Chapter Thirty-Two

Our Lady of the Rosary – New York City.

May 18th – 1912.

Rose stood at the back of the church and her heart pounded.

Pricilla Smith, her maid of honor, turned and placing a hand on her shoulder, gave her a reassuring smile as she whispered.

"It's alright, Rose. You're going to be fine. The organist's playing the song now. It's time we make our way up the aisle."

"Thank you." Rose replied but she felt as if the whole world was staring at her.

When Pricilla gave her another firm touch, she thanked her but she kept her eyes focused forward. The doors of the church were closed but Rose knew it was her turn to process down the aisle. The song, which was a favorite of hers, sang through her soul as the two ushers opened the door and her heart pounded. As Pricilla walked forward, wearing her gorgeous gown, Rose inwardly inhaled when she peered up and noticed the handsome man standing to the side of the pew. Ignoring Pricilla, Rose stared at Jack as he brushed a hand to his suite. She smiled when one of the men, who was one of the pirates, was at the back of the church when he whispered.

"Apparently, Mrs. Soon to be Dawson… he's nervous."

"I can see that." Rose whispered as the doors closed. It would be her turn to process after Pricilla but Rose knew Jack was nervous. Who wouldn't be when it was their wedding day? As the doors shut, Rose held her bouquet of flowers in front of her belly. The baby was alive but 4 months and Rose was showing. Most of the wedding guests' arrived and standing beside her was her uncle. Replacing her father, who passed away a long time ago, Rose held her other hand on his elbow and when he leaned forward, he whispered in her ear.

"I'm proud of you, Rose. You did the right thing for Jack and his sons'."

Then the organist began Canon in D and when the pirate ushers opened the doors, Rose heard the Congregation rise and when she looked up, she smiled when she met Jack's eyes. As she and her uncle processed up, Rose felt her heart beat when she continued to gaze into Jack's eyes and he, likewise, did the same for her. All nervousness vanished as the two approached each other. Father Andrew stood at the center of the altar and he too was smiling. Feeling humble, Rose moved her eyes over to another figure and trying not to laugh, she was charmed when John held the cushion for his parents' rings. And to when Rose looked to the side, standing behind his father, was William. In replacement of Albert, who would have been best man, Jack asked his oldest son to stand in as best man. When Father Andrew gave permission it was one of the happiest moments of William's life! 2 weeks after the capture and killing of Morgan Kingston as well as the arrest of the mates, Rose found herself standing on the altar with Jack Dawson. The last successor of the original Dawson pirate and she – another descendant. When her uncle gave her hand away to Jack, she felt him smile his love towards her as he stepped over as Father Andrew began.

"Dearly beloved…"

"Mama? Can I sit on your lap?" John asked.

Later that afternoon, Rose was the humble bride of Jack Dawson. As planned: their wedding was held at eleven in the morning at Our Lady of the Rosary Parish and all of their relatives and family came to celebrate their union! Drosselmier was in attendance and he was a part of Jack's groomsmen. Though both disliked recalling the betrayal of Albert General, the couple was happy to know that William was the replacement and now, the reception was hosted at their manor. The Dawson Manor as Rose later called it.

And if Ginger, Heather, and Emma could attest: the tables and chairs were set out prior before the wedding Mass. The guests, which were 175, were there and Rose marveled only relatives were allowed to stay with them. They had arrived a week after Jack was released from the hospital but his healing of the jaw progressed fast. It was also because of prayers from all his family members which made him speed the recovery quicker. The day as fresh and the sun was high when Rose looked over and answered.

"Yes, John. You can sit here."

Jack sat beside her and once John was on her lap, he leaned over and gave his son's nose a jiggle as he asked.

"You want to stay by papa and your new mama?"

"Yes." John replied but Rose could tell he wasn't in the mood to answer questions. Already – all of the wedding guests were approaching and congratulating the two. Rose, as well as Jack, thanked them and Rose never saw how happy she'd ever be in her life! They were outside on the lawn, though it was optional for the guests to celebrate inside Dawson's manor, but she paid little attention to this. As she bounced John on her lap, Rose became aware of movement in her womb. When John was occupied with some of the cake, Rose reached over and touching Jack's hand, made her look at her with a questionable brow.

"Here." She whispered and guiding his hand, placed his fingers on the movement inside her. When she looked up, his eyes grew and he smiled.

Feeling how his fingers playfully moved as the baby kicked, Rose stared into Jack's eyes as he leaned over and whispered.

"Our baby."

"Yes." Rose replied.

Then the couple resumed speaking with the guests who approached the table and as the afternoon went on, Rose was never happier or grateful to God! Remembering how she'd endured the Unsinkable, losing Edward, witnessing how Rachel too died, the way William bullied John, the history of their pirates and Morgan Kingston… it should be mentioned that his son was taken to live with his relatives out of state… the death of the final pirate… how Edward was a successor of them… Rose never imagined the adventure God let her go through to find herself here! When she peered over at Jack, she felt a miracle occurred when she felt, that trusting in God was her only way of receiving graces as well as depending on the One who took care of her in any situation.

John was on her lap when he turned and surprising her, gave her a hug as he whispered.

"I can't wait to be a big brother, mama!"

"Me either, mama." Another voice answered.

When she looked from the son hugging her to the one who stood to the right, who smelled of horse, Rose smiled as she replied.

"Neither can I."

"Don't forget me." A teasing voice to the left chided. When both sons' and new mother looked at their husband and father, they all laughed when he made a face at them but winked at Rose when John and William both exclaimed.

"Papa!"