The Captain and His Lady (A Fantasy Short Story) √

Let me be your forever.

Michael stood from his seat and went to stand in the line of graduates, waiting to receive his certificate. His heart raced. He stood on his toes to see ahead. Emma stood further up in the line. He could see her fidgeting nervously as she glanced around. Her gaze turned and met his.

I'm so nervous, she mouthed, causing Michael to chuckle.

You'll be fine, he mouthed back, placing his hands over his heart, an indication that he loved her. Emma blushed, creating a heart with her fingers over her chest. The professors called the students' names, one by one. When Michael heard Emma's name called, he shouted and applauded. His voice could be heard above everyone else.

"I love you, Emma!" he shouted, throwing his arms up.

Some of Michael's friends hooted and howled, some slapping his shoulders. Emma received her certificate, shook hands with the professor, and posed for a photo when her mother appeared near the platform. Michael's gaze followed Emma until she returned to her seat. The next five minutes were torturous. He wanted the ceremony to hurry. He wanted to be at her side, even though they were seated in different sections according to their last names alphabetized.

"Congratulations, Michael Andrew Scott!"

Michael rolled his eyes at the mention of his full name, but he put on a smile and ascended the platform. He received his certificate and turned to face everyone present. His eyes searched until they found Emma's. Her proud smile caused his chest to swell. He gave her a thumbs up and smiled for his parents. When he descended the platform, his gaze never left Emma. Instead of walking to where his place was, he headed to Emma's row.

The students did not question Michael when he motioned for the chair next to Emma to be emptied. The girl sitting there merely giggled and the entire row moved to let him in.

"Can't let anyone sit beside my girl," he said, slipping his arm around her shoulders. "How does it feel to accomplish our goals?"

"Invigorating," Emma replied, turning her head to kiss his cheek. "Congratulations, love."

"Congratulations . . . You'll meet me at the park later, won't you?"

"Of course I will."

Michael squeezed her shoulders and they waited for the ceremony to end.

***

Michael stood on the slide as he gazed at the setting sun. Emma would be along shortly. He couldn't have timed it more perfectly. The structure began to shake slightly and a second later, Emma's hand was in his.

"Did you have trouble leaving?" Michael asked, pulling her to his chest with a soft kiss.

"No," Emma replied, shaking her head as she fingered his jacket hem. "Mum was too occupied chatting with the neighbors and showing off my certificate. My sister went back home and . . . I saw my dad."

"Your dad? He came back?"

"No . . . I was sneaking out the front door and he was there. He just wanted to congratulate me. Left without another word. Didn't even give me the chance to ask where he's been all these years."

"I'm sorry," Michael tightened his embrace, kissing the top of her head. "I wish there was something I could do."

"It doesn't matter," Emma pulled back and gaze up at him. "He made the decision to leave and . . . I actually consider your dad my father as well. He's been there when both of us needed someone to talk to that wasn't our mothers."

"Really?"

"Mhm."

Michael blew out a breath, reaching his hand into his pocket as he pulled away from Emma. He held her hand as he gazed down at her.

"You're short," he teased with a grin.

"No!" she gasped, feigning offense. "You're just too tall!"

Michael chuckled, "I love you as you are. No exchanges, no complaints . . . We must think of the future."

"Must we?" Emma asked with a slight frown. "We've just been free of our studies. Can't we enjoy the coming summer without worrying about working and whatnot?"

"I don't mean that," he replied, shaking his head as squeezed the object in his pocket. "I mean . . . Our future. Us."

Saying this, Michael bent on his knee, still holding Emma's hand hostage. He brought out his other hand to reveal the black velvet box. A gasp escaped Emma's lips. His heart quickened and he swallowed.

"Emma Delaney Bennett," he said, clearing his throat. "If you feel you're not ready for a commitment such as this, I'll understand. But please know that you've held my heart from the moment we first sailed the Red Fox together. The moment you chose to be my first mate. When I thought I'd lost you to the dragons, I could not bear the emptiness in my chest. There is no one else I would rather share my adventures with. I want you to be my forever. Will you let me be yours?"

Michael bit the inside of his cheek as he opened the lid of the box. On piece of red satin cloth lay a ring. A ring with the head of a red fox as its ornament. Emma laughed softly at the sight, but tears fell from her eyes.

"You've always been my captain," she whispered, nodding. "Of course I want you forever."

Michael released an exasperated sigh.

"Good," he said, "Had you told me no, I would have had to sell my ship. Such a ridiculous notion. Imagine selling a ship to get you to marry me."

"Michael!" Emma slapped his shoulder, but she laughed.

"Kidding!" he laughed and rose to his feet, ring in hand. "I'd sell everything if it meant having you by my side."

He slipped the ring on Emma's finger, kissing palm softly. Michael continued a trail of kisses up her arm until he came to her neck, her jaw and finally her lips. He all but pulled away a brief moment to see Emma's expression. What he saw was utter bliss, empowering him to continue, but he didn't.

"I love you, my lady," he whispered, pressing a final chaste kiss to her lips. "Thank you for sailing the seas with me."

"I love you, my captain," Emma whispered back, wrapping her arms around his neck. "Thank you for bringing me with you."

The pair grinned at each other. They turned and slid down the slide one last time before walking towards home. Michael chased Emma, laughing at her squeals of joyous terror. He gave her enough time to get away from him, but not for long. His legs carried him, his feet hardly touching the ground. And then, as the stars began to come out, and the first light of the moon appeared, his changed form. Emma turned around just as her hands turned to paws. She grinned and bounded off, changing to her own fox form when the moonlight hit her skin.

They chased each other to their heart's content. And when Michael caught Emma, pinning her to the ground, he licked her in a loving manner. Emma returned the licks. They exchanged the briefest of looks, but it was all they needed to remember that they had each other. Forever.