“Look at that, Bennett.” Ashley hovered on my other side, his finger motioning at the spot I’d just discovered.

My mother’s hands surrounded a small bump on her lap, the fabric of her gown stretching over the roundness beneath. No one would notice that detail in a passing glance, but it was there, declaring the year it was painted.

“I don’t know how or why this was created,” I said. “But she’s pregnant with me, and I recognize those trees as the same kind that surround the estate in Charleston.”

Grief was the reason my chest felt too tight. But joy had a hand in that, too. My father hadn’t just given me a memory that wouldn’t fade. He’d gifted me with a glimpse into something that had been kept from me my entire life. Not once had I ever seen my parents together. Until now.

I wept. How could I not? The emotions I’d carried for so long had been waiting for this moment. The connection I had with my father through the compass reached its zenith. Loss and longing spread its wings, and I needed to let it out. Let it go.

Priest reached for me, the lightest touch, and I was undone. My quiet sobs rose like fists. I leaned into him, and he was there, bending around me, drawn by his need to take care of me.

Ashley stood a few feet away, directing the crew as they carried out the treasure. But his gaze stayed with me, loving me without words, without touch, seeking my eyes with a look that would readily give me anything, if I asked.

Crying within view of my crew wasn’t ideal, but no one stared or whispered. They continued about their work in uncharacteristic silence. A sign of respect. They understood.

With Ashley’s gaze reaching out to me and Priest’s breath upon my cheek, my tears faded as quickly as they’d surfaced. Sadness gave way to tranquility, for I had no regrets, no misgivings. For the first time in my life, I felt complete.

I dusted myself off, packed up the precious painting, and followed my men home, to Jade and whatever adventure awaited us.

One week later, I sat behind the desk in my cabin, talking with Ashley and Jobah. They bent over a spread of charts, plotting our course. Priest and Reynolds sat at the table, sprawled and relaxed, drinking more than their share of rum.

We were headed south, back to the West Indies. Then what? We were trying to work that out.

Ashley had been straightforward about his disapproval in pirating the king’s ships. Yes, there were other vessels worthy of marauding, but he raised some thoughtful questions. Every man on my crew was now rich beyond his means. Why plunder at all? If we didn’t raid, then what? Where would we go? What did we want?