Rose was finishing getting ready with the help of Josephine, Miranda, Molly, and Fabrizio's wife Sophia. While not a traditional wedding dress, she had still chosen to wear white— a simplistic and form fitting dress that hit mid-calf, a babydoll neckline, and sheer draped cap sleeves. The whole thing had intricate fringe and beading detail. It had been Molly who insisted she have something new and nice to wear. Her short hair was curled to perfection, and Sophia had intricately weaved some fresh baby's breath into a pin on one side, and her makeup was fresh and natural. She felt elegant and beautiful, and was anticipating Jack's reaction.
Her daughter, who would be serving as her maid of honor was dressed in a pretty lavender dress, her strawberry locks piled into an up-do, and the nine-year-old had been allowed a tiny bit of mascara and lipstick.
Once the two girls were ready, it was Molly who stood back and made comment upon their handiwork. Rose was all prepared, even carrying something old— a piece of ribbon from the dress she had worn in the sinking sewn into the hem of her gown, new— the hairpiece, a gift from Miranda, borrowed— a pearl necklace from Molly, and blue— the sapphires in her engagement ring from Jack. She even had a penny tucked safely in her shoe— Josephine's contribution.
"You ladies really are a vision. Jack's not gonna know what hit him when he sees either one of you."
Jack is looking fancy himself in a three-piece suit. While not a tuxedo, it's smarter than any of his every-day clothing, and he hopes that will like it. He's surprised at how nervous he feels, and he's glad that he has Fabrizio here to calm him. His friend had been through everything with him— even war, and Jack was glad that he's able to be here for this as well- something he didn't think would ever be a possibility.
They're in the yard, standing near the small makeshift podium from which Mr. Murphy would be presiding over the ceremony. Having been clued in on the situation the kind older man had been more than happy to officiate. The garden is beautiful. It's in full bloom, and the men had spent the week cutting back the weeds and preparing what resembled an aisle for Rose to walk down. Fabrizio is next to him, acting the best man, and William was nearby as well, ready to hand over the rings when the time comes.
Jack's stomach does a flip as the front door opens and he sees Molly, Miranda, and Sophia file out to join the young children at the handful of seats positioned in the garden, and he knows its nearly time. He doesn't even register that music has been started on the victrola set up on the porch. His eyes are glued to the door, waiting for Josephine, and finally Rose.
Josephine comes out first, carrying a small bouquet that matches the white flowers pinned to Jack's brown lapel. The little girl looks like a young princess in her dress, and Jack can't help but to grin, feeling pride in what a spectacular young woman his daughter was becoming. Josephine returns his grin as she approaches, and he gives here a wink from where he stands. Despite his distraction, it doesn't escape Jack's notice, the way that William looks at Josephine as she settles herself into position.
As Rose walks out of the house, however, every ounce of his attention is fixated on her. She' is beautiful every day, often taking his breath away while doing the most mundane things, but right now he's sure that she must be a goddess sent to him straight from heaven. She's radiant, and his heart jumps into his throat.
He loses track of time and place as she approaches him, and he finds himself facing her in front of the altar, her bouquet now held by Josephine, and her hands in his own.
"You are the most gorgeous woman alive," he breathes out quietly, just so she can hear, and he spies a faint blush coloring her cheeks.
"Friends," Mr. Murphy starts, "We're gathered together today to witness the spiritual union of a couple whom, after learning their story, could not be any more deserving of the love and happiness that they find in each other."
"Jack, will you repeat after me?" Jack gives a nod, his eyes not leaving Rose.
"I, Jack William Dawson, take thee, Rose Dewitt-Bukater Dawson, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, honor, and to cherish so long as we both may live."
The smile on Jack's face and the love and honesty in his gaze as he repeats his vows send a shiver down Rose's spine, and she gives his hands a squeeze, feeling his thumb ghost over her knuckles in a caress.
"I, Rose Dewitt-Bukater Dawson, take you, Jack William Dawson, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, honor, and cherish for so long as we both do live." She repeats back, tears of happiness beginning to brim in her eyes.
"Jack, you had some words you wanted to say?" prompts Mr. Murphy, and Rose gives Jack a look of curiosity. He nods, clearing his throat.
"Rose. I was up all night trying to get these words right, but I don't think anything could have prepared me for how I feel right now. I had once thought that all hope was lost— that I would spend my lifetime searching for you in vain, and I was fully prepared to do so. But by some miracle, you were here all along, right under my nose, and I don't think that's any accident. In the past few months, you, and our amazing daughter have brought me more joy and purpose than I thought possible. Rose, you are my muse. Your fire burns so brightly that it fuels me, and I promise to always love you, cherish you, and do right by you, now and for forever. You jump, I jump."
"Jack." Rose isn't sure what to say, but finds herself speaking back automatically. They hadn't pre-prepared any vows, but maybe its better that way. They had always been at their best when they're the most spontaneous.
"You have saved me in every way that a person can be saved. You have allowed me to embrace the freedom to be my own person. You have given me a life better than any I ever imagined, and a daughter who fills me with wonder every day. In losing you, I was determined to keep my promise— to never let go, but in getting you back, it feels like my whole world has realigned, and we're at the center. You were there when I could no longer see a future, and now I couldn't imagine a better one. I promise forever, Jack, and I'll never let go."
Her voice is watery by the end of it, and she can see unshed tears shining in Jack's eyes as well, causing her to give a chuckle at how unabashedly emotional he allows himself to get.
Glancing around, she's not sure there's a dry eye in their little group.
Within moments, rings are exchanged, and they're facing Mr. Murphy again.
"Jack, do you take Rose to be your lawfully wedded wife, from this day forth?"
"I do," Jack says, in the serious tone that only he can deliver.
"And do you, Rose, take Jack to be your lawfully wedded husband, from this day forward?" Mr. Murphy asks.
"I do." She can't help but smile widely.
"Then by the power vested in my by the state of Wisconsin, I now declare you husband and wife. Jack, you may now kiss the bride."
Jack doesn't need to be told twice. His arms envelope her as hers rise to rest upon his shoulders, and he captures her lips in a kiss that conveys all of the love and joy that he feels in this moment. They're married. She's his wife, for real now, and he doesn't think he has ever been happier.