Merrick slowly turned around, his gaze scouring over his crew before finally landing on Charlisse. Her sweet smile warmed every part of him. He must do the right thing and trust God no matter what befell them. Even if some further tragedy took Charlisse from him again, he would never serve any other God.

"Jackson, signal the Satisfaction to come alongside."

Jackson's white teeth gleamed. "Aye, aye, Cap'n."

Sloane nodded, approval glinting in his eyes, before ...