My hands were sweating. I couldn't tell if the cause of my nausea was anxiety or my baby. I was having a hard time coping with the fact that my relationship with Dirk could end that night. I felt my heart shattering just with the thought of our love being destroyed. A few years ago, I would've laughed if someone told me that love existed. When I was younger, I had no faith in relationships, but everything changed with Dirk. He seemed to be one for me. Although I had strong feelings for Bosch, I would never choose him over my child if he told me to give it away. Not even my drunk father had done that with me, so why would I do it with my baby? It would take me a while to accept that Dirk didn't want me anymore, but I wasn't going to leave my kid. I know, I was pessimistic sometimes! It's just that preparing for the worst-case scenario was in my nature. After facing so many challenges throughout the years, I learned to be a survivor... and, sometimes, just a rum drinker. Don't judge me! Alcohol helped me once in a while.

"I was so worried!" Dirk stared at the ground. "You never came back after entering Kenneth's room."

Trust me, you don't want to know the reason.

I faked a smile, "Nothing that a sip of rum couldn't solve! I just wasn't feeling well, but now I'm fine."

I had to lie. There was no way I could talk to him about the child at that moment. Bosch analyzed my face as if he tried to read my mind. I took a deep breath, hoping he wouldn't notice my distress. I wasn't ready to tell him the truth. Pressing my lips together, I tried to forget my baby for a second... Who am I kidding? There was no way to forget it! It was literally inside me, so I couldn't think of anything else.

Dirk chuckled, "I'm glad you're better now."

I nodded. When I thought I knew what to say, the words vanished. There was no easy way to tell Dirk what was going on... Perhaps he'd throw me overboard once he found out! No, he wouldn't do something like that, right? God, I was freaking out.

Bosch sighed, "After that crazy battle, I realized something."

I frowned and tilted my head. Would I need to face more trouble? My head started spinning as I imagined the worst. I was too paranoid, I know... At least I hoped it was just paranoia.

He took a deep breath, "Life is too short and I don't want to spend it without you."

I have a bad feeling about this...

My eyes bulged as Dirk took my hands in his. Things would get even more complicated if the redhead said what I thought he'd say. Life was clearly very skillful in driving me crazy.

I bit my lower lip, "Dirk, what are you doing?"

"I know this will sound crazy, but I want to be with you forever," Bosch's eyes gleamed and he breathed fast. "You could throw me in the ocean a hundred times and I would keep loving you."

I gawked. Dirk took my right hand and I felt my eyes getting wet. Things would definitely get harder... So much for my happy ending! Poor Bosch had no idea what awaited him. Also, my feelings were a mess.

Dirk smiled broadly, "I don't have a ring, but Eva Van Acker, will you marry..."

"I'm going to stop you right there," I interrupted, squeezing my eyes shut.

Bosch frowned and quickly let go of my hand. Although I really wanted to say yes, a small part of me wondered if marrying him would be the right decision. Wasn't that too fast? How would that affect my baby in the future? I loved Dirk, but his unstable behavior could be bad for my child. Besides, I had to tell him about my pregnancy before answering his question.

He tilted his head to the side, "What's wrong?"

I was paralyzed. Although I knew exactly what I had to say, the words wouldn't come out. My heart nearly stopped. Dirk narrowed his eyes and I gulped.

"It's that damn Spaniard, isn't it? He's got you under his spell?" Bosch ground his teeth and punched the mainmast. "I can't believe it!"

I raised my brows, "It's not what you think!"

Dirk bared his teeth, "I swear I'll put that bastard in a cannon and send him back to Spain!"

Yeah, I'm so doomed.

"Stop! Please, listen!" my eyes bulged. "I don't have feelings for Miguel."

Bosch's face was so red that I thought he'd explode. If he'd reacted like that to a lie, how would he respond to the truth? I knit my brows as I thought about it. Dirk had always been hotheaded, so I wasn't sure what to expect. He could never know that I still felt something for Gálvez. How would I forget my feelings for Miguel after he decided to stay and take care of our baby? Although I wasn't in love with him, that would be challenging. You must be wondering how I didn't lose my mind that night... Honestly, I have no idea! Maybe pregnancy made me calmer.

Dirk crossed his arms, "What the hell is going on then?"

I bit my lower lip, "Remember when we were in San Francisco de Campeche and I said I'd lost my child?"

The redhead nodded and tilted his head to the side. Francis whined as if he felt my distress. Sometimes I wondered if dogs could read minds... God, they were incredibly sensitive to mood changes!

"Kenneth's assistant examined me and found out I didn't lose it," I smiled nervously. "Surprise! I've been pregnant for three months! The baby is Miguel's, but I think you already guessed that."

Bosch scowled and pursed his lips. He then stared at the floor. Off to a great start, right? The fun was about to begin! I wondered what he thought of me at that moment. If I could, I would've drunk ten full glasses of ale to forget that awkward situation.

"You... you... you're what?!" the redhead blinked fast. "You cheated on me?!"

"Yes, you figured everything out! For God's sake..." I frowned and ground my teeth. "I got pregnant before we were together. Pay attention, hothead!"

I can't believe Dirk said something so absurd! His jealousy is becoming unbearable!

I remembered what my cousin had told me about Dirk's aggressiveness. What if she had a point? Would Bosch ever use his anger against me? Besides, could Miguel be right about Dirk's disrespect? I didn't even want to think about it! The paranoid voice in my mind kept telling me something was wrong... No, I wouldn't let my insecurity get in the way of my happiness. I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to ignore that apparent nonsense.

"This is too much for me!" Bosch put a hand on his head. "You must give this baby away! Leave it at the first door you find!"

"Are you insane?! I'll never do that!" I breathed faster and scowled. "I'm panicking too, but we need to take a deep breath and find another solution."

"Really?" Dirk wrinkled his nose as he pointed at my stomach. "Is this accident seriously more important than me?"

I raised my brows, "You won't like the answer to that question."

I huffed, still unable to believe Dirk wanted me to leave my kid... That was atrocious! The redhead ground his teeth and clenched his fists while approaching me. I gulped, hoping he wouldn't punch me in the face. Francis growled, which made Bosch take a step back. I wasn't sure if dogs could feel anything, but mine seemed to sometimes. Perhaps my dog wanted to protect me from something.

"Unbelievable!" Bosch punched the mainmast again. "This wouldn't have happened if you hadn't spread your... I can't even say it!"

"You must be the purest person alive to judge me like that!" I narrowed my eyes at Dirk after the interruption. "I think you forgot your halo, Captain Virgin Mary!"

The redhead huffed and glanced away... Don't look at me like that! You know he deserved it! I hoped Maartje, uncle Ruben, Miguel, and Laurens weren't hidden somewhere listening to the conversation. It'd be awkward if they were... Well, I guess that would be an understatement.

He sighed, "Are you going to tell Gálvez?"

I pressed my lips together, "That's what I just did. Miguel wants to be a part of the kid's life, so he'll stay in Ocean Storm."

Dirk rolled his eyes, "That's just great!"

I tried to control my breathing. That subject made me more nervous at each second. Bosch didn't appear to be as eager to spend his life with me as before. I couldn't blame him because I would feel the same if I were in his position.

I put my hands behind my back, "As I already told you, I'm not leaving my child. The only question is... what are you going to do?"

Bosch walked to the right while rubbing his chin. I knew it was a lot for him to take in, but I wanted an answer quickly. When something bothered me, I liked to get rid of it fast. If Dirk wished to break up, I preferred to find out soon. That situation had caused me a lot of headaches, so I wanted it to end fast.

His eyes widened, "Are you completely sure you feel nothing for Miguel?"

I sighed. Yes, I did have some feelings for Miguel. Although I hated lying, there was no way I could tell the truth. Dirk was the man I loved, but Gálvez was my first, so the latter would always be in my heart. Besides, Miguel was caring and sweet, so I couldn't help but feel something for him. Since I knew Bosch would never understand, I didn't intend to tell him. I wouldn't freak out if the person I loved thought the one they had their first time with was handsome and kind, but Dirk... well, he wasn't known for being calm, was he?

"Of course! What kind of question is that?" I forced a laugh. "Did you drink when I wasn't watching?"

Dirk still gazed at the floor. Although I didn't know what he was thinking, I had a feeling it was about El Dorado's choice. The redhead seemed to be annoyed that the Spaniard chose to stay. He'd always hated Miguel's guts, so it made sense for him to feel that way.

"You shouldn't have told him about the baby," Bosch shook his head in denial and wrinkled his nose. "I would've raised it as my own despite its... its... well, its Spanishness."

I don't believe Dirk. He wanted me to abandon my kid a few seconds ago!

I narrowed my eyes at Bosch for an instant. Despite loving the redhead, I knew the chances of him liking a child that wasn't his were low. Besides... Spanishness? What the hell was that supposed to mean? My dizziness came back, preventing me from thinking clearly. I was so worried about my future that I couldn't concentrate.

I frowned, "Are you crazy? Miguel is the father, so he had to know!"

The redhead squeezed his eyes shut for a moment. Even though the situation was complicated, I thought Dirk was too dramatic. He shouldn't have asked about my feelings and much less question the fact that Gálvez needed to know. God, that conversation was driving me nuts... would I lose Dirk or not? That's what I truly needed to find out. I couldn't take any more annoying questions.

He sighed, "Your kid wouldn't bother me that much. The problem is Gálvez."

I scowled, "Don't exaggerate! Miguel is a really nice guy."

"Are you seriously defending that Spaniard?" Dirk pursed his lips. "I think I'm going to puke!"

"You're such a child!" I rolled my eyes. "Besides, he got you out of prison in case you forgot!"

The redhead huffed, "That's Gálvez's problem! I would've never done the same for him!"

"Aren't you a gentleman? I'm impressed!" I raised my brows and sighed. "I'm just saying you shouldn't hate him."

"So, you're on Miguel's side! What are you going to do next? Kiss him?" Bosch narrowed his eyes. "Perhaps even make another baby?"

Yes, let's create more problems!

I shook my head in denial. To avoid saying some ugly things, I laughed. Dirk behaved more childishly than I'd expected. I thought he would calm down after I made it clear he was the one for me... Guess what? He didn't! God, could Dirk ever stop being so jealous? Probably not! Bosch irritated me significantly with his jealousy sometimes.

My eyes bulged, "Stop being ridiculous! Are you listening to yourself?"

"You know that guy is dangerous!" Dirk ground his teeth. "He should leave first thing in the morning."

I raised a brow, "Really? What terribly dangerous thing did he do?"

"I saw the way Miguel looks at you! He'll not accept to be just friends," Bosch pressed his lips together. "If you've fallen for him once, it can happen again."

"Dirk, you're the one I love!" I approached Bosch with my eyes widened. "Quit the nonsense!"

"I hate to admit it, but I'm afraid of losing you!" he took a deep breath and pressed his lips together. "A child is an eternal bond!"

I caressed Dirk's hands while knitting my brows. Although I wouldn't say it out loud, Bosch had a point. Gálvez was going to be part of my life forever, so it made sense that the redhead felt threatened.

"The truth is that I don't want Gálvez to take you from me!" Dirk sighed as if a massive weight was lifted off his shoulders. "Satisfied now?"

I smiled sweetly. How could Bosch feel threatened? Gálvez was just a crush! Although I had those slight feelings for Miguel, Dirk was the one I wanted. Sometimes the redhead's insecurity scared me.

I raised my brows, "Listen, I could have ten children with Miguel, and I'd still choose you..."

"Please don't have ten children with him! One is more than enough!" Dirk interrupted, with his eyes bulged.

I grinned broadly, "My point is that I'm yours, and you're mine, Dirk. I love you with all that I am. Nothing will ever change that."

Dirk blushed and smiled. I felt him breathing faster as I got closer. How could Bosch be so adorable? God, he was cute! I still couldn't understand that special skill of his...

"All I need to know is if you still want to be with me," I stared at my toes for an instant. "Regardless of Gálvez and the baby."

Dirk approached me and sighed multiple times. I gazed upward, praying that Bosch wouldn't leave me... ridiculous, right? I never thought I'd ever ask God for something like that! If the thirteen-year-old me saw what I was doing, she would laugh.

Bosch slowly caressed my cheek, "Yes, I do. I love you too much to leave."

I raised my brows. Dirk kept gazing at me as if he was hypnotized. I couldn't believe he'd chosen to stay despite the circumstances. Perhaps I'd underestimated his love for me... Who am I kidding? Of course, I did! I never believed someone would love me like that.

I tilted my head to the side, "Do you mean that?"

Dirk smiled widely, "I've never been more serious. All I want is to be with you."

Why are my eyes wet? I think something fell in my eye.

I wrapped my hands around his neck, "You're in luck then, Dirk Bosch, because I feel the exact same."

After that, Dirk put his arms around my waist, closed his eyes, and kissed me deeply. I closed my eyes as well, feeling every second of that moment. Time stopped, exactly as it happened during our first kiss.

"I think I already have my answer, but I'll ask again anyway," Bosch held my hands. "Eva Van Acker, will you marry me?"

For a brief moment, I thought about Dirk's proposition. I was in love with him, but should I take that step? Would he be aggressive towards my baby and me? No, we were in love, so that would never happen! I couldn't let that stupid craziness of mine get in my way. Nothing was wrong. There was no way I'd listen to my dumb and paranoid mind.

I grinned broadly, "Yes!"

Bosch's lips curled into a smile that reached his eyes. He caressed my face with both hands and I sighed while feeling his fantastic touch. I was so excited that I breathed faster than ever. Despite my initial hesitation, I thought I'd made the right choice.

Dirk winked, "I can't wait to join your crew, Captain Storm."

"I look forward to having you at Ocean Storm as well, mate!" I laughed and shot him a mischievous gaze. "I promise we're going to have a lot of fun together..."

We kissed again. I was so happy that I thought I'd fly. Dirk's love for me was much more intense than I'd imagined. For a man who wanted to kill me, he'd changed quite a bit. I was delighted that he was crazy enough to want to be with me forever. Perhaps I'd end up getting my happy ending... After all, Bosch decided to continue being mine despite the circumstances! I couldn't wait to spend my life with him. My heart became warmer as I imagined how my future with Dirk would be.

****

I dedicate this chapter to my dear friend