Lost at Sea II

Chapter 18

1 year later…

“Arabella hurry, James is waiting!” Catherine called, tapping her knuckles against Arabella’s bedroom door.

There was a gasp and a rustle before the door swung open, startling Catherine. Arabella stood in the doorway, her long ebony hair hanging loose down her back and shoulders in bouncing curls. A white veil hung at the back of her head, her slim figure clad in a simple white wedding gown.

“Have been too long?” she breathed, her tanned cheeks flushed as she grabbed her bouquet.

Catherine smiled, holding her hand out to her friend, “Of course not, Bella. Come, Your wedding waits.”

The two women laughed, making their way out of the small home to an awaiting carriage. Catherine assisted Arabella in before climbing in herself, closing the door and latching it. She gazed out the window for a moment, a distant look in her eyes, a few strands of curled chestnut hair waving in the cool breeze from the ocean. Arabella noticed her friend’s distraction and frowned.

“Is there something wrong, Catherine?” Arabella queried, leaning forward and placing a reassuring hand over hers.

Shortly coming back from her trance Catherine shook her head, “Oh no, I was just thinking how much I’m ready to be married. I just wish Billy would propose.”

Arabella patted her hand, “I’m sure he’ll come round eventually, especially after our wedding. Just wait a little longer I assure you.”

Sparing a glance at the clear blue sky as the carriage came to a halt outside the fort, Catherine sighed, “Yes, I’ll wait.”

-----

Gazing around the crowded fort James sucked in a long breath, his nerves taking his stomach for what seemed like the hundredth time that day. He noticed his father slouched on the stairs to the battlements, a bottle of rum clutched in his hands, his hair and beard streaked with gray, his face given over to age after so long. The sight slightly weighed James down, the memory of his mother floating to the back of his mind. She would have been so proud to see her son married, but now she was gone and he had to see the torment his father suffered first hand.

“James!” Billy’s voice broke through the young man’s thoughts.

Turning to the noise James forced a smile, “Yes?”

“Will and Elizabeth are looking for you,” he nodded to where his aunt and uncle stood, wide smiles on their faces.

James let out a happy chuckle, quickly making his way over to them. Elizabeth rushed into his arms, hugging him tightly, her face buried in the crook of his neck.

“Congratulations, James!” she sobbed. “You mother would be so proud!”

“Thank you,” he breathed as she pulled away, her honey eyes streaming. “Good day Uncle Will.”

“I hope you are well,” Will nodded. “I have something for you.”

Narrowing his eyes curiously James studied his uncle, “Really?”

Will grinned drawing one of the most beautiful swords he had ever created, the hilt set with solid gold. James took it, admiring the intricate work along the blade.

“It’s beautiful,” he breathed, returning it to the sheath.

“Wear it during the ceremony,” Will smiled.

James nodded, a bright smile on his face. The two hugged briefly before making his way to the altar, his smile infectious as he awaited the arrival of his bride. He watched Jack stagger to the back of the aisle, the rum bottle tucked safely in his belt beside his sword. Catherine rushed over to him, her hair decorated with small flowers, almost glowing with excitement. She placed a kiss in his cheek before standing beside Billy a few paces way, joining hands with him.

A rush of whispers filled the fort, attracting James’ attention from his father. His gaze fell in Arabella, her cheeks flushed with excitement, her skin glowing in the setting sun. For the first time since his mother died, James saw his father smile as Arabella approached him, resting her hand in the crook of his arm. He whispered something in her ear, making her giggle and James; curiosity spiked. Behind him the violins began to trill, filling the twilight with music. Jack stopped just before his son, nodding at him with bloodshot, but proud eyes before turning to his seat, receiving a kiss from Arabella before she stood before him.

“Please join hands,” the priest said with a polite nod.

James held his hand out slowly, a jet of excitement shooting through him at the warmth of his fiancée’s hands. He took a deep breath as the priest began the vows, his name bringing him out of his mind.

“Do you, James Sparrow take Arabella Barbossa as your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for richer or poorer in sickness and in health for as long as you both shall live?”

“I do,” he smiled down into her watering blue eyes.

“And do you, Arabella Barbossa take James Sparrow as your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health for as long as you both shall live?”

Using James’ finer to wipe a tear from her face Arabella nodded, her hands tightening, “Yes, I do.”

James could not help but grin as the tears in Arabella’s eyes spilled over, trailing down her cheeks as the priest finished speaking.

“I now pronounce you man and wife, James; you may kiss your bride.”

James scooped her into a passionate kiss, the guests clapping as the violins picked up their tune. Jack pulled out his bottle of rum, wiping away a tear as he recalled his wedding to Keira and held it up, “Drink up me hearties, Yo ho!”

James nodded toward his father, scooping Arabella into his arms and kissing her again. She laughed, wrapping her arms around his neck to stay steady, pressing her forehead to his gently. A radiant smile spread across her face and she leaned close.

“James, I think I’m pregnant.”

----

A/N: Okay, that’s it , no more from me on this story. That was the last chapter, the end. It wasn’t exactly what I envisioned, but… oh well. Sorry if it wasn’t exactly up to par to me previous writing but this story just killed me. Let me know what you think, I don’t mind harsh criticism, it helps me get better. I might rewrite this but I’m not sure yet… Oh, and I apologize for the wait, I’ve had a ton of college stuff to do so, I apologize for that too.

Sadie