Distant Shores 2: Waves Of Time

The Proposal

You and your crew meet up at the St. Sylvian tavern for dinner. Everyone walks in, but you notice Edward is not with them. A few minutes later he arrives. He takes the seat next to you, gives you a quick kiss, then focuses on the conversation.

"What did I miss?"

Charlie grins.

"Oh, nothing much, just that Oliver is now a commodore! He's waiting for word on his first assignment."

You notice Charlie is smiling brightly; she must be so proud of Oliver. Whether they want to tell you or not, you know there is something developing there. You hear Edward laugh.

"Look at our navy boy moving up in the world."

The crew lifts their tankards in a toast. Maggie starts.

"To the most surprising ally we've had."

The twins giggle as they add on,

"Here's to being in good with the navy and having friends in high places."

You roll your eyes, even though you know it's true. As long as no one got hurt, Oliver would look the other way when it came to your crew. Take that history books! Pirates and navy officers can get along. You raise your glass of cider and join in with the whole crew in saying,

"To Oliver!"

While everyone else eats, drinks, and laughs, you look over at Edward.

"Did you get your errand done today?"

You notice him look across the table at Charlie, who gives him a serious look. He then pats his jacket pocket, as if he's looking for something. Obviously whatever it is must still be there, because he gives a satisfied nod back at Charlie before turning to you.

"Oh, um yes I did. How did your day go?"

"Well, we got all the supplies we need for our journey to Atlantis, and Charlie was able to speak to her contacts; so I'd call that a successful day."

He clears his throat.

"And how are you doing?"

His eyes give a small twinge of fear. He's always been caring, but since you got pregnant he's also been a little more on edge than normal. That's to be expected though. Neither one of you thought parenthood was going to happen this quickly.

You give him an understanding smile.

"We're doing fine, Edward. Have I told you how adorable you are when you're nervous?"

You share a sweet kiss and know in your heart that whatever happens you'll get through it together.

That night, back on the Damnation, things are quiet; you and Edward told the crew to relax and get some rest since you wanted to leave for Atlantis early tomorrow morning. You notice Sunset and Robert's parrot sleeping on their collection of twigs, which are hidden behind the staircase. You still have no idea what that's all about. You and Edward continue walking around the ship, checking that everything is in order, when you stop in front of the base of the crow's nest. Edward looks at you with nothing but love reflecting in his bright blue eyes, as he wraps an arm around your waist to pull you closer.

"You know, the winds are calm and we're safely docked; so what do you say we go up to the crow's nest again, just like we did on your first night here?"

"I'd love that, Edward."

You climb up carefully, with Edward helping you the whole way. The view from the top is just as breathtaking as you remember. The stars are shining brightly, and the moon is reflecting on the water; it's one of the most amazing sights you've ever seen. Edward stands shoulder to shoulder with you.

"Have you ever seen anything more beautiful than this?"

"No, I haven't."

You turn towards him, only to realize he was looking at you the whole time. You feel heat begin to rise in your cheeks.

"Well, at least you're being romantic this time around, instead of brooding about the Admiral."

You both let out a laugh, before he responds,

"Aye, but there are other things that are now occupying my mind. Being a father for one."

You take his hand.

"Are you still excited about our baby?"

"Of course I am! You are giving me the greatest gift I could ask for; a family. Once we break the curse, we'll be together till the end of time, all three of us."

He gently rubs your stomach and you give him a soft kiss; his stubble slightly scratches you, but in the best way possible.

"I can't wait for that day, Edward. Our future will be wonderful."

You're pulled back into the captivating view of the sky by a shooting star that flies across the horizon. You turn back to look at him.

"Did you see the shooting star?"

Only to realize he's no longer standing next to you; he's on one knee in front of you. He pulls a gold band with a gorgeous sapphire stone out of his jacket pocket.

"Oh my God."

You let out a slight gasp as he takes your left hand in his.

"Speaking of our future...Coral, I wish there were words that accurately describe how I feel about you. You are the most incredible woman I've ever known. I lived my life feeling like a piece of me was missing, until I met you. I don't care what century you came from; fate brought us together and I'm not sure what I did to deserve you, but I know I'm the luckiest man alive. I love you and our child more than anything in the world."

You feel tears of happiness run down your cheeks as you take in his sweet words. As a little girl, you always fantasized about the day you would get proposed to; now that it's here, it's better than any of your wildest dreams. Edward squeezes your hand.

"Coral Marie Sinclaire... Will you marry me?"

You don't even hesitate before saying,

"Yes, Edward. I love you and I can't wait to marry you."

He slips the ring on your finger, then stands up, lifting you in his arms as the two of you share a passionate kiss. Once you part for air, you ask,

"Is this the secret errand you had to see Tripp about?"

"Yes. I had the idea of how I wanted your ring to look, and he was able to bring it to life."

You lift your hand up to get a good look at your new engagement ring.

"It's perfect."

He takes your hand and brushes a kiss across your knuckles.

"Just like you."