He shrugged. “Maybe we could stop doing that other stuff and grow apple trees. I like apples—especially your apple pie.”

“Well, once you get warmed up, you should get dressed, and maybe I’ll make some apple tarts for supper.” She rubbed his head affectionately, then returned to the kitchen. Peering out the window, she could see the waves crashing on the shore. There was no sign that the storm was letting up.

By evening, with no sign of her father or any of the other fishermen, Gloriana started to worry. She knew Sally must be beside herself.

Gloriana pulled the apple tarts from the oven and set them aside. “JT, please come here for a minute.”

He wandered into the room with a wooden sword at his side and an eye patch over one eye. Papa had given him these toys and told him stories about pirates, and JT loved to reenact the battles he’d been told about.

“What do you need, Glory? I was just about to kill Blackbeard.”

She smiled. “Can he wait just a few minutes? I need to run next door and invite Sally to join us. I don’t want her to be alone this evening, especially with the baby so close to being born.”

JT straightened and put his hand on the hilt of his sword. “Blackbeard can wait.”

“Good. I should be back in just a couple of minutes.” She pulled a woolen shawl over her head and wrapped it tight.

The wind seemed to calm a bit as she made her way to the small cottage next door. She remembered from the days when this had been her home that the cottage always seemed cozy and strong against the storms. Her father had built it with the help of a friend, and that alone had made Gloriana feel safe.

She knocked once and was almost immediately greeted by Sally. The petite woman’s face was ashen. “I thought maybe you were Scott.” She ushered Gloriana inside and closed out the weather. “Do you suppose they’re in trouble?”

“I don’t know. I think they’re probably seeking shelter. They have no way to let us know. Last year we had a whole week of storms that made it impossible for them to get home. Why don’t you get your things together and come spend the evening with me? If the men don’t come back, you can just stay the night as well.”

Sally didn’t have to be persuaded. She grabbed a basket and went to her bedroom. Within minutes she was back with her things.

Gloriana grabbed a shawl from the peg by the door. “The wind has died down a little, but it’s still raining.” She wrapped the shawl around Sally’s narrow shoulders, then took her basket. “I’ll carry this, and you hold on to me. The ground is pretty slippery from all the water.”