Stella was the most excited wedding planner! She was waiting for us by the port when we docked. But before that, I had the honor of meeting Uncle Caleb. He and his revolutionary team were the reasons that the Eastern Port was not invaded. He accepted me as a part of their family right away but warned me about their impending departure for Filiphin.
It had been a week since we arrived in Canupeer. And in that week, Stella dragged me everywhere as we prepared for the wedding… to the dressmaker …to the florists… to the caterer, on which Neville protested because he said he should be in charge of food. Invitations were sent right away and the celebration at Stella's house (which is now the governor's house) AND Verna's Tavern were nonstop!
Jacob, as Stella insisted because of tradition, was not allowed to see and stay with me prior the wedding which he did not follow through. Stella told him to stay at their old house and wait. However, Jacob was NOT one to be hindered when it comes to me. He finds ways to be with me. He climbs up my room's window at night and stays with me until dawn. He also kidnaps me at times when no one's looking and we head for the beach.
This time, he lured me out of my room and asked me to elope with him for the night. And, of course I agreed. We went to the beach once more and there was a rowboat waiting for us by the shore.
"Where are we going?" I asked as he guided me to sit on the boat.
Jacob chuckled. "Away," he said and winked. He unsecured the boat from the shore and took the oars.
"Away?! The wedding is tomorrow afternoon!" I told him.
He nodded, "We will be back at dawn," he assured me and began rowing.
"Stella will be furious!" I told him.
"Let her. We're the ones getting married anyways," he reasoned.
I smiled and shook my head, "So, where are we heading?" I asked again.
"You'll see," he said and continued to row.
Not too long after, I saw an islet nearby. I looked at Jacob and he nodded. I helped him row so we could reach the islet faster. Then, we secured the boat. Jacob held out his hand to help me get off. I followed him as he led me to a tent nearby. He quickly got in and took a picnic basket and a blanket.
"Let's just hope that the food's still here," he said as he opened it. "Good, " he spread the blanket on the sand and sat down. Then, he motioned for me to sit beside him.
I crossed my arms and narrowed my eyes as my thoughts went wild on what might happen, "What are you planning?"
Jacob laughed, "NOTHING… but I'm hoping. You know I'll marry you in a heartbeat if I compromise you," he said and that reminded me of the first time we were alone together in the wagon at Beckforth.
I rolled my eyes, "You ALREADY compromised me."
Jacob chuckled, "That is why I will marry you tomorrow."
I shook my head at his teasing. But, I complied. I sat down next to him. He put his arm around my shoulder right away.
"Are you cold?" he whispered in my ear purposely touching it with his lips.
My cheeks warmed up in an instant and the hairs on my arms stood up. He chuckled at my response. I hissed and turned to him, "That's NOT fair--"
He cut me off right away with a kiss. In an instant, I was in heaven! Jacob held the side of my neck as I wrapped my arms around his. His hands were on the sides of my waist and he guided me to his lap. His right hand pressed my lower back to pull my body closer to him as his left hand took out the hair tie I placed on my hair. His active fingers immediately tangled with my hair as I felt his other hand caress my thigh under my skirt.
Then, he pivoted us around so my back was on the blanket and he was on top of me. He let go of my lips. I opened my eyes as we looked at each other intensely once more, "You were saying?" he asked.
"Can't you wait?" I asked him. "Tomorrow night is our wedding night," I reminded him.
He kissed my nose, "Our wedding night was that night in Palavana. You have been my wife since then."
"Is that so?" I replied.
He nodded and I felt his hands hiked up to my undergarment under my skirt. His hands were prepared to pull them down but he looked at me first as if asking my permission. I widened my eyes at him. He chuckled and let go. He slid beside me and put his left lower arm under his head while he slid his right arm under me and pulled me to him.
I looked up at the sky and saw the billion stars twinkling in the night sky. They were like diamonds. "This is beautiful, Jacob," I said.
"You're beautiful," he turned to me and responded.
I looked at him and smiled, "I love you."
He gave me a peck before saying, "I love you, more."
I placed my arm on his chest as he locked me in his embrace, "Jacob, I'm curious…" I began as I traced his chest with my fingers.
"With?" Jacob asked.
"Who's stronger, the Pirate King or you?" I asked as I continued with what I was doing.
"Captain Meltzar, I think. He can render me immovable," he admitted.
"Is that so?" I said. My playful fingers did not stop. "But, I've read that if you have a strong fighter spirit, mind control and illusions won't work on you. YOU have a strong fighter spirit."
"Hm.. I haven't thought of that. Maybe I'll do that the next time he tries to control me again," he replied.
"Good," I said as my fingers continued to play.
Jacob groaned and caught my hand, "Stop that!" he scolded me.
"Stop what?" I asked innocently,
Jacob narrowed his eyes at me, "I know you know what you're doing. And I suggest you stop before I continue where we left off a while ago."
I chuckled and faced him with my chest leaning on his.
"Editha…" he warned.
"Yes?" I said ever too sweetly.
Jacob groaned teasingly and was on top of me again. There, under the starry night, we made love for the second time as the rhythm of the relaxing sound of the waves muffled our moans of pleasure.