“I’m yours?” She whispered the words, though it seemed Wade had come to some sort of realization about their relationship. It seemed he was not as uncaring as Julianne had thought.
“You are mine, Julianne. Like it or not, you have my heart. I thought long ago that it died, but you have shown me what it means to love and be loved in return.”
She looked at him, cupping his face.
“I don’t believe it,” she whispered. “You love me?”
He had jumped off The Dark Lovely and swam after her. He had fought the raging sea to get to her. He had been strong against the magical lure of the island.
He had saved her.
And it could have cost him everything he held so dear.
“Surely you knew.”
“I certainly did not.”
“I know you love me,” Wade said easily, cockily, and Julianne slapped him lightly on the chest.
“You know no such thing.”
“Tell me, Julianne. Tell me you love me.”
He had never asked her to say this before, had never said the words to her, either. Julianne had struggled with knowing her status with Wade, and now here he was, just telling her. He was laying his heart bare for her, and he wanted her to do the same.
“I love you, Wade Docherty. You are my Saucy Devil,” she whispered.
“And I love you, Julianne Rye.”
He kissed her, wrapping his arms around her, pulling her close. She nuzzled against his chest, seeking once again the safety and comfort she had grown so used to. She had learned to depend on him, to crave him. The fact that he loved her too warmed her to her core.
“I want to spend the rest of my l
ife with you. I want to make you happy. I want to see you smile.”
“Pretty romantic for a pirate, aren’t you?”
“Pirates are the most romantic people you’ll ever meet, love.”
“Is that right?” She might not have believed it when they first met, but Wade had almost died for her. He had fought for her. He had saved her, rescuing her from a magical fate that would have undoubtedly been horrifying unpleasant. He had almost lost everything, and he’d done it just for her.
If that wasn’t true love, true romance, then what was?
“It’s right,” Wade kissed her again, and then they heard a shout from outside the cabin door.
“Captain! You must come see this!”
“What is it?” Wade called out, not moving. His eyes were locked firmly on Julianne’s.
“It’s The Cursed Hangman! Captain! We’ve found it! You were right all along! There is a treasure! There is a treasure!”
Julianne looked up at Wade and kissed him again. He looked so happy, so content, and her heart soared. They were there. After so much searching, they were there. They had found the ship. They had found The Cursed Hangman.
“You found it,” she whispered. “You found your treasure.”
“Yes,” he said, looking at Julianne. “I did.”
THE END