Part 14 (1/2)

The smaller man fell silent then. There had been a note in his master's tone that he did not like; one that he knew better than to argue with. After a moment of staring at the larger 112.

111.

man, his eyes followed his captain's to the door of the back]

room. He couldn't help but wonder what was going on inside.

”Why can't Scully cook like this?”

”He'd pout for days if he heard that, Robby.”

”Oh, I don't know. Maybe he'd just learn to cook.”

Smokey shook her head at their antics and poured herself another cup of tea. They had been telling stories and carrying on for the last two hours.

When Dallas saw Smokey pouring out, he pushed his mug toward her and she filled his also. The move was so relaxed and feminine that for a moment Dallas could only stare at her.

Smokey stared back, thinking of their time on the island and wis.h.i.+ng she had Dallas to herself. Dallas' thoughts nearly mirrored Smokey's, but he knew that now was not the time or place to pursue the matter.

Indeed, had they been alone they might have leaned close and begun to talk in quiet tones, but Mic began a story just then and Dallas forced himself to turn and listen. What he heard caught his full attention at once, and romantic thoughts were momentarily swept aside.

”I swear we'd be out forever with Smokey's pa. My wife gave birth to my twin boys while I was out roaming the world.

Not Smokey, though. She likes to stay close to home, much to the pain and frustration of every captain sailing the North Atlantic.” All the men laughed, and he went on.

”Do you remember the time when we beat the Katie Lynn out of Halifax? You could have hung a shark hook on the captain's mouth, it was so wide open. Dallas here is too much of a pup to appreciate all I'm speaking of, but believe me, the captain here has been the victor for more than her share of spoils.”

”On the contrary,” Dallas put in smoothly, his voice dry, but not bitter. ”I'm well aware of Smokey's effect on the trade.”

”Meaning?” Da.r.s.ey wanted to know.

Dallas shrugged, growing a bit uncomfortable. ”Like Mic id, most captains have experienced the aftermath of her ise.”

A brief silence fell over the group.

”And in your case,” Smokey spoke softly, ”it keeps you that ^much further from realizing your dream to build s.h.i.+ps.” : These words were said thoughtfully as Smokey stared intently at Dallas.

Dallas didn't answer, but returned her look for Just a moment and then lifted his mug to drain the contents. As soon as he set it back down, Smokey stood ”It's growing late. Walk me back, will you, Da.r.s.ey?” Again her voice was soft. They left then, and the men followed soon after.

No one mentioned Smokey's proficiency or the speed of the Aramis again that night. In fact, it was not spoken of for many days, not until they were headed home and about a day's sail from Kennebunkport.

113.

smokey wondered if there could be a sight more breathtaking than the view of the sun rising over the Atlantic horizon.

The sky was a bit cloudy on this morning, which only added to the glow as she stood at the stern of her s.h.i.+p and gazed in awe As she did every time she witnessed this spectacle, she prayed.

This morning's prayers concerned the future I want to give him something, Lord; I want to give Dallas a chance to realize his dreams. I haven't been in the east for a long time, and I feel like my time behind a s.h.i.+p's wheel is drawing to a close. Smokey hesitated when she realized the thought did not upset her. It must be time for a change Close the door if I'm headed astray, Father, and give me wisdom in the days to come. One more long voyage to let Dallas have a chance, and then I'll think about selling the Aramis.

Smokey prayed until she heard footsteps behind her. It wasn't like any of her men to disturb her at this hour, but she a.s.sumed Da.r.s.ey had a question.

”If you'd rather be alone, just say the word”

The sound of Dallas' voice washed over Smokey like a warm spring shower. For just a moment her eyes slid shut. She was not some giddy, wide-eyed girl who lived her days in dreams and fantasies, but the thought of starting each morning with the sound of that voice made her want to jump and dance on the polished wood beneath her boots. Instead, she opened her eyes, uttered one more silent prayer, this time for strength, and turned to face him.

”I don't mind if you join me. It might be nice to have company.”

Dallas stood beside her, taking no care to keep his distance.

He desperately wanted to thank her again for letting him join her crew, but even after he had prayed about what he wanted to say, no words would come. A good five minutes pa.s.sed in silence, each enjoying the glorious morning sun, before Dallas felt he had found the right words. But Smokey spoke before he had a chance to share them.

”I've given a lot of thought to what you told us at Clancy's Place, Dallas, and IVe made a decision that I hope will be a help to you.” Having spoken to the waves, Smokey s.h.i.+fted then to see his face.

”I've decided to trade in eastern waters for a time. I usually stay close to home, but the men won't mind the change and I haven't been to Pakistan in years.”

”How long will you be away?” Dallas asked, amazed that he sounded so calm.

Smokey shrugged ”We'll leave in late January andbe gone six months, maybe a year. We'll see how it goes. IVe a few leads coming up in February, so I can pa.s.s those along to you if you're interested”

It was all so selfless and matter-of-fact that for a moment Dallas could find nothing to say. When he did speak, only one word would come.

”Why?”

”Why what?” Smokey frowned in genuine confusion.

”Why are you doing this?”

The real answer to that question was the last thing Smokey wanted Dallas to know, but rather than admit this, she shrugged and answered as best she could ”Jenny is my friend, and you're her brother. I think you're my friend too.”

114.

”Is that what we are, Smokey, friends?” Dallas'voice dropped in intensity, and for a moment Smokey misunderstood him.

”I realize that on this s.h.i.+p I'm your captain, but we're almost home, so...” Smokey hesitated when a horrid thought occurred to her. ”If you think I'm going to be a nuisance when we get to Maine, you needn't worry. I'm done with spilling my water and staring like a fool.”

”That's not what I meant,” Dallas cut her off before she could go on, his voice filled with pain. How in the world did he tell this woman what he was feeling, when he could barely identify the emotions himself? Was he in love? He didn't know.

Was he captivated? Extremely.

”It's a long time for you to be gone,” Dallas finally managed, but Smokey's stance was still guarded ”I'll miss you,” he finished quietly. For a moment Smokey could only stare at him.

”Did you mean that?” She had to know.

”YesJ'

Again Smokey stared. ”I'll miss you too.”

Smokey truly believed it would happen this time. Dallas'

gaze was locked on Smokey's mouth, and his head was lowering.