Ruth had stayed awake all night, unable to sleep. Her mind kept going back to that conversation with Rose in the garden and the fact that Nathan Hockley had the audacity to call Ralph Dawson and ruin her daughter's prospects when he had made it clear that Caledon would be exploring other options! How dare he! Then there was Rose, who had found herself a better, more palatable match to both of their tastes. But thanks to Hockley, even if a marriage was approved, her debts would still be in question. She felt like she was stuck between a rock and a hard place with no hope or options of keeping up her lavish way of life, a life that was all she had ever known. It scared her to think of what would become of her without money. Yet, it frightened her to think of what would become of Rose if she insisted on a match that was someone other than Jack Dawson.

Perhaps it didn't matter what happened to her. Rose had made some good points in their earlier conversations. Maybe things weren't as dire as Ruth believed them to be. Perhaps she could let Rose go on without the burden of her father's mistakes to hamper her choices. Maybe it indeed was time for Ruth to take on the burden herself instead of depending on her daughter so much. After all, it wasn't like she was ancient. Perhaps she could find a wealthy widower in need of a companion himself and allow Rose to live her own life with Jack.

But in order to do that, she would have to secure her daughter's future somehow. Make it known that the Dewitt Bukater debts were no longer connected to the family's only daughter. That anyone who married Rose would not be hounded by the family's debtors. She was going to have to talk to Ralph Dawson herself.

Which was why Ruth now stood at the door to the man's office, her hand poised to knock, asking for admittance. She had no idea if what she was about to do was wise or even deemed appropriate, but after finding out about Nathan's call, she felt that she had to do something. If she couldn't have a comfortable future for herself, as Rose's mother, it was up to her to make sure that her daughter would be ok. It was hard to realize her own selfishness when it came to her daughter. She hoped that by doing this, she was on the right path to making things right. Taking a deep breath, she knocked on the oak door, her mind already going over once again what she planned to say.

"Come in," Ralph Dawson's voice spoke, sounding distracted, which didn't surprise Ruth. The man was constantly busy of course, being the head of such a huge business as Dawson enterprises. She again felt a small thrill that her daughter could be the mother of the heirs to what was known as old money.

Slowly, Ruth entered the office to find Ralph Dawson at his desk, looking over some paperwork. She cleared her throat, a nervous smile curving her lips. "Hello, Mr. Dawson. I hate to disturb you, but I must discuss an important matter with you, concerning our children, Jack and Rose. If this is not an appropriate time, I can wait."

Ralph sighed and placed his papers down, reluctant to stop his work, yet knowing that this discussion must be had, for Jack's sake. He was going to give his approval, but he had wanted to make something clear with the elder Dewitt Bukater woman before he did. Now was as good as time as any. His work could wait for a good hour at least.

"Mrs. Dewitt Bukater. Ruth. I am glad that you've approached me. We do have some things to discuss and now is as good as time as any. Please take a seat," Ralph motioned to the chair in front of his desk.

Ruth did as directed, straightening the skirt of her dress as she settled into her seat. Clearing her throat, she met eyes with the Dawson patriarch head-on, hoping to convey that she took the matter seriously. "Mr. Dawson, it had come to my attention that Nathan Hockley had contacted you with some gossip concerning my husband's financial obligations..."

"That he has. Normally I would dismiss such gossip. I assume that you are aware and can understand why this time, I could not. That I may have some concerns."

"I do. I understand perfectly well. I cannot blame you a bit, I would have the same concerns if I was in your position."

"I am glad that we understand each other, Ruth. I must say, I do like your daughter. She reminds me of my Irene and Irene simply adores her. She was telling me how she had enjoyed that small outing with Rose and how perfect she seemed for our son. Emilie of course is fond of her as well. She has the Dawson stamp of approval from all fronts, really."

"It's just my husband's debts that are a concern," Ruth nodded, pleased that Rose had at least made a good impression on the Dawson family.

Ralph nodded. "They were. That was until last night when I saw your daughter's reaction to my son's...modest gift. Most high society girls would have been rather unhappy with such a gift. Insulted that the necklace was just a plain piece of silver and not a diamond or pearl. Rose on the other hand... reacted as if that necklace was the most precious piece of jewelry ever given to her. The fact that it came from my son, was what was most important to her and it made me see that despite the precarious situation you are in, she did not want the Dawson fortune. Like Jack, all of our riches and all that comes with it was not important to her. She loves Jack for himself and that's what I want for my son."

"What are you saying?"

"Mrs. Dewitt Bukater, Ruth. I was ready to tell my son that I could not approve of his intentions to marry your daughter if I even saw a hint that it was just another business deal for you both. That perhaps you came to us after Hockley had backed out of your...deal. But from what I've seen, it's obvious that's not the case. The feelings between our children are real. Rose really is in love with my son and wants to be with him. So in that case, not only am I going to give my approval for an engagement between my son and your daughter, I am willing to pay all your debts as a thank you.

"A thank you?"

"I had little hope that my son would ever find a girl that he would actually want to marry. Someone that would fit his personality and want the same things he wants, but he has in your daughter. She was the reason he came home to us as soon as he had. She is the reason he's happy now. There's a light in him that hasn't existed before and we have her to thank for that. Paying your debts is the least we can do."

Ruth blinked repeatedly, taken aback by the words spoken to her. Of all things, she had not been expecting this. She had been expecting perhaps harsh words, reluctance, hesitant acceptance. But certainly not a relieved acceptance and an offer to pay her debts!

"I must say, Mr. Dawson..."

"Please, call me Ralph. With our children soon to be wed, we should be on a first-name basis now."

"I must say...Ralph," Ruth forced the name through her lips, forcing her way past years of formalities. It was obvious that she was not used to being so lax, especially with a gentleman of high standing. "I am surprised by your decision. Forgive me, but...Nathan Hockley was furious with me when he found out about the debts and had as good as stepped out of any arrangement between Caledon and Rose..."

"Well, as you know, I am not Nathan Hockley. Hockley can only see money and how much richer an arranged marriage can make him. Of course, he wouldn't like anything that could make him...less well off than he already is. I on the other hand believe that there are some things more important than money. Love is number one on that list and that's what Rose and Jack have. One cannot put a price on it."

Ruth simply nodded, not daring to disagree. Her beliefs were more in line with Nathan Hockley's, but there was no need for Ralph Dawson to be aware of that. "I must confess. I have not been the best mother when it comes to Rose. Some may see me as selfish and perhaps they are right. For a time, I had placed the burden of my deceased husband's debts on Rose's shoulders. I had used that as a price for her hand in marriage when it came to the Hockleys. I did not care that Rose detested Caledon. I just saw a light at the end of what seemed to be a very dark tunnel. I regret that now. I had made the past two years of Rose's life even more miserable than she already was over her father's death. I had made her feel trapped. It's not until now that I've seen my mistakes. I came here to tell you that I am freeing Rose of that burden. I know that you said that you'll pay the debts, but I feel that it would be best to let you know my mindset when I came to see you. The only condition I have for my daughter's hand in marriage is that she's loved well and treated right. You do not have to worry about paying off my husband's debts."

"I must say, that is very honest of you, Ruth. You did not have to tell me any of that."

"I may be selfish and a bit set in my ways, but I am honest."

"That you are. Well, I am glad that we've had this discussion and now I feel good that I can call my son in here and give my blessing to an engagement. There, of course, will be a gala at the end of summer, when we've all returned to Boston. That is when we'll announce the engagement and begin making wedding plans."

"That sounds marvelous."

"Well, I suppose that is all that we have to discuss at the moment. I am sure that you and my wife have some planning to begin. From what I've seen the sooner it begins, the better."

Ruth got on her feet, feeling unsteady. It was a heady feeling, knowing that as a mother, she had actually done right by her daughter. She may still have debts to pay, but in the end, Rose would be taken care of.

"And Ruth, I would like a list of your debtors. Some if not all of the debt can be taken care of, I am sure," Ralph spoke up one last time, taking Ruth by surprise.

Ruth could only nod before making her way out of the office, her chest full of too much emotion to convey it properly.

Left alone, Ralph smiled and called for his valet.

"Sir?" Fabrizio's father poked his head into the office.

"Send for my son, please. Tell him that he is needed in my office immediately."

…..

An ecstatic Jack found Rose in her regular spot in the garden, this time with Emilie, talking about life at their old finishing school and teachers and acquaintances that they had in common. Rose was laughing over an embarrassing story that Emilie had just finished telling when Jack came bouncing in and scooped Rose up into an excited hug.

"Jack!" Rose squealed as she found herself being lifted off of her feet and twirled around in the air.

"You're in a good mood," Emilie watched with an amused smile. She wondered what had gotten her cousin this excited? He hadn't been in this good of a mood since the talk with Uncle Ralph about his engagement to Rose.

"Jack, put me down please! I'm getting dizzy!" Rose laughed, clinging to Jack as he set her back on her feet, yet kept his arms around her. "What is this about?"

"I had just gotten through talking to my father. Guess about what!" Jack's smile was wide and his blue eyes sparkled with glee.

"What did he want to talk to you about?" Rose chuckled, regaining her bearings.

"Us. You and me and our upcoming engagement gala."

Rose stared at Jack, afraid to even allow her lips to form the words. "What?"

"Jack, in order for there to be an engagement gala, there has to be..." Emilie pursed her lips, her brain putting everything together.

"An engagement. Which means..."

"He approved?" Rose gasped, her hands tightening their hold.

"He approved," Jack grinned. "He called me in and told me himself. In fact, he gave me this to give to you..."

Jack pulled out a white satin ring box and opened it to reveal a slender ring with a diamond nestled in the center, surrounded by smaller diamonds. He got down on one knee, taking Rose's hand in his free one as he held the ring out to her.

"Oh my god, that's great grandmother's engagement ring!" Emilie gasped. "It's a family heirloom...absolutely priceless...they don't make them like that anymore..."

"Oh Jack," Rose blinked back her tears as she stared at the sparkling diamond that held so much meaning to Jack's family. It was more than a ring...more than a symbol.

"I know that I've already asked and that your answer is yes….but I feel like this ring makes it more official. I have been in love with you from the moment we met, Rose. I feel like we fit each other so perfectly and...you're so amazing. Your hopes and dreams match my own and the fire I see in you...I love all of it...I love all of you. I can't picture my life without you in it. Not anymore. When I think of the future, you're at my side. This is more than about getting you away from Hockley. It's more than helping you realize your dreams and making them possible. It's about our future and making sure that we'll always have each other...that you'll always have me. Rose Dewitt Bukater, will you do me the honors of becoming my wife?"

Rose found that she was again struck speechless as tears rained from her eyes. She could only nod yes and sob happily as Jack slid the ring onto her finger. Strong arms wrapped around her as she realized that it was over. The trepidation over the possibility of marrying Cal. The dread of having to even see the man again. She was finally free to live her life and love the one man she knew for a fact she could never be without.