Wind in My Sails

Chapter 9

"You are a cardsharp, madam!" Michael threw down his lousy hand.

MA grinned and took his money. "Don't play unless it's to win."

"I thought I was."

T frowned. "Go easy on him, MA!"

"Then he'll never learn." MA teased.

"I want a chance to win my money back!" Sebastian shouted.

"She's really good at this." Blaine shook his head. "You'll only lose."

"She's got to be cheating." Noah declared.

"Excuse you, good sir!" MA snapped. "I don't need to cheat!"

"That's just talent." MC sighed.

"Talent can't always win!" David grumbled. "I want to play again."

"David, no!" Porcelain started.

Michael interrupted by putting a small purse on the makeshift table. "Put up or shut up!"

T, on his lap, gasped. "Michael!"

"What? Oh. Apologies."

MA grinned and jabbed a finger in his direction. "You I like."

"Land ho!" Kit called out.

Everyone on deck jumped to and started preparing the ship to come into port.

The royal ship pulled in next to them as both ships dropped anchor.

The crews debarked the ships and crowded around the harbor.

Noah and Jacob stood in front. "The nearest inn is west three miles. There are four in the vicinity. Make lodgings then whomever is getting married, meet at the church tomorrow. The rest of you follow us."

The crew split up as Noah's and Jacob's friends followed them to their parents' house.

Noah opened the door and led everyone inside. "Mother?! Nicolette?! Vivian?! Father?!"

Two covered women walked into the space then stared in shock. After a moment, they ran to their respective sons.

"Noah!"

"Jacob!"

"Mother!" Both men held their mother tightly.

A tall man walked into the space followed by a little girl. "Boys! You are home!"

"Father!" They embraced him.

"Welcome home, lads! You did not write to tell us. Who are your friends?"

"This is some of our crew members and their fiancées." Noah explained. "And ours."

"Your what?" The elder Puckerman was confused.

"Our fiancées, Father." Jacob said.

"You have a fiancée?!" His mother nearly swooned.

"Yes. Mother, meet Rosette." Jacob brought her over. "Rosette, meet Vivian Puckerman."

"Hello, ma'am." Rosette curtsied.

Vivian blinked in shock. "She is wearing trousers."

Jacob swallowed. "Yes. She does."

"Why?" His father demanded.

Jacob looked to Noah, who nodded, then back at his father. "She is a pirate."

Vivian immediately passed out.

His father caught her before she could hit the floor as Noah's mother fanned her face. "Look at what you've done!"