It was August 1914 and it was the day of Harry's arrival. Rose went to the docks alone whilst Jenn and Joe looked after Jackie. They both figured Rose and Harry would want some alone time.
Rose walked the short distance to the docks,the RMS Olympic had already arrived to her relief. She hoped Harry wouldn't be too long because she really wanted to see him.
She stood and waited for him. Suddenly someone came up behind her and covered her eyes with their hands "Surprise Rose!" Harry uncovered her eyes and she saw him. He looked dashing in his officer uniform and cap.
"Harry!" She exclaimed happy to see,she then gave him a hug and wrapped her arms around him tight "I'm so happy to see you".
"I've missed you so much are all i have thinking about the last few months. Would you like to go for a coffee or go straight home?" he asked.
"Coffee sounds nice" She smiled sweetly at him. She then took his arm and they walked to the coffee shop.
Harry being the perfect gent held the shop door open for her to walk in first which she did smiling,she then found a table which he then pulled a chair out for Rose to sit on. She then sat down and he sat down opposite her. "Thankyou" She said blushing at him.
He smiled at her from across the table. His teeth dazzling white at her and showing his dimples which Rose could not resist looking at. He took off his cap and placed it on the table beside him "What would you like to drink Rose?" He asked.
"A light cappucino please Harry" She smiled.
"One cappucino coming up, would you like anything else like a slice of cake or a biscuit?" he asked standing up not taking his eyes off Rose.
"No thankyou Harry" She said as he walked to the counter to order.
Rose was watching Harry at the counter. He looked so smart and handsome and did not know why someone as handsome as him would take an interest in a single,unmarried mother.
He returned with a tray with two cappucinos and a slice of chocolate cake. "Are you sure i can't tempt you to some cake Rose?" he asked handing her a mug of coffee.
"Thanks Harry" She said gratefully "I'm alright,i had breakfast this morning".
"This is the first thing i have eaten all day and i'm starving" He said.
"I can cook us dinner this evening. Is there anything you fancy? I've been learning and developing my skills since we last met" Rose stated.
Harry sat thinking "I would love a good fish pie" He suggested.
"I can do that" She smiled looking at him. She noticed he hadn't taken his eyes off her since he sat back down "How was the voyage Harry?" She asked.
"Pretty uneventful Rose. The crew i work with now are nothing like the titanic. I miss Jim Moody,we were always chatting and having a laugh. And Charles Lightoller was a good laugh and always liked to play jokes. And of course dear Will Murdoch was like a surrogate dad,you could always go to him for advice" Harry said missing his friends,two of which perished in the titanic disaster.
Rose saw how Harry's facial expression changed "I'm so sorry Harry. But you stil have Joe. And you're going to be his best man in 8 months time". Rose sad trying to cheer him up.
"I know. We all have so much to look forward too" Harry said as his mood lifted thanks to Rose.
"I've thought about what we discussed before you left" She said.
"Oh about me courting you?" he asked full of hope she had decided to let him.
"Yes Harry and i have decided i would very much like you to court me if you still want too" Rose smiled.
Harry's face lit up into a massive grin "Are you sure?" He asked putting his hand around hers.
"Yes i am Harry. I know Jack would want me to move on and be happy. And let's face it,you are a great catch" She laughed.
"Oh Rose i am so happy to hear you say that! I really am! I won't rush you into anything. We'll take things at your pace. I know a good thing when i see it and you are worth waiting for Rose. And i want to help you raise Jackie" He smiled.
"Kiss me Harry" She asked.
He leant over the table and put his lips against Roses's and kissed her tongues entwined. They knew they couldn't get too carried away because they were in a public place.
"That was an amazing kiss" Harry said breathless as they pulled apart.
"It truly was Harry" she smiled. "Come on,let's get back and you can unpack your things and say hi to Jackie,Jenn and Joe".
Harry got up and returned the tray and empty mugs to the counter. And then he took Rose's hand and they walked back hand in hand just like any other couple.
