(Andrew)
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"How could I not?" Andrew said, looking serious.? "You are in this situation in no small part because of my actions.? For that alone, I would hold myself responsible. But even if that were not the case, I would still try to make things right for you."? He stopped and turned to face Evone'.? "I have not known you long, but I know that I love you.? What kind of man would I be to not do everything in my power to aid and protect the one I love?? The one who is now everything to me?"
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As they neared the ship, various crewmen looked up from their work and acknowledged the pair with a smile and a nod and a respectful touching of the foreknuckle to the head.? "How fare's the work, Watkins?" Andrew asked the ship's carpenter.?
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"We've been lucky, Captain," the man replied, wiping his hands on a rag as he surveyed the progress.? "The damage to the rudder and sails was less than we thought, and the two days of fair weather we've had here have allowed us to work without interruption."? His weathered face creased into a grin.? "The good Lord willing, we should be able to set sail again tomorrow afternoon."
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"Thank you, Watkins," Andrew said, letting the man get back to his work.? He looked to Evone' with boyish optimism.? "It seems we have been blessed with good fortune by your presence, my dear.? God willing, it will stay with us all the way to France."
-Evone'-
Evone' listened to Andrew speak to Mr. Watkins. She smiled and waved at the man. As they talked her mind tried to go over all that happened to her. She had jumped off a boat. By God she couldn't swim and she had jumped off a boat. She could have died...but thank god she didn't." She stood quiet and when Andrew turned back to her she was struck at just how handsome he was. "By good you are gorgeous." She said with a blink. "I'm sorry," she said shaking her head tucking her hair behind her ear.?
"So, she began. What is on your agenda for today?"
