Chapter Forty-Two
December,18,1912
Rose smoothed out the lavender maternity dress that she had chosen to wear on this day. The skirt of the dress fell to the floor, as her abdomen had gotten bigger within the month that had passed. She was already on her eighth month of pregnancy, leaving her with only one month until she would bring her child into the world. It was Cal's wedding day, and Rose was the matron of honor. Rose's curls were pulled back in a French twist, which had been done by her mother, as several strands had fallen free from it's tight hold. A touch of makeup was placed on her face, as well as her favorite perfume. Rose could hardly believe that she was attending the wedding, from after what Cal had done to her and Jack eight months ago, however she had believed that their tension had ended, and hoped that it would stay that way. Rose heard a knock on the door, and she turned.
"Come in," Rose called, as she faced the full-length mirror, stroking her stomach. She heard the door open, as footsteps echoed in the room. Rose twisted her head, and smiled as she saw Jack dressed in a black suit, with a red rose on his lapel.
"You ready?" Jack asked, not taking his eyes off of her.
"Sure am," Rose said, waddling towards the dresser, where she retrieved her purse and went towards Jack, who had blocked her, and wrapped her in his arms.
"Hmmm," Jack hummed, as he looked down at his wife. "You seem to grow beautiful every day that have passed from the moment I laid eyes on you…"
Rose smiled as she could smell the hint of his cologne that he had sprayed onto himself.
"And you seem to grow more and more handsome from since the day I laid eyes on you," Rose said, as she pressed her finger against his firm chest.
"I guess we both changed," Jack said, holding Rose close to him.
"But you're still the same Jack that I have married," Rose said, smiling.
Jack smiled and pressed his lips on her forehead. "Let's go, before we're late," Jack said, as he held out his arm, having the same look he did eight months ago, when he was dressed in the tuxedo Molly had lent him for dinner.
Rose looked up at him, and smiled, as she placed her hand on his arm, while Jack had led her out of the room, and out of the apartment. Once they had left the building, Rose found a carriage, with two beautiful white horses, as a horseman was seated on the driver's seat. Rose's eyes twinkled as she looked up at Jack.
"Jack, what's this?" Rose asked, as she rested her hand on her belly.
"Well, I figured that it would be more romantic if we rode on a carriage, instead of in a car," Jack said. "Besides, I want to be old-fashioned here."
Rose smiled as she looked over at the carriage. "Well, I guess Mr. Jack Dawson has turned into Mr. Romance," Rose said.
"Guess so," Jack said. "Anything to please my beautiful, pregnant wife."
Rose smiled, as she let out a soft giggle. "Well, what are we waiting for?" Rose asked, as she led the way. "We're going to be late."
Jack chuckled and waved to the horseman, before he helped Rose into the carriage, as he hopped in, sitting beside her. Once Jack had closed the door, the carriage began moving, swaying back and forth at the few bumps that were on the pavement. Jack held Rose's hand in his as he looked into her eyes.
"Hopefully this will go as planned," Jack said, over the sound of the horse's shoes banging on the hard pavement, while the horseman led them towards the church. "You never know when Cal might go back to his old self…"
"I'm sure it will," Rose said. "He can't do anything to me right now. I'm married to you, for one, and I'm expecting. Besides, he has a beautiful fiancée, who would soon become the famous Mrs. Hockley, and live the rest of her life with him. Hopefully, he wouldn't treat her the way he treated me throughout the months that I've known him."
"Hmmm," Jack said, as he looked out the window, watching as they passed house after house. "I'm still worried to what he's gonna do to you, whether he's gonna marry that girl or not. After what he's done to us before, it's still hard to forgive him. Even though I already said I did, but it's still there. It's still fresh, and sometimes I think why in the world are we a part of this wedding? Shouldn't we just stay away from him, and live our lives the way we want to?"
Rose took his hand with both of hers, and caressed it with her thumbs. "Jack, everything will be fine, I promise," Rose said. She lifted their hands, and gently pressed her lips against his rough, but smooth skin. "Nothing will ever come between us."
"Got that right," Jack said, smiling. He then faced forward, as he noticed that they were only a few blocks away from the church. "We're almost there…"
"Relax, Jack," Rose said, rubbing his arm. "You're acting as if we're going to a funeral. It's just a wedding, Jack."
"Yeah," Jack said. "A wedding to the guy who nearly killed us on the ship." Jack's voice was harsh, but calm. He sighed, as he faced Rose. "Look, it's still hard for me to find it in my heart to fully forgive him. I guess I should say that I partially forgave him in Santa Monica. But not fully. I'm still angry at him, and I still think that he should stay away from us. I believe that he's just putting up an act, just so he could get you instead."
"Are you saying that he's pretending he's getting married, just so he could get me?" Rose asked, hardly believing what Jack was saying.
"Look, even if it is so, he isn't going to get me. No one is going to win my heart but you, Jack, okay? Please understand that. Caledon Hockley is getting married, but not to me. He's marrying Rebecca Stevenson. It said so in the newspaper this morning. Look, I'm not going anywhere. I'll be by your side the whole time, okay? Let's just get this wedding over and done with, just so we could go home, okay? Please Jack, that's all I'm asking of you. Don't cause any trouble tonight. I'm not as happy as I sound about going to this wedding, so you have nothing to worry about. Now, come on," Rose said, realizing that the carriage has stopped. "We have a wedding to attend to."
Jack nodded, and stepped out of the carriage, as he reached his arms out, to help Rose out as well. Once she was beside him, he took her hand in his and looked up at the large church. Breathing in, he had led Rose towards the front entrance, where they heard soft murmuring in the hall. The bridesmaids were there, dressed in a purplish pink, as the usher's were dressed in suits. The bridesmaids all had their hair up in a bun, with a matching color ribbon holding their hair together. The usher's had a light pink rose on their lapels, with their hair slicked back. Jack's hair was the way Rose liked it—over his face. Jack swung his hair from his eyes, as he cleared his throat.
"Guess I should go inside, huh?" Jack asked, realizing that he should be standing beside Cal.
"Guess so," Rose said, looking up at him.
"Are you gonna be all right?" Jack asked, looking down at her, with concerned, worried eyes.
Rose laughed and shook her head. "Jack, I'll be fine, really," Rose said. "Listen, just go on in there, and stay calm. Nothing's going to happen to me. Now go…" Rose gave Jack a gentle push, as if she hadn't wanted him to be near her. "I'll see you later."
Jack nodded. "But not before I give you a kiss…" Jack said.
Rose smiled. "Very well then," Rose said, getting ready to be kissed.
Rose felt Jack's lips press against hers, as his tongue slithered into her mouth, giving the kiss more depth and intensity. As he pulled away, he left her breathless. He smiled down at her, caressed her cheek, kissed her forehead and waved, as he hurriedly went towards the door that would take him to the back of the church, and towards the alter. Rose stood on the spot that Jack had left her and shook her head. She looked around at the bridesmaids, and realized that Rebecca was nowhere to be found. She caught a glimpse of a wooden door that was towards the side of the hall, and Rose made her way towards it. She pushed the door opened, and was faced by another door. This time, she gave the door a firm knock, as she called out Rebecca's name. When she heard a response, Rose opened the door and stepped in. There, she found Rebecca in her enormous, elegant gown, with a train of the dress was about ten feet. The veil was as long as the train of the dress, and she had elegant, white gloves. Rose swallowed, as she realized that this could've been her if she hadn't met Jack. The bodice of the dress was decorated with beads and lace, as the short sleeves were of silk. The low-cut front had exposed her chest, but not as much. Her blondish hair was pulled back in a neatly made twist, as several strands framed her face. Makeup decorated her skin, as she smelled of rosewater. Her soft bluish eyes had shone, as she looked over at Rose.
"Well, what do you think?" Rebecca asked, looking down at her gown. "Do I look like a Hockley-to-be?"
Rose stepped closer, as her lips curved into a smile. "Well, I have to admit, you do," Rose said. "You look beautiful."
"Why, thank you," Rebecca said, smiling. "You're not as bad yourself…only, lavender doesn't suit you. It's not really your color."
Rose looked down at her dress, crossing her arms. "I happen to like this dress," Rose said, swallowing. "Besides, I wasn't too fond of the colors that you have chosen for the bridesmaids, so I decided to go for a different color."
"Whatever you say," Rebecca said. She stepped closer towards Rose, the sound of her clicking shoes ringing in Rose's eyes. "Look, I'll warn you now. You stay away from my fiancée, before something bad happens."
"I beg your pardon!" Rose asked, shocked to what she had just heard. "I'm nowhere near interested in your fiancée to begin with, and never was! I'm happily married to Jack Dawson, so you need not worry about Cal and I." Rose said, her heart pounding in her chest, as she looked over at Rebecca. "When I was Cal's fiancée, I wasn't as happy as you were, and I wasn't looking forward into marrying him. But you seem to like him, or maybe even love him, but that's just you, and I'm glad you do. You'll probably live a happy life."
"I'll live a perfect life," Rebecca said. "Cal is everything I look for in a man."
"And I respect that," Rose said. "Now, let's get going, before you miss your cue." Rose walked towards the door, pulling it open, as she turned to face Rebecca.
"Do just one thing for me," Rebecca said, walking towards Rose.
"What?" Rose asked.
"Don't go anywhere near him," Rebecca warned. "I'm serious. All he's been talking about over the past eight months was Rose this, and Rose that. And I'm sure he'll do anything to get you back. So I'm trying to give you a warning and to save your marriage with Jack. Just stay away from Caledon Hockley."
"You don't need to ask me twice," Rose said, composing herself as she watched her leave the room. Rose left the room, as she got ready and stood in front of Rebecca, as the bridesmaids were already walking down the aisle. Rose was given a bouquet of white roses, and she gripped it, while she breathed in, and stepped forward. She wasn't liking Rebecca's attitude. Why would she think that Rose wanted to go back with Cal? She wasn't in love with him, nor had she ever been. She is in love with Jack, and that's the only person she would ever love to begin with. Letting those thoughts out of her head, she looked straight, as she began walking down the aisle, as she held the bouquet over her middle. She felt her baby give her a firm kick, which only made her smile. As she reached the middle aisle, she glanced over at Jack, who was looking at her with love and care. He winked at her, and gave her a reassuring smile. Rose smiled back, and stepped to the side, as the bride was about to walk down the aisle.
She hadn't noticed that Cal had been looking at her with lust in his eyes, until she turned her head towards him. She pressed her lips together, and hadn't returned the expression. She showed no interest to Cal, nor had she shown that she loved him. Instead, she just glanced over at Rebecca, who was walking down the aisle, with her father. As Rebecca reached Cal, her father had gave her a kiss on the cheek, and handed her to Cal, who smiled at him, and nodded. They then turned to the priest, as the ceremony began.
"We are gathered here today, to unite these two couples, in holy matrimony," The priest said, holding the Mass book against his chest. "If any of the people here feels that these two shouldn't marry, speak now, or forever hold your peace…"
Rose looked over at them, and felt the urge to say something. To say something that would reassure Rebecca that she wouldn't take Cal away from her, nor would she ever. Rose gripped onto the bouquet, as she breathed in.
"I have something to say," Rose said, looking over at Rebecca, who looked at her with wide eyes. She also noticed that Cal turned her way, and Jack had gazed at her with a perplexed expression. "I don't object to this marriage, I just have something to say to the bride that has to be heard by her and by everyone in here."
"Go on," The priest said, calmly.
"Rebecca," Rose said, looking her way. "There is no way that I'm going to take Cal away from you. I'm not in love with him. You should know that. He should know that…" Rose said, looking over at Cal. "The only man that I'm in love with, and always will be, is Jack. Rebecca, Cal was not the one I chosen. I was in an arranged engagement. What you have, or at least I hope you have, is something of love and care. My advice to you, is never to marry for money. Marry for what your heart tells you. Now, if that's the case, then go on and marry him. You two are made for each other. But if you think that I'm about to risk my marriage to Jack, by running to Cal, you're mistaken. He's not for me. He never was. Do you understand now? I'm not trying to take him away from you. You make it seem as if I am, but I'm not. I have my own husband, and I love him. So, don't assume that I'm taking Cal away from you. He's probably just trying to find a way to forgive himself. Otherwise, he's not going to win me. Not now, not ever."
Rebecca looked over at Rose, and put on a sincere smile. She gave her head a slight nod, before turning her attention towards the priest. Cal looked over at Rose, with a small smile on his face. His eyes showed a hint of gloominess, but something that would not stop the wedding. He faced the priest as well, as the ceremony continued. Rose looked over at Jack and gave him her famous smile, as he winked at her. Rose watched as the ceremony went on as planned. Within minutes, Rebecca Stevenson had become Rebecca Stevenson-Hockley. Rose applauded along with the other guests, as she watched the newlyweds walk down the aisle, after they had shared their first kiss as husband and wife. Rose walked over to Jack, and placed her hand under his elbow, as they too, walked down the aisle, heading towards the reception. Rose looked up at Jack, and couldn't help but feel glad that she was engaged to Cal. If she wasn't engaged to him in the first place, they would never have set foot on the Titanic, and she wouldn't have met Jack. She believed that one misery could lead to one miracle, and sure enough, a miracle occurred the minute Rose laid eyes on Jack, and knew that she had fallen in love. Jack and Rose went back onto the carriage, which had then led them towards the restaurant that would hold the reception, where something had occurred, that neither thought ever would.
"I would like to introduce to you, for the first time ever, Mr. and Mrs. Caledon Hockley!" One of the ushers had announced, as he clapped his hands, along with the rest of the guests, where the two newlyweds had stepped into the restaurant.
Rebecca's arm was linked with Cal's as a bright smile was placed on her face. She had removed the veil, as a crown was now placed on her head. She waved to the guests, as her large diamond on her engagement ring had glistened in the light. Cal waved as well, and placed a sincere smile on his face.
Jack and Rose sat on a table, nearby the table that the newlyweds would sit, and applauded along with the others. Jack had a small smile on his face, as he gazed over at the couple that had walked down the middle of the room, as they smiled at the guests. Jack slipped his hand into Rose's as he gave it a firm, but loving grip. He breathed in and looked down at his wife, as she smiled. He leaned in and gave her a tender kiss. Jack heard a tune begin, and he looked over at Cal and Rebecca, who were sharing their first dance. Jack smiled and got up, as he held out his hand.
"Would you care to have a dance?" Jack asked, looking down at her.
Rose smiled and placed her purse on the table, as she slipped her hand in his, getting up. "Why, certainly," Rose said. "Anything for the man I love."
Jack smiled and led her towards the middle of the dance floor, and placed his hands on her waist, as he began swaying back and forth. Rose's arms were around his neck, as her stomach was pressed against his own, while he felt a firm kick from the baby. Jack smiled and placed his chin over her head as they danced.
Rose looked over Jack's shoulder, where she found Cal looking over at her, as he danced with Rebecca. Rose quickly looked into Jack's eyes and kept them there, as she smiled. Minutes later, the tune ended, and Rose led Jack back towards the table they sat in, as Cal had led Rebecca towards their table. She noticed that Cal was bending over, whispering something into Rebecca's ear, causing for her to glance over at Rose, and just nod. Cal then kissed her on her forehead, as he was heading towards Rose's table. She sat up straight, placing a hand over her belly, holding Jack's hand tightly.
"Cal is coming over here," Rose said, her eyes never leaving Cal's.
Jack followed Rose's gaze and realized that he was. Jack swallowed and sat up more straighter, as he held Rose's hand. He noticed that Cal had stopped in front of them.
"Well, it's nice of you two to come here," Cal said calmly, as he looked at them with a small smiled on his face.
"Mmmhmm," Jack said, as he stood up. He looked down at Rose, who stood up as well, but with some difficulty.
"Wow," Cal said, looking down at her midsection. "You're very…pregnant…"
Rose gave him a calm smile and nodded. "Yes, I am," Rose said. "Eight months to be exact."
"Oh," Cal said, nodding his head. "Congratulations."
"Thank you," Rose said. "Same goes for you."
"Thank you," Cal said. He sighed, as he glanced at Rose nervously. "I was wondering if I could talk to you…" Cal said, as he felt Jack's eyes bore into his skin. He looked over at him. "In private."
"Cal, whatever you're gonna say to her, could be said in front of me," Jack said, putting an arm around Rose's shoulder.
"I'll only be a minute," Cal reassured Jack. "Please…I just need to say something to her."
Jack looked down at Rose, wondering what he should do. He looked over at Cal, then back at Rose.
"Jack, I'll be fine," Rose said. "I'll be back in a minute…"
"Are you sure?" Jack asked, suddenly growing worried.
"Yes, I'm sure," Rose said.
Jack sighed, and looked over at Cal. "Okay, but only a minute. Nothing more," Jack warned.
"Nothing more," Cal said, nodding his head.
"Okay," Jack said. "I'll be waiting." Jack then kissed her and let her go. Jack slipped his hand into his pocket nervously, as he sat down, feeling his leg twitch from his anxiety. Jack swallowed and took out a cigarette from his pocket, as he pulled out a match and lit it. He took a long drag and let the smoke out from his nose. He stared at the direction that Cal had taken Rose and only wished that she was beside him right at the moment.
Rose hugged herself as she followed Cal towards the patio, as the night sky was decorated with stars. Rose closed her eyes and breathed in the fresh air as she felt the skirt of her dress flutter within the chill of the wind. Rose felt a strange feeling in the pit of her stomach as she looked up at Cal.
"All right, Cal," Rose said, really wanting to be in Jack's arms. "What is it that you wanted to tell me?"
"I love you, Rose," Cal said, finally having the ability to get it out of him. "I love you."
Rose looked up at him, perplexed. Her arms were folded against her chest, as she stood about a foot and a half away from him.
"What?" Rose asked, not believing what she had heard. "Cal…?"
"I love you Rose," Cal repeated. He let out a sigh, as he ran his fingers over his dark hair. "I have from the moment you left me."
"Cal, I…I don't know what to say," Rose said, looking over at him, not believing that this was actually happening.
Cal stepped closer, as he caressed her cheek. "Please say you love me as well," Cal said, his eyes becoming soft and sincere.
Rose looked at him with wide, perplexed eyes. She stepped away from him and shook her head. "I'm sorry, Cal, but…I don't love you," Rose said. "I never have…"
"Please," Cal begged. "Just say that you love me."
Rose shook her head once more, and hugged her stomach. "I'm sorry…I just don't. I can't love you. I'm married, Cal. I'm married and I'm pregnant."
Cal sighed. "If it weren't for him in the first place, I would've been married to you right now," Cal pointed out.
"And I would've been miserable, Cal," Rose said, raising her voice. "Don't you understand, Cal? I'm not in love with you. I never will be." Rose then looked inside. "You're married, now, Cal. Please don't hurt Rebecca just because you had last minute feelings towards me."
"Rose," Cal said, as he looked over at her. "Please…just say that you love me."
"Cal, I can't say it, if I don't mean it," Rose said. "I don't love you. I never have, and I never will. I'm sorry, Cal, but you've lost, and
Jack has won. Maybe if you treated me with more respect and showed me your feelings before, when we were engaged, I would've thought different, but that's not the case right now. I'm happily married to Jack, and I'm expecting a child." Rose looked into the restaurant, then back at Cal. "Rebecca is a wonderful woman, Cal. Give her a chance and maybe you'll love her the way you're supposed to love her. Don't disappoint her, please. I promised her that nothing would go on between us, and I'm willing to keep that promise. Cal, you're a sweet guy, when you want to be, but other times, you…tend to be possessive, and sometimes abusive. I just can't risk my marriage with Jack. I love him too much to do that. Cal, please understand that we were not meant to be. We never were. Even from the day you met me."
"Rose, I'm sorry for the way I treated you, I really am," Cal said, trying to win her heart.
"Cal, it's not working," Rose said, sighing. "I've been depressed when I have met you. My father died, on the day of my sixteenth birthday, and on that same day, you proposed. I haven't even known you. I didn't know anything about you. I only accepted because my mother has wanted me to do so. But from the months that have progressed, I have come to learn that you weren't the perfect gentleman, everyone thought you to be."
Cal sighed. "I regret every moment that I have made your life miserable," Cal said. "Every moment that I had laid a hand on you. I regret it. I was just scared that you would run away from me," Cal looked down, and swallowed. "But seems to me, that I have pushed you away instead."
"Cal, I could give you one thing," Rose said. "One thing both of us could share, if you promise me something."
Cal just looked at her, and nodded his head.
"I would give you my friendship, if you promise not to cause any damage to Jack and myself, or to our children, and to promise me that you will stay with Rebecca for as long as you both shall live on this earth," Rose said. "So, will you?"
Cal stood there, pondering on what Rose had said to him. He turned his head, facing the restaurant, where he found Rebecca showing off her rings to her bridesmaids, suddenly realizing that deep down inside his heart, he did love Rebecca. He nodded his head, and looked down at Rose.
"I'll promise you that I wouldn't cause any damage to yourself, Jack, or any relation to the Dawson's, as well as promise you that I'll be with Rebecca, for all eternity," Cal said. "I'm a changed man, Rose. I have been from the moment that I have realized what I have lost."
Rose's smile grew, as she knew Cal had just made a promise and knew that he was going to keep it, for he saw the way his eyes shone when he had said the words. She reached out for him, and placed a tender hand on his shoulder.
"I'm sure you are a changed man, Cal," Rose said. "You're not the Caledon Hockley I knew aboard the Titanic. You're the Caledon Hockley that has just married a woman whom he loves, as has confessed his feelings towards his ex-fiancée," Rose stepped closer. "Cal, I'm sure that we could become best of friends, and maybe we could convince Jack that you're not the same old Cal that had shot at us while the ship was sinking…"
Cal had closed his eyes as he heard the last sentence spoken. "I'm terribly sorry about that," Cal said. "I don't know what I have been thinking at that time, and I truly hope that you'll forgive me."
"Well, nobody had gotten killed," Rose said. "And I have to say, good thing you're a bad shot."
Cal chuckled and nodded. "Good thing," Cal said. He sighed, still feeling uncomfortable.
"Now, all I have to do is speak with Jack, and try to sort everything out," Cal said. "I don't want him hating me forever."
Rose looked up at him. "I'll get him for you," Rose said. "And I'll make sure that he'll listen to every word you say."
Cal nodded turned to face the stars. He looked up and sighed, as his hands were in his pockets, while Rose had gone in the restaurant, to retrieve Jack.
Rose walked towards Jack, whom had immediately gotten up from the minute he saw her come in, and stood beside him.
"Jack, Cal—" Rose began.
"What did he do?" Jack asked, beginning to grow worried. "If he had put a hand on you, is swear, I'll—"
"Jack!" Rose said, laughing. She placed both of her hands over his cheeks, forcing him to look down at her. "Relax! Everything is fine. I'm fine, just like I said I would be. Now, I have spoken with Cal, and had made him promise not to cause any damage towards us, or to our children. He wants to have a word with you, and before you say anything, I want you to know that he has changed. Cal is not the same man that has shot at us. He's much different now. Please, Jack," Rose begged, as she held his hands in hers. "End this controversy between you two. Forgive him. I have. And just because I have, does not mean that I'm in love with him, because I'm not. You're the one I'm in love with, and always will be. I offered him my friendship, and I'm sure you could do the same. Please, just end this, and lets just have a good time, while we can."
Jack looked down at her, and nodded his head slightly. He had listened to every word she said, and knew she was right. He can't stay angry forever—as much as he hadn't wanted to forgive Cal—and he knew that there had to be some good in the man. Jack pressed his lips on her forehead, as he held onto her shoulders.
"I'll be right back," Jack said, as he began stepping away from her.
"Just listen to what he has to say," Rose said, watching as he turned.
Jack smiled. "I will," Jack said, before he walked towards the back of the restaurant, hands in his pockets, as he had gotten ready to confront Caledon Hockley.
Cal turned when he heard the door open, and relaxed when he had seen Jack. He rubbed the back of his head nervously, as he cleared his throat.
"I assume this is one of the last things you'd want to do at the moment," Cal began. "And I'm sure you're not willing to forgive me for what I have done, so—"
Jack held his hand out, to quiet him. "I'm willing to end this tension between us," Jack said. "And I'm sure that we could be friends. I know we've done this before, eight months ago, but I still feel angry towards what you have done to both Rose and myself. I couldn't help but just feel hatred towards you, but, I know I can't be angry at you for the rest of my life. Rose had been the one that has told me to forgive you the first time, and I'm sure she has done it again. She really wants me to forgive you, and if she does, then I'm willing to do so." Jack removed his hands from his pockets and looked into Cal's warm brown eyes. "Cal, I forgive you for the night the ship sank. From the moment you have tried to win Rose, to the moment you have tried shooting at us. And I do hope, that we could become friends."
"You really mean that, Dawson?" Cal asked, a smile grazing his face. Not a smile of evil, but a smile of sincerity and kindness.
"I mean it," Jack said. "Hopefully this time, I won't feel suspicious around you, now that you're married."
Cal laughed and looked down at Jack. "I'll have to say that you're married a beautiful, smart, caring, and loving woman. She's one of a kind, Jack, and I want you to take care of her—and that child of yours that's developing inside her," Cal said.
"I have, and I will," Jack said. "And you should care for that new missus that you have. She looks as if she's in love with you."
"She does, doesn't she?" Cal asked, looking over at his new wife, who was smiling brightly at her parents, whom were talking with her.
He then turned to Jack and nodded. "Well, she must be wondering where I have gone to." Cal said, as he let out a sigh. He extended his hand as he smiled. "Friends?"
Jack smiled, and put his hand over his as he gave Cal a firm handshake. "Friends," Jack said, with certainty.
"Good," Cal said. "Well, why don't we go back inside. It's getting pretty cold out here."
Jack chuckled and nodded. "Common in this time of year, you know," Jack said, opening the door.
"As it should be," Cal said, going through the entrance, as he had stepped into the restaurant, alongside Jack. Cal headed towards Rebecca, who had immediately looked up at him, with a smile on her face. "So, sweet pea, how does it feel like to be a Hockley?"
Rebecca smiled. "Wonderful," She said. She was suddenly curious to what Cal had to say to Rose. "So, what was it that you had to say to your ex-fiancée?"
"Her name is Rose, Rebecca," Cal said, not wanting her to call Rose his 'ex-fiancée' as if she were a criminal. "And I just had to tell her something that I have never gotten the chance to tell her before. Something that I should've said to her when I was engaged to her, but now that I'm married to you, there is no need to worry about the conversation that I have had with Rose. As of now, we're going to live life to the fullest, and make each day count."
Rebecca smiled. "Make each day count," She said. "I like the sound of that."
"A good man had once told me that," Cal said. "And I'm willing to follow it."
Rebecca smiled and gazed into her husband's eyes. She found love shine in them, and was happy to have married him. She took his hand in his, as he sat down beside her, and watched as the guests had enjoyed themselves. Her eyes fell upon Jack and Rose, and smiled as she saw just how happy they were together and was then thankful to have met her. She looked up at Cal and gave him a loving kiss on his lips. She knew from that moment, that they were meant for each other—just as Jack and Rose were meant for each other.
Champagne was poured into everyone's glass as the guests admired the newlywed couple. Jack smiled and got up, holding his champagne glass in his hand. He cleared his throat, to get everyone's attention, but finding that it hadn't worked, he took a fork and gently banged it against his glass, until he had gotten everyone's attention.
"Thank you," Jack said, setting his fork down. "Now, it's the duty of the best man to give a toast to the newlyweds, and as I am the best man, I'm gonna fill in on that honor." Jack said, as he looked over at Cal. "I know the groom, through my wife, Rose, here, and uh, let's just say that we haven't gotten along pretty well before today." Jack swung his hair away from his face, as he continued. "But I have come to learn that Caledon Hockley isn't just a man who's rich and tall, and handsome—he's a friend, a lover, and a devoted person. But before, I have never seen that. I always thought that he would continually be the madman, the possessive fiancée, the jealous man, the man who wants everything to himself, but I was proven wrong. He's not a madman, he's not possessive, not jealous—or at least I hope he's not—and doesn't want everything to himself. He's a human being, who has found something, lost it, and had found something else. I'm sure with that, he could live his life to the fullest and make each day count. Good luck to you, Cal, and congratulations." Jack said, as he raised his glass, before taking a sip and seating himself down. He glanced over at Cal and Rebecca, and found that she had been looking at him with a smile, as she looked over at Cal, who had nodded his head and applauded, along with the other guests who have, after Jack's speech.
Rose was proud of Jack, and was glad that he had finally ended their quarrel that they have been sharing, and most of all, she was glad that Cal had found someone that was fit for him. It was her turn to give out a toast, so she got up, with much difficulty and smiled.
"Well," Rose began. "I knew Cal for about a year, maybe a bit more, but somewhere around that area, and I have to admit that I wasn't as happy as everyone thought I'd be. I mean, I know he was the richest bachelor in Philadelphia and is handsome, tall, muscular—everything a girl could ever want—but he wasn't what I wanted. That's the one thing that brings me to be different from the other debutantes that could've had a chance with him. My mother used to say that I had my father's wild spirit, and I have to admit, that I do. My husband even tells me that I have a free-spirited personality, and that's just what I am. I want adventure and I want to see the world. But with Cal as my fiancée, I couldn't live my dream. My dream is to be an actress, and I hope to fulfill that dream, once this little one is out of me, and is old enough to crawl." Rose said, stroking her abdomen. Rose then returned her gaze towards Cal and Rebecca. "Now, I realize that Cal has indeed changed from the last time that I have known him, and he has turned into a true gentleman. A gentleman that shows respect towards others, not a gentleman whom everyone thinks that is perfect and charming, when he treats people disrespectfully. Caledon Hockley is a new man—a new man with a wonderful wife, and a new life ahead of him. Good luck to you, Cal. Congratulations, and I hope that your love for Rebecca stays strong. Cheers." Rose raised her glass, as she took a small, sincere sip from her glass, knowing that she can't have a large amount of alcohol in her system, for she was a mother-to-be, pregnant with her first child. She sat down, as she placed a hand into Jack's, gripping onto it with pure love and care.
Everyone applauded, and within minutes, the guests were served with delicious, mouthwatering food, which had caused for Rose's stomach to rumble. Once she had been served, she had begun to dig into the meal that was given to her, as if she hadn't eaten in a million years. Jack looked down at Rose, holding back a chuckle.
"Rose, calm down," Jack said. "The food's not gonna go anywhere. Relax, eat slowly."
Rose laughed and nodded her head. "Forgive me, but I'm starving," Rose said, after she had swallowed her bite of the meal.
"I could see that," Jack said, as he chewed on a piece of meat.
The two lovers had eaten their meal with pure enjoyment, as Rose had asked for another plate. Since she was eating for two, she figured that she should eat enough food that would fill up her appetite, as well as her child's appetite. There was a bowl of strawberries in the middle of the table, and Rose reached out for it, as she began to munch on them gracefully. She had a strange craving for them, and couldn't help but enjoy the sweet taste of the fruit. She watched as Jack looked at her with a smile that hinted laughter and amusement. He couldn't help but chuckle when Rose had slapped his hand, when he had tried to take one strawberry from the bowl.
"My, guess you're very hungry," Jack said, raising his eyebrows.
"Well, what do you expect?" Rose asked, looking over at him, after she swallowed the fruit. "I'm eating for two here, and I need to satisfy my hunger. Besides, I have a craving for strawberries, and just couldn't let them sit in the bowl, begging to be eaten."
Jack laughed and shook his head. "Do what you will with the strawberries," Jack said. "They're all yours. I won't even try to get one. But it's amazing how pregnant woman could eat so much, even if they had eaten two plateful of food."
"Jack Dawson, are you calling me fat?" Rose asked, looking over at her husband, with one eyebrow raised.
"No, no," Jack said, shaking his head. He placed a tender hand on her cheek, as his thumb stroked her skin. "You're beautiful, Rose. Your beauty will last for a lifetime, I'm sure."
Rose smiled, and blushed. She picked up another strawberry, and sank her teeth into it, feeling her mouth fill with the sweetness of the berry.
"But I'm not complaining," Jack said. "You eat up. It's good for you, and for the baby. I want our baby to be born healthy and strong. Not weak and slim."
"By the feel of it, Jack, it's a strong baby," Rose said, rubbing her belly. "This little person is kicking me as if it were kicking a person's bum."
Jack laughed and rested his hand upon hers, as he felt the firm kick from his unborn child. He then leaned closer and brought his lips towards her midsection, where he pressed them against her dress, as if he were kissing the baby itself.
"Now, be good for your mommy," Jack said. "She's been kind enough to carry you in there, so cut her some slack. And mommy's trying her best to feed you. So be patient, okay? Can you do that for me, little buddy?"
Rose smiled as she watched Jack father her unborn child once again. "I'm amazed at how quickly you have become attached to my stomach," Rose said, trying to hold back a giggle. "I mean, before, you weren't as interested in my stomach. You were interested in my lips."
"Ah, what can I say?" Jack asked, playing along. "I fall in love with a different part of your body everyday. Who knows? Tomorrow, I might be in love with your hands." Jack lifted her hand from her belly, and gave it a tender stroke, as he looked in her eyes. He brought it to his lips, and gave it a tender kiss. "Maybe I should sketch your hands. They're very beautiful, and smooth, and…just you. I could identify these hands anywhere." Jack's eyes gazed downward, as he drank in the way her hands appeared, as Rose rolled her eyes.
"Oh, dear me," Rose murmured. "He had now fallen in love with my hands. What's next? My hair?"
"You know what, Mrs. Dawson?" Jack asked, looking up from his examination. "I should just say that I'm in love with you. Every last inch of you, belongs to my heart. I love you from head to toe. I'll love you whether you're fat, skinny, short tall, curvaceous, big, small—it really doesn't matter. What matters is, that we're in love with each other, and that proves that we're meant to be together. I could be in love with your hands, your stomach, your hair, but I know that I'll always be in love with you—Rose Dawson."
Rose smiled and felt her body warm up from his soft, loving words. "Now that's the Jack Dawson I married," Rose said, smiling, as she leaned in, planting a passionate kiss onto his lips.
Jack responded, and pushed his chair closer, as he placed his hand on the back of her neck, where he made their kiss deeper and more intense than the two could ever imagine. They soon began to grow oblivious to the world around them, as they were only aware of each other and their love for one another. Their kiss was proof to the world around them, that they were madly in love with each other, and would never be broken of their strong bond. The two, young lovers, had no care to the world around them, as they had been taken into another world. A world that they were welcomed into. A world of lovers, where everything was perfect, and everything was the way they wanted it to be. Hopefully, it would stay that way.
A/N: Review:D :D