Page 109 of Stilettos & Secrets on the 7 Seas

Rowan, focused on the strategy of the plan, tapped a finger to his chin. “Once we have convinced Vane there’s treasure, and Woodes Rogers arrives, how will we get away?”

“It seems Max can jump a ship with the cargo included. That’s different than what we can do in my time. We’re, um, limited.”

“Are ye sayin’ I have greater abilities than yer best time traveler?” Max’s eyes grew wide, but Rowan nodded, reacting like a proud brother as if he knew this all along.

“Yes. And that’s why Mortas, er, Captain Crunch wants him. He’s short a transporter. That’s the name given to those of us who have gifts like Max. It doesn’t matter that his father might be Max’s biological father. He doesn’t care about Max.”

Rowan placed a hand on Max’s shoulder. “Is this what ye truly want in yer heart?”

“I want ye to be free of me. You’ve taken care since Ma died. You have a wife. Ye need to spend time with her. As Miss Jennifer said. Get away from the sea.”

Rowan nodded hesitantly and gave a small grunt of acknowledgment. “I planned to leave once you had a wife, control of theSea Storm,and a faithful crew.”

“That could take years.” Max grinned. The first real grin I’d seen in days. He began singing the tune I’d heard him sing when I’d met him. The song he sang after I’d helped fix his injured back. The song his mother had taught him.

“Let’s kill the fat cow,” Max crooned.

When Rowan cocked an eyebrow, Max leaned in, “You know, like in the song Ma taught us. Vane is the fat cow. We’re going to outfox him and celebrate by taking his treasure.”

“I’ve always wanted to kill that cow.” Rowan pulled Max into a hug.

I made a mental note to explain theBennie and the Jetslyrics to Max, then gave them fist bumps, which I had to initiate and show them how to execute.

Thirty-Five

Idressed in the seafoam green gown with a scooped neckline and tiny pearls sewn in the bodice. With Ace’s help, we cinched my corset so tight my breasts spilled out the top. Phase one of my plan should catch an eye or, I hoped, hundreds of eyes. I twisted my hair into an updo. My lack of M.A.C. Brave Red lipstick and my stilettos left me a bit nervous.

Ace sat in the chair behind me. “You look fantastic, doll. All fresh-faced. The blushing bride.”

“Thanks, Ace.” I turned to look at him. “I’m sorry you have to be the one to sneak aboard Vane’s ship with Caiyan. It’s only that they won’t suspect you missing the wedding.”

“No worries. Sneaky is my middle name.”

I paused. I had no idea what Ace’s middle name was. We’d been friends and coworkers for a while now, but I hadn’t a clue. “What is your middle name?”

“That is a secret I’ll only share after a day at the spa and several cocktails.”

“Deal.” A pedicure sounded like heaven. “When you find the chest, only take the coins. Don’t toss over any trinkets that Vane might recognize.”

“Quit worrying. You go. Enjoy the moment. You never know, faking it may be your only trip down the aisle.”

I groaned. I’d done way too much “faking,” as Ace put it. Fake engagement, fake healer, fake seer, and now about to be a fake bride. But Ace’s tone held envy. “Do I hear a touch of wanting in those words?”

Ace’s gaze dropped to his hands, and he fumbled with his coat sleeve.

“Ace, are you and Marvin having problems?”

“I dream of wedding bells too, hon. It’s just that Marvin isn’t ready to have the big white wedding. He’s too busy planning them for other couples to take our relationship to the next level. I thought he would have asked by now. I’ve given plenty of hints. I shared my Pinterest wedding board with him. I left a ring designer’s card in his car. I picked out my dress. I’d look great in a Christian Siriano.”

“You would indeed.”

“And being here, flirting with Black Bard. Maybe it’s not Marvin. Maybe it’s me. Maybe I’m not ready for a committed relationship. When I think of marriage, it feels sort of like jumping overboard.”

I wrapped my arms around him and squeezed. “If Marvin isn’t your Prince Charming, be patient. My Mamma Bea always told me it takes time for the oranges to ripen on the tree. If you rush them, you end up with a bitter fruit.”

Ace threw his head back and laughed. “Your Mamma Bea is wise. I may need to ripen a little longer.” Ace stood. “Now, get your butt out onto the bow and fake marry the boy. That dress alone will cause enough distraction for me to break your Scot out of jail and steal the gold.”

I snickered. “The ceremony is on the aft, not the bow, and Caiyan will wait by the head for you to swim to Vane’s ship.”

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