Despite not being free of trouble, my life became less crazy since the SHA vanished. I wasn't sure about the RNN, but an alliance between the Armada and the Royal Navy could never work. They have hated each other since always. Atkins could make as many deals with Reyes as he wanted, but things would fall apart at some point. I sighed pronouncedly while observing the sunset at the beach. Although my daughters had returned to Ocean Storm and the SHA was gone, something didn't feel right. I wanted to enjoy everything with my mom nearby. I couldn't get over our goodbye... Well, it wasn't even a goodbye. My dog came back to my thoughts sometimes as well. He didn't deserve to die... Anyway, I tried not to dwell on that sadness. Luna and Tess played with the sand while I talked to Maartje. Despite the heartbreaking moments, I was happier than ever. I had a lot to be thankful for.

"So many things happened here," I smiled. "I came as a girl and left as a pregnant woman.

"That's right, Eileen..." Maartje grinned mischievously. "How did you come up with that name?"

"When Miguel sat beside me on this beach, I was so amazed that I couldn't think straight," I sighed pronouncedly. "I chose a name starting with E because it'd be easier to memorize if he showed up again, which I never expected to happen."

"I'm sure he still remembers your fake identity," my cousin removed a small leaf from her red bandana. "It's impossible to forget a lady you impregnated."

I glanced at my girls, "He could've forgotten since neither of us knew about Luna at the time."

"Come on! My father said Miguel has always been crazy about you," she turned to the sunset. "I think you felt the same deep down. Even when you were with the other guy."

"How can you be so talented?" I laughed softly. "It's dangerous to have a cousin who reads minds."

Maartje chuckled, "I'm just perceptive."

I raised my brows, "Nosy would be more accurate."

We laughed. My daughters were having a great time together, so I didn't interrupt their happiness. I just couldn't let Luna or Tess dress like Navy men for fun... What? My crew would get upset!

"Miguel and I have been together for three months, but it feels like forever," I smiled widely. "It's crazy."

She downturned her head, "In a good or bad way?"

My eyes gleamed, "Time goes by really fast when I'm with him, so definitely good."

Maartje pressed her lips together, "So... Does that mean you'd like to be with Miguel forever?"

"Of course! I wish I'd listened to my heart earlier," I raised a brow. "Why are you asking this?"

"No reason," my cousin grinned. "I always thought destiny put you and him together."

I chuckled, "Miguel is the love of my life, but do you seriously believe this destiny nonsense?"

"You made a baby here four years ago and kept running into each other," Maartje sighed. "If that's not fate, I don't know what is."

I shook my head in denial, "I got pregnant because I was reckless. Besides, it was a coincidence to see him again afterwards."

My cousin shot me a mysterious gaze, "Was it?"

Why's she acting so weirdly?

Maartje looked in every direction, seemingly uneasy. I walked closer, trying to understand what was going on... Something was off. Luna kept gazing at me as if she knew something as well... Great! My own family had been keeping secrets from me.

I caressed Luna's arms, "Is everything fine, sweetie?"

My eldest daughter smiled, "I'm excited!"

I chuckled, "Is it because you're playing with your sister?"

"No! Daddy said he's planning something special," her eyes gleamed. "I want to see it."

My cousin bit her lower lip as if Luna's comment had made her nervous... Had Miguel gotten in trouble? I'd probably freak out if yes! Besides being my man, he was the father of my daughters, so I could never lose him. My heart would be shattered if he'd gotten hurt... Don't judge me! Haven't you loved someone before?

"We should go," Maartje gently pulled me by the arm. "Laurens and Willem are at that tavern."

"Weren't we going to eat rum cake?" I scowled. "You insisted on coming to Nassau because of it!"

"I... Let's have the cake later!" she forced a laugh. "My poor man will get tired of waiting."

I crossed my arms, "You've been acting strange today... What's going on?"

"Nothing! Miguel went to help Giacomo and Nuria with their booty," Maartje grinned weirdly. "Nuria is pregnant, so she can't carry too much weight, remember?"

"No one takes an entire day to move cargo," I tried to imagine what could really be happening. "Are they alright?"

"Of course!" my cousin's eyes widened. "Shall we leave?"

I nodded, still concerned. My eyes bulged as a mysterious person observed me from behind a coconut tree. It was dark, so I couldn't see who it was. Tess and Luna didn't seem to notice the stranger. Maartje frowned while glancing in that direction.

"Protect the girls," I approached the tree. "I must see who's there."

My cousin nodded, "Scream if you need help."

The person quickly covered their face with a black cloth. I raised my hands, showing I wasn't going to hurt them. When I thought the stranger would speak, they ran away. The poor person tripped and nearly fell, so they weren't used to running on sand.

So weird...

"That was odd," Maartje's eyes bulged. "I have nothing to do with that person."

Although she had been acting strange, I believed her. I tilted my head to the side after entering the tavern. Laurens and Willem weren't alone. Joaquim and Andrew were there as well. The two of them hugged me, seemingly happy.

My lips curled into a face-wide smile, "What a great surprise!"

Joaquim chuckled, "The great surprise isn't ready yet, querida."

Knight elbowed Faria subtly. I scowled, more curious than ever. Laurens rubbed his forehead, apparently bothered. My cousin squeezed her eyes shut.

Andrew forced a smile, "Who wants rum?"

Giacomo and Nuria arrived running. My sister-in-law panted. I couldn't blame her because it was harder to run while five months pregnant. I swallowed hard, hoping it wasn't the SHA again or some other navy.

Ricci smiled, "Everything's ready! You may stop stalling my sister now."

I frowned, "What are you talking about?"

"This is a kidnap!" Nuria giggled while putting a blindfold on my eyes. "I'll guide you."

What the hell?

I tripped three times on the way... Yeah, I wasn't the best at walking without seeing anything. My boots sank on the floor slightly, so I was probably at the beach again. My back wouldn't stop sweating. Once Nuria and Giacomo removed the blindfold, I gaped. Miguel smiled sweetly as I walked closer. There were countless red hibiscus flowers around us.

I chuckled, "You weren't moving cargo, were you?"

Miguel shook his head in denial, "They helped me find the best red hibiscus flowers."

"We've served our purpose," Nuria pulled Giacomo by the hand. "Let's leave them alone."

Perhaps it was just my excitement, but the moon seemed brighter that night. Although Miguel and I hadn't been a couple for a long time, my heart always raced when he was nearby. I couldn't help but smile while looking deep into his eyes.

I felt myself blushing, "Now I know Laurens, Maartje, and you didn't insist on coming to Nassau for the rum cake."

"I don't remember if it was on this exact spot, but I wanted to take you back to where it all started," Gálvez caressed my hands. "Back to where we started."

"You never cease to amaze me," I closed my eyes briefly as the ocean breeze made my hair flutter. "Why are we here?"

He took a step closer, "Because I have something important to say."

I ground my teeth, "Please don't tell me everything was a dream and I'm about to wake up as a thirteen-year-old with Hendrika holding a whip."

"This is real. She'll never hurt you again," Miguel put a strand of hair behind my ear. "Not as long as I live."

Am I really worthy of him?

I'd defeated worse people, but Hendrika haunted my thoughts sometimes. It's hard to forget someone who ruined your life for years. I looked at the ocean, then back at Miguel, which made my heart lighter.

"We've been together for three months, but I've known you for years," his eyes gleamed. "I don't need more time to be sure you're the one."

"You're always sweet, but today you're more than usual," I raised a brow. "How much rum did you have in my absence?"

Gálvez laughed, "None. I don't need alcohol to be in love with you, mi vida."

I'm the luckiest woman ever!

I chuckled and felt my cheeks getting redder. Taking several deep breaths, Miguel took my hands in his. I wouldn't stop smiling... Don't judge me! It was hard not to get lost in his eyes.

"You're the best thing that ever happened to me besides our daughters," he got down on one knee. "It was great to be your first, but what I truly want is to be your last."

"I burp a lot," I laughed nervously. "Are you sure you'd like to proceed?"

"I love everything about you. Your smile, your intelligence, your jokes, your bravery... Even your burps. I never want you to change," Gálvez looked at me admiringly. "Eva Van Acker, will you marry me?"

My heartbeat wouldn't stop accelerating. Although I'd been with Miguel for a few months, I'd waited years for that question. Somewhere in my heart, I always knew he was the one. Different from when Dirk proposed, there was no hesitation... Only love. Nobody made me feel complete like Miguel did. My heart had no doubt as I locked eyes with Gálvez.

My lips curled into a face-wide smile, "Yes! A million times yes! I love you so much, Miguel Gálvez Navarro!"

He grinned while putting a beautiful golden ring surrounded by diamonds on my finger. We shared a long and sweet kiss. Even though I didn't see anything, I felt my right leg lifting. We kept smiling at each other for a while.

"You may come out," Miguel approached some coconut trees and bushes. "She said yes!"

Everyone left the hiding spot while cheering loudly. My family hugged me so tightly that I gasped. Luna, Tess, and Willem smiled. Laurens walked towards the hibiscuses... Why did he leave the embrace earlier? I approached him, slightly worried.

"I also have something to say!" my master gunner turned to Maartje. "Come here, my dear."

My cousin lifted a brow, "What is this about?"

"I stole a ring when I helped Miguel rob one for Eva. Although we've been together for years, I'd like to make it official," Laurens got down on one knee while smiling sweetly. "You're my everything, Maartje."

"I can't believe it..." Maartje's eyes gleamed. "I must hear the question!"

My oldest friend took a deep breath, "Maartje de Vries, will you become my wife?"

She smiled broadly, "Yes, Laurens! Of course!"

Maartje and Laurens kissed passionately. Everybody clapped. Yeah, that wasn't expected... I never thought Laurens would ask that to my cousin. He'd been stalling for a long time.

"I'm happy for all of you. Let's celebrate by eating," Nuria caressed her relatively large belly. "Pregnancy makes me insanely hungry."

"Let's give Miguel and Eva a moment alone," Maartje winked. "We'll meet you at the tavern near that orange house."

Miguel nodded, "Sounds like a plan."

Gálvez put an arm around my back once everyone left. I rested my head on his shoulder as we observed the stars. Andrew's pillows were great, but there was nothing better than my future husband's shoulder to lean on. That was the best silent moment of my life. I never thought I'd ever feel whole.

"The craziest Dutch lady met the weirdest Spaniard here," I gazed at the floor while grinning. "We should write this on the sand."

"Our story might be unusual, but that's what makes it special," he gently caressed my back. "Not everyone first has a baby, then develops a friendship, and lastly gets married."

I shot him a mischievous gaze, "When did we ever follow the rules?"

We laughed loudly... Don't judge us! You know Miguel and I always hated rules. They never helped us in anything. I sighed once I remembered my friends and family were waiting.

"We should go and..." my eyes bulged once I tripped on a tree branch. "Not again!"

Miguel tried to catch me, but I fell over him... Guess what? We'd just gotten engaged and I almost killed the poor guy! Well, not exactly, but I smashed him a little. Despite the situation, Gálvez didn't seem unhappy. We stared at each other with our mouths half-open... Perhaps he didn't mind me there after all.

He smiled coyly, "This brings back memories, doesn't it, guapa?"

"Not really," I licked my lips slowly. "I need a reminder."

My man chuckled, "Won't our family get tired of waiting?"

I slid my hand down his chest, "Let them wait..."

"Alright then," Miguel winked. "Your wish is my command, Captain Storm."

My future husband pulled me closer, making me laugh softly. I breathed quickly as he kissed my neck and chest fervently. We repeated what we'd done on that beach four years ago. I loved feeling Miguel's skin on mine... How could that be so amazing? It was insane! People say nothing compares to your first time with somebody, but they're wrong. That adventure was much better. Miguel and I weren't reckless kids who just wanted a piece of each other anymore. We were two crazy pirates in love. 

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Author's note: Hey! Thank you for reading! I hope everyone is well. Please vote and comment if you enjoyed this chapter and follow the "Battles and Secrets" playlist on Spotify. All translations can be found below. I had a lot of fun writing this chapter because of the very romantic Miva vibes. I chose my favorite song for this amazing part of the story... :-) What does the future hold for Eva and Miguel? Keep reading and you'll find out... ;-)

I dedicate this chapter to my dear friend and passionate Miva shipper SueLou66

Foreign words/expressions in order of appearance:

1. Querida means "dear" in Portuguese

2. Mi vida means "my love" in Spanish (not a literal translation since it literally means "my life")