(A/N: Thank you to those of you who replied and followed:) I also thank those of you who are reading and have not replied and faved/followed. It means a lot that you're sticking with this story. Updates will be made more regularly now that NaNoWriMo is over:))
...
Rose woke up the next day and smiled as she found herself face to face with a sleeping Jack. It's been a while since she woke up to find him still sleeping comfortably, giving her time to just admire how peaceful and trouble free he seemed during sleep. He reminded her of the Jack on the Titanic. The young, happy go lucky artist that had no knowledge of sinking ships, custody fights, and miscarriages. The young artist that had saved her life and taught her how to fly.
Not that her love had changed for Jack now that he knew of all those things. If anything, her love for him had grown deeper. He had experienced some truly hard times, and yet he still had so much love in his heart. His smile still lit up her days and his love warmed her heart, despite all the misery he had suffered of late. He may not be the same Jack he was on Titanic, but he was still her Jack. He'll always be her Jack, no matter what may happen, because the hard times he suffered, she suffered to. They went through and survived it all together and they were becoming stronger people for it.
She reached out and placed a gentle hand on his cheek, which was rough with stumble. Blue eyes blinked opened as she giggled.
"What's so funny?" he asked, his voice confused and amused at the same time. He loved to hear his Rose laugh, even when he had no idea what was funny.
"You need to shave, Mr. Dawson. Even though I do wonder what you would look like with a full beard, nicely trimmed," Rose chuckled.
"Sorry, my Rose. That is one wish that I refuse to grant. I don't do beards, plus I'm not old enough for one especially for the kind that you're used to anyway," He smiled, his hand gently pushing her curls away from her face. "Anything else though, I'll make happen."
"I don't like beards either, for a matter of fact. They're too ticklish. Not very pleasant for long term kissing," She smiled, moving her face closer to Jack's, signaling that a kiss is exactly what she wanted to make happen.
"Well then no worries. No beard to get in the way of some spectacular kissing," Jack smiled indulgently, claiming her lips in a warm, luxurious kiss. He reluctantly pulled away and rested his head against his pillow as he gazed into her eyes. "Any plans for today?"
"Besides moping as I attempt to help with housework? No, not really," Rose smiled, her eyes never leaving his as she felt his hands wrap around hers, his fingers gently stroking her own.
"Good. I want to take you and Jake somewhere. Somewhere fun."
Rose laughed. "We haven't even had him for a full day and already you plan to spoil the boy."
"And my sweetheart. Why not? There's a state fair happening a few miles outside of town. Have you ever been to one, Rose?"
Rose's interest was peaked. "No, it sounds like fun though."
"It is! Popcorn, rides, candy floss, plenty of games..."
"Jake will love it," She grinned, trying not to squeal with delight herself, but the light in her eyes told Jack that she was excited for the new experience.
"Good! We should get up and eat breakfast first though," Jack laughed, looking forward to the day ahead. What a great way to celebrate getting Jack back and lift both himself and Rose's spirits from their loss.
Rose frowned. "We have to get out of bed?"
Jack laughed, wrapping his arms around her, holding her close. "Unfortunately yes."
Rose sighed, feeling his warm body against hers, his hardness pressed against her thigh, making her want him even more. She looked at him, feeling a little dazed. "Jack...I..."
"I know...but not yet. Doctor's orders..."
"Fine," Rose sighed, just as there was a tiny knock at the door.
"Daddy! Rose!" Jake called.
Jack laughed. "We would have been interrupted anyway."
Rose just smiled and slapped his chest. "Saved by parenthood, huh?"
Jack just chuckled and got out of bed, luckily wearing pajama bottoms or it would have been even more difficult for Rose to let him go. She watched as Jack opened the door and scooped his son into his arms. "Aren't you up a little early?"
Jake just shook his head no, looking at Jack with big innocent eyes. "Auntie Janie said to come get you and Rose for breakfast."
"She did, did she?" Jack turned and looked at Rose, who just smiled as she watched the scene. "Looks like my dear sister has our son doing her dirty work for her, Rose."
Rose blinked, a little surprised that Jack had included her so easily. But of course he did. Rose had of course signed the adoption papers. Jake was now hers just as much he was Jack's. "It looks like she's found a partner in crime."
"Obviously," Jack chuckled, turning his attention back to his son. "Jake, tell your aunt that mommy and daddy will be down in a few minutes."
Jake nodded as Jack sat him back down and then ran downstairs, leaving Jack to close the door behind him. "Well I guess that was our cue to get dressed and get ready for the day."
Rose got out of bed and went to her closet and pulled out a green dress that was almost identical to the yellow dress she had worn the day she walked the deck with Jack on Titanic. She remembered buying it, thinking of the nice memory she had and that the green would suit her even more than the yellow dress had.
"That brings back memories," Jack commented, laying out his clothes, dark brown trousers that was to go with a dark blue shirt that Rose had mentioned liking on him.
"Doesn't it? I knew you'd like it," Rose grinned, laying the dress down so she could pull off her nightgown.
Five minutes later, Jack was the first to leave the room. Rose was still doing her make up and hair. He rolled his eyes good-naturedly, thinking that he was glad not to be a woman. They had to go through so much to be ready for the day, even though to Jack, Rose didn't need the make up and hairstyles. She was his fiery goddess. Her beauty just came naturally. Of course, Rose never believed him when he told her this, saying that he was biased and that even she felt that her beauty was more enhanced by the powders found in the tubes and boxes that she had brought in New York.
He walked downstairs and was about to head for the dining room when there was a knock at the door. Frowning, he wondered who it could be visiting at this time of day. Curious, he opened the door to their neighbor, just a few miles down. A Mrs. Winston if Jack remembered correctly. He remembered how Richie and his friends once called her the cat lady. Not to his surprise, she had a basket in hand full of tabby kittens.
"Hello young man. My cat had kittens not too long ago and now that they've weaned from their mother, I'm offering a kitten to the neighbors before I sell them to anyone else. Would you like a kitten for your sweet heart, or a child you may know? They're free to the people who live in a three mile radius to my small place."
Jack grinned happily. What a perfect thing to give Rose! Animals always made people happy and she'd love a kitten. It may even take her mind off of losing their baby. He saw the perfect one. It was a red tabby with bright green eyes. It instantly made him think of Rose.
"I'll take that one," He pointed to the kitten. "I think my wife would love her."
"Wise choice, young man. I've seen that lovely wife of yours and indeed the kitten suits her perfectly."
Jack couldn't help the wide grin on his face as the woman handed him the meowing kitten
.
"Take care, Mr. Dawson," Mrs. Winston patted his cheek affectionately before leaving him alone in the doorway, gazing at the cute animal.
"Daddy?"
Jack turned around to find Jake looking up at him curiously. "Hey Jake. I was on my way in there. Do you want to help Daddy give mommy a present?"
Jake simply nodded as Jack handed him the kitten and then scooped him up into his arms once again. "Ok, when she comes down, hand her the kitten. I'll do the talking, alright?"
Jake again nodded just as Rose came downstairs, looking lovely in the green dress, with her red hair pulled back into a braid, leaving wisps of hair framing her face. She smiled when she saw the boys waiting for her then blinked in surprise when she saw what Jake held in his hands.
"Boys? What is this?" She asked, reaching the bottom of the stairs.
"Our gift to you. Mrs. Winston was giving away kittens and I saw this one that reminded me of you. I thought she'd make the purrfect gift," Jack grinned, getting a giggle from Jake and an amused smile from Rose.
"Oh my, she's lovely!" Rose gasped, accepting the kitten from Jake, who held it out to Rose.
"What are you going to name her, Rose?" Jake asked.
"Yeah. You could name her Rose Junior, but that would be too weird," Jack grinned.
"Well, she's a pretty and as precious as a jewel, so why not name her Ruby?"
"I like that," Jake smiled shyly, wrapping his arms around Jack's neck, now that Rose had the kitten.
"Well then Ruby it is," Rose smiled, kissing the little boy's cheek.
"Hey, breakfast is getting cold!" Janie called from the dining room.
"We're coming!" Jack laughed, again starting towards the dining room with Jake in his arms, but is stopped by Rose's hand on his shoulder. He looked at her curiously, noticing the warmth in her eyes.
"Thank you, Jack. You are more than good to me."
He gently touched her face with his free hand, a gentle smile curving his lips. "Of course I'm good to you. I love you, Rose. I want to make you make you happy."
"I am. For the first time in a while, I really am."
Jack felt his heart soar. For the past days since the miscarriage, Jack wondered if it would ever be possible to make Rose genuinely happy again. To know that he had accomplished just that, it lifted a weight off his shoulders. He leaned in and gave her a quick kiss, gazing into her eyes as he pulled away. "I love you, my Rose."
"I love you too...both of you," She smiled, gently touching Jake's cheek, silently promising him that she would be a good mother to him.
"Come on, let's eat so we can start the day," Jack smiled, taking her hand and leading her into the dining room.
…..
Ready to leave for the fair, Jack had gone upstairs to receive some of the money found in Cal's coat all those months ago and came back down to find Rose helping Jake straighten up his hat and clothes. He came down and smiled at the scene as Janie came to stand next to him.
"She's getting better," Janie simply replied as she stood next to her brother.
"Yes, she's healing. I think that talk with Ruth is what did it. I don't know what the woman said, but it brought Rose out of that room."
"Maybe she's trying to be a decent mother after all," Janie shrugged. "Ma thinks that she's just not a comforting, warm person, but loves Rose in her way. Maybe she's right."
"Maybe. I leave it alone, though. If Rose wants to talk to me about her relationship with her mother, she will."
"So where are the three of you off to then, if you don't mind my asking?"
"The state fair. Rose had never been to one and I think Jake would love it. It'd be a great way to celebrate us finally being a family and to continue bringing Rose out of her shell. Do you want to go?"
"Crowds are not my thing, big brother. You guys have fun though," Janie smiled, as Rose straightened up, her eyes searching for her husband.
"Darling? Are you ready?" Rose called
"See ya sis," Jack kissed Janie's cheek before joining Rose and Jake in the foyer. "As ready as I'm ever going to be, love."
Janie watched as they left the house. She sighed as she went out back and sat on the back porch, journal in hand, writing about the new developments in the Dawson household.
…..
Both Jake and Rose's eyes widened with wonder once they arrived at the state fair. Never before had either experienced such a place. A banner hung, welcoming fair goers. There were booths for food, entertainment, and displays for people to show off their merchandise that they had to sell. There was a merry-go-round and a picture booth. There were pie eating contests and bobbing for apple contests and contests for people to show off their animals. It was absolutely amazing, in Rose's eyes at least.
"Jack, this is so amazing. I've heard of these fairs, but I have never been to one. Father once promised, but it never happened and mother claimed to never see the need. That fairs were for the lower classes, not the people of stature like ourselves," Rose rolled her eyes. "It makes me wonder what else I've missed out on thanks to high society."
"Daddy, mommy! I want to go on the merry-go-round!" Jake pointed at the ride.
"Right now?" Jack laughed. He looked at Rose and squeezed her hand. "Your days on missing out, is over. I'm going to show you everything, Rose. You and Jake."
"Let's start with the merry-go-round!"
Happily, Jack led his family over to the ride. Laughing, Rose took one horse and Jack and Jake shared another and they giggled and laughed as the ride moved, the horses going up and down on the poles as the ride turned in circles, the merry music making the experience even more fun.
Once they were finished with the merry-go-round, Jack led them to a both where there were stuffed animals lining a shelf and a man in swim trunks sitting on a board above a huge tank of water.
"What is this?" Rose asked, curiously.
"Hit the button, dunk the man and win a stuffed bear!" The booth's attendant announced. He looked at Jack, who was eying the toys curiously. "A guy with a cute kid and a pretty lady. I tell ya what. Dunk the guy and I'll give you a bear for each."
"Yeah, like that kid can dunk me! He throws like a girl!" The man above the tank provoked.
"If I was in your position, sir I would not be provoking my husband," Rose frowned. "And throw like a girl? What is that supposed to mean?"
"It means that he can't throw! Not like a real man anyway!" The man laughed, ignoring the flash of anger in Jack's eyes. But it wasn't Jack that he should have been worried about.
"Sir, how much for a chance?" Rose asked, her voice tight with annoyance.
"A quarter a toss."
Rose took out a dollar and handed it to the attendant. "Jake, watch and learn. I'm going to teach you all about throwing like a girl."
"She sure will," the man above the tank snorted.
Jack stood back with Jake in his arms and watched. He had seen that flash of fire in Rose's eyes and knew it only meant one thing.
Rose picked up the ball, aimed and threw it, hitting her mark. The man squawked as the board he was sitting on dumped him into the icy water in the tank. Cheers and applause came from the women surrounding the booth, their men by their sides.
"That'll show him!" A woman yelled out.
"That was a fluke!" The man crowed, embarrassed. "She can't hit that mark again!"
"You show him, Rose," Jack encouraged.
Rose picked up another ball and threw it, hitting her mark once again. The man again went into the tank. "Do you have anything else to say about throwing like a girl, sir?"
You won't do it ag...aah!" The man screamed as Rose again hit her mark, causing everyone to burst into laughter.
"I have one more toss left, sir. Do you want to tempt me again or do you want to take back that throw like a girl statement?"
The man just glared. Rose rolled her eyes and tossed the ball, again hitting the mark and sent the fuming man into the water.
"Jake, as you can see women can throw just as well as men. Probably even better," Rose winked at her adopted son. The women around them were cheering and clapping as their men looked chastened, probably thinking twice the next time they'd say anything disparaging about what women can and can't do.
"Four animals for the lady!" The attendant took the toys off the shelf.
"Oh I just need one. Give the others to someone else," Rose excepted a blue bear and handed it to Jake.
"That's my Rose. Never make her angry," Jack chuckled, kissing her before leading her away from the booth. "You certainly showed him."
"Where to next Jack?"
"Daddy there's a clown!" Jake pointed.
Jack frowned when he heard a frightened gasp from Rose. He looked and saw the clown that Jake had pointed out, but nothing that was worthy of Rose's response. "What? It's just a clown."
Rose stared at Jack in disbelief. "Just a clown? Jack, how can you say that? Just a clown? Those thing are...are...evil..."
Jack stared at Rose in disbelief. "Oh come on! They're harmless!"
"No they are not. I'm talking about numerous childhood nightmares here, Jack," Rose shook her head. "I can't stand clowns..."
Jack bit his lip in an effort not to laugh. "Alright then. Stay here while I go take Jake to see the clown."
"You cannot be serious in taking our son near that...thing..."
This time Jack couldn't help his laughter. "Rose, it's just a person in make up and a costume. Nothing to worry about. Come. Come with us and see for yourself. Come on, you defeated a sinking ship. Surely you can defeat this fear of clowns that you have."
Rose wanted to be angry at Jack for his laughter and dismissing her fear, but she had to admit. He had a point. What was a clown in comparison to a ship sinking out from under you. Sighing, she rolled her eyes. "Fine. But if I see sharp teeth, I'm taking Jake and making a run for it."
"And I'll be right behind you, saying that you were right the entire time," Jack grinned.
With butterflies in her stomach, Rose followed Jack over to where the clown was entertaining a group of people. After five minutes waiting in line, it was finally their turn. She watched as the clown made a balloon sailor hat for a giggling Jake and even made a balloon flower for her. He did a few magic tricks before it was time for someone else to have a turn. Walking away, Jack smiled at her.
"See. He didn't sprout claws and fangs after all," He teased.
"Ha ha," Rose rolled her eyes, giggling. "Alright, alright. You were right. Clowns aren't all that bad..."
"Hey look! Candy floss!" Jack headed for a contraption that looked like it was full of colorful cotton.
"Candy floss?" Rose frowned.
Jack took one of the sticks on display and stuck it into the machine, swirling it around a few times. He finally pulled it out, covered with the cottony substance. "Try it, Rose. I can't believe you've never had this before."
Frowning, Rose bit into the substance and nearly melted from how delicious it was. "Oh my god, Jack..."
"Pretty good, isn't it?"
"Delicious!" She watched as he made Jake and himself one and they continued on.
For the rest of the day, the small family walked amongst the booths and attractions just enjoying themselves and the pretty day, just happy to be together.
…..
It was early evening when they returned to the Dawson farm. Jack carried a sleeping Jake up to his room and put him to bed. He returned to find Rose and Fabrizio on the front porch. He was happy to find them both alone, because on the way home, he noticed a wedding party reception and from the music, he could tell it was an Irish wedding. The music alone brought back happy memories.
"Rose, Fabri. Would you like to go to a real party tonight?" Jack grinned.
Rose's eyes widened, getting his meaning. "Where?"
"There's an wedding reception a few miles down the road. An Irish wedding reception. I was thinking that maybe we can crash...dance a few jigs..."
"I'd love to go, but wouldn't we get thrown out?"
"Not around here. The wedding ceremony is private, but usually everyone who stops by is welcomed at the receptions," Jack grinned. He turned to Fabrizio, who also seemed unsure. "What do you say, Fabri?"
Jack was crazy and this latest plan was proof of that. He was about to refuse when he saw Cecily coming up the walk, not looking too happy. He wondered what caused that frown. Perhaps Jack's idea had merit after all. "Can I bring Cecily?"
Jack frowned, then shrugged. "Why not? Just as long as her mother doesn't show up to ruin the party."
Grinning, Fabrizio ran off the porch over to his secret girlfriend, telling her about the party. At first he thought she was going to refuse, but finally she nodded, accepting the invitation, even though her smile didn't reach her eyes.
…..
Fabrizio and Cecily sat at a table seated for four, watching Jack swing a laughing Rose through the crowd, dancing joyfully. It did his heart good to see his friends happy after the heartbreak that they had suffered. He just wished that the girl sitting with him would smile as well. Cecily hadn't smiled once since they had arrived. He wondered what was going on to keep that frown on her pretty face.
"Cara, what is it? You have not smiled since you came to the farm. Not even the happy music movies you," Fabrizio placed a gentle hand over hers. "You can talk to me."
Cecily sighed. She had gone to the Dawson farm to tell Fabrizio that it wouldn't work. Her little rebellion was over. She simply couldn't see him anymore, not with the new development in her life. There was too much danger, not to mention history with Jack and Rose. If Rose and Jack were to be believed, Caledon Hockley was a dangerous man and she wasn't willing to put Fabrizio in danger, no matter how she felt about him. When he had invited her to join them, she had only accepted so she could have one last happy memory of him, but the knowledge that this was their last night together, she couldn't bring herself to fully enjoy it and of course he noticed. She had no choice but to tell him.
"Fabrizio, after tonight...I can't see you anymore."
"Cecily, cara. What do you mean?"
"My mother...she's found me a 'suitable husband'. Rich, handsome, and if Jack and Rose are to be believed, dangerous. I can't expose you to that, Fabrizio. I rather be alone and unhappy than put you in danger."
Fabrizio wasn't understanding any of this. A suitable husband? Rich and handsome? And what did Jack and Rose have to do with any of this? "Cecily, I do not understand. Who is this man? Why would Jack and Rose know if he is dangerous?"
"Because they know of him first hand I suppose and you do too, probably. He's Rose's ex-fiancee. Caledon Hockley. Mother had sold him the Bradshaw place and has arranged for me to marry him...and I'm sorry Fabrizio. I don't want to, but..."
"Caledon Hockley?" Fabrizio rubbed the back of his neck, feeling as if his world was in a tailspin.
"What about Hockley?" Jack and Rose returned to the table, each with a glass of beer in hand.
"Mother had him over last night...I...," Cecily was cut off by Rose's glass slipping out of her hand and shattering to the floor.
"Rose!" Jack exclaimed, concerned by how pale she had just gotten.
"Caledon Hockley in Chippewa Falls? That awful woman did it! Calling my mother obviously wasn't enough! She's brought Cal down upon us!" Rose grabbed Jack's arm, clinging to it tightly, as if Cal was going to appear to try to drag her away. "Jack, what are we going to do?"
"Easy, Rose. Here, sit down. Take some deep breaths," Jack pulled out a chair and had her sit down. He handed her his beer. "Take a few sips, sweetie."
"Don't worry, Rose. He's not here for you. Mother has arranged an engagement between me and him. I'm to be the new Mrs. Caledon Hockley. At least according to mother's plans," Cecily sighed, feeling miserable.
"Oh that's good. I mean no, that's not good. That's bad. Cal is absolutely horrid. I'm so sorry, Cecily. You don't deserve that," Rose placed a hand over the miserable brunettes, feeling awful for feeling so relieved that Cal wasn't in Chippewa Falls for her, even though a part of her believed that if he knew that she survived, he'd stop at nothing to get her back, or at least make her pay for choosing Jack over him.
"So what does this mean? Is this the end of you and Fabrizio?" Jack wondered, feeling bad for his friend, yet hoping that it was. He knew from experience that Caledon Hockley was not a man to cross lightly.
"Yes," Cecily sighed.
"No," Fabrizio shook his head, his brown eyes hard with determination. "I am not afraid of Hockley."
"You should be, Fabri. The man is dangerous. He had me framed for stealing a necklace and locked below decks. If it hadn't been for Rose, I wouldn't be here now thanks to him," Jack hissed. Under his breath, wanting to discourage his friend from taking the same dangerous road that he had all those months ago.
"Not to mention how he shot at us, chasing us deeper into the sinking Titanic. I still remember his parting words. 'I hope that you enjoy your time together!'" Rose shuddered at the memory.
"You see Fabrizio! He is dangerous, too dangerous! We can't continue on! I...I love you too much! I caused pain for one man I loved once before...I refuse to cause pain to another!"
"Rose and I agree with Cecily here, Fabri. It's too dangerous," Jack sighed, feeling bad for his friend, hating that he couldn't be more supportive. Maybe if it wasn't Hockley and Jack didn't know the dangers, but it was. There was no way that he could encourage his friend to challenge the man the way he had.
"You're telling me to walk away from the woman I love, Jack. To turn away because she's engaged to the man your love was engaged to. But you didn't turn away from Rose, Jack. You didn't. Tell me, if you knew then, what you know now, would you have changed your mind? Would you have walked away from her? Would you have done any of it differently?"
Jack sighed and looked at Rose. He had been more than fascinated by her the moment that he had seen her on board Titanic. Even when he knew that she was engaged, he couldn't help but love her. Would he do it again, knowing how dangerous Cal was? Would he still have pursued her? He had to smile, thinking of that fire that burned inside her, all that they have gone through for one another. Fuck it, he wouldn't have changed a thing. He would have gone through it all over again, just to be with his Rose. Maybe the only thing he would have changed would be going back to tell Cal and her mother about the iceberg, but that was it. He would have still pursued Rose. Caledon Hockley and his manservant and guns be damned.
"I wouldn't have changed any of it," He took Rose's hand, who couldn't help but smile back, feeling the same way.
"It was all worth it," She sighed.
"Well then why tell me to not do the same? To give up on my chance at love? To let this man come and pull us apart, huh? Do I not deserve the chance to fight for my love just as you've fought for yours?"
Jack sighed, seeing Fabrizio's point. "You're right, Fabri. I'm sorry for discouraging you. It's just that you're my best friend. I don't want anything to happen to you, that's all. But if you want to pursue this with her and go against Hockley...you have my full support. And hey, this time you're not trapped on a sinking ship, so you may have a better chance at it than Rose and I," Jack gave an encouraging smile that looked more like a grimace. He just didn't like the thought of his friend going up against that bastard Hockley.
"Fabrizio, I appreciate the sentiment, but I can't allow you to...," Cecily began, but was cut off by Fabrizio's lips against hers.
He pulled away and smiled. "I know I am not being logical. But love rarely is. I am not afraid of this man and I will not allow him to come between us. I will fight for you, cara. Just like Jack did for Rose on that ship. I will not walk away from you and you will not marry that man. We will think of something, I promise you."
"Fabri..."
"Now hush. No more about that man. We are together now, at a party. Let's enjoy ourselves, yes?"
Tears spilt from Cecily's eyes. This man was so unbelievable. So brave and he loved her. He really did. She didn't even deserve the love that he was giving to her so freely. She wasn't brave like Rose and Jack, but she couldn't help but believe in Fabrizio's words. He was not going to walk away from her and this time, she won't walk away either. If Fabrizio wanted to fight for their love, so will she. She had lost Jack thanks to her cowardice. She refused to lose Fabrizio. She may be scared, but she believed in the young man that held her heart and it was that belief that was going to see them through
