Ryan let Declan Captain the Wind Serpent on the way to the Virgin Islands and Zeta, in mourning for Shannon he tried to counsel Ash but after a few weeks he started to get excited about seeing Zeta. He knew she was going through a lot but he also knew he missed her something fierce and couldn’t believe Phoenix would treat her so cruel. Even when Zeta had the opportunity to be unfaithful she hadn’t then he turns around and cheats on her with the first woman he meets. Deciding he was too angry to run into Phoenix Ryan had the ship drop he and Ash off closer to the Steel plantation and rowed into the nearby beach. Ash watched his father with interest “What’s wrong daddy?” Ryan stopped rowing and looked down at Ash “Why do you ask?” Ash shrugged “You seem nervous, I’ve never seen you nervous before.” Ryan laughed “I’m just excited to see Zeta is all.” Ash shrugged “Will she be excited to see you?” Ryan shrugged “I sure hope so.” Ash reached out to touch the water as Ryan continued to row “I guess we will find out soon enough.” Ryan laughed “Yes Son I guess we will.” Zeta’s father and brothers had stayed a week before leaving and Webster had also stayed a week and she had loved every minute of it, to have guests was like a dream come true, yes she could handle the solitude but it had been nice to have people to talk to, people that loved her. The servants had gathered on the other side of the island for a wedding so the house was quiet and Zeta sat in the study reading a book when there was a knock at the door. Worried it was Phineas or someone that worked for him she grabbed her dagger and put it in her belt. Opening up the door, she was shocked to find a young boy “Hello.” Ash giggled “I forgot what I was supposed to say.” Ryan stepped out and laughed “I swear boy.” Zeta screamed as she jumped up into his arms holding on as if any minute he would disappear, then she started to cry. Ash frowned “I don’t think she’s happy to see us daddy.” Zeta laughed still hugging him “I couldn’t be happier.” Leaning back she held his face and smiled before kissing him passionately “I’m sorry where are my manners, please come in.” Zeta wiped her eyes as she tried to regain some control over her emotions. “It’s late, are you hungry?” Ash rubbed his stomach “Starving.” Zeta laughed “I’m here alone tonight but I can make you something, come in.” Ash ran ahead and sat at the table, Ryan stopped Zeta and caressed her face “You and I have a lot to talk about, let’s feed the boy and put him to bed, and then we can talk.” Zeta nodded “How long can you stay?” Ryan could hear the desperation in her voice “I’ve got nowhere to be, all I care about right now is you.” Zeta swallowed hard trying to hold back her tears “Let’s get this boy fed and to bed.” Ryan chuckled as he looked over at Ash to find him asleep at the table. “It’s been a hard day, hell a hard month, where would you like him to sleep?” Zeta watched as Ryan picked up Ash careful not to wake him. “Follow me.” After taking him to a room across from her own she and Ryan went to the study to have a glass of wine. “So your father wrote me.” Zeta sighed “Then you know?” Ryan shook his head “No I’d like you to tell me, all I know is he wanted to have a child and it wasn’t working out fast enough for him. It was the second letter that said he left you for another woman.” Zeta nodded “I guess I should start at the beginning, before we sailed he already knew we would be staying here and that his cousin had bought the land and slaves which I would not be a part of. Later I found out he had been writing this woman Kami. Then when we got here he started acting like his cousin, you saw that for yourself, accusing me of not getting pregnant out of spite. Then he started staying out late, I ate alone, he was always with his cousin, Zudora and Kami and I wasn’t welcome yet he continued to go, I finally confronted him about it, I said how can I get pregnant if he’s not having sex with me and if he’s not with me than who, he lied I knew it and he finally confessed and told me it was Kami. I went over there and confronted her she’s like seventeen, she is naive and dim witted. He regrets its but it’s too late, Brice divorced us when he was here and the plantation is mine I paid for it. I loved him Ryan you know that, I thought what we had was special.” Ryan smiled as he caressed her cheek; Zeta cried “I really don’t think I’m barren. I think it’s him hell Kami’s not with child yet, he actually said he wasn’t going to take me with him to the America’s but told her he would take her. He thought I’d just wait here like the dutiful wife.” Ryan shook his head “He’s a fool.” Zeta gave a sigh of relief “I’m so glad you’re here, is Shannon upset with you for bringing Ash on such a long journey?” Ryan looked down “She died last month; she’s actually the one who got your fathers letter and told me to come. She waited for me to get home so she could tell me she wanted me to come here to you. She died right after she told me, I sobbed and she caressed my hair then was gone.” Zeta wiped her eyes “I’m so sorry Ryan.” Ryan nodded “She was a good woman.” Waking early the next morning Ryan found Zeta and Ash sitting out in the grass, Zeta drawing in her sketch book while Ash played with Apollo and Artemis. “Looks like someone has found himself some new friends.” Zeta looked up and smiled “I thought I could show you all the progress that’s been made around here since last time you were here.” Mena walked up with a cup of coffee “Morning Captain just like you like it.” Ryan smiled “Mena you’re looking as beautiful as ever.” Mena blushed “Thank you Captain.” Ryan sipped his coffee as he looked around “Ash you stay with Apollo and Artemis while Zeta shows me around and don’t talk to strangers the men in the next plantation can be dangerous you hear?” Ash squealed as Apollo tumbled over top him making him fall “Yes papa.” Zeta smiled as Ryan held out his hand and she took it “You won’t believe how much work has been done to the servant’s quarters.” Ryan smiled “You had done so much last time I was here, your people seem content, everything seems so much brighter, their clothing alone makes a huge difference and their gardens are very abundant.” Zeta nodded “I feel bad for all of Phineas’s slaves they must be miserable over there, and I know Phoenix doesn’t agree with his cousin’s treatment of them.” Ryan shrugged “He should have thought of that before, he’s probably counting the days until he sails to the America’s.” Walking near the border separating their land Zeta saw Phoenix on horseback, when Phoenix spotted her and Ryan he rode up. “Hello Captain.” Ryan gave a nod “Phoenix” Phoenix noticed their closeness “I knew there was something going on between you two.” Ryan crossed his arms “Excuse me, Zeta and I were only friends, from what I hear it was you that was a cheating fool. I guess I should have guessed when I saw you sneaking away at two a.m. on my last visit. You had a faithful wife, a damn near perfect faithful wife and you gave it all up for what, from what the Steel brothers say she’s not much to look at and has not much to say either. No your wife and I were just friends but from what I hear she not your wife anymore and whatever she and I want to do is none of your business. So you keep to your woman and I’ll keep to mine, that is unless you feel like getting off that horse and settling our differences right here and now.” Phoenix paused; Ryan laughed “I thought not.” Putting his arm around Zeta’s waist he pulled her up close to his side “Bout time you get back to that little girl of yours my hands are full with my woman and your ex right here.” Phoenix growled in anger then turned and rode off. Ryan shook his head “I’m sorry Zeta that was juvenile I almost wish he would have gotten down, any man that would give you up has to be an idiot.” Zeta gave a whimper of longing as she grabbed his shirt and pulled him down kissing him passionately. “I like hearing you talk sweet about me, so you saw him sneaking out when you were here?” Ryan shrugged “Said he needed air but headed straight to the Prescott plantation, seemed strange at the time but I never considered he was cheating on you, why would he?” Phoenix sat across the field and watched them remembering how it felt to have Zeta look at him like that. Seeing Kami walk up he rolled his eyes wondering what she wanted now, Zeta had never nagged him so much or was ever so needy. What he would give to return home from a long day of work to find a beautiful private meal waiting and a hot bath. Zeta always the Goddess, dark and seductive, her humor, her sexy throaty laugh, her scent, he’d do anything to have her again. Kami stood staring up at him. “What are thinking about?” Phoenix shook his head as if to shake loose his memories. “What Kami I can’t even think in private anymore?” Kami stepped back “Sorry I saw Zeta and her Captain friend.” Phoenix growled “Yes I know I saw them myself, why did you come here to tell me?” Kami shrugged “I was worried you would get in a fight with the Captain.” Phoenix wiped his face “Why would you think that?” Kami lowered her eyes. “You both being in love with Zeta and all. I never claimed to be all that smart but I’m no fool, if Zeta would take you back you’d dropped me in a second. You love her Phoenix and you probably always will, but I love you and I want to be with you. You’re a good man and I know you care for me and for now that will have to do.” Phoenix smiled as he caressed her shoulders and leaned down to softly kiss her lips “Kami you’re lovely.” Kami sighed “I’ll see you at lunch Mr. Prescott.” Phoenix smiled as he watched her walk back toward the house she was no Zeta but she would have to do. Ryan and Zeta spent the rest of the day walking around the plantation, the workers seemed to be in good spirits and Zeta took the time to introduce them to Ryan while showing him the sugar cane fields. That night at dinner Ash seemed excited about all of the new friends he had made with the local children of the plantation. Zeta was so happy to have Ryan there with her, yes solitude was her old friend but she had to admit she liked the company and she had always had love in her heart for him. Not wanting to pressure Zeta into anything Ryan kept to his own room at night. He had known she had been through a lot and didn’t want to push her into anything too fast, Zeta figured as much but after a week had past she began to wonder when or if he ever would. She knew he was attracted to her he had kissed her and they had held each other and he had of course said he loved her on more than a few occasions and she wanted nothing more than for him to make love to her and to lay naked in his arms like she had wanted to do for so long. After a long day of helping out around the plantation Ryan returned to the house and him and Zeta and Ash sat down for dinner. Ryan watched her from across the table “Hewitt and his family are planning on coming here at the end of the year.” Zeta beamed “Does that mean you plan on staying until then?” Ryan laughed “Did you doubt that I would?” Zeta shrugged “I had hoped you would but I wasn’t for sure.” Ryan frowned “I left the Wind Serpent with Declan, I should never have left you the first time, husband or not I regretted sailing away from you and you never left my mind. If you’ll have me, I’d like to stay on here with you.” Zeta smiled “I’d love for you to stay here with me, in fact I can’t think of anything I’d like more.” After dinner Zeta had a bath sent up to Ryan’s room, she had wanted him for so long and she knew he was trying to be a gentleman and trying not rush her but she felt no reason to wait any more. After the tub was filled, she undressed and put on her sexy Chinese robe then snuck down the hall. Taking a deep breath, she opened the door to find Ryan sitting in the tub with his back to her. “Thanks but there’s enough water.” Zeta couldn’t believe how nervous she was, locking the door she walked around the tub to face him, his eyes growing big with surprise and interest. “By the Gods Zeta you look amazing.” Zeta gave a seductive smile as she let her robe drop to the floor. “Is there room for two?” Ryan could hardly speak so he just nodded and watched as she stepped in and lowered herself down between his massive legs. “Is it alright that I’m here?” Ryan smiled “It’s like my dreams come to life honey.” Zeta wore a lust filled gaze as she reached out to caress his chest leaning in she kissed him as she stroked his hard tight muscles. His hands on her skin felt hot, his lips like fire as he suckled and massaged her large round breast. Her erect nipples tightening as he teased them with his tongue and teeth her moans and cries of passion growing louder as they moved together. Reaching below the water she massaged his ever growing manhood his thick shaft so long and hard her head fell back at even the thought of it inside her. “Take me to your bed.” Ryan lifted her wrapping her legs around his waist as he loosened her hair letting it fall down her back. Stepping out of the bath he carried her to the bed, laying her on her back he took his time as he went over every inch of her with his hands and mouth. Spreading her legs he caressed the wet heat he had caused making her cry out for more as his fingers penetrated her and her hips raised to meet them wanting more. Unable to wait he entered her slowly each and every movement giving him bliss his animal instinct taking over. He hurried his pace pushing harder and faster her screams and the tight feel of her making him crave her flesh even more. Zeta’s body felt alive and on edge as if on the brink of an exploding end. The more he pushed the closer he came until it felt as if she had shattered completely calling out his name as her legs tightened around him and her body became like an open nerve. The earth shattering feeling of Zeta’s orgasm brought Ryan to his own as if he had been saving all this time just for her. With a deep groan and a full body shutter he spilled his seed inside her before falling down next to her both covered in a mist of sweat and out of breath. Ryan laughed as he pulled her up close to his side “How any man could let you out of his bed I don’t know.” Zeta giggled “Does that mean you don’t plan on letting me out of your bed?” Ryan smiled “Maybe I can just get into yours.” Zeta smiled “Thank you” Ryan laughed “Are you thanking me for having sex with you?” Zeta chuckled “No, thank you for coming back.” Ryan’s gaze turned smoldering as he turned to face her caressing her cheek “I told you I loved you and I meant it, you’re the only woman I’ve ever loved, I don’t take that lightly.” Zeta smiled “I love you too.” Falling asleep they woke up in each other’s arms with Ash watching them. Zeta thought he would be upset and tried to explain but he just held up his hand and smiled “My momma said this would happen, she said it was a good thing.” Ryan chuckled “Your momma was a smart woman.” Ash giggled “She said that too.” Ryan and Zeta laughed. As harvest time came Zeta was grateful for Ryan’s assistance, the plantation was a mad house with so much work, having had waited Bo asked Ryan to preform him and Mena’s wedding. Zeta made a small feast and they celebrated after the ceremony. Mena wore one of Zeta dresses while Bo wore one of the suits Phoenix had left behind. That night as Ryan held Zeta in his arms he gazed up into the darkness “Zeta?” Zeta cuddled in closer and kissed his neck “Yes baby?” Sitting up he turned and looked out the window “It’s a full moon tonight.” Zeta sat up and looked out the window “Looks like it why?” Ryan smiled “Come on put on your robe.” Zeta giggled as she grabbed her robe “Where are we going?” Ryan smiled “Well it’s a full moon about time we keep to your traditions.” Zeta laughed with excitement “Will you be dancing under the full moon with me?” Ryan grabbed her hand and headed to the door “Damn right I will be.” They both tried to be quiet as they made their way down the hall then the stairs. The moon was huge seeming to fill the sky and light up everything around them. “What made you think to do this?” Ryan grinned “I remembered the night you came up on deck and told me that you liked to dance naked in the moonlight, just the thought kept me up that night. Right before you walked up onto the deck I had been fantasizing about you, all alone up there my mind would wonder and you my love filled my every thought, still do.” Zeta sighed at the memory “After you kissed me that night I couldn’t stop thinking about you, lying in Phoenix’s arms with you on my mind I felt bad that I didn’t feel worse than I actually did. But I’ve always had an eye for you, since our first meeting I was drawn to you and thought about you later when I was alone. I loved Phoenix of course so my feelings for you were a mystery to say the least.” Ryan smiled “I was more than shocked the first time I set eyes on you, I knew right away I was in trouble.” Zeta sighed “And now look at us.” Ryan chuckled “I have to admit I never imagined you and I would ever be together, you were a dream, a fantasy not a reality.” Zeta sighed as she sank into his arms as they walked toward the beach. Ryan had wanted to ask Zeta to be his bride for months but waited, he had thought to wait until Phoenix had left for the America’s but his family would be coming to visit around the same time and he wanted them to be there for the ceremony that is if she said yes. Seeing the full moon had been the sign he needed slipping the silver band he had worked so hard to find in secret on his pinkie he had followed his lover into the night. It hadn’t been long since Ryan had come back into her life and they had become lovers and she never wanted it to end yet deep down she feared he would leave her Phoenix had done it why wouldn’t he. Lightly placing her hand on her stomach she smiled, Ryan had blessed her with a child damn near the first time they made love. She had known for over a month but had said nothing waiting for the right time to tell him hoping he didn’t decide to leave before she had the chance. When they reached the beach Ryan was first to strip and walk out to the water’s edge, Phoenix was never a shy man but he wasn’t one to be openly nude either. Ryan on the other hand could walk naked in a crowd of men and not blink an eye; he was as manly as they came putting every other man to shame. Zeta smiled at the thought. Ryan watched her “What are you thinking about over there?” Zeta shrugged as she removed her robe “You and how no other man compares to you.” Ryan laughed as he spun her around and they dance in the moonlight, with a seductive smile he slowly stepped back beckoning her toward him as he fell back into the water watching her as she approached him her sexy curves and shapely legs disappearing under the water before she dove under and surfaced in front of him. “Ash tells me your birthday if coming up.” Ryan shrugged “Yeah it’s not a big deal, I never celebrate it.” Zeta smiled “Turning twenty six should be celebrated.” Ryan groaned with delight as he pulled her in close kissing her passionately pulling away he looked down at her with a serious expression “I need to say something but it’s not easy for me.” Zeta’s heart dropped “Are you leaving me?” Ryan frowned “No” Zeta didn’t look convinced “Did I do something to upset you?” Ryan shook his head “No” Zeta pulled away “Alright you first but I need to tell you something also and you may not like it.” Now it was Ryan who frowned “What?” Zeta stepped back “You first.” Ryan took a deep breath “I know that you have been hurt and your trust has been stomped on, that’s not what I wanted to say, Zeta I have loved you since we first met and it has only grown stronger since then. I can’t see my life without you in it.” Zeta smiled her eyes already filling up with tears. Ryan gazed down into her eyes as he reached out and touched her cheek then going to his pinkie he pulled off the silver ring and swallowed hard “Zeta Steel will you marry me, I will never hurt you, I could never hurt you you’re my everything and I’d be honored to have you as my wife.” Zeta looked shocked as she watched him place the ring on her finger. “Yes Ryan I will marry you, I love you so much and I have never wanted another man more.” Ryan laughed as he picked her up into his arms and kissed her. After a moment he sat her down and looked into her eyes “What is it you need to tell me?” Zeta smiled “I’m pregnant I’m pretty sure I got pregnant the first night we made love, so I guess I’m not barren.” Ryan was quiet “And you thought I might not be happy about it?” Zeta shrugged “I don’t know what I was thinking.” Ryan held his breath as he placed his hand on her stomach “I’m thrilled honey.” Phoenix woke up to find Kami watching him, “You alright honey?” Kami shrugged “I know you’re still in love with Zeta, I doubt you’ll ever stop loving her. But is there room in your heart for me as well, what I mean is, do you think you’ll ever love me like you do her?” Phoenix pulled her in close resting her head on his chest “Zeta’s no longer a part of my life, you are Kami, and we are going to start a family together and you’re going to make a good wife and a good mother, and who knows the future who says I can’t love again.” Kami smiled “So you do plan on marrying me some day?” Phoenix smiled “You will be Mrs. Prescott before we set sail for the America’s, yes Zeta was my first love but you’re my lover and soon you’ll be my wife and I’m lucky to have you, don’t doubt that.” Kami sighed “I love you Phoenix and I’ve never loved another, I cannot wait to make a baby with you and start a family. I have to admit I’m looking forward to getting away from here. I think now that were out from under Phineas we will be a lot happier and the memories of Zeta and what you once had with her will soon be in the past. Maybe then we can start our family without anything holding us back.” Phoenix smiled “Ten more days and we sail, and by Sunday we will be married, not quite what I had planned but together we will just have to make the best of it. Start our adventure together and take life as it comes.” Kami nodded then turned and looked at a painting Zeta had painted that Phoenix had hung on the wall. “Will you miss Zeta?” Phoenix nodded “Yes of course, she will always be my first love and it was I that betrayed her she never deserved to be treated the way I treated her, I hurt her and I will never forgive myself.” Kami nodded as she stroked his hair “I’m so lucky you didn’t turn out to be anything like Phineas.” Phoenix laughed “That you are honey.” That morning at breakfast Phoenix and Kami had a visit from Zudora, “Sorry to bother you, I just thought you two should know Ryan and Zeta are getting married in a week when Ryan’s family comes to visit.” Phoenix sighed unable to hide how much it hurt. “That’s good to hear thanks for telling us Zudora.” Zudora nodded “And Zeta is a little over two months pregnant, seems she got pregnant the first time they made love.” Phoenix felt as if his heart had stopped, Kami tried to calm him “Phoenix honey are you going to be alright?” Phoenix nodded as he stood up and walked out, by the time he got to his horse he realized he had tears rolling down his face, ashamed he rode out to the beach and sat in the sand. He felt like a fool an even bigger fool than before and he couldn’t help but cry. Not only had he hurt Zeta and ruined his own life but she had been right it was him not her, she was happy and in love with a baby on the way and damn if he still didn’t love her more than life itself. Hearing something he turned to find Zeta walking toward him having not realized this was no longer his land and his daily riding trail but hers. “Phoenix what’s going on why are you here?” Phoenix tried to hide his tears but failed just the sight of her caused more tears to fall. “Sorry I was upset and ended up coming here on accident.” Zeta walked up and sat down next to him “Never seen you cry well not like this at least.” Phoenix wiped his face “Don’t think I ever have to tell you the truth, didn’t have much control over it.” Zeta smiled as she rubbed his back trying to comfort him “So I guess you heard the news?” Phoenix nodded “Good news I’m happy for you, I just wish it was you and I celebrating it together is all.” Zeta nodded “Well it could have been but that boat has sailed now hasn’t it.” Phoenix wiped away some fresh tears “I don’t think I will ever stop loving you or forgive myself for hurting you like I did.” Zeta nodded “I love you too but life goes on, and I know you and Kami will be okay and I’m sure you will have her with child anytime now.” Phoenix sighed “You think?” Zeta nodded “Yeah I do and I heard you moved out of your cousins and that you finally learned the truth about all of his lies and deceit.” Phoenix nodded “Kami told me everything it was all a ruse to join the two plantations and to get you to go back to England; you showed them though didn’t you.” Zeta smiled “Like you told him from the get go don’t doubt my wife.” Phoenix sighed “I wish I could still call you my wife.” Ryan’s deep voice got both of their attention as he walked up to join them. “Not me or I wouldn’t be able to call her mine, you all right Phoenix you’re looking a little troubled?” Phoenix chuckled “Troubled is not the word old friend, but I will congratulate you on your coming nuptials and child and that’s harder to say than you can imagine.” Ryan nodded “I’d imagine so Zeta is not a woman so easily forgotten now is she?” Phoenix sighed “No Captain she is not.” Standing up he tried to smile but failed “I wish you both luck about time I get back to Kami she’s probably worrying herself to death by now.” Ryan gave Phoenix a nod then watched as he walked away “You alright baby?” Zeta shrugged “Yes, never seen Phoenix so upset before, it’s rather heart wrenching to see a grown man cry.” Ryan put his arm around Zeta’s shoulder and pulled her in close kissing the top of her head. “Maybe now he can truly move on and he and Kami can start their life together anew, you’re his past honey if he wants to have a happy future he has to accept that.” Zeta beamed with happiness as she leaned up and kissed him “I couldn’t be happier with you and the future you, Ash and I are going to have together.” Ryan smiled as he placed his hand on her stomach “Let’s not forget our son ripening in your womb as we speak.” Zeta laughed “Son you say, so sure are you?” Ryan shrugged “You’re the only daughter of five my love theirs a good chance it will be a boy.” Zeta smiled then frowned “How can I get married without my father and brothers Ryan?” Ryan grinned as he looked down at the ring on her finger. “Hewitt told me he and my family would visit before I even left Havana, I had no way of knowing if you and I would end up together as far as I knew I might be returning with them. Your father and I are very close as you well know so I sent word to him that I would be coming here to comfort you and that my family would be visiting as well and I asked that he and your family join them. After all that you have been through I figured a reunion of sorts would brighten your spirits a needed celebration after a successful harvest.” Zeta wiped away a tear “You were readying yourself with the idea that you might be returning home with your family?” Ryan nodded “I love you Zeta but with all that has happened I knew there was a good chance that you wouldn’t want me anymore and there was even a possibility that you and Phoenix would get back together either way I was going to be here for you even if only as a friend and for just a little while.” Zeta stood and held out her hand and Ryan took it. “Thank the Gods it turned out the way that it did, just think both of our families are on the way as we speak.” When Phoenix returned to him and Kami’s room he found her looking worried as she brushed out her hair. Walking up behind her he took the brush and smiled at her in the mirror as he brushed it for her. “Please don’t be so worried honey yes the news about Zeta hit me harder than I thought it would. But the more I thought about it the more I realized it’s you that holds my heart, she is my past and you are my future. It’s you that I want to hold in my arms and make love to every night and it’s you that I want to give my heart and soul. You’re my woman, no one else’s and I am only for you. To make a child with you will be great but having you as my wife means more to me than anything else. Maybe it took all of this heart ache to get me to you maybe it was fates grand design that we meet like we did. All I know is I love you and am excited to share this adventure with you as my wife and my best friend.” So much of it was true, all Phoenix knew was he wanted to make Kami happy and he didn’t want her to feel like second best and if he had to tell a few white lies to do it then he would. Kami looked to be in shock by Phoenix’s confession. “Phoenix I never thought I’d hear you say such things, I love you so much we marry Sunday then we sail. I had planned to tell you once we were off this island and away from your past but I’m four months pregnant, I haven’t known that long of course but I am all the same.” Kami feared he would be angry with her upset she hadn’t said anything instead he made her jump when he gave a hoot and a hauler then lifted her into the air kissing her. “Yes, yes, let’s just hope you don’t get morning sickness on the ship.” Kami laughed as he danced around the room. “After your map where will we live?” Phoenix laughed “Anywhere we want, definitely not here. We have plenty of time to think about it honey and enough money to live in style.” Kami frowned “Money?” Phoenix laughed “Zeta’s dowry may have paid for the plantation but I’m a Prescott, I still have family money and plenty of it. I only work as a cartographer because I love doing it same goes for my father.” Kami looked confused Phoenix laughed “Well it’s good to know you loved me even when you thought I was poor.” Kami gave Phoenix a worried look “I did something you may not like.” Phoenix lost his smile “What?” I sent Zeta a note telling her, I even told her that you didn’t know yet I sent it off a few hours ago she should be getting it about now.” Phoenix laughed “I don’t mind, I’m too happy to mind.” Kissing her again he laughed. Sitting to dinner Mena walked up and gave Zeta a note, Zeta shrugged and opened it then laughed. Ryan smiled “What does it say?” Zeta smiled “Zeta I haven’t told Phoenix in fact I think I might wait until after the wedding and we sail for the America’s but I recently found out I’m pregnant, looks to be around four months give or take. Sorry to write you but I have no one else to tell, I might tell him tonight either way I wanted to congratulate you and the Captain on your good news as well.” Ryan smiled “Hell he needed some good news.” Zeta stood and stopped Mena then quickly wrote a return letter. It was late when Phoenix heard a knock on the door answering it a small boy handed him a letter then ran away. Phoenix smiled as he walked back to the bed, it’s addressed to you.” Kami smiled as she opened it “Happy to hear your good news, the sooner you tell Phoenix the better he will be thrilled and the Captain and I wish you both the best. Zeta” Phoenix smiled then laid back down and pulled Kami into his arms. “Sunday can’t come soon enough honey.” Kami smiled “I’d say so since my mother thinks I’m still living with Phineas and Zudora she would skin me alive if she knew we were sharing a bed.” Phoenix laughed “What she doesn’t know won’t hurt her.” The weekend of Zeta and Ryan’s wedding and Phoenix and Kami’s wedding and departure to the America’s the cove near Phineas’s plantation was filled with ships. The Steel family arrived on the Ocean Fair along with Webster Prescott and Phoenix’s two closest friends Tanner and Will. The entire Crumb family arrived on the Wind Serpent. Both weddings were to be held at a small church on Steel land Zeta had made available for both of their weddings, knowing that Phoenix no longer lived on or worked at the Prescott plantation Zeta made lodging available to both wedding parties’ guests since she considered them to still be her family as well. The Crumb wedding was to be held on Saturday night while the Prescott wedding was to be held the following morning before they sailed for the America’s. Needless to say both parties were shocked with her good nature especially after what Phoenix had done to her, she even sent he and Kami an invite to her and Ryan’s wedding. The guests arrived Friday evening and were guided by torch light to the Steel plantation where Zeta and Ryan met them with refreshments and lodging. A feast was later served outside around a bonfire and local music, at first it seemed strange to be mixing the Steel, Prescott, and Crumb family’s awkward as if any moment a fight would flare. Zeta would have nothing of it. “Listen up, no matter what has happened between Phoenix and me we are family all of us, Phoenix has moved on, I have moved on, tonight is not about hurt feelings or anger and revenge so let’s drink our fill, eat our fill and celebrate being together.” Looking at Tanner and Will who stood by Phoenix and Kami she smiled “The way I see it if Tanner got his scared ass on a ship, hell near water to be here let’s make it worth his while. It’s great to see you all so relax and have fun the only fighting I want to see is whose going to dance with me first.” Everyone laughed and Ryan grabbed her from behind and kissed her. The unease melted away and the workers joined the party and the dancing started and didn’t stop till almost dawn. With the sun came the need for coffee, the plantation was scattered with people waking up and starting their day. Zeta and Ryan’s wedding was to happen that evening giving everyone plenty of time to look around, nap, swim the day away and explore the island. Many of Phoenix’s friends went to the cottage he and Kami lived in to visit.Trying to get to know Kami, Webster did his best to make her feel welcome. He was happy to be becoming a grandfather even if it wasn’t from Zeta and he had to admit he felt bad about how he had treated her the first time they had met. Tanner and Will weren’t all that impressed with her at first young and dumb but they gave her a chance and found her to be sweet, with Zeta it was different she was larger than life and exciting with Kami it took a bit longer but she grew on them and in the end Phoenix’s happiness was all that mattered. The Crumb family had fallen in love with Zeta the first time they had met her so they were thrilled to see Ryan not only getting married to her but starting a family as well. Shannon had been a good mother to Ash but to see Ryan in love and to see Zeta so in love with him was more than they ever thought possible. He was a good man and he deserved happiness. Augusto Steel and his sons had no doubts about the Captain, no questions for him, no worries, just respect and faith that he would always do what was best for Zeta. Wanting to wear something different for her second wedding Zeta took her first wedding gown and added black lace around the collar and the bodice then some around the trim it gave it a complete new look and she wore her hair down letting it fall past her shoulders stopping at her waist. Ryan dressed in his Captain finery his long wavy hair combed backed. Never so nervous in his life he waited at the altar with Ash at his side, Mena looked stunning in a dark purple dress and stood opposite all eyes on the back of the church waiting for Zeta. Phoenix and Kami sat in the back, Phoenix tried to look unaffected but his heart felt as if it was breaking all over again seeing his face Tanner patted his shoulder trying to comfort him. With Kami in front of him she was unaware as he began to panic; Tanner once again squeezed his shoulder never taking his hand off of him. Augusto looked proud as he and Zeta stepped out and started toward Ryan and the priest. The entire church sighed as they watched her, the look on Ryan’s face nearly taking her breath away. Getting to the altar the priest smiled “Who here gives this woman away?” Augusto smiled “I do.” Reaching out Ryan took her hand and she stepped up and they faced each other. Phoenix could feel his eyes fill with tears then one fall down his cheek. Wiping it away another fell, he couldn’t do it, trying to stand Tanner stopped him whispering in his ear “You can’t get up man; it’s too late to leave now.” Phoenix nodded as he wiped the tears from his cheeks; Kami was too engrossed in the ceremony to notice anything was wrong. “We are gathered here together on this glorious of evenings.” Phoenix felt like someone was ripping his heart out of his chest, he could hardly breathe and he couldn’t stop crying, trying to get up again Tanner stopped him “Damn it man you’re going to make a scene.” Kami turned and saw him “My God what’s wrong?” Will leaned forward and looked at him shocked having never seen him like that before. “Get him out of here.” Phoenix whispered at Kami “I’m so sorry baby I can’t do this.” At this point everyone including Zeta and Ryan were looking at him. Standing up he wiped his eyes “Sorry I thought I could be here for this but obviously I can’t, I’m so sorry.” After he walked out everyone turned and looked back at the altar and at Zeta who looked stunned. Ryan whispered in her ear “Let’s get married shall we?” Zeta smiled then turned back to the priest “Please continue.” “Marriage is a never-ending commitment, a bond between two people who love and respect one another, forever faithful and true, a true love match is a rare and unique gift may each of you use it to its fullest and we your family and friends are here to witness as you take your first steps toward a lifelong love affair, a partnership that binds friends and lovers together, two against the world, stronger together than apart. Do you have the rings?”“Please repeat after me, I Ryan Alexander Crumb take you Zeta Steel to be my wife, my lover and my friend. With this ring I mark you as my own” Please place ring on finger. “Please repeat after me, I Zeta Steel take you Ryan Alexander Crumb to be my husband, my lover and my friend. With this ring I mark you as my own.” I Father Frances Drake now pronounce you husband and wife you can kiss the bride” turn couple around to face their guests “I happily introduce you all to Mr. and Mrs. Crumb The guests applauded, Kami quickly left hoping to find Phoenix, when she walked out he was sitting under a tree not far from the entrance looking ashamed. “I’m sorry if I embarrassed you.” Kami shrugged “You didn’t embarrass me I knew you had a heart a long time ago.” Phoenix gave a weak laugh “I don’t know what happened I felt like I couldn’t breathe, I panicked, I started to cry and I couldn’t stop.” Kami smiled as she walked into his embrace “Your first love, and wife, just got married in front of you. I’d imagine it would hurt. Do you really love me Phoenix?” Phoenix hugged her tighter “Yes baby I do.” Kami pined “Do you want to marry me tomorrow?” Phoenix smiled “No doubt in my mind.” Kami closed her eyes “That’s all I need to know.” The guests filed out each one looking over at them, when Ryan and Zeta walked out Kami and Phoenix walked over to talk to them. “I’m sorry about that, I don’t know what happened, I panicked I guess, I couldn’t breathe and started crying, I thought I could handle being there I guess I was wrong I hope I didn’t ruin the ceremony.” Zeta smiled “I understand I’m not planning on going to yours, I don’t think I can handle watching you two get married it would be too painful for me I think. But good luck on your wedding and your voyage.” Ryan smiled “There will be a huge feast and party tonight, all of your friends and family will be there you both are welcome as well of course.” Ryan stuck out his hand Phoenix shook it. “Thank you Captain.” Ash ran up his coat already missing and his shirt untucked. “Can I go now, can I, Bo say’s their gonna be bringing the pig up out of the pit and I don’t want to miss it?” Zeta laughed as she reached out and took the crumpled up jacket he held. Ryan shook his head “Well Son don’t you have anything you want to say?” Ash looked confused as he thought about it then he smiled before hugging first his father then Zeta then backed away. “If it’s alright with you I’d like to call you mother, my momma used to say a boy was lucky to have a mother that cared enough to put her child before herself, if that’s the case I must be really lucky cause I have never felt so loved.” Zeta started to get emotional but held her poise, “Thank you Ash I’d love for you to call me mother, now hurry up or you’ll miss all the fun.” Ash smiled big as he turned and ran toward the barbeque pits. Zeta turned to find a shocked Ryan “I was expecting a congratulations nothing more, did you see how straight he stood like a little man. Was it me or did his voice even sound manlier his words more refined.” Zeta hugged him “He’s a smaller version of you my love, just wait until he gets older and really starts becoming a man oh what fun we will have then.” Ryan chuckled at the thought “Lets you and I go make love and change before joining the celebration we have a long night ahead and I don’t plan waiting until the dead of night to have you all to myself.” Zeta smiled big as she nearly pulled him toward their house. The celebration was large and lasted throughout the night, no feelings hurt no revenge taken just old acquaintances and families celebrating life. Even if it wasn’t the life they thought fate had given them but was instead fate’s true grand design in the end. Phoenix and Kami’s wedding was pleasant and they left for the America’s only hours after, both more than ready to start anew on their way to a new world. As months turned to years Phoenix was given grand reviews on his map of America’s coastlines and later worked with a crew of cartographers mapping out America’s territories, it’s terrains and valleys, it’s forests, butte’s and plains. Kami along with many of the other cartographer’s families traveled alongside raising their families along the way. Phoenix and Kami enjoyed their lives and raised a son named Tanner and a daughter named Zeta. Ryan never went back to being the Captain of the Wind Serpent but stayed with Zeta on the plantation, a success in every way. The workers flourished and were content and the harvest improved with each passing year. Phineas after another two years of disappointment sold his land to Zeta and Ryan and returned to England defeated and broke without the Prescott families backing, leaving behind his servants for the Steel plantation house to employ which she and Ryan were more than happy to do. Wanting to start anew she and Ryan tore down the Prescott plantation’s house and used the land to cultivate sugar cane, by first harvest the land was well on its way to success. Zeta’s first child was a boy that she and Ryan named Cole, and then came Hyde, followed by Beck then finally she had a girl they named Ivy. All of her sons were large like their father and Ivy was small like Zeta. Ash grew to be an intelligent young man, in need of higher education Ryan and Zeta sent him away to the finest schools, of his choosing of course. Later in life becoming an advocate for freedom and the rights of men and women of all colors and creeds. Wanting to show their gratitude to Bo and Mena for their years of faithful service they built them a proper house of their own to start their family, over the years they raised four boys Abe, Umi, Moses and Oskar, and three girl’s Beila, Calla and Pia. Once a year on what would have been their wedding anniversary Phoenix would write Zeta a letter telling her of his and Kami’s journey’s and life, Zeta was flattered to hear they had named their daughter after her and to hear they were happy, and her entire family liked to look at the copies of the maps he would send and to hear the stories about the far off places he had visited. Sometimes in life you move on and are the better for it, Zeta wasn’t in love with Phoenix anymore, far from it but that didn’t mean she didn’t a have place in her heart for him and his letters somehow filled that place and she figured it was probably the same for him. Time heals all wounds and the way Zeta saw it distance didn’t hurt either. The End