A/N: To a certain fellow Little Women fan on this site(you know who you are), I enjoy all of our in-depth conversations about that beautiful novel. This is for you...

The next day, Rose is feeling dreadfully tired yet again and has submitted, per Jack's request, to a day of simply resting and entertaining a few books. Jack had wanted to take Rose to the doctor, but she declined, saying that it was just her body needing to rest, nothing bad.

Jack gives Rose permission to read any of the books he owns, and she is going through the bookshelves in his room when she comes across a copy of a childhood favorite of hers, Little Women. When she was younger she'd read the novel five times, but always stopped when Beth died; she never did make it past the tragic event. She pulls the book out and traces her finger over the cover, an illustration of the four March sisters sitting around a chair, listening to Meg read a book out loud while sitting in the chair. She smiles sadly, running her finger over Beth's rosy cheeks, remembering the sad story of little Beth Alcott, with no happy ending.

With a sigh she makes her way out to the family room and she curls up on the couch, opening the book to its first page and beginning to read, her mind already picturing the famous opening scene of the four sisters in their own living room talking about Christmas, each sister's first line describing their personality in a simple, yet accurate, manner, " 'Christmas won't be Christmas without any presents,' grumbled Jo, lying on the rug.

'It's so dreadful to be poor!' sighed Meg, looking down at her old dress.

'I don't think it's fair for some girls to have plenty of pretty things, and other girls get nothing at all,' added little Amy, with an injured sniff.

'We've got Father and Mother and each other,' said Beth contentedly from her corner."

With a smile, Rose lets the book lead her into the world of the March sisters, far away from her own world and the worries floating about her mind.

Not long after she begins, Jack's voice interrupts Rose as he kisses her cheek, startling her as she hadn't seen him walk over, "Hey, I'm going into town for a bit, is there anything you need?"

Rose narrows her eyes, "We just went to town yesterday...You're going for the doctor, aren't you?" He averts his eyes and she sighs, "Honestly, Jack, I feel perfectly fine besides being tired. You needn't worry."

Jack looks back at her, "I'll always worry. Look, I'm not gonna bring him here unless he insists, I'm just gonna let him know how you're feeling and see what he thinks."

Reluctantly, she nods, "Very well, but don't over dramatize things. It's nothing big, I swear."

Jack smiles, "Alright, we'll see what he thinks," Motioning to the book in Rose's hand, he asks, "What book did you choose?"

With a smile, Rose shows him the cover, "A childhood favorite of mine, Little Women. It's making me love the name Josephine even more, if we ever have a second girl."

Jack smiles, "When Julie and I were younger, we read that book together countless times. I'd read a chapter out loud, then she would, and we'd alternate. It is a lovely book, just as Josephine is a beautiful name. You know, I'd been thinking about that girl's middle name that we're missing for Margaret..."

Rose raises an eyebrow, "And?"

"Your middle name is Elisabeth, with an 's,' as you told me. What if we did that?"

Rose scrunches her nose, "Margaret Elisabeth Dawson. It's a beautiful name, but it just sounds so...high society."

Jack laughs, "Yeah, I see that, it sounds very sophisticated," Playfully, he says, "How about Margaret Rose Dawson?"

Rose laughs, "Call me crazy, but I kind of like it...Margaret Rose Dawson."

Jack smiles and says with a laugh, "Really? I expected you to hate it."

"I do actually, I quite like it. It does make me want to name a child after you though."

Jack smiles, "Perhaps we will. Anything you want," He takes her hand and leans in to kiss her nose before standing up, "I love you."

Rose lifts his hand to kiss her lips, "I love you too."

With one last squeeze, Jack drops her hand and heads out the door. Rose watches him walk out before going back to her book with a happy sigh.

...

Jack arrives in town around noon. Thankfully, over the past few days, the rumors and shock over Jack's arrival back in town have settled, and he can make it through town with only a few whispers and stares.

It doesn't take too long for Jack to get to the small medical clinic in the heart of town. When he enters, the doctor, Dr. Jacobson, if he remembers correctly, happens to be the one at the desk, rather than back with a patient while the nurse or midwife sits in his place.

Jack steps up to the desk and gives a small cough, causing the doctor to look up from his papers and see Jack, "Well, my goodness! Jack Dawson really has returned."

With a laugh, Jack says, "I've lost count of how many times that's been said to me over the past week. Hello, Dr. Jacobson. Yes, I have returned."

The doctor raises an eyebrow, "Then...are all the rumors true?"

"Well, rumors are rumors and I do my best to avoid them, so I can't say for certain?"

"Are you married? Is she expecting?"

Jack swallows, doing his best to keep from beaming simply at the thought of Rose and their child, "Yes, those are true. I'm married to Rose Elisabeth Dawson, and she is expecting a child."

He grins, "How marvelous! How is she coming along? How far in is she? You're welcome to bring her by any time for a checkup, or I could come to you all. You know, I was the one to deliver all of the Dawson kids, yourself included, it would be an honor to deliver yet another."

"She's coming along fine so far, though that is why I'm here. Oh, and she is three months in."

"That's simply wonderful. What do you mean by that being why you're here?"

Jack swallows, "She's been far too tired for our liking recently and today she's submitted to a day of simply sitting on the couch. She barely put up a fight, which isn't like her. I'm just a bit nervous."

The doctor nods, "Is there anything you can think of that might be the cause? What age is she?"

"Almost eighteen, her birthday is in September. As for anything that could be the cause...well, what exactly do you mean?"

"Well, she hasn't done anything that is advised against for pregnant women, has she?"

"She hasn't smoked or had any alcohol," Jack thinks back to what the doctor who'd announced the pregnancy had said and remember something, "Extreme conditions. Well, it's been a while, but, when the child had only recently been conceived, we were out in the cold almost all night. We were in cold water for quite some time then as well."

The doctor thinks for a moment, "Quite frankly, I'm more concerned about what you two were doing in cold water for a while at night than that being the cause of this. It's most likely that her young age is the reason for her lethargic behavior. She's quite young to be carrying a child, though you needn't worry about that, it's been done fine much younger. She's just going to need more rest, as her body will have to work a bit harder, given her lack of complete physical maturity, there's nothing to worry about...However, if it would please you, I'd be happy to have a look at her and ensure everything is normal."

Jack nods, "That would be great, when can you see her?"

The doctor looks down at the desk and flips through a few papers, "It looks as though I won't have time today, but I can do tomorrow. She can come here at...twelve o'clock by the looks of it, or I can go to her at two in the afternoon. Whichever you prefer."

"Two sounds perfect."

The doctor nods, "Good day to you, Jack. I'll see you tomorrow."

Jack shakes the doctor's hand, "To you as well."

With a warm twinkle in his eye, the doctor adds, "Congratulations on your child...It's good to have you back."

Jack nods with a crooked smile, "Thank you, it's good to be back."

...

Jack is walking back through town, lost in his own thoughts, when a girl's hand grabs his wrist and pulls him backwards into an alleyway. Before he can say anything, an all too familiar voice whispers in his ear, "Don't say a thing."

Jack wants to groan at the sound of the voice, but compiles and lets her pull him back all the way into the alley. Jack turns around to face her once she stops and looks around to ensure no one will see them. He leans against the brick wall of the neighboring building and crosses one leg over the other, "What do you want, Cecile?"

"I want you to listen to me. I want you to let me explain things. Let me lay my case before you discredit it."

Jack sighs and thinks of what Rose said the other night, he's got to give her a chance, "Fine. Go on then."

Cecile swallows, "Well, first off I want to clarify that my mother caught me. I didn't go to her-"

"I figured, well, more of hoped, that much."

"After that, nothing I did on that day was my choice. I didn't want my mother to go to you, I didn't want to remain silent while she belittled and attacked you, I didn't want to watch you leave, I wanted to leave with you...but, most importantly, I didn't want to say all those things I said to you."

"But you did. Why couldn't you stand up to her just once? Just once."

Cecile swallows, "It's not like you think, I wasn't just afraid of her. Had the circumstances been what you think they were, I would have stood up for you against her, I would have."

Jack furrows his eyebrows, "I don't follow."

Cecile almost looks to be fighting back tears as she continues, much to Jack's confusion, "Jack...what I said...I didn't say it because I hated you or because I thought our relationship was as I said," she swallows, "I said it because of quite the opposite...I said it be-because I loved you. I said what I said to save you, I said it because I care for you."

Jack's eyebrows shoot up in disbelief, "I'm sorry, what?"

Cecile averts her gaze, "Jack, you think you know what my mother is capable of, but no one really does. She owns this town. She could have complete control of the courts and bribe anyone into doing her bidding. If she wanted something to happen...it could happen.

"She knew that threatening me or my life would have no effect on me and wouldn't make me do anything, but you? A threat to you, your life, or your freedom? I'd bend to her every wish," Jack's eyes widen as he realizes what Cecile is saying, "Jack, she threatened you. She said she'd have you put in prison for life or even...even killed. She could frame you for any crime she wanted. So many people would be willing to murder anyone if the price is right. So, I did what she wanted. I said what I said to save you."

Jack stares at nothing in particular, eyes glistening as he processes what he's just heard. His mouth opens slightly, but closes once more. He looks Cecile in the eye as she nervously watches for his reaction, and he musters the strength to speak, "I'm sorry. I-I'm sorry she did that to you and...I'm sorry I was so hard on you," after a moment he adds, "And thank you, I guess. I don't suppose I'd be here without you."

Cecile swallows and gives a small smile before going on, "Look, I know you may never forgive me, and I don't expect you to...but, could I perhaps have a chance to redeem myself?"

Jack looks at her for a moment, "If all you say is true, then I can't blame you for what you've done. Things will never be the same, if even mended, between us. I mean, I'm married to the love of my life, and I don't intend to ever do anything to change that, but I...I forgive you."

Cecile's face brightens as she smiles and Jack sees her look happy for the first time since he left, "Really? Th-Thank you," after a hesitation, Cecile continues, "Look, I know how much I hurt you, and I never want someone you love to do that to you again. You're positive Rose won't, right?"

Jack shakes his head, "Rose won't, I trust her more than anyone. She will never leave me like that, you needn't worry."

Just then, a noise from one end of the alley causes them both to snap their heads in that direction. After a moment of silence, Jack turns back to Cecile, "You'd better go, we can't risk being caught together."

Cecile nods, "You're right. Well, have a good afternoon then. I hope to see you again sometime soon, if I am forgiven, to take my chance of mending things between us."

Jack nods with a small smile, "I can hardly believe I'm giving you another chance after all that's happened. Just, don't make me regret it, alright?"

Cecile nods as she begins to walk away, "I won't, I swear."

...

Jack comes home to find Rose laying on the couch, exactly where she was when he left, except now she has her arms wrapped around the book and her head is resting on the arm of the couch with her eyes closed.

Jack smiles at the sight and walks across the room to kneel in front of her. He takes the book from her arms and tucks a stray curl behind her ear. After admiring her for a moment with a slight smile on his face, Jack looks down at the book and flips through it. He's quite surprised to find that Rose has read a good portion of the book. She's already reached the tenth chapter, just after Meg gets a scolding from Laurie for being rather scandalous at a party.

With a small laugh, Jack remembers how Julie would have fun with this chapter. She would always put on one of her nicest dresses and act out Meg's part, making Jack pretend to be Laurie. It was quite interesting, but he must admit he had fun with it, despite their poor acting skills.

Jack closes the book with a happy sigh at the memory. He places the book next to the couch and looks at Rose, who is still sleeping peacefully. He smiles at her and leans in to place a gentle kiss on her forehead. As he pulls away, he stops to whisper in her ear, "I love you."

As he stands to walk away, a hand grabs his wrist. He looks down to see Rose holding his wrist with her eyes still closed. Jack kneels down beside her just as her eyes flutter open, "You're back. What did he say?"

"He'll stop by tomorrow just to make sure everything's alright."

Her brilliant blue eyes look up at him, filled with worry, "What does he think the reason is, did he say?"

"His guess is that it's because you're a bit young to be carrying a child, though he said that's nothing to worry about. You're just gonna need more rest than most expecting women might need."

Rose lets out a breath of relief, "Well, that's a relief to hear. I'm feeling much better now, not tired at all. Say, I'm positively dying to stretch my legs. Care to join me for a walk? You could show me some of the places you told me about."

Jack grins, "That sounds perfect," he holds out his arm for her to take as she stands, "Shall we?"

With a smile, Rose takes his offered arm, "Of course.

...

Alex and Amanda sit together on two chairs on the front porch as they watch Jack and Rose walk down the path in front of their house. Jack and Rose are talking and laughing together as Jack points to different things, telling Rose about them while they walk with Rose leaning her head on Jack's arm.

Alex looks down at Amanda, who has her head resting on his arm and her fingers intertwined with his. She has a smile on her face as she watches the two of them. Feeling Alex's gaze on her, she speaks, "It's amazing how two people can just fit together so perfectly. Like you and I, as well as Jack and Rose. We're just so happy together, and anyone could tell from a mile away how in love the two of them are. Love really is incredible, isn't it?"

Alex smiles, "Yeah, especially ours. It's amazing how you were able to so effortlessly pull me out of that place I was trapped in," He leans over and kisses her cheek. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

Amanda smiles and lifts her head to look at him, "Well, It's a good thing you'll never have to worry about that. I'll be with you for the rest of my life."

Alex leans down slightly to claim her lips in a gentle kiss, "As I will stay with you for all of my life."

They sit together in silence for a moment, watching Jack and Rose slowly disappear into the horizon. While they sit in silence together, Alex's mind begins to wander. As he watches Jack and Rose, he can't help but wonder how things might have been if Jack hadn't shut them all out. Would Alex have been there for Jack's wedding? Would Jack have been there for Alex's? When would he have met Rose? Better yet, what might have happened if Jack had never left and never mixed with Cecile in the first place?

His thoughts are interrupted by Amanda's sweet, angelic voice, "What's troubling you?"

Alex looks at her with surprise, "How'd you know something was bothering me?"

Amanda suppresses a smile and looks up at him, "It's not that hard to tell. Your face was serious, your leg was tapping, and your hand was fidgeting. You only do those things when something is wrong."

Alex laughs a little himself, having been unaware of what an open book he was, "Well, it's nothing really. Just thinking about what could have been."

"What do you mean?"

"I was just wondering how things might have gone if Jack had kept writing to us. Better still, what if he had never left?"

"Well, I can understand your frustration, especially at Jack shutting you all out, but everything happens for a reason. Maybe we just don't know the reason for that yet. As for Jack leaving, that had to happen. Look how perfect Rose is for Jack and remember how he saved her. If Jack hadn't left, he wouldn't have met Rose."

Alex sighs, "I guess you're right, but that doesn't mean I like it."

"And you don't have to."

He turns to her, "God, you're perfect. You know that?"

Amanda giggles, "Don't be ridiculous! No one is perfect."

"You're perfect for me," Alex tugs her arm, "Get over here."

She laughs and lets Alex pull her onto his lap facing him. He wraps his arms around her waist and pulls her into a kiss, not caring who might see them, before saying, "I love you."

Amanda straightens up, making Alex's lips rest just below her chest. She takes his face in her hands and angles it up to face her so she can lean down and kiss him gently. Without removing her lips from his, she whispers, "I love you too."

...

That night, Alex is returning to his and Amanda's room after helping in the kitchen. He walks in to find something quite unexpected: Instead of his bright bubbly Amanda there to greet him, he finds her lying on their bed in the fetal position looking quite pale, with one hand on her stomach and the other under her head. She is staring into space and only lifts her eyes to look at him with a small smile when he walks in.

Aex is by her side in a moment, "Hey, what's wrong?"

Amanda pushes herself to sit up, "Oh it's nothing just-"

Alex cuts her off with a sigh, "Come on, don't do this with me, I know you too well. Something's off, what is it?"

Finding herself without an excuse, Amanda admits, "Well, it's not that bad, really, but my head hurts terribly and my stomach aches as though I've eaten something spoiled."

Alex frowns, "Is this the first time?'

"I'm afraid not, though it's certainly the worst."

"We ought to get you checked out."

Amanda lets herself fall back against the bed, clearly unhappy with the proposal, "Oh, is that really necessary?"

With his small crooked smile, the mirror image of Jack's, Alex says as he strokes her cheek, "I can't have my sweet darling unwell, can I? It's best we know what's wrong."

She sighs, "I suppose you're right. I do hate being unwell. I hope this all goes away soon. You don't think it's something dreadful, do you?"

"Of course not, love...but I'll be with you no matter what."

Amanda smiles and says, "Then I know everything will be alright," before letting her eyes gently shut.

Alex watches her for a moment, wishing he could take whatever pain she felt from her. Eventually, he kisses her forehead and stands, doing what he needs to before joining her in bed.

Wrapping his arms around his wife, Alex kisses her neck and whispers, "I love you."

Though he thought she was asleep, Amanda responds with an almost inaudible, "I love you too," before they both drift off to sleep.

A/N: This chapter took quite a bit of time and effort to write and edit. I'd like to thank my editor for all they've done to help with this chapter(and all the others they've edited). I don't know what I'd do without you ;)