Wings of the Morning (Kensington Chronicles) by Lori Wick

what I do for a living. I'm afraid I
    never came to a solid conclusion one way or the other. I never
    dreamed that my shipment from London on this trip would be
    coming to one Tate Pemberton. I assure you, Tate, it was never
    my intention to be deceitful to you or Jenny."
    Tate was so stunned he didn't know what to say, but not for
    the reason Smokey imagined She would have been shocked
    to learn that his surprise was due almost solely to her manner,
    and not to what she did for a living. The Smokey he knew was
    endearing, but she was also quite shy and rather clumsy. This
    Smokey, the owner and captain of the Aramis, was in complete
    control of herself and the situation.
    "Sit down, Smokey," Tate said, finally recalling his manners.
    Smokey took the chair in front of the desk while Darsey sat
    in a chair under the window. Without further word, Smokey
    placed some papers on Tate's desk.
    He reached for them and studied them carefully, taking a
    little longer than usual in an attempt to gather his wits.
    "This is your price, the one written here at the bottom?"
    "Yes."
    "It's a bit steep," he said without hesitation.
    "I believe it's more than fair," Smokey interjected with
    confident ease.
    Tate's eyes came to hers then, and again he was struck by
    the change in her. Unsmiling, Smokey held his eyes without
    blinking. A slow smile began to spread across Tate's mouth.
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    Smokey then smiled in return, and Tate finally had to laugh
    with relief.
    "I'm just so surprised," he admitted. "I mean, you obviously
    know what you're doing and I--" He seemed to run out
    of words so Smokey rescued him.
    "What you're trying to say is that when I'm in your home,
    I'm a woman with a speech impediment and two left feet, and
    now you find I really do know how to walk and talk." She
    shrugged ruefully, her grin still in place. "I'm sure Jenny
    would feel as I have if ever she were to board my ship."
    "I'm sure you're right," he agreed, his smile even larger at
    the thought of his wife doing Smokey's job.
    "Now, Mr. Pemberton," Smokey brought him back to earth
    in a no-nonsense way. "Are you interested in my cargo, or do I
    travel farther up the coast?"
    "You mean at this price?"
    "Indeed, I do." There was a note of steel in Smokey's voice
    that Tate didn't miss.
    "Sold," he said softly and shook the hand Smokey offered
    to him.
    "When are you coming for another visit?" Tate asked
    without relinquishing his hold of her hand. His question so
    surprised Smokey that she didn't immediately answer.
    "I wasn't sure I'd still be wanted," she finally admitted
    "Then you weren't listening very well when we said goodbye.
    Now, when can we expect you?"
    Smokey was so moved by the sincerity of his eyes and
    voice that she felt warmly overwhelmed.
    "Two weeks?"
    "Make it ten days."
    Smokey's laugh filled the room. She reclaimed her hand
    and stood. After introducing Darsey, who would handle the
    rest of the transaction, she made ready to leave.
    "Ill tell Jen she can expect you," Tate called to her retreat-Ing
    back.
    Smokey tossed a grin in his direction as she exited the
    She'd been buying and selling since before her father
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    died, trading with shipping magnates and amassing a small
    fortune for herself in the last few years. But she didn't know
    when the sale of her cargo had ever felt so fine.
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    "I HAVE SOMETHING TO TELL YOU, SMOKEY." Jenny's VOice was
    hushed as the two women sat close together on the large sofa
    in the Pembertons' parlor.
    "What is it?"
    "We haven't told anyone, and I need you to keep it a
    secret."
    "All right," Smokey agreed and watched as Jenny's eyes
    glowed with excitement.
    "I'm going to have a baby."
    "Oh, Jen," Smokey whispered. The two women embraced
    for long moments, and when they broke apart their eyes were
    suspiciously moist.
    "When will the baby come?" Smokey's voice was now as
    hushed as Jenny's.
    "Next summer."
    "That long?" Smokey's voice became quite loud, her brow
    wrinkling in disappointment.
    "It does take