Epilogue
Christmas – Dawson Manor – 1912.
Winter – America.
As Rose placed the last of the ornaments on the tree, she heard John speak.
"I'm making sure Agnes is warm, mama!"
"Thank you, John. She needs to be before the guests arrive." Rose answered and taking a step back, nodded at her work. The Christmas tree was huge and it towered in the Dawson's living room. After being married for what felt like eternity, Rose was the happy mother of three children: William, John, and Agnes Elizabeth. Her daughter was two months old when preparations for Jesus' birthday were taking place and Jack, the one eyepatch father, was their father. The children didn't seem to oppose to the patch and as time progressed… neither did the residents of New York. It later became known that Jack received a nickname for his patch: Nutcracker Prince.
"Though I have no idea why they address him so!" Rose thought as she set her hands on her hips. The tree was alright but something about it was missing. William, who was helping, paused in sorting through some ornaments as he asked.
"Something wrong, mama?"
"Yes. We're missing something." Rose replied and she turned and William stood. He was no longer the bully she'd first met earlier that year as he approached. Standing beside her, he asked.
"What is missing?"
"Someone very handsome who should be underneath the tree." Rose answered and she glanced around the room. John, who'd grown larger, was holding Agnes in his arms, and he was otherwise occupied with her. Emma, as well as Ginger, were helping with the miseltoe around the hearth and fireplace, as well as the window, and Jack was away… but for some reason… Rose felt they were missing someone.
"Are you talking about the Nutcracker here?" a voice startled her.
Spinning around, Rose stared in awe when there, before her, stood Jack. And in his hands – was the famous Nutcracker doll! Making her way over, Rose answered.
"Yes! That's exactly what we're missing, Jack! The Nutcracker will add a great addition for the decorations!"
"I'll take care of him, mama!" William spoke and Rose thanked him.
Once her husband gave the doll to his son, Rose watched as William smiled as he toyed with the Nutcracker's jaw. Staring at his parents, he whispered.
"I just hope he won't break tonight."
"He won't because he's part of the reason why we're all here." Rose heard Jack reply but he wasn't harsh with his son when he said this. Rose was thankful that the relationship between father and son was mended. Compared to what she'd witnessed earlier – Jack and William's relationship seemed more to reflect that of Jesus to His Heavenly Father. And that was something Rose basked in!
After William returned to his work, Jack turned and opening his arms out, he whispered.
"Now… can my wife give me a hug before those guests arrive?"
"Yes. She may." Rose replied and fell into his embrace.
In the arms of her beloved, Rose closed her eyes as Jack's arms wrapped themselves around her. She basked in the sounds of both her sons', John and William, and the cooing of Agnes Elizabeth. When she felt Jack lean forward, he cupped her head in his palms and she gently pulled back before…
His lips touched hers.
The End
As any author, I'm sad to say goodbye to my characters! As an addition, here's what took place with them:
William eventually pursued a career in horseback riding with his horse, General. The money was used to help him with the education and he became one of Seabuiscut's trainers in the year 1933. He married and became a father of 5 children.
John followed his passion and became a race car driver. He married but took up his father's business while watching his brother speed along the race track on General. They kept in touch with their parents and sister as the years progressed along.
Jack and Rose lived happily ever after with their daughter, Agnes. Eventually they conceived another baby and named her Cecilia Dawson.
blessedwriter
And to Catherine – The Original survivor from the Titanic.
About three years ago, I listened to an interview from one of the Titanic's survivors' and she was from England. She set sail on the cruise and her husband, as mentioned in the prologue, told her everything from the beginning of my book. She later gave an interview in 1918 and disappeared. I wanted to add what could have happened with her and so – adding a few historic ancestry of pirates – Jewel of Devotionis written!