In Deep Waters (23 page)

"I love you, too." Ben's words and his smile took her breath away. "I didn't want to, I tried hard not to, but somehow it happened. You're not only a mermaid,
but a siren sent here to humble me, to make me a better father and a better man."

The depth of emotion overwhelmed her. Tears stung her eyes.

He pushed a strand of hair off her face. "You're gorgeous, smart, funny and you made me want to believe that dreams do come true. The only thing wrong is..."

Her heart skipped a beat. "What?"

"Madison wishes your tail could be pink." He smiled. "She likes how it sparkles, so I'm sure she'll get used to it being blue and green and silver."

It was almost too much to hope for. "Almost" being the operative word. "You want me to stay?"

"Damn straight, I want you to stay."

"Oh, Ben." A warm glow settled around her heart. "There's so much I learned today. So much I need to tell you."

"You're the woman I love." He stared into her eyes. "That's all I need to know."

"But I'm also a mermaid. If people find out--"

He kissed her, his lips warm and firm against hers. "It will be okay. Whatever happens, we'll figure it out. Together. You, me and Madison." Ben smiled. "Let us be part of your world, Kayla."

"Kai." The voice came from the bow. As Loucan walked down the staircase, his steps echoed. He reached the bottom and stared at her. His brow furrowed. "We must leave immediately."

She was home. She didn't have to go anywhere else. A satisfied smile formed. "I'm staying here."

Ben wrapped his arm around her shoulder. "With me."

Loucan's lips narrowed. "You and he--"

"My name's Ben," he said. "And Kayla and I are getting married."

Married.
Okay, he hadn't got down on his knee and proposed romantically, but she had no complaints. Kayla was marrying a pirate, not a poet. Joy flowed through her. "We're getting married."

Loucan glared at Ben. "She could be in danger from Joran."

"I'll keep her safe."

She would be safe with Ben. Safe, secure and happy. The
Isabella
had kept Luis and Ana apart, but it had brought Kayla and Ben together. "I'll be fine."

The two men stared at each other.

"We would like you to attend the wedding," Ben said.

"Thank you." Loucan sounded anything but pleased.

Kayla thought he looked disappointed. She wanted everyone to be as happy as she was. "Please know I'll do whatever I can to help you. I want to find my brother and sister, too."

Loucan's gaze held hers. "Thank you, Kai."

She smiled. "I'd really like to see Pacifica one day."

"Me, too," Ben said.

Loucan nodded to both of them before leaving them alone.

Ben pulled her closer. "What if we go to Pacifica for our honeymoon?"

She loved the idea, except the logistics boggled her mind. "How will you...?"

A smug smile formed. "The submersible."

"Still, once we're there..."

"Don't forget, hon, I was a navy diver." Pride laced each one of his words. "I know how to swim."

He brushed his lips over hers, and Kayla's heart sang with delight. "Do you think you can keep up with me?"

His warm breath tickled her neck. "I'll happily spend the rest of my life trying."

Don't miss the third enchanting title in the Silhouette Romance miniseries,

A TALE OF THE SEA,

with the September 2002 release of

CAUGHT BY SURPRISE (SR1614)