape.” Sarah shrugged. “I thought it would help.”
“Good thinking.” Nelson placed his silver on the plate. “We need to get you two back to the ship as soon as possible. Sarah, be sure to pack a bag full of what you need. Killian, if there’s anything I can help you with at this moment, do tell me.”
“May I be excused?” Sarah asked.
When Nelson waved his hand, she scooted away from the table and hurried out of the room.
“I—I’ve got plenty.” Killian nodded once. “Thank you for your kindness. I’m sure the boat will be to False Cape soon. Andrews is a competent captain.”
“Good.” Nelson pushed his chair from the table. “I thought I had selected a hearty husband for my daughter. Instead of my choosing, I’m glad she picked a man more suited to her needs.”
“I hope I am good enough for her.”
“You’re a good man, despite what you do. Think about things this way—businessmen are mostly sharks trying to make a dollar off the backs of someone else. Some give their money to charity, but most simply want money for the sake of being rich. I did. I’m seeing things a little differently.”
“Different can be good.” Killian stood. “I don’t think I’ve followed the crowd since I was a little boy.”
“Nothing wrong with being yourself.” Nelson escorted Killian through the house. “This place was built for my wife, Dot. I wanted her to live comfortably. The day she died, I hid myself away in this house. I focused on the business and making money. Sarah ended up being ignored because I was hurt.” He clapped Killian on the shoulder. “I don’t talk about my Dot much. Don’t talk about my personal life. Consider yourself important.”
“I do.” For the first time in a long while, he felt like he belonged. The crew was a good family—with Sarah, he’d be complete.
“You’ve got a place to stay whenever you’re in Norfolk. I don’t want you and my daughter to be strangers. My house is a safe place for you. Understood?”
Killian wobbled on his feet. He couldn’t have asked for a better circumstance. “Thank you.” He didn’t deserve such kindness but he wouldn’t turn it down.
Sarah hurried into the room with the butler at her heels. He carried a large trunk, no doubt stuffed with her things.
“I’m ready,” she puffed. “Ready.”
“Green? Bring the car around.” Nelson plucked his fedora from the hat rack. “I believe it’s time for a drive.”
Sarah followed her father as Killian carried her trunk to the front porch. What did she have in there? An anchor? The butler brought the car around and Killian placed the luggage on the platform at the back of the car.
“I had that added on in case I wanted to bring home large parcels,” Nelson proclaimed. “Comes in handy.”
“Sure does,” Green, the butler, replied.
“We’re heading to False Cape, Green.” Nelson climbed into the front seat beside the butler.
Killian helped Sarah into the back seat. Footsteps thumped on the walkway. “Stop!”
Sarah frowned. “Isaiah.”
Killian sat beside his fiancée. “Problem, my good man?”
“The problem is you.” Isaiah grabbed the door handle and yanked.
Frederick burst down the front steps.
“Hold that man!” Frederick charged the car. “I know what you’ve done.”
“What?” Sarah asked. She folded her arms. “Calm down and tell us whatever was done.”
“He made lewd comments to my Delia.” Frederick waved his fist in Killian’s face. “Rotten pirate.”
“Stand down,” Nelson snarled. “Ask your Delia exactly what was said. You’ll find it was the hysterics of a woman with child. Go or neither of you will have positions at Moyer House once I return.”
Frederick paled. He retreated to the house, glancing back at the car twice.
Isaiah stood firm. He shook his head. “Lewd comments to a lady. Breaking the heart of another and trying to steal her away from her fiancé. You should be ashamed, but I know who I’m talking to. A pirate.” Isaiah narrowed his eyes. “I’ve alerted the law. They’re on their way to arrest you.”
“Then it is quite a shame Mr Thomas isn’t here.” Nelson clapped Green’s shoulder. “Onward. Oh, and, Mr Landry, I’ve not forgotten you in my will.”
Green sped down the drive, leaving Isaiah in the dust.
Killian leaned forward. “Aren’t you worried he’ll ransack your house or steal things? When a man’s upset, he acts foolishly.”
“I mentioned the will. He won’t set a foot afoul until he knows exactly where he stands. Unfortunately for him, he’s not going to be pleased.” Nelson threw his head back and laughed. “I’ve got other servants who won’t allow him to steal. They’re loyal. I pay them a hefty price to be that loyal.”
Killian settled in his seat. Everything had happened so fast. He never would’ve dreamed Sarah could love him—especially not so fast. Then her father had agreed to let them be together. Wouldn’t he be upset if he found out what Sarah and Killian had done? Killian refused to think about their sexual exploits—not yet anyway. The landscape flew by in a blur. Wind rushed through his hair. Sarah rested her head on his shoulder. Her hat poked into his cheek, but he didn’t care. He had the woman he loved beside him.
An hour and a half later, Green pulled into the docks at False Cape. The Lady Meredith waited at the farthest slot from the shore. Green parked in the sand. Killian waved to the boat. Within minutes, the ladder was lowered and sailed to the shore.
“So this is goodbye for now.” Nelson enfolded his daughter in his embrace. He kissed her forehead. “I wish your mother was here. She’d be proud of you.”
“She would?” Tears slipped from the corner of Sarah’s eye. “Of me marrying a pirate?”
“She’d expect nothing less.” Nelson hugged her again.
“Father.” She sniffled and wiped her nose on a lace hanky.
“Take care of my little girl.” Nelson clapped Killian on the shoulder. “I expect you to provide me with a few grandchildren. I’ve always wanted to be a grandfather.”
Killian gulped. He knew how children were created, but the idea of being a father… Although, seeing the love between Nelson and Sarah, maybe having a little girl of his own wasn’t such a bad idea. He shook hands with his future father-in-law. “I can’t guarantee the children will come right away, but we will endeavor to fulfill your wish. I love your daughter and will give my life to keep her safe.”
“That’s what I wanted to hear.” Nelson stepped back and helped Green carry the trunk to the end of the docks. “Anytime you wish to come back to Norfolk, you’ve got a safe place at the Moyer House.”
“Thank you, Father.” Sarah hugged him then stepped on the gangplank.
Killian shook hands and nodded to Nelson. “Thank you for having faith in a pirate.”
“Always.” Nelson stood with Green. “You’re boat is almost bigger than mine. Maybe we should consolidate one of these days.”
“You bet.” Killian grinned. He rather liked the idea of going on the straight and narrow—soon. Not yet.
“I’m excited and a little scared,” Sarah confessed as they stood together on the main deck. She waved to her father and the butler.
Once the shore was a mere strip on the horizon, she nodded to Killian’s private quarters. “Take me to your room, Captain.”
“Just a moment.” Killian shook hands with Andrews. “I’m back and ready to take command. I’d also like to introduce you to our newest crew member and my personal first mate, Sarah Moyer.”
Andrews kissed the back of her hand. “I never thought I’d see the day a woman managed to tie Captain Thomas down. I’m mighty glad she was you.”
He saluted Killian. “I’ve got the wheel. You tell me where to.”
“Anywhere you want.”
“Yes, sir.” Andrews saluted again then took his place at the wheel. “Enjoy yourselves.”
Killian slipped her hand into his and escorted her back down to his cabin. “Are you still scared? When you were my captive, you were fearless.” He nudged the door open and lugged the trunk into the room. “Why the nerves now?”
“Because this is so real.” Sarah closed the cabin door. “I never thought father would agree. I’m glad. I love you too much to let you go.”
“Well, we’ll be on the seas for a while. A couple of months at least. You’ll either have to love me or you’ll have to put up with me.” Killian placed the trunk on the floor in front of his chest of drawers. “I think you’ll manage.”
“I will.” She pushed him onto the bed and straddled his hips. “Father gave you Mother’s ring to signify our engagement, but I want something else.” She raised her skirts, showing off her lack of stockings and drawers.
“You dangerous minx.” Killian wrestled with his belt and opened his pants. His cock stood tall and glistened with drops of liquid. “Come here.” He didn’t give her a chance to argue. Instead, he eased her onto his shaft. The moment he buried himself fully within her, he groaned. Bliss.
“This gets better every time.” She leaned forward and gripped his shoulders. “Feels wonderful.”
“Does for me, too.” He grasped her hips, rocking her on his cock. The motion of the boat aided him and set the rhythm of their lovemaking. He stared into her eyes. No fear, no regret. Just love and desire. He cupped her face in his hands and pulled her down to his chest. “I love you, Sarah.”
“I love you, too, Captain.” She kissed him, tangling her tongue with his.
Her breasts pillowed against his chest, and part of him wished he’d stripped her down before they’d decided to make love on his bed. The rest of him liked unwrapping her sexy package—for his eyes only.
Sarah sat up again and bounced on his cock. Her hair slipped out of the loose bun and cascaded down her shoulders in dark ringlets. She parted her lips and cupped her breasts in both hands.
“You’re unbelievable. I’m hooked on you.” Killian placed his hand over hers. When she smiled, he gave her breast a squeeze.
“Oh!” Sarah stared down at him from under heavy-lidded eyes. The blush on her cheeks spread down her neck to her breasts.
Killian slipped one hand between her thighs and plucked at her clitoris. When she whimpered, he smoothed his thumb across the tight bundle of nerves. Sarah shivered and puffed. Her head lolled on her shoulder.