Chapter Twenty

Angelina brushed past Rufus when he opened the door to Destiny’s home. Without thinking, she ran for the stairs as if she still lived there and called out, “Destiny, are you up there? Destiny, it’s Angelina. I need to talk to you.”

Glimpsing Rufus’ startled expression from the corner of her eyes, she stopped and turned. “I must see Destiny. And it is urgent. Is she at home? Please forgive me for bursting in.”

Rufus shook his grizzled head and gave her a sly grin. “Dat’s all right, Miz Angelina. Ah understand. The missus, she be ’ere. And dis still be lahk your home. You g’wan up.”

She smiled and gathered her skirts in one hand, racing up the stairs. Throwing open Destiny’s bedroom door, she found her friend, seated at her vanity, staring into the mirror.

Startled, Destiny whirled around and faced her. Her eyes widened, and Angelina saw how red they were. She’d been crying again.

But her friend’s joy at seeing her was apparent when she rose from the vanity bench and ran to her. Destiny hugged her. “Angelina, I’m so glad you’ve come. I didn’t expect you. I know how busy you are at your factory.”

Destiny broke their embrace and stepped back. “I dreaded another day alone.” Taking Angelina’s hands in her own, she smiled. “But now you’ve come. You don’t know how much that means to me. Have breakfast with me? Tilly will bring a tray. It will be like old times.”

Angelina shook her head. “I’m sorry, but this isn’t a social call. And I’ve been up for hours. I’ve already eaten.”

She’d lied. She’d barely managed to choke down a cup of coffee. Why was she lying to her friend? She who hated deceit in all its forms. Because her pride dictated that she do so?

Was that why Alejandro had lied to her? Because of pride? He’d said he didn’t want her pity. That had been a form of pride. Had she judged him too harshly? Everyone told small lies to cover their flaws and vulnerabilities. Why couldn’t she accept and understand?

Because his lie hadn’t been a small one.

She remembered all the times she’d lied when she first came to Key West, first to Destiny, then to Alejandro, and finally to Cortez. She’d hated lying, but she’d done so to save herself, to survive.

But Alejandro hadn’t lied to save himself. He’d deceived her without reason, and his deceit went to the heart of their relationship, tore at the very foundation of their love. If she couldn’t trust him, there could be no love. Could there?

She shook her head. “No, that’s not true. I haven’t eaten breakfast, Destiny. But I couldn’t eat a bite, even of Tilly’s cooking.”

Her friend’s face fell. “What’s wrong? Please, tell me.” Taking her hands again, Destiny led her to the big four-poster bed where they’d spent many an hour gossiping and pouring their hearts out to each other. “Please, sit down. It must be something terrible to bring you this early.” Destiny sat beside her and wrapped one arm around her waist.

The tears that wouldn’t come before spilled over, streaming down her face. Half-blinded, she groped in her reticule for a handkerchief. But Destiny retrieved one from the pocket of her dressing gown and gave it to her. With her friend’s arm around her, she finally let herself go. All the stone-cold misery that had lodged in her chest and the back of her throat broke loose, like a dam bursting, flooding her with grief and regrets.

And Destiny, good and true friend that she was, held her in her arms, letting her sob. When her tears slowed and her sobs turned to dry gulps, she lifted her head from Destiny’s shoulder and blew her nose into the already-sodden handkerchief.

She remembered all the times Destiny had cried in her arms. But this was the first time she’d allowed herself the luxury. Before, she’d been too busy being strong. Only with Alejandro had she opened herself completely. And that was why his deceit hurt so much. To have opened herself, only to be betrayed again.

Sniffing and dabbing at her eyes, she said, “Alejandro and I have separated. I want to end our marriage because he lied to me.”

“Oh, Angelina, no. You were so happy together. What could he have lied to you about that would—?”

“He’s the childhood sweetheart I told you about. The one who gave me Malvado. I didn’t recognize him because I was young when he went away and because his face is scarred. He married me and we made love. And all the time, he kept his identity from me.” Her chin trembled. Tearing at the soaked handkerchief, she twisted it in her hands.

Destiny took a deep breath. “But he must have had a good reason for not telling you. I know Alejandro loves you. Did he tell you why he kept his identity a secret?”

“Yes, he told me he was afraid I would pity him because of his scars. That he wanted me to care for him as he was now, not because of our past relationship.”

“And you didn’t believe him?”

“What does it matter if I believe him? He lied to me once, and he can lie again. Don’t you see? He betrayed me in the worst possible way? I can never trust him.”

“I see,” Destiny said and then, “I wonder how Alejandro is feeling, knowing he destroyed your love? It must be terrible for him.”

Angelina stared at Destiny, hurt that her friend would feel empathy for Alejandro. But when she looked into her friend’s ravaged face, she understood. Destiny believed she’d destroyed Capitán Rodgers. And she was slowly destroying herself.

Did Alejandro feel the same remorse, the same guilt? She hadn’t thought of it before. She’d been too busy licking her own wounds. But seeing Destiny’s anguish, she realized what an awful burden it must be.

Destiny loved the Capitán and regretted losing him. Did Alejandro feel the same way? Did he regret losing her? She remembered the misery etched on his features when she’d asked for a divorce. But he hadn’t fought her. He’d accepted quietly and gone to his office. She’d thought he didn’t care.

Rising, she paced the room, twisting the handkerchief into a knot. “I don’t know if it’s terrible for him, Destiny. And even if it is, I don’t think I can forgive him.” She stopped pacing and faced her friend. “But I didn’t come this morning to tell you about the end of my marriage. I came because of another matter. Something you might be able to help me with.”

“I should have known it wasn’t about your personal life.” Destiny folded her hands in her lap.

“What do you mean?”

“Just that you’re so strong and capable. You don’t need anyone, even when you’re hurting. Or you pretend not to. You probably would have waited until you got a divorce before you told me.”

Her friend’s words cut her like a knife. Was that how she was? It wasn’t very flattering, hearing it from Destiny. If she were honest, she knew she’d purposely projected an aura of invulnerability to face the challenges of her new life. But she’d never meant to shut Destiny out.

Had she seemed that way to Alejandro, too? Had she appeared unapproachable? Was that why he’d been afraid to confess his identity?

“I’m sorry, Angelina.” Destiny sighed. “Sometimes I envy your strength. Other times, I wish…” She shook her head.

“Don’t.” Angelina crossed the room and took Destiny by the shoulders, kissing her cheek. “I know I’ve been…hard sometimes. But don’t you see, I needed to be. I came to a new country, not knowing anyone. And I wanted to be free of men and their influence. A difficult thing to do when they hold all the power and money.” Releasing Destiny, she stepped back. “But I’m glad I told you about Alejandro and I.”

She sat beside Destiny again. “You’ve helped me more than you know, amiga mía. I needed to cry but couldn’t. Because you understood and offered your love, I was able to let go.” She took her friend’s hands. “I’ll never shut you out again. I need you. The thought of you going away to school fills me with dread and…”

“Oh, Angelina, that’s what I wanted to hear. You need people. You know it. And you need Alejandro. Try to understand why he didn’t tell you who he was. Don’t throw your love away.”

She gazed into Destiny’s eyes. “Shouldn’t you take your own advice, amiga mía? Accept Capitán Rodgers. Forget the past. He loves you.”

Now Destiny got to her feet, and it was her turn to pace the room. Angelina watched her friend, understanding the soul searching she was going through.

Could she forget the past, as she’d advised Destiny to do? Could she give Alejandro a second chance? Seeing herself through her friend’s eyes was a revelation—a rude awakening. Had she appeared so unbending Alejandro had despaired of telling her who he was? Had she unknowingly played a pivotal part in his deception?

She closed her eyes. Thinking of Alejandro, she knew how badly she wanted him and his love. Life without someone to love was arid and bleak. Success and financial security weren’t enough. She needed to love and be loved in return. Alejandro had shown her caring and affection. He’d always been there. And he’d always loved her. Except for not telling her who he was, she couldn’t fault him.

And she shouldn’t compare Alejandro to her father—it wasn’t fair. Her father had betrayed her to further his ambition, not caring what she wanted or needed. Alejandro wasn’t like that. He’d made her needs a priority, wanting her to be happy.

Then she remembered what had brought her to Destiny. Her stomach clenched. Her heart beat double time and perspiration popped out on her forehead. What if Alejandro and Capitán Rodgers were in mortal danger? Had she thrown away her only chance for happiness? Had Destiny done the same? Was it too late?

Rising, she said, “Destiny, look at me.”

Her friend obeyed and stopped pacing.

“Listen, this is important. Whether you want to accept Capitán Rodgers or not, I came because I’m afraid he and Alejandro are in danger.”

Destiny’s eyes widened. “Wha—what do you mean, in danger?”

“I don’t know for certain. I thought you might help me. I hoped Capitán Rodgers might have said or done something to provide you a clue.

“I went to Alejandro’s office early this morning and his next-door neighbor told me he’d left with the captain before dawn. I wondered why. And then I remembered the two times Capitán Rodgers came to Alejandro for no reason, once at our house and once at the office. Both times, Alejandro was secretive about their meetings, but looking back, I wonder if they were plotting together.”

She paused for a breath. “Their reason for plotting would be Cortez. I know Alejandro wanted to stop him at all costs. He claimed Cortez has been causing wrecks and killing people to take their cargoes. But I know he couldn’t stop Cortez by himself. He would need the authorities to do so. Could he have come to your Nathan for help? Would your grandfather know anything about it?”

Destiny’s brow furrowed as if she were trying to remember something. Then she covered her mouth with her hand. “The map. The map. I saw it in Nathan’s cabin and asked about it. But he rolled it up and put me off.”

Sinking into a chair, she said, “It was a map of Alligator Reef. That’s where a lot of wrecks happen. The currents are especially treacherous there.” She lifted her head. “They must have laid a trap for Cortez there. Now I understand the lines and curious notations on the map. Nathan was setting a trap.”

Angelina’s empty stomach knotted tighter, squeezing like a vise, and she couldn’t gulp enough air into her lungs. Her suspicions were confirmed. Alejandro and Capitán Rodgers had gone to confront Cortez. And they might die.

Memories flooded her. Memories of her childhood with Alejandro. Memories of their married life. Sweet memories. She couldn’t face life without him. To have loved him and lost him twice was too horrible to contemplate.

Destiny gasped. “I won’t let him die. I can’t let him die. I love him. Please, dear Lord, let him be safe.” She locked her gaze with Angelina’s. “We can’t let them die. It will be too late.”

“I know,” Angelina breathed.

“I’ll get Gramps. He’ll know what to do.” Destiny ran from the bedroom, leaving Angelina trembling with fear.

****

Rising on tiptoe, Destiny fitted her grandfather’s spyglass to one eye and scanned the horizon. Angelina, standing beside her, tugged at her elbow, impatient.

Destiny lowered the telescope with a sigh. “Nothing in sight.” Holding out the glass, she offered, “Here, you take a look.”

Stepping back from the attic window, Destiny shut her eyes. The waiting was horrible. She hated waiting, having nothing to do but worry and fret. Each moment dragged by as if shackled to the weight of the world.

She remembered the other time she’d stood waiting, consumed with fear—when Angelina had been abducted. Then Nathan and Alejandro had gone to rescue her friend. This time, she stood beside Angelina, waiting and worrying about Nathan and Alejandro. And in her panic for Nathan’s safety, she’d come to a hard-won decision. She didn’t want to live without him.

Nathan had sworn he loved her, and he didn’t care what had happened before. And Nathan was an honest man. Why would she doubt him?

She did love Nathan, had always loved him. She’d just been too blinded by her childish dreams to realize it. She wanted them to have a life together—if he still wanted her.

If you’ll return Nathan to me safely, dear Lord, she prayed, I’ll never let him go again. I’ll love him and take care of him and stand by his side forever. Only let him come home safely. And watch over Gramps and Angelina’s husband, too. And make Gramps keep his promise, she added.

When she’d told her grandfather about their suspicions, he’d swung into action, alerting his wrecking crew and having the schooner readied. He’d agreed with her that Nathan and Alejandro must have set a trap for Cortez at Alligator Reef. Spoiling for action, Gramps wanted to see the trap sprung.

She’d cried and pled with him to stay clear of the fighting, and he’d reluctantly promised. As worried as she was about Nathan, she’d never forgive herself if she’d sent her grandfather into danger.

Gramps had been gone three hours, just long enough, by her reckoning, to have reached Alligator Reef and come home. If he’d been blown off course, or the fighting had been prolonged, or he’d stopped to rescue survivors, it could be several more hours before he’d return. She didn’t know how much longer she could wait without tearing her hair out by the roots and screaming.

She and Angelina had already paced the house, both upstairs and downstairs, fortified by Tilly’s rich coffee. Then she’d had an idea and brought Angelina to the attic where they could watch for approaching ships.

After the hurricane, her grandfather had the roof repaired and wanted to replace the widow walk. But she’d convinced him not to rebuild the walk with all its bitter memories. Instead, the attic window, which had opened onto the walk before, was the new observation post.

Angelina lowered the spyglass and handed it to Destiny. She fisted her hands and rubbed her eyes. “The glare from the sea is so bright, it hurts my eyes.”

Destiny glanced out the window. “Yes, this time of day is the worst.”

With a seasoned mariner’s eye, she calculated the position of the sun. If they’d left before dawn and now it was late afternoon, they should have returned by now.

Unless something had gone very wrong.

Panic rose in her, and it was like a live thing, twisting and flailing at her, tearing her with razor-sharp talons. Her throat closed and her heart galloped. Without Nathan, her life was over before it had started. She finally understood how her mother must have felt, loving her father so much it hurt. And waiting for him when he never came back.

With her understanding had come her final forgiveness…both for her mother and for herself. She was free finally, free to take up her life and move forward, without looking back. Free to love and accept love, unconditionally.

But what if it was too late?

Wallowing in anguish, waiting to know about Nathan and how he fared, she wondered what Angelina must be feeling. Was she tormenting herself with the same regrets? Glancing at Angelina, she tried to gauge her friend’s feelings. At first glance, Angelina appeared outwardly calm, but Destiny saw and understood the agitated dance of her fingers.

Angelina was plucking at her skirts, knotting and twisting the fabric. Destiny knew her friend’s agitated picking for what it was—extreme anxiety. Watching her friend’s inner turmoil, Destiny bit the inside of her mouth, forcing back the scream that threatened to erupt. Desperate and helpless, she wanted to scream and cover her friend’s hands.

Covering her face instead, she wondered what was happening to her. She’d never felt like this before. As if she was spinning out of control, coming apart at the joints, like a demented Humpty-Dumpty, never to be put back together again. Gulping air, she prayed for strength, realizing she was slowly going mad with the waiting.

She felt a tugging at her elbow, bringing her back from the abyss. Angelina was crying out, “¡Mira! Look! You’ve the spyglass, but I think I see sails. Could it be?”

With trembling hands, Destiny brought her arm up and positioned the glass to her eye. The telescope felt as if it weighed a thousand pounds. Her senses were deadened by dread, numbed by hopelessness.

Far out on the horizon, she saw the sails. Adjusting the glass, she brought the pinpoints of white into stark relief. There was a two-masted cutter, followed by the distinctive rigging of her grandfather’s schooner.

Her heart leapt. She dropped the glass to her lap and grabbed Angelina’s hands, shouting, “It’s them! It’s their ships, Nathan’s cutter and Gramps’ schooner.”

****

James Whitman, restrained in chains about his ankles and wrists, was the first person to descend the gangplank from the naval cutter. A Navy seaman walked behind James, pushing him forward.

Destiny gasped, unable to believe her eyes, wondering what part he’d had in this. But questions about James flew from her mind when she saw Nathan. He followed close upon James’ heels, striding down the gangplank, his left arm in a makeshift sling.

She rushed forward, brushing past James without a second glance, and flung herself onto Nathan’s broad chest. Relief and joy bubbled in her veins. Rejoicing he was alive, she clung to his neck while trying to avoid bumping his injured arm. She opened her mouth to speak, but no sound came forth, only sobs, great gulping sobs.

Nathan stepped back and held her at arm’s length. “What’s this, Destiny?” He inclined his head toward Whitman. “Are your tears for him?” He removed her arms from around his neck and took her elbow. “I think I understand. Here, let’s move aside and let the others pass.”

Obediently, she followed Nathan down the gangplank. “It’s not that… It’s not about James.”

“He was caught red handed,” Nathan said. “You have a right to know.”

“Nathan, please, don’t,” she begged. “That’s over. I don’t care about James Whitman. Please, believe me.” She clutched the lapels of his uniform. “That’s why I refused you before. Don’t you see? I didn’t want you to think that—”

“That I was your second choice. I know.”

“Then you understand? And you believe me when I say I care nothing for James?”

“Yes, I understand and I believe you.” He snagged her gaze. “I knew it the day after the hurricane when I begged you to marry me. What has changed now?”

“Oh, Nathan, I knew you were in danger, and I thought I would die, worrying about you. That’s what has changed.” She wanted to tell him she loved him, but she was still unsure and awkward.

“Your grandfather told us you and Angelina guessed where Estava and I had gone, to trap Cortez. You’re to be commended for your insight. No one else guessed.” He paused. “We expected to catch Cortez, but Estava suspected someone was supplying him with inside knowledge of the shipping schedules and cargoes. Someone highly placed in Key West shipping. And Estava was right. It was Whitman.”

Destiny stared up at him, surprised and incredulous. “But why? He has everything. His family has everything. What could he have possibly gained?”

Nathan shrugged. “Adventure, risk, a chance to thumb his nose at his powerful family. Wealth he didn’t inherit but made on his own.” He touched her arm. “I’m just guessing, but I’ve known men like him before. They want to make their own mark on the world, however misguided their actions.”

She considered the startling information. What would Key West think about one of their precious own being part of a hideous plot? The Key would be abuzz for weeks with gossip. But it no longer touched her. She didn’t care. All she cared about was Nathan and their future together.

James had always chafed at his family’s overweening power and control. He’d always been eager to prove himself. She just hadn’t realized the depths to which he was willing to lower himself. But remembering that awful day on his yacht, she wasn’t surprised by his complete lack of morals and regard for other people.

She was over James. Had been over him for weeks. She’d always loved Nathan. But how to convince him?

Standing beside Nathan, she watched as the other men, chained like James, were led from the cutter. At the last, two seamen brought down a stretcher. Alejandro lay on it, one trouser leg stained with blood.

Gasping, she looked for Angelina on the crowded wharf. But her friend was already running to Alejandro’s side. Tugging on Nathan’s good arm, Destiny asked, “Alejandro? Is he badly hurt?”

“No, he’ll be fine. He’s a tough one, Estava is. Took a bullet through the fleshy part of his thigh and can’t put any weight on his leg.” Nathan cocked his head. “Come to think of it, I’m jealous.” He plucked at the sling on his arm. “My wound isn’t half as dramatic. And the stretcher is a nice touch, very moving.” His voice was light with teasing, and he inclined his head. “Just look at your friend’s reaction.”

Destiny looked and saw the two seamen had set down the stretcher on the wharf. Angelina sank to her knees beside it, half covering Alejandro with her body and kissing him thoroughly.

“What about Cortez?” she asked.

“He was killed in the fighting. And good riddance to a cold-blooded murderer.” Nathan paused. “We were lucky; we didn’t lose any men, only a few wounded. Cortez’s ship was sunk, some of his men killed, and the others we brought back to justice. They’ll probably hang.”

Destiny searched her heart for any sign of pity for James’ fate. But she felt only a disembodied sense of emptiness, of regret for a life wasted and sympathy for his family’s grief.

“It’s too bad,” she said quietly. “Such an awful thing. Wrecking ships purposely for profit. Gramps has always said it was the dark side of Key West’s prosperity.”

“Your grandfather is right about that.” His voice was thoughtful when he added, “Where there is easy money, men are tempted to step over the line.”

How she loved Nathan. He was so good and noble and true. So brave and self-sacrificing. She’d never known anyone like him. “I love you, Nathan Rodgers with all my heart,” she announced suddenly, her emotions spilling over.

“What are you saying, Destiny?” he asked. “Do you know what you’re saying?”

She blushed. “I know what I’m saying—that I love you, Nathan. That I’ve always loved you but was too blind and caught up in the past to see it. That the past is dead and only the future matters. Our future together…if you’ll still have me?”

He sighed, a deep rumbling in his chest. “Does this mean you’ll marry me?”

She snuggled against his broad chest. “Tomorrow, if you like.”

He grabbed her with his one arm and lifted her as if she were dandelion fluff, swinging her around and whooping at the top of his lungs. He set her back on the wharf and gazed at her with wonder, his eyes glittering with unshed tears. “Tomorrow isn’t soon enough.”

“I know.” She buried her head against his good shoulder, feeling uncommonly shy.

“Aren’t you going to ask?”

“About what?” She lifted her head. “About your arm?” She shook her head. “I don’t care as long as you’re alive and we’re together. I’ll take care of you, Nathan. Today, tomorrow and forever.”

His good arm encircled her tighter, and his voice was gruff. “You don’t know what that means to me, Destiny, hearing you say you love me. I’ve waited a lifetime to hear those words.”

“I know, forgive me for my—”

“Don’t apologize for the past. All I care is how you feel now.”

She pulled back and looked him squarely in the eyes, repeating, “I love you, Captain Nathan Rodgers, with all my heart.”

Then she ducked her head, realizing she hadn’t asked about his arm. But she didn’t care. If he lost the arm, she wouldn’t love him less. “And your arm?” She asked, knowing he wanted to tell her. “Is the wound bad? I don’t care if it is, you know. I meant what I said.”

“It’s nothing but a bullet graze.” He shrugged. “Should be fine in a few days.”

“Oh, Nathan, I’m so glad.”

“But you promised to take care of me today and forever.” He grinned.

“And I shall.” She returned his grin. “The very best of care, whether you’re wounded or not.”

He kissed her then, long and hard, hinting at just the kind of care he might favor. Then he broke the kiss and lifted his head. “You can be a schoolteacher if you want. I won’t stop you. But I don’t want you to go away to school. I’ll find a new post near a college where you can take your education. I don’t want to be separated again. I want us to be married.”

She stood trembling in his arms, overcome with emotion, and her head lowered, searching for the right words. Wanting him to know the most important thing for her, too, was that they would be together for the rest of their lives.

He cupped her chin in his big paw and raised her head. Their gazes met, filled with mutual understanding and yearning. His voice was soft and filled with wonder. “You don’t care, so long as we’re together. And you do love me. Whitman is the past.”

“Yes.” She put all her heart and soul in the one simple word.

Nodding, he accepted her reassurance. His body relaxed against hers. He glanced up. “What’s this?”

Destiny glimpsed the two seamen bearing Alejandro aloft. They brought him to her and Nathan, setting the stretcher down at their feet. Angelina joined them, clinging to Alejandro’s hand.

“Well, Rodgers, have you convinced her to marry you yet, you old seadog?” Alejandro asked without preamble.

Angelina glanced at Destiny and gave her a secret smile.

“What about you, Estava?” Nathan countered. “Is your wife going to let you back into the house?”

Alejandro laughed. And then he looked at Angelina, his gaze brimming with love. He squeezed her hand. “Better than that. We’re going to have a proper wedding. This time with a priest.”

“Oh, Angelina,” Destiny cried, going to her friend and kissing her cheek. “I’m so happy for you. And Nathan and I are to be married as soon as possible, too.” She glanced back at Nathan. “Isn’t it wonderful?”

“And high time, lass,” her grandfather interjected.

Destiny hadn’t seen him approaching. Whirling around, she threw her arms around his neck, glad he’d returned safely.

He returned her hug and patted her back. “I thought ye’d never come to yer senses and marry this fine captain.”

“Oh, Gramps, I’m so glad you came back safe. I was worried, despite your promise.”

He snorted. “I’m fine, lass, and I’ll be more than happy to give away the blushing bride.”

Thinking about the wedding, a thought formed in her mind, a happy wish. She turned to Angelina and then another thought occurred and she felt strangely deflated.

Angelina asked, “Destiny, what is it?”

“I wanted us to have a double wedding,” she said. “But I realize that isn’t possible. You’ll be married in the Catholic Church by a priest, and we’ll be married by a Protestant minister.”

“But it won’t keep me from fixing up the house, opening the ballroom, and giving ye lasses a proper wedding party.” Her grandfather surprised Destiny by offering.

“Gramps!” Destiny squealed, hugging him again. “Will you?”

“It will be my pleasure, granddaughter. It’ll be my pleasure.”