After a few minutes, Jo's breath came less roughly, and she slid to one side. Cadie reached out and brushed away the last of the tears. "Thank you," Jo whispered.

"For what?" Cadie kissed the end of her nose softly.

"I'm not sure," Jo replied uncertainly, caressing the blonde's stomach as they lay side by side.

"You've never felt safe enough to cry in another woman's arms before, have you, Jo-Jo?"

Jo shook her head mutely, emotion closing her throat suddenly. Cadie saw the helpless look cross Jo's face and she pulled her close again. "You're always safe with me, darling," she said.

"G.o.d, you are beautiful," Jo murmured as she leaned on an elbow, gazing down at Cadie, whose blonde locks spilled across the pillow. She traced the flush that rose on the American's skin with a fingertip, watching the goose b.u.mps rising behind it.

Cadie's own fingers were busy, tracing lazy circles around Jo's breast, closing in on her nipple, and then moving out again. Slowly they began moving against each other once more, legs entwined, Jo half-pinning the smaller woman under her.

"So are you, my love," Cadie replied, entranced by the soft blush that adorned Jo's angular cheeks. She wrapped her arms around the taller woman and pushed up, rolling them both over until she leaned over Jo. Then she began leaving a fiery trail of kisses between her b.r.e.a.s.t.s, teasing soft skin with her tongue as she slid down the long body under her.

"Where do you think you're going?" Jo growled softly.

Cadie lifted her head long enough to gaze frankly at her lover. "I want to taste you, darling," she whispered honestly.

"Ohhhhhh myyyyy," Jo responded as a shot of pure l.u.s.t surged through her at the blonde's words. Cadie slid lower, trailing her tongue over skin suddenly covered in goose b.u.mps. "Ohhh, it's going to be a long night," Jo murmured happily.

An evil chuckle was the blonde's only verbal response.

"Paul, relax will you? You're making me nervous just looking at you." Jo watched the tall crewman pacing the confined s.p.a.ce of the Seawolf's c.o.c.kpit like a caged lion. "I don't know what you're so tense about, anyway. We're in the middle of the ocean, and the bride's already on board. She's not gonna stand you up, mate."

"That's not the point, Skipper," Paul growled as he pa.s.sed her for the millionth time in the last 10 minutes. "This is a big deal. This is for life, you know? Life." He paused and looked her in the eye for emphasis on the last word.

Jo couldn't help giggling. "Oh come on, Paulie. You can't tell me you're having doubts about this? You adore Jen. We all know. h.e.l.l, some of us have known it for months. Come to think of it, you were probably the last to know. But I know you, mate. And I've never seen you happier since you proposed to her." She watched as he resumed his pacing. "Snap out of it."

He stopped in his tracks and turned on his heel to face her. "I know, I know. I'm sorry, Skipper. I'm just nervous, is all."

Jo beamed at him and shrugged. "What's to be nervous about, mate?" she rea.s.sured him. "Take a look around." She gestured at their surroundings. "It's a gorgeous day. The boat is packed full of your best friends. We're in the middle of Heart Reef. And any minute now, Jen is going to come up that companionway looking stunning. What more could you ask for?"

He nodded. "You're right. I know you're right," he said. "Thanks, Skip."

"Hey, that's what a best man is for, right?" She grinned at the big man. "Go talk to Marilyn." She pushed him in the direction of Airlie Beach's resident eccentric and marriage celebrant, who was communing with nature near the stern. "Make sure she hasn't lost the vows."

"Jesus, you don't think she's-" He caught sight of Jo's face and realized he was being teased. "I'll get you for that, Skipper."

Below decks Cadie was putting the final touches on Jenny's bridal bouquet. Much to her surprise the Seawolf hostess had asked her to be her only attendant for the ceremony, a gesture Cadie very much appreciated.

I feel very at home here already, she thought with a smile as she handed the finished bouquet to Jenny. And these two good people have been a big part of that. A quick trip to the dress shops of Airlie had turned up a simple but gorgeous summer dress in just the right shade to complement Jenny's bridal outfit. It also happened to set off the green of Cadie's eyes, and all in all she was pleased with the effect.

Living in this kind of weather all year round is going to suit me Just fine. She gave herself a quick appraisal in the main cabin's mirror, noting her healthy tan. Beat's the h.e.l.l out of winter in the Midwest, that's for sure.

She turned as Jenny came out of the tiny bathroom. "Ready?" Cadie grinned at the brunette.

"As I'll ever be," Jenny replied, smiling. "Come on, let's go get me hitched, before the big dope changes his mind. He's been fretting for days."

Cadie laughed. "I think he was hoping you wouldn't notice."

Jenny snorted. "The man's been going to the bathroom every three hours for the past four days. It's been kind of hard not to notice." They both giggled. "Let's go put him out of his misery, shall we?"

Cadie walked out ahead of the bride, keying the stereo with the quiet background music Jenny and Paul had selected for the ceremony.

Jo hurriedly moved the nervous groom into position as she heard the music begin. The small crowd of friends and family who had been milling about the Seawolf s deck gathered around and she took up her position to Paul's right. The marriage celebrant stood at the stern facing forward.

Cadie came up on deck and Jo, who hadn't yet seen her new outfit, took a deep breath, and drank in the sight of the lovely blonde. The American caught the skipper's eye as she walked to Paul's left and smiled shyly, reading Jo's rapt expression accurately.

With all due respect to Jenny, Jo thought, I know who the most beautiful woman here today is-and she's mint. She slowly became aware that she had the silliest of grins on her face. And I'm sure that everyone here knows that I think so.

Cadie laughed quietly at the dumbstruck expression on her lover's face as she stood waiting for Jenny to take her place beside Paul. d.a.m.n, she looks wonderful, Cadie mused as she took in Jo's stylish grey silk pantsuit that nicely complemented Paul's suit. She certainly knows how to dress. She tried hard to refocus as Marilyn started proceedings.

"We are gathered here today to celebrate the love of Jenny and Paul," the celebrant began.

I wish we could do this, Jo thought, keeping her eyes firmly locked on Cadie's. She let the celebrant's words flow over her, concentrating instead on feeling the connection between herself and the beautiful blonde across the way. I know we can do the commitment ceremony thing any time we want to, but... Green eyes smiled back at her. Twelve years with Naomi is a long time. She wouldn't want to tie herself down to someone else so soon after that. Jo recognized her cue and handed Paul the tiny box containing the wedding rings. Would she?

Cadie watched as Jo waited for Paul to take both rings out of the box and then tucked the small velvet container back into her pocket. Would she ever want go through a ceremony like this with me? We haven't talked much about her past girlfriends. She blinked a couple of times at the thought. We haven't talked about it at all. I don't really know how she feels about this sort of commitment. She listened as Jenny and Paul exchanged their vows. I know there isn't anyone else I want to spend my life with. But I'm not sure she wants that. Jenny slid the ring on Paul's finger and Cadie smiled. Does she?

"And now Jenny and Paul have a rather unusual request to make of you all," the marriage celebrant said. The bride and groom turned to face the guests and Jo and Cadie did the same, exchanging smiling glances. "You are all here today because you are cherished friends and family of these two. Are you willing to offer them both friendship, love, care, and support as they make their way through life together?"

There was barely a pause before the resounding response came from all on board. "We do!"

Jo couldn't take her eyes off Cadie as the ceremony ended and her heart melted as she realized the blonde was having the same problem. Jenny and Paul wandered off to be congratulated by the rest of the guests and the two lovers clasped hands as they met behind them.

"You look stunning," Cadie whispered as Jo leaned down to kiss her on the cheek.

"And you take my breath away," Jo replied softly, wishing they could be alone. Both took a few seconds to absorb the warmth between them.

"So what's the plan?" Cadie asked.

"Well, we party on here while we sail to Hayman Island, where we drop Paul and Jen off at the resort." She grinned. "And then Rosa and Roberto have invited us to dinner at their place." She indicated the gregarious Italian couple who were laughing with Paul and Jenny further forward. She leaned in and whispered conspiratorially. "I think they want to meet my new girlfriend."

"Oh, Lord," Cadie sighed. "Rosa's already met me, remember?" She winced, recalling that ugly night.

"Mhmm, but this time she wants to meet you as la parte della famiglia-part of the family," Jo replied with a rea.s.suring smile.

"Oh, Lord."

Cadie couldn't believe how much food there was on the table. She and Jo were the Palmieri's only guests but... There has to be enough here to feed 20people, the blonde wondered, awestruck. I didn't even know there were this many kinds of pasta.

"Honey," a s.e.xy, low whisper came close to her ear. "Don't look so scared. It's only spaghetti."

Cadie giggled, but whispered back. "Tell me that when I've exploded and they're sc.r.a.ping me off the walls."

Jo laughed and slid her hand to Cadie's knee and squeezed rea.s.suringly. "S'all right, sweetheart," she said. "I'll make sure Rosa doesn't stuff you beyond your limits." She grinned.

"Gee, thanks," Cadie sighed. Just then Rosa and Roberto came back into the room, each carrying another enormous platter of food. "Good grief," Cadie whispered, eyes widening. Jo sn.i.g.g.e.red.

"Here we are, here we are," Rosa exclaimed, putting her dish down on one of the few remaining clear spots on the overloaded table. "Come, come, Arcadia, help yourself, please." She began spooning indiscriminate tablespoons of pasta and sauce onto Cadie's plate.

"Wow, Mrs. Palmieri, this is an amazing spread," Cadie said, smiling at the woman.

"Ah, ah, ah, mia piccola principessa," said Rosa, wagging a finger at the American admonishingly. "I have already told you, you must call me Rosa. Everybody, they call me Rosa." She walked behind Jo's chair, ruffling the tall skipper's hair as she went. "Even this one."

"I'll try to remember, Rosa, thank you," Cadie said graciously.

Further conversation was made impossible by the tumultuous arrival of Rosa's youngest, 12-year-old Sophie, dragging her older brother Tony by the hand. "See, I told you they were here, Tony," the youngster squealed in delight, letting the young man's hand go and leaping onto Jo's lap.

The skipper happily absorbed the impact. "h.e.l.lo, possum, how are you?" she asked as she tickled the squirming girl.

"I'm good." Big brown eyes took in Cadie's presence. "Aren't ya gonna introduce me, Jo-Jo?" she asked cheekily, grinning.

"Yes, brat, I am, if you give me half a chance. Sophie, this is Cadie Jones. Cadie, this little monster is Sophie Palmieri."

"Nice to meet you, Sophie," Cadie said, extending a hand which the girl shook enthusiastically.

"So you must be Jo's new girlfriend, huh?" she asked bluntly.

Jo rolled her eyes and slapped her forehead at the youngster's precociousness.

"Yes, yes I am," Cadie said, grinning back at the pre-teen.

"That's cool," Sophie replied calmly. "You must be pretty special though. She's never brought anybody here for dinner before."

"Is that right?" Cadie looked at her lover, who was blushing deeply, and smiled softly.

"Go, troublemaker," Jo said gruffly as she slapped Sophie on the backside and sent her giggling on her way.

The rest of the Palmieri family settled into their places around the table but before they could begin eating Rosa had them all hold hands for grace. Cadie slid her right hand into Jo's and felt Roberto's larger, rougher hand take her left. The surprised look on Jo's face told her that it wasn't usual for Rosa to say a formal blessing before meals.

"We must thank II Padre before we eat," Rosa insisted, smiling at her guests. Everyone bowed their head and the matriarch led the prayers. "We thank you, Father, for the food on our table and the love of our family, both of our blood and of our choosing." Cadie felt Jo squeeze her hand and she smiled. "We thank you also for the life of Ron Cheswick, for the many blessings he brought to us while he was here." She paused as they all reflected on the week's events. "And finally, Father, we thank you for the new joy we see in bella Jossandra's eyes." This time it was Jo's turn to feel Cadie's rea.s.suring squeeze. "You have seen fit to find a way to bring Arcadia into her life and we know it means only good things for them both. Amen." An echo came around the table.

Cadie opened her eyes to a circle of wide smiles that she readily returned. Jo was speechless and more than a little tearful at Rosa's gesture. Fortunately, the Italian didn't expect too much of her in response.

"Don't look so stunned, little one," she p.r.o.nounced, reaching up with both hands and patting the tall woman's cheeks. "You know we have always wanted the best for you, Jo-Jo. Why would you be so surprised that we give thanks when our prayers are answered?" She beamed at the dark-haired woman.

"Thank you, Rosa," Cadie said quietly. "Thank you, all of you."

Roberto squeezed her hand. "You are familia now," he said. "Come on, everybody, we eat now. Enough talk."

Jo laughed and turned to look at Cadie, who brushed away a tear from her lover's cheek with a soft fingertip.

"I'm just a big mushball, aren't I?" Jo asked huskily.

"It's all right, sweetheart, your secret is safe with us," Cadie said solemnly, resisting the urge to tweak the embarra.s.sed woman any further. But her twinkling green eyes gave her away.

"Oh shut up," Jo replied softly as she leaned in to steal a kiss.

"Ewww, mushy stuff. Make them stop, mama," a disgusted voice came from the other side of the table.

"Hush, Sophia," her mother admonished. "One day very soon you will realize that-how do you say it in English, Jo-Jo? L'amore fa il mondo va rotondo. "

Jo laughed and leaned towards Sophie. "Love makes the world go round, kiddo."

"Ewww, gross."

Cadie didn't have to do much convincing to persuade Jo to take a midnight stroll along the beach with her before they went back to the Seawolf. The evening had been full of fun and laughter and for the first time in weeks she felt fully relaxed and happy. She tucked herself into the crook of Jo's arm as they wandered barefoot along the Hayman Island beach. Away to their left the lights of the resort twinkled and above them the moon, approaching full once again, bathed everything in liquid silver, Jo was silent but Cadie sensed the tall woman WHS content just to be together.

"You do realize we're going to save an incredible amount of money over the next few weeks," Cadie said finally.

There was a pause while her lover thought about the incongruousness of that statement.

"Okay, I'll bite," Jo said finally. "Why is that?"

"Because I for one won't need to eat for about a month," Cadie said with a grin. She patted her stomach. "G.o.d, I feel like a tubby little Buddha."

Jo kissed the top of her head and laughed at the thought. "S'funny, because you look like a gorgeous, s.e.xy woman," she said softly.

"Ohhh, you are such a sweet talker," Cadie replied, standing on her toes to reach up and plant a kiss on Jo's cheek. "It was a lovely day, Jo-Jo. Thank you."

"For what?"

"For including me in everything. The wedding. Rosa and her family. It's been wonderful."

Jo was a little perplexed and she stopped walking, pulling Cadie around to face her. She tipped the blonde's chin up slightly with her fingertips. "Arcadia," she said gently. "You are a part of me. Somehow I knew that from the moment we met. I couldn't not include you in everything if my life depended on it." She gazed down into silvered green eyes. "Is that what you want, my love?" She found herself holding her breath.

"It was a beautiful ceremony today, wasn't it?" Cadie asked after a brief pause. Jo nodded silently. "I kept wondering all through it, if that was the kind of commitment you would want to make to us, one day." She saw Jo's eyes, almost black in the moonlight, widen. "Because I think it's what I want," the blonde whispered. "I just wasn't sure... I mean, we've never talked about... that kind of thing..."

Jo grinned. "When have we had the chance? Talk about your whirlwind romance."

They both laughed softly.

Jo traced Cadie's lips delicately with the pad of her thumb. "Angel, I have never in my life felt about anyone the way I feel about you." She wrapped her other arm around the blonde's waist, just wanting the feel of the compact body against her. "When I was in Sydney..." She paused, reluctant to let her mind go back there. "Women were afraid of me. I was the Dark Avenger, y'know?" She shook her head ruefully and she felt Cadie's arms slide around her rea.s.suringly. "And when I came up here I just kept everyone at arm's length. Emotionally, at least."

Cadie chuckled at the woman's blush, just discernible in the moonlight. "It's okay, sweetheart," she said softly. "I'd pretty much figured out you were no virgin."

Jo snorted. "But then you came along," she continued. "And I didn't want to keep you at arm's length. Not ever. Not in any way at all." Cadie grinned up at her. "During the wedding I was wondering if it was way too early to be asking you to marry me." Jo swallowed hard.

"Are you proposing, Jo-Jo?" the blonde whispered, desperate to be sure she was understood properly.

Jo nodded. "I love you, Cadie. I know you were with Naomi for a long time, and that you've only been away from her for less than a week. But I can't think of any better way to tell you how I feel, than to ask you to spend the rest of your life with me."

Cadie's heart melted at the simplicity of the tall woman's words. She stretched up and captured Jo's soft lips in a deep, pa.s.sion-filled kiss that escalated quickly until the skipper took them both down into the warm sand. Jo cradled her as they let the desire ebb a little into a gentle undercurrent.

"Jossandra," Cadie whispered close to her lover's ear, "it doesn't matter how long I was with Naomi. It doesn't matter how long I've been away from her. None of that mattered from the moment I saw you. It just took until Sydney Airport for me to realize it." She felt Jo smile. "Yes, my love, I will marry you."

Jo buried her face into the soft skin of Cadie's neck, speechless with happiness. Cadie smiled up at the moon over Jo's shoulder, feeling more contentment than she had a right to, she was sure. "I adore you, Jo-Jo," she said quietly. She felt the skipper pull away just enough that they could look into each other's eyes.