Volume 2: Time to Jump
Chapter 11: A chance not took
APRIL 1921
"Mummy, where am I supposed to sleep?"
Rose was sitting on the floor of Jack's living room plaiting her daughter's hair whilst Jack put his own children to sleep.
She took her son's hand. "Can you be a grown up boy and ask Mr Dawson that when he comes downstairs?" Paul nodded solemnly and sat down besides his mother until Jack came back into the room.
"Mr Dawson," Paul piped up. "Where can me and mummy and Jessie sleep?"
"I've set up the master the bedroom for you two," Jack winked at them. "Only the best for my special guests. Come see it" he beckoned the kids upstairs.
Even Rose was amazed. Jack had set up a fort made of bedsheets in Red and blue and green with lanterns and small drawings of mermaids and fairies that he'd done by hand. The children rushed over, gushing over Jack's creation.
"Jack this so sweet." Rose exclaimed, automatically taking his arm.
Jack chuckled. "I wanted to make them happy." He led Rose to a different room. "This is our spare room. I'm sorry I didn't build you a fort."
Rose smiled at the room. The walls were laden with Picasso replicas. It was just to her taste. "But where will you sleep."
"On the couch in the living room."
Rose spun around and stopped, her face inches from his. She ached to ask him to spend the night with her. Jack held her gaze, as if saying he wanted the same.
"Goodnight Mummy." A small voice cut though the moment. Rose reluctantly broke away to hug her daughter.
"Goodnight darling."
Jessie turned to Jack. "Goodnight Uncle Jack" she said shyly, before stealing away to the bedroom.
Rose smiled politely. "Thank you Jack, for everything."
He nodded. "You're welcome. You're always welcome."
Rose smiled once again, walked into her room, and closed the door.