Titanic - The Heart Goes On By HL Griffiths

(Sequel to The Heart Never Lies)

Epilogue

July 1913

Chippewa Falls

Jack

JJ gurgled. I waved the rattle at her. She beamed at me and cooed "Dada" to me. We loved to play and she liked to grab a crayon and whirl it around on paper intently.

She was such a beautiful child, her hair turning a red blonde and was starting to curl but she had the blue Dawson eyes and Roses strong but free spirited loving personality.

"Come to daddy JJ" I cooed to her She squealed with delight. I blew a raspberry on her tummy and she giggled.

Rose came into the bedroom.

"You are supposed to be putting Miss JJ to bed not playing with her," she scolded her red curls bouncing as she came over to us.

JJs eyes turned to Rose, she said "Mammaa" for her and raised her arms up Roses face melted, and she scooped the tiny tot into her arms.

Our happiness complete since the day the demanding six-month-old JJ had come noisily into the world. She charmed everyone and was a happy baby but she knew what she wanted.

Rose was a natural mother with her, for an upper-class girl who had been taught flower arranging and how to sew needlepoint she was fantastic.

Even Molly and Ruth were amazed by Roses adaptation to married life and motherhood. The housework and domesticity mainly due to Aunties teachings. Both Aunty and William doting on JJ.

We watched as JJ dropped off and slumbered peacefully in her cot.

Rose turned to me with wistful eyes.

"You know when JJ is older, can we do all the things we promised to do on Titanic?" she asked.

"Yes" I laughed "even spitttin like a man"

Rose laughed quietly "Yep even that"

"Seriously when JJ is a year old we will all go and do all those things, we owe it to ourselves. You, me and JJ. Aunty will understand," I told Rose. "The farm is in good shape, we are settled now but we will go to California I promise"

"I love you Jack," She said simply "Always"

"Oh I have something to show you Jack," she added

Going to the dressing table, she handed me a letter.

"Dear Jack and Rose

What can I say to you, it's all work here in Virginia. I see Mother very little these days when she does the trip out here. Father is barely on speaking terms with me. I do not have a lot to say to him.

I am happy to hear JJ is growing and sounds delightful. I would love to see her one day. Anyway, the big news is that you know Emily and Caledon were married in a private service at the end of January.

Now they are parents, Vaughn and Vivienne Hockley were born last week, twins! Now Father is beaming and Mother says Cal had received his fortune. Can you believe Cals luck?

Mother made sure Father restored mine too, it was the least he could do. What can I say? I am a bit down right now.

I must go work calls,

I will write soon, Love to all

Your friend

Gerard"

Rose turned to me, tears in her eyes. "Cal is such a bastard" she said, "How could he do that to Gerard? They loved each other, Cal ruined it, I am sure he seduced Emily"

"The only thing Cal loves is money and position" I answered.

"We have each other, family" Rose whispered, "You can't buy that" and hugged me.

I held the woman I loved in my arms.

"I'll never let go" Rose said softly to me

"Nor I" I replied and kissed her. "I promise you that my love, we will always be together, no no-one will ever change that"

THE END

No not quite the end of the story. Next, one in line is the Hockley's Hearts betrayed. The story continues with Cal and his family