Never underestimate the power of time. It will go by quicker than you expect. One day you're a kid playing with plundered objects, then suddenly you're a woman who loves sword fighting... Very normal for a twenty-two-year-old lady in 1751! I was lucky to be born into a family that let me be myself... Except when I flirted with guys, which made my dad crazy. You're wondering who's the narrator, aren't you? Well, you already know me. I'm that baby that drove everyone crazy with her arrival... Yes, this is Luna. I must admit I was a beautiful woman. Many men would agree... Please don't tell my father! Anyway, let's talk about what was happening that evening. Everyone was at my parents' new tavern making some toasts. Our family loved celebrations.

Maartje raised her glass, "I'll never get tired of saying this, Eva and Miguel, but you're my favorite couple. I couldn't be prouder of how far you've come. I love you both! Cheers!"

Mom chuckled, "I've never been so thankful for a nosy cousin."

"Let's not forget Maartje and I were both essential to this union," my aunt Nuria crossed her arms. "We deserve a celebration for that."

"I want one too. It was my idea to open the Golden Storm Tapas Tavern here in San Agustín when we retired after Luna's eighteenth birthday," Laurens raised his brows. "This is the best family business ever!"

Although we weren't pirates anymore, we still dressed and drank like them. In case you didn't know, tapas are small Spanish dishes. Created in the 13th century, tapas became popular across the Spanish Empire. They can be potatoes with cheese, shrimp empanadas, pork... Anything. I loved helping my father with cooking, but I wasn't as great as him at it. Uncle Giacomo, my mother, and Maartje administered the place. Every family member worked at the Golden Storm Tapas Tavern. I couldn't believe my parents opened a business that mixed their old pirate names... So cute!

Isabel smiled, "When my parents let me make desserts here, I'll create a huge one for the three of you."

Stefan frowned, "Only if you stop adding salt instead of sugar to the pies!"

"That was a one-time thing!" she huffed and crossed her arms. "Maybe two... Fine, it was three."

"I'll never forget your salty pineapple pies," my brother raised his brows. "They gave me nightmares!"

Grandma Carolien rolled her eyes, "You two never stop fighting..."

"Stefan, don't be so hard on Izzy. She's learning," my father smiled once he turned to my mother. "Since everyone has made their toasts already, I have something to say to the love of my life."

My siblings turned to my parents, apparently curious. Maartje, Laurens, my uncle, my aunt, and my grandmas seemed to want to cry tears of joy... That happened every time my father was about to say something adorable. Willem and Vasco whispered, apparently uninterested.

Can't boys be like my dad? The world needs more men who don't act like babies...

Izzy elbowed Vasco while Stefan did the same to Will. The twins subtly shot them an icy glare. Although it sounds weird, my fifteen-year-old siblings were more mature than Vasco and Willem, who were seventeen and twenty-one, respectively. Even Tess, a year younger than Will, was less childish than him and my cousin.

"Eva, I'm so grateful I met you. It seems like yesterday that we were silly young pirates who had no idea what they were doing," my father chucked and caressed my mom's face. "Choosing to spend the rest of my life with you was the best decision I've ever made. You make me smile every day and I'm privileged to be married to such a beautiful, smart, kind, and fun woman. Happy anniversary, mi amor. I love you."

"I love you too, Miguel, and I must tell you something too. First, congratulations. You're officially the most patient man ever for putting up with me for sixteen years. We should create a prize for that!" my mother grinned as everyone else chuckled. "My heart is and will always be yours. I'll never get tired of your sweetness, the way you make me smile, and our moments together. Happy anniversary to us!"

Everybody clapped as my mom and dad kissed passionately. Isabel, Tess, and Stefan wrinkled their noses... I was the only Gálvez Van Acker kid that liked seeing my parents happy. Willem and Vasco didn't seem very happy either. Love was one of my favorite things about life. It motivated me. While thinking of my romantic fantasies, I had an idea. Taking a step forward, I hoped my family would enjoy what I wanted to say.

I grabbed a rum glass, "I'd like to make a toast as well."

Grandma Rosa approached me subtly, "We'd love to hear it."

"I'd like to thank you for being such wonderful parents. I'm lucky to have you in my life. We're the craziest and best family ever to exist," I smiled at my mother and father. "I love both of you very much and I wish you many more happy years together."

My mother wiped away a tear, "You're great at making old people cry, Lulu."

Dad embraced me, "Come here, princesa."

"Some sources told me I was a surprise in this family. A surprise that made you two spend more time with each other. That makes me one of the main reasons you're together, so..." I smiled and raised my glass. "You're welcome!"

My parents laughed and so did the other guests... Even grumpy Willem. After everyone clinked their glasses, the people who worked at the tavern started serving the tapas. While my uncle and aunt talked to my parents, Maartje and Laurens helped my grandmothers make sure every table had food. It was exciting to be a part of the first tavern to serve food in San Agustín... I enjoyed participating in change.

Uncle Giacomo glanced at Vasco, "You should learn from Lulu. She's good with words."

My cousin raised his brows, "You're only saying that because your anniversary is coming. I'm not great at speeches, so don't expect too much."

I hope this celebration never ends!

While I walked towards my siblings, a good-looking man smiled coyly as he served the food. He seemed to be my age. Perhaps wearing pants torn until the knee still called men's attention. I winked at him and licked my lips slowly... That meant I'd meet him later. Luckily, no adult saw it. Making something a secret was always fun.

Izzy sighed, "How do you do it, Lulu?"

I chuckled, "What are you talking about?"

"All the guys fall at your feet!" my youngest sister raised her brows. "Not even mosquitoes look at me."

"That's because you don't put yourself out there," I sat next to Isabel. "To call a man's attention, you must show you're available."

Willem gazed at Izzy's plate, "Another advice would be to stop eating like an animal."

"Shut up, Will!" I cleared my throat and caressed Isabel's shoulders. "Don't worry, pequeñita. I taught you sword fighting, so I can do the same with flirting."

"Speaking of swords, don't you miss the pirate life?" Vasco bit his lower lip. "I like being at the tavern, but I need a new adventure."

Tess raised a brow, "Seriously? I'll never go back to plundering! When I get older, I'll have my private island and rest."

Stefan laughed, "Wouldn't you need to be a pirate for that? Perhaps have a crew to help? You can't take an island by yourself!"

Staring at the wall, I thought about what Vasco and Tess had said. Both had a point. Although resting seemed delightful, I couldn't stop thinking about my old life sometimes. The cannon blasts, the fights, the fun... All those things were a big part of my younger years. Unfortunately, my parents and other relatives wouldn't go back to piracy. They claimed to be too old for that. My eyes widened as I had an idea. It wouldn't be easy, but possible.

"How about we plunder a ship on Vasco's birthday? It'd be the perfect gift!" I turned to my cousin as my eyes gleamed. "It's our turn to be pirates."

"I'm not sure I'll come," Tess glanced at the ground. "Besides, you can't do that without our family knowing."

I sipped my rum, "We won't. Mom and dad will support us, I'm sure."

Will narrowed his eyes, "How are we getting a crew, pirate genius?"

"People will join us as we plunder. It's a matter of time," I grinned mischievously. "If no one does that, I can convince some guys, if you know what I mean..."

Izzy chuckled, "Why am I not surprised by your strategy?"

My siblings and I laughed loudly. Vasco gave me a pat on the back. Although Willem tried to remain serious, he ended up chuckling. Closing my eyes, I imagined myself on a pirate ship. I took a deep breath as I remembered the wonderful experiences with my family on Ocean Storm. Every moment was precious. I was happy, but I'd love to experience future adventures on the sea.

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Author's note:  Thank you for reading this first bonus scene. As always, please vote and comment if you enjoyed it. I hope you all liked to see the children's personalities. The next bonus scene is about the past, so please keep that in mind when you read it... :-)