Chapter Four: A Small Town Gathering

Rose woke up with her back pressed to Jack's chest. She sighed and just laid there, relishing his closeness. Yesterday had been exhausting, walking to Jack's parent's house and then meeting the family. Today was bound to be more easier. Introductions have been made, so the stress of having to introduce herself was over. Now it was all about getting to know her new family and becoming a part of the unit somehow. She didn't know how though. Everyone seemed to have a place and had something to contribute. What could she contribute? What skill did she possess that she could add to the house instead of having to be taught everything?

Sighing, she sat up in bed and looked around the semi-dark room and her stomach growled as the smell of eggs and bacon drifted up to her. It was the most delicious smell ever. Not able to help herself, she slipped on a white cotton dress that reminded her of the dress she wore during the sinking of Titanic and drifted down to the kitchen, where Irene Dawson was cooking breakfast. A fresh pot of coffee was already set out and the woman herself was at the stove cooking.

"Good morning, Rose," Irene greeted her new daughter in law, inwardly marveling at how lovely the girl was. She just hoped that she was truly able to make Jack happy and give him the family he had hoped to have had with Cecily Baker. She still remembered that conversation she had with her son five years ago.

"Not to worry mom. Cecily is going to stand up to her mother and then we're going to get married and have lots of babies and be like you and dad"

"Good morning Mrs. Daw…I mean Irene…," Rose caught herself, having a hard time dropping her first class upbringing and calling the woman by her first name.

"You're up early, dear," Irene smiled, pushing all thoughts of the past to the back of her mind for later contemplation.

"I couldn't possibly sleep any longer," Rose smiled. "Is there anything I can help you with?"

"Hmm…well I was thinking some fruit salad would be nice to go with breakfast. All you have to do is slice fruit and put it in a bowl. You wouldn't mind would you?"

Rose's eyes lit up. That was actually something she could do! "I don't mind at all."

Irene smiled, seeing how happy Rose was at making something. "There's a huge bowl in the cupboard and a cutting knife in the drawer. The fruit is in the icebox."

Rose immediately got to work gathering what she needed and started slicing the fruit and tossing it in the bowl. "Is this all I need to do?

"For now. I usually sprinkle some sugar and stir it together after it's finished," Irene smiled and winked at her daughter in law. "Jack loves it."

Rose felt a thrill at the thought of successfully preparing a dish that Jack loved. Really, she felt a thrill at just the mention of Jack. She couldn't believe how she had lucked out…she had gone from a high society girl unhappily engaged to the son of one of the wealthiest men in the country, to a penniless wife married to one of the most striking men in the country.

"Rose, you're awake already?" Janie and Jolene enter the kitchen, both women surprised to find Rose up and cutting fruit.

"I couldn't sleep any longer," Rose smiled in greeting.

"So I put her to work," Irene winked. " Janie, why don't you squeeze some fresh orange juice and Jolene, take the morning off dear. Concentrate on that baby you're carrying."

"Are you hoping for a boy or girl?" Rose asked as Jolene took a seat and began peeling an orange.

"A boy. One that looks like Richie," Jolene giggled. "How about you Rose? When are you and Jack going to have a baby and what would you want it to be?"

Rose blushed. She really hadn't thought about babies yet. She was still getting used to being married to a man that she actually loved. But now that it was brought up, she had a vivid picture of a little girl with blond ringlets and pretty blue eyes and her father's smile;

"A girl with Jack's looks and her name would be Josephine…after our favorite song,"

Rose sighed, feeling the longing for the child deep in her heart. She knew that now wasn't the right time to start a family with Jack. They were just married, living with his parents and still had a lot of baggage to sort through, but knowing that didn't stop her from wanting Josephine to be real.

"There you are,"Jack appeared in the kitchen doorway. "Wasn't expecting to wake up alone."

"Sorry, sweetie. I just couldn't sleep anymore and it would be creepy of me to just lay there staring at you as you sleep. So I came down and I'm making fruit salad," Rose grinned, feeling proud of herself

.

"I'm so proud of you Rosie," Jack stood behind her and kissed the top of her head.

"You two arrived just in time. Today is the annual town picnic. Everyone is going to be there, so you can just announce your return there," Janie said, smiling happily. She couldn't wait for Jack to meet Thomas and for Cecily to meet Rose and realize that she no longer has a chance with her handsome brother.

"I'm taking my jambalaya," Jolene chuckled.

Jack frowned. He had forgotten all about the annual town picnic. He didn't know if he was ready for such a public event, especially with the sinking being on everyone' minds, but then again he and Rose could do with some fun. They haven't really had any since Titanic and it would be a convenient way to introduce Rose. Of course the Bakers would be there….which meant Cecily would be there, but he was going to have to deal with that part of his past sooner or later anyway…

"What do you say Rose? Do you want to go? We can just hang here if you want?" A part of him hoped that she would decline going to the picnic, giving him an out, but of course, wanting to know everything about her new husband and life here in Chippewa Falls in general, Rose was all for it.

"It sounds lovely, I'd love to go," Rose smiled happily. She's never been to a town picnic before, it was a new experience for her.

"Well I guess that settles it. Count me and Rose in," Jack forced a smile, running his fingers through Rose's curls. "It should be…interesting…"

"Everyone is going to love Rose, don't you worry," Janie winked, getting to her feet. "I guess I better set the table for breakfast so we can eat before Jolene and I get started on that dish she wants to make."

Jack quietly took his sister's spot as she went about gathering the plates. Rose noticed that he didn't look exactly thrilled. "Jack…if you don't want to go…it's ok…"

"No, we'll go. Some small town fun will do us some good, yeah?" Jack smiled, pushing his uneasiness away. He wanted this to be good for Rose and it wouldn't be if he kept brooding.

"Of course it will and all your old friends are going to be so happy to see you back," Irene took the eggs and bacon off the stove. "and this is also a chance for Rose to make some new friends as well."

It's also a chance for him to see Cecily again after all these years, and he wasn't exactly sure what his reaction would be. He no longer was in love with her, that was for sure, not after experiencing the real thing with Rose, but it still stung, her betrayal did and the results of his relationship with her…it made him angry.

"Mom…do the Baker's still have the deed to this house?" Jack went ahead and asked, wanting to get an idea of what he could expect from this moment on.

"Oh Jack, don't you worry about that. That's something your father and I have worked out," Irene patted her son's shoulder before carrying a platter of eggs into the dining room.

"Someone else owns the deed to your parent's house?" Rose frowned. This is the first that she has ever heard of such a thing.

"It's a long story," Jack sighed, wishing that he hadn't brought it up. "Mom's right. Let's not think about that right now. Right now, we have a whole day of fun to look forward to…"

Rose wasn't fooled. She can now tell when Jack was avoiding talking about a subject in front of her, but she'll let it slide this time, not wanting to bring everyone down.

Jack had his portfolio in one hand and Rose's hand in his other. The Dawsons have arrived at the park where the picnic was to take place and they all stuck together in a tight knit group. This was not lost on the citizens of Chippewa Falls, especially when they saw that the youngest Dawson son had returned with a pretty girl on his arm. Everyone couldn't help but whisper and stare, wondering where Jack had gotten off to for so long and who the pretty red head with him was.

Rose looked around with wide green eyes. The park where the picnic was set to happen was full of people and picnic tables. There was a stage near the back where a band was sitting up and a space in front of the stage left clear for people to dance. She spotted Lizzie Capshaw and her husband not too far away. Spotting Rose, the woman smiled and waved. Happy to know someone, Rose waved back.

"You know Lizzie?" Janie asked.

"Jack and I stayed the night at her bed and breakfast the evening we got into town. We were so tired, we had no choice but to stop and get some sleep," Rose explained. "She was nice. She had even let us stay for free."

"So we weren't your first stop?" Janie frowned at her twin, a little hurt.

"We arrived late and we were exhausted. It was better to spend the night at a bed and breakfast and have plenty of energy to answer questions the next day. You would have been extra frustrated if we came home the minute we got back. We would have fallen asleep on ya," Jack chuckled, hoping that he gave a good enough explanation.

"They're here now. That's good enough for me," Albert nodded, seeing the sense in his son's reasoning.

"Janie, why don't you take Jack and Rose around to mingle. Reintroduce your brother and introduce Rose to everyone," Irene suggested, wanting to get that part out of the way before the Baker's arrived.

Janie just nodded and tugged on Jack's arm. "Come you two. Everyone awaits."

Jack wasn't really in the mood to mingle and mix, but he figured it was best for Rose to go along with his mother's suggestion. So keeping a tight hold of Rose's hand and following his sister, Jack reacquainted himself with the town of Chippewa Falls.

Rose just stayed close to Jack feeling nervous and out of place. She was a stranger in a strange land and the way people looked at her made her feel even more on display. Jack's arm wrapping around her waist made her feel a little better. It reminded her that she wasn't alone. That as long as she had Jack, she'll be alright.

"Matthew Abrams!" Janie greeted, pulling Jack and Rose over to a man with brown hair and curious green eyes. He looked at Janie curiously, but his eye grew round with surprised happiness when he sat eyes on Jack.

"Jack Dawson?! Is that you?!" The young man strolled up and looked Jack over, his hands on his hips. "Why look at you, all grown up now! Where have you been for the past five years, man?"

Jack smiled, instantly recognizing what had once been his very best friend in the world. Back in the day, Matthew had been his partner in crime. They had done everything together, including getting in trouble. It had hurt to have left town without telling his friend good-bye. Seeing him now, a handsome grown man, it just brought back a ton of good memories.

He laughed and hugged his friend, all misgivings on coming to the picnic fading away. "Everywhere, from California to England. How in the hell have you been?!"

"Bored to death since you left without even a good-bye," Matthew huffed, teasingly. Of course, he knew why Jack had left in such a hurry, really the whole town did. No one really blamed him for it.

"Sorry, man…I…"

"Hey, no need to explain. I know why. I understand. I'm just glad that you decided to come home after all. Your friends have missed you," Matthew gave Jack's shoulder a friendly squeeze. His eyes widened as they landed on Rose, who watched the scene curiously. "And may I ask who this lovely vision is? And how did she get attached to your poor ass."

Jack rolled his eyes at the last part and pulled Rose to his side. "Meet the best thing that's ever happened to me…Rose Dawson…"

"She certainly is. She's gorgeous Jack. Nice to meet you, I'm Jack's old friend Matthew."

"It's a pleasure to meet you," Rose accepted his offered hand.

Matthew's eyebrows arched in surprise and he looked at Janie, who just looked pleased as punch.

"Where's Amanda? I want her to meet Rose."

"Amanda!" Matthew yelled, making Rose wince, not having expecting to yell so loudly.

"What is it!" A young woman around Jack and Matthew's age with red hair and brown eyes answered, heading in their direction, not looking too happy. Her eyes widened in shock when she saw Jack. "Why I'll be…is that who I think it is?"

"What do you think?" Matthew laughed.

The girl squealed with delight and threw her arms around Jack. "You're back at last!"

Jack laughed and hugged the girl back. "I know, it's about time, huh?"

The girl pulled away and playfully punched Jack's arm. "Yes, especially after leaving without a goodbye or nothing! You broke my heart you did! I was sure you'd open your eyes someday and dump Cecily and propose to me instead just for you to leave town."

"She had to settle for me instead," Matthew snorted, wrapping his arms around her waist.

"You two got married?"

"I was the maid of honor," Janie grinned.

"Well congratulations to you both," Jack smiled, happy that his two friends had found love with each other. He just regretted that he hadn't been able to attend. So much he had missed in his friend's lives, even though he couldn't regret meeting Fabrizio and Rose as a result.

"Amanda, this is Jack's wife Rose," Matthew introduced.

Amanda's eyes widened in shock when she saw Rose and she blushed, remembering her flirty greeting to Jack. "Hello, excuse my flirting with Jack there. It was all in fun, even though I did have a crush on him back in the day."

"Not that my brother noticed. He wasn't exactly the brightest crayon in the box back then," Janie chuckled.

"Hey," Jack frowned.

"Not to worry Jack. Your taste has vastly improved," Janie winked at Rose.

Rose smiled, finding that she liked Matthew and Amanda who seemed to share a camaraderie with Jack and his sister. "I'm very pleased to meet you."

"Does anyone else know that you're back?" Matthew asked, turning his attention back to Jack. "The guys are going to flip…"

"The Bakers are going to flip," Amanda chuckled.

"Who are the Bakers?" Rose asked. It seemed that everywhere she turned, she heard something about the Bakers or Cecily and all pertaining to Jack…and Jack…he obviously wasn't talking…so maybe someone else would.

"The Bakers are a family of swells that pretty much owns Chippewa Falls," Amanda answered, but stopped when Jack gave her a glare. She frowned and sighed. "But they're nothing for you to worry about…at least they shouldn't be anyway."

"Enough about the fucking Bakers. I'm sure that Rose want to meet more of Jack's old friends here in town and this picnic is the right place to do so," Matthew grinned, wanting to change the subject. In his opinion, it was bad business to keep things from Rose, but if Jack wanted to keep the past with the Bakers and their daughter from Rose for a little while longer, it wasn't his place to dispute that.

Rose stood by Jack's side, her hand tightly gripped in his as they walked and mingled with old friends from his childhood. The consensus was in. Everyone was happy to see Jack back home where he belonged, along with his beautiful wife who they were still curious about.

Janie had just pulled her brother and his wife away from Joesph and Amanda and some other old friends of Jack's when the Renault town car pulled up. Rose gasped, almost overtaken by a certain memory of a certain town car in the cargo hold of Titanic. Judging by Jack's intense blush, he was remembering as well. It's been a while since they last made love…Rose wondered when Jack would be in the mood again. The one time on Titanic had been like electricity, rushed, passionate and consuming. She wanted to know what it'd be like actually taking their time. She wanted to show Jack her love when they just had each other to think about, not fiancées, mother's, man servents, and sinking ships.

"One of these days Rose, I'm gonna buy you one of those," Jack whispered.

Rose laughed. "No, what you can do is take me to the same stars that you took me to in the cargo hold tonight…"

Jack blushed again. "If the lady wishes…"

Rose stepped closer to him, relishing the heat from his body. "She does," She touched his cheek and stared into those blue eyes, forgetting that they weren't alone. Staring into those eyes, again she saw the little girl Josephine…

Janie cleared her throat, bringing Jack and Rose back from wherever they disappear to when they look at each other and nods towards the Renault. "Jack, there's someone I want you to meet…"

"And that car has something to do with this person?" Jack looked away from Rose, grinning. Richie had informed him that Janie had a suitor…a well to do suitor and Jack couldn't help but be curious.

"Yes. Just be your nice, charming self, ok?"

Seeing that this was important to his sister, Jack just nodded. As much as he liked to tease Janie, he also loved her very much and wanted her to be happy. He didn't resist as his sister grabbed his hand and pulled him over to the Renault where someone, a young man with black hair, was just getting out. For a second the person reminded him of Caledon Hockley, but then he took a closer look and noticed that the man was his own age and lacked the arrogant posture that Hockley always used.

"Thomas!" Janie called out, letting go of Jack's hand and running up to the stranger and throwing her arms around his neck.

The man known as Thomas just laughed and hugged Janie back in a way that spoke that they were more than friends.

"You came after all!" Janie giggled, kissing his cheek.

"Of course I came. I'm not one to let the Baker's scare me off, plus the prettiest girl in town is here, so of course I came," Thomas winked, gently touching Janie's cheek.

Rose had to smile. The way this Thomas was with Janie was the way Jack was with her. Gentle and loving and she was obviously the only girl he even thought of looking at. She laced her fingers through Jack's, happy to see that her sister-in-law was in love.

Jack cleared his throat, feeling rather awkward.

Janie looked over at Jack and blushed. "Thomas, I have someone that I want you to meet. I know that you didn't believe me when I told you that I had a twin brother, a lot nicer than Richie."

Thomas just laughed. "Darling, it's not that I didn't believe you…"

"You didn't believe me. Be honest, it's okay. After all my posturing, I don't blame you and it did take Jack a while to come home, but he did finally. Thomas, I like you to meet my twin brother, Jack. Jack, this is Thomas Bradshaw," Janiee pulled Thomas over to Jack and nervously smiled. "I told him that you were the nice brother, so don't disappoint me."

Jack couldn't help himself. "After you interrogated Rose yesterday?"

"Jack!"

Jack laughed and held his hand out to shake Thomas's hand. "Jack Dawson here. Nice to meet ya."

"Hello, Janie's told me a lot about you," Thomas smiled, his eyes showing embarrassment, because he really hadn't believed Janie when she said that she had a twin brother.

"And this is Jack's wife Rose. They're newlyweds," Janie motioned to Rose.

Thomas took her hand and kissed it. "It's a pleasure. I guess I should say congratulations."

"The pleasure is all mine, Mr. Bradshaw. And thank you. Jack and I are very happy."

"How are you finding Chippewa Falls so far, Mrs. Dawson?" Thomas asked as Janie took his arm, reminding Rose of how she had taken Jack's arm during the first class dinner. He had been the handsomest man there. Even Madeline Astor couldn't stop admiring him.

"I haven't seen much of it so far, but what I have seen it's been lovely and everyone is so friendly and welcoming."

"She hasn't met the Baker's yet," Janie chuckled.

"The longer she doesn't meet those people, the better. Father refused to come because he knew they'll show up."

"Your father should have came. If anyone can go toe to toe with those jerks, it's him," Janie huffed. "After all the pain they've caused…"

"Janie, maybe we should talk about something else," Jack interrupted, not wanting to even think about the Baker's even though it was inevitable. He didn't want to get into the Bakers with Rose just yet. It was best to talk about something else…like his sister's suitor. He has definitely been away for far too long. Janie has grown into a gorgeous young girl and he only wanted the best for his sister. "So Thomas, tell me about yourself. What do you do? Where is your family from? How long have you and my sister been courting?"

"Jack Dawson!" Janie glared. "I did not introduce you two so you can interrogate him!"

"I'm not interrogating him, Janie," Jack gave his most innocent expression. "I am only getting to know my future brother in law better. Just like you were getting to know Rose, yesterday."

Rose giggled. "Darling, she wasn't that bad. She was quite gracious. You have met my mother, you know good and well interrogations could have been worse."

"Still, I have been away for far too long. It's time I took up my older brother duties."

"By two minutes, Jack! Two minutes!" Janie glared.

Thomas laughed. "Janie, sweetie. It's okay. Those are rather tame questions anyway I don't mind answering them. Mr. Dawson, my father has come to own a Sears store. They're turning into quite a franchise. We're not 'old money' but we do make some money and I can guarantee you that I can take care of Janie if we are to marry. We come from the East Coast. Boston, actually and I have been courting your lovely sister for a good year now."

"Do you know the Boston Dawsons?" Jack couldn't help but ask.

"Why yes, I do. Any relation?"

"No. We are not related to anyone in Boston," Janie gave Jack a glare, missing Rose's giggle, getting why Jack had asked about the Boston Dawsons.

"Well, Mr. Bradshaw. I cannot speak for my father, but I like you. I think you're good for my sister," Jack grinned. He honestly did like Thomas Bradshaw. He was nothing like Caledon Hockley, which had been his main concern.

"Call me Thomas," Thomas grinned.

"And you can call me Jack."

"I'm glad that we got that out of the way," Janie rolled her eyes.

"Trust me, if you knew my mother and how she looked and talked to Jack when we met, this was nothing," Rose sighed at the memory. A part of her wondered what had become of her mother, but a bigger part was glad to have escaped her mother's control and to be living her own life with Jack.

"Thomas. I see you made it," Richie approached, along with Jolene. "And you met our brother."

"Yeah, and Jack had his fun and so I'm denying you yours. Come on Thomas, let's see what everyone had brought," Janie pulled her boyfriend over to where the food was set out.

"What did you do?" Richie looked at Jack, his eyebrow arched.

Jack laughed. "Nothing bad. She's just exaggerating. I just asked a few questions. Wanted to make sure that she wasn't dating a pompous jerk that would think of her as a possession and not a human being. "

In other words, another Hockley.

"And what's the consensus?"

"I like him. But I'm getting the vibe that you don't…"

"He doesn't like anyone that shows an interest in Janie. He's so overprotective, it's cute," Jolene giggled.

"She's only 20…she doesn't know how the world works or even what she wants yet."

"Rose here is 17 and she's very self aware and knows what she wants and who she wants. And Janie…she's not as naïve as you may think. Don't underestimate her," Jack advised.

"Just when I think I can't love you anymore than I do, you go and say something like that," Rose stared at her husband. He really was the anti-Cal. Again she thanked whoever was looking out for her for bringing her to him.

"So you think we should let her marry that swell?"

"Well, they've been courting for a year, so why not? He's a nice enough guy. And why should I be the only Dawson married to a swell, huh?" Jack winked at Rose, who just blushed, just as another car, this one even fancier than Thomas Bradshaw's pulled up.

"Oh fuck…here they are. The almighty Bakers," Richie sighed, crossing his arms.

Rose frowned when she felt Jack immediately tense up. She tightened her hold on his hand, reminding him that she was by his side, no matter what.

"Maybe Rose and I should go back to the house now…it's getting late and I'm sure that Rose must be tired," Jack said, his voice distracted.

"Jack, we haven't even eaten yet. Why don't you relax and not let the Baker's run you off…again," Richie scolded.

Rose frowned, wondering what Richie meant by that. Did the Bakers have something to do with Jack leaving Chippewa Falls all those years ago? If so, what and what will they do when they see that he had returned?

"Jack don't even think about taking off," Janie came up with Thomas right behind her, he too looking as if he rather be somewhere other than there.

"Ok, who are the Bakers and what do they have to do with Jack?" Rose point blanked asked.

"Richest family in Chippewa Falls and old money," Thomas answered. "And they pretty much own this town and are trying to push my family out."

"And the reason…,"Janie began.

"Jackie," Jack interrupted.

"She's going to find out anyway Jack. I don't know why you don't want Rose to know that those assholes are the reason you left us like you did," Janie glared at her brother. "And I'm so tired of them prancing around here, bullying the people that I love! First my brother and now Thomas and his family! I'm not sitting down and taking it anymore!"

Thomas came forward and wrapped his arms around Janie, kissing her forehead and whispering that it'll be alright, trying to calm her, which to Jack seemed to be rather successful.

"I'm sorry Janie. I just wanted to avoid any kind of conflict today," Jack tried to explain.

"There needs to be conflict Jack. It's time our family stood up for itself and let the Baker's know that they can't threaten anyone of us anymore."

"Why would they threaten Jack?" Rose frowned, not getting this at all.

"Jack didn't tell you about Cecily?" Janie looked at Rose, then at Jack, who looked less than happy with her. "Oops…guess not…"

"Alright, who is she and what does she have to do with Jack?" Rose has had enough, all these mentions of a Cecily and still she didn't know who she was and what she was to Jack. To be honest, it was starting to anger her.

"That is Cecily Baker right there," Jolene nodded towards the fancy car, where a lovely brunette girl about Jack's age was being helped out of the car, along with an older woman and gentleman that must be her parent.

She watched as the girl looked in her direction and paused as he looked directly at Jack. A look of recognition and surprise and something else that Rose didn't want to even contemplate passed along her features and Jack, he seemed to be frozen in place at the sight of her. Suddenly, she knew who the girl was or at least what she had been to Jack and it nearly knocked the air out of her. She couldn't even explain why really. It wasn't that she thought that she was Jack's first love. He was 20 for goodness sake of course she wasn't his first. She just hadn't expected to be in the same town…the same space as the girl that Jack had first loved. Especially when she didn't know the story.

Rose's insecurity was drowning her so much, she didn't notice when Jack let go of her hand and just walked, no rather ran away from the entire situation,not until Jolene spoke again. "Cecily Baker. The girl that crushed my brother's heart and was the cause of his leaving home."

"Um…maybe someone should go after Jack? He just took off," Jolene rubbed the back of her neck.

"He just left Rose here," Janie frowned, taken aback by Jack's behavior.

"He knew we'd take care of her," Richie placed a gentle hand on Rose's shoulder.

Rose frowned, feeling worried. This indeed wasn't like Jack. "Maybe I should go find him…"

"Thomas and I will go with…Richie, take Jolene back to mom and dad…"

Richie sighed and took his wife's hand, not liking any of this. He just hoped that whatever was going through Jack's mind wouldn't lead to more trouble for the family.