The Cry of Liberty

Epilogue

"Do you think the children will be alright?" Sasha watched as Port Royal grew smaller in the distance.

"They're young. Still plenty of years of mistakes ahead of them." Jack leaned beside her on the banister.

"Jack, what were you going to say? At the gallows, before you were cut off." She couldn't bring herself to look at him, instead picking at a stray splinter in the wood.

"I was going to say," He reached out and turned her chin so she was forced to meet his gaze. "I love you, Sasha Hartford, have for almost fifteen years." He leaned down and captured her lips. When they broke apart, he opened his mouth to continue but Sasha silenced him with a finger over his mouth.

"I know what the 'But' is, I don't need to hear you say it." She gestured at the Pearl, trying to blink the heartbreak away. "This was always your end goal, the sea, the adventure, but it was never mine." The sadness in his eyes sent another ripple of pain through her chest.

"I can't give you the life you want, that you deserve." He leaned his forehead against hers.

"And I'd never ask that of you."

"The sea'll look a little bleaker without the Black Widow sailin' her waters." Jack sighed. She leaned back so he could see her face and the small smile that covered the hurt inside.

"You know, I'm not ready to retire to the countryside just yet." Sasha pulled him in for another long kiss. "And as I recall, I'm in need of a new ship." They broke apart once more and Jack rushed to the railing overlooking the main deck.

"Master Gibbs!" His first mate tried to appear innocent, as if he hadn't been trying his best to eavesdrop on them.

"Aye Captain?"

"It seems Captain Hartford is in dire need of a ship."

"I know just the place to start looking!" Gibbs called up enthusiastically, hurrying to direct the crew on their new heading. Jack turned back to Sasha who was watching their exchange with amusement.

"Tortuga?" She asked with a chuckle, wrapping her arms around his waist as he turned the ship's wheel.

"Tortuga."

AN: Here we are! I hope you enjoyed my darling Sasha and her journey throughout this story. This was my biggest story so far and my first big OC led story so I'm thrilled folks took to it. I am taking a break and will be back sometime in early October with the second part to this story, which will be titled 'The Widow's Reprieve' so keep an eye out for it then. Please please please have a safe and wonderful September and I will see you all in the Spoopy Times with more Sasha, Jack, and the gang!