Page 112 of Found at Sea

Epilogue

Fletcher

One year later

Much had changed in a year. Kris became captain once Kellan announced his leaving, and he’d sailed us south to the most beautiful tropical waters and thriving seaside towns.

During our travels south, we made port in a flourishing town called Emerald Cove. It wasn’t an island like we’d originally envisioned to build our home, but we fell in love with the town and the land around it anyway. When theCrimsonNightleft Emerald Cove, we stayed behind.

Leaving his ship was difficult for Kellan—difficult for me as well—but he was set on his decision of retiring from the pirate’s life.

So was I.

Our house was simplistic in design, but it was perfect for the two of us. And even more perfect was the view outside our front door, the clear blue-green water and the fine white sand. We had a small sailboat for when we wished to sail and experience that rush once more. Town was a short walking distance away, and anything we ever needed was within our grasp.

During one visit through town, I’d come across a merchant selling instruments, and on his stand was the most beautiful lute I’d ever seen.

The teardrop-shaped body was made of spruce wood, and when I strummed the strings, the sound was magical. Ever since mine had been destroyed during the attack, I hadn’t played, and I didn’t realize how much I’d missed it until I was holding the lute in my hands again.

Kellan had purchased it for me, saying anything that made me smile like that was something he insisted I have. He spoiled me just a little.

I’d found work in the local tavern, but instead of serving drinks, I was a bard and entertained the patrons. Earning coin for performing my songs and reciting my stories was something I’d only ever dreamed of, something I used to close my eyes and envision while I’d played on my favorite hill in Helmfirth.

Kellan had helped make that dream a reality. Never would I have ever thought I’d have the confidence to play and sing for strangers, but he’d made me believe in myself. He’d lifted me up and made me feel like I could do anything.

Not that I’d ever tell him such a thing. His ego was big enough as it was.

A day didn’t pass where I didn’t think of Alek and how incredible it would’ve been had he lived. He would’ve loved Emerald Cove, with its gorgeous water and plethora of swimming holes. Sometimes I imagined he was still with me, laughing at some stupid comment I made. I supposed he’d always be with me, though. In my mind and my heart.

“Why are you frowning?” Kellan asked before licking at the base of my throat. We were lying on our beach that evening, listening to the tide rush in.

“I’m not frowning. I’m thinking.” I cocked my head toward him. “Thinking about our life here.”

He was the one who frowned then.

“Are you not happy?” he asked after a short pause. His whole demeanor had changed, going from carefree and playful to apprehensive.

Gripping his shoulders, I flipped him to his back and rolled on top of him. Straddling his hips, I looked down at his confused face.

His hair was longer than it used to be, falling at the same length on all sides instead of just longer on top. It gave him a younger appearance, and I loved entwining my fingers in the strands as he fucked me. His skin was more golden those days from all his time in the sun on our beach, and his muscles were more defined from his work as a blacksmith—as he’d found he highly enjoyed doing.

He liked making things and repairing them, taking something and making it beautiful.

“I couldn’t be happier,” I responded before kissing him. “I was thinking about how fortunate I am to have found you.”

“It was I who found you, boy,” Kellan said with an arrogant smirk. “The stars led me straight to you.”

“And my heart led me to you.” I took a fistful of his hair as I leaned down again to join our mouths. He tasted sweet with a hint of rum, and I swirled my tongue with his, savoring every bit of him. “I love you, Captain.”

Kellan smiled warmly and moved his hands to my hips. “I’ll never understand how a man such as you ever fell for a man like me. You not only made me a better man, but you gave my heart purpose to keep beating. And until I draw my last breath, I will love you. Only you. For you are mine and I am yours.” He rested his forehead to mine and linked our fingers. “My sweet bird.”

He then lifted my hand and kissed the ring on my finger. The ring was a sign of our love, and I wore it proudly every day.

Each day in Emerald Cove was paradise. We spent our days working, laughing, making love, and living our best lives.

Some men became lost at sea. But I was found.

So many years I’d spent with an emptiness in my heart and not knowing how to fill the void, and then I’d met Kellan. Even though we had faced many tribulations on our path to love, we’d ended up right where we needed to be.

My heart had guided me home.

The End